Ultimate Guide to Lionspruit Game Reserve: Marloth Park’s Hidden Safari Gem

Nestled in the heart of Marloth Park, South Africa, Lionspruit Game Reserve is a 1,500-hectare slice of Lowveld wilderness that’s perfect for glamping travelers craving an authentic safari without the crowds.

Just a stone’s throw from Kruger National Park’s Crocodile River, Lionspruit offers self-drive game viewing, picnic spots, and a chance to spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes in a compact, accessible park.

Whether you’re staying at nearby glamping spots like Loerie Escape or Giraffe Plains, this guide has everything you need to plan your Lionspruit adventure. Let’s dive in!

What Is Lionspruit Game Reserve?

Lionspruit is a private game reserve within Marloth Park, a wildlife sanctuary bordering Kruger National Park’s southern edge. Spanning 1,500 hectares (about 3,700 acres), it’s home to four of the Big Five—lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard (no elephants)—plus giraffes, zebras, kudus, and over 200 bird species.

Unlike Kruger’s vast expanse, Lionspruit’s smaller size makes it ideal for a half-day game drive, offering intimate wildlife encounters and stunning Lowveld views.

Key Features:

• Self-drive game routes (4×4 recommended).
• Picnic and braai (BBQ) spots at viewpoints like Frikkies Dam.
• Rangers patrol to protect wildlife and monitor vegetation.
• Entry via Wildgoose Street, Marloth Park.

Why Visit?: Lionspruit’s proximity to Marloth Park’s glamping lodges and its relaxed vibe make it a must-do for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a budget-friendly safari.

Where Is Lionspruit Game Reserve?

Lionspruit sits within Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, along the Crocodile River, which forms Kruger National Park’s southern boundary. Marloth Park itself is a unique holiday town where wildlife roams freely among homes and lodges, just 14 km from Kruger’s Crocodile Bridge Gate and 35 km from Malelane Gate.

• Closest Airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), 90 km (1.5-hour drive).
  
• Driving Directions:
  • From MQP: Take N4 west to Malelane, then R570 to Marloth Park (1.5 hours). Follow Olifant Road to Wildgoose Street—Lionspruit’s gate is on the right.
  • From Johannesburg: Drive N4 east (4.5 hours), exit at Malelane, and follow signs to Marloth Park.
  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Komatipoort to Marloth Park (check schedules), then walk 2 km or taxi (R50-100) to Wildgoose Street.
    
• What3Words: ///monks.kelp.decoders
  
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Crocodile Bridge Gate (Kruger): 20 km, for Big Five safaris.
  • Marlothi Shopping Centre: 2 km, for groceries and fuel.
  • Amazing Kruger View Restaurant: 6.5 km, for riverfront dining.

Wildlife in Lionspruit

Lionspruit is a haven for wildlife, though sightings depend on season, time of day, and luck. It hosts four of the Big Five (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard) within its fenced boundaries, while other species roam freely between Lionspruit and Marloth Park. Here’s what you might spot:

• Mammals:
  • Lions (small pride, including a tracked female and young male).
  • White rhinos (two, per reviews).
  • Buffalos, leopards (elusive), giraffes, zebras, kudus, impalas, wildebeest, warthogs, nyala.
    
• Birds: Over 221 species, including vultures (lappet-faced, white-backed), eagles (brown snake, martial), and the bronze-winged courser. Bring binoculars for birders! Sadadu-Kruger Park
  
• Reptiles: 32 species, including crocodiles relocated to dams.

Guest Feedback: Reviews are mixed—some love seeing giraffes and nyala at waterholes, others find it sparse compared to Marloth Park’s free-roaming animals. Visit early morning or late afternoon (dry season, June-Sept) for the best sightings.

Things to Do in Lionspruit Game Reserve

Lionspruit is all about immersive, low-key safari experiences. Here’s what you can do:

1. Self-Drive Game Viewing:
   • Drive your own vehicle (4×4 preferred—roads are gravel and rough).
   • Entry fee: ~R50-100 per vehicle (cash only, confirm at gate).
   • Get a map at the gate to navigate viewpoints and waterholes.
   • Tip: Stick to marked routes; avoid disturbing wildlife.
     
2. Picnic or Braai:
   • Stop at Frikkies Dam or other viewpoints for a picnic or braai (gas or charcoal only—no open fires).
   • Bring your own food, drinks, and cooking gear—no shops inside.
   • Caution: Lions roam, so stay alert when outside your car.
     
3. Birdwatching:
   • Spot raptors, vultures, and cuckoos with a guidebook or app (e.g., eBird).
   • Visit waterholes for rare sightings like the bronze-winged courser.
     
4. Photography:
   • Capture Lowveld landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets—perfect for your Glamping in Africa Instagram!
   • Early morning light is best; use a telephoto lens for animals.

Note: Lionspruit is day-use only (no overnight stays). Gates close an hour before sunset—check times at Marloth Park’s municipality (Maroela Street).

Practical Tips for Visiting Lionspruit

To make your trip smooth and safe, here’s what you need to know:

• Best Time to Visit: June-September (dry season)—wildlife gathers at waterholes, and mosquitoes are fewer. September is ideal for birdlife and mild weather.
  
• Vehicle: A 4×4 or SUV is best—roads are rough, and sedans may struggle. Recent floods (Feb 2025) damaged some routes, though rangers are upgrading.
  
• Essentials:
  • Water, snacks, and sunscreen (no facilities inside).
  • Toilet paper (viewpoint toilets are basic).
  • Binoculars and camera for wildlife.
  • Cash for entry fees.
    
• Safety:
  • Stay in your vehicle except at designated picnic spots—lions and leopards are present.
  • Keep windows up near predators.
  • Follow ranger signs and avoid off-road driving.
    
• Tickets: Buy at the gate or Marloth Park municipality (Maroela Street). Call +27 61 669 4105 for updates.
  
• Expectations: Lions and rhinos are rare—manage expectations if you’re used to Kruger’s density. Marloth Park itself has free-roaming animals, so combine both for value.

Glamping Near Lionspruit Game Reserve

Marloth Park is a glamping paradise, with lodges just minutes from Lionspruit’s gate. Here are top picks from glampinginafrica.com to base your safari:

• Loerie Escape (2 km from Lionspruit):
  • Why: Private pool, wildlife at your doorstep, sleeps 6.
  • Perfect for: Families craving Kruger views.
  • Book: Check Availability.
    
• Giraffe Plains (3 km):
  • Why: 3-bedroom house with splash pool, ideal for groups.
  • Perfect for: Wildlife lovers spotting zebras from the garden.
  • Book: Check Availability.
    
• Flight of the Eagle (2.5 km):
  • Why: Spacious, solar-powered, 9.8 Booking.com rating.
  • Perfect for: Groups of 6-8 seeking eco-luxury.
  • Book: Check Availability.

All are self-catering, so stock up at Marlothi Shopping Centre (2 km) or Komatipoort’s SuperSpar (15 min).

Beyond Lionspruit: More Marloth Park Adventures

Make the most of your trip with these nearby activities:

• Kruger National Park: Drive 20 km to Crocodile Bridge Gate for Big Five safaris. Book guided drives with Kruger Pride Safaris.
  
• Crocodile River Walks: Stroll Marloth Park’s 14-km riverfront trails (6 AM-6 PM) to spot hippos and elephants across the river. Rent bikes at Marlothi Centre.
  
• Panorama Route: Day-trip to Blyde River Canyon (90 min), one of the world’s largest canyons.
  
• Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre: Learn about anti-poaching efforts, 1 hour away.

Our Take: Why Lionspruit Is Worth It

Lionspruit Game Reserve isn’t Kruger’s vast wilderness, but that’s its charm. It’s a bite-sized safari where you control the pace, perfect for glamping travelers staying in Marloth Park.

Guests rave about picnics at Frikkies Dam and rare nyala sightings, though some note rough roads and sparse lion encounters. Pair it with Marloth’s free-roaming wildlife and a cozy lodge like Loerie Escape, and you’ve got a budget-friendly, authentic bush experience. For us, it’s the perfect add-on to a Kruger adventure—low-key, wild, and full of surprises.

Have you visited Lionspruit? Share your wildlife sightings in the comments or check out our glamping listings to plan your stay! ?