The 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Private Game Reserve is located between the Timbavati and Sabi Sands Game Reserves and borders the world famous Kruger National Park.
Manyeleti Game Reserve near Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of those very special places in the world and is the ultimate African safari destination.
Manyeleti Game Reserve is orbiting the larger Kruger and Sabi Sand reserves in Mpumalanga. This premium ecological habitat borrows much of its energy from the constant hustle and bustle of the unfenced thoroughfare through which trudges the collective wildlife native to this area.
Extremely popular with international travelers, owing to its stripped down decor and authentic bush feel, lodge furnishings at Manyeleti include paraffin lighting, en-suite tents with gas burners and hot and cold running water. Named after the Shangaan people’s word for “Place of Stars”, this romantic destination is spotlit each night in the most unforgettable way – a lifetime away from the glare of harsh city lights. Safari drives and guided walks in the area incorporate extensive game populations. Manyeleti reserve is a rugged and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Seeing the “Big Five” (Big 5) in the wild is one of the most memorable things one can ever experience. The African continent is the only place in the world where big game still roams freely in great numbers. In particular the Kruger National Park area and the neighboring private game reserves are famous for the incredible possibilities seeing the Big Five up close.
The term “Big Five” (Big 5) is reminiscent of the old safari hunting days. The name is not derived from the size of the animals as many people believe. Rather, these five animals proved to be the five animals that were the most difficult to hunt. Manyeleti Game Reserve offers excellent possibilities for viewing Africa’s Big Five.
Leopard
The most elusive of the Big Five (Big 5). The African leopard occurs mostly throughout the whole of Southern Africa. The best chance of seeing them is in trees, which they use as observation platform or as a safe resting place. Leopards are real masters of disguise: if they don’t want to be seen you can be sure not to see them. Manyeleti proves to be a very good place to see these magnificent big cats, leopards are spotted on a very regular basis.
Lion
Masters of the African savannah and probably the most exciting animals that can be seen when on a African safari. Lions usually live in prides that consists of a few females, their cubs and a couple of young males. It is most likely that you will see lion when asleep as they rest up to twenty hours per day. They are most active early morning and at sunset.
Buffalo
Although this animal is sometimes referred to as a bush cow, do not underestimate its capabilities. It has been recorded that an African buffalo can run faster than an astounding 55 kilometres per hour. It is a rather common species that can be found throughout Southern Africa. Male buffalos can weigh up to 700 kilograms. Buffalos can be notoriously bad tempered, especially when cornered or wounded they can become very aggressive.
African Elephant
This grey giant is the largest living land mammal. Also elephants are widepread throughout Southern Africa and live in a variety of different habitats. They can survive in desert environments, but are most commonly found in woodlands, forests and savannahs. Elephants are among the most social animals living in groups up to a hundred individuals. There is nothing more impressive that being amidst a large herd.
Rhinoceros
Two species of rhino can be found in South Africa, the square-lipped (white) rhino and hooked-lipped (black) rhino. These are not names that refer to the colour of the rhino, they both are pretty much grey. The white rhino’s name comes from the Dutch word “wijd”, meaning wide and refers to the wide muzzle of this particular specie. Black rhinos are much less often spotted, also in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. A group of rhinos is referred to as a “crash”.