EXPERIENCE THE BIG FIVE AND MORE IN SOUTH AFRICA'S KRUGER TO CANYONS BIOSPHERE AT KARONGWE.
All species matter. Big and small.
In Karongwe, every sighting is part of a larger story, reminding us that the wild is not only about Africa’s iconic animals but also about a delicate balance, dazzling variety and the graceful ballet of a healthy biosphere. It is a cradle of possibilities where nature’s dramas play out in headline moments and in the small yet unforgettable footnotes of the bush.
Seasons
OF THE LOWVELD
The Kruger Lowveld changes with each season, and so does the wildlife experience. Each season reveals a different side of Karongwe, ensuring no two safaris are ever the same.
- Spring: Knob-thorn and wild dagga bloom, attracting bees, sunbirds and the return of migratory eagles.
- Summer: Afternoon storms fill rivers and floodplains, impala lambs are born and carmine bee-eaters colour the skies.
- Autumn: Marula fruit draws elephants and herds, while migratory birds begin their journey north.
- Winter: Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at rivers and waterholes, often bringing predators and prey together.
TheIcons
BIG FIVE PLUS
Lions are the only truly social big cats, living in prides where females hunt together and males defend the territory. Their calls can travel for kilometres, reminding you that this land is still ruled by wild voices.
Leopards are solitary and secretive, most often active at night. They hunt by stealth and are strong enough to hoist prey into trees, where they feed unseen, high above the ground.
The largest land mammals, elephants shape their environment every day — pushing over trees, spreading seeds, and digging for water that other animals depend on. Watching a herd move is to watch the landscape being reshaped in real time.
Ancient grazers with prehistoric profiles, rhinos spend much of their day feeding on grasses. At Karongwe they are heavily protected, their presence a hard-won conservation achievement.
Buffalo move in herds that can number from a few individuals to hundreds. Known for their power and unpredictable behaviour, they are a reminder that in the bush, even grazers demand respect.
Built for speed, cheetahs can reach over 100 km/h in short bursts. They rely on open grasslands and careful timing to succeed, and seeing them hunt is one of safari’s most thrilling experiences.
African wild dogs are among the most endangered predators in Africa. Though sightings at Karongwe are rare, each encounter is unforgettable. Watching them hunt in packs reveals extraordinary teamwork — often with more success than lions or leopards
Beyond theIcons
A safari at Karongwe is about more than spotting the Big Five. Antelope herds shape the grasslands and feed the predators. Hyena and vultures recycle what others leave behind, keeping the ecosystem healthy. Elephants open up thickets and spread seeds, creating space for giraffe and birds. Every sighting is part of the circle of life in the bush, showing how predators, prey, and even scavengers all depend on one another.
Karongwe is part of a greater Lowveld landscape, where each day offers opportunities to experience more than sightings. Guests can drift above the bush in a hot air balloon, take a helicopter flight over rivers and ridges, or step quietly onto the land with a guided bush walk. From quiet moments in our wildlife hide to hands-on adventures with the Little Paws children’s programme, Karongwe offers experiences that connect every kind of traveller to the bush in a meaningful way.
AfterDark
Nightlife in the bush
When the sun sets, the reserve transforms. Night drives might reveal leopard on the move, hyena calling across the valleys, or porcupine and civet foraging along the tracks. Owls, bushbabies and other nocturnal species emerge, while overhead the Southern Cross and Milky Way stretch across the sky. A safari at Karongwe is not only about the daylight hours - it’s also about experiencing the bush beneath the constellations of the African night.