Manyeleti Game Reserve

Meaning “Place of Stars,” Manyeleti offers a tranquil safari experience with exceptional stargazing opportunities and fewer crowds. Manyeleti shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Timbavati, so wildlife roams freely across the land, offering visitors spectacular Big Five sightings.

With only six lodges in the reserve, you get to experience a secluded South Africa safari with fewer crowds, allowing you to really feel immersed in nature and have front-row seats to incredible animal sightings.

Must-Visit Areas in Manyeleti Game Reserve

Imagine heading out into the wilderness on foot, eager to explore the reserve. You spot massive horns peaking out of the bush, and a huge sable antelope crosses your path:

Waterholes and Open Plains: Ideal for Game Viewing

Manyeleti offers a pristine bush experience. Travel along the open plains and stop near waterholes while on game drives to see the big game that calls this reserve home.

Walking safaris are also available here. During this excursion, you travel on foot in the wilderness to get a closer look at the smaller species and flora that are in the area.

Luxury Safari Camps: Secluded Stays

There are only six accommodation options in the reserve, so you’ll get to enjoy secluded stays and personalised safaris.

From comfortably furnished tented camps to an exclusive safari lodge with private plunge pools and a manor house ideal for a family safari holiday, you’ll find the perfect option for your African getaway.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Manyeleti Game Reserve?

Due to the low light pollution in the area, stargazing is a not-to-be-missed activity at Manyeleti, which can be done year-round. For optimal game viewing, plan your South Africa safari for the dry season, from May to September. This is when wildlife is easiest to spot.

Wildlife Found in Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti is a Big Five safari destination, so you’ll have the chance to see leopards, lions, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos while on game drives. This reserve is one of the best places to see the elusive leopard – these big cats are often seen here. Other animals that roam the reserve include African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and hyenas.

This game reserve is also a fantastic birdwatching destination in South Africa, with over 450 species for birders to spot, such as the scarlet-chested sunbird, southern carmine bee-eater, and African grey hornbill.

How to Get to Manyeleti Game Reserve

From either Cape Town International Airport or OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’ll fly to Hoedspruit, the closest airport to Manyeleti. Once there, you’ll get a road transfer to your lodge.