Welcome to Olifants West Nature Reserve, a hidden gem on the western boundary of the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Nestled within the renowned Greater Kruger conservation area, this 7,500-hectare reserve offers a truly wild and immersive Big 5 safari experience in a private and unspoiled setting.
Discover Untouched Wilderness in Greater Kruger
Located just 20 km from Hoedspruit, the vibrant safari hub of Limpopo, Olifants West offers easy access while immersing you in a world of wilderness. Here, open landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a commitment to eco-tourism converge to create an unforgettable African safari experience.
Game drives, guided bush walks, and specialist birding safaris bring you up close to Africa’s iconic wildlife – from towering giraffes and zebra herds to elusive leopards, wild dogs, and the full Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The reserve is home to more than 30 mammal species and over 220 bird species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers and nature photographers alike.
The result of this groundbreaking conservation effort is an unrestricted wilderness – a haven for keystone species such as the iconic “Big 5.” Along with over 30 mammal species, from towers of giraffe to dazzles of zebra, iconic predators such as leopard and wild dog also occur and freely roam the reserve.
The sub-tropical Lowveld eco-zone boasts an impressive biodiversity in both fauna and flora. With over 336 documented tree species in the region, ranging from ancient Baobabs to the iconic Marula, the dominant woody savannah is accentuated with plenty to see and accommodates an impressive diversity of bird life. For the avid birder there are over 220 documented species to be found. Various raptors, such as the endangered Lappet-Faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Martial Eagle, can be observed. This extends to larger birds, such as the Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Saddle-Billed Stork, amongst a plethora of other species.
Rivers and occasional watering holes are sanctuaries for an eclectic array of wildlife. Pods of hippo, crocodile and frequenting elephants often make for an intimate viewing experience. These interactions are often heard in the evening, where the characteristic whooping of scavenging hyena are also often complimented by the guttural roar of lions.
Located within close proximity to the conservation hub of Hoedspruit (20km), the reserve is easily accessible, yet the acoustics of the wilderness and striking visuals of the adjacent Drakensburg Mountains cannot but make one feel secluded and very much attune with the surrounding wilderness.
