Visit Nature and Game Reserves in South Africa for Peace and Quiet

Most nature and wildlife enthusiasts might have enjoyed the Kruger National Park much more ten years ago than they would today. Possibly the best game reserve in the entire world, tourists as well as South African families on holiday flock to the Kruger increasing guest numbers year after year. The majority of people living in South Africa have a special appreciation for landscapes and wild animals because of the biological abundance their nation holds, but there are those whose desire to get away from the congestion of the city is so great that they cannot enjoy themselves – even in a nature and wildlife reserve – when surrounded by crowds of travelers.

Those who are seeking rest in a nature reserve and passionate about the outdoors do not want to feel like they’re in the queue for the cable car at Table Mountain or strapped down to a rollercoaster with screaming teenagers in Ratanga Junction. They’d rather be smelling wildflowers and brushing against prickly bushes as they strain their necks to see an elephant herd. They would also likely choose a canopy of stars and the faint laughing of hyenas in the distance over a safe and sound bedroom.

The good news is that there are literally hundreds of nature and game reserves throughout South Africa for those longing for true peace and quiet. National Parks such as the Kruger and the Pilanesberg have become so popular, one often has to book a camping site months in advance while a vast amount of nature conservations remain quite untouched like hidden treasure. Here are a few for those who want a bit more solitude during their visit to a reservation.

The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal has some of the most outstanding heights and sights for hiking trails in all of South Africa. The most concealed place to stay in the Ukhahlamba is the Mkhomazi State Forest, where you can trek for days without a trace of human life. You will, however, see lots of wildlife including eland, rhybuck, wildebeest, otter, caracal, porcupine and a variety of birds. Those who visit the Ukhahlamba must see the elaborate rock paintings of the San people, the original inhabitants who lived in the area thousands of years ago. These paintings are still in their original states on cave walls, and the simple yet beautiful lifestyle activities of the San people are depicted such as food gathering, hunting, dancing, rainmaking and fighting. This part of KwaZulu Natal stands as one of the least traveled mountainous regions in the entire province. Other activities one can enjoy while staying in the Ukhahlamba are boating, fishing and swimming in the calm mountain rivers.

Situated in the North West province near the Botswana border, the Molopo Game Reserve is unknown to many nature lovers. The 24,000 hectare reserve is thriving with zebra, springbok, wildebeest, warthogs, kudu and gemsbok. Some of the predatory animals you could spot are caracal, hyena, cheetah and the African wildcat. You’re not likely to see many individuals, much less a crowd, during your stay at the Molopo. There are more than 120 species of birds to watch including many types of vultures and eagles. Another attraction the Molopo holds is the Phepane River bed which was a mighty flowing river millions of years ago. Visitors now enjoy taking an afternoon to uncover the fossilized remains of the river that once was teeming with life. Backpacking is another favorite in the Molopo since game reserves do not always allow hikers because of wild game. This provides an extra characteristic of peace and quiet for those who want to venture off into the bush lands.

The Borakalalo National Park, also located in the North West province, is another relaxing get away from the city lights and busyness of Gauteng. The Borakalalo is home to an array of large game including leopard, white rhino, giraffe, buffalo and hippo. Visitors, therefore, are not allowed to roam just anywhere in the park because of safety, but they can walk freely and undisturbed along clearly marked trails. There are various peaceful rest camps for guests to choose from depending on what they value most in a nature and game reserve. For example, the Phudufudu Camp overlooks a waterhole and specifically suits those who are keen to see wildlife in their natural setting. The Pitjane Camp is close to the Klipvoor Dam and exists mainly for fisherman who can expect to catch large fish such as makriel. Boating and swimming and not permitted, however, because of lurking crocodiles. Visit Kondowe Nature Reserve for peace and quiet.