The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, in the malaria free Waterberg region of South Africa is still relatively unknown; but it’s an area that I highly recommend. Here are my 5 reasons why you should include the Lapalala in your safari plans.

1. Incredible Wildlife at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

While no wildlife sighting is ever guaranteed, a Lapalala Wilderness Reserve safari offers some of the highest chances of encountering Africa’s most iconic species—without the crowds. This private game reserve in South Africa is particularly renowned for sightings of fully horned rhino, especially white rhino, though black rhino are also present.

Over a 3- or 4-night stay, you’re very likely to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard)—as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, greater kudu, impala, and rarer species like sable and roan antelope. Elusive predators like wild dog, leopard, and brown hyena also roam these lands. The resident wild dog pack always seems to appear just after I leave, but they are frequently seen in the southern section of the reserve.

A recent highlight is the addition of a purpose-built pangolarium—a rehabilitation centre that supports pangolins rescued from trafficking. This unique conservation initiative means guests now have a real chance of seeing these rare and shy creatures, making Lapalala one of the few places in Africa where pangolin sightings are increasingly possible.

Bird lovers will be equally thrilled. With over 300 recorded species, including African fish eagle, brown snake eagle, and the colourful African paradise flycatcher, birdwatching in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is especially rewarding during the summer months (November to March), when migratory birds are in residence.

2. Unique Safari Experiences in a Private Game Reserve

One of the most appealing aspects of a Lapalala Wilderness Reserve safari is the flexibility it offers. As a private reserve, it’s not restricted by the strict rules found in national parks, allowing for more diverse and personalised experiences. Game drives in open-sided Land Cruisers remain the core safari activity, but they’re elevated by expert guiding and exclusivity. At Noka Camp, for example, there’s a maximum of just four guests per vehicle—a true luxury in the safari world.

Lapalala also offers something rare in a South Africa safari experience—a chance to explore the reserve by boat. Guests can enjoy a peaceful cruise across the dam, with cold drinks, delicious canapés, and the haunting call of the African fish eagle echoing overhead. Very few South African reserves include water-based safaris, making this a genuinely unique offering.

Walking safaris are another standout. There’s nothing quite like exploring the bush on foot—listening to the wind in the trees, following fresh animal tracks, and learning to read the landscape through your guide’s eyes. You’re always accompanied by an armed ranger, ensuring safety throughout the experience. One of my most memorable moments was tracking a cheetah on foot and getting within ten metres of it. That kind of proximity—on the ground, in their world—is something you never forget.

3. Luxury Safari Lodges in Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

When it comes to luxury safari lodges in South Africa, Noka Camp stands out as one of the finest. Perched high on a cliff with panoramic views over the year-round Palala River, Noka Camp offers just five expansive villas, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. Each villa is designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the view, blending contemporary comfort with raw wilderness.

For families or groups, Melote House is an exclusive-use private safari villa that redefines safari luxury. Sleeping up to 16 guests, it features three swimming pools, a private spa, a gym, vast open-plan living spaces, and uninterrupted views over a nearby waterhole frequented by wildlife.

Both properties form part of Lepogo Lodges, a not-for-profit initiative created to support conservation on the reserve. Every penny of profit is reinvested into vital wildlife projects across Lapalala. So far, Lepogo has funded rhino anti-poaching patrols, the reintroduction of wild dogs and cheetahs, critical research projects, and the construction of the world’s first purpose-built pangolarium.

4. Conservation & Community Impact

Lapalala is more than a safari destination—it’s a living conservation project. Established in 1981, the reserve began as a mission to restore a patchwork of degraded farmland and hunting blocks into a thriving wild ecosystem. Today, it spans 48,000 hectares and provides sanctuary for endangered species like wild dogs, cheetahs, pangolins, and black rhinos.

Guests staying at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve safari lodges have the opportunity to witness conservation in action. For those interested, hands-on involvement in veterinary and research projects is possible—from tracking and tagging animals to upgrading radio collars or assisting with land rehabilitation. These experiences come with an additional fee, which goes directly toward the cost of the intervention—allowing guests to actively support the reserve’s long-term sustainability.

The presence of the pangolarium is another powerful example of Lapalala’s conservation-first ethos. It serves as a trauma recovery and release centre for pangolins rescued from trafficking and is already making a tangible difference for this critically endangered species.

5. A Truly Private Safari Experience

One of Lapalala’s most exceptional features is its low vehicle density, making for an intimate and undisturbed safari experience. Despite its vast size—48,000 hectares—there are only two commercial lodges on the entire reserve. By comparison, the Sabi Sands covers 60,000 hectares and has over 30 camps; the Masai Mara spans 150,000 hectares with more than 150 camps.

This means that when you’re on a private safari in South Africa’s Lapalala Wilderness, you’re not sharing sightings with a crowd. It’s just you, your guide, and the wildlife. On my last visit, we spent an hour watching two young male lions interacting with a pair of white rhino—without another vehicle in sight. No queues. No time pressure. Just the kind of authentic, unfiltered safari that’s becoming increasingly rare.

Best Time to Visit Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Lapalala is a year-round destination, and Noka Camp is open throughout the year. The summer months (January to March) can be hot with occasional showers, but the landscape is green and vibrant, and birding is at its best thanks to the arrival of migratory species. Prices also tend to be more affordable during this period.

The dry season—particularly July, August, and September—is widely regarded as the best time to visit Lapalala for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources and visibility improves. Personally, I love the shoulder months like April, May, and November, when the weather is pleasant, the bush is transforming, and the reserve is a little quieter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-timer looking for a malaria-free luxury safari in South Africa, a seasoned wildlife enthusiast seeking something off the beaten path, or a conservation-minded traveller wanting to make a difference, the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve delivers on every front.

From unforgettable rhino encounters and cheetah tracking on foot, to eco-conscious luxury and hands-on conservation, Lapalala is one of South Africa’s most exciting safari destinations—and still one of its best-kept secrets.

Ready to experience a private, purpose-driven safari in South Africa? Lapalala is waiting.