Celebrate World Wildlife Day!

Today, Sunday March 3, is World Wildlife Day. This day celebrates and raises awareness about the diverse and beautiful wildlife roaming our world. It is a day that reminds us of the value that land and sea animals contribute to the ecological and sustainable aspects of development.

The best way to see wildlife is in their natural environment. There are a great selection of South African safari resorts that allow guests to see these beautiful creatures roam free, or exist safely on a reserve. Whether you want to explore on your own or go on a guided safari, these South African timeshare resorts are sure to bring out your wild side!

Bakubung Lodge – Pilanesberg National Park

One of the favorite South African safari resorts is the Bakubung Lodge, located directly on the Pilanesberg National Park in Bojanala, North West. Pilanesberg National Park is a 57,000-hectare reserve where you can see prides of roaming lions, buffalos, rhinoceros, leopards, and giraffes from your room or on a guided tour.

The staff at Bakubung Lodge and Pilanesberg National Park love educating guests about living in harmony with these exquisite creatures. The grounds are home to more than 50 species or large mammals and hundreds of smaller animals. Go out on a Big 5 safari where you can see these animals up close, take photos, and make a lifetime of memories.

Other amenities on the Bakubung Lodge grounds include indoor and outdoor restaurants, live entertainment, sports courts, a gym, the Legacy Balance Spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Doornkop Fish and Wildlife – Rivonia

Doornkop Fish and Wildlife is located near Carolina, Mpumalanga. This family-friendly getaway spot is situated on a beautiful wildlife resort with plenty of opportunities for fishing and exploration.

While the resort does not offer guided tours, you are able to drive around the campus to view the various gaming species and snap some photos. You may encounter such mammals as honey badgers, otters, zebras, giraffes, and many others. Fishing is a big activity at Doornkop Fish and Wildlife with eight trout dams, four catch and release, four keep, and a river for yellow fish. There are even two bass dams for children under 12 to try to reel one in.

Doornkop Fish and Wildlife also offers three marked hiking trails, horseback riding, bird watching, and swimming pools.

Sondela Nature Reserve – Bela Bela

Over in Limpopo is the Sondela Nature Reserve. This resort is the perfect blend of African wildlife and luxurious features with 4-star accommodations, tent camps, and a caravan park. The property also features a full-service spa for added indulgence.

On the resort grounds is the Sondela Wildlife Centre, where staff cares for wild animals in distress, rescues and rehabilitates sick or injured animals, nurses orphans, educated the public about wildlife, and more. Guests can interact with animals at the center while learning about the various species.

Children from ages 3-18 can participate in the Junior Rangers program where they can learn about nature, conservation, and wildlife. Activities vary by age group, with the youngest group coloring and building bird houses, the kids making leaf boats and collecting different types of soil, and the oldest can explore careers in conservation and engage in firearm safety with pellet guns.

Dikhololo – Brits

The final property on the list of South African safari resorts is Dikhololo. This property is a game farm retreat, with different accommodation camps that are clustered around rocky ridges. This allows guests to best enjoy the incredible scenery while having opportunities to see various wildlife species close up.

The resort campus offers so much to do and see for all ages. There’s a game room for kids, a jungle gym, various sports courts, and swimming pools. Adults will enjoy the bar, billiards, on-site dining, bird watching opportunities, and bubbling spa tub.

Guests can go on a guided game drive during the day or even at night. They last an hour and include snacks and drinks. It is a great chance to explore and take a closer look at the wildlife.