The Private Game Drive offers an immersive wildlife experience within the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Guided by a SATOUR-registered expert, guests can explore the habitat of over 600 animals, including three of the Big Five, for up to two hours. With flexible booking options and no upfront payment required, it’s a hassle-free adventure. But there’s more to discover about this unique opportunity to get up close with nature.
Good To Know
- Private game drive accommodates up to 10 participants for a 2-hour duration within the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
- Pricing starts from K₦8,558 per group, with guided drives operating six days a week at various times.
- Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a hassle-free booking process.
- Opportunities to view over 600 head of game, including three of the Big Five and endangered wild dog, as well as a dedicated vulture hide.
- Includes access to various facilities within the reserve, such as the Hippo Walkway, Waterfowl Park, picnic areas, and swimming pool.
Activity Overview
The Private Game Drive is a 10-seater activity that lasts for 2 hours in the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
It’s priced from K₦8,558 per group of up to 10 people. Guided game drives are conducted six days a week, departing at 09h00, 12h00, 15h00, and occasionally 17h00.
A minimum of 2 people is required to commence a game drive. Guests can access the Reserve for self-drive before and after the game drive.
They can also relax or picnic at the braai areas and swimming pool. The experience offers the opportunity to view over 600 head of game, including three of the big five.
Reservation and Cancellation
Guests can reserve their spot for the Private Game Drive and pay nothing today. The game drive can be booked with a free cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Availability for all starting times can be checked online. With this flexible reservation and cancellation policy, guests can easily plan their visit to the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
Whether they want to join the 09h00, 12h00, or 15h00 game drive, or the occasional 17h00 one, they can conveniently secure their spot without any upfront payment.
This hassle-free booking process allows guests to focus on experiencing the incredible wildlife of the reserve.
Highlights and Experiences
Access to the Reserve for self-drive before and after the game drive allows visitors to further enjoy the natural surroundings.
Guests can relax or picnic at the braai areas and swimming pool.
The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to view over 600 head of game, including three of the big five – Kruger Lion, White Rhino, and Buffalo.
More than thirty species of game roam the Reserve, including endangered species like wild dog.
Visitors can also view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture from a dedicated vulture hide, offering a unique wildlife encounter.
Facilities and Inclusions
Open game drive vehicles accommodate either 10 or 20 people for the private game drive experience.
The package includes entry and access to several facilities within the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore the Hippo Walkway, Waterfowl Park, Predator Enclosures (Lion, Cheetah & Wild Dog), and the Wildlife Centre.
They can also enjoy the picnic and braai areas, kiddies play areas, and the swimming pool. All restaurants within the reserve are accessible as well.
Plus, an experienced SATOUR-registered guide is included in the package to enhance the overall experience.
Location and Accessibility
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is located near the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, which is easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The reserve is situated in a region where there have been occasional sightings of leopards traversing the area.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of notable species, including:
- Cheetah
- Hippo
- Crocodile, along with over 20 species of antelope.
While souvenirs, food and beverages, braai grid rental, and entry to the WonderCave are available at an additional cost, access to the game reserve and its facilities are included in the price of the private game drive.
Wildlife and Species
The private game drive offers visitors the opportunity to view over 600 head of game, including three of the "Big Five" – Kruger lion, white rhino, and buffalo.
More than thirty species of game can be spotted, including endangered species like wild dog. Visitors can also view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture from a dedicated vulture hide.
The reserve is home to notable species such as cheetah, hippo, crocodile, and over 20 species of antelope. Plus, there’s proof that leopards occasionally traverse the area, providing the chance to spot this elusive predator.
The diverse wildlife on display makes the private game drive a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Guided Tour Details
The 2-hour private game drive is conducted in open-air vehicles accommodating up to 10 passengers. Guided by a SATOUR-registered expert, the game drive takes visitors through the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
Highlights of the experience include:
- Opportunities to spot over 600 head of game, including three of the Big Five: Kruger Lion, White Rhino, and Buffalo.
- Viewing and photographing rare Cape Vulture from a dedicated viewing hide.
- Access to additional facilities like the Hippo Walkway, Waterfowl Park, Predator Enclosures, and swimming pool.
The private game drive can be booked in advance, with a minimum of 2 participants required and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Additional Considerations
Aside from the game drive, visitors have access to various other facilities and activities within the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
They can relax or enjoy a picnic at the braai areas and swimming pool. The reserve is home to over 600 animals, including three of the Big Five, and more than 30 species.
Visitors can also view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture from a dedicated hide.
Additional costs apply for souvenirs, food, beverages, braai grid rental, and entry to the WonderCave. The reserve’s terms and conditions must be followed.
Located near Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve offers an immersive wildlife experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Toilet Facilities on the Game Drive Vehicle?
The game drive vehicles do not have onboard toilet facilities. However, there are restrooms available at the reserve’s facilities that guests can use before and after the game drive.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Binoculars and Camera?
Visitors are not required to bring their own binoculars and camera, as the experienced guide includes their use. However, bringing personal photography equipment is allowed and can enhance the game drive experience.
Can We Get off the Vehicle During the Game Drive?
Guests cannot get off the vehicle during the game drive. The experienced guide will ensure visitors remain in the open-air safari vehicle for safety reasons and to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Exiting the vehicle is not permitted.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Game Drive?
The game drive has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the activity. Participants must be able to sit quietly and follow the guide’s instructions throughout the 2-hour duration.
Is There a Dress Code for the Game Drive?
There’s no formal dress code for the game drive, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Loose, neutral-colored clothing is recommended to blend in with the environment and minimize disturbance to the wildlife.
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The Sum Up
The Private Game Drive offers a unique and immersive wildlife experience within the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Guests can explore the habitat of over 600 animals, including three of the Big Five, with a SATOUR-registered expert guide. With flexible booking options, no upfront payment, and a free cancellation policy, this adventure provides a hassle-free and memorable experience.