Get up close and personal with our wildlife in their natural habitat (UK)

SSafaris in South Africa are a must for anyone fascinated by wildlife, and here the Big Five refers to buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. The thrill comes from photographing, observing and appreciating them in their natural habitat.

If you're looking for a Big Five safari experience in South Africa you can go to almost any province, but the Kruger National Park, which stretches across the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, remains an iconic safari destination. The Big Five abound and flourish in the park, and you can see them by self-drive, guided drives or guided walks through the bushveld.

Did You Know?

IIt takes a while to develop “bush eyes” and spot wildlife.

WWe suggest that you drive slowly, stop at waterholes, listen for the warning calls of birds, watch when other vehicles stop, and always keep your eyes open — this way you are bound to spot some of these majestic creatures.

PPrepare to be awed. Whether it is spotting a leopard dozing in the bough of a tree, a black rhino half-hidden in thick shrubs, finding a pride of lions in the shade after a kill, or watching a large herd of elephants or Cape buffalo move soundlessly across the road — these moments leave a permanent imprint on your soul. Always remember that you're dealing with wild animals and that you're in their territory. There are rules of engagement relating to Big Five safaris in South Africa. Read your guidebook carefully and heed the words of your ranger at all times.

Accommodation for Big Five safaris in Mpumalanga is either within the Kruger National Park or in the neighbouring private reserves such as Sabi Sand (which has the highest density of leopards in the world), Timbavati and Klaserie. Some lodges pride themselves on showing the Big Five to guests in record time, and you'll even walk away with a certificate.

Once you are done with the Big Five activities in Mpumalanga, it's time to “sweat the small stuff” and learn about wondrous creatures like the dung beetle.

Photo: © https://www.sabi-sands.com/

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Wildlife safari

Tips for first time visitors to the Kruger National Park

Wildlife safari

Tips for first time visitors to the Kruger National Park

Not only can you catch a glimpse of the famous Big Five, but you will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of bird species, ancient trees, winding rivers, superb accommodation and adventure.

Wildlife safari

Limpopo province: birds, big game and plenty of history and culture

Wildlife safari

Limpopo province: birds, big game and plenty of history and culture

Limpopo province has the Kruger National Park and scores more game reserves for birders and wildlife fans – it also boasts fossils, historic remains and traditional South African cultures.

Wildlife safari

Kruger National Park’s summer birds: spread your wings in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces and discover twitcher delights

Wildlife safari

Kruger National Park’s summer birds: spread your wings in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces and discover twitcher delights

The Kruger National Park, which straddles the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and is famed for game and the Big 5, also offers birdwatchers more than 500 avian species to tick off every summer.

Wildlife safari

Greater Limpopo Birding Route: 600 species to tick off in the versatile northern bushveld

Wildlife safari

Greater Limpopo Birding Route: 600 species to tick off in the versatile northern bushveld

The Greater Limpopo Birding Route – expanded dramatically from the Soutpansberg/Limpopo route – hosts around 600 bird species in South Africa’s northern mountains, forests, savannahs and wetlands.

Wildlife safari

Big 6 birds: too large and too good to miss

Wildlife safari

Big 6 birds: too large and too good to miss

The Big 6 are the most impressive and eye-catching birds to be found in the vast Kruger National Park – and with South Africa’s 800 bird species in total, that’s a bold statement.

Breathtaking scenery

Birding at Nylsvley

Breathtaking scenery

Birding at Nylsvley

Birding in South Africa necessitates a trip to the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, which protects a significant portion of the country’s largest inland floodplain. The floodplain totals 16 000 hectares when water levels are at their highest during summer. Up to 80 000 birds can be found at Nylsvley at the same time.

Breathtaking scenery

Water bird wonderland – Mpumalanga’s water birds

Breathtaking scenery

Water bird wonderland – Mpumalanga’s water birds

Mpumalanga boasts several water bird destinations where birders can view Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed storks, white-winged flufftails, Cape wagtails and more along dams, rivers and streams.

Wildlife safari

Game viewing from the saddle of your mountain bike

Wildlife safari

Game viewing from the saddle of your mountain bike

Mountain biking through the Kruger National Park is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with the local terrain – and to see some fascinating and beautiful creatures .

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