Many environmentalists and animal lovers may have taken more pleasure in the Kruger Park a decade ago than they currently would. Likely one of the most popular wildlife reserves on the globe, rising numbers of international visitors as well many South Africans fill up the Kruger each year. Most South Africans possess a unique fervor for beautiful scenery and wildlife because of the ecological wealth their country has, but there are a select few whose yearning to escape from city life is so immense that they cannot be satisfied – even somewhere incredible such as the Kruger – when encircled by masses of tourists.
If you love the outdoors and are looking for a relaxing stay in the bush, you probably wouldn’t appreciate it if your experience ended up feeling like you’re upside-down on the Anaconda with shrieking girls at Gold Reef City. Wouldn’t you prefer backpacking through the warm savannah where your only company is made up of herds of zebra and springbok? Wouldn’t a starry sky and the faint roar of lions from kilometers away sound more soothing as you drift off to sleep than a soft bed in a hotel room?
Fortunately if you do your research, you’ll find a huge number of nature and wildlife parks throughout the nation for those yearning to spend some time alone in the bush. Game reserves such as the Kruger and the Pilanesberg have become so well-known, it’s not uncommon to find them completely booked unless you plan your trip well in advance. Ironically the most private and pristine reserves remain untouched and unknown by the very people who would appreciate them most. Here is a brief selection for those who want to avoid the swarm of vacationers.
Some of the most incredible summits and scenic spots for mountain climbing in South Africa are at the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal. If you want to feel hidden away during your visit in the Ukhahlamba, the Mkhomazi State Forest is the perfect place for you to hike for days without a soul in sight. You won’t be alone though. There are plenty of animals such as rhybuck, otter, wildebeest, eland, an array of birds as well as porcupines to keep you company during your journey. A must-see for anyone who spends some time in the area is the intricate stone artwork, which was painted by the San people more than a thousand years ago. Time has not distorted these images which still display the simple way of life of the San people including hunting, rainmaking, food gathering, dancing and fighting. This section of KwaZulu Natal remains one of the most untouched mountain regions in the nation. Other things to do during your visit to the Ukhahlamba include swimming, boating and fishing in the peaceful summit springs.
Positioned right next to Botswana in the North West province, the Molopo Game Reserve is unfamiliar to the majority of South Africans who are passionate about the outdoors. This large game park is teeming with predators such as cheetah, caracal, hyena and the African wildcat as well as other game including springbok, warthogs, gemsbok, zebra, wildebeest and kudu. Don’t expect to stumble upon many other travelers while at the Molopo, but you will potentially see over 100 types of birds as well as various species of eagles and vultures. One of the most appealing sights of the Molopo for visitors is the dry Phepane River bed which was rushing mightily millions of years ago. Travelers can now experience a few hours unearthing fossilized remnants of a body of water that was once an abundance of aquatic life. Free-range hiking isn’t always allowed in game parks because of the possibility of lurking wild animals coming across the path, but the Molopo is one of the few that does allow it. This brings an additional feature of freedom and privacy for those who dare to undertake the African wild.
For those who want to escape the hectic pace of Gauteng, the Borakalalo National Park is a great place for physical and psychological rest. Also situated in the North West province, this nature and game reserve enables you to see big wildlife such as white rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe and leopard in their natural habitat. Because of wild game, travelers are not permitted to hike in certain areas, but there are safe, marked paths which encourage guests to walk at their leisure. According to what travelers desire most in a camping area, there are a few sites to choose from while staying in the Borakalalo. Fishermen tend to gravitate towards the Pitjane Camp because they can look forward to catching large fish in the Klipvoor Dam which is within walking distance. Hungry crocodiles will be waiting for them, however, if they choose to get into the water! The Phudufudu Camp is ideal for travelers who enjoy observing game in their usual routines because the camp actually overlooks a watering hole. How relaxing to watch wild game directly from your campsite.
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