​Overview – Manyeleti GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip is author of ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

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.

 
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Best Time To Go May to September (Dry season)
High Season October to March (It never gets very crowded)
Size 230km² / 89mi²
Altitude 361-466m / 1,184-1,529ft
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Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
  • Day and night drives and walking safaris available
  • Part of the immense Greater Kruger ecosystem
  • Three lodges to choose from catering to different budgets
  • Quieter than Sabi Sands and Timbavati
  • No budget or self-drive options
  • There is less wildlife than in nearby Sabi Sands because of water limitations

Manyeleti GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

Manyeleti boasts the Big Five and all other big safari animals. Leopard are relatively easy to spot, and a wide variety of antelope and grazers roam the area. The emphasis tends to be on a rounded bush experience instead of just checking off flagship species.

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.

Weather & Climate

Because the Wet season (October to April) coincides with summer in Manyeleti, these months are consistently hot and humid. Temperatures occasionally get up to a scorching 40°C/104°F, though the daytime average is typically 32°C/90°F. The heat and the rain peak in January and February. The winter months (May to September) are much more pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F during the day.

Best Time To Visit

The Dry season, which stretches from May to September, offers the best weather for wildlife watching, although the mornings can be chilly. Come towards the end of the season, ideally in September, if you like to stay warm. It’s also at this time of year that the wildlife is easier to spot, as opposed to the wetter months (October to April) when the bush is thick, and animals are harder to see.

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Manyeleti Safaris

Manyeleti GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Stephen Cunliffe  –  
South Africa ZA

Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

In the Shadow of the Sabi Sands
3/5

The 23,000ha unfenced Manyaleti Game Reserve enjoys an enviable location sandwiched between Kruger to the east, Sabi Sands to the South and the Timbivati to the north. The Manyaleti area lacks the infrastructure and development of its more...

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Latest User Review
Colette  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Jul 13, 2024
5/5

I loved my time here. We were able to off road and get relatively close to lions and a leopard. So exciting! I’d definitely go back again.

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