Welcome to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Here in the heart of South Africa, you will find a land that is both enchanting and untamed. When I first set foot in the Pride Lands, I couldn’t help but be captivated by its raw beauty and rich biodiversity. The Klaserie Reserve is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. It offers a truly authentic safari experience, where you can witness the wonders of the African wilderness up close and personal.
The Klaserie Reserve is known for its vast stretch of untouched wilderness spanning over 600 square kilometers. I was amazed to discover that this reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, providing animals with a vast area to roam freely. This means that you have the opportunity to encounter the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos – in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in the wild is unparalleled.
But the Klaserie Reserve offers more than just thrilling wildlife sightings. It is a place of serenity and tranquility, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The reserve is home to a variety of ecosystems, including open plains, riverine forests, and towering mountain ranges. Exploring these diverse landscapes and immersing myself in nature brought me a sense of peace and wonder.
One of the things that sets the Klaserie Reserve apart is its commitment to conservation and community empowerment. The reserve aims to protect its natural resources and promote sustainable tourism practices. By visiting the Klaserie Reserve, you are contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem and supporting local communities. It’s a win-win situation.
There are several lodges and camps in the Klaserie Reserve that offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury safari lodges to rustic bush camps. No matter your preference, you are sure to find a place that caters to your needs. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush and waking up to breathtaking sunrises – it’s a truly magical experience.
If you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, a visit to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is a must. Whether you’re embarking on a game drive, going on a walking safari, or simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings, you’ll be left with memories that will last a lifetime. So come, step into the Pride Lands of the Klaserie and embark on the safari of a lifetime.
Remember that scene in The Lion King? When Mufasa tells Simba, “Everything the light touches is yours”? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I gazed upon the majestic Klaserie River in the Klaserie Game Reserve.
As I drove up a ridge in my trusty 1988 V8 Land Rover and looked down upon the Klaserie River, I felt a surge of emotion. It was like stepping into a scene from the Lion King, with Simba standing proudly beside his father. The golden rays of the afternoon sun bathed the landscape, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. The river sparkled like a thousand diamonds, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
Turning off the engine, I let the symphony of birdsong fill the air as I attempted to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Klaserie Pride Lands with my camera.
Hey there! I’m Bruce, and my lovely wife Judy and I are the proud owners and hosts of nDzuti Safari Camp. We’ve been immersed in the incredible beauty of this 60,000-hectare private reserve for many years now, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure!
We’ve had our fair share of safari ventures over the years, and each one has been a unique and memorable experience. We love sharing our knowledge and passion for this incredible place with our guests. It’s like a second home to us, and we’re thrilled to welcome you into our wild and wonderful world.
One of the most extraordinary days we had was when we spent hours at the dam, simply mesmerized by the incredible sight before us. Animals of all shapes and sizes came flocking to the waters to quench their thirst. It was a truly magical experience.
Unlike other safaris, where the guides are constantly on the radio to chase after every sighting, we prefer to take a more relaxed approach. We’re firm believers in the power of patience and giving nature the space it needs to unfold before our eyes. Of course, our daughter Sabre keeps us updated on any fascinating sightings she comes across during her drives, but we enjoy taking the time to just soak in the beauty and tranquility of the reserve.
So, if you’re looking for an authentic safari experience, where you can truly connect with nature and witness the wonders of the animal kingdom firsthand, then nDzuti Safari Camp is the place for you. We can’t wait to share this incredible journey with you!
As I focused my attention on the birdlife, I couldn’t help but notice a rather bold African spoonbill exploring the shallows, moving swiftly around the dam. When I took a step back and observed everything around me, it became clear that we had stumbled upon something amazing. A few giraffes cautiously made their way to the water’s edge, unsure if they should bend down and drink. Red-billed oxpeckers clung to their backs, chirping loudly, while kudu and impala peeked out from the trees, a bit camera-shy. I spotted a buffalo weaver’s nest perched atop a tree on a small island, and glossy starlings flew through the air, their vibrant blue feathers sparkling in the sunlight.
I watched with curiosity as the giraffes sidled away from the spoonbill, uncertain about its presence. They retreated from the edge of the dam, creating a wide berth for the small bird to maneuver and filter through the water at its own pace.
Hey there! Have you ever seen the yellow-billed hornbill? You might know him as Zazu from The Lion King. Well, let me tell you, this bird knows how to put on a show! With wings spread wide and a loud, melodious song, he steals the spotlight.
I spotted a crested francolin that posed for a photo.
There was so much commotion at the edge of the dam that I didn’t notice a group of 4 or 5 hippos lounging in the shallow water. Hippos, the third-largest land animals in the world, have incredibly heavy hides that can weigh up to half a ton. Although the adult hippos with their tusks can be intimidating, the sight of their calves relaxing on their mothers’ backs is undeniably cute. These hippos expressed their dominance over the dam by vocalizing loudly (although the fearless spoonbill didn’t seem concerned). They enjoyed the heat of the day while staying comfortably cool.
As I gazed across the dam wall, I couldn’t believe my eyes. A group of male elephants, known as a bachelor herd, were munching away on the foliage of the trees nearby. It was a delightful sight to see, especially because these elephants would soon join the other animals at the waterhole. They lined up in a strict order of dominance and began to quench their thirst.
The leader of the herd, a magnificent bull with impressive ivory and an imposing size, caught my attention. I held my breath, not wanting to disturb the unfolding spectacle before me. From our vantage point on the opposite bank, my companions and I observed the intriguing interaction between this elder bull and his loyal companions.
What caught my eye was when the largest tusker in the group encouraged the smallest bull to venture into the water up to his knees. It was a mesmerizing display of dominance, a sight I’ve rarely had the privilege to witness before.
When a baby hippo finds itself in water that’s too deep, it faces a conundrum: how to stay safe while also enjoying the warmth of the sun. Luckily, the solution is simple: the baby hippo can climb onto its mother’s back. By doing so, it not only stays protected but also gets to soak up the sun’s rays.
When I think about oxpeckers, I can’t help but picture their little bodies hopping around on the backs of these gentle bathers. It’s quite a sight to see. It’s almost as if the bathers are providing a buffet for the oxpeckers.
I watched as the older bull gently pressed his trunk against the smallest elephant’s back, urging him to join the others in the water. I couldn’t tell if this was an act of aggression or affection, but I figured it was the former – a display of dominance.
After tearing ourselves away from the dam, we came across a group of zebras that had been keeping their distance from the rest of the animals. Their round bellies and distinct stripes created a beautiful sight, and amidst the clicking of cameras, Judy pointed out that one of the females was expecting a baby. Speaking of young ones, we were lucky enough to stumble upon a baby giraffe and its mother just outside of our camp; it couldn’t have been more than a month old!
As I stepped onto the wooden footbridge, I was greeted by the warm glow of lanterns that lit up the night. At Dzuti Safari Camp, the magic of Africa came alive. The wildness of the riverbed contrasted with the pristine beauty of the manor house and its green garden.
My first stop was the deck, where lantern light created an enchanting ambiance. As I settled into a canvas safari chair, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. The crackling fire added to the cozy atmosphere, making me feel right at home.
The wildlife didn’t waste any time in making their presence known. A pair of spotted hyenas, accompanied by two side-striped jackals and a surprisingly large civet, made their way to the waterhole. It was a fascinating sight, observing these creatures in their natural habitat.
But the real highlight of the evening was yet to come. Just as we were about to indulge in a delicious dinner, we were treated to an incredible sound. It was the distinctive rasping call of a leopard, piercing through the stillness of the night. It was like the sound of a saw cutting through wood, both mesmerizing and spine-tingling.
As I sat there, surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Dzuti Safari Camp had truly provided an unforgettable experience, one that I would cherish for a lifetime.
The nDzuti Safari Camp manor house and gardens are absolutely stunning and full of charm.
As we enjoyed our post-dinner drinks (while sitting around the cozy boma fire outside), we were suddenly greeted by the eerie laughter of hyenas echoing through the darkness. The sound was both crystal clear and incredibly close, gradually growing louder right outside our fenced-in area. Bruce decided to turn off the light at the waterhole, and we sat there in complete darkness, enthralled by the escalating chorus of excited yelps emanating from the night.
I had the pleasure of spending two marvelous nights at nDzuti Safari Camp with its warm and hospitable hosts. It was a truly unique experience that allowed me to truly immerse myself in the beauty of Klaserie. I can’t wait to visit again and hopefully catch a glimpse of the River Pride, the majestic rulers of this incredible land.
Hey there! I want to introduce you to Bruce and Judy. You can meet them in wildlife photographer Kevin MacLaughlin’s awesome video. It’s a fantastic experience!
By the way, this post is sponsored by Sun Safaris. They’re experts in creating custom tours in Southern and East Africa. They’re based in the cool city of Cape Town, right near Table Mountain. Be sure to check out Sun Safaris on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. They’ve got lots of great stuff!
