GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK BIOSPHERE
Whatever your travelling style - we know exactly where to send you on your perfect safari
What is the Greater Kruger Biosphere ?
The Greater Kruger Biosphere is a vast, unfenced conservation area where Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves form one of Africa’s richest safari destinations, teeming with wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
The Greater Kruger Biosphere is one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas, a vast, unfenced landscape where wildlife roams freely across the iconic Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves. Within this unique ecosystem lie Timbavati, Klaserie, Sabi Sands, and Manyeleti—reserves where Martin Meyer Safaris lives and works, giving guests insider access to the very heart of Africa’s safari country. Each reserve offers its own distinctive safari flavor: Timbavati is famed for its rare white lions and unhurried game drives, Klaserie delivers authentic conservation-driven experiences in one of the largest private reserves, Sabi Sands is world-renowned for its unrivalled leopard sightings and luxury lodges, while Manyeleti offers uncrowded safaris with a strong cultural connection to its Shangaan heritage. For travelers booking a safari tour with Martin Meyer Safaris, the importance of the Greater Kruger lies not just in its abundant Big Five sightings but in the opportunity to experience it alongside guides who call these reserves home. This local knowledge ensures that every privately guided safari is deeply personalized, conservation-focused, and designed to connect guests to both the wildlife and the rich cultural landscape of this extraordinary biosphere.
Regions to Explore in the Greater Kruger Biosphere
Timbavati Nature Reserve
The Timbavati Nature Reserve is a place where wild Africa feels timeless—an unspoiled expanse of bushveld woven into the fabric of the Greater Kruger Biosphere. Covering over 50,000 hectares and sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, Timbavati is a sanctuary where animals follow ancient migratory paths and the Big Five roam freely. Known worldwide as the birthplace of the legendary white lions, Timbavati holds a rare mystique that blends natural wonder with deep cultural heritage. Game drives here reveal not only lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs but also quiet moments with birds, trees, and landscapes that shift in light and mood throughout the day.
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately owned reserves within the Greater Kruger, spanning nearly 60,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. With its unfenced borders to Kruger National Park and neighboring reserves, Klaserie is part of a vast ecosystem that allows wildlife to move freely across the landscape. What sets Klaserie apart is its emphasis on authenticity and conservation—here, the safari experience feels raw, unhurried, and deeply connected to nature. Guests often find themselves at exclusive sightings with no other vehicles in sight, whether watching a pride of lions on the hunt, elephants crossing the Klaserie River, or endangered species like wild dogs and ground hornbills thriving thanks to ongoing protection efforts. For Martin Meyer Safaris, Klaserie is a cornerstone of conservation safaris, offering travelers a chance to experience Africa in its most natural state.
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the crown jewel of the Greater Kruger Biosphere, world-renowned for its unrivalled wildlife encounters and luxurious safari experiences. Sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is celebrated for offering some of the best leopard sightings on the continent, alongside abundant Big Five game and countless bird species. Its name is drawn from the life-giving Sand and Sabie rivers that flow through the reserve, creating lush habitats that attract a remarkable density of animals year-round. Beyond the wildlife, Sabi Sands is synonymous with exclusivity—private traversing rights, limited vehicle numbers at sightings, and a collection of award-winning luxury lodges that set the standard for African hospitality. With Martin Meyer Safaris, a safari in Sabi Sands is elevated even further by expert guiding and personal connections to the land,
Manyeleti Game Reserve
The Manyeleti Game Reserve, whose name means “Place of the Stars” in Shangaan, is one of the most authentic and culturally significant safari destinations within the Greater Kruger Biosphere. Covering 22,750 hectares and sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, Timbavati, and Sabi Sands, Manyeleti offers an uncrowded and intimate safari experience where wildlife roams freely across vast, open landscapes. Known for its excellent leopard and lion sightings, thriving elephant herds, and exceptional birdlife, the reserve is a haven for safari purists seeking true wilderness without the bustle of heavy tourist traffic. What makes Manyeleti truly special is its community ownership—managed by the local Mnisi people, it embodies a vision where conservation and cultural heritage are deeply intertwined.
Thornybush Game Reserve
The Thornybush Game Reserve is a spectacular private wilderness tucked into the Greater Kruger landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and luxurious safari experiences. Covering over 14,000 hectares, Thornybush shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, allowing the Big Five and countless other species to move freely across its varied terrain. With open savannas, riverine forests, and sweeping vistas, the reserve provides an extraordinary backdrop for game drives and walking safaris. Thornybush is especially celebrated for its reliable Big Cat sightings, with leopards and lions often encountered at remarkably close range, as well as its thriving populations of elephant, buffalo, and wild dog. Complementing the exceptional wildlife is a collection of world-class lodges that combine contemporary comfort with a strong conservation ethos.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is at the Epicentre of the Greater Kruger Biosphere. It is undoubtedly South Africa's most iconic wilderness destination. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers of untamed bushveld - it is truly a place of extraordinary biodiversity. Martin and Antje not only visit the private reserves often - but find themselves continually drawn to the Kruger National Park - a place they visit often. When sending guests to the Kruger National Park, we focus on the private concessions within the park - ensuring a safari that combines the vastness of the park with the exclusivity found in the private reserves. A private concession is a designated area of Kruger that is leased to a private lodge. These concessions allow guests unique privileges not available to the general public visiting the park. Visiting the Kruger National Park or any of the regions of the Greater Kruger Biosphere contributes significantly to the conservation of the wildlife and the wilderness regions that are vital to the greater ecosystem.
Book your African Safari Tour now and we will include a private romantic dinner during your stay!
Accommodation Options
The Greater Kruger Biosphere is filled with a wide variety of lodges, to suit every single travelling style. The most important things to consider when looking at Accommodation Options in the Greater Kruger Biosphere are :
- Budget
- Time of Year (being in a tented camp without Aircon in Summer can be gruelling)
- Wildlife Density
- Experience
While you could spend hours researching on the internet to find the perfect lodges to tick your bucket list experiences why not just book a complimentary safari consultation call with us and let us guide you to the right experience for you.
There are three main types of Accommodation options in the reserves mentioned above - each one unique and catering to a very specific type of traveller, and while some of these categories overlap, we can guarantee that we can send you to the right lodge for you.
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Don't Google Search until your head hurts! Allow us to give you insider access and expert advice on where to go on Safari! We live and work in the Greater Kruger Biosphere which means we are constantly visiting new lodges and revisiting existing lodges to ensure we are always informed on what is happening.
When is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Kruger and the Greater Kruger?
The beauty of the Kruger National Park and its private reserves—such as Timbavati, Klaserie, Sabi Sands, Manyeleti, Thornybush, and Balule—is that they offer rewarding wildlife experiences year-round. However, the best time for your safari depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
In short, if your priority is concentrated Big Five sightings and clear conditions, the dry season is ideal. If you prefer fewer crowds, stunning landscapes, and the magic of new life, the green season is just as rewarding. At Martin Meyer Safaris, we live and guide in these reserves year-round, tailoring each safari to the season so you can make the most of what the Greater Kruger has to offer.
Dry Season (May to September)
is generally considered the prime safari window. During these cooler winter months, vegetation thins out and water becomes scarce, meaning animals gather at rivers and waterholes. Game viewing is excellent, and the lack of thick foliage makes it easier to spot predators like leopards and lions. The temperatures are mild, with chilly mornings and evenings, but clear, sunny days.
Green Season (October to April)
brings summer rains that transform the bush into a lush, green paradise. This is an ideal time for birdwatchers, photographers, and those who appreciate dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes. You’ll also witness many newborn animals during this period, which in turn draws predators. While wildlife may be more spread out due to the abundance of water, the sightings are still extraordinary—and the reserves are often quieter, making the experience more exclusive.
What’s the Difference Between Kruger National Park and Private Game Reserves?
The Kruger National Park and its surrounding private game reserves together form the Greater Kruger Biosphere, one of Africa’s most important conservation areas. While both offer incredible wildlife experiences, there are key differences that travelers should know when deciding where to go on safari.
Kruger National Park offers scale, flexibility, and affordability, while the private reserves deliver exclusivity, intimacy, and world-class safari experiences. At Martin Meyer Safaris, we live and work in these private reserves, giving our guests insider access and the freedom to experience the Greater Kruger in a way that is both authentic and deeply personal.
The Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship reserve, spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers. It’s open to the public, meaning visitors can self-drive, explore at their own pace, and stay in government-run camps or lodges. Kruger is more affordable and accessible, making it a great choice for first-time safari-goers or those on a budget. However, the public roads can get busy, and vehicles must stick to the tar and gravel routes, which limits how close you can get to the wildlife. We suggest booking into a private concession when visiting the park, allowing you to skip the mayhem of general public sightings and a much more intimate experience with wildlife.
Private Game Reserves
Private game reserves like Timbavati, Klaserie, Sabi Sands, Manyeleti and Thornybush border Kruger without fences, allowing animals to roam freely between the areas. What sets these reserves apart is exclusivity—only lodge guests have access, and the number of vehicles at sightings is carefully managed. Guides can also drive off-road, offering closer encounters with predators, and night drives are permitted, adding another dimension to the safari experience. Accommodation in private reserves ranges from luxury tented camps to exclusive-use villas, with all-inclusive hospitality and highly personalized guiding.
Book your Safari Consultation Call Now - and we will include a Free Safari Shirt from our Safari Gear Shop!
What does a Day on Safari look like?
A day on safari in the Greater Kruger is carefully designed to balance adventure with relaxation, giving you the best chance to experience Africa’s wildlife at its most active. At Martin Meyer Safaris, every day is tailored to your needs, but here’s what a typical rhythm looks like.
Early Morning Game Drive – The day begins before sunrise with coffee, tea, and rusks before heading out. This is the best time for big cat activity and dramatic sightings, as predators are still on the move and the bush is waking up.
Mid-Morning Return & Breakfast – After a few hours exploring, you’ll return to camp for a hearty breakfast, often served outside with views of the bush. Depending on your lodge, there’s time afterwards to relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply watch wildlife wander by from your deck.
Lunch & Rest Time – Midday is the hottest part of the day, so it’s the perfect time to rest in the comfort of your tented suite or lodge, read a book, or nap before the evening adventure.
Afternoon Game Drive & Sundowners – As the heat fades, you’ll head out again for another game drive, stopping for sundowners in the bush as the sky lights up in spectacular colors. Guides can drive off-road in private reserves, giving you unrivalled access to wildlife encounters.
Night Drive & Dinner – After dark, the spotlight comes out to search for nocturnal animals—leopards, hyenas, owls, and more. Back at camp, dinner is often served under the stars in a traditional boma, followed by drinks around the fire.
Throughout the day, you are in the care of expert guides and trackers who bring the bush to life with stories, insights, and a deep respect for the land. Every safari day blends excitement, comfort, and connection—crafted to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
What’s Included and Excluded on Safari ?
When booking a safari, it’s important to know exactly what’s covered in your stay and what isn’t. At Martin Meyer Safaris, we believe in complete transparency, ensuring there are no surprises when you arrive—or when you check out. Here’s what you can expect:
Inclusions
Most safari lodges within the Greater Kruger operate on an all-inclusive basis. This means that your daily game drives, guided bush walks, and all meals are included in your stay. From freshly brewed coffee before your morning drive, to multi-course dinners under the stars, food is a central part of the safari experience. Many lodges also include a range of beverages—house wines, local beers, soft drinks, and spirits—so you can enjoy sundowners in the bush or a drink by the fire without thinking about extra costs. Luxury properties in Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Thornybush often go a step further, offering premium beverages as part of their inclusions.
Exclusions
At more affordable or entry-level lodges, beverages are usually excluded, allowing guests to order from a bar list and settle the bill at check-out. Gratuities are always excluded, as tipping is a personal gesture of thanks to guides, trackers, and staff. Spa treatments, boutique purchases, and specialist activities (such as hot air ballooning or helicopter flights) are also typically for your own account.
How Many Days Do I Need on Safari?
The magic of a safari lies in slowing down and letting the rhythm of the bush unfold—something that can’t be rushed. While every traveler’s time and budget are different, most experts agree that a minimum of three nights (four days) is the sweet spot for a meaningful safari. This gives you at least six game drives, enough to settle into the pace of the wilderness and enjoy a variety of sightings.
For those with more time, four to six nights allows for a deeper, more relaxed experience. This extra time increases your chances of seeing the full Big Five and lets you appreciate the smaller details—birdlife, landscapes, cultural connections, and the slower moments around the fire.
Many of our guests at Martin Meyer Safaris also choose to combine multiple reserves—for example, spending a few nights in Timbavati or Klaserie for a raw, authentic experience and then a few in Sabi Sands for world-class leopard encounters and luxury lodges. Adding time in a different habitat ensures greater variety in both wildlife and lodge style.
If you’re short on time, three nights will deliver a great safari. But if you want a truly immersive experience that balances big sightings with meaningful connections, five to seven nights across one or two reserves is the ideal. At Martin Meyer Safaris, we tailor every itinerary to make sure your time in the Greater Kruger is maximized—whether it’s a quick escape or a longer journey of discovery.
Can You Take Kids on Safari in Kruger or Private Reserves?
Yes, children are welcome on safari, but the experience depends on where you stay. Many lodges in the Greater Kruger—including Timbavati, Klaserie, Sabi Sands, Manyeleti, Thornybush, and Balule—are family-friendly and cater specifically to younger guests. Some properties have no age restrictions, while others set a minimum age (often 6 or 12) for joining game drives. For families with very young children, exclusive-use villas are ideal, as they allow complete flexibility with private guides, vehicles, and schedules tailored to your family.
Safety is always the number-one priority. Lodges that welcome families typically offer family suites, interleading rooms, or private villas for peace of mind. Game drives with children are carefully managed, with guides experienced in balancing adventure and safety. Around camp, children are supervised, and kid-friendly meal options and facilities such as swimming pools add to their comfort. Parents can relax knowing that every precaution is taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari for their children.
At Martin Meyer Safaris, we know which lodges work best for families and match you to the one that suits your children’s ages and interests.
