National Parks & Private Game Reserves
Parks and reserves offer an eclectic range of safari and game viewing experiences. Timing, budget, interests and research are all issues to consider when choosing your wildlife adventure. A national park will have more developed recreational infrastructure; generally, they are declared public education and recreation centers. Accommodations vary from tent camps to reasonably priced guesthouses, cottages and chalets, generally with kitchens, bathrooms and showers. Because these parks are so popular, reservations should be made well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during December and January. A private reserve is set up to protect and research specific habitats; many are owned by non-governmental bodies, and offer personalized service with highly trained naturalist guides. In South Africa, many of the private game reserves are situated in Mpumalanga on the western border of Kruger National Park, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and in the Eastern Cape. International visitors often choose private reserves for their dense concentrations of wildlife, personalized service, and first class accommodations.

Self-drive or with a Ranger? 
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia all have wonderful national parks that allow visitors to see game by car. With a few tips (on the psychology of elephants and cars) and a good map, a self-drive safari is the most independent and affordable way see wildlife. Some national parks offer organized game drives and hikes. First on many travelers' lists of "must sees," Kruger National Park is the crown jewel of South Africa and one of the top ten national parks in the world. Roads within the park are excellent. Guided vehicle tours, self-drive tours, and guided foot safaris on designated trails are all available.

Private Safaris 
Private game reserves and lodges provide a greater selection of accommodations and safari experiences. They are deservedly reputed for exceptional personal service, warm hospitality and superb cuisine. Diverse accommodation ranges from rustic understated comfort to exclusive luxury. All private lodges use open vehicles for better viewing and mobility. Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris from open Land Rovers with fully qualified rangers and trackers who willingly share their knowledge of the bush. For the more adventurous, there are bush walks tailored to guests' requirements. 

Activities: The day usually begins with an early morning game drive (around 5 a.m.). Return for brunch at the lodge at about 10 a.m. Relax around the pool, or enjoy a game walk with your ranger. After a delicious lunch, and afternoon tea at 3:30 p.m., there's an evening game drive, including sundowners and snacks deep in the African bush. Return for a magnificent dinner in the dining area at the lodge, or around the "boma," a reed enclosed campfire.

Planning a Safari
Usually, a 3 days & 2 nights stay is recommended in each game park or reserve. The best time is probably between April and November, as the months of December, January and February can be hot and humid. Winters (June - August) are mild and have the advantage of being dry; trees have no leaves and the game gathers around the few remaining water sources. Prices are lower at this time of year, but it can get very cold. A happy compromise may be spring and autumn (October and April).

Kruger National Park is extremely hot in summer (December—March), with afternoon rain a good possibility. Bird life is prolific, but again, animals are harder to spot in the dense foliage. Winter is great for game-viewing, and lodges drop their rates as much as 30%—40%. Drawbacks are the cold weather and animals that look thin and out of condition. A happy compromise are the months of October and November when the weather is pleasant. Trees are blossoming, migrant birds are arriving, and antelope herds begin to drop their young. April temperatures are also fine, many migrant birds are still around, and the annual rutting season has begun, when males compete for the right to mate with females.

Fly-in Safaris
Thrilling tailor-made camping safaris and unique fly-in safaris are offered. These affordable packages are particularly suited to very remote and inaccessible areas of Africa. It optimizes your time as it allows you to concentrate on game drives and hikes rather than on getting there. It's the most awesome way to see countries like Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe!