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Greater Kruger reserves compared
Greater Kruger is one connected ecosystem, but each reserve has its own rules, character and price. Here is how they differ.
Sabi Sand
Private reserves along Kruger's south-western edge.
Timbavati
Part of the open Associated Private Nature Reserves.
Klaserie
A large reserve crossed by the Klaserie River.
Kruger National Park
Self-drive rest camps and private concessions.
Manyeleti
“Place of stars”, between Sabi Sand and Timbavati.
Balule
The Olifants River runs through its centre.
Side by side
| Reserve | Size | Self-drive | Driving | Best for | Lodges | Rates from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabi Sand | ≈65,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Big Five, cheetah and wild dog, Luxury lodges, Short flights to lodge airstrips | 39 | €330 |
| Timbavati | ≈53,400 ha | No | Guided drives | White lions recorded here, Mid-range to luxury lodges, Easy access from Hoedspruit | 22 | €253 |
| Klaserie | ≈60,000 ha | No | Guided drives & walks | Walking safaris, Good value, Cheetah and wild dog recorded | 15 | €313 |
| Manyeleti | ≈22,750 ha | No | Guided drives | Small reserve, Few lodges, Value tented camps | 7 | €298 |
| Balule | ≈40,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Value lodges, On the Olifants River, Riverside lodges | 14 | €213 |
| Thornybush | ≈14,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Short drive from Hoedspruit, Luxury and mid-range lodges, Big Five | 14 | €288 |
| Mjejane | ≈4,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Close to KMIA, River-frontage lodges, Big Five | 1 | €323 |
| Kapama | ≈13,000–15,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Easy access from Hoedspruit, Families, Big Five in a fenced reserve | 5 | €812 |
| Karongwe | ≈9,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Good-value all-inclusive lodges, Big Five, Cheetah | 6 | €365 |
| Makalali | ≈22,000–26,000 ha | No | Guided drives | Big Five, Small camps | 4 | €420 |
| Selati | ≈30,000 ha | No | Guided drives & walks | Remote, small camps, Lion and elephant | 4 | €268 |
| Kruger National Park | ≈2 million ha | Yes | Public roads; guided drives at private concessions | Self-drive, Budget travel, Long road trips | 50 | €11 |
Sizes are rounded and rules can change. Each reserve sets its own traversing rules and conservation levies.