MANYELETI GAME RESERVE
Meaning "Place of the Stars" in Shangaan, this large private reserve of around 200 square kilometres borders the main park between the prime Timbavati reserve to the west and Sabi Sand reserve to the east and forms part of the western boundary of the Greater Kruger area.
The landscape here is a mix of hills and thick thorn-scrub, modest open grasslands and seasonal rivers and wildlife viewing is very reliable all year. The chances of seeing large predators are a bit lower compared to the Sabi Sand and Timbavati Game Reserves, as there is less water in Manyeleti. However, the flip side is it is even quieter in terms of visitor numbers.
Tourism in general is less well developed in Manyeleti, and the reason can be found in the dark history of South Africa. In the apartheid years Manyeleti was the only game reserve where non-whites were welcome. The Kruger National Park was inaccessible for them at that time. In all those years the government only invested very little money in the area's development: ironically Manyeleti now is picking the fruits when you are looking for the ultimate bush experience, away from the crowds. The land is owned and managed by the local Mnisi tribe and the land is leased out on a concession basis.
Wildlife
Manyeleti is prime Big 5 territory, offering excellent wildlife viewing possibilities. Other animals found here are giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and different antelope abound, and cheetah are also regulars. With over 300 recorded species of birds, it’s pretty good for a bit of twitching too.
Accommodation & Activities
With just five lodges and camps, Manyeleti has a very low lodge density and hence, very low vehicle levels too. Activities include the usual morning and afternoon safaris drives in open 4x4 vehicles, as well as bush walks. And of course, star gazing at 'The place of Stars' is fantastic. At Tintswalo you can ask one of the guides to explain the twinkly starts to you after dark. You can also prebook a visit of the nearby Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre & Cheetah Research Project and hot air ballooning at additional cost.
How to get there
The closest airport is Hoedspruit Airport. And for those on a budget, or who simply like to travel overland to also see something of the land in-between the airports, we can organise private or shared road transfers, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route.
The landscape here is a mix of hills and thick thorn-scrub, modest open grasslands and seasonal rivers and wildlife viewing is very reliable all year. The chances of seeing large predators are a bit lower compared to the Sabi Sand and Timbavati Game Reserves, as there is less water in Manyeleti. However, the flip side is it is even quieter in terms of visitor numbers.
Tourism in general is less well developed in Manyeleti, and the reason can be found in the dark history of South Africa. In the apartheid years Manyeleti was the only game reserve where non-whites were welcome. The Kruger National Park was inaccessible for them at that time. In all those years the government only invested very little money in the area's development: ironically Manyeleti now is picking the fruits when you are looking for the ultimate bush experience, away from the crowds. The land is owned and managed by the local Mnisi tribe and the land is leased out on a concession basis.
Wildlife
Manyeleti is prime Big 5 territory, offering excellent wildlife viewing possibilities. Other animals found here are giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and different antelope abound, and cheetah are also regulars. With over 300 recorded species of birds, it’s pretty good for a bit of twitching too.
Accommodation & Activities
With just five lodges and camps, Manyeleti has a very low lodge density and hence, very low vehicle levels too. Activities include the usual morning and afternoon safaris drives in open 4x4 vehicles, as well as bush walks. And of course, star gazing at 'The place of Stars' is fantastic. At Tintswalo you can ask one of the guides to explain the twinkly starts to you after dark. You can also prebook a visit of the nearby Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre & Cheetah Research Project and hot air ballooning at additional cost.
How to get there
The closest airport is Hoedspruit Airport. And for those on a budget, or who simply like to travel overland to also see something of the land in-between the airports, we can organise private or shared road transfers, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route.
MANYELETI ITINERARIES
Please find sample itineraries for the 2 lodges we promote in Manyeleti below. At the bottom of the page you will also find a button leading to some combination itineraries with other Greater Kruger Reserves as well as other areas in South and Southern Africa and for bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
4-day Manyeleti Safari with Buffelshoek Camp
including return airport transfers from ZAR 13,700 per person sharing interactive itinerary here |
4-day Manyeleti Safari with Tintswalo Safari Lodge
including return airport transfers from ZAR 44,000 per person sharing interactive itinerary here |
For more same-quality itineraries in the Greater Kruger area and also for some longer Greater Kruger as well as South Africa & Southern Africa combination itineraries please click on the buttons below, or contact us directly for a bespoke itinerary.
