Kaingo Game Reserve
Fishing
Guests can enjoy the excitement of fishing on the Mokolo River, home to a variety of indigenous fish species as well as hippos and crocodiles. You will be accompanied by your field guide at all times. Drop in a lure and see what bounty the day will bring. You will most likely catch Largemouth Bass, which is the most common fish species in the area. Our Chef will also be on hand to assist in preparing your catch of the day should you like.
The lodge is equipped with fishing tackle and guests are also welcome to bring their own if they so wish.
We also offer kiddies fishing in the large pond in the garden of Kaingo’s Elephant Lodge where the younger children can enjoy the thrill of fishing in a safe environment along with our experienced field guides.
Nature Walks
Aside from our big game, Kaingo is home to a rich variety of bird and insect life, flora and fauna, as well as smaller mammals, and a walk in the bush is the best way to discover them. It’s also a special kind of meditation, one that will immerse you in a sensory experience of Africa.
Come and feel Africa underfoot on a guided bush walk with a highly trained field guide. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, as well as medicinal and other plants that are identified en-route.
The walks make use of different areas of the reserve, and a variety of options are available, differing with respect to degree of difficulty and fitness required. Regardless of the route, the one thing that remains consistent is the likelihood of encountering wildlife along the way.
The riverine walks follow the natural river course, and are great for ‘bumping’ into general game. We have a choice of walks that descend into the gorges and valleys of the Waterberg Mountains. Many areas of the reserve are only accessible by foot. There may even be an opportunity to have a swim in one of the fresh water pools! The vistas from these trails are second-to-none, presenting Africa in all its vastness.
Kaingo’s guides are expert companions with extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, animal spoor and animal tracking. They’ll teach you about the smaller, but no less impressive, aspects of the bush and its secrets. Large and dangerous animals are avoided on walks, but many other species can be viewed from a safe distance at ground level. A walk through Kaingo Game Reserve is a truly memorable and authentic experience.
Game Drives
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush, while your skilled field guide provides hidden details and fascinating facts about the surrounding wildlife and nature. Kaingo is blessed with a great diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. The vistas from the game viewing vehicle as you venture higher up into the mountainous areas are second-to-none, presenting Africa in all its vastness.
A low vehicle-to-reserve ratio means a maximum of only 4 vehicles head out each day onto the reserve. You are unlikely to encounter other vehicles during your safari – leaving just you and your guide alone in a vast, scenic wilderness.
With no hunting for decades the wildlife are accustomed to the vehicles at Kaingo, and do not see them as a threat. This enables Guides to get into very close proximity with Africa’s most impressive animals for spectacular photographic opportunities.
Guests of Elephant Lodge are taken on game drives in a shared game viewing vehicle. Should any guests wish to book a private game drive, this can be accommodated by special arrangement at an additional charge.
Rock Art
Aside from the array of game and majestic landscapes, another of the exquisite attractions available at Kaingo Game Reserve is the variety of ancient rock art found here.
There is significant history to the reserve which is home to five recorded rock art sites. These rock art sites date back more than 1,000 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of the San, Khoi and the Pedi people that lived in this area until 100 years ago. Some of the only evidence that remains of this way of life is depicted through this delicate rock art. This makes Kaingo not only a leading destination for an African experience, but a national treasure in terms of heritage.
River Cruise
An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Mokolo River. Enjoy an interactive boat trip where guests can view crocs lazing, hear fish eagles calling, see the elephant cooling off and spot the occasional hippo yawning. On the comfortable and secure 10-seater vessel, you’ll hear from knowledgeable field guides who can answer your questions, point out unusual sights as you sail through the water, and provide fascinating information on both the estuarine system and its inhabitants.
From the boat deck you will also see various species of antelope and other wildlife that come down to the shores to graze and drink water. Photographic opportunities abound for both birds and game. This is the ideal opportunity for taking in the spectacular sunset views as the birds wing their way home and the bushveld slowly turns to dusk.
Birding
This malaria-free area of the Waterberg, South Africa, is home to a host of beautiful birds. Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike are treated to more than 350 species on Kaingo. The plains, the waterways and variety of savanna types hold the greater abundance of species.
There are several special birds that we are privileged to see here such as African Finfoot, Narina Trogon and Striped Pipet. Our specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds, will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment.
Whether you set out on a game drive, go on a guided walk or simply watch from your patio, bird watching is such a relaxing activity. In order to get the most from your safari experience, we highly recommend that you come fully prepared with your binoculars and bird guide.
Our Field Guides are experts at navigating the Kaingo terrain and are readily available to answer any questions you may have. If there is a certain species you’re hoping to spot, or an area you wish to visit, chat to us to make arrangements.