Mel du Toit ventured into the heart of South Africa’s wilderness—searching for the Secret Seven, filling her body with delicious food and her soul with magic, and swimming in pools with a view. For research..
As one of our top safari experts in Southern and East Africa, Mel’s first-hand insights help us to design unforgettable, tailor-made safaris for our clients.
Her itinerary was full. She visited seven lodges in four reserves, all in the Greater Kruger Park. In Part One of her travels, we wrote about her experiences in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
In Part Two, we follow as she ventured to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and Kapama Private Game Reserve.
Klaserie also has unfenced borders with Kruger, with the huge amount of wildlife that comes with that. You might see the Secret Seven, often nocturnal, solitary, and shy. They are aardvark, African wild cat, civet, large spotted genet, pangolin, porcupine, and serval. Only the lucky few manage to see these elusive animals.
The reserve has healthy lion prides and leopards. On guided bush walks—not for the under 16s—you get to see tracks, insects, and plants.
Overall, Klaserie’s safari experience is intimate and uncrowded.
Simbavati Camp George
Think essence of Africa—at Simbavati Camp George in Klaserie that’s what you get. It’s named after founder George Huysamer.
The focus is on art, nature, and heritage, giving a front-row seat on the untamed. The gardens are beautiful, too, filled with rare South African cycads.
Camp George offers an exclusive, intimate family safari experience. There are eight luxury suites, making it ideal for multi-generational travel. Children of all ages are welcome on game drives, and if you’ve got a special diet, the chefs are happy to create dishes for you.
Mel’s standout are the gorgeous gardens, complete with swinging chairs.
There are water-facing suites, some with private KolKol hot tubs. The lodge caters to both couples and families, with private dining options.
Book some time in the Shilope Sleepout Deck for an immersive night under the stars. It’s outdoors, but there is no skimping on luxury—think king-sized bed and en-suite facilities.
And there’s a Beach Boma at eye level with the dam’s water. For Mel, the elephants right outside her window were a highlight.
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Kapama is also in the Greater Kruger, spanning more than 15,000ha of pristine bush. It’s fenced, though huge, Mel says, and you don’t feel contained. It’s a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, and invites you to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the African bush. Accept the invitation.
There is the offer of a romantic sleepout, completely open to the night sky. The only thing between your pillow and the heavens is a mosquito net strung from the four-poster bed.
You can also book a two-day photographic workshop with a leading South African wildlife photographer. They’re targeted at beginner and intermediate photographers, so it’s okay to arrive armed with nothing but a camera and a passion.
Solo travellers, friends, couples, honeymooners, it’s also for you, but children are a priority.
It’s comparatively big, with 15 standard suites, seven villas (with private lap pools and outdoor showers) and three family villas, each with a pool big enough for all the family.
Kosher meals can be arranged—but give advance warning.
The Big Five are there, as well as about 350 bird species, perfect for the twitchers.
Game drives are with a guide and an assistant guide, and children older than six are welcome. Bush Bumble Drives are designed for children under 6. Feeling energetic? Go on a bush walk.
Mel came back from her trip with deep insight and fresh knowledge, the kind you only get by doing.
You deserve an adventure shaped by real insight, not guesswork, where every detail of your journey is grounded in personal experience. We give you all that, and for peace of mind, complimentary travel insurance, too.
Wherever you lay your head, there is always more magic to be found in Africa; and at SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find it.
Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We’ll guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way—before, during, and long after your journey.
Ready to explore? Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
