Differences Explained: National Parks vs Private Game Reserves in South Africa
Written by Zeldi Smulders
Thinking of going on a South African safari? Amid choices that might overwhelm even seasoned travelers, grasping differences between national parks and private game reserves is pivotal. From the type of wildlife encounters you can expect to the overall experience, these distinctions shape your journey. Let’s delve deeper to help you make the most of your expedition.
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South Africa is a country bursting with incredible biodiversity and dramatic landscapes spread across different national parks, with iconic locations such as Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park that are open to the general public. In these particularly popular parks things can get congested if there is an especially exceptional sighting but generally national parks are quite extensive, allowing you to roam far on its endless roads.
Private game reserves, on the other hand, are home to more luxury stays and uncrowded experiences, often set within or around these same iconic locations. These give you a guided experience by an expert tracker on an open safari vehicle, sometimes treading lightly off-road to get closer to wildlife. These experts guides are familiar with all the tricks of the bush and share their knowledge with guests along the way, happy to answer your questions and increase your chances of seeing the wildlife you want to. Some lodges allow you to request private expeditions but alternatively you can be joined by a small group of other guests for some delightful company when you set off in the mornings and evenings.
South Africa boasts a diverse range of wildlife in great numbers. While travelling independently through national parks can yield exciting sightings if you have the patience, the presence of expert guides in private reserves enhances the probability of unique encounters and ticking off your list of must-sees like the Big 5.
In private game reserves, you'll benefit from the expertise of trained trackers who can unveil hidden wildlife gems during guided safari drives, night drives or bush walks, going off the beaten path (in a mindful way) if it means getting you closer to remarkable sightings in special cases. Accompanied by guides with extensive knowledge of the fauna and flora, you certainly get the best possible wildlife experience that experts can provide.
National parks generally have more affordable accommodation options – mostly camps and self-catering stays. In certain cases, there are no eateries on site and you will need to bring along your own food. Supermarkets aren’t always nearby, so you will need to plan ahead. Park entry fees are generally not too expensive and contribute towards the upkeep of the park.
Private game reserves are home to more luxury lodges, which tend to be all-inclusive. This means getting treated to meals prepared for you, stopping for drinks during game drives, and having each experience specially crafted. Although this kind of accommodation comes at a higher price point for all these lush add-ons, the experience is well worth it for an exceptional safari holiday.
National parks generally have several gates to enter, depending on where you are coming from. However, you would have to have your own car and self-drive while only sticking to the public roads and rules of the park.
Given South Africa’s diverse wilderness, some of the stays inside reserves are quite remote and therefore could include a long drive from the main gates. If you’re not into spending a lot of time behind the wheel, you can arrange convenient transfers with the luxury stays in private game reserves.
National parks have opening hours ranging from 6 am to 8 pm, depending on the season. The main difference is that you can’t enter a private game reserve unless you have booked accommodation or tours there in advance, making the experience more exclusive. Private game reserves also have the option to extend your wildlife viewing time by taking you on trilling night drives after hours.
Exploring a national park by self-driving allows you to explore on your own (within the confines of the rules of the park) but this also means when it comes to activities you need to arrange them and get to them yourself.
Private game reserves go hand-in-hand with luxury lodges that always have plenty of activities to fill your day. What’s more is that you don’t need to plan anything yourself. Depending on the lodge, these amazing passtimes could include:
Birdwatching
Cultural tours
Horse riding
Stargazing
Walking safaris
Day and night game drives
Spa treatments
Educational kids programs
Both national parks and top private game reserves in South Africa share a common dedication to wildlife conservation. By choosing either option, you're contributing to the preservation of the country's rich natural heritage. With this shared objective, the decision comes down to the nuances that set them apart.
South Africa has 19 national parks distributed across the country, so there will probably be a park relatively closeby no matter where you find yourself in the country. If you have a lower budget range in mind for your trip, browse the list of our favourite national parks, each with noteworthy features to admire.
The same goes for private game reserves – there are multiple to choose from, mainly found amid the top attractions of South Africa. You can experience some of the best game reserves in South Africa, regardless of whether you choose the Greater Kruger area, KwaZulu-Natal or even game reserves near Cape Town.
Whether you opt for a more pre-planned, bespoke adventure in a private game reserve or opt for a self-drive journey in a national park, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience in South Africa. Feeling confident about the differences between national parks and private game reserves? If not, get in touch to find out more. Read more about your South Africa adventure to kickstart your tour planning on our blog or head straight to The South African Pocket Guide.