Overview–southafrica

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti is a privately owned reserve, situated between Kruger National Park and Timbavati Game Reserve, with open borders to both. It is, therefore, a part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem and it offers an authentic wildlife experience. The reserve is owned and managed by the local Mnisi people. Three privately owned lodges pay concession fees to the local community.

Best Time to Visit

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 for water making them easier to spot. September is probably the best month of all since it tends to be warmer than the other months.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Spotting wildlife is easier as animals seek water and the vegetation thins
It is low season
Bright, clear days
Less humidity and pleasant daytime temperatures
There is virtually no risk of malaria
Dry weather and lots of dust
Game drives in the early morning are cold – bring warm clothes

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Green, fresh scenery
Animals are in good condition, and there are many newborns
A wonderful time for birding with the migratory birds present
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
Camps and roads could get busy, especially during school holidays
It is hot and humid
Antimalarial medication should be taken

Scenery

The main habitats in the parks are grassy plains and mixed woodland. In the rainy season, the vegetation tends to be quite thick. The reserve lacks major rivers, but animals can quench their thirst in a large dam centrally located and several small pans dotted around the bush. Look out for the beautiful leadwood trees along the drainage lines.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Jan

Feb

Dec

Mar

April

Oct

Nov

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: October to March (It never gets very crowded)

Size

From: 230km² / 89mi²

Wildlife & Animals

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.

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.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Overall, the dry months of June through September are the best for wildlife viewing. August to September, when the Dry season ends, is a very enjoyable time since it is warmer than in mid-winter and wildlife is easier to spot because animals tend to cluster around predicable water sources.

General Wheather

Winter and summer in Manyeleti Game Reserve 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.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is virtually no rain during the winter and humidity is very low. Permanent water sources are attractive to animals because water is scarce elsewhere.

May – This month is transitional, marking the end of summer. Temperatures cool to 12°C/54°F during the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Warm clothing is recommended as early morning and night game drives in open vehicles will be cold. Morning temperatures average 11°C/52°F. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (25°C/77°F) with cloud-free skies.
September – The first rains bring relief from the very dry conditions as daytime temperatures increase to around 27°C/81°F. Morning temperatures are warmer, at around 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

The summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Daytime temperatures frequently peak well over 40°C/104°F, but the average is around 32°C/90°F. Humidity is high and afternoon storms are common, although it seldom rains all day.

October & November – Rains come more often, mostly in the afternoon, and it gets warmer. Average temperatures range from 18°C/64°F in the morning to 30°C/86°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These months are the hottest and wettest due to the high humidity and torrential downpours that occur in the afternoon. Temperatures can become hard to bear, as they soar to 40°C/104°F or more. Average temperatures are usually around 33°C/91°F.
March & April – Rain decreases, and it slowly cools down. This trend continues in April and days are clear and sunny with little humidity. Nights are a bit cooler, but still temperate at 15°C/59°F. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F.

Prons

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

Cons

No budget or self-drive options
There is less wildlife than in nearby Sabi Sands because of water limitations

How To Get There

The entry point to South Africa for those traveling to Manyeleti Game Reserve is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. From here you can take a connecting flight to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS), located 44km/27mi from the reserve. A transfer from the airport is easily arranged.

It is also possible to drive to Manyeleti from Johannesburg in a rented car. Manyeleti is located on the R40 close to Hoedspruit, to the west of Kruger National Park. The 450km/280 mi drive takes about 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Your tour operator will usually arrange any charter or regular flight that you may need during your trip. There are several carriers to choose from when booking a domestic flight to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS):

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.