Discovering one of the Greater Kruger’s best-kept secrets
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve covers an impressive 60,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Established in 1972 as part of the Greater Kruger National Park, it is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in South Africa. This wonderful wilderness reserve shares boundaries with the Timbavati and Kruger National Park and it straddles both sides of the Klaserie River. There are only a handful of properties which means you have a more intimate safari experience, longer periods of time on wildlife sightings and walking safaris on offer too at many of the lodges. Here, it’s all about connecting with nature, slowing down your usual rhythm of life and experiencing Africa’s finest wildlife.
The Klaserie River runs through the reserve and while the river is a perennial river (and flows year-round) there are only small pockets of water during the dry winter months so the riverbed is mostly dry. The water levels are also largely dictated by the amount of rainfall in the area and the release of water from the Klaserie Dam further upstream. Where the Klaserie and Olifants Rivers meet the larger pools attract hippos and crocs and a few of the lodges have access to this area of traversing.
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The Klaserie is host to The Ground Hornbill Project which is sponsored by The Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology and directed by Professor Phil Hockey. This project is significant due to as little as 1 500 Ground Hornbills remaining in South Africa with the majority being found in the Greater Kruger National Park and in the Limpopo River Valley. The official conservation status of Southern Ground Hornbills in Southern Africa has been elevated from Vulnerable to Endangered and reintroduction programs are imperative to improve the species’ precarious conservation status.
There are two other research projects within the reserve, namely the elephant research project operating under the umbrella of ‘Save the Elephants’ founded by Dr. Ian Douglas Hamilton and the ‘Tembo’ project currently studying buffalo.
Together with the research and conservation projects taking place in the reserve, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is also deeply committed to the non-profit organization Eco Children, an initiative of the reserve.
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Accessing Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Easily accessible by air with daily flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg directly into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport on Airlink and then an easy transfer to the various lodges and camps in the reserve. For those guests who prefer to self-drive the Klaserie Nature Reserve’s entry gate is within an hours’ drive from Hoedspruit. We can also organise private drivers from Johannesburg if you prefer to experience a road trip!
Weather in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
The South African summer begins in October and ends in March with mid-winter during May, June and July. In the main game-viewing areas, summer temperatures can range between 16°C and 35°C and in winter from 5°C to 24°C. In some cases, the summer maximum can exceed 40°C. The area has a summer rain season, however, upon occasion, are light showers during winter. Summer days and nights are generally hot and humid while winter days are milder with cooler mornings and evenings.
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Top reasons to choose Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
This is an unspoilt wilderness with impressive conservation efforts centred on minimising human impact
The ever-changing landscape of mopane forests, undulating hills, riverine glades and a mixture of veld
The low density of properties meaning fewer vehicles on the reserve and greater guest safari experience
Lodges and camps are smaller and thus more intimate so you’re not just a number!
Here you can experience game drives in 4×4 and guided bush walks. In some cases, trail camps are available so you can see, smell, touch and feel the African bushveld
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Where to stay in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge (pictured above) has a wonderful river setting, guides are the third generation of their family to live here and passion is contagious! There are just four beautiful rondavels so it’s really intimate. Walks and drives on offer.
Amani Safari Camp (pictured below) is wonderful for families and couples and it can be booked on an individual room or exclusive use basis! Great wooden walkways with small lanterns make for romantic evenings, great interleading rooms for parents with younger children. This is a home away from home with wonderful creature comforts. The rooms all in the main house so don’t come here if you want complete privacy.
Misava Safari Camp has unsurpassed views over the river and plains. Five chalets are a decent size and beautifully appointed. Keep in mind the garden suites only have showers not baths. We adore the circular deck set up with armchairs overlooking the views. It’s a place for relaxation or romance!
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Klasserie Sands River Camp (pictured below) is a hidden gem with four luxury suites set on either side of the main lodge area. We’d call this safari chic. Its understated casual elegance puts the wildlife and wilderness centre stage yet there is no compromise on comfort and luxury. A special feature at Klaserie Sands River Camp is the Founders Post Star Bed – an elevated platform completed with king size bed, mosquito net, a small lounge area, and separate ablution facilities this is the perfect place for those with a more adventurous spirit.
Klaserie Sands Safari Trails Camp just opened last month and wow it is wonderful! This tented camp sleeps eight and offers an exclusive walking experience giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the stillness and expanse of the bush while reconnecting with untouched nature.
The Last Word Kitara will open this month. It’s built of stone and thatch with a gentle colonial feel. Suites are set out on the banks of the river or overlooking lush gardens. There are six luxury suites with ample space, indoor and outdoor shower and a Victorian bathtub.
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Combines well with…
The easy distance between the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and Hoedspruit makes this a perfect destination for guests wishing to combine some of the attractions of the region together with a safari stay. For guests wishing to get a true feel of the local community or for those wishing to explore the Blyde River Canyon and the natural wonders of the region (this is home to the Panorama Route) we would recommend adding on one or two nights at one of our handpicked Hoedspruit properties together with experiencing one of our Exceptional Hoedspruit full or half-day tours.
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Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is so easy to reach from the Kruger region with direct flights daily. Here, the stunning sights on offer range from incredible coastlines and mountains to cosmopolitan city vibes, shopping, markets and more.
Many of our guests have also enjoyed adding on one or two nights in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek at one of our handpicked Winelands properties. With a plethora of wineries to choose from and award-winning restaurants, it’s a culinary finale to any safari!