Marafika is one of the greater Kruger Park's most luxurious residences Stay with the Big 5 in luxury in the wild. Set within Balule Nature Reserve, a protected area in Limpopo Province, South Africa it forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park As part of a wildlife conservation initiative, all fences separating Assiociation of private nature reserves (Balule, Timbavati, Klaserie, Umbabat, )
- and the Kruger National Park have been removed. The ecological benefits of this initiative has made the region a popular ecotourism destination and conservation efforts have ensured that the wildlife population includes all of the Big Five game: Lion, African elephant, African Buffalo, African leopard and white rhinoceros. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: approximately 2000 plants of which 404 are woody plants and 224 grasses, 53 fish, 34 amphibians - , 118 reptiles, 517 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. Balule Nature Reserve is without fences, allowing the Big Five and other animals to roam freely across their natural habitats. It is the ideal place to see leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants and Balule’s namesakes, magnificent herds of buffalo. Shangaan for ‘Buffalo’, resident herds are readily spotted roaming the 35000 hectares of privately owned park. Situated on an idyllic stretch of land that envelops the Ollifants River, the park is home to a high concentration of wildebeest, waterbuck and giraffe, which attract the majority of lion kills. Established only recently, the reserve is quickly becoming a rising star of the private wildlife reserves and is already a prime Safari destination. Open vehicle game drives and expertly guided game walks guarantee good sightings in a completely wild and natural environment. The reserve is a prime destination for those seeking an exciting and authentic safari experience, and the pristine African bush can be experienced from open safari vehicles and on escorted game walks. The reserve offers spacious and comfortable accommodation offerings in spectacular surrounds.
