Manyeleti Game Reserve safaris, tours & holiday packages
An off-the-beaten-track Big Five safari destinationCustom Manyeleti
- Describe your dream trip
- We'll source the best value
- Book when you're ready
Help Me Plan
There are just three lodges in this 23,000-hectare private game reserve on the western edge of Kruger National Park – which means game viewing without the crowds.
With no fences to separate Manyeleti Game Reserve from Kruger National Park and the private reserves Timbavati to the north and Sabi Sand in the south, game can wander freely. And there's a lot of it in this reserve.
As you traverse Manyeleti's 200 kilometres of gravel roads in search of the Big Five, you're unlikely to see many other cars – day visitors are not allowed and each of the three lodges on the concession has just a few beds.
“Kruger National Park is South Africa's best-known wildlife destination but it has thousands of visitors a day in the peak season, which means that when you spot a leopard there can be 30 cars parked around it. Private concessions like Manyeleti offer a better wildlife experience and your car may be the only one at a sighting.”
More on Manyeleti holidays
Like its more famous neighbours, Manyeleti is a mixture of open plains and grasslands, rivers and thick wooded areas. Alongside the Big Five, the reserve is home to antelope and other game; there are more than 300 species of birds including a well-known raptor population.
There's a range of accommodation provided by the three lodges on the reserve, which is owned and managed by the Mnisi tribe in the wake of a successful land claim. Tintswalo Safari Lodge is the most upmarket, with only six suites, each of which has its own deck and plunge pool. Each of the two Honeyguide Tented Camps – Khoka Moya and Mantobeni – has 12 luxurious safari tents done in contemporary and colonial styles. Pungwe Bush Camp offers more affordable accommodation in four safari tents, with dinners cooked over an open fire and the opportunity to go on both game drives and walking safaris – a whole different way of experiencing the bush.
Manyeleti means "Place of the Stars" in Shangaan, a local language, and stargazing in the evenings while sipping Amarula is what you'll be doing after each day's game drives.
Manyeleti Map
Manyeleti's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Manyeleti
May to September are the best time to visit Manyeleti National Park - during the dry season. The wildlife seeks for waterholes and other sources for water. go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Related Articles
Five Reasons why you Should Visit the Manyeleti Game Reserve
Situated on the South West part of the famous Kruger Park, Manyeleti is a unique safari destination off the beaten path. Officially opened in 1967, the park offers you magnificent wildlife experiences. The following are the top five reasons… read more
A rough guide to the best national parks in Rwanda
Rwanda is a country which has seen an immense transformation since 1994, today it’s considered to be one of the best tourist destinations to see the famed majestic mountain gorillas of Africa. And it is becoming more and more popular due to… read more
10 reasons why a Selinda safari is worth the trip
A private wildlife sanctuary situate in Northern Botswana, the 320,000 acre Selinda Game Reserve is home to a huge diversity of wildlife, most notably it’s large elephant herds, as well as antelope, zebra, cheetah, wild dog and lion. If… read more
Expert Q&A: Africa’s best Big Five safari destinations
One of the main reasons why people travel to Africa is to see the Big Five - the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and the White/Black rhinoceros. However, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is… read more
