The surging popularity of the luxury safari industry is turning attention towards new opportunities for low-density, high-value tourism in the Greater Kruger region as securing availability at renowned reserves such as the Sabi Sands becomes a challenge.
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – one of the several reserves sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park – is experiencing increasing development of high-end lodges diversifying from a traditional focus on mid-market offerings and activities such as multi-day walking trails.
Over the past 10 years, the 65 000 hectare reserve has witnessed the opening of properties such as Last Word Kitara, Simbavati Waterside Lodge, Tulela Safari Lodge, Ximuwu, Klaserie Drift Misava and the ultra-luxury Kateka.
According to Richard de la Rey, Owner of Dark Giraffe Marketing (representing Ximuwu, Klaserie Drift and Kateka), with the strength of established lodge brands in reserves such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati, Klaserie has undergone significant diversification.
“When I first started representing five-star lodges in the Klaserie about eight years ago, we had to be very strategic about the rates as Klaserie was a little-known reserve with a handful of three- and four-star lodges. The trade has now started becoming more and more confident around the Big Five game viewing experience, the quality of the accommodation and the attraction of low vehicle densities,” De la Rey said.
With the opening of more commercial lodges and associated marketing investment, the reserve could potentially follow a similar path to Timbavati, he added.
“There’s no substitute for time in the market. About 25 years ago, Timbavati was in the exact same space that Klaserie is in currently and it has now become a household name in the trade.”
Klaserie’s GM Gus van Dyk said initial focus on conservation (agreed to by the land owners who united to form the reserve over 50 years ago) has been bolstered by eco-tourism expansion.
“The collaboration in conservation has expanded over time to include a collaboration in eco-tourism and, over the past decade, a community of commercial tourism partners has been established. These partners have embraced Klaserie’s four pillars – collaboration, connection, conservation and community – and have developed a diversity of tourism experiences from wilderness trail tented camps to luxury safari camps,” Van Dyk said.
He emphasised the importance of future sustainable tourism development for the reserve.
“The socio-economic benefits of a robust, responsible and sustainable tourism model will ensure that conservation areas remain relevant and appreciated as important contributors to the regional economy, job creation opportunities and environmental education programmes. It is crucial that tourism development is balanced carefully with long-term goals that protect and preserve these special wild places in our care.”
Klaserie Drift will open Amani Safari Camp in early 2026, adding to the group’s existing Misava Camp, while several other luxury lodge groups are reportedly eyeing investment in Klaserie, according to De la Rey.
