Manyeleti Game Reserve

Quick Facts

  • Country: South Africa
  • Size: 23,000 hectares (230 km²)
  • Established: 1963
  • Provinces: Mpumalanga
  • Wildlife: High concentration of lions; ±145 mammal and 300+ bird species.
  • Malaria Zone: Low risk; prophylaxis recommended.
  • GPS Coordinates: 24°30′S 31°25′E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced border with Kruger and Sabi Sand.
  • Habitat: Primarily open grass savannah with scattered shrubs.
  • Best Time to Visit: May–September for prime game viewing and walking safaris; December–March for green-season beauty and migratory birds.

Overview

Manyeleti means "Place of the Stars." It is community-owned and remains one of the least commercialized reserves in the Greater Kruger. It offers the same wildlife as its famous neighbors but with a Fraction of the vehicle traffic.

Location & Access

  • Location: Between Sabi Sand and Timbavati.
  • Access:
  • Air: Hoedspruit (HDS) or Skukuza (SZK) airports.
  • Road: Access is via the Orpen Gate road (Manyeleti Main Gate).

Habitat & Landscapes

Primarily Open Savannah with patches of Grasland and dense thicket. It lacks a permanent river like the Sand River, so wildlife activity is focused around man-made dams and natural "pans."