Pridelands is a game-rich concession in the Greater Kruger considered by many to be the beating heart of conservation initiatives. This unique biome of 4500 acres of typical lowveld landscape was once a hunting farm that reinvented itself into a sought-after conservation, safari and field guide training destination. It’s home to the ever-famous WildEarth TV series, the eco-training school and PaintedDog.Tv. In 2017, a dedicated team set out to rewild the area by dropping fence lines for animals to roam freely throughout. The idea was to restore the natural beauty of the area and naturally reintroduce species commonly found within Kruger. When the fences were dropped between the National Park and Pridelands, there was an influx of wildlife spilling over into Pridelands.
You can explore this preserved wildlife hotspot while staying in luxury safari accommodation when you join WildEarth’s Chris Erasmus on his hosted safari package to Leopard’s Lair Luxury Bush Lodge and Pridelands.
WildEarth and Chris Erasmus
WildEarth TV connects people around the world with Africa’s wildlife. The show broadcasts live from renown safari hotspots, allowing people to join them on a live virtual game drive twice a day. The show isn’t scripted, so the drama of the wild unfolds as it happens in the bushveld. Chris Erasmus is one of the safari guides who leads the game drives in the Pridelands Conservancy. When you join a hosted safari package with Chris, you’ll get to spend time with a very familiar face from WildEarth, while staying in luxury accommodations. You couldn’t ask for a more immersive and personal safari experience!
Venturing Through Pridelands
Before you join Chris on a bespoke safari to Pridelands, it’s worth getting to know this unique concession. Why? Simply because there’s nothing better than being armed with an arsenal of knowledge before arriving at your safari destination.
Pridelands is of great interest to conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts because of its varied habitat. Pridelands was once buffalo hunting area that was restored shortly after being purchased by Sophie and Mark Hutchinson and their South African based business partners.
The open flow of “wildlife traffic” since the fences were dropped in 2017 extended the habitat for predators and other big game. Prior to the fences being dropped, the area was dense with vegetation. When the elephant herds migrated across, much of the bushveld was cleared naturally from their expert bush flattening techniques! This created open areas which allowed more species to thrive. Because of the fallen trees from elephants, a host of microhabitats were also established.
Currently, Pridelands is part of the Greater Kruger National Park and enjoys prolific Big 5 sightings, in addition to sightings of rare cheetah and African wild dog. Pridelands has firmly cemented itself as a safari destination and major conservation area. New life has also been introduced to the area, thanks to resdient leopards and lion prides giving birth to cubs.
The ecosystem supports at least 246 species of bird and 44 species of mammal across typical savannah landscapes dotted with pockets of knobthorn, marula, and tall shrubland. Classified as a granite Lowveld vegetation zone, Pridelands is home to typical open areas and dense woodlands. The contrasting zones means that the biodiversity of this area is huge.
Pridelands: A place of pride and protection!
Leap into Luxury at Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge
No safari is complete without staying in a well-appointed hideaway in the heart of the savanna biome. For our hosted safari package to Pridelands, you’ll stay at the luxurious Leopard’s Lair Luxury Bush Lodge. The lifestyle at Leopard’s Lair is luxury meets wilderness, ensuring nature is never forgotten—even when you’re cocooned in luxury.
The main area of the lodge has a sparkling pool overlooking the Mohlabetsi riverbed, surrounded by a wrap-around wooden deck area. This is a convivial place where guests spend their time connecting with others and cooling off from the sizzling summer heat. After the evening game drive and a delectable dinner, guests are encouraged to unwind in the boma area. Boma nights embody the quintessential part of any safari experience, providing abundant opportunities genuinely bond with fellow travellers around a crackling campfire under the star spangled night sky.
There are only three luxury suites (and one family suite) at Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge, each comprising traditional safari-style thatch roofs and wide open plan living spaces. Floors are tiled, ensuring your suite is kept cool while the temperatures outside soar during the summer months. Suites are furnished in muted hues with wood accents that pay attention to the bushveld’s natural surroundings. Each stand alone suite has its own verandah with views of either the river or garden, which provides guests with a picture perfect private setting.
Located a mere 300 m from Pridelands, Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge is an idyllic place for your safari destination. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of this hosted safari package!
