south africa day safari

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South Africa Day Trips

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• Johannesburg (25)
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• Private tour (20)
• Shared tour (34)

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• Lodge, tented camp or hotel (54)
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• Fly-in safaris (0)
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• Airport transfer is included (54)
• Itinerary can be customized (23)

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South Africa is one of Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. The country’s wildlife, history, vibrant cities and varied landscapes make this nation fascinating to explore. You need at least a couple of weeks to see a fraction of what the country has to offer. Sometimes, however, there is the need for a day trip. You might be a business traveler looking for the best way to spend a free day. Or maybe you’re planning a self-drive holiday and you want to book a 1-day safari in Kruger National Park or a township tour. Even if you like to travel independently, there are situations where it makes sense to let the professionals take over. The good news is there are plenty of day trips available to just about every attraction in the country.

1-Day Pilanesberg Ultimate Safari

$147 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Private tour

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)

Junglers Adventure Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  9 Reviews

1-Day Kruger Safari Adventure

$103 to $111 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Hazyview (Start) , Kruger NP, Hazyview (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  83 Reviews

1-Day Full Day Kruger Game Drive - Open Safari Vehicle

$139 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Malelane (Start) , Kruger NP, Malelane (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  31 Reviews

1-Day Pilanesberg National Park Tour and Safari

$146 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  98 Reviews

1-Day Pilanesberg National Park

$132 to $150 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 50 people per vehicle)

Pure Diamond Tours and Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

Not yet rated

1-Day Shared Kruger National Park Safari from Hazyview

$99 pp (USD)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1077 Reviews

1-Day Dinokeng Wildlife Safari

$141 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Dinokeng GR, Johannesburg (End)

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  215 Reviews

1-Day 9 Hour Group Kruger Safari Drive - from Hazyview

$120 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Hazyview (Start) , Southern Kruger, Hazyview (End)

The Kruger Safari Co.   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  124 Reviews

1-Day Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari - Hoedspruit

$155 pp (USD)

You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start) , Kruger NP, Hoedspruit (End)

BST Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  30 Reviews

1-Day Pilanesberg 6 Hour Sunrise Safari (1 to 3 Guests)

$233 pp (USD)

Mmilo Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  121 Reviews

1-Day Pilanesberg Day Safari

$186 pp (USD)

Socioolite Travel and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

½-Day Cape Town-Sharks Cage Diving

$187 pp (USD)

South Africa: ½ Day tour Shared tour (max 4 people per group)

You Visit: Cape Town

Swahili Paradise Tours & Safaris

4.1 /5  –  85 Reviews

1-Day Aquila Big 5 Safari Game Reserve from Cape Town

$308 to $339 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 11 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Aquila GR, Cape Town (End)

Beyond Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

1-Day Private Custom Cradle of Humankind Tour

$135 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Cradle of Humankind (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Ukhozi Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  5 Reviews

½-Day Private Shuttle from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit

$205 pp (USD)

South Africa: ½ Day tour Private tour

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (End)

Safarilink SA   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  157 Reviews

½-Day Kruger National Park Morning Safari

$91 pp (USD)

South Africa: ½ Day tour Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)

½-Day The Lion Park Johannesburg

$84 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , The Lion Park (Wildlife Sanctuary) , Johannesburg (End)

1-Day Cape Town Big 5 Daytrip Safari in a 4x4 Vehicle

$129 to $152 pp (USD)

South Africa: Day tour Shared tour (max 16 people per vehicle)

1-Day Private Kruger Safari Drive from Hoedspruit

$254 pp (USD)

½-Day Private Kruger National Park Open-Vehicle Safari

$162 pp (USD)

Related Searches

• Day Trips in Africa
• 1-Day Safaris From Johannesburg
• 11-Day South Africa Packages
• Cape Town One Day Trips
• 6-Day South Africa Tours
• Day Trips to Kruger
• Kruger Day Trips From Hazyview
• Day Trips to Pilanesberg
• Day Trips From Arusha
• Day Trips From Moshi
• Day Trips From Zanzibar
• 1-Day Safaris From Zanzibar

6 Questions About South Africa Day Trips

Answered by

Ariadne van zandbergen.

Are there day trips available to any South African parks or reserves?

“Although an overnight stay is recommended, there are day trips available to many South African parks and reserves. You can book a full- or half-day trip to Kruger NP in an open-sided safari vehicle when staying in Hazyview or surrounds. Even if you have your own transport, a guided trip is highly recommended. Your knowledgeable guide will know the best routes and will be able to point out lots of things you might miss when self-driving. The open vehicle is a bonus too. You’ll feel closer to nature and the added height makes for better viewing. You’ll need to drive further for a day safari from Johannesburg; Pilanesberg and Dinokeng Game Reserves are popular options. You can even spend a day on safari when in Cape Town; Aquila GR is only a two-hour drive away. There are more options on the Garden Route. Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park in the country, is only about 60km/37mi from Port Elizabeth. The KwaZulu-Natal game reserves can be visited on day trips too. You can book a day trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve from Durban or the popular coastal holiday town of St Lucia.”

What can I expect from a 1-day South Africa safari?

“On a typical 1-day safari, you’ll be picked up at your accommodation at dawn to get to the park not much after sunrise when animals are most active. You might have a transfer to the park first from where you may start the safari in an open-sided vehicle. You’ll spend the morning looking for animals. Early morning, before it gets too hot, is a good time to spot predators on the prowl. When animals retreat to the shade, it’s time to stop for lunch. You might be at a lodge, rest camp or picnic spot, but chances are you’ll be overlooking a waterhole. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to see some thirsty animals drinking before heading off on the afternoon game drive. You’ll be looking for more animals before you get dropped off back at your hotel in time for dinner.”

Is it safe to book a day trip to South Africa?

“As long as you book with a reputable tour operator, day trips in South Africa are very safe. Crime inside the parks is almost unheard of, but you should take normal safety precautions in urban areas. Cities can be hot spots for crime throughout the world, and Johannesburg in particular has a bad reputation. When you’re not familiar with a city, you might put yourself at risk because you don’t know which areas to avoid and what might bring trouble. Therefore, it is recommended to book a trip if you have a day spare and you would like to explore. You will be collected and dropped off at your hotel or the airport, and your safety will be taken care of throughout the day. The guide’s presence alone will make you a very unlikely target.”

Is it possible to see the Big Five on a 1-day safari in South Africa?

“South Africa has many great Big Five parks and reserves that can be visited on a 1-day safari. Of course seeing all of the Big Five is never guaranteed. Kruger and Addo Elephant NPs are popular Big Five destinations, but you’re unlikely to see all of them in just one day. That shouldn’t be an issue though. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, and not knowing what you’ll see is part of the attraction. Animals move around in large areas, big parts of these not even accessible to visitors. Some small private game reserves, such as Aquila GR near Cape Town, offer something close to a guaranteed Big Five experience. While these safari parks offer great entertainment for the whole family, they don’t have the authenticity or wilderness appeal of a large ecosystem such as Kruger NP and the KwaZulu-Natal game reserves.”

What day trips are available in Cape Town?

“Cape Town is one of South Africa’s biggest tourist attractions, so there is a huge array of fantastic day trips to choose from. You could literally fill a whole holiday in this vibey city that’s surrounded by natural beauty. A city tour takes in Cape Town’s historical landmarks and museums. A highlight is setting foot in the pentagonal-shaped Castle of Good Hope, the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. Other highlights include the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the city and a short hike on the rocky plateau. You don’t have to venture far out of the city to find pristine wilderness. A day trip to the Cape Peninsula brings you to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve with its rugged cliffs and idyllic bays. Don’t miss out on a visit en route to Boulders Beach with its colony of African penguins. Another popular day trip is a Cape Winelands tour. A drive through the region’s scenic vineyard-covered mountains is a lovely way to spend the day. You might stop for a delicious lunch at one of the wine estates and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and shopping too. You can also book a day trip to nearby Aquila Game Reserve where you may get to see all of the Big Five and much more.”

What day trips are available in Johannesburg?

“Although Johannesburg might seem a bit intimidating and lacking in character at first, there is plenty to keep you busy here, including day trips. Don’t hole up in your hotel if you have a day to spare in this African city. Take in the views from the Top of Africa (223m/732ft), the tallest building in Africa. Learn about South Africa’s turbulent past in the Apartheid Museum, and get a glimpse of township life today in Soweto. Other nearby attractions include Sterkfontein Caves, famous for important fossils dating back more than 3 million years, and Cullinan Diamond Mine. If you want to go on a short safari from Johannesburg, an overnight stay is recommended. However, if time is restricted, you can visit Pilanesberg GR for the day. Be aware though, that it will be a long day out in the car.”

South Africa Reviews

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

South Africa is rightly celebrated for its magnificent natural beauty and excellent choice of parks

South Africa has a wonderful range of landscapes, a near-perfect climate, and the choice of destinations, activities and itineraries is virtually inexhaustible. Aside from its beautiful coastline and cosmopolitan cities – both of which I...

Full Review

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

A world in one country

South Africa’s astounding array of landscapes – from semi-desert to savanna and snow-capped mountain to coral reef – means it offers a greater variety of wildlife experience than any other African country. There are surely few other...

Life changing experience, especially Kambaku Lodge, Tibavati Nature Reserve.

Timbavati Nature Reserve, Kambaku Lodge, was an incredible experience. Our ranger ensured that we saw every form of wildlife, it seemed like a dream. The warm hospitality of the staff, food, drink, was exceptional. It felt like a family...

A land of beauty and warmth

My husband and I have been wanting to experience a Safari so for my 60th birthday we chose to go to South Africa. In all honesty, we chose SA because it was an easier destination to get to from Hungary, where we currently live. The...

How to feel a deep connection with wildlife

We visited Madikwe and our experience was beyond words. The feeling of connection with wildlife without feeling like we are disturbing the animals or inducing new behaviors due to our presence meant a lot to us. Seeing them in their...

We visited Cape town which we found spectacular! Table Mountain was outstanding! We also visited Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay. People are nice and warm coming. Scenery is beautiful and temperature was really nice at day...

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Best South Africa Safari Tours

Find the perfect Safari adventure in South Africa. There are 297 South Africa safaris to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 22 days. The most popular month for these tours is October.

250+ South African safari packages with 1,339 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger in Depth

The tour, operated by G Adventures, completed surpassed expectations by our party of three, with our total tour group minus the guide and driver numbering eleven. Transportation, accommodations, and meals were all above expectations. The guide "Hardy", and driver "Bennet" deserve special acknowledgement for an outstanding job with timely information, excellent communication skills, and knowledge that well exceeded any reasonable expectations. The tour involves a lot of travel due to the sheer size of the area being covered and is probably noy the best choice for a "downtime" or just relaxing trip. The ages in our party were 26, 58, and 63 and the tour was an excellent choice for us. Plan on meeting for breakfast around 5:30 am and dinner around 6:30 pm we a whole lot of experiences between the two. We combined this tour on our first week in South Africa with two down days in Jo-burg, and then a week of plains game hunting the following week. We are all a bit worn down but with memories, photos, and experiences that will last a lifetime.

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

This was such a wonderful experience and the crew there treated us so special. We saw lots of animals, the lodge is beautiful and the people are wonderful.

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Route 62 Adventure Safari 15 Days / 14 Nights

Die Reise war ein voller Erfolg, wir waren bestens betreut in allem. Es war eine unvergessliche Reise für uns alle, trotz dem schlechten Wetter zwischendurch war es wunderschön. Alain hat die Trips immer so gut angepasst, dass alles möglich war, und er hat uns Südafrika mit seinem reichhaltigen Wissen über dieses Land, sehr bereichert. Kann man nur wärmstens empfehlen. Vielen Dank nochmal für die tollen Eindrücke. Herzliche Grüße Christine

South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

The tour guides and the tour itself were spectacular. The guides did their best to keep us entertained and knew exactly what they were doing. They went the extra mile to show us the big 5 which we really appreciated. The organization of intrepid and their customer service, on the other hand, was very poor. They were not responsive in a timely manner. They weren't willing to accommodate for minor inconveniences from the customer. For example, my crew asked to be picked up from a destination that was 5 min away from the original pick up location. Keeping in mind that we were supposed to be at that location at 5:30am, intrepid should have accommodated for us but it took 5 different people contacting them separately and several back and forth to come pick us up. Tourradar was also responsible for this mess because they acted as a middle man instead of directly allowing us to deal with the issue. These and other types of details that seem simple caused a lot of negative experiences in the tour. Aside from that, seeing the animals and the actual tour were priceless.

9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure

We had a wonderful tour, made possible by a great guide. We wanted to get a taste of a variety of parks and found the destinations very thoughtfully put together. It is a lot of driving to see the various areas but there were strategic breaks. Loved staying inside the parks and having critters outside the veranda . We saw 13 rhinos in one day! Wade was great at seeing things we would have missed and always able to manoeuvre the car for best views and photos. They are quite happy to tailor your experience so don’t be afraid to ask.

• Coach / Bus

Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route

I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip. Our tour guide was amazing and so insightful about daily life in South Africa.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger Lodge Experience

The trip was very good, and an experience to remember! If anything, it has only made us want to visit Kruger once again :) The lodging was very comfortable, and the staff were extremely polite, kind and engaging. The guides who accompanied us on our safaris were also very friendly and knowledgeable while indulging us in our innumerable 'golden' photo opportunities :D All in all, it was a wonderful experience. P.S.: One incident that didn't sit well with us was how one of the lodge owners spoke to a staff member. It was uncomfortably reminiscent of South Africa's recent racial past.

5 Day Cape to Addo Safari Tour (Return)

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

Die Reise von Johannesburg zu unserer Lodge hat einwandfrei geklappt. Die Tremisana Lodge war sehr familiär und freundlich, auch das Essen war sehr gut und immer frisch gekocht. Von den Safaris waren wir sehr begeistert, wir haben sehr viele Tiere gesehen, es hat alle unsere Erwartungen übertroffen. Und die Rückreise nach Johannesburg, über die Panoramaroute, zu diesem Ausblick des wunderschönen Canyons, war sehr eindrücklich. Es hat uns alles sehr gut gefallen, wir würden sofort wieder diese Tour buchen.

Best of Kruger National Park

Es hat organisatorisch alles geklappt. Alle Mitarbeiter von Kurt Safari haben sich große Mühe gegeben. Unterkunft und Verpflegung alles sehr ausreichend. Hatte erwartet, mehr Tiere zu sehen. Das Gras war aber auch ziemlich und es gibt ausreichend viel wasser im Park. Bei eigener Safari vor langer Zeit in der Etoscha pfanne habe ich etwa 100 mal so viele Tiere gesehen. Trotzdem war es ganz gut. Sehr gut leider nicht.

2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)

Die Tour war toll, abwechslungsreich und hat mir viel Spaß gemacht.

5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

The weather was not good but the tour was nice.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 and St. Lucia Wetland Safari

Incredible Tour Provider! Professional with great personal touches.

Picturesque Solo South Africa Tour

South africa safari reviews.

Our guide was superlative. Our itinerary was superb. Our accommodation and food really satisfying and well beyond expectations. It was a great trip and I'd do it again at my first opportunity. And I'll recommend to far and wide!

The tour was really awesome. Each day we got to see so much and we were so lucky to get to see the Big 5! The only thing that let the experience down was the accommodation which was pretty dated and felt damp. But it had been wet and we were reluctant to overuse the aircon. The food was generous and the staff were very friendly and accomodating. Next time we go safari, we will spend a little more now that we know what to experimenter. Thank you for a great tour.

Amazing trip! We saw a lot of animals despite bad weather. The food was nice and the lodge was cosy. I would recommend staying longer than we did (we only had three days).

Safari Tours

• Wildlife (136)
• Big Five (78)

National Park

• Kruger National Park (93)
• Victoria Falls (8)
• Pilanesberg National Park (7)
• Sabi Sand National Park (5)
• Addo Elephant Park (5)

Regions in South Africa

• Kruger National Park (105)
• Limpopo (48)
• Garden Route (43)
• Western Cape (33)
• Guateng (12)
• North West (5)
• KwaZulu-Natal (5)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Safaris in December 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in August 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in January 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in November 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in October 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in September 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in July 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in June 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in May 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in April 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in March 2024/2025
• 10 Best Safaris in February 2024/2025
• 10 Best Luxury African Safari Tours 2024/2025
• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best Time to Visit South Africa 2024/2025
• 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

International Versions

• English: Best South Africa Safari Tours
• Deutsch: Südafrika Safari
• Français: Afrique du Sud Safaris 2024/2025
• Español: Safaris en Sudáfrica
• Nederlands: Safari Rondreizen in Zuid-Afrika

• Full Day Safari Excursion

Full Day Kruger Safari Tour

Full Day Safari Experience

It has been said that even an hour in paradise is a rewarding experience and this can also be said to be true of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuary, the Kruger Park. An hour is rewarding, but a whole day is a life-changing experience. For an authentic safari experience, our full day Kruger Park safari will give you an unbelievable overview of this iconic destination.

Game viewing from open safari vehicles in the Kruger Park has to be one of the ultimate safari experiences in Africa and being able to do this in a day is ideal for those with limited time available.

Please note this full day safari is ideal for guests who are already staying in or near Kruger National Park and is not recommended for guests travelling from Johannesburg for the day. For guests with limited time please see the Kruger Safari Express which includes at least 1 night accommodation enabling visitors from Johannesburg to experience a full day guided safari in Kruger Park at a comfortable pace.

Full Day Safari Highlights

• Big Five game drives
• Knowledgeable of local guides
• Encounters with amazing wildlife, and natural beauty
• Picnics in scenic spots

Full Day Safari In Kruger National Park

You start your day early with an exciting open vehicle game drive. During the course of the day, you will make a pit stop at a peaceful, scenic picnic spot or a Rest Camp where you can get something to eat before setting off to explore more of the Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is well-known for its boundless opportunities to spot the famous African Big Five - Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and of course Lion. Day safaris are conducted in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles. The day trip is an ideal tour as it provides a good overall experience at a relaxed pace. You will experience South Africa's natural beauty, capture boastful wildlife photographs and have amazing African wildlife encounters. With so much on offer, a full day Kruger Park safari is the best way to experience the park if you have limited time and want to learn more about the park from a knowledgeable guide.

• Bottled mineral water on the safari vehicle
• Kruger Park entrance and conservation fees

Not Included

• Meals and drinks other then bottled water
• Customer Support
• Tel: +27 21 424 1037
• Fax: +27 21 424 1036
• Contact by Mail
• Business Hours
• Mon - Fri. 08:00 - 17:00
• Saturday. 08:00 - 12:00
• Reservations and Booking
• Booking Conditions
• Visa and Passport
• About Siyabona Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Game Reserves
• Balule Game Reserve
• Manyeleti Game Reserve
• Sabi Sand Game Reserve
• Thornybush Game Reserve
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Near Kruger National Park
• Birding in Kruger Park
• Kruger National Park
• Most Popular Pages
• Kruger Park Maps
• Best Time to Visit Kruger
• Getting to Kruger
• Accommodation at a Glance
• Camp Gates Map
• Kruger Park Gate Times
• Kruger Travel Help
• Conservation Fees
• Kruger Park News
• Reference Guide
• Africa Mammal Guide
• Africa Bird Guide
• African Flowers Guide
• Africa Grass Guide
• African Tree Guide
• African Reptiles Guide
• Kruger Park Culture
• Kruger Park History

South Africa

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

Relatively cheap when compared to other first world destinations.  Extraordinary scenery and wildlife.

South Africa has an enormous amount to offer.  For big 5 wildlife safaris, you'd want to be considering the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

For nightlife, restaurants and exquisite scenery spend a few days in Cape Town.

Cape Town is best between November and March when it's warm and not too windy.

The Kruger Park is best towards the end of winter, before it getstoo hot and you can easily see wildlife with the foliage having lost its leaves.

Apr 4, 2024

Heleen feedback

Heleen was an absolute pleasure to deal with and is the person that has made me pass on Safari as a have to use when booking trips and putting a plan together. Heleen has been super responsive, informative and was more than happy to change things as needed throughout the process. We are a large group so nothing was simple but Heleen ensured we got accommodation together (as much as possible) and provided options for set ups too. It has been a pleasure to deal with Heleen and she is has given the company a fantastic reputation! Thank you so much again Heleen!

Apr 3, 2024

Planning was spot on

Planning was spot on. Driver/guides were always waiting as scheduled. Experience in South Africa was great. Anja helped with all the details. Ngala safari exceeded our expectations. Randal our driver/guide in Cape Town was excellent.

Quick to respond

Quick to respond, even when I changed my booking. Very helpful. Thank you

Apr 2, 2024

Leigh-Ann has been incredible…

Leigh-Ann has been incredible, I would highly recommend. First class service and response rates (even late at night with time difference). Very informative and recommended excellent hotel and tour options to make our trip unforgettable. All information was clear and easy payment links. A great way to help facilitate your trip, especially when there is SO much to choose from. Thank you again Leigh-Ann

I am very happy with the service I got…

I am very happy with the service I got from Safari.com. The booking agent was responsive and efficient, and managed to help us secure exactly the booking that we asked for.

Amazing tip from Jayson

A few years ago we had Jayson deal with a Safari tour we wanted arranged for our parents and so started our first contact with Safari.com and Jayson. Since our parents were so very pleased with their experience, we immediately thought of Jayson when my partner and myself stated planning a trip to Africa. Jayson remembered us from almost 4 years ago, which I think is rather outstanding. We booked a three night stay, on Jaysons recomendation, at the Wallow Lodge, which proved to be a wonerful experience. Apart from the lodge being everything you could possibly imagine, it was the staff that made our stay a wonderful experience. We would most certainly recommend the wallow Lodge should we hear of freinds wishing to visit the Victoria Falls. Thanks gos to safari.com, Jayson for organizing our trip and the wonderful staff of the Wallow Lodge at the Victoria Falls. Kindest Regards, Kristof

Mar 30, 2024

The on line rep I have been communicating with, Shann, is absolutely wonderful, in all respects. I threw many changes at her and she was always responsive, delivering requested information right away, and works long hours to suit clients in different time zones.

Mar 29, 2024

Thank you so much Keith

Thank you so much Keith! You’ve made booking our holiday and the Safari so easy. We look forward to meeting you.

Pascal was amazing throughout the…

Pascal was amazing throughout the process of booking! He took time to understand our travel requirements and wishes and pulled it all together to create an amazing itinerary!

Cape Town Safari Day Trips

Cape town big 5 safari day trips at aquila private game reserve & spa.

Cape Town, 20 November 2023

It’s time to explore Cape Town’s top rated safari adventure to see Africa’s Big Five animals: lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Conveniently located less than 2 hours from the city, day trip safari guests at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa are treated to a real South African wildlife adventure without having to travel far from the Mother City.

See Africa's Big Five In One Day

The highlight of any day trip safari is a traditional big five game drive. Led by experience game rangers in open-top vehicles, Aquila’s guided drives offer the best views of Karoo’s wild landscape and its free-roaming wildlife. Safari guests will also be able to see many of South Africa’s wildlife as the reserve is also home to hippos, giraffe, zebra, ostriches, wildebeest, over 150 native bird species, and much more.

With seven different day tour packages to choose from, guests have the unique opportunity to experience a real South African big 5 safari and be back in Cape Town in time to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the city’s world-famous restaurants.

Also Read: Aquila’s Day Trip Safari Booking Guide

Can you do a Day Safari from Cape Town?

Yes, you can do a day trip safari from Cape Town. As the city’s closest big 5 safari experience, several tour operators offer day tours and day trip safaris to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, located only two hours from the city centre.

Day Trips to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers seven different day trip safari packages, making it an ideal activity for every travel itinerary and Cape Town tour. Guests can choose a Half Day Safaris or Full Day Safaris, and even Combo Day Trip Safaris, featuring Horseback or Quad Bike safari outrides in the heart of the reserve.

Getting to Aquila Private Game Reserve

Located in the wild and spectacular Klein Karoo (Little Karoo), Aquila is a Western Cape Wildlife oasis, less than a 2 hours’ drive from the city centre. The main route from Cape Town to Aquila is a picturesque drive along the N1, offering guests a scenic and pleasant drive through one of the Western Cape’s top wine regions. Guests can choose from various transportation options:

• Self-Drive to the reserve.
• Book Aquila’s Return City Shuttle.
• Opt for Aquila’s private transport or airport pick-up.
• Inquire about an exclusive fly-in safari experience.

Aquila's Rhino Conservation Milestones

Aquila's big 5 combo safari, big 5 safari day tours, day trip safaris, half day trips.

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South Africa safari: when to go, what you'll see, where to stay

By Jane Broughton

South Africa has a well-deserved reputation for its many design-forward, eco-conscious safari lodges offering every conceivable luxury and almost guaranteed game viewing throughout the year. As a safari destination, South Africa is easy to get to and navigate once on the ground, making it an ideal last-minute romantic getaway for couples or a sunny winter safari for families. And while it remains an excellent choice for first-timers wanting to experience a classic, big five safari, this destination is just as popular with seasoned philanthropists taking annual impact trips supporting innovative, privately funded conservation initiatives to regenerate animal habitat, protect biodiversity and save critically endangered species .

The most sought-after lodges and safari camps are in private conservation areas, within private game reserves scattered across the country, or in the Greater Kruger area, which includes the Kruger National Park. Small and often owner-run, these luxury, light-footprint properties are in hand-picked, scenic locations and offer deeply layered, immersive safari experiences on and off the vehicle led by experienced guides and trackers with an intimate knowledge of the ecosystem in which they’re working. Many privately protected areas share unfenced boundaries with neighbouring tracts of protected land so that animals can roam and establish their territory over a larger space in tune with seasonal changes. Along with exclusive, up-close sightings and a limit on the number of vehicles permitted, other private concession perks include the freedom to drive off-road where permitted, take guided walks and night drives , enjoy remote bush dinners and star bed sleep-outs, and get involved with hands-on conservation. Sustainably managed properties that are fully invested in protecting the environment while maximising the positive economic spinoffs of nature-based tourism to local communities should always be a consideration before booking anything.

When to go to South Africa for safari

Most of the go-to game reserves are in the northeast of South Africa and experience summer rain in thunderstorms followed by a dry winter with cool to chilly nights and warm, clear-skied sunny days ( May to October ). Winter is, therefore, the most popular time to go on safari, when the dry conditions lead to concentrations of animals around reliable water sources. This makes game viewing more predictable and animals easier to track and locate due to sparse vegetation and minimal ground cover. The mild, clear days are great for getting off the vehicle to track and explore the bush on foot. Summer rain radically transforms the bush, and everything explodes with life as the days heat up. Dense thickets and trees in leaf reduce visibility and make game viewing more challenging, but the lush, green vegetation attracts summer migrants and becomes a birder’s paradise. Predator activity increases, too, due to the abundance of baby animals at a time when food is plentiful for all. After the rain, the dust settles and light conditions are excellent for photography. Autumn and spring are good for witnessing the antelope rutting season. An early or late summer safari could be South Africa’s best-kept secret, especially with the add-on of a beach holiday outside of Cape Town ’s busiest time (from mid- December to end- January ). Elsewhere, the semi-arid Karoo and Kalahari are dry and clear-skied in winter and have low rainfall averages in summer but get very hot. In general, off-peak travel is underrated, with benefits including better availability, potential stay-longer, pay-less deals, and the possibility of securing a private vehicle.

Where to go in South Africa for safari

The private conservation areas in and around the Greater Kruger area are synonymous with South Africa’s reputation for delivering epic, up-close predator action interpreted by knowledgeable guides. Kruger shares unfenced boundaries with several private reserves, including the Sabi Sand, where iconic, family-owned properties like Mala Mala , Londolozi , and Singita first put the region on the map thanks to reliable big cat sightings, especially leopards. Further private properties within the Timbavati, Thornybush and Klaserie reserves add thousands of hectares to the Greater Kruger, encouraging natural species migration and collectively securing habitat for many rare and endangered animals. In the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri’s immense flood plains and dense forests are renowned for walking safaris. At the same time, Singita’s privately leased Lebombo concession on the park’s Mozambican border provides strategic protection for rhinos. Further afield, large, private malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, close to the Botswana border, Marataba in the Waterberg, Samara in the Great Karoo, Tswalu in the southern Kalahari, and Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape, provide shelter for an astounding diversity of big game and rare and elusive species, boast breathtaking scenery and offer a choice of intimately scaled lodges for immersive, romantic getaways, secluded, off-grid trails camps for adventurers, and fully staffed, exclusive-use bush villas for multigenerational families .

Stacey Lastoe

Alessia Armenise

Hannah Summers

Sarah James

The best lodges to book

Tengile river lodge, sabi sand.

This beautifully modern AndBeyond-run lodge in the Sabi Sand has nine energy-efficient, villa-sized suites – 200 square metres in extent – cleverly concealed in a riverine forest on a bend of the Sand River where elephants often come to feed. Hand-painted botanical print fabrics, recycled stone terrazzo floors, and bespoke throws and rugs add character to the smart, modern interiors, everything angled for soaking in the tranquil views. A glass-walled forest-green marble bathroom leads to an outdoor shower on a private, shaded deck and a big  pool . The lodge’s spa and gym also have a lap pool for training swims - necessary, as the food is delicious.

Best for: Nature-loving aesthetes will appreciate the sleek, glamorous style of this lodge, which champions local, eco-friendly design, and having exclusive access to over 10,000 hectares in the quieter south-east of the Sabi Sand reserve.

Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand

Electric, solar-powered game-drive vehicles offer a zero-emissions ride and properly quiet encounters with wildlife at this 100 per cent off-grid luxury property in the Sabi Sand. In synch with its sustainable approach to game-viewing, Cheetah Plains uses the latest in grey-water recycling. It powers everything from the air-cons to the temperature-controlled wine cellars in its three exclusive-use lodges on renewable solar energy. Named after legendary big cats in the area, the three exclusive-use lodges have four private guest suites - think glass walls gliding away into raw concrete to bring nature closer, even from the bath. Burnished metal, unpolished stone and solid timber interiors are the counterpart to colourful contemporary South African artworks.

Best for: Silent game drives in fast and efficient electric vehicles, charged off renewable energy, designed by Cheetah Plains’ owner, a former rally driver, to be extra-comfortable with luxury SUV suspension, ergonomically shaped padded bucket seats with built-in seat warmers for chilly winter mornings.

Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Nine gloriously remote, romantic suites with viewing decks and private pools sit above the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 kilometres through this rugged, 22,000-hectare, privately owned reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province, within driving distance of the Garden Route’s long, sandy beaches and indigenous forests. The breeding ground of the blue crane, Kwandwe has just 30 rooms split across two intimate lodges (Great Fish River being one of them), three exclusive-use villas (ideal for family safaris), and an off-grid tented camp. Exclusivity at up-close sightings of the big five, black rhino, cheetah and smaller, but no less significant, vulnerable and endangered species is amplified by the rugged wilderness setting: extensive open plains interrupted by carbon-storing subtropical thicket-clad hills, securing vital habitat for wildlife that last roamed freely here over 120 years ago.

Best for: A big five safari with a luxury of space and privacy for a romantic getaway, after exploring the Garden Route or Cape Town. Malaria free makes it ideal for families and the elderly, too - multiple generations sharing a fully staffed villa with a private vehicle and guide.

The Farmstead, at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

On expertly guided drives from this sister property to Royal Malewane’s original lodge, sightings include leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and sizeable elephant and buffalo herds. A Master Tracker leads walks. Increased movement of animals has resulted in a richer game-viewing experience in this increasingly popular privately owned reserve - all because fences were dropped on the eastern boundary with the Timbavati in 2017, opening it up to the Greater Kruger area. Liz Biden’s inimitable riotous style doesn’t hold back in this celebratory lodge with three luxury suites plus a separate villa with space for six additional adults. Like Liz’s newest addition to Royal Malewane, Waterside Lodge, this one features fun Ardmore fabrics, animal print and plush velvets in jewel colours and lots of South African art. In summer, deep verandas encourage lazing outdoors on swinging daybeds or one of the loungers submerged in the pool’s shallow end. The local Moletele community own the land here and benefits financially from the lodge’s success.

Best for: House parties, especially if the Biden family’s original bush villa, Africa House, is too big – newly renovated, its six suites share two pools, a spa treatment suite and gym.

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South African safaris: Lions, leopards and luxury lodges

Roxanne de Bruyn

South Africa

• South African safari: know before you go

Planning on booking a safari tour in South Africa? This 4-day tour of the Kruger National Park starts and finishes in Johannesburg and gives you the best chance of seeing South Africa's Big Five up close.

Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat during a safari is easily one of the most magical travel experiences. While you may have seen these animals at the zoo, watching them in their own space is a completely different experience.

You can watch the big cats lazing in the sun, cheater cubs rolling around together as they play, and giraffes wandering through the savannah. Crocodiles and hippos submerge themselves in murky rivers, and predators chew on the remnants of last night's dinner.

Going on safari brings a fresh perspective to life, travel and humanity - if you're thinking about going, you won't be disappointed.

South Africa is a wonderful destination to have a well-rounded safari experience with the comforts of everyday life. The game parks are large and well-maintained, and it's possible to see a huge variety of animals while you're there.

In short, South Africa is particularly well suited to travellers heading on their first safari. Here's what you need to know to plan your trip.

The Big Five and other animals

So, what animals can you expect to see on safari in South Africa? Well, a huge range, to be honest. South Africa is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog.

Seeing the Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo - is the ultimate safari challenge. These animals were historically thought to be the most difficult to hunt and catching them was an accomplishment. You'll find your game rangers do their best to track them down and you're likely to see all of them if you visit the Kruger National Park.

You'll probably see a range of other animals too, including zebra, giraffe, cheetahs, kudu (deer with large ears and impressive, curling horns), springbok (South Africa's national animal), warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, various birdlife and many more.

Is it worth booking a safari tour in South Africa?

It's very easy to travel in South Africa independently and many game lodges will help you organise game drives and other safari experiences. It's also possible to go on a self-drive safari - just hire a car and drive through the game park - however, you're likely to see many more animals if you go on game drives. The rangers know the reserves very well and communicate with each other about where specific animals have been seen.

You don't need to go on a safari tour to go on a game drive. It's very possible to book your accommodation and game drives separately and, if you stay at some lodges, a couple of game drives will be included. Saying that, booking a multi-day safari tour does give you the ability to see multiple game reserves and enjoy the experience without dealing with any of the logistics yourself.

Safari tours can also be a good way to travel between destinations (e.g. Victoria Falls to Johannesburg) and see other points of interest along the way. Just keep in mind that they are often more expensive than organising your trip yourself.

Some popular safari tours in South Africa:

Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park - 5 nights

Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon - 4 nights

Kruger safari from Johannesburg - 3 nights

Private South to North Kruger tour - 5 nights

Game drives in South Africa

The best way to see wildlife is by going on a game drive. You'll usually be in a jeep with a small group of travellers, a ranger and a tracker. The rangers usually know the game park very well and can find animals which you may not spot if you're driving by yourself.

Going on a game drive also lets you see larger animals up close. Animals are accustomed to seeing vehicles in their territories and often perceive the jeep as a single, large animal. Just remember to follow the ranger's advice and stay in the vehicle at all times, including your car if you're self driving.

Full-day safari

Spend a full day driving through the game park looking for animals. These are especially popular in the Kruger National Park and usually include a stop at a café for lunch. Just keep in mind that it can be a long day and animals usually sleep during the middle of the day, when it's warmest.

Book a full day safari in the Kruger National Park

Book a full day safari from Johannesburg

Book a full day safari from Cape Town

Sunrise game drive

Mornings are a beautiful time to go on safari. It's not too hot, you'll often see the animals out and about and there's something magical about seeing the bush first thing in the morning. The downside is that it leaves very early in the morning and it can be cold, so dress appropriately.

Book a morning safari in Kruger National Park

Book a sunrise game drive in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

Night game drive

These are often also called sundowner or afternoon game drives. Head out in the evening and enjoy a drink while you watch the sunset in the bush. Then watch the nocturnal animals coming out. It does get cold, so be sure to dress in layers and wear and jacket.

Book a sunset safari in the Kruger National Park.

Self-drive safari

Drive yourself through the game parks and see animals as you go. Depending on the day, you may see many animals as you drive through the park, other times not so many. Try to go at cooler times, and wait by the water holes to see what comes out.

One of the challenges of self-driving is that you don't know the reserve as well as the rangers and you don't get tips on where the animals are. Some people try to follow the jeeps, however that isn't necessarily a good way to find animals. If you do decide to self-drive, stay in your car at all times - the animals aren't as friendly up close as they can seem from further away.

Walking safari

Leave the jeep behind and wander through the bush on foot. This is a particularly good option if you're interested in bird-watching and seeing some of the local insects up close and learning more about animal life-cycles and the ecology of the area.

Book a walking safari in the Kruger National Park

Book a giraffe walking safari in the Addo Valley

Book a walking safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Safari lodges in South Africa

There's a wide range of accommodation if you want to go on safari. You can camp in the Kruger National Park and some other reserves and there are often bungalows or hotels available outside the reserves. However, if you want the quintessential safari experience, staying at a lodge is the way to go.

Lodges are usually located within private game parks or wildlife sanctuaries, meaning you can see animals up close and personal during your stay. Some of the private reserves won't have the big cats near the lodge, while others will have several rangers on hand. The lodges range from comfortable to luxurious and usually offer a pool and bush views. They are generally all inclusive with breakfast, dinner and sometimes a couple of game drives included.

Staying at at a safari lodge is a remarkable experience. You may find yourself visited by animals during your stay - I've personally turned around to see zebra, warthogs, kudu, giraffes and bushbabies wandering by. Many have panoramic views over the bush, often with animals visible in the distance. It's peaceful and serene and the modern world and everyday life seems very far away. You'll find a few recommendations for safari lodges in the sections below.

Visiting the Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world. Almost the size of Belgium, visiting Kruger gives you a sense of how much space the animals need and the size of their territories. It's vast and you won't be able to see the entire park in a day. Due to the size, it also takes longer to find the animals, so expect to spend a lot of time driving.

A popular destination with well-maintained roads, it's easy to visit the Kruger National Park by yourself. It's a good option for a self-drive safari, although finding animals can be a bit hit and miss due to the size. It can also get busy, especially during holiday periods, so you may want to time your visit accordingly.

There are also a number of private reserves on the outskirts of Kruger National Park. If you stay at a lodge in the private reserve, you can also go see the animals or see the game drives within the smaller reserve. Popular options are Sabi Sands, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve and Kapama Private Game Reserve - see the next section for more information on these.

For more affordable accommodation, you can stay in the campgrounds in the Kruger National Park itself, or in the nearby towns of Hazyview (near the Panorama Route and Sabi Sand) or Marloth Park (near the southern entrance of the park). Accommodation options range from hotels and game lodges to self catering options, suitable for the whole family.

One of the great things about visiting the Kruger National Park is that there's also a lot to do in the wider Mpumalanga area. If you're driving from Johannesburg, the Panoramic Route is beautiful and you can stop at the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Berlin Falls. Plan to spend around 6-7 hours on the route, including stops to admire the stunning views.

Kruger National Park game drives and tours:

Morning safari

Sunset safari

Safari tour from Johannesburg

Private game reserves in South Africa

If you're staying at a game lodge, there's a good chance it'll be situated in a private game reserve. Private game reserves are smaller than the larger game parks, which means the rangers will have a much better idea of where the animals will be. If you are short on time or if you have small children, a private reserve could be a good option.

Private reserves are usually reserved for guests staying in the reserves, and they are also much less crowded at peak times. The lodges at these reserves are also very expensive, particularly the ones bordering the Kruger National Park. They usually offer luxury accommodation and amenities, with daily game drives and all meals included. Visiting a private reserve is an excellent splurge trip for a special occasion.

Saying that, you don't get quite the same appreciation for space and scale in the private reserves as you get when travelling through the Kruger National Park. They are still well worth considering, particularly if you're travelling during the school holidays or want to be sure to see the Big Five in a day or two.

Private reserves near the Kruger National Park

Sabi Sands Game Reserve : Stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge with views of the waterhole

Thornybush Private Game Reserve : Stay at KwaMbili Game Lodge offering chalets or glamping

Kapama Private Game Reserve : Stay at Kapama River Lodge in the middle of the bush

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve : Stay at Simbavati River Lodge in 2-bedroom family suites or safari tents

Manyeleti Private Game Reserve : Stay at Buffelshoek Tented Camp in the middle of the bush (no fences).

Makalali Private Game Reserve: Stay at aha Makalali Private Game Lodge in private camps or hotel suites.

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve : Stay at Klaserie Drift with suites overlooking the garden or river.

Safaris near Cape Town

If your travels in South Africa are focused around Cape Town, it's still possible to experience a safari during your trip. There are several excellent wildlife reserves near Cape Town, which are perfect for a short break out of the city. While a couple of them are close enough to visit as a day trip, it's definitely worth spending a day or two overnight to take your time, see all the animals, and relax in the bush.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

About 3.5 hours from Cape Town, Sanbona is famous for its white lions, which can be spotted in the wild. You'll also be able to see cheetahs, elephants, and zebras and there are four lodges on-site to choose from.

Stay onsite at the luxury lodge or at the Whitehouse in nearby Barrydale for a more affordable option

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Just two hours' from Cape Town, you'll find the Aquila Private Game Reserve which offers visitors the chance to see the Big Five. Visitors can also spend time with rehabilitated animals at the on-site Animal Rescue Centre.

Stay onsite at the Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa or visit on a day trip from Cape Town .

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Gondwana Private Game Reserve is about four hours out of Cape Town and makes a wonderful stop of the scenic coastal Garden Route. Again, you can see the Big Five and you can choose between staying at Kwena Lodge, in bungalows or glamping.

Stay onsite in a luxury bush villa with a spa and infinity pool.

Best time to go on safari in South Africa

The best time to go on safari in South Africa is from June to October, during the dry season. If you're heading to the game reserves in the northeast of the country (including Kruger), you'll find temperate temperatures. The drier weather conditions mean shorter grass and fewer watering holes, which makes wildlife easier to see.

How long should I spend on my safari trip?

How long you spend on safari depends on how many game parks you want to go to and the number of animals you want to see. Most people will find 3-5 days plenty - staying three nights means you'll have two full days at the reserve and there's a good chance you'll do an evening safari the day you arrive.

If you're interested in wildlife safari or want the opportunity to do a few nature walks, you may want to stay a bit longer.

• Introduction
• The animals
• Safari tours
• Game drives
• Safari lodges
• Kruger National Park
• Private reserves
• Near Cape Town

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Author - Roxanne de Bruyn

Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip. With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism.

Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. She is based in New Zealand.

Last Updated 12 September 2023

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The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

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When To Go on a Safari in South Africa

What to see on a safari in south africa, where to fly, what to bring and what to wear, additional tips and precautions to take, 1. kruger national park, 2. sabi sands game reserve, 3. madikwe game reserve, 4. phinda private game reserve, 5. timbavati private nature reserve, 6. mala mala game reserve, 7. kgalagadi transfrontier park, 8. addo elephant national park, final thoughts.

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There are numerous countries around Africa (and really, throughout the entire world) for a safari. But South Africa is an optimal destination if you really want to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). According to the Africa Wildlife Foundation, the country comes in as sixth among the most megadiverse countries (these countries contain a large percentage of the world’s species — both flora and fauna). South Africa is also home to some of the largest populations of endangered species, like black and white rhinos.

However, narrowing down where to go with 40+ game reserves and national parks can be challenging. This article will break out all the logistics and information you need to know to plan your perfect safari in South Africa.

Most visitors should pick the best time of year for a South African safari: May to September. During this dry season, many of the country’s most famous game reserves are located around Kruger and in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Besides avoiding downpours, you’ll probably see more wildlife, as many animals come out of hiding to gather in search of food and water (resources are scarce during the dry months), which means they’re easier to spot.

However, the dry season in the Western Cape is the opposite time of year, with the best times to visit between November and March.

If you plan to visit both areas, consider a shoulder-season time like October, where the rains may not yet be out in full force around Kruger and its surroundings, but you’ll still have pleasant weather in the Cape.

According to SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute), there are more than 100,000 species of animals, plants, and fungi in the country . Besides the aforementioned Big 5, visitors should look for animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, ostriches, wildebeest, monkeys, jackals, and so much more. Plant diversity is also worth noting, as you can spot South African favorites like colorful king proteas and baobab trees.

What to look for on a safari in South Africa also depends on where you go. Certain reserves or national parks may be home to specific animal species, so look carefully at each destination to ensure you’ll see the wildlife you hope for. As always, it’s important to understand that these destinations aren’t zoos . There isn’t a guarantee you’ll see certain animals roaming about in the wild, but it’s likely in most spots on this list.

South Africa Safari Logistics

Planning a safari to South Africa isn’t as complicated as you may think. First, you’ll want to decide where to go using the destinations on this list. From there, work backward to see where you’ll need to fly and begin organizing travel to get there.

If you’re looking for nonstop flights to South Africa, you have a few options, especially if you’re based in the eastern U.S. You can fly nonstop to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) from Atlanta (ATL) on Delta and from New York (JFK) on South African Airways, a Star Alliance partner. You can also fly to Cape Town (CPT) from Newark (EWR) on United. There are ways to maximize using your points and miles to fly to South Africa , so consider all your options before booking.

Once you’ve received South Africa, the next step is to get to your safari. If your particular safari accommodation doesn’t offer charter flights, you can fly to the gateways for parks like Kruger or Sabi Sands to airports like Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). Skukuza Airport (SZK) is a tiny airport inside Kruger National Park. After you’ve landed in the bush, you can arrange ground transport for pickup to take you to your safari accommodation or rent a car.

Keep an eye out when flying in and out of these spots. I’ve seen lions and other wildlife dashing through the savannah during landing and takeoff at these airports.

Practicality when packing for a safari is important. Besides all the items you’d typically need on a trip away from home, bring the following on your South Africa safari adventure:

• Khaki or natural-colored clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
• Waterproof windbreaker with a hood
• Layers for chilly evenings
• Insect repellent
• Medication — you may not be able to get to a pharmacy easily when in the bush

Families should know that small children are often not allowed on safaris. Check with your accommodation to see what ages are allowed. The minimum age is usually 8 , but some spots prohibit those under 12 or 16.

Check the CDC to see what vaccines you should have before traveling to South Africa for a safari. You won’t need the yellow fever vaccine if you’re coming straight from the U.S., but you may want to consider malaria tablets, depending on your South African destination . Malaria tablets can be hard on the system, but some game reserves claim to be malaria-free. Check the area you plan to visit to see if you need malaria pills.

You should also visit the U.S. State Department’s website , which can alert you of any travel advisories and visa requirements. U.S. passport holders don’t need a visa when visiting South Africa but will need 2 consecutive empty passport pages per entry; otherwise, the country denies entry.

Here’s Where To Go on a Safari in South Africa

Consider these top national parks and game reserves when planning your South African safari.

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places to visit for a South African safari. And just how big is Kruger National Park? It encompasses nearly 5 million acres (around 8,000 square miles) of bush, home to nearly 150 mammals and more than 500 bird species. The park itself is about the size of the state of New Jersey, to put things in perspective, though most say that the southern areas of the park have the best wildlife viewing.

Visitors can do self-driving tours of the park , as road conditions and signage are decent (you’ll have to pay about $6 per adult to enter one of the 9 entrance gates), but it may be best to stay at a lodge or camp that offers safaris. Expert guides know exactly where to spot the best wildlife and can also provide information about the park and its wildlife that you may not know otherwise. Going with a guide also means adhering to important safety procedures, as guides are trained in skills and situations you may not be familiar with — wild animals can be unpredictable.

The park offers affordable lodges and rest camp options, but if you’re looking for luxury, Singita’s Lebombo Lodge has a stunning clifftop location overlooking the N’wanetsi River.

If you choose the self-driving option, rent a 4×4 or taller vehicle for better animal viewing angles. For safety reasons, don’t disturb the animals in any way — approach slowly so as not to scare or spook wildlife. Never get out of your vehicle (this is only permitted at certain viewpoints or rest areas), and don’t feed animals.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private game reserve that backs right up to Kruger National Park (there’s an unfenced border between the 2 game reserves), spanning around 160,000 acres. This means that wildlife can wander and roam between the 2 parks easily , increasing your chances of spotting more animals.

While you can spot the Big 5, Sabi Sands is famous for its leopard sightings . So, if you’re dying to catch these spotted cats in action, this reserve may be right for you.

It’s also particularly apt for luxury travelers. Since day visitors aren’t allowed, you must stay in one of the lodges in Sabi Sands to access the park. While lodge rates vary, this isn’t the best spot for budget travelers. In most cases, your safari lodge can help you organize transfers to enter through one of the park’s 3 entrance gates: Shaw’s Gate, Newington Gate, or Gowrie Gate .

Plan to stay in the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve , part of the western Sabi Sands section owned by Sir Richard Branson. It’s home to Rock Lodge , an intimate safari hotel part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, perched along dramatic rocks overlooking the expansive savannah.

Sabi Sands is special because guides can drive off-road to follow animals, which isn’t permitted at the nearby Kruger National Park. This means you might be able to get a closer glance at wildlife that’s not on the main roads.

The fifth-largest game reserve in Africa , Madikwe Game Reserve is a lesser-known game reserve under a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg for those ready for a road trip adventure. If you want to fly there, it’s actually best to fly into the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, and then drive an hour to the reserve.

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to wild dogs, the famous aardwolf, and the Big 5 — featuring 66 mammal species. Do know the reserve has an electric perimeter fence to keep animals contained.

The private game reserve doesn’t allow day trippers, so if you want to take a safari here, you must book one of the lodges within the park’s premises. While many of the lodges are more luxurious, there is 1 eco bush camp and family accommodation option for those with kids. We recommend Jaci’s Tree Lodge , complete with outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs so you can soak and relax as you admire wildlife from the treetops.

Madikwe Game Reserve is known as a malaria-free area of South Africa, ideal for travelers who don’t want to deal with malaria prevention.

Phinda Private Game Reserve , also known as &BEYOND Phinda, is owned by luxury safari outfitter &BEYOND (known for having some of the best safari lodges in South Africa). The reserve is home to more than 70,000 acres that encompass 7 different habitats, including 1,000 acres of African sand forest, which is rare.

Luxury travelers head to Phinda for a more intimate safari experience, as the park has limited lodges and safari vehicles. Just 6 high-end properties are located on the reserve, and visitors can expect to see the Big 5 — sometimes close up. The park also has more than 400 bird species. The sand forest section is home to the suni and the red forest duiker, both types of small antelopes that you can’t see in many other destinations.

If you’re wondering which is the best Phinda Lodge, it depends on what you’re looking for. We love the far-flung views from the Phinda Rock Lodge , where suites have private plunge pools. Those intrigued by the rarity of the sand forest may prefer the Phinda Forest Lodge , which features floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can admire your surroundings from both outside and indoors.

At more than 130,000 acres, this reserve lies within Kruger National Park, an unfenced area where wildlife can roam freely between the 2 parks. You can self-drive through the park or stay at one of 22 different lodges and camps within the reserve. Consider staying at Simbavati River Lodge and spot animals like elephants sipping from the lodge’s onsite watering hole as you sip your tea or coffee at breakfast from the lodge’s dining deck.

Visitors can access Timbavati Private Nature Reserve by flying into the Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) and driving through the main Timbavati Enkhulu Gate (note there’s a fee to drive in, but your accommodation may cover this if you’re staying within the park).

Besides spotting the Big 5, keep an eye out for white lions, which tend to hang out within the park’s borders. In contrast to Kruger, you can drive off-road, so Timbavati may be better for adventurers who want to get a bit closer to wildlife. Remember to follow any safety rules and suggestions during self-drives.

This particular destination is a private game reserve located within the already private Sabi Sands Game Reserve for luxury travelers ready to splurge. Offering the utmost customization and crowd-free wildlife viewing (safaris don’t put time limits on wildlife viewing, and there are only a few lodges; therefore, there are fewer safari vehicles), this is the type of safari to take when you want to spot only animals and not other humans. The reserve claims to have the “lowest density of humans to the highest density of wildlife” per acre.

Mala Mala shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park , and visitors can expect to see the Big 5 and beyond. Those who want even more privacy should stay at Mala Mala Sable Camp , a secluded property with suites overlooking a watering hole.

This national park spans 2 countries: South Africa and Botswana. It is entirely unfenced, meaning the animals can roam freely throughout the park. However, humans will need a passport if they plan to enter a gate in 1 country and leave from a gate in another country .

Visitors to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can expect to see animals like lions, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, and leopards, but not the Big 5, as the rhinos, elephants, and buffalos don’t call this spot home. Still, for those who want to get off the beaten path to enjoy the red sand dunes and endemic wildlife (including rare bird species), Kgalagadi is a valid option, especially if you’re looking for a self-drive safari destination (we suggest hiring a guide, though). While not required, a 4×4 vehicle is likely a good idea , and you will have to pay a small fee to enter the park.

This park is also ideal for budget travelers, who can find lodges that charge less than $100 per night (nearly unheard of in the safari world) at spots like the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp . The closest airport is Upington International Airport (UTN).

Safaris can be expensive, so pay with a credit card that earns you bonus points on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3x Chase Ultimate Reward points per dollar spent. Then, you can transfer these points to various travel partners or use them to book travel within the Chase Travel portal .

Addo Elephant National Park is a 9-hour drive from the Cape Town Airport (CPT), but for those who want to explore the Cape, it could make for an enjoyable road trip through South Africa’s Garden Route. Or, take a quick flight from Cape Town to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) , just a 30-minute drive from the protected space .

The park is one of the best places in South Africa for a safari. It is home to not only the Big 5 but also the Big 7 , which includes all the same animals in the Big 5, plus the southern right whale and the great white shark (in the marine section of the protected area). You may also spot large elephant herds (more than 600 elephants inhabit the park), Burchell’s zebra, and red hartebeest.

Addo offers accommodations ranging from budget to luxury . Consider Nyathi Rest Camp , where huts feature private hot tubs and gorgeous bush views. However, visitors can’t drive off-road here because this location is a national park .

Although December is an excellent time to visit Cape Town, the best time to see Addo Elephant National Park is June to September. Just know nights can get very cold (this is winter in the Cape), so pack layers.

South Africa is one of the top countries in the world for a safari, with many parks, reserves, and destinations ideal for enjoying all the flora and fauna that African nature has to offer. South Africa has something to fit your safari needs, from spotting the Big 5 to even the Big 7 , self-driving your own vehicle, or taking that luxury, bucket-list safari in a private reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive from johannesburg to kruger national park.

It’s safe to drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. Just take the general safety precautions you’d take on any drive. You may also prefer to fly from the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to an airport that’s closer to Kruger, such as  Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), or Skukuza Airport (SZK).

Are there any Kruger National Park safari all-inclusive packages?

Many luxury safari lodges are all-inclusive of meals, transfers, and safari excursions, including bush walks, safari drives, and other activities.

What's the best alternative South African safari destination besides Kruger?

Some South African safari destinations that aren’t Kruger include Madikwe Game Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. You can spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in both places, as well as a variety of additional flora and fauna unique to the area.

Is South Africa the best country for a safari?

You can see wildlife in numerous destinations in South Africa, including the Big 5 in many different game reserves. However, Botswana is another destination ideal for a safari, and if you want to spot massive wildlife migrations, Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara are both excellent wildlife reserves to visit.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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3 day safari South Africa

South Africa is one of the very few places on Earth where you’re able to tick off all of the Big Five in one day, never mind a 3 day safari here! Visitors will be blown away by the size and number of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes and much more you’ll find in the wild. 

After a long day of exciting game drives in Kruger National Park or Phinda reserve, sit back and relax with an evening cocktail on the timber balcony of your lodge overlooking a watering hole. South Africa truly has some of the continent’s finest food, dining, accommodation and service. 

Table of Contents

The best 3 day South Africa Tours 

Price of a 3 day south africa safari.

Expect a starting price of $650 per person for a 3 day South Africa budget camping tour, going up to $900 per person for a mid-range lodge tour. Luxury tours start at around $1,300 per person.

Safari packages to South Africa span a wide price range, influenced by several variables. The biggest factor determining the price of a safari is the level of accommodation. This will ultimately categorize tours as being budget, mid-range or luxury. Shared tours are usually cheaper than private tours. 

This is especially the case for single travelers. On a 3 day trip you might want to consider a fly-in safari, but these are considerably more expensive than road safaris. Check out the seasons too; low-season prices can be favorable and while you’ll probably get some rain at this time, it’s when the scenery is at its best.

Tour breakdown for a typical 3 days in the South Africa

Safari tour highlights.

• Visit Kruger Park to see the Big Five: The lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo
• Discover the famous Phinda Game Reserve and Sabi Sand
• Private tour guide in English and other languages
• All-inclusive tours including lodging, entrance fees, meals, and transport
• Superb dining, service and local wines from Stellenbosch
• Game drives in comfortable, open top safari vehicles
• Unique accommodation including safari lodges and tented camps
• Optional activity add-ons including hot air balloon safaris

Tour inclusions

The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best 3 day South Africa safari package:

Safari essentials and information

Is a 3 day safari in south africa sufficient.

3 days is plenty to see, hear and experience the incredible wildlife and sights of South Africa. The number of days needed to properly do a South Africa safari can range from 1-2 days to 1-2 weeks, depending on how much time and budget a visitor has. 

A longer period of time would be better, however each day consists of an early morning game drive and a late afternoon game drive, certainly sufficient time to view the big 5 and incredible scenery. On a 3 day trip you can even break up the drive to parks like Kruger with an overnight stay in Phinda Game Reserve or MalaMala Private Game Reserve . 

Alternatively you can spend all of your time in the famous Kruger National Park . With full days at the reserve, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore this iconic safari destination including a full-day dusk-to-dawn game drive that will include lunch at one of the picnic spots. 

Morning and evening game drives are rewarding as well, but on a full day you can get further into the reserve, away from the more-crowded areas. Overall, 3 days is a good amount of time for a safari in South Africa if it is part of a larger tour, but if not, allocating a few more days to your safari would be ideal if possible.

Accommodation offered on a 3 day South Africa safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible South African landscape and wildlife on offer, guests can look forward to the very best safari accommodation South Africa has to offer. The accommodation here is stunning with numerous options from tented camps, luxury lodges to camping grounds. 

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone here. Of particular note include the renowned Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger where guests can experience an old world safari with luxury suites, private decks, plunge pools and sightings from the lodge.

Go fishing, walking or hot-air ballooning before enjoying an outdoor bath and sundowners and dinner in the bush. 

Must do on a 3 day South Africa safari

The most popular option for a 3 day South African safari is Kruger National Park. Most visitors fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg and take a connecting flight to Kruger airport. 

Kruger NP is a popular self-drive destination. You can also hire a car in Johannesburg and drive to the park. The park has nine entrance gates, the closest of which, Numbi Gate, is 375km/235mi from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. The drive takes at least four hours.

With nearly 2 million hectares of unrivaled habitats, Kruger offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the very best in Africa. All of the continent’s iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra and so much more.

Visitors can find over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffalo, 2,000 leopards and 2,800 lions and it is also regarded as the best place in the world to see a leopard.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is another incredible wildlife destination located in KwaZulu-Natal, the reserve is a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest. Another notable feature is its location, in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean.

Animals on a South Africa safari?

You’ll find just about everything in South Africa! The country is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) and visitors will also find Wildebeest, Diceros, Impalas, Dik-diks, Impalas, giraffes, hyenas, African wild dogs and many more.

Endlessly intelligent and iconic, African elephants continue to capture the hearts of travelers to South Africa. Kruger National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing in general and the scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best to see rhinos. In Sabi Sand, the main focus is on seeing the Big Five and it is famous for its habituated leopards.

Other animals to be viewed on a South African safari include hyenas, giraffes, hippos, zebras, African wild dogs, crocodiles, wildebeest, kudu, warthogs, springbok and cheetahs.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, some  280 kilometers north of Durban, is home to over 84 mammals and 350 – 400 bird species as well as the Big Five and cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and many more iconic species.  

How much spending money do I need for a 3 day South Africa safari?

Visitors should budget for approximately $300 for a South Africa safari per person per day, including food and accommodation. South Africa safaris can be more expensive than their continental counterparts due to the higher costs of accommodation and food.

What animals will I see on a 3 day South Africa safari tour?

Visitors on a 3 day South Africa safari will see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo), hyenas, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetah, zebras, endangered black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and much more.

What is the best time to go on a 3 day South Africa safari?

The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, as the cooler winter months in the north bring superb conditions for viewing big game.With an overall moderate climate, South Africa is however considered a great year-round safari, wine and beach holiday destination.

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Hi can you advice which is best area for a day safari.

5 replies to this topic

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• 7 Days in South Africa: The 5 Best Itineraries for First Timers, Families, and Couples

While 7 days may not be enough to explore all of South Africa, it is possible to have a fulfilling and memorable experience by hitting the highlights or focusing on specific regions or aspects of the country.

To help you make the most of your visit, we have curated five unique 7-day itineraries that showcase the best of South Africa's offerings.

1. 7-Day South Africa Highlights Tour: Cape Town and Kruger Safari

Experience the best of South Africa in just 7 days with our South Africa Highlights Tour, combining the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town with the thrill of a Kruger safari.

This tour is perfect for first-timers, offering an ideal introduction to safaris and culture in South Africa . Whether you're a family looking for a memorable vacation or a couple in search of a romantic getaway, this tour has something for everyone.

Sample itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town Day 2: City tour (Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront) Day 3: Cape Peninsula tour (the Cape of Good Hope and penguins at Boulders Beach) Day 4: Cape Town to Kruger National Park Days 5–6: Safari in Kruger National Park Day 7: Depart Kruger via Johannesburg

Highlights of this itinerary include witnessing the stunning views from the top of Table Mountain , getting up close to African penguins at Boulders Beach, and embarking on thrilling game drives in Kruger National Park, where you would have the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.

For families , the tour offers educational experiences, such as visiting local communities and learning about South African culture and history. Kids would love the penguin encounter and the excitement of spotting wild animals.

Couples could enjoy a scenic wine tour if interested or opt for a hot-air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Kruger National Park.

Just let us know who you are traveling with and your preferences, and we will personalize a tour for you .

2. 7-Day Family Adventure: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Safari

Explore the beauty of coastal South Africa with your family on our 7-Day Family Adventure, encompassing Cape Town, the Garden Route, and an unforgettable safari experience.

This journey is specially crafted for families seeking a blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife encounters, and cultural discovery along South Africa's stunning coastline.

Sample itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town Day 2: Cape Town exploration (Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront) Day 3: Cape Peninsula and penguins Day 4: Garden Route adventure: Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park Day 5: Garden Route and Oudtshoorn Day 6: Safari in Addo Elephant National Park Day 7: Safari and departure

This 7-day coastal South Africa tour covers a vast spectrum of landscapes and rich family-friendly experiences.

Beginning in Cape Town , you would ascend the captivating and majestic Table Mountain and discover the historical significance of Robben Island. Then, you would encounter African penguins at Boulders Beach and take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Cape of Good Hope.

The Garden Route introduces you to the lush beauty of Knysna and the dramatic landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park. In Oudtshoorn, you would explore ostrich farms and venture into the mystical Cango Caves.

The adventure culminates with a thrilling safari experience in Addo Elephant National Park , where you would have the opportunity to witness Africa's iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Let us know your preferences and interests — our specialists are here to personalize a trip for you .

3. 7-Day Exotic Couple's Getaway: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park Safari

Embark on a 7-day Southern Africa getaway, an extraordinary journey that unveils the remarkable beauty of Cape Town, the awe-inspiring wonder of Victoria Falls, and the untamed wilderness of Chobe National Park.

This adventure is designed for couples who are seeking a captivating blend of culture, nature, and romantic moments.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town, a city tour, and Table Mountain Day 2: Cape Peninsula exploration or Winelands tour Day 3: Fly to Victoria Falls Day 4: Victoria Falls adventure Day 5: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park Day 6: Chobe National Park safari Day 7: Farewell and departure

This itinerary takes you through an incredible range of experiences and locations. Begin your journey in Cape Town , where you would explore the Cape Peninsula, visit iconic landmarks, such as Table Mountain, or opt to indulge in the exquisite wines of the Cape Winelands.

Then, fly to the spectacular Victoria Falls , one of the world's most renowned natural wonders, and immerse yourself in thrilling activities.

Finally, you would enjoy a private game drive in Chobe National Park , where you could have a more personalized safari experience. Your guide would take you on a journey through the park, ensuring that you have ample time to admire the wildlife and enjoy each other's company.

For couples looking to add a touch of romance, we could arrange a romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Some cruises even include champagne and gourmet dinners. We could also arrange a candlelit dinner at a secluded spot or overlooking the Zambezi River.

Remember that your tour can be customized to cater to your specific interests , ensuring that your South Africa safari is a personalized adventure tailored to your preferences.

4. 7-Day In-Depth Kruger Safari

Embark on a 7-Day In-Depth Kruger Safari, an immersive journey that delves deep into the wilderness of Kruger National Park. This adventure is tailored for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, promising extraordinary wildlife encounters and unparalleled natural wonders.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Johannesburg Day 2: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Day 3: Bushwalk and wildlife tracking Day 4: Full-day game drive Day 5: Full-day game drive Day 6: Explore the iconic Panorama Route Day 7: Kruger to Johannesburg and departure

This itinerary takes you on an in-depth exploration of Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife sanctuaries.

Venture into the heart of the park with full-day game drives, where you can witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and a multitude of other species in their natural habitat.

Experience the thrill of tracking wildlife on a guided bushwalk, explore the breathtaking Panorama Route with its stunning vistas and waterfalls, or opt to gain insight into the local culture with a village visit.

For some special experiences, we could arrange a private sunset game drive followed by a romantic dinner under the stars or a hot-air balloon ride over the park for a truly unforgettable experience.

With us, your tour would be personalized to cater to your individual interests , ensuring a perfectly tailored Kruger safari experience.

5. 7-Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Highlights Tour: Kruger and Victoria Falls

This 7-Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Highlights Tour covers two of Africa's most iconic destinations — the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park in South Africa and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Southern Africa in a limited time.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa Days 2–3: Explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park Days 4–6: Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Day 7: Departure from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the highlights, Kruger National Park , offers incredible wildlife encounters, where you could witness elephants bathing in watering holes, majestic lions prowling through the savannah, and elusive leopards hiding in the treetops.

At Victoria Falls , marvel at one of the world's largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River cascades into a chasm, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Experience the thunderous roar and the mist that engulfs the surroundings while standing on the edge of the falls.

Contact one of our specialists to tailor a tour for you , ensuring a personalized experience that exceeds your expectations.

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Elderly American tourist killed in elephant attack while on safari in Zambia

The tourist died after the attack at Kafue National Park.

An elderly American tourist was killed after an "aggressive" bull elephant attacked a vehicle during a game drive in Zambia, the safari operator said.

The incident took place Saturday morning at Kafue National Park, a Lusaka Police spokesperson confirmed to ABC News. Gail Mattson, 79, was confirmed by the family as the victim.

"An aggressive bull elephant charged the vehicle carrying six guests and a guide who were on a game drive from Lufupa Camp," Wilderness, the company operating the safari, said in a statement to ABC News Wednesday.

MORE: Import of live African elephants and hunting trophies restricted in the US

Four other people received treatment for minor injuries after the incident, the company said.

"The six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant," Keith Vincent, Wilderness' chief executive officer, said in the statement, adding, that the safari guide's vehicle was "blocked" by the terrain at the time of the attack.

"Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide's route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm's way quickly enough," Vincent said.

Following the attack, Kafue National Park management was immediately called to assist and a helicopter was dispatched to the scene, according to Vincent. Local police, Zambia's Department of National Parks & Wildlife and other authorities are involved in the investigation, he said.

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Wilderness is cooperating with the investigation, Vincent said.

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"This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died," he said in the statement. "We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident."

The elderly woman's remains will be repatriated to her family in the U.S. with support from local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, according to the statement.

MORE: Videos show terrifying moment bull elephant lifts safari truck

Last month, a similar bull elephant attack took place in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa.

Videos of the March 18 incident show a bull elephant lifting a 22-seat safari truck up several times with his trunk before letting it drop. There were no deaths reported in that incident.

Hendry Blom, a bystander who caught the incident on camera, told ABC News, "We were definitely scared, especially for the people in the truck because we thought they might die."

ABC News' Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.

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American tourist killed after elephant rammed truck on African safari seen smiling in photos before attack

T he American tourist killed by a charging bull elephant that flipped over their safari vehicle in Zambia over the weekend has been identified as an adventurous 79-year-old woman who wanted the trip to be her “last big adventure.”

Mattson, who was visiting from Minnesota, was pictured the day she was killed on the safari vehicle holding a flower, her grieving family told KSTP.

She was one of six tourists with the group Wilderness Zambia who were out on a game drive Saturday in Kafue National Park when they came under attack by the incensed animal.

Terrifying video footage shows the elephant chasing after the safari vehicle moments before it charged the group, tipping the truck over as the guide repeatedly yelled at the creature. 

The passenger continues to record as the elephant flips the vehicle over. 

Family told the outlet that the US Embassy contacted them about her death.

Loved ones described the 79-year-old as kind, adventurous and very active in her community.

“She had told us that this safari was going to be her last big adventure,” said  her friend  John Longabauth. “Because her birthday is in the summer — I think she was going to be 80, and she felt like she would start slowing down. To be honest, I don’t know if she’d slow down or not. But at least you wouldn’t be traveling as far, probably.”

Mattson split time between living in Minnesota and Arizona, her family said.

Her friends in Arizona held a memorial for her following her sudden death. 

According to the Safari company, one other guest was hurt and taken to a private medical facility.

The four other tourists on the trip were treated for minor injuries after the violent outburst.

The horrifying incident unfolded at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday during a game drive through Kafue National Park, Wilderness Zambia CEO Keith Vincent said in a statement. 

Kafue National Park’s management sent a helicopter to evacuate the victims. 

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident,” Vincent said.

The group of tourists had been staying at the luxurious Lufupa Camp in the Kafue National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa. 

The tour group is making arrangements for Mattson’s body to be returned to the US. 

Police and other authorities are investigating the incident.