An outing to Phezulu Safari Park presents a handful of options for the first-time visitor to South Africa. From a game drive to a traditional Zulu village experience – and seeing some of the country's most fearsome reptiles – this is a great introduction to Africa. more

The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is renowned as a haven for the Big Five and for luxury game lodges of international standing. The reserve’s lush vegetation adjoins the Kruger National Park, and fences have been dropped. The wild animals cross back and forth, following ancient migration paths parallel to the Sabie River. more

Motswari Private Game Reserve, deep in the Timbavati bushveld, offers an authentic African bush experience in the land of rare white lions. This family-owned destination has been accredited by both Green Globe and Fair Trade in Tourism. It prioritises conservation and people above cigar bars and individual plunge pools. more

The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is a 37 500ha stretch of exceptionally beautiful scenery amid river ravines and mountains in the Waterberg. Set within it are 13 luxury bush lodges. It is malaria-free, has the Big Five and is only about 3-hours’ drive from Johannesburg. more

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve forms part of the greater Kruger National Park and wildlife traverse freely between the two. Guests can share in the joys of this unspoilt wilderness and walk away restored, revived and richer for the experience. more

The exciting new Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, only 4 hours by road from Johannesburg, is challenging some of the province's more established reserves with its lovely scenery, abundance of game, superb lodges and affordability. It’s also close to some of South Africa’s most famous battlefields. more

If you would like to experience wildlife in Bloemfontein head for the Franklin Game Reserve in the heart of the city. Established in 1930, it is 1 of only 2 city wildlife reserves in the world. The other is in Hong Kong. more

This award-winning private game reserve in the eastern Free State is the vision of Willie and Miemie Nel, who, from 1973, transformed their livestock and dairy farm into a wildlife retreat where guests can experience its natural beauty on foot or on horseback. more

Zulu Waters Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers exclusive, tailor-made outdoor experiences for those who seek a bit of luxury while away from urban surrounds. There are a number of experiences on offer for every season of the year, meaning it’s always a good time to visit. more

The Komati Gorge Lodge Fly-Fishing & Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place to relax, sit back and enjoy the views, or to get really active. Try your hand at fly-fishing, quad biking, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, rafting. Or just sip a sundowner on the lodge terrace or your private deck. more

Songimvelo Game Reserve, tucked away in a little-known corner of the Mpumalanga province, lies within the folds of the ancient Barberton Mountains. A pristine game park just waiting to be explored, it is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity and horseback safaris. more

Polokwane Game Reserve is one of the most notable municipal reserves in the country. Unusually large, it protects a comparatively rare vegetation type and is home to some fairly finicky eaters like sable antelope. It’s a lovely wildlife experience, not far from Johannesburg, and you can explore it on horseback. more

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, situated next to the Kruger National Park, is home to a dozen of South Africa’s best luxury game lodges. Famous for the sporadic birth of rare white lions – still ongoing – the reserve was created by 50 forward-thinking individuals in 1956. more

MalaMala has become something of a byword when it comes to luxury game lodges. It has set many standards in that respect, and few can beat its Big 5 wildlife sightings, thanks in part to a long, unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. more