Top 10 wildlife estates in South Africa for 2023

As a follow up to this year’s Africa Wealth Report, wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth has reviewed the top wildlife estates in SA for 2023.

Wildlife estates are often difficult to define. For our purposes, they refer to estates/reserves with abundant wildlife that essentially allow people to buy their own private homes in the wild bush. 

They are currently mainly a South African phenomenon, although they are expected to take off in several other countries over the coming decades, including: Namibia, Kenya, USA, Australia, Canada and Brazil.

READ: SA's top wildlife estates for 2021

As the world’s wild spaces diminish, wildlife estates could play an increasingly big role in conservation, particularly when it comes to birdlife conservation and protecting Africa’s Big 3 Eagles, which are all becoming increasingly endangered.

Ratings criteria include:

• Location, views and scenery.
• Wildlife & birdlife experience.
• Design and space.
• Maintenance.

New World Wealth’s top 10 wildlife estate picks for 2023 are listed below (in no particular order).

Royalston:

Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate is located just outside of Port Elizabeth. The estate features a nice mix of forest and grassland vegetation and is a sanctuary for many rare species, including the Sable Antelope, Gemsbok, Golden Wildebeest, Black Impala, Knysna Woodpecker, Crowned Eagle, Caracal and the Honey Badger.

This newly built home in Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate offers a formal lounge, dining room, TV lounge, kitchen and scullery, a lovely built-in braai is found in the u-shaped courtyard area. Click here to view.

To view properties in Royalston Coastal Wildlife Estate click here.

Elephant Point:

Elephant Point is an impressive and exclusive private reserve bordering the Kruger National Park and situated on the banks of the world famous Sabie River. It is managed by Legacy Private Residences.

Leopard Creek:

Leopard Creek is a golf and wildlife estate near Malelane. Most of its stands are located next to the game fence that overlooks the Crocodile River in Kruger National Park. It is very exclusive and is a top hotspot for the wealthy. The golf course at Leopard Creek is often rated among the world’s best.

Gondwana Private Residences:

Gondwana is an 11,000 hectare game reserve located near Mossell Bay on the Garden Route. The private residences cover a small section of the reserve. Gondwana holds the distinction of being the only Fynbos reserve in the world with free roaming big five game.

A gem of a find in the unprotected area:

A well-loved and thoroughly enjoyed private home is available for purchase in the Fynbos Camp home site node within Gondwana Game Reserve. Set in an unfenced area where large game are regular visitors, this is a great opportunity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to find respite from the cityscape. Click here to view.

To view properties in Gondwana Private Residences click here. 

Mjejane:

Mjejane is a 4,000 hectare game reserve located on the banks of the Crocodile River (near Leopard Creek) and it is open to the Kruger National Park, with no fences between it and South Africa’s main national park. Along with the private homes, there are also several top-end lodges there, including the popular Mjejane River Lodge.

Luxurious lodge with spectacular wildlife views:

Leo Nora Lodge is situated on the banks of the Crocodile River in Mjejane Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The sleek modern exterior and interior design compliment the exquisite bushveld feel of the lodge. The expansive entertainment deck and pool area offers a fire pit and built-in gas barbeque. In addition, four roomy en-suite bedrooms including outdoor showers, a well equipped kitchen and a spacious open plan living area. Click here to view.

Leadwood:

Leadwood Big Game Estate is located within a big game conservancy near Hoedspruit where large animals such as lion, elephant, leopard and rhino roam freely over 5,500 hectares of bushveld between the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.

The Pinnacle of splendor and luxury:

 This 5-bedroom masterpiece in Leadwood Big Game Estate will enhance your life and style. Open plan living areas lead out to entertainment deck including outdoor cocktail bar, fire pit and rim flow swimming pool. The interiors are furnished with luxurious materials and furnishings that create a different atmosphere in each room. Click here to view.

To view properties in Leadwood Big Game Estate click here. 

Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate:

This well-established wildlife estate is located in Hoedspruit, South Africa’s wildlife estate capital. The green belts there seem to go on forever and the estate features some lovely bird hides and walking trails. 

This bed and breakfast establishment is situated in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. It is very well positioned in a quiet street at the bottom of the estate. It is perfect for those wanting to go for nice walks or cycle around the estate to game view. Click here to view.

To view properties in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate click here. 

Likweti:

Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate is a relatively new estate located near White River. The birdlife on the estate is particularly impressive and international bird guide Marc Cronje leads a regular bird walk there, which is highly recommended. There are also two top-end lodges located on the estate, Muluwa Lodge and Ndhula Tented Camp, which both provide great dining and accommodation options.

To view properties in Likweti Bushvel Farm Estate click here. 

Raptor’s View:

Located on the edge of Hoedspruit, Raptor's View was one of the first wildlife estates in South Africa and has been going for over 20 years. The estate is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 200 species recorded to date.

Great location with unsurpassed views:

Looking for the perfect hideaway in nature? Look no further than this stunning three bedroom bush home located in Raptors View Wildlife Estate. From this elevated stand there are breathtaking views of the mountain and the dry river bed in the foreground. This home is the perfect retreat for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Click here to view. 

To view properties in Raptor's View click here. 

Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate:

Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate is located near Hoedspruit. Highlights of the estate include a private airstrip and a beautiful seasonal riverbed that flows through the middle of the estate. The Klein Drakensberg Mountains also provide an inspiring backdrop.

This magnificent home is in the exclusive Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate and it comes fully furnished, decorated and equipped. All you have to do is arrive and unpack your clothes. The Villa consists of four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Click here to view. 

To view properties in Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate click here. 

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