Kruger Klaserie
OVERVIEW
Klaserie, one of largest private reserves in South Africa…
The Klaserie Game Reserve was established in 1972 as part of the greater Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa, being 60,000 hectares (or 148,000 acres). This vast tract of preserved land has some beautiful trees and riverine vegetation near the magnificent Klaserie River. It has an open fenceless border to the Kruger National Park in the north, and the Timbavati to the south-east.
This river is a mecca for a vast array of wildlife which includes the so-called Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). At the river, you may see large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as many hippo pods. The Klaserie reserve offers a diverse habitat, from flat plains to rocky outcrops to hilly landscapes. Here you’ll encounter a wonderful supporting cast of giraffe, zebra, warthogs, hyena and many antelope species.
The Klaserie also protects sustainable populations of many endangered species such as wild dog, saddle-billed storks and southern ground hornbills
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Why we love it
Beautiful Nature
Beautiful terrain with lots of mature Leadwood and Tamboti trees
Big Five
Big Five Reserve, see elephants, rhino, lions, leopards and buffalo.
Bush Walks
Focus on bush walks as well as game drives at many Klaserie lodges
Giving Back
Home to several conservation and community empowerment projects
LoCATION
How to get to the Klaserie…
The Klaserie Private Game Reserve lies approx 520km north-east from Johannesburg, and is part of the Greater Kruger. The closest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (1 hour from our Klaserie safari lodges). There are direct flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town into Hoedspruit. We offer complimentary transfers into our camps from Eastgate airport.
Johannesburg to the Klaserie lodges takes at least 6½ hours, (as the final stretch is slow driving once you are IN the reserve). For specific driving directions, look at How to Get There on each of our lodge pages and/or download the directions
Closest Airport
Hoedspruit
Drive time from Hoedspruit
1 hour
Dry Season
Apr to Oct
Wet Season
Nov to Mar
(periodic)
Best Time to visit the Klaserie Private Game Reserve
The Klaserie has a typical sub-tropical climate with warm, wet summer and dry but sunny winters. It is in the summer rainfall region of South Africa.
Verdant Summer
The Klaserie Game Reserve has a summer rainfall climate which usually starts somewhere between late October and early November. It’s usually comes as late afternoon or evening thunderstorms which are actually welcome. As the rain cools the air and ensure lush vegetation at this time of year. The rains are heaviest in January and February. Temperatures are hot and humid during the day. And it stays warm in the Klaserie into the evening and night. The bush comes alive after the dry winter. Yes, it’s a little harder to spot the wildlife during this time as the grasses are longer. However, birding in the Klaserie is excellent with many summer migrants arriving. Plus this is the time when babies are being born which is lovely to see. And keen photographers love the interesting cloud shapes and striking colours of the summer months.
Rain ceases
This is the start of the dry season. Usually by mid-March the rains have stopped, which makes game-viewing much easier. The landscape is still green and lush but the grasses start dying down. Luckily now the sunsets are particularly good, as the skies are clearer. Nights remain pleasantly warm. And the drier weather means the malaria risk becomes much lower.
Peak game-viewing
The Klaserie has a dry winter climate with virtually no rain for months. This is the best time for game-viewing as the bush is less dense, making for better visibility. And the animals need to come to the rivers and waterholes to drink. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant (23-25c) with sunny skies for days on end. But after the sun sets, you’ll need to have warm clothes to hand, as the temperature drops quickly. Early morning game drives are also a bit chilly. However, it starts warming up from August onwards.
Prime safari & heating up
The spring months of mid-August to October are the tail-end of the dry season in the Klaserie Game Reserve. (So not the classic ‘spring’ weather you may be used to!) But it remains a very good time for a safari. As more and more the animals need to head for the increasingly scarce water sources, where our Klaserie safari lodges are situated. It’s perfect for those who like warmer night-time temperatures as it starts heating up fast in late September and October, prior to the start of the summer rains. With the build-up of humidity, October tends to be hot!
HIGHLIGHT 1
Wild Dog
African wild dogs, which used to be known as ‘painted wolves’, are Southern Africa’s most endangered large carnivore. With their unique and striking coat patterns, their intelligence and their highly interactive and caring nature, wild dogs are truly one of the most awe inspiring species to be seen in the Klaserie (and also in the Timbavati). The Klaserie has become known for several wild dog groups in recent years. However wild dogs like to roam over vast distances so sightings can never be guaranteed. See the Klaserie reserve for more info.
HIGHLIGHT 2
Birding in the Klaserie
Bird-watching in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve is varied and rewarding. Amongst the 350 species, there’s a wide array of owls, eagles, kingfishers and other water-birds. At night, the distinct bushveld call of the Scops owl can be heard. Martial eagle, Lappet faced vulture, Saddle-billed stork and Kori bustard are always rewarding to see here. Nesting Verreaux eagle owls as well as two white backed vulture nests are found in our traversing area and we have regular sightings of Pearl spotted owlets. The Klaserie has always been active in supporting both community empowerment and conservation projects with ongoing projects around elephant and ground hornbill conservation. You may wish to visit the Eco-children project during your stay. All in all, a Klaserie safari offers a tranquil game-viewing experience.
HIGHLIGHT 3
Ground Hornbill Project
The Southern Ground-Hornbill is a conservation icon of South African savanna. During the 20th Century its range and population size in South Africa decreased by two thirds. Such a rapid decrease in the population of a long-lived, slow-breeding animal is of great conservation concern. The Klaserie works with the Southern Ground Hornbill Project to help reinstate this beautiful bird in its natural territory.
OUR COLLECTION OF
Kruger Klaserie Lodge(s)
The spacious Simbavati Homestead is our self-catered Lodge…
Combines the intimacy and warmth of a holiday home, with the game experience of a traditional safari lodge. Here, in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, you can have the freedom of the African bush and its magnificent wildlife. But on your terms.
Create your own private bush Retreat…
Simbavati Amani is a charming, intimate safari villa in the peaceful heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, perfect for couples or exclusive use. Though there are only four luxury suites within the homestead, a magnificent double volume sitting room, mezzanine library area, interactive kitchen and bar mean there is generous space to relax.
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