Manyeleti Game Reserve

Kruger National Park


During the apartheid era, the 23,000-hectare Manyeleti was the only wildlife reserve that blacks were permitted to visit. Due to its unfenced boundary with Kruger there is no shortage of animals here (including the Big Five), but you may have to look a littler harder than in Sabi Sand or Timbavati as there's less water. As compensation, prices are much lower here, and the birdwatching, with 300 recorded species, is excellent.

Access is via Orpen Gate Rd, or Eastgate Airport.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kruger National Park attractions

1. Bobbejaankrans

15.49 MILES

This overlooks a section of the Timbavati River that animals often visit to slake their thirst. It's especially good early morning or late afternoon.

2. Sabi Sand Game Reserve

18.57 MILES

Within the borders of the large Sabi Sand Game Reserve are some of Southern Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges and the best wildlife watching on the…

3. Thornybush Private Game Reserve

18.62 MILES

This 13,816-hectare reserve is a collaboration between 12 lodges (the number keeps going up every year), with a focus on high-end comforts and excellent…

4. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

22.19 MILES

Timbavati abuts Kruger National Park's western boundary and has an excellent mix of wildlife, conservation and good accommodation. Its accommodation…

5. Nsemani Dam

22.4 MILES

Nsemani is always worth a stop between Satara and Orpen. Hippos, birds and elephants are often present.

6. Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

25.67 MILES

A 600-sq-km (or 60,000 hectare) private wildlife reserve in the greater Kruger area, Klaserie has strong conservation credentials.

7. Timbavati Picnic Area

26.48 MILES

One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Northwest of Satara. Have a late lunch here as a prelude to a loop along the S127 and S39.

8. Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

26.68 MILES

A few clicks south of Hoedspruit along the R40 and attached to the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was set up to…