Beyond Kruger

When most people think of travelling to South Africa, Kruger National Park features high on the list of experiences as a ‘must do’. There is a perception that to see game in the wild, Kruger is the only location in the country that will satisfy.

Kruger National Park is located in the north east of the country, an hour’s flight north of Johannesburg. It is a well trodden wilderness naturally stocked with and abundance of iconic African wildlife. Hundreds of tour and safari operators depend on the park for their trade providing millions of visitors the opportunity to delight in its treasures each year. It is the quintessential South Africa – open plains, dense bushland, sunny skies and home to nature’s royalty.

It is however, just one of the options when it comes to immersing one’s self in a true African experience.

Throughout South Africa and into the neighbouring countries of Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana, private and public game parks fill the plains and bushlands. While the game parks are populated with a Noah’s Arc of animals enjoying their natural domicile, the human species enjoys its temporary accommodation in a variety of lodges and tented overnight shelters.

In all, South Africa boasts hundreds of private and national reserves of varying sizes. Safari experiences range in price starting from budget accommodation to luxury, over-the-top pampering indulgences.

The Richard Branson owned Ulusaba is one such option. Located in the western sector of Sabi Sand Reserve, an hour and twenty minute flight north east of Joburg, Ulusaba is everything you don’t get in the back end of one of Sir Richard’s aircraft. Not surprisingly, it has its own airstrip.

With two ultra-luxury lodges located 500 metres from each other, Ulusaba is an all inclusive option for the well heeled. With rates starting at around $900.00 per person, per night and rising to over $2000.00, Ulusaba is a ‘bucket list’ or lotto win experience.

Included in the price tag are canopy-draped beds, all meals, untethered access to the wine cellar, plunge pool, tennis, safaris with informative guides, killer views over the reserve and an enormous amount of private exclusivity.

At the other end of the scale, more affordable options are offered by properties such as Badplaas at the foot of the Hlumuhlumu Mountains in Mpumalanga. This is a place where your dollar, when converted to rand, goes a long way. For about $120 a night the accommodation is a self-catering chalet. Adjacent to a large game park Balplass provides a true African experience with an affordable price tag.

All throughout South Africa from the province of Limpopo in the north and Free State in the centre to Western Cape in the south west, game parks and accommodation options are abundant as the wildlife. ‘Big Five’ safari experiences are possible all over the country.

South Africa is not just all about Kruger National Park.

A report by Kevin Moloney