Safari to Manyeleti

a desperately under-utilised area

Manyeleti Reserve is located in the Kruger area of South Africa.

This large private reserve of around 175 square kilometres borders the main park between the prime Timbavati and Sabi Sand Reserve areas.

The reserve forms part of the western boundary of the greater Kruger protected area, there being no fences between here and the border with Mozambique.

The landscape here is the usual mix of undulating hills and thick thorn-scrub, modest open grasslands and seasonal rivers. Although the animals are free to migrate in and out, wildlife viewing is very reliable year round.

For historical reasons connected to the racial segregation of the apartheid era, this area enjoys very low levels of vehicle traffic.

The best time to visit Kruger is generally considered to be the May-Oct dry season, but (surprisingly) the reserve remains popular year round.

Safari in the Kruger area is much more seasonal than most people would lead you to believe. Trip planning is complicated by the fact that the seasons here are almost diametrically opposite to those down in Cape Town (with which the area is most commonly combined in trips).

Dry winter : Jun/Sep

This period is characterised by a cool dry winter which is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, although day length is relatively short and nights can get very cold. Unfortunately it does coincide with a more conventional cool wet winter in Cape Town.

Hot transition : Oct/Nov

This is the start of the hot wet summer. Wildlife viewing is usually very strong, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the first rains, which usually arrive mid November to cool things down. This coincides with a usually pleasant spring season in Cape Town. October therefore represents an interesting compromise month.

Wet summer : Dec/Mar

This period is characterised by a hot wet summer, which is generally considered to be the most challenging time for wildlife viewing, although sightings should remain reliable in the premium areas. Day length is nice and long, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and rain can be a major issue. However these potentially adverse conditions happen to coincide with a hot dry summer in Cape Town.

Cool transition : Apr/May

This is a period of transition between the hot wet summer and the cool dry winter, with wildlife viewing continuing to improve as the foliage dies back. Day length, temperatures and humidities are all in the middle of their ranges. The period coincides with autumn/fall in Cape Town, making this perhaps the strongest time of year for the combination.

Where to stay

Unfortunately there is also a real shortage of good accommodation options, with Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Tintswalo Manor House being the only really viable options.

only a couple of interesting lodge options