Inyati is one of the private reserves located inside Sabi Sand Game Reserve and has open borders with Kruger National Park, offering an authentic wilderness experience.
The wonderful wildlife viewing is focused on seeing the Big Five with all big cats easily spotted. Even the shy leopard is habituated here and easily seen.
The uniqueness of Inyati is the diversity of species it harbors as well as how relaxed the big game is, allowing for close-up wildlife viewing and stunning photos.
The highly qualified guiding team in the reserve deliver an unrivaled wildlife experience and provide fascinating insights into the complex bio networks of the South African bushveld.
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Why visit the Inyati Private Game Reserve?
Inyati Private Game Reserve safari
On a Inyati safari, visitors can expect a superb safari experience with all of the Big Five animals easily spotted, experienced guides offering both day and nighttime drives as well as walking safaris. The viewing is more up close and personal here as off-road driving is permitted.
Safari goers often note how personal the safari experience is with multiple leopard viewings up close and also baby lion cubs with their parents. Visitors have also had up to 35 elephants of all sizes adjacent to their safari vehicle, a truly breathtaking experience for any wildlife lover.
After a long day of wildlife viewing, guests can relax in the Inyati chalets, renowned for their stylish decor and scenic viewing from your doorstep.
Animals
As South African safaris go, visitors to the park are in for a treat as the wildlife viewing on a Inyati safari is excellent. All high profile safari animals, including the Big Five and cheetah, are present and spotted quite easily.
Although difficult to see elsewhere, leopards are highly habituated within Sabi Sands, and sightings are common. A variety of antelope species such as common waterbuck, impala, and greater kudu are always around.
Cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wild dogs, and a vast variety of antelope and other species may also be closely observed, free-roaming within their own territories.
Visitors to the reserve can also enjoy the trials and tribulations of the Mapogo lions and their interaction with the younger and stronger Selati lions coalition.
In just one day, visitors can photograph elephants, giraffes and wild dogs and finish off with superb shots of leopards lounging high up in a tree, enjoying the unrivaled South African sunset.
Birds
In the area, visitors can find over 350 bird species. Studying the resident birdlife adds a special dimension to any safari and skilled rangers will provide insight into their fascinating world.
Guides tend to be very knowledgeable about birds and everything else. The combination of walking and driving safaris in the private reserves is also very suitable for birding.
Known birds in the area include the Bateleur, Comb duck and the Black-bellied bustard.
Trees
Woodland savannah dominates Inyati’s landscape. The foliage is thick but this is rarely an obstacle due to the wonderful tracking skills of the guides and trackers and the ability to drive off-road.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the beautiful trees adjacent to the lush banks of the Sand River. In the next door Sabi Sands Game Reserve, there are thousands of varieties of plants.
All plants, whether grasses or others, vary in their attraction as food depending on how tasty they are, or how high the actual food value is. There are two types of plants that offer food to the animals. Grasses and non-grasses.
Wooded bush areas cannot feed as many animals as the same size grassland. Trees on view at Sabi Sands include the Scented Thorn, the Delagoa Thorn, the Fever Tree and the Brack Thorn.
Other activities on an Inyati safari
Other South African activities that visitors to Inyati Private Game Reserve can look forward to on their trip:
- Game drive: Explore the incredible Inyati Private Game Reserve wildlife with spectacular views of large concentrations of wildlife and watch out for the Big Five in the open wild.
- Bush walks: Walk with professional guides at a peaceful, relaxed pace through the extraordinary Inyati Private Game Reserve where you can see birds, wildlife and beautiful tree species.
- Amani Spa at Bush Lodge: The Spa offers a comprehensive range of beauty and wellness treatments against the backdrop of the bushveld, including massages, facials and classic or deluxe pedicures and manicures, as well as body wraps and scrubs.
- Boma dinners: Returning to your camp after a successful evening game viewing drive, you are greeted with the enticing sight of beautifully presented dining tables all encircling a roaring fire. Sitting down next to the crackling fire, you’ll be warmed by its dancing heat.
Other activities include star gazing, fishing, workouts at the fully-equipped gym, swimming, young rangers’ programmes and community tours.
How to get to Inyati Private Game Reserve?
By Plane
To get to South Africa and indeed to the park, visitors can fly to one of two airports: Cape Town International (CPT) or O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. A South Africa visa will likely also be required per the latest entry requirements.
After that, you can take the twice-daily scheduled flight to the Sabi Sand reserve, run by Federal Air.
Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) near Mbombela or to Skukuza Airport (SZK) in Kruger National Park. A transfer from Nelspruit or Skukuza to your Sabi Sands safari accommodation can be arranged and takes about two hours.
By Road
It is possible to hire a car in Johannesburg and drive to the park via the N4 to Nelspruit. The distance is about 500km/310mi, and the drive takes about 5.5 hours.
Carrying a small amount of South Africa currency, the rand (ZAR) is advised for smaller purchases.
Tariffs & Regulations
Entrance fee
All Sabi Sand Game Reserve fees are payable at the gate at time of entrance. Park fees are valid for 24 hours. Fees include:
- Entrance fees R340 ($USD 20) per vehicle per stay
- R160 (USD $10) per person per stay
- Guest Conservation Contribution of R151
Regulations
If you keep to park rules, you can stay with the animals as long as they are not disturbed by your presence.
Accommodation at Inyati Private Game Reserve
Tourists at Inyati Private Game Reserve can choose from a number of different options when deciding where to sleep with accommodation ranging from luxury safari lodges to lower budget camping.
Lodges
The small lodge overlooks the Sand River and has 11 chalets. Inyati is one among seven smaller properties located in the west of Sabi Sands. The shared traversing rights of these properties make it possible to travel between several properties freely.
Situated on the scenic banks of the Sand River, the lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. The elegant, African themed units come fitted with air conditioning, a mosquito net draped over the bed, a seating area and feature an en suite bathroom with a bath, shower and free toiletries.
Guests can also enjoy a drink in the bar on the terrace whilst enjoying views of the African bushveld.
Bars/restaurants/amenities
Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.
Useful information
Geography
Inyati Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.
Safaris here can be combined with trips to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Ithala Game Reserve or Kruger National Park.
Weather
Inyati Game Reserve experiences winter and summer at opposite times to those seasons in Europe and North America. October to April are the hot, wet summer months while the mild, dry winter occurs from May to September.
Although winter days are pleasant, it is cold in the mornings, so warm clothes are advisable for game drives. In the Dry Season from May to September, it mostly doesn’t rain during this winter period and humidity is low.
Permanent water sources become a place for animals to gather, making them easier to spot.
Best time to go
Understanding the best time to visit South Africa is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation. A South Africa visa for entry may also be required.
The best time to visit Inyati Game Reserve is during winter, which is also considered the ‘low season’. This is the Dry season which lasts from May to September.
Animals are easy to spot during the dry months as foliage becomes less abundant and they gather around rivers and waterholes. September is a lovely month to visit. It is also the least cold of the winter months.
Health
As malaria is present in Inyati, the wet summer months pose a very slight risk of catching malaria.
Antimalarials and other vaccines for South Africa are advised, as well as covering up in the evening and using mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective).
It is recommended to visit a travel clinic before coming to South Africa. Several South Africa vaccinations are recommended and usually administered before your departure.
FAQs
Where is Inyati Private Game Reserve located?
Inyati Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.
What animals will visitors see at Inyati Private Game Reserve?
Visitors to Inyati Private Game Reserve will see the Big Five including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffaloes as well as cheetahs and a variety of antelope species such as common waterbuck, impala, and greater kudu.