Nestled to the west of Timbavati lies the Klaserie Game Reserve, covering a whopping 60,000 hectares on either side of the Klaserie River. Established in 1969 and declared a nature reserve in 1972, Klaserie is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa. What sets Klaserie apart is its location within the Greater Kruger National Park, making it an entirely non-governmental organization focused on the full spectrum of Nature Conservation.
The reserve borders the Timbavati Game Reserve and Kruger Park Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger Area. The region has a hot and dry climate for most of the year, with sparse vegetation that quickly regenerates with the onset of summer rains. Klaserie Game Reserve’s expansive area enables wildlife to roam freely, allowing visitors to see all the usual animals of the African bush, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and many antelopes.
Klaserie’s private nature allows visitors to embrace the African bushveld in their own time, taking in the sounds, sights, and smells that make the bushveld a unique experience. Safaris within the untamed region of the Greater Kruger National Park focus on the bush and its ecosystems, with the added excitement of getting involved in tracking Africa’s big game.
The reserve has various commercial operations, ranging from rustic bush camps and walking trails to luxury game lodges. However, the reserve management strives to keep commercial and human impact to a minimum, preserving the environment.
While you can visit the reserve as a day visitor on specially guided tours, we recommend staying for a few days to fully appreciate the pristine environment. SA-Venues.com proudly features a range of accommodation options within Klaserie to suit all travel needs and budgets. The accommodation search facility is easy to use, allowing visitors to book directly with the venues. Lodges within the reserve range from self-catering to B&B style, fully-catered, and luxury game lodges. Special offers are highlighted, and reviews can help visitors make informed choices.
Fun fact: Visitors can see the Big 5 in Timbavati, Klaserie, and Balule nature reserves, which form part of the Greater Kruger Area. So, pack your bags and head to Klaserie Game Reserve for an unforgettable African bushveld experience.
Popular Activities and tourist destinations at Klaserie Game Reserve
Klaserie Game Reserve offers visitors a range of activities to experience the best of the African bushveld. Game drives and walking safaris are popular activities in the reserve, allowing visitors to see the Big 5 and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat. The reserve is also home to over 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Visitors can also experience a hot air balloon ride over the reserve, providing a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife below.
For those interested in cultural experiences, the nearby village of Acornhoek offers an opportunity to learn about the local Shangaan culture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the village, interact with the locals, and even attend a traditional dance performance.
The nearby town of Hoedspruit is also worth a visit, offering a range of attractions, including the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can see injured or orphaned animals being rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. The town also has a vibrant arts and crafts scene, with many local artists and artisans showcasing their work in galleries and studios.
The nearby Kruger National Park is another popular attraction, offering visitors a chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including the Big 5, as well as numerous bird species. The park is also home to a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, the nearby Blyde River Canyon is a must-visit destination. The canyon, which is the third largest in the world, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife.
Wine And Gin Tasting
If you’re looking for a taste of luxury during your stay in Klaserie Game Reserve, consider taking a trip to the nearby town of Hoedspruit and visiting The Tasting Room. This elegant establishment offers visitors the chance to enjoy a range of fine wines and sophisticated gin, all within the beautiful setting of Limpopo.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking to indulge in a relaxing afternoon, The Tasting Room has something to suit your taste. Their Primos gin tastings provide the opportunity to sample the unique flavours of Hoedspruit’s very own gin, perfectly paired with a tonic and botanicals to bring out the best in each variety. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the distillery and its history, as your host guides you through the tasting experience.
For those who prefer wine, The Tasting Room offers a selection of boutique wines sourced from the renowned Cape Winelands region. Your host will provide insights into each wine’s unique bouquet and taste, as well as suggestions for food pairings to enhance your enjoyment.
The Tasting Room is a comfortable and elegant space, with an inviting outdoor area for warm summer days and a cosy indoor setting for cooler evenings. It’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in the finer things in life, surrounded by the natural beauty of Limpopo.
Hoedspruit is conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Nelspruit and a little over five hours’ drive from Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination for a day trip or longer stay. So why not add a touch of sophistication to your Klaserie Game Reserve experience with a visit to The Tasting Room?
Safaris at Kruger National Park
One of the top tourist attractions near Klaserie Game Reserve is the Kruger National Park, which offers an unrivaled wildlife experience in South Africa. Spanning a massive area of 2 million hectares, the park stretches for 352 kilometers along the Mozambique border, making it larger than Israel. With an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna, the Kruger National Park is undoubtedly one of the top safari destinations in Africa.
To make the most of your Kruger National Park experience, you can choose from a variety of tours and packages offered by experienced tour operators. These packages include everything from transportation to accommodation and game drives, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a stress-free holiday in the park.
Daily excursions and tailor-made tours are also available, with a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose to take a Kruger day tour to explore the park’s highlights, embark on a night safari to see nocturnal animals in action, or opt for an overnight package tour for a more immersive experience.
Apart from the wildlife, the Kruger National Park also offers a range of other activities for visitors. These include guided walks, bird watching, and cultural tours of local villages to learn more about the rich history and traditions of the region. The park also has a number of rest camps, picnic areas, and restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from Klaserie Game Reserve, with a driving distance of approximately 1-2 hours depending on your location in the reserve. Visitors can also fly into one of the nearby airports and arrange for transportation to the park. With so much to see and do, a visit to the Kruger National Park is an absolute must for anyone visiting Klaserie Game Reserve or the surrounding areas.
Kruger Park Walking Safaris
The Klaserie Game Reserve offers visitors a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. One such attraction is the Kruger Walking Safari. The walking safaris are conducted in the Greater Kruger National Park, in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa. The Shindzela Tented Bush Camp, which is focused on walking safaris, offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a “Big Five” game viewing area.
During the walking safari, guests should be prepared to walk anywhere from 2 – 4 hours on a trail. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to over 40 mammal species, including Africa’s “Big Five” animals, such as lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. Other game that can be spotted on the walking safari include hyena, jackal, giraffe, hippo, wild dog, zebra, kudu, and impala, to mention just a few. Additionally, there are over 350 bird species recorded in the Reserve. The Timbavati Reserve is open to the Kruger National Park, providing animals with a vast expanse of wilderness in which to roam, free of fences.
All wildlife walking safaris are led by a professional, experienced safari guide who is armed. Each safari guide takes a maximum of 8 guests on a walking trail. The walking safari generally begins at dawn with a wake-up call at 5h00 / 05h30. Before setting out, guests can enjoy a welcome cup of tea or coffee, and fruit and cereal. Your safari guide will give you a thorough safety briefing before your walking safari, so that you are comfortable with the rules and safety instructions pertaining to your walking trail.
Return to camp mid-morning, and enjoy a hearty brunch, prepared by the safari cook. After brunch, guests can relax in camp before joining the guide in the dining room at about 14h30 for a late lunch. During the afternoons, depending on the animal movements in the area, your guide may suggest a game drive and short walk, followed by sundowners and a night safari game drive.
While the walking safari is primarily focused on animal viewing, the guides take the opportunity to show appreciation for all aspects of the wilderness, including animal behavior and habitat, trees, insect and plant life, as well as viewing all the other species of game found in the bush.
In addition to the walking safaris, there are a variety of other activities available in and near the Klaserie Game Reserve, such as game drives, hot air balloon rides, bird watching, and cultural tours. Visitors can also take a tailor-made tour or join a daily excursion of the Kruger National Park, which offers a stress-free holiday in the park with all aspects of the trip taken care of. There are a number of Kruger Park tour packages available, including day tours, night safaris, and overnight package tours.
Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, the Klaserie Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park have something to offer everyone.
Game Walks
Aside from the Klaserie Game Reserve, the Greater Kruger Park also offers a plethora of activities for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. In addition to game drives, walking safaris provide an intimate way to experience the wilderness and observe wildlife up close. Walking safaris are led by experienced guides who can provide interesting information about the plants and animals in the area, as well as ensure the safety of guests.
The Kruger National Park is also home to several unique ecosystems, such as the mopane veld, which is characterized by mopane trees and attracts large herds of elephants. Visitors can also explore the sandveld, an area that is home to several bird species, or the mixed bushwillow woodlands, which is a popular habitat for predators such as lions and leopards.
Another popular attraction in the Greater Kruger Park is the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which provides a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. Visitors can learn about the work that goes into rehabilitating these animals and may even have the opportunity to interact with some of them.
For those interested in cultural experiences, the Shangana Cultural Village offers a glimpse into the traditions and customs of the local Shangaan people. Guests can watch traditional dances and music performances, visit a traditional healer, and learn about the art of basket weaving.
Other activities in the area include hot air balloon rides, horseback safaris, and visits to nearby private game reserves such as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Timbavati Nature Reserve. With so much to see and do, the Greater Kruger Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in African wildlife and nature.
Accommodation Options At Klaserie Game Reserve
There are many different accommodation options available in and near Klaserie Game Reserve, catering to the diverse needs of tourists visiting the Valley of the Olifants region. One such option is African Rock Lodge, which offers an unforgettable African experience to its guests.
Located on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, African Rock Lodge is a Klaserie hotel that is in close proximity to the Kruger National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. The lodge is run by Sander and Juliet, who are renowned for their warm hospitality and attention to detail, ensuring that guests have an exceptional stay.
The lodge offers four exclusive suites, each of which is decorated with style and comfort in mind. The suites feature both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and guests have the option of twin beds or a king-size bed. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with double washbasins, a toilet, a bath, and a separate shower unit with a rain- and regular shower. All suites also feature a personal wall safe, TV, wireless internet access, mini-bar/fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can relax on their private veranda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
In addition to the comfortable accommodation, African Rock Lodge also provides a range of facilities for guests to enjoy. The entertainment area features DStv (Satellite TV), home theatre, and a well-stocked bar, which operates on an honesty system, allowing guests to be their own bartender. The lodge also has a good selection of books and DVDs available for guests to peruse. Guests can take a dip in the sparkling pool, have a drink in the lapa or bar, dine in the open dining room or boma, and go on great walks to discover the surrounding nature. Dinner can be arranged in advance, and the lodge can cater to any dietary requirements.
Another option for accommodation near Klaserie Game Reserve is the Last Word Kitara, which offers an exclusive address in the Greater Kruger. The lodge features six spacious suites along the Klaserie River, each with sweeping views of the pristine riverside setting. All rooms are en-suite and come with a range of amenities, including air conditioning, fully stocked mini-bars, mosquito nets, and complimentary toiletries. The lodge also has two guest lounges, a dining area, a viewing deck with sensational views, an infinity swimming pool, a bar, a boma, a library, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy curated activities, such as walking safaris, informative safari drives, and exclusive rhino dehorning or anti-poaching helicopter flights. The lodge also provides a complimentary concierge service to help guests discover the beauty of the outlying area.
Other options for accommodation near Klaserie Game Reserve include the Thornybush Game Lodge, which offers luxurious suites and villas with private pools and game drives, and the Blyde River Wilderness Lodge, which features chalets and tents on the banks of the Blyde River. Whether you prefer the luxurious comforts of a hotel or the rustic charm of a tent, there are many accommodation options to choose from in and near Klaserie Game Reserve.
Klaserie Game Reserve and its surrounding areas offer visitors a range of activities and attractions to suit all interests and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing bushveld experience or an adventure-packed trip, Klaserie and its neighboring attractions have something for everyone.
