Chapman Freeborns Safari Guide

Chapman Freeborn’s Safari Guide

Safari reserves

South Africa features a wide range of safari experiences, in a variety of settings, from savannah, to mountain, and marshland. Getting there couldn’t be easier with Chapman Freeborn, who offer private or group charter flights to the private airstrips located in each reserve.

Having booked your flights, you need to find a lodge that has the luxury you’re looking for, in a reserve containing the animals you want to see. Make sure you see the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo - but also look out for the game reserves that are home to the ‘Super Seven,’ including cheetahs and Wild dogs, so you get the complete safari experience.

Whatever you choose you don’t have to compromise between seeing the animals on your bucket list and unique, luxury surroundings.

Residences feature private plunge pools and outdoor showers, gourmet dining, and even lounges overlooking nearby waterholes – so you sometimes don’t need to leave your room to see the plethora wildlife.

The choice of activities the lodges offer can be overwhelming. As well as twice daily game drives, you can expect to camp beneath the stars, relax in the resort spa, and participate in nature walks as well as conservation courses.

If you have a young family, there are residences that cater for that too, which feature Junior Ranger packages to ensure your children get a fun and educational experience. But whatever your age, listen to the expert rangers and trackers to learn about the flora and fauna, and crucially, to help you avoid getting eaten!

For more information on how we can help you with your travel requirements, contact +27(0)10 447 8844 or email africa@chapmanfreeborn.aero


Below is a map with information on four South African game reserves. Click on the numbers to view more about the reserves.

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Tswalu

Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa, and is part of the Diamond Route. Unique to the reserve is the archaeology of the nomadic San people.

Key facts:

  • 114,000 hectares
  • Served by the Tswalu airstrip
  • In the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape
  • Home to lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinos, plus the endangered African wild dogs
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Madikwe

Madikwe is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa – created as part of Operation Phoenix – the largest re-population of animals by humans.

Key facts:

  • 114,000 hectares
  • Two airstrips; one in the east, one in the west
  • In the Kalahari transition zone, bordering Botswana
  • Home to all the ‘Super 7’, as well as 350 species of bird
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Phinda

Phinda features an incredible variety of animal species, habitat, and lodges – suitable whatever you’re looking for – while maintaining the luxury you would expect.

Key facts:

  • 28,555 hectares
  • A single private airstrip, close to all lodges
  • In the east KwaZulu-Natal region, near the Indian Ocean
  • Home to the ‘Big 5’, across seven different ecosystems
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Sabi Sands

Possibly the most famous game reserve, Sabi Sands is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, and is served by a number of airstrips

Key facts:

  • 63,000 hectares
  • Served by five local airstrips
  • Borders the south-western section of the Kruger National Park
  • Home to over 500 species, including the ‘Big 5’
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