The Kruger National Park in one of the best known game reserves in the world, where you'll see a host of wild animals. Among them, you'll be able to spot the Big 5.

The Kruger, in search of the Big 5

Even though Robben Island and Mvezo provide poignant links to Nelson Mandela, spending time exploring his history in Johannesburg will also show you how Madiba spent several years.

Johannesburg, in search of Mandela

Stretching well over 200km, the Drakensberg range is a mind blowing blend of peaks and troughs. Numerous trails run along the length of this hiking paradise.

Hiking through South Africa's Drakensberg

Durban is the biggest town in KwaZulu-Natal. Sitting on the Sunshine Coast, by the Indian Ocean, its American/Australian beach culture attracts surfers and water sports fans from all over the world.

Durban and water sports in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Graskop

Hoedspruit

Mpumalanga

Located around 200 km from Nelspruit, Balule is a private nature reserve that has the advantage of being directly adjoined to Kruger National Park.

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I visited Balule Nature Reserve on my last <a href="/south-africa/">trip to South Africa</a>. I may as well tell you straight away that the animals are less visible here than at Kruger. However, I did still manage to see hippo, rhino, zebra (though not in large herds), giraffe, etc. Nevertheless, and without wanting to be too quick to draw conclusions – because it's not a zoo here, and luck plays a large part in what you get to see – I did find it quite disappointing. I have to admit, however, that this is quite paradoxical, because although I've had the pleasure of going on several safaris at some of Africa's most beautiful reserves, it was actually at Balule where I had one of the most wonderful experiences of all my travels. Balule is actually located on an elephant migration route, and some of these animals approached so close that they were just a metre away from us. A simple electric fence around the camp was the only thing keeping us apart. I could feel a rush of adrenaline during this encounter. It was one of those magical moments. In conclusion, and though it's difficult to predict what you're going to see when you spend a day on safari, opt for Kruger instead.

Located around 200 km from Nelspruit, Balule is a private nature reserve that has the advantage of being directly adjoined to Kruger National Park.

Balule Holidays

Visit Balule

Balule: How to get there?

Balule: See when to go?

Balule: For how long?

Balule: What to see nearby?

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