• 16,000 hectares of private wilderness within the Greater Kruger National Park
• Low vehicle density - no queues or time limits at sightings
• Expert guides and trackers with decades of experience
• Walking safaris for an even deeper connection to the bush
• Unhurried, soulful encounters with Africa’s wildlife

A game drive is a game drive, right? Well, nothing could be further from the truth.

For many visitors to South Africa, staying at a game lodge and going on safari drives is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Think about how rare it is to do something you may never have the chance to do again - something you’ve looked forward to for months, if not years. In my experience, guests never want it to end. Some even leave in tears after having had the time of their lives.

With that in mind, let’s explore the ethos behind game drives at Kateka and what makes our experience so special.

1. 16,000 Hectares of Private Wilderness

Our guides traverse more than 16,000 hectares (40,000 acres) within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park - a true icon of South African tourism and a dream destination for safari goers hoping to see the “Big Five.” 

2. Low Vehicle Density and Unhurried Sightings

The low vehicle density is one of the major differences between game drives at Kateka and those at many other lodges. Game drives are much more than encounters with animals, they are experiences. There’s no queuing for sightings and no time limits at sightings. You are able to spend as much time as you wish watching a pride of lions feeding on a carcass, a herd of elephants cooling off at a waterhole or follow a pack of endangered wild dogs hunting. Isn’t this exactly what you travelled all this way for? It’s a truly immersive experience - not just another safari activity. It’s your time to disconnect from the rush of daily life and reconnect with nature, spending unhurried, quality time with Africa’s magnificent wildlife.

3. Expert Guides and Trackers

Our guides and trackers have decades of experience, and with this comes a deep understanding of the bush - from reading subtle tracks (footprints), sounds, and scents to interpreting the stories these signs tell. Their vast knowledge of conservation and wildlife behaviour transforms every drive into a journey of discovery. Following clues is thrilling and builds a sense of adventure that culminates in the reward of encountering animals in their natural environment.

4. Walking Safaris in Greater Kruger

Game drives at Kateka aren’t limited to sitting on the vehicle either. You will have the opportunity to follow your guide and tracker on foot as they use their skills to track a rhino or a herd of giraffes. Walking in the African bush is a unique safari experience and an adrenalin rush you’ll never forget - it changes the way you see the African bush forever.

5. Soulful Encounters with Africa’s Wildlife

Beyond the endless photographic opportunities, a safari at Kateka touches the soul. It connects you deeply with nature and leaves you with memories that linger long after the drive ends. Every game drive is a new adventure. The free movement of wildlife across vast landscapes ensures that no two drives are ever the same - just like the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that frame each day.

Planning Your Safari in Greater Kruger?

So, the next time you’re planning a safari to South Africa, take a moment to think about the kind of experience you want - whether it’s your first time or your return to the bush. Consider Kateka. It may just offer one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.