This beautiful 56,000-hectare reserve sits in lowveld country south of Barberton, with high-altitude grassland areas on its eastern edge along the mountainous Swaziland border. There are no lions, but there are numerous other introduced species, including elephants, zebras, giraffes and various antelopes, and both walking and horse riding are popular. (Note that walking is limited to certain areas, and walkers must be accompanied by a guide.) Songimvelo is also home to some of the earth’s oldest rocks – perhaps dating to four billion years ago – and some interesting archaeological sites. You can stay overnight at Kromdraai Camp, with simple, self-catering, six-person wooden cabins.