Thornybush, Klaserie, Kapama & Balule Reserves

Beyond the well-known names of Sabi Sands and Timbavati, the Greater Kruger is made up of several smaller private reserves that deliver excellent safari experiences, often with fewer vehicles and at more accessible price points. Thornybush, Klaserie, Kapama and Balule each offer a distinct take on safari, while remaining firmly part of the wider Kruger ecosystem. All of these reserves are accessed most easily from Hoedspruit Airport which has direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

Klaserie Private Game Reserve  - Open to the Kruger

Klaserie is one of the most authentic and lightly developed reserves in the Greater Kruger. It has an open border to the Kruger National Park, as well as the Timbavati. Klaserie offers similar game-viewing to the Timbavati with good lion sightings. Lodges here tend to be smaller and less formal, appealing to travellers who value atmosphere over polish. 

Safaris in Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Thornybush comprises 14 000ha of bushveld adjacent to the greater Kruger National Park. The biodiversity of Thornybush attracts a wide variety of wildlife and bird species including good sightings of the Big Five whilst on safari. Thornybush has an open border with the neighbouring Timbavati, which in turn has an open border with the Kruger. So the animals can wander freely without fences. Thornybush is well known for offering a balanced range of lodges, from refined luxury to very comfortable mid-range options, making it a versatile choice for many safari styles. 

Safaris in Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve lies adjacent to Thornybush, a 13 000ha private reserve which has four camps. An added benefit of Kapama Reserve is that you can easily visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre for endangered animals which lies close by. 

Safaris in Balule Game Reserve

North of Hoedspruit is the private Balule Game Reserve. While accommodation is generally simpler than in Sabi Sands or Kapama, Balule offers excellent value and authentic safari experiences, with good general game and regular Big Five encounters. 

Manyeleti, Makalali & Karongwe (Nearby Alternatives)

• Manyeleti Game Reserve, bordering Kruger and lying just north of Sabi Sands, is unusually exclusive, with only three safari concessions. Game viewing is strong, and while leopard sightings are less close-range than in Sabi Sands, the sense of space and solitude is exceptional. 

• Makalali sits slightly removed from Kruger but is large enough to sustain the Big Five, offering a quieter, more self-contained safari. 

• Karongwe is known for well-priced lodges and reliable wildlife viewing, making it appealing for value-conscious travellers. 

Note: Cedarberg Africa has visited nearly every safari lodge in this area. The important issue is to evaluate the quality of the game-viewing and not just the price!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these reserves compare to Sabi Sands? 
They offer excellent game viewing and guiding, often with fewer vehicles and better value, though leopard sightings tend to be less intimate than in Sabi Sands. 

Are these reserves suitable for first-time safari travellers? 
Yes. Especially Thornybush and Kapama, which combine accessibility, good infrastructure and consistent wildlife encounters. 

Can I combine more than one reserve? 
Absolutely. Combining two Greater Kruger reserves allows you to experience different landscapes, lodge styles and wildlife patterns.