Thornybush Private Game Reserve has a long history of providing excellent game viewing – including, of course, the Big Five – within the context of luxurious accommodation and sumptuous food. The reserve, which adjoins the Kruger National Park, offers an unforgettable bush experience. more

Maria Moroka Game Reserve is near the little town and big mountain called Thaba Nchu, less than an hour's drive from Bloemfontein. Its proximity to Bloemfontein, the fact that it’s en route to Lesotho, plus its wide skies and mountain scenery, make it a lovely stopover. more

The Amakhala Game Reserve, just north of Port Elizabeth and close to Addo Elephant National Park in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, has 4 rather special lodges on it. Bush Lodge, Safari Lodge, Woodbury Lodge and Leeuwenbosch Country House are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism. more

The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has a noble agenda – to return the Kalahari to itself. This magical land of dunes, grass, camelthorn trees and desert-adapted animals has been restored by 1 of South Africa’s foremost families. Care for local communities and environment has given Tswalu Fair Trade in Tourism accreditation. more

Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s foremost Big 5 malaria-free reserves, was envisaged not by conservationists, but by economists. They found conservation would create more income and jobs than the existing land-use, which was cattle-farming. This successful reserve is now a model that has inspired South African conservation. more

Lake Eland Game Reserve, a private game reserve on KwaZulu-Natal's south coast, offers travellers superb game viewing, spectacular birding, canoeing, sailing, horse riding, caving, fishing and many other activities on both land and water, making it the perfect choice for a family weekend getaway. more

The Phinda Private Game Reserve offers visitors a unique wildlife experience that combines the best of the South African bushveld with the best of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Here you can swim with the dolphins before hearing the lions roar. more

Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape offers visitors award-winning luxury accommodation in the heart of malaria-free big game country. Game-viewing and responsible tourism go hand-in-hand as you view the 'big 5' and enjoy five star pampering and cuisine. more

There are few wild places close to towns where you can view animals and birds and explore the landscape by hiking, on horse trails or on mountain bikes. The 1 200-hectare Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve offers this in the eastern Free State's grasslands. more

See the Big Five just two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria in one of the country’s most popular wildlife areas – Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Set in an ancient volcanic crater, this well-stocked reserve has a dramatic landscape that supports a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. more

Samara Private Game Reserve is in the Great Karoo, not far from the lovely, historic town of Graaff-Reinet. Set among the high, jagged-edged Sneeuberg mountains, this remarkable reserve combines luxury with extraordinary game sightings and splendid views. Plus you'll enjoy the feel-good factor of being on rehabilitated land. more

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park combines 8 ecosystems and a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. The park, formerly known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, is a prime destination for those looking for a combination of wildlife and waves. more

Mkuze Game Reserve, part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, combines steep cliffs with riverine forests, wetlands and lake-lands with rare sand-forests. No wonder there are 420 species of birds recorded here. See rhino, elephant and giraffe. Best of all, come to relax with a glass of something cold at a hide or waterhole. more

Leshiba Wilderness is a nature and game reserve at the top of Limpopo's Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa's northernmost range. The name Soutpansberg means 'mountain of salt' and is derived from the salt pans that lie to the north of the mountain range. more