Booking your winter bush break? Here are our top picks
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Game viewing in South Africa is a must-do for any nature enthusiast, and with winter fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip. In this article, we will explore the benefits of game viewing in winter and our top picks for game reserves in various regions of South Africa.
The benefits of game viewing in winter
Winter is one of the best times to see wildlife for several reasons. Firstly, with fewer water sources available, animals tend to congregate around the remaining ones, making them easier to spot. The lack of foliage also means the animals are more visible and less likely to hide behind trees or bushes. Additionally, cooler temperatures mean animals are more comfortable and less likely to seek shade during the day.
Moreover, specific animal behaviours are more prevalent in winter. For instance, lions tend to hunt more often, and elephants are more active during this time. Certain animal species, such as southern right whales, migrate to warmer waters during the winter, making it an ideal time for whale watching.
Finally, in the inland regions, the dry winter generally allows for clearer visibility and easier wildlife tracking. Therefore, for those interested in wildlife viewing, winter can be an ideal time to observe animals in their natural habitats.
Top Game Reserves to Visit During Winter
One of the best aspects of South Africa is that, regardless of where you live, there is bound to be an incredible game reserve close by. Let's take a look at our top picks per region and what makes them truly stand out.
- The Western Cape
The Western Cape region of South Africa offers some of the best game reserves to visit during winter. One of the most popular reserves is the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, situated in the Klein Karoo. This reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Besides the wildlife, Sanbona offers visitors luxury accommodations and spa facilities, providing an unforgettable experience.
Nestled within the Western Cape is perhaps the most scenic region in the country, known as The Garden Route. A beautiful stretch of 300 km offers visitors a diverse range of activities and scenery. The Garden Route Game Lodge is one of the top game reserves to visit during winter, with its stunning landscape and a range of wildlife, including the Big Five, giraffe, zebra, and hippo. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as game drives, guided walks, and horse riding.
The Western Cape doesn't just offer land-based game viewing. This is also the season for whale watching. While Hermanus, less than two hours from Cape Town, is justifiably famous for this, many areas along this coast offer whale-watching expeditions, including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and beyond. It is always best to do your research to ensure these tours are operated respectfully of the wildlife.One of our recommedations would be Knysna's Ocean Odyssey - https://www.oceanodyssey.co.za/.
- The Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape region is known for its cooler temperatures during winter, making it an excellent time to visit game reserves such as the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This reserve is home to the Big Five, including the elusive cheetah, and hyena. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as game drives, bird watching, and guided walks.
Another top reserve to visit in the Eastern Cape is the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, situated in the heart of the region. The reserve is known for its conservation efforts to protect the endangered black and white rhinos. Besides the Big Five, visitors can also spot the cheetah, wild dog, and a range of bird species. With its vast landscape and stunning views, Kwandwe offers an unforgettable safari experience.
- Johannesburg and Pretoria
Located in the Gauteng province of South Africa, Dinokeng Game Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Just a short drive from Johannesburg, this reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness the Big Five and a variety of other animals in their natural habitat. Dinokeng boasts a diverse landscape of grassy plains, savannahs, and riverine forests, creating a rich ecosystem that supports a range of wildlife. Our recommendations would include Summerfell Dinokeng, Mongena Private Game Lodge, and Golden Impala Bush Resorts.
Pilanesberg National Park, located in the North West Province of South Africa, is a remarkable wilderness sanctuary known for its captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spanning over 55,000 hectares, the park is situated within the crater of an extinct volcano, creating a unique and dramatic terrain. With its ancient geological formations, rolling hills, and expansive plains, Pilanesberg offers a picturesque backdrop for thrilling safaris and outdoor adventures.
Last but not least, and renowned as one of the largest and most prestigious game reserves in Africa, the Greater Kruger National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers. Whether within the state-owned national park itself or one of its neighbouring private game reserves, this iconic park, spanning Mpumalanga and Limpopo, is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife species, including the Big Five and countless others. With its vast size and diverse habitats, Kruger offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment.
Accommodation options range from uber-luxurious to comfortable, with www.bushbreaks.co.za offering a wide array of options for not just the Greater Kruger National Park but for bush-based breaks countrywide.
Read our previous article here
Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Mauritius: +230 5723 0369
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za
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Author: Bryce Anderson