The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve - What you should know!

Where is the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve?

Located in the north-eastern corner of South Africa, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is just a brief drive from Eastgate airport in the popular 'safari town' of Hoedspruit. Arrivals from Johannesburg can choose between a short flight of less than an hour or roughly 5 and a half hours by car – a route well-serviced by private transfer and car rental companies. Klaserie Drift Safari Camps, nestled in the heart of the reserve along the banks of the Klaserie River, is a pleasant hour long drive inside the reserve – with a chance to see the big five and more on your way to us!

The biggest reserve in the Greater Kruger

Did you know the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is the biggest reserve in the Greater Kruger? Coming in at a hefty 60,000 hectares, it offers pristine wilderness as far as the eye can see. More than 50 years ago, a collection of private landowners made the prescient decision to pull down fences between their respective properties. Together, they formed a reserve to protect the nature and wildlife found here for generations to come. Since that day, more landowners have joined and the reserve famously removed its fences with the Kruger National Park – finally becoming the iconic Klaserie Game Reserve that we know and love today.

Big Five and more

Thanks to having unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is home to the iconic ‘big five’ of elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard – as well as so much more. African wild dog, hippo, giraffe, zebra, hyena, a multitude of antelope in all shapes and sizes…the list goes on. Not to mention the mind-boggling array of colourful birdlife, fascinating reptiles and mesmerising mini-beasts that make this a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Low-density tourism

With air travel becoming ever more accessible, the idea of a safari holiday is becoming ever more popular. With such demand, more and more lodges are entering the market – and, in some places, more safari vehicles than ever are being carted out on a daily basis. Though fantastic for business, there comes a point when the element of wilderness is lost. In the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, the ethos of low-density tourism means that our guests can sometimes go an entire game drive without seeing another person or vehicle.
 
This not only safeguards the authentic ‘wild and free’ experience that so many nature-lovers seek out, but also preserves the integrity of the wilderness itself. Less vehicles means less pollution and less damage to the roads and surrounding bushveld – all part of the conservation focus behind the Klaserie Reserve.

Unparalleled natural beauty

Lastly, one of the things we love most about our home here in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is that it is truly a place of unparalleled natural beauty. Looming rocky outcrops, gigantic trees, open floodplains, sandy drainage-lines, peaceful dams and endless nature at every turn. At Klaserie Drift, we are especially fortunate to have the largest frontage of the Klaserie river of all lodges – something that not only offers a feast for the eyes but also draws in wildlife from all across the reserve. Our guests can even enjoy it from the comfort of the lodge – spotting wildlife from our very own pool deck or the River-view suites.
 
Want to know more about the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve? Our team are always on hand to inform and guide you.

Words Emily Whiting | Photos Roaming media and Emily Whiting