Tintswalo Safari Lodge
An Untouched African Wilderness
Reasons to Visit Manyeleti Game Reserve
- * Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present * Day and night drives and walking safaris are available * Part of the immense Greater Kruger ecosystem * Three lodges to choose from catering to different budgets * Quieter than Sabi Sands and Timbavati * Is a bonus for birders
Manyeleti Game Reserve Wildlife
Manyeleti is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem and offers a very genuine bush experience. Wildlife viewing is a bit slower here than in some top private reserves such as neighboring Timbavati. Although all of the Big Five are present, the emphasis is more on looking at all wild creatures big and small.
Black RhinoRare
BuffaloOccasional
CheetahOccasional
ElephantOccasional
GiraffeOccasional
HippoOccasional
HyenaOccasional
LeopardOccasional
LionOccasional
RhinoRare
Wild DogOccasional
WildebeestCommon
ZebraCommon
Wildlife Highlights
The reserve offers a good environment for plains game such as Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest. Big cats can be hard to find, but look out for cheetahs in the open areas. Black-backed and side-striped jackals can often be seen trotting along, and unusual antelope such as greater kudu, nyala, and the rare sable antelope can also be spotted.With more than 450 bird species recorded, Manyeleti is a great birding destination. A bonus for birders is that the focus here is less on checking off the Big Five animals, as is the case in a lot of other private game reserves. The combination of open-vehicle drives and walking safaris is ideal to observe a lot of species. Night drives offer an opportunity to spot nocturnal birds. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Best Time to Visit Manyeleti Game Reserve
Best Time to Visit
Best Weather
Worst Weather
The winter months of May to September are the best time to visit Manyeleti. This coincides with the Dry season, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. Vegetation thins and animals seek waterholes and other sources of water making them easier to spot. September is probably the best month of all since it tends to be warmer than the other months.
Low Season
- April to September (Premium wildlife viewing)
High Season
- October to March (It never gets very crowded)
Manyeleti Game Reserve Weather and Climate
Winter and summer in Manyeleti are opposite to those seasons in Europe and North America. Winter (May to September) brings the Dry season, while summer (October to April) brings the Wet season. Summer months are hot and humid, and winters are mild and dry. Warm clothing for early morning and night game drives is advisable, especially in the winter months.
How to get to Manyeleti Game Reserve
The entry point to South Africa for those traveling to Manyeleti is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Connecting flights from there can be taken to Hoedspruit Airport, located 44km/27 mi from the reserve. Pick-up and transportation to the reserve from the airport are easily arranged.By Air
There are domestic flights to access this region or you can opt for a scenic self-drive from the airport.By Road
* There is an excellent tar road from Johannesburg (about a sixhour drive) that leads you to Manyeleti.* The last eight kilometres inside the Manyeleti Reserve concerns an untarred road (which can be driven in a regular 2×4 vehicle).* The Manyeleti access gate is very close to Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate.* When travelling on the R40 between Hazyview and Phalaborwa one turns left at the Orpen signpost and continues until you see the Manyeleti Reserve sign (after approximately 36 kilometres).* Pass the South African Wildlife College on your left and just further on turn right to enter the Manyeleti Game Reserve.* Proceed on for 200 meters to the Manyeleti entrance gate where an entrance fee is payable.* If you miss the turnoff to the Manyeleti you will arrive at Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park some 4 kilometres further. You will need to turn around and find the Manyeleti reserve entrance on the left-hand side as you head back.Where to stay in Manyeleti Game Reserve