safari trips in south africa

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• Johannesburg (635)
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• Private tour (429)
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Specialized Tours

• Fly-in safaris (65)
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• Horseback safaris (1)
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• Airport transfer is included (854)
• Itinerary can be customized (475)

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Top 20 Best South Africa Safaris - Compare 880 Tours

4-Day Sabi Sand Safari with Arathusa Safari Lodge

$1,708 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge

You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Hoedspruit (End)

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  125 Reviews

11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach

$6,939 to $7,633 pp (USD)

South Africa & Mauritius: Private tour Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Madikwe GR, Bel Ombre (Town & Beach) , Mauritius (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Lodge Game Safari

$2,010 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

Ranger Buck Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  27 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park Experience

$683 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

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

4.8 /5  –  90 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$664 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$512 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1146 Reviews

3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

$767 pp (USD)

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

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

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  258 Reviews

3-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari

$669 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  262 Reviews

5-Day Kruger Safari and Soweto Tour

$1,365 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  62 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Swaziland Cultural Tour

$868 to $955 pp (USD)

South Africa & Eswatini: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Mantenga Village (Highlight) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

$4,058 to $4,452 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari

$937 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

5-Day Greenfire Game Lodge Safari

$1,446 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

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

5.0 /5  –  125 Reviews

5-Day Luxury Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Safari

$2,921 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Chalet

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

3-Day Incredible Greater Kruger Safari

$586 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari

$591 pp (USD)

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

Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange

$663 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  33 Reviews

4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  63 Reviews

4-Day Luxury Mdluli Game Lodge Kruger National Park

$794 pp (USD)

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

4.9 /5  –  98 Reviews

4-Day Fly-in Ecoluxury Safari in Malaria-Free Madikwe

$3,840 pp (USD)

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

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

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South Africa Wildlife Safari Tours

Whether you want to see wild animals in their natural habitat or learn about wildlife protection, with 214 wildlife safaris in South Africa you're sure to find a holiday package that will astound you.

214 South Africa wildlife tour packages with 1,179 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

Thank you for five amazing days! The guides were funny and knew som much stuff that I've never heard of before. The room was like stepping into a dream and I wish I could have taken that bed with me home! The wifi was fast and very cheap just remember thornhill2. The vegetarian food was one of the best I've had on the trip and the desserts- I could have eaten tons of them. Great help from Chris and especially from Danielle.

Super South Africa

Just came back from Dubai & South Africa tour with Indus Travels. Excellent safari guides and drivers. Most hotels were good. Some of the tours should have been longer. Some of the optional tours were not worth the money spent. Overall a great experience. Will use Indus again for sure!

Wild Kruger Camping

The Tour was excellent, even though we arrived a day late due our flight cancellation. But we enjoyed every moment we spent in Kruger. We were fortunate enough to see all the Big 5 and many more animals. We also saw a Lion Hunting a Beast and it was a RAW AFRICAN experience. The accommodation were really comfortable considering you living in the jungle and food made by the cook was delicious. ALL in ALL it was an awesome experience.

Tailor-Made Best South Africa Tours, Daily Departure & Private Trip

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Wonders of the Western Cape (10 Days)

Cape Town & the Garden Route

South Africa In Depth

Some long days on the coach but necessary to see most of the country in 14 days.

• Volunteering

Wildlife Reserve Volunteer in South Africa

Staff were friendly and the experience was absolutely insane. Seeing the big 5 in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience and the weekends allowed for you to personalise your trip. Accommodation is modest but more than worth the money you are paying. The only slight criticism I would give was the tasks at the Game Reserve were usually the same each week so became slightly repetitive. I would recommend going for 3 weeks.

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days

Super Tour Guide, he was very nice and gave us lots of info about all sorts of things and place we saw. The tour itself was great with fun activities. The hostels were much better than expected (even the cheapest backpacker option was really nice) There are only 2 things that could in my opinion be improved. 1. It's very nice that our guide offered to drive us truly everywhere. But when you are being driven less than 100m from the lobby/restaurant of a hostel to your little hut ... Well at some point it just becomes too much and myself and a few others had to ask to be allowed to walk. 2. More "physically demanding" activities. As one naturally spends a lot of time sitting in the car driving from place to place it would be much better to have more action. (Yes we had Kanus and a hike on one day but the first was a short drive along an extremely calm river and the later more like a 30 min stroll on even terrain). Granted not everyone would like to do/want to participate in more exhausting activities but there are simple ways to get around that problem. (E.g. splitting up the group with some perusing a more leisurely activity while the others get a chance to spend some energy. This trip even had a good example of this when at Cape Aguhlas there was the option to ride a bike to the Cape or to follow 30min later by car)

5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)

Christine war fantastisch, wir hatten eine wunderbare Zeit. Es war alles sehr gut organisiert und wir wurden bestens versorgt. Durch diese Reise kann man Südafrika ganz anders kennenlernen und man bekommt tiefe Einblicke in die Kultur, die man normalerweise nicht bekommt. Kann es nur jedem empfehlen. Vielen Dank Christine!

3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town

Amazing tour customized to our needs! Had the best guide and group too :) Accommodation was great, and the trip generally high value for the price.

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Good programming and excellent guide , comfortable accommodation with good food. We could cover whatsoever promised. Well done. Dee-our guide was very informative and caring.

Cape Town, 5 Day Attraction Tours: Addo Elephants & Shark Diving & Aquila Safari & Cape Peninsula Penguin & Helicopter Tour

Kruger in Depth

It was awesome! Safari was exceptional, tour guide knowledgeable, tour group outstanding.

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger

Gareth is a very knowledgable person. For the Kruger trip I recommend to use a flight rather the 6hrs van trip from Joburg. It s very exhausting and a long dtive

What people love about Wildlife Tours in South Africa

Really great tour, I chose a good time of the year(june) and so it felt like I had the place to myself. The kruger and surrounding game parks were all magic and the bundle lodge where I stayed was just an absolute pleasure. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, it felt like a home away from home. And the food was better than most restaurants I have been to. Highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it.

I booked a trip with Indus to South Africa and had a fabulous time! It was easy to book the trip online and any questions I had were answered very quickly by Sabine. The hotels we stayed at were very nice and in good locations. Our tours were well organized and our safari in Kruger National park was definitely a highlight. A few mornings had a bright and early start, but this allowed us to accomplish quite a lot in a day. The hotel restaurants had decent food, which was convenient if we had a longer day and didn't want to go out to eat. Overall, I was very happy with the trip and I felt the price for my tour was excellent value. I would definitely use Indus again!

I had a great time on this trip. Our tour manager was fantastic. I did find by the end that I had had enough of a bus. Couple of long days on the bus but I don't see how you could do this route without that. I enjoyed every stop. Kruger Park was fantastic. Seeing those animals in the wild is something that I will never forget.

National Park

• Kruger National Park (63)
• Addo Elephant Park (9)
• Victoria Falls (6)
• Blyde River Canyon (5)

Regions in South Africa

• Kruger National Park (83)
• Garden Route (41)
• Western Cape (37)
• Limpopo (35)
• Blyde River Canyon (6)

Travel Styles

• 10 Amazing Wildlife Tours & Trips 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)

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 21, 2024

Fantastic travel agent for African safari family trip!

Wow! Shann was and is fantastic! She figured out a way to make our entire trip work. We are going on a 2 week trip to South Africa and Botswana. She really helped tie it all together as a wonderful, cohesive trip. She is super nice and super smart and very knowledgeable. She is also flexible and thoughtful, etc., etc. When the chips were down (and we literally were considering pulling the plug on the whole trip), she found a way to make the entire itinerary work and got us excited about our wonderful adventure! Highly recommend!

Apr 20, 2024

safari booking

We were looking for a Safari. Anja from Safari.com supported us to book accommodation and flights, she was very polite, super fast and very supportive. We can recommend her and Safari.com, it was great to book there.

The customer service was top-notch!

I was really impressed with the level of service I received from Heleen Coetzee. I had a great experience with the customer service team at this company. They were very responsive and helpful, and they were able to resolve my issue quickly. I would definitely recommend this company to others.

Excellent news information and service…

Excellent news information and service from Sara. She made it a smooth experience booking a safari.

Apr 17, 2024

Great experience!

Leigh-Ann was very helpful, responsive and knowledgeable about our safari options. Handled our safari booking, transfers and even hotel in Cape Town for us! We’re excited for our trip - Thank you :)

Apr 16, 2024

Sara is really friendly and helpful. She has planned everything according to our wishes and made all our wishes feasible.

Apr 12, 2024

Anja is very attentive and patient.

Apr 11, 2024

Shann is a great professional

Shann immediately demonstrated pleasant professionalism, competence, experience and patience. She advised and accompanied me in organizing the trip. She listened to all my needs and the suggestions were very fruitful for me. he was very kind and always available even during the holidays. thank you Shann

It was easy

It was easy, it all worked as planned, our expectations were exceeded. Anja was easy to communicate with through Whatsapp and always responded promptly to any questions.

South Africa Safari

South Africa boasts a dazzling diversity of national parks and private game reserves for exceptional safari experiences. Our safari offerings in South Africa include private overland safaris accompanied by one of our guides and luxury fly-in safari packages to all the wildlife destinations in the country.

Private Overland

Exclusive top-end.

• African Safari
• South Africa

Top South African Safari Destinations

We highly recommend South Africa as a safari destination. Not only is it home to Southern Africa's most diverse wilderness area - the Kruger National Park - but there are also many alternative safari destinations from which to choose.

The most popular South African safari areas include the Kruger National Park and the private game reserves which form part of it, like the Sabi Sand and the Timbavati. The Eastern Cape also offers exceptional safaris at Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park and Phinda Private Reserve are the primary safari areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The malaria-free regions of northern South Africa, like Madikwe and Welgevonden, have also become increasingly popular safari destinations in recent years.

Safari Packages by Accommodation Level

A wide range of accommodation options exists for people intent on a safari in South Africa. Private overland safaris overnight at basic but comfortable national park camps. On the other end of the spectrum are some of the most luxurious lodges in the world.

Our private overland safaris explore South Africa's numerous national parks in the expert company of an experienced African Sky guide. Accommodations are typically basic but comfortable, offering an affordable alternative for guests with budget constraints. Our most popular overland safaris explore the Kruger National Park, Addo, and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.

Personal safaris offer fantastic value for money in spectacular wilderness areas, like private concessions within the Kruger National Park and the lesser frequented Greater Kruger game reserves like Balule and Kapama. These safaris are slightly less inclusive - for example, excluded drinks - but three meals daily and special safari activities are the norms.

The Luxury safaris offered by African Sky harmonize the needs between the desire for sumptuousness and the limits of a more moderate budget. These safari lodges lie scattered across South Africa's private game reserves, like Timbavati, Phinda, and Shamwari, as well as Botswana's Chobe National Park and Namibia's Etosha National Park.

Our exclusive top-end safaris include grand yet intimate safari lodges in the most remote, beguiling settings. Your full board accommodation will consist of all the bells and whistles, from mouth-watering gourmet meals to safari activities like traditional 4x4 game drives and mokoro safaris. Popular destinations include the Sabi Sand, Mala Mala, South Luangwa, and the Okavango Delta.

Tailor-Made

Have a specific combination of South African safari destinations that you would like to include in your travels? Opt for a tailor-made safari to ensure the package meets your personal needs. When considering your tailor-made safari in South Africa, kindly advise us regarding your ideal duration, preferred budget, and any specific interests that you may have.

Popular Safari Packages in South Africa

Recommended South African Safari itineraries - that have proven popular.

An in-depth exploration of South Africa's major safari areas, including Kruger, Ithala, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo, and Pilanesberg.

Relish unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa's Sabi Sand, Zimbabwe's Matetsi wilderness, Botswana's Chobe, and the Okavango Delta.

Enjoy a luxurious, safari adventure that includes three of South Africa's top private game reserves - Sabi Sand, Shamwari, and Phinda.

Explore three distinctly different regions of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. A private overland safari accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

This safari package combines two top destinations in Southern Africa - the Kruger National Park and mighty Victoria Falls.

A short safari excursion that departs from and returns to Cape Town. It offers a glimpse of safari in an area of the country not traditionally known for its wildlife experiences.

Why Choose South Africa for your safari

Diversity of wilderness areas.

From the authentically wild two million hectares of the Greater Kruger National Park to Phinda Private Game Reserve's seven unique semi-coastal eco-systems and the red sands of the Kalahari Desert, South Africa's diversity of wilderness areas is incomparable. You can return for a novel, unique safari experience again and again.

Best Value for Money

Of all the Southern African countries we offer safaris to, South Africa offers the best value for money. Although this is partially due to the weakness of the South African Rand and favorable exchange rates for foreign visitors, meals, accommodation, and transport tend towards the more affordable end of the scale in terms of overall international travel.

Great infrastructure

South Africa's well-developed infrastructure makes reaching far-flung safari destinations much quicker and easier than in any other African country. Commercial flights are almost always an option, as are overland transfers. This fact invariably reduces the cost of your safari. It does not mean a South African safari is an over-commercialized experience devoid of genuine wilderness encounters.

Experiences to Savor on Safari in South Africa

Encountering the Big Five

Relishing an African sunset

The ever-present call of the wild

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most diverse conservation area, protecting 147 different species of mammals.

A luxury safari with African Sky will include everything from your domestic flights and transfers to your delicious meals and exciting safari activities.

The Big Five are the continent's most awe-inspiring mammals, including the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

The South African safari lodges included in our packages range from basic tented camps to opulent lodges fitted with every comfort.

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South Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

• Featured Safaris
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Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1537  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

South Africa’s bounty is plenty. From the coastal cities that beam with excellence to the evocative landscapes that host spectacular wildlife, a South Africa safari from Zicasso will lead you to some of the Earth’s most remarkable places. Through Zicasso you will have access to the top safari experts, who have planned over 9,300 trips so far. In this amazing environment you will experience incredible wildlife encounters coupled with premier luxuries. For the best inspiration, visit our South Africa travel guide and explore the array of customizable itineraries below.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $6,391

The Rainbow Nation is yours to explore on this astounding 12-day adventure leading from Cape Town to Madikwe Game Reserve. Tailormade to spotlight the fascinating local culture, remarkable history, and heritage, as well as the wondrous unspoiled wilderness, this journey across South Africa is set to reveal a country more beautiful than one may believe made possible through participating in an array of enchanting activities.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $10,915

Victoria Falls is a Natural World Wonder that is more magnificent than words can describe, Cape Town is a vibrant cosmopolitan cityscape that shares rich South African heritage, Lion Sands Game Reserve is an untamed wildlife sanctuary in the Greater Kruger National Park, and Mahe Island is a pristine seascape getaway in the Seychelles archipelago. For 14 days, explore these world-famous destinations with your partner on an enchanting couples escape.

Dynamic pricing from  $12,163

Crafted with wine fanatics in mind, this luxurious 12-day tour of South Africa is designed to give you the perfect sampling of South Africa’s many flavors. From elegant wine estates in the Western Cape, to luxury lodges with expansive wine cellars in the heart of the bush, you will experience South Africa as guided by the country’s favorite wines. Coupled with an extraordinary culinary adventure, a sensational bush experience, and a few award-winning spas, this two-week tour will surely delight each and every one of your senses.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,585

Let Cape Town’s cosmopolitan charm and cultural allure dazzle you, Franschhoek’s deep-rooted history and wine-making heritage entice you, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve’s gorgeous green grasslands and abundant wildlife enchant you on this 10-day classic South African tour and safari. With guided experiences and time at leisure allowing you to experience the best of these destinations, the stage is set for a spectacular stay.

11  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $7,574

From game drives and safari walks to herds of elephants and troops of baboons, this 11-day best of Southern Africa family safari allows you to experience the country’s majestic wilderness. Indulge in the thrills of luxury accommodations in the secluded wilds of private game reserves that offer unique insights into the abundant wildlife. Cruise rivers, walk with trained rangers, and bask in the wonders of the African bush.

8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $8,211

Allow yourself to be dazzled by the opulence and luxury offered by South Africa on this weeklong tour. Beginning at a lodge that defines luxury bush living, you will embark on an adventure through the wilderness in search of intimate encounters with leopards, lions and cheetahs. Moving on your second magical and untouched reserve, the adventure continues amidst archaic trees and sweeping vistas. Saturated and satisfied with wildlife, the tour concludes with a culinary spectacle in the city of Cape Town – complete with tastings of the continent’s best wines. This tour is the true combination of South Africa’s most elegant side.

Why Travelers Choose Us

Benefits of Using Zicasso

Popular South Africa Safari Styles

South Africa’s dry season arrives in May and lasts until October. It is the best time of the year for seeing wildlife as animals wander in search of water and food, and rainfall rarely affects visibility. There is also less vegetation, creating more openings in the bush to see the wildlife.

While dry season temperatures are cooler than in the southern hemisphere’s summer, lows seldom drop below 50°F, and a typical day in July, the southern hemisphere’s winter, averages around 65°F. As most days offer clear skies and sunshine, the conditions are excellent for game drives, bush walks, and more African safari experiences .

If you can only travel outside of the dry season, October through April have their own benefits. The rainfall waters the bushveld and the landscapes are brought to life, migratory birds are present and far easier to see, and rain showers are brief and rarely interfere with safari activities.

To find a month or season that works best for you, explore our guide on the best time for safari in South Africa .

We recommend spending a minimum of 10 days on safari, though 12 days provide more time to view the wildlife, and two weeks is ideal for visiting multiple camps and reserves. That said, you can customize your safari based on the number of days you have available.

10-day safaris are great for exploring a specific reserve like Sabi Sands, while 12-day safaris give you a little more time to visit multiple game reserves in Kruger. Spending two weeks on safari gives you plenty of time to visit multiple camps and enjoy various safari activities in South Africa’s top national parks and reserves. You may see herds of elephants bathing in a river one day and watch a pride of lions saunter to shady acacias a day or two later. You may also leave some days unplanned, giving you room to relax in the amenities at your safari camp or lodge.

You can also plan safaris for longer, and spending upwards of two weeks gives you more opportunities to see your favorite animals and birdlife. The length of your safari is guided by what you want to see and do, and we can help you decide.

Kruger National Park is the most recognizable safari destination in South Africa. Within the Kruger region, Sabi Sands and Mala Mala top our list of game reserves to visit on safari:

• Kruger National Park : As the best place to safari in South Africa, especially among fans of the Big Five, it’s hard to pass up on visiting Kruger Park. With several stunning reserves within the greater Kruger region, no safari is ever the same.
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Sabi Sands, on the border of Kruger, is South Africa’s most luxurious game reserve. It’s often the first game reserve booked for luxury South African safaris as the lodges are some of the finest in the world.
• Mala Mala Game Reserve: Situated within the Kruger region, Mala Mala is a private game reserve that offers exceptional wildlife viewing and unrivaled luxury. The Kruger reserve is a hotspot for viewing the Big Five from the comfort of gorgeous camps within the untamed wilderness.

From Big Five game drives to bush and beach trips, guided bush walks, and nocturnal wildlife viewing, here are some of the top things to do in South Africa on safari:

• Search for the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos on South Africa safari game drives
• Explore the bush with spotlights on nighttime game drives to see the nocturnal wildlife
• Stay in luxury tented camps for a uniquely lavish experience surrounded by nature
• Visit a safari reserve on the coast to see great white sharks, whales, and other marine life

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as coming face to face with a pride of lions or watching a massive elephant bull pass right by the front of your vehicle. From the Big Five to migratory birds, here are some of the animals in South Africa to see on safari:

• African wild dogs

We recommend that travelers come adequately prepared for a safari tour in South Africa, which means packing some additional items over and above your usual travel packing list. Here are some items to consider packing for your African adventure :

• Neutral, light-colored clothing
• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
• Long pants for bush walks
• Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes
• Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards
• Insect and mosquito repellent
• Sun protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses

A safari in South Africa is very safe.

South Africa’s safari animals pose little threat to your safety provided that you follow the instructions and guidance of your game rangers and guides.

Some regions in South Africa are malaria-free, though we advise bringing mosquito and insect repellent for your comfort.

Pickpocketing and petty crime are highly unlikely at South Africa’s safari lodges, although we recommend being mindful of your personal belongings wherever you travel in the world.

The South African rand (R).

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a safari in South Africa and inspiration in our South Africa travel guide .

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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 .

Anita Bhagwandas

Lily Bonesso

CNT Editors

Becky Lucas

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.

South Africa Safaris

South africa safari guide– where & when to go, and what to see.

Safaris in South Africa offer a fantastically accessible way to see some great wildlife in a country that’s tourist-friendly and great value. South African wildlife viewing offers one of the most magnificent experiences on the planet and the country has pretty much any kind of safari you could hope for.

At over 1.2 million km sq, and five times the size of the UK, South Africa is bordered on three sides by the ocean. Whilst much of the country is made up of the highveld – a 1500m plateau – South Africa has very varied terrain, ranging from desert and dry shrubland to coastal swamps, woodland, and savannah – inspiration for generations of South African writers .

Self drive safaris are definitely an option in South Africa, with national parks all over the country allowing you to drive yourself around, so long as you follow the basic rules of safari etiquette . Even still, you may want to review our list of safari tour companies in South Africa to get some inspiration on itineraries.

Animals in many national parks in South Africa are comfortable with vehicles driving nearby, making spotting wildlife here easy for even a novice, and a great self-drive safari destination. Most parks are easily accessible in a 2WD hire car, which can keep the cost down as you won’t have to pay for a guide. With the money you save you could take one or two walking safaris, which gives a different perspective on the bush and wildlife. These are offered by many of the larger national parks and well worth the money.

The big five animals are present in a number of national parks in South Africa, and if you’re an old safari hand Africa’s little five can also be found here. On the endangered list, South Africa is also home to the black rhino, wild dog, wattled crane, and riverine rabbit.

With over 550 national parks and nature reserves and a great infrastructure to get into and around them, South Africa has a very well developed tourist economy, with wildlife making up a large portion of it. The tourist dollar derived from South Africa’s reasonably priced national park network is one of the main sources of revenue that goes back into local wildlife conservation efforts.

And of course, South Africa offers so much more than just safaris. There are all manner of activities and destinations you can combine with a safari in South Africa – including more than 2,500 km of stunning coastline with some of the world’s most famous beaches, world-class wine estates, and the many great things to do in Cape Town , the Mother City.

South Africa Safari Resources

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South African wildlife

Cape Nature Conservation

Official South Africa Tourist Office

KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

South Africa National Parks (SANParks)

Weather in South Africa

South Africa safari highlights

Self-drive kruger national park.

Drive yourself around the Kruger National Park – one of Africa’s best national parks, home to the battle at Kruger . Spot the big five – and far more – from the luxury of your own vehicle whilst taking in some of the park’s many sights. Not sure about self-drive safaris? Read our handy guide…

Go searching for the big seven

Yes, you read that right. South Africa is home to thousands of miles of coastline, and have added the southern right whale and the great white shark to the big five to make up South Africa’s ‘big seven’ (less reliably also available in Namibia and Mozambique)!

Splurge on a luxury retreat

Treat yourself to a stay at one of South Africa’s many exclusive private reserves. These are mostly dotted around the edges of Kruger National Park, but if you’re looking for a top-end malaria free safari can also be found in the Eastern Cape, the Waterberg Region, and the Namibian border.

Hiking in Table Mountain National Park

Whilst not strictly speaking a safari, no trip to South Africa would be complete without taking in Table Mountain National Park. There are many hiking paths up and around one of Africa’s most iconic mountains that let you take in views of the city and the Atlantic and Indian oceans, as well as the chance to spot local wildlife such as hyrax, tortoise, porcupine , and mongoose .

Best time to safari in South Africa

South Africa can comfortably be visited at any time of the year. June to September is the coolest, driest time of year, leading wildlife to congregate more around water sources. As vegetation is also less dense at this time of year it’s the best time to see the wildlife. If you’re visiting the highveld part of South Africa make sure you have a couple of layers – including a jacket or fleece – as the nights get nippy.

From November to March is summertime, and brings with it drizzle, mist, and some very hot weather in the Lowveld to the east of the country. There are occasional huge thunderstorms and heavy downpours, which tend to pass over the course of a few hours. Wildlife viewing is still possible when it’s not raining.

One other thing to bear in mind when considering when to take a safari in South Africa is the school holiday schedule. Locals travel a lot around the Christmas and Easter periods, meaning accommodation can be full and national parks busy. Because the country is so tourist-friendly, these numbers are also bolstered by large numbers of arrivals from Europe and North America. If you can, try to avoid booking a safari in South Africa during the school holiday season.

Flights To South Africa

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South Africa Accommodation

Find safari accommodation in South Africa – from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

South Africa Car Hire

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Activities in South Africa

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National parks in South Africa

South Africa has a wealth of national parks covering around 3% of the total area of the country – over 35,000 km sq in total. Parks and all facilities within them are managed by South Africa National Parks. Most national parks in South Africa are easily accessible with good infrastructure and facilities, and can be visited in your own rented 2WD car.

Top South Africa national park picks

Kruger national park.

The centrepiece of South African national parks, Kruger National Park has a worldwide reputation as offering one of the best wildlife experiences anywhere, as well as a great chance to spot the big five . At the size of Israel Kruger is one of Africa’s largest national parks , with fabulous wildlife sightings all but guaranteed.

Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park is easily accessuly, just 75km north of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Aside from the 450 resident elephants, the recently expanded park contains a range of wildlife including the big seven, and a population of endangered black rhino.

West Coast National Park

Something of a hidden gem and a birders paradise, the West Coast National Park is a little-visited area home to secret beaches, hidden lagoons, blooming carpets of flowers, jaw-dropping picnic spots plus over 250 species of bird and mammal life. The park is a 120km road trip up South Africa’s west coast , so can easily be incorporated into most South African itineraries.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

One of Africa’s top – and most remote – parks, the rugged Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari Desert covers land in both South Africa and Botswana , and borders Namibia to the west. The park is characterized by dry river beds and red dunes, and is home to migrating herds of wildebeest and springbok, along with predators including black-maned Kalahari lions.

All national parks in South Africa

Use the map to locate all national parks in South Africa. Click the icons for more info.

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Addo Elephant Park 75km north of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, aside from the 450 resident elephants the park contains plenty of buck, along with buffalo and black rhino.

Agulhas National Park The area also known as the Agulhas Plain is an internationally signicifanct national park, primarily due to its’ rich plant biodiversity.

Ai Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park An arid, rugged wilderness with dramatic desert landscapes in the Northern Cape, forming part of the border with Namibia.

Bontebok National Park Situated around the Breede river in the Southern Cape, the park is home to over 300 bontebok, with a spectacular range of flora and forna.

Camdeboo National Park Stunningly scenic park, the Cameboo National Park is pary of the unique Karoo landscape.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park Set in the foothills of the Maluti mountains of the northern Free Sate Highlands, the park is an area brimming with game animals.

Karoo National Park The Karoo biome includes a huge diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles, and an interesting variety of endemic wildlife – including black rhino & buffalo.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Regarded as one of Africa’s top parks, the rugged Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is made up of The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana.

Kruger National Park The centrepiece of South African national parks, Kruger has a worldwide reputation as offering one of the best wildlife experience…and a great chance to spot the big five.

Mapungubwe National Park Aside from a decent amount of wildlife, the Mapungubwe National Park containts plenty of rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art and gold and metal artefacts of ancient civilisations that once lived here.

Marakele National Park The Waterberg mountain range provides mountain landscapes – punctuated with hills and valleys – along with an impressive variety of wildlife.

Mountain Zebra National Park A sanctuary for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as over 200 bird species.

Namaqua National Park Famed for the variety of bulb flora, during August and September the park blooms into an area carpeted with wildflowers.

Table Mountain National Park South Africa’s number 1 tourist spot is also a national park. Don’t expect to see big game once you get to the top – Table Mountain is all about the incredible views.

Tankwa Karoo National Park Another of South Africa’s national parks situated within the Succulent Karoo biome, Tankwa Karoo is rich in birdlife and home to many rare and endangered plant species.

West Coast National Park A coastal park featuring miles of deserted golden beaches, fringing salt marches and the Langebaan Lagoon.

Wilderness National Park Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Western Cape, the Wilderness National Park is a combination of rivers, estuaries, lakes and beaches, with a backdrop or lush forests and mountains.

Other South Africa safari resources

South africa safari companies.

South Africa sees large numbers of inbound and local tourists visiting it’s national parks, has great infrastructure to allow travel around the country. Whilst self-drive safaris are extremely easy to do in South Africa, there are also plenty of safari companies right across the country to help visitors take advantage of the world-class wildlife viewining available. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in South Africa .

South Africa safari lodges

There really is something for everyone when considering safari accommodation in South Africa. From great campgrounds including decent washing and BBQ facilities as standard to ultra-high end luxury lodges, with everything in between. Safari accommodation is most concentrated in and around Kruger, but you wont struggle to find the right place at the right place when visiting any of South Africa’s national parks. Search and book accommodation in South Africa .

Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in South Africa?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

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Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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Visit Shamwari Private Game Reserve for a 5-Star Luxury Safari Experience In South Africa

O f all the experiences people seek when visiting South Africa , going on safari easily ranks at the top of the list. While a one-day safari may be best for shorter trips, the best way to enjoy the full safari experience is during an overnight stay. There are several game reserves to choose from, but Shamwari Private Game Reserve is by far the ultimate luxury choice.

In Eastern Cape near South Africa’s sixth largest city, Gqeberha, Shamwari has operated as a game reserve since 1992. Nearly 62,000 acres of land are available for the many species of animals, birds, flora and fauna that once called the land home.

7 Luxury Lodge Experiences To Choose From

Shamwari offers guests a choice of seven luxury lodges, each with its own distinct character and appeal. The options range from intimate seclusion to family-friendly accommodations. For more adventurous guests, there is also a tented Explorer Camp, set around a koppie, deep in the bush.

Long Lee Manor is a redesigned lodge with spacious high-end luxury suites, an infinity pool and several dining spaces on the property. Riverdene is the top pick for family-friendly safari stays with a kids on Safari program available. Bayethe, Eagles Crag and Sindile are all fitting for couples, solo or friends getaways, each offering a different luxury outdoor experience. Sarili Private Lodge, a five-bedroom accommodation, is the premium luxury pick for special occasions with small groups of family and friends.

The Luxury Is In The Details

From your greeting upon arrival to your suite’s amenities, no expense is spared in this 5-star stay. Warm hand towels and savory warm shooters await you and your guests as you step into your lodge of choice. The staff at Shamwari ensures you don’t have to lift a finger.

Game drives are also designed for maximum comfort. Early morning game drives can be chilly depending on the time of year, but the team has plenty of accessories to make sure you stay warm. Heated water bottle pouches and blankets for each guest are provided by your game ranger. Spotting the Big 5 just got a lot fancier. Whether you want morning coffee in the bush or a proper sundowner following an afternoon game drive, the Shamwari team can oblige your request.

Each lodge also has a spa for wellness services with the exception of Riverdene and Sarili. Guests in all lodges have access to in-room treatments or the option to indulge in self-care services at Long Lee Manor Spa.

The best part of this luxury safari experience is the many perks that come inclusive with your stay. All meals including the famed Boma Dinner and locally selected beverages are a part of your experience. With activities, such as game drives and bush walks, included, there’s plenty to do on any given day at the reserve. You can also enjoy a complimentary visit to the wildlife rehabilitation center or Big Cat Sanctuary, Born Free.

Boma Dinners: The Culinary Highlight of Shamwari

Boma dinners are one of the best dining experiences you’ll have during your visit to Shamwari. Every third night, with favorable weather conditions, lodge guests gather for dinner under the African night sky. Around a fire pit surrounded by lanterns, the Boma dinner is South Africa’s braai experience. Known as a South African BBQ, a braai entails grilling food over hot coals and is the perfect way to end a day of exciting game drives.

Enjoy your preferred evening cocktail or beverage as the Shamwari culinary team serves a multi-course menu of fresh, unique dishes. From starters to dessert, you’ll explore local flavors in the cozy Boma setting as the fire crackles in the background, an undoubtedly dreamy safari night.

Resorting Wildlife Native To The Area

Once an area abundant in wildlife, the migration of man resulted in the killing of most of the original wildlife in the area. Shamwari is on a mission to restore the wildlife native to this region, bringing back Cape vultures and spotted hyenas.

Anti-poaching teams patrol the reserve to secure the land and more importantly the safety of animals that call its borders home. Ultimately, Shamwari aims to ensure its wildlife population has sufficient space, food and water to thrive while managing the balance between predator and prey species.

Unlike some private reserves, Shamwari maintains its standard of not interfering with the natural order of the plants and animals on the property. That means you’ll never go off-roading in the pursuit of an animal spotting which is good news for the animals and the flourishing flora and fauna within their habitat.

A Safe Haven For At-Risk Wildlife

Aside from the luxury amenities and services available upon request, Shamwari is actively working as a safe haven for rescued and injured animals of varying needs. Two sections of the property house its rehabilitation and sanctuary facilities. Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries is where you can find animals that should have been born in the wild, but because they weren’t, can never be released into the wild. Animals from circus entertainment, for example, may end up calling Born Free home one day.

Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, on the other hand, provides aid to animals from the wild who need assistance getting back on their feet. The rehab center helps to rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of a professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat.

Shamwari is as much wildlife conversation as it is a luxury vacation, making it a feel-good option for safari experiences in South Africa. Every detail of this private safari is more than a cut above anything you’ll find at larger national parks. You can not only avoid the crowds of other reserves, but also dine and explore the outdoors with premium amenities only a request away.

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South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves

• Kruger National Park

By Audley South Africa specialist Chris

Whether you’re a safari veteran or it’s your first time, South Africa’s diverse national parks and private game reserves offer some of the best game viewing opportunities in the whole of Africa. The majority of South Africa’s parks and reserves are home to the Big Five, and sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino all in one visit are not uncommon.

Safari in national parks and private game reserves

South Africa boasts a large number of game reserves and national parks, each with something different to offer. Most game viewing is undertaken on game drives from the lodges, with an expert guide who’ll explain the habits and life cycles of the animals you see. Occasionally, an additional tracker will help spot the wildlife, which can be well-concealed in the grass or undergrowth. In certain locations walking safaris are also possible. An exhilarating experience, they tend to focus on the smaller details that you might miss from a vehicle such as tracks in the dirt as well as the birds and insects.

Spot the Big Five in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is relatively new to safari when compared to the Kruger National Park , which has been operating since 1926. Established in 1992, Shamwari , home to the famous Born Free Foundation , is the oldest reserve in the region.

All game viewing in the Eastern Cape is in Big Five areas (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo), so for a stay of three nights your chances of seeing all five animals are good, although not guaranteed. The most elusive member of the Big Five in the Eastern Cape — the leopard — can be relatively hard to spot due to its secretive nature and the fact that they are not as accustomed to vehicles in this region.

While on safari here I was lucky enough to enjoy two incredibly rare sightings. First a relaxed black rhino and her calf voluntarily came within five meters of the vehicle, then I spotted an extremely rare and nocturnal aardwolf during the day.

The Eastern Cape, unlike most other safari destinations, is malaria free. Equally, when it’s wetter in the Kruger region, you can still get great weather in the Eastern Cape. The best time to spot game in the Eastern Cape is between October and April.

Most game viewing is conducted on game drives, however, you can also explore on foot. I’d recommend heading out with the more experienced guides, for example at the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve , as they are able to really bring the bush to life and highlight interesting details you may miss from a vehicle.

Visit the classic safari destination, Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger Region is the oldest and largest area of undisturbed natural bush in South Africa. The park covers an immense area, allowing animals to follow ancient migration routes between South Africa, Zimbabwe  and  Mozambique . The premier big cat viewing destination in South Africa, the Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger Region (which includes a variety of private game reserves bordering the park) also boasts the highest densities and widest varieties of game animals in the country.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget and are happy to drive yourself around the park, you can choose from an array of government run lodges and camps within the park boundaries. For a more luxurious and exclusive experience the private game reserves are highly recommended.

Sabi Sands is arguably the most famous private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Region, but there are also a number of smaller ones such as the Timbavati , Thornybush and Klaserie Private Game Reserves, where you'll see fewer vehicles and just as much wildlife. Both the Sabi Sands and Timbavati have unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, so game is free to move in and out. It isn’t unusual to see hundreds of buffalo in one herd in this area, where game densities remain high. If you’re looking for a tented safari experience then Ngala Tented Camp in the Timbavati region is a good option.

With a diverse range of habitats, the Greater Kruger Region supports many different forms of life. To the south and southwest, the rivers are bordered by woodland which gives perfect cover to leopard. To the north the woodland gives way to open grassland, where on one trip, I saw six individual leopard in just three days.

Safaris in the Greater Kruger Region are predominantly vehicle based, but it’s sometimes possible to take a bush walk too. The purpose of these walks is not to view the big game (although you never know what you might come across) but to introduce you to smaller creatures and insects, as well explaining the principles of tracking and spoor identification.

Try an off the beaten track safari in the Madikwe

Madikwe , the second largest game reserve in South Africa is classified as malaria free and as such particularly appeals to families. Located near the border with Botswana you can arrive in around five hours if self-driving, or in just one hour by light aircraft from Johannesburg.

The 750 square kilometers that make up Madikwe Game Reserve are a beautiful combination of rocky outcrops and open plains. There are very few large trees, thanks in part to the 1,000 or so elephant found here, and also because of the arid climate which is more similar to the Kalahari than the rest of South Africa.  

Madikwe gained a reputation for good populations of wild dog, but unfortunately due to the introduction of rabies by poachers’ their numbers were decimated to only five individuals. Recently the population has started to bounce back, however, and on my most recent trip I saw a litter of nine pups. I have also heard that, since my return, another pack has also successfully raised a litter.

Although wild dog are rarely at the top of visitors’ animal wish-lists, they are the most endangered predators in Africa. Once you have seen these charismatic and sociable animals you will see why veteran safari-goers love them. Unlike other predators they can be very active during the day, hunting up to three times and with around a 75% success rate.

The quality and variety of the game viewing in Madikwe is unique and appeals to those who want a more traditional safari experience as you are less likely to see a lot of other vehicles whilst on game drives. There are also over 400 species of bird, so it is a popular choice for birders, with the opportunity for sightings of yellow-throated sandgrouse, kori bustard and Temminck’s courser as well as the barred wren-warbler.

Impodimo Lodge is my favorite in this area because of the vast number of elephants that often come to drink at the watering hole during the mid-day siesta.

Retrace history on a KwaZulu-Natal battlefields tour

There is so much to do in the KwaZulu-Natal area that you can spend two to three weeks just in this region, combining time on safari with an exploration of the military history that the region is famous for.

Probably the best private game reserve in this area is Phinda . Home to the Big Five as well as &Beyond’s Guide Training School, it’s a really special place, particularly for rhino viewing. There aren’t huge populations of either lion or leopard allowing cheetah (who are usually out competed by the other big cats) to thrive.

There are seven different biomes within the reserve, from mountains to the unique sand forest, giving you a wonderfully diverse experience. You can see animals here that you are unlike to spot elsewhere in Africa, such as the suni antelope, which are just 15 inches high and weigh only four kilograms. Game drives, pontoon boat trips and walking safaris are all possible, making this area perfect for active safari-goers.

KwaZulu-Natal is my favorite part of South Africa. It wouldn’t be accurate to say it’s off the beaten track, but it’s certainly lesser known and quieter than other areas. As well as safari, you can visit the battlefields of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars , or if you want to walk there are some excellent hiking trails through the Drakensberg Mountains .

To round off your trip you can spend a few nights at the wonderfully remote Elephant Coast , where, if you’re traveling in January, you might even see the leatherback turtles hatching on the beach, or in November the adult females nesting.

Combine a safari with other highlights of South Africa

Cape Town and The Winelands work well as a combination with most parts of South Africa. You can fly directly from Cape Town to the Kruger Region or to the Eastern Cape Game Reserves.

Johannesburg is the other major entry point to South Africa and, during your stay you could visit the Apartheid Museum , the Pretoria Diamond Mines or perhaps the Cradle of Humankind, where the largest number of hominid remains have been found.

Depending on what time of year you’re traveling to South Africa, and particularly if you’re visiting Kruger, you may want to combine your safari with a visit to the Victoria Falls , just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg.

Alternatively, if you’d like some true relaxation after your safari then you couldn’t wish for better than the azure waters and beautiful beaches of the  Seychelles , Mozambique or Mauritius . These all offer a huge range of hotels, from small self-catering apartments to the most opulent and indulgent beach accommodation. Or, within South Africa, there is also the Elephant Coast , with its wild beaches and rustic accommodation.

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
• Family vacations & safaris in South Africa
• A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari
• What to do in South Africa: our highlights
• Self-driving in South Africa

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VIBRANT CITIES AND PRISTINE WILDERNESS AWAIT

The landscapes of South Africa are world-renowned – home to no less than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not only does the country boast highly acclaimed Big Five wildlife reserves but travellers are treated to flourishing winelands, with some of the best wines in the world. Idyllic beaches, craggy mountains, forested slopes, and hilly countryside give way to awe-inspiring canyons and gorges that are host to a multitude of adventure activities. Trendy nightlife, thriving cafe culture and dazzling cities, including Cape Town, are a major drawcard showcasing a cosmopolitan beauty and diversity.

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• South Africa Safari

The ultimate guide to your next South Africa Safari

Get to know south africa.

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

Johannesburg and the Highveld are cool but sunny by day, very cold at night, and dry.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are warm by day, cool at night, and receive regular rainfall.

The Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, cool at night, and dry.

June is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable and cooler.

• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves tends to be good in the dry season, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility making it a perfect time for a Kruger safari.

Hikers should be alert to the substantial risk of snow and treacherous weather on the mountain peaks in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg over June/July.

Accommodation in tourist areas is usually relatively quiet in June, but try to avoid the winter school holiday that usually falls over late June and early July.

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Why South Africa?

• Endless choices of breathtaking scenic hiking trails
• Spectacular birdwatching and a diverse flora kingdom
• Delicious selections of cuisine and wine tastings
• Some of the best white sandy beaches
• An incredible abundance of wildlife, adventure, and history

Where to go in South Africa

• Durban and the South Coast
• Gauteng, Kruger and the North
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Kruger National Park
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Madikwe and Pilanesberg
• Stellenbosch and the Winelands
• The Garden Route
• The Panorama Route
• The Western and Eastern Cape
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

Routinely lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, a Cape Town holiday offers visitors a breathtaking array of natural and cultural attractions.

The City Bowl is enclosed by the lofty heights of Table Mountain to the south, the dramatic outcrops known as Lion’s Head and Signal Hill to the west, and the choppy waters of the Atlantic to the north.

Cape Town is endowed with some fine colonial architecture, more than a dozen museums reflecting every facet of its complex multicultural history, and the culinary and retail delights of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Cape Town also provides an excellent base for day trips to sites as diverse as Table Mountain, the Alcatraz-like confines of Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years), the peaceful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the historic wine estates of the Constantia Valley, and the wave-battered cliffs of Cape Point.

Highlights of Cape Town

Table Mountain

Rising to an altitude of 1,086m (3,563ft), iconic Table Mountain, sometimes basked in golden sunlight, other times enveloped in a misty shroud known as the tablecloth, dominates the city’s southern skyline.

The ‘tabletop,’’ accessible through either the cable car or hiking up Table mountain , offers travelers stunning views and reveals the Cape Peninsula’s geological drama.

Cape of Good Hope

South Africa’s oldest working building, the pentagonal Castle of Good Hope, situated in Cape Town, was constructed over 1666-79 and served as the seat of the Dutch colonial government for more than a century.

The Cape of Good Hope now houses a military museum and art gallery and makes for a perfect cultural experience for people on holiday in Cape Town.

Of the countless beaches in and around Cape Town, the first choice among fashion-inspired travelers in Cape Town is a Camps Bay holiday, set below the spectacular Twelve Apostles formation.

At the same time, families tend to head to suburban Muizenberg for their family holiday.

Bloubergstrand

You can’t do better for a scenic beach walk and spectacular views of Table Mountain than the aptly-named Bloubergstrand (Blue Mountain Beach) north of the city center.

Bloubergstrand is a hotspot for a beach holiday in Cape Town because of the picture-perfect Table Mountain.

District Six

The award-winning District Six Museum is arguably the city’s most engaging and poignant installation. Taped recollections, possessions, and photographs donated by former residents evoke everyday life as it was in the cosmopolitan multiracial suburb of District Six prior to it being bulldozed by the apartheid government in 1966 and rezoned as a whites-only area.

District Six is the perfect place to add to your Cape Town holiday itinerary if you’re looking to have a cultural experience in Cape Town and learn about the history of South Africa .

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the 528-hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is serviced by a network of well-marked trails passing through thematic beds of indigenous flora – most notably a lush cycad garden.

Other attractions include a fascinating collection of ‘useful plants’, and a conservatory containing succulent species typical of the arid Kalahari and Namaqualand.

Kirstenbosch is also famous for its Kirstenbosch summer concerts . Enjoy an electric atmosphere in the most relaxed setting you can imagine.

The Bo-Kaap (Upper Cape) is the spiritual home of the Cape Malay community, whose colorfully painted houses include the Bo-Kaap Museum. This beautifully restored 1760s homestead explores the history of this fascinating suburb.

The photogenic Bo-Kaap is popular among travelers for its iconic colorful houses and traditional Cape Malay meals.

V&A Waterfront

The most-visited tourist attraction on a South African holiday, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , is a vast harbor-front development comprising 50-plus restaurants, hundreds of shops, and boats offering sunset cruises around Table Bay.

Robben Island

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island gained infamy as the site of the maximum-security block where Nelson Mandela and other prominent anti-apartheid leaders were detained at the height of the struggle.

It can be visited on a South African holiday by a boat-and-bus excursion that leaves from Victoria & Alfred Waterfront several times daily and includes a visit to the tiny cell Mandela called home for 18 years.

Constantia Valley

The birthplace of Cape wine, the Constantia Valley houses some of the country’s most historic and beautiful estates, among them Groot Constantia, centered on an original 1680s homestead now preserved as a museum.

Now part of Table Mountain National Park , the 77km2 (30 square mile) Cape of Good Hope protects the most southerly section of the Cape Peninsula. The main focus is Cape Point Lighthouse, which stands atop a steep windswept cliff that rises 250m (820ft) from the rocky beach below.

Cape Point is also good for fynbos endemics such as the Cape sugarbird and Orange-bellied sunbird, while mammals in the area include Cape fur seals and half-a-dozen antelope species, notably eland and bontebok.

Boulders Beach

Just five minutes drive south of Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach supports a permanent breeding colony of several thousand penguins, which you can watch strutting, surfing, squabbling, and sunbathing from a network of boardwalks and viewing platforms.

Travel Tips for Cape Town

• A Cape Town holiday includes all the amenities you’d expect of the country’s leading urban tourist destination. A world-class dining scene and selection of cosmopolitan shops are complemented by an array of overnight Cape Town Accommodations , ranging from five-star city and boutique hotels to backpacker hostels and B&Bs.
• Cape Town is served by an ever-increasing number of international flights and several dozen daily flights from Johannesburg and domestic flights to all other major centers in South Africa. All flights land at Cape Town International Airport, which lies 20km (12mi) east of the city center.
• The city lends itself to casual exploration using public transport such as the MyCiti bus service. The popular Cape Town Explorer is also an option as a hop-on-hop-off bus service that connects the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to all the major museums and the Table Mountain Cableway, Camps Bay, Sea Point, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Also worth considering is the Metrorail train service, which connects the central railway station on Adderley Street to Simon’s Town via the Southern Suburbs and Muizenberg. Picking up a rental car at the airport is also a viable option.

The most populous city and busiest port on the east coast of Africa, Durban is a vibrant and interesting city set in the municipality of eThekwini (a Zulu name meaning ‘Place of the Sea’).

A substantial Indian population and subtropical coastal climate combine to give Durban a slightly Asiatic feel, but Durban’s main attraction is its fine beaches and sunny coastlines.

The urban setting of Durban will appeal to travelers seeking a more down-to-earth, lived-in experience than you tend to associate with other beach resorts on holiday.

Durban lies midway along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, a 200km (124mi) stretch of subtropical Indian Ocean frontage stretching from the Tugela River mouth south to the border with the Eastern Cape.

This is South Africa’s most conventional beach holiday destination, a beach nirvana with palm-fringed expanses of broad white sand.

Unlike Cape Town, the beaches around Durban cater mainly to domestic holidaymakers from landlocked Gauteng and thus tend to get congested over school holidays and long weekends (especially around Christmas and Easter) but are quiet at other times.

Highlights of Durban And The South Coast

Durban’s Golden Mile

South Africa’s most resort-like urban beach, Durban’s Golden Mile, is divided from the CBD by the pedestrianized OR Tambo Parade. Protected by shark nets and patrolled by lifeguards, the beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing on a Durban holiday, though it can get very crowded during peak season.

uShaka Marine World

The uShaka Marine World houses the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere and is one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations in South Africa . Marine life is on show, where dolphins, seals, sharks, rays, and penguins are the main attraction. Attached to this child-friendly holiday installation is the Shaka Wet ‘n Wild Waterworld, a family fun park that incorporates the country’s largest waterslide.

Juma Mosque

Landmarks associated with Durban’s Indian population include the golden-domed Juma Mosque, the most prominent building of its type in southern Africa, and the less central Alayam Hindu Temple.

The Central Durban Botanical Garden

The Central Durban Botanical Garden includes fabulous collections of prehistoric cycads and rare orchids.

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

Durban’s most ecologically important conservation area, Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, offers a rare opportunity to see mangrove dwellers such as the brilliant mangrove kingfisher and quirky mudskipper fish from a wooden boardwalk. 

It’s considered one of Durban’s best-kept secrets and a perfect holiday destination to add to your South African vacation itinerary if you want to see some protected fish and do some birdwatching.

Umhlanga Rocks

The popular South African holiday town of Umhlanga Rocks, 20 minutes’ drive north of Durban, is home to the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board.

Lifelike replicas of various sharks and rays can be viewed along with an audiovisual display emphasizing the importance of these oft-maligned creatures in marine ecology.

Ballito , 40km (25mi) north of Durban, is a thriving and well-equipped upmarket resort town with a 2.5km (1.6mi) long beachfront promenade and plenty of family-friendly holiday activities. Willard Beach in Ballito is ideal for swimming, while Boulder Beach is popular with surfers.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Carved by the Mzimkulwana River, the euphorbia-studded Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is run through by several walking trails from which bushbuck, Blue monkeys, and a vast array of colorful forest birds can be seen.

Whitewater rafting and abseiling can be done outside the reserve on a Durban vacation.

A succession of excellent South African beach holiday destinations run along the 120km (75mi) stretch of coast south from Durban, among them Amanzimtoti, Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Port Shepstone, Margate, and Ramsgate.

Excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities are available at reefs and wrecks offshore of Amanzimtoti, Umkomaas, and Shelley Beach, making Durban a superb beach holiday destination .

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Protecting a forested river gorge on the Eastern Cape border, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve offers some lovely coastal and forest hiking. It harbors various small antelope and is a breeding colony of the endangered Cape vulture.

Practical Information for Durban And The South Coast

• Durban is connected to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and many other large centers by several daily flights. All flights land at King Shaka International Airport, 35km (22mi) north of the city center. The usual car rental agencies are available here, and airport shuttles and taxis are available to get you to the city center or elsewhere on the coast.
• There’s no shortage of hotels in Durban, and the city is also serviced by many B&Bs and backpacker hostels. You can also find hotels and resorts along the coast flanking Durban, with Ballito and Umhlanga Rocks particularly well-endowed when it comes to stylish upmarket lodges.
• Indian cuisine is well represented in Durban, and good seafood can be had throughout the region.

South Africa’s major safari destinations are mostly clustered in the country’s northern interior. Foremost among these is the iconic Kruger National Park and bordering private reserves, which collectively protect a vast tract of low-lying bushveld that offers some of the finest Big Five viewing anywhere on the continent.

Also very popular, particularly for those who want to avoid the slim risk of malaria associated with the Kruger, are the more westerly Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves , both of which harbor all the Big Five along with other safari favorites such as giraffe and warthog in the malaria-free North-West Province .

(P.S. If you’re looking for Gauteng Accommodation Specials , we’ve got some great travel deals for you.)

The main air gateway to these fine reserves is built-up Gauteng, a province that accounts for less than 1.5% of South Africa’s surface area but supports a full 20% of the national population and generates an astonishing 10% of the entire African GDP. Bustling, chaotic, and unapologetically commerce-driven, Gauteng – a Sesotho name meaning ‘Place of Gold’ – exists purely because of the immense mineral wealth beneath its soil.

It’s home to four of South Africa’s ten most populous cities, including the national capital, Pretoria, and the megapolis of Johannesburg.

Although its attractions may not be as immediate as those of Cape Town or Durban, the province does offer plenty of worthwhile sightseeing on your South African holiday, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind (one of the world’s most significant paleoanthropological sites) to the first history-making former ‘township’ of Soweto.

Highlights of Gauteng, Kruger And The North

Quite simply one of the world’s largest and most rewarding safari destinations, the iconic Kruger National Park supports 147 mammal and 517 bird species, including substantial populations of all the Big Five.

Included on the most organized tours through South Africa , it is also an unusually straightforward goal for DIY safari enthusiasts.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The best known of the private reserves sharing an open border with Kruger, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is home to several bar-setting game lodges and camps offering all-inclusive Big Five safaris to an exclusive clientele.

Expertly guided game drives in open-top 4×4 vehicles provide some of the world’s most intimate leopard viewing .

Panorama Route

The sheer escarpment that divides the sweltering Lowveld of Kruger from the breezy highlands around Graskop can be explored on a Panorama Route holiday . This loosely-defined road circuit offers access to several beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints.

Highlights include the restored goldrush village of Pilgrim’s Rest and the spectacular 1.4km (4593ft) deep Blyde River Canyon.

Madikwe Game Reserve

South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destination , Madikwe Game Reserve , offers excellent Big Five viewing , with lion, elephant, and rhino particularly conspicuous.

It functions much like the private reserves bordering Kruger, with an emphasis on guided game drives in open-top 4x4s, and is serviced by a couple of dozen small and exclusive all-inclusive bush lodges.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Sun City

Only two hours’ drive north of Gauteng, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and adjacent Sun City pits another fine malaria-free safari venue against the altogether more hedonistic pleasures of a Sun City holiday , a massive casino complex that sports two superb golf courses and plenty of child-friendly activities .

Johannesburg

Founded above the world’s richest gold deposits in 1886, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and main economic hub. The dynamic social fulcrum of the country’s most culturally integrated and forward-looking province, it’s also renowned throughout Africa as a shoppers’ paradise.

Travelers from further afield won’t regret making an effort to explore the Apartheid Museum and the wide selection of photographs, old newsreels, and other imaginative displays documenting the rise and fall of the system of institutionalized racism for which it is named.

The ‘township’ of Soweto – rather prosaically, an acronym of South West Townships – was the setting of many pivotal events during the anti-apartheid struggle.

Guided tours lead past such landmarks as the poignant Hector Pieterson Memorial, whose 13-year-old namesake was felled by the wave of police fire that initiated the Soweto Rising on 16 July 1976, as well as the Calabash-shaped FNB Stadium, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands.

Tours on your Soweto holiday usually include a lunch break at one of its so-called shebeens – now legitimized hole-in-the-wall bars that thrived illegally under apartheid.

Cradle of Humankind

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the paleontological treasure trove dubbed the Cradle of Humankind protects an ancient Karstic landscape whose wealth of fossils forms a unique record of the last 3-4 million years of human evolution.

Its centerpiece is the Maropeng Visitors Center, an award-winning and unusually child-friendly holiday installation. Self-guided tours start with an exciting boat ride through a subterranean waterway that takes you backward in time, reproducing the volatile seismic conditions that shaped our planet’s geology.

The nearby Sterkfontein Caves are where, in 1936, Dr. Robert Broom discovered the first fossil confirming Darwin’s theory that humans evolved in Africa.

Established in 1855, Pretoria – now part of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality – has long served as the administrative capital of South Africa. The avenues of the stately city center are lined by Jacaranda trees that bloom purple in October and century-old buildings.

Foremost among the latter, the sandstone Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1913, is where Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration was held in 1994.

Standing sentinel on the city’s southern outskirts, the hilltop Voortrekker Monument is an immense granite monolith built in the 1940s to commemorate the Afrikaner pioneers who trekked from the Cape to what is now Gauteng a century earlier.

Mapungubwe National Park

Set on stark baobab-studded granitic hills running down to the south bank of the Limpopo, Mapungubwe National Park is the site of a medieval trading city that supported some 5,000 people in its 13th-century peak as a supplier of gold, copper and ivory to the Swahili Coast of East Africa.

Guided safaris of the archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, run every morning and an award-winning museum displays artifacts unearthed there. Elephants, kudu, and klipspringer are regularly seen, and lions and leopards are also present.

Practical Information for Gauteng, Kruger, And The North

• The terminus of most international flights to South Africa, OR Tambo International Airport, lies on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg, about one hour’s drive from Pretoria and two hours from Pilanesberg and Sun City. OR Tambo is also the most important hub for domestic flights, with several connections to Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, and Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport (for Kruger and the private reserves), as well as thrice-weekly flights to Pilanesberg.
• Self-drive is straightforward throughout, and most major rental companies are represented at OR Tambo (and, for that matter, at Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport), and there are also plenty of shuttles and taxis for those not being met by an operator or hotel shuttle.
• Literally hundreds of city hotels serve Johannesburg and Pretoria. There are also rustic out-of-town lodges, B&Bs, and backpacker hostels. You can find a fair range of similar accommodations in most other towns in the region. In game reserves, the choice tends to split between all-inclusive upmarket lodges ( Madikwe and Sabi Sands ) and simple but well-priced rest camps ( Kruger , Mapungubwe , and Pilanesberg ).

South Africa’s third-largest protected area and oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 3,320km2 (1,282 square miles) iSimangaliso follows the Indian Ocean coastline for a full 220km (137 miles) north of Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuarine system) to Kosi Bay on the border with Mozambique.

It’s easily the country’s most biodiverse reserve, incorporating five separate Ramsar Wetlands, a lush tropical mosaic of mountains, bushveld, palm groves, wooded dunes, grassland, and coastal forests, as well as a 5km (3mi) wide marine section that harbors Africa’s most southerly coral reefs.

The faunal diversity of iSimangaliso (a Zulu word meaning ‘something wondrous’) was encapsulated by Nelson Mandela, who described it as “the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (whale)”.

Indeed, iSimangaliso can boast a higher count of vertebrate species than any other African conservation area, with 129 terrestrial and aquatic mammals, 525 birds, 128 reptiles, 50 amphibians, and 991 marine as well as 48 freshwater fish.

Despite this, while wildlife is abundant in parts, the stunning coastal scenery is at least as big an attraction as the game viewing.

Highlights of ISimangaliso Wetland Park

St Lucia Village

Jungle-swathed St Lucia Village, fringing the freshwater estuary for which it is named, stands at the far south of iSimangaliso and is the park’s main travel hub. A contender for South Africa’s most wildlife-friendly settlement, it’s home to plentiful hippos and crocs, porcupines, bushbuck, and warthogs.

The tropical birding safari destination includes the African fish eagle, Trumpeter hornbill, Purple-crested turaco, and Mangrove kingfisher. Popular activities include visits to an out-of-town crocodile farm and launch trips on the St Lucia Estuary.

Set below forested dunes on a reef-shielded beach north of St Lucia, Cape Vidal is a superb beach that offers good low-tide snorkeling and seasonal land-based whale and dolphin viewing. It also forms a vital seasonal nesting site for loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Mission Rocks

Halfway between St Lucia and Cape Vidal, the forested dunes around Mission Rocks are some of the world’s tallest and provide sanctuary to the secretive Red duiker and localized Blue monkey.

Buffalo, rhinos, elephants, and possibly cheetahs might be seen on the safari loop to Lake Bhangazi.

uMkhuze Game Reserve

The 400km2 (154 square mile) uMkhuze Game Reserve offers the finest game viewing within iSimangaliso. Home to elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and elusive populations of leopards and cheetahs, it’s ideal for a photographic safari thanks to some well-sited photographic hides that attract a steady stream of nyala, kudu, zebras, warthogs, White rhinos and Black rhinos.

More than 420 bird species, including the localized Yellow-spotted nicator, Livingstone’s turaco, Neergaard’s sunbird, and African broadbill, make it an excellent birding safari destination .

Sodwana Bay

Africa’s southernmost coral reefs stand offshore of Sodwana Bay, whose Seven Mile Reef is ranked among the world’s most beautiful dive sites , with overhangs, drop-offs and mushroom rocks reaching around 20m (65ft) below the surface. Expect a dazzling array of colorful reef fish.

Lake Sibaya

South Africa’s most significant natural freshwater body, Lake Sibaya, is backed by tall forested dunes and supports around 150 hippos along with a wide diversity of aquatic birds, making it an ideal destination for a birding safari .

Comprising eight lakes and a series of connecting channels that drain into the Indian Ocean through a sandy estuary, scenic Kosi Bay offers unusually calm snorkeling conditions and the opportunity to seek out 150 marine fish species on the rocky reef in the estuary mouth.

The complex fishing traps set in the estuary by the local Thonga people represent a highly sustainable form of traditional resource management since the estuarine fish are readily replenished from the open sea.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

St Lucia village is a convenient base for day safaris to the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, providing the perfect opportunity for a Big Five safari . The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve houses the world’s densest populations of both White and Black rhinos.

Other wildlife includes African wild dogs, giraffes, zebra, impala, nyala, greater kudu, warthogs, Vervet monkeys, and almost 400 bird species, making the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve perfect for a birding safari as well.

Phinda Resource Reserve

Sharing its eastern boundary with iSimangaliso, the private Phinda Resource Reserve is KwaZulu-Natal’s most prestigious safari destination.

All-inclusive safari tours with guided game drives in an open-top 4×4 are also sure to yield all the Big Five throughout a two- to three-night holiday. A dense population of habituated cheetahs allows for excellent close-up behavioral viewing.

Tembe Elephant Park

Not strictly speaking a private reserve, but effectively functioning as one, the 300km2 (116 square mile) Tembe Elephant Park is best known for its giant tuskers.

At Tembe Elephant Park, you can do a Big Five safari as all of the Big Five are present. You can also do a birding safari because of the various bird species present.

Practical Advice for ISimangaliso Wetland Park

• Several scheduled daily flights connect Johannesburg to Richards Bay, a large industrial port town about one hour’s drive southwest of St Lucia Village by road. There are also regular flights from most major South African cities to Durban, about three hour’s drive from St Lucia along the N2. Some visitors to Phinda and other private reserves use direct charter flights.
• Most Durban-based tour operators offer overnight trips to southern iSimangaliso and/or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. The region is also well suited to self-drive visits, though a 4×4 vehicle is required for most places north of Mkhuze Game Reserve and east of the N2.
• You can find a varied selection of budget to mid-range accommodation in St Lucia Village. Most reserves within or associated with iSimangaliso have inexpensive but comfortable rest camps. Upmarket bush camps can be found in Phinda, on the outskirts of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, and at certain sites along the iSimangaliso coastline north of Sodwana.

Extending over a mind-boggling 19,485 km2 (7,523 square miles), the Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most iconic safari destinations. It’s comparable in area to Wales or the state of New Jersey.

It shares open borders with several smaller private reserves as well as two transfrontier national parks in the form of Gonarezhou (Zimbabwe) and Limpopo (Mozambique).

Kruger National Park vies with Cape Town as South Africa’s top destination, attracting more than one million visitors annually. The park is better suited to affordable self-drive safaris than any other major African park.

By contrast, the exclusive private reserves that border Kruger and ‘concession lodges’ that occupy exclusive enclaves within it set the bar for all-inclusive luxury safaris in open-top 4×4 vehicles driven by expert guides.

Set in the hot eastern Lowveld, Kruger is traversed by several rivers and is punctuated by a few hilly areas. Still, it mostly comprises flat savannah dominated by acacia trees in the south and mopane woodland in the north.

Kruger National Park Parfuri ElephantThe Nile crocodile is the most conspicuous of 114 reptile and 34 amphibian species, but the ethereal communal calls of the Bubbling kassina and other tree frogs often provide a haunting aural backdrop to dusk waterhole vigils.

Kruger is a magnet for birding safaris , with 517 bird species recorded. Expect everything ranging from the spectacularly colorful Lilac-breasted roller and White-fronted bee-eater to several heftier species now rare outside of protected areas, such as the eyelid-fluttering Southern ground hornbill, the bizarre Secretary-bird, the massive Kori bustard (the world’s heaviest flying bird), the macabre Marabou stork, and, of course, the ostrich.

Highlights of Kruger National Park

Southern Kruger

Thanks to its relative proximity to Gauteng, Southern Kruger carries the highest volume of safari-goers.

The far south offers the park’s most reliable game viewing: the surfaced H4-1 that follows the Sabie River from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, a great area to spot elephant, buffalo, lion, and even leopards.

It’s also a favorite for birding safaris , while the H4-2 and associated dirt roads running south to Crocodile Bridge explore the park’s best rhino country.

Central Kruger

The focal point of the lightly-wooded savannah of Central Kruger, Satara, stands at the crossroads of some superb safari roads.

Seasonal concentrations of wildebeest and zebra are reminiscent of the Serengeti, and it’s the best place to look for cheetahs and see lion kills – the latter also often attracting jackals and hyenas.

The aptly-named Olifants River is a favored haunt of elephants, and it also often attracts immense herds of thirsty buffalo.

Northern Kruger

Wildlife viewing in the remote Northern Kruger is challenging because while buffalo and elephants are conspicuous, lions, leopards, and rhino encounters are rare.

Balanced against that, the untrammeled north possesses a mesmerizing wilderness feel and hosts many localized bird species absent further south, making the Northern Kruger a perfect destination for a birding safari .

Thulamela Heritage Site, on the south bank of the Luvuvhu River, protects the substantial ruins of a 16th-century Zimbabwe-style stone-wall royal village.

Makuleke Contractual Park

The 240km2 (93 square mile) Makuleke Contractual Park, which runs south from the Limpopo River along the border with Zimbabwe, was annexed to Kruger following the forcible relocation of its inhabitants in 1969.

Restored to the Makuleke community in the 1990s, it’s still managed as part of Kruger and hosts two private lodges that offer much to keen birdwatchers or anybody seeking a genuine wilderness escape.

An excellent place to seek out the likes of Pel’s fishing owl, Racket-tailed roller, and Triple-banded courser, it also offers exclusive access to the spectacular Lanner Gorge and lush Fever tree forest at Crooks Corner.

Home to some of South Africa’s most lauded game lodges, the Sabi Sand Reserve was amalgamated from several now jointly-managed private properties in 1948.

It shares an open boundary with southern Kruger, and expertly guided game drives in open-top 4×4 vehicles often throw up all the Big Five on safari , as well as cheetah and African wild dogs. The reserve also arguably offers the world’s best and most intimate leopard viewing.

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Immediately north of Sabi Sand, Manyeleti Game Reserve , whose Shangaan name means ‘Place of Stars,’ was set aside in 1964 and now shares an unfenced 30km (19mi) eastern border with Kruger and supports a similar selection of wildlife.

However, poaching and low tourist volumes mean that game viewing on safari isn’t quite up there with several of its neighbors.

Timbavati Nature Reserve

Named after the seasonal river that flows close to its southern boundary before crossing into Kruger, the private Timbavati Nature Reserve , created in 1962, and now unfenced along its border with Kruger, operates similarly to Sabi Sand.

Game drives don’t quite match up when it comes to leopard and rhino safari sightings, but since camps are more spread out, they tend to operate at a more relaxed pace.

Private Concession Lodges

The Kruger’s dozen-or-so privately-run concession lodges stand on individual enclaves of national parkland where exclusive traversing rights have been awarded to the concessionaire.

Much like the private reserves bordering Kruger, each concession hosts between one and three exclusive small camps offering guests a deluxe package, including expertly guided safari game drives in open-top 4x4s.

However, the concessions are typically much larger than the private reserves, wildlife is less habituated to vehicles, and there is no cross-traversing with other lodges – the net result being that game viewing tends to be more erratic. Still, the overall experience is arguably more holistically satisfying.

Practical Information of Kruger National Park

• Kruger is well-suited to affordable self-drive safaris. An ordinary saloon car can easily explore a good network of sealed roads. The 20-odd rest camps offer inexpensive but comfortable accommodation , and most have grocery shops, filling stations, and restaurants.
• In addition, an excellent selection of maps, guidebooks, and other interpretive material is available on-site.
• Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) lies within an hour’s drive of Numbi and Phabeni Gates. It’s connected to Gauteng’s OR Tambo International Airport by several scheduled flights daily, and several car rental companies are represented there. For couples or families, it may be more affordable to rent a car out of Gauteng and drive, following the N4 east from Pretoria to Mbombela or the N12 from Johannesburg/OR Tambo to connect with the N4 at eMalahleni (formerly Witbank). Allow five hours for the drive.
• The private and concession lodges associated with Kruger offer a very different and somewhat more costly experience. Most exude an aura of safari chic, pamper clients with gourmet meals and service levels in line with a luxury spa, and include a guided evening and morning game drive. These lodges are typically visited as a two- or three-night all-inclusive fly-in or drive-down package from Gauteng.
• You could also tag one night at a private reserve to the end of a self-drive Kruger safari – though be sure to time things so that you arrive at camp in time and leave late enough to do all game drives.
• Kruger is hot and seasonally humid, with summer daytime temperatures routinely topping the 30°C/86°F mark (frequently 40°C/104°F in the north). The air dries out in winter when nights can be freezing, and you’ll want plenty of warm clothing for evening and early morning game drives.

South Africa’s most ecologically diverse province, KwaZulu-Natal is flanked by two vast and very different but equally important and alluring UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the lush subtropical Indian Ocean coastline protected within iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the lofty 3,000m (9,843ft) peaks of the hiker-friendly uKhahlamba-Drakensberg.

(P.S. If you’re looking for affordable KwaZulu-Natal Accommodation Specials , we’ve got some great travel deals for you.)

Other attractions include the beach holiday city of Durban, the countless smaller beach resorts that flank it on either side, the top-notch Big Five game-viewing offered at the likes of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Phinda Game Reserves, and a wealth of historical and cultural sites associated with the Zulu nation for which the province is named.

Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa’s third largest city, the vibrant port of Durban, stands at the hub of a 200km (124mi) stretch of Indian Ocean coastline endowed with an endless succession of perfect beaches for beach holidays .

A magnet for hikers and ramblers, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site remarkable not only for its scenic beauty but also for its botanical diversity, wealth of endemic birds, birding safari opportunities , and prehistoric rock art dating back up to 3,000 years.

KwaZulu-Natal’s most important Big Five destination , the 960km2 (371 square mile) Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve was first accorded official protection in 1895 and formerly served as the royal hunting ground of King Shaka Zulu.

The reserve has played a crucial role in the conservation of both African rhino species, and it now protects the world’s densest population of these endangered creatures.

Other prominent residents include elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, impala, nyala, greater kudu, warthogs, and to a lesser extent, lions and leopards. From mid-March to mid-December, four-night wilderness trails lead through a 300km2 (116 square mile) area closed to vehicular traffic.

Ramsar Wetlands

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the coastal iSimangaliso Wetland Park incorporates five separate Ramsar Wetlands and a checklist of more than 2,000 vertebrate species, more than any other African conservation area.

The Dhlinza Forest Reserve

The Dhlinza Forest Reserve, bordering the small town of Eshowe, protects the country’s most accessible patch of mist-belt forest. Home to the diminutive Blue duiker and an exciting selection of forest birds for birding safaris , it’s traversed by a 125m (410ft) aerial boardwalk that terminates at a tall tower offering grandstand views to the Indian Ocean.

Karkloof Nature Reserve

Sleepy Howick overlooks the spectacular 95m (312ft) high Howick Falls. It provides access to the Karkloof Nature Reserve, which protects the country’s largest remaining stand of mist-belt forest.

It’s also the focal point of the Midlands Meander, which comprises a few dozen loosely-affiliated cottage industries ranging from art and pottery studios to craft workshops and cheese producers. An imaginative sculpture comprising 50 steel columns marks the out-of-town Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where its namesake was arrested for anti-apartheid activities in 1962.

The showy but exuberant cultural program at Shakaland provides an informative and enjoyable introduction to the culture of the province’s numerically dominant Zulu people. It’s an ideal add-on to your itinerary for your South African holiday if you’re looking for a cultural holiday experience.

eMakhosini Heritage Park

The 250km2 (97 square mile) eMakhosini Heritage Park protects the Zulu ‘Valley of Kings’ and includes such cultural landmarks as King Shaka’s Grave, the reconstructed residence of King Dingane, and the Hill of Execution where the Voortrekker party led by Piet Retief was slaughtered. It’s also home to rhinos and other typical Zululand wildlife.

Battlefields Route

The so-called Battlefields Route through the province’s northern interior comprises several important sites associated with the 19th-century Zulu-Boer and Anglo-Zulu Wars and the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. These include Blood River, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, and Spionkop Hill.

Pietermaritzburg

The inland city of Pietermaritzburg, founded in 1838 as part of a short-lived Boer Republic called Natalia, has been the provincial capital since 1843. Its pedestrian-friendly CBD contains several well-preserved Victorian buildings, including the redbrick City Hall, the Railway Station, the former Supreme Court (now the Tatham Art Gallery), and the Voortrekker Msunduzi Museum.

Practical Information of KwaZulu-Natal

• The main air gateway to KwaZulu-Natal is King Shaka International Airport, which lies 35km (22mi) north of central Durban. It’s connected to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and many other large centers by several daily flights.
• An alternative port of entry for the northern part of the province is Richards Bay, which is connected by daily scheduled flights to Johannesburg and lies about one hour’s drive southwest of iSimangaliso’s St Lucia Village or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.
• The usual car rental agencies are available at both airports, and airport shuttles and taxis are available to get you to Durban or elsewhere on the coast.
• Traveling between Gauteng and Durban by road, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park lies about halfway between the two and makes for an excellent place to break up the journey for a few nights. Hotels, B&Bs, and backpacker hostels are plentiful in most parts of the province. The provincial conservation authority also operates an extensive network of affordable and comfortable rest camps in its various reserves.

Situated in the blandly-named low-profile North West Province, these two relatively recently-created reserves have grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their family-friendly holiday location in a malaria free-zone and excellent Big Five viewing .

Pilanesberg and Madikwe are pretty similar in ecological terms, both being situated in the transitional zone to the moist eastern bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari biome that extends into neighboring Botswana.

The usual safari favorites are supplemented by many dry-country species at the eastern limit of their range. However, the two reserves cater to very different clientele.

Pilanesberg, only two hours from Gauteng, stands adjacent to the glitzy Sun City casino and resort complex and is geared primarily towards self-drive day and overnight visitors.

By contrast, the more remote Madikwe is closed to day visitors and caters exclusively to the top end of the safari market, hosting a few dozen exclusive bush camps that offer plush accommodation and all-inclusive packages comparable to the private reserves bordering Kruger.

Now entrenched as South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destination , the 750km2 (290 square mile) Madikwe Game Reserve abuts the Botswana border some four hours’ drive northwest of Gauteng.

Flanked by the perennial Great Marico River, the reserve was established in 1991 following a government study that concluded it could be utilized more profitably and offer greater benefits to local communities as a conservation area than as an unproductive farm.

Following an extensive reintroduction program, it now offers an excellent chance of sighting three of the Big Five – lion, elephant, and rhino on a Big Five safari – while buffalo and leopard are also present but more scarce. Common grazers include giraffe, zebra, greater kudu, springbok, Red hartebeest and tsessebe.

It’s also possibly the most reliable reserve in South Africa for encounters with the endangered African wild dog. Night drive safaris frequently offer good sightings of the shy brown hyena and bizarre aardwolf.

A checklist of 350 bird species includes several northwestern specials, most conspicuously the Southern pied babbler (dubbed the ‘flying snowball’) and the exquisite Crimson-breasted shrike, Shaft-tailed whydah and Violet-eared waxbill, making Madikwe an ideal location for a birding safari .

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Nestled scenically within a collapsed volcanic crater, the 550km2 (212 square mile) Pilanesberg Game Reserve supports game densities similar to the likes of Kruger and ranks as one of the best places anywhere in South Africa for close-up encounters with White rhinos and elephant on a safari.

Situated only two hours drive north of Gauteng, it forms a realistic goal for time-pressed travelers looking for a malaria-free overnight safari destination out of Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Large predator sightings are comparatively hit-and-miss, but the odds of encountering a lion or leopard (along with the strictly nocturnal brown hyena and aardwolf) improve greatly if you join a guided night drive safari into the reserve.

As with Madikwe, a checklist of 350 bird species includes several species that reflect its transitional location, making it a perfect destination for a birding safari .

Sun City Resort

Established in 1976, Sun City is sometimes dubbed Las Vegas-in-the-bush. While the massive casino at the complex’s heart just about justifies this tag, it also doubles as a fun, family-friendly destination boasting an imitation inland beach called the Valley of Waves, two superb golf courses designed by Gary Player, and day safaris into the adjacent Pilanesberg.

Travel Tips to Madikwe And Pilanesberg

• Three scheduled flights weekly connect Johannesburg to Pilanesberg Airport, which also serves Sun City. It is arguably easier (and quicker) to drive. This takes about two hours from O.R Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, or Sandton, or 90 minutes from Pretoria via the scenic Hartebeespoort Dam. It’s also easy to arrange a road transfer to Sun City or Pilanesberg.
• It’s more like four hours’ drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe, and since all lodges here offer all-inclusive packages and self-drive exploration is forbidden, the best option is to fly.
• Accommodation at Madikwe is limited to upmarket lodges. Pilanesberg and Sun City offer everything from five-star resort hotels and upmarket game lodges to budget-friendly rest camps within the reserve.

The scenic Boland (literally ‘Upland’) immediately inland of Cape Town enjoys twin claims to fame. Not only is it home to some of South Africa’s oldest and most vivid towns (most notably Stellenbosch and Franschhoek), but it also forms the hub of the Cape’s burgeoning wine industry.

Characterized by lush vine-planted valleys set below spectacular mountain ranges such as the Simonsberg, Groot Drakenstein and Helderberg, these beautiful areas are collectively referred to as the Cape Winelands, and few visitors pass up the opportunity to enjoy a ‘wine tour’ through some of its more famous estates, most of which offer free or inexpensive tasting facilities.

Stellenbosch and some of the older wine estates also house some handsome examples of Cape Dutch architecture, a uniquely South African style typified by whitewashed thatched buildings with a rounded and ornately bordered gable set above the main door, and two flanking perpendicular wings.

Established in 1679, South Africa’s second-oldest town, Stellenbosch, is named after its founder Simon van der Stel.

Nicknamed Eikestad (Town of Oaks), it retains a pleasingly time-warped Cape Dutch character whilst also hosting a lively selection of contemporary restaurants, cafés and shops.

The Stellenbosch Village Museum comprises four restored houses – the oldest being the Schreuderhuis, one of the few buildings to survive the great fire of 1710 – representing different phases in the town’s development.

Lanzerac Estate

Founded on the outskirts of Stellenbosch in 1692, the scenic Lanzerac Estate is known for its stately Cape Dutch architecture and for producing the world’s first commercial Pinotage (a red cultivar unique to South Africa) in 1959, and it includes a five-star restaurant and hotel.

Franschhoek

Named for the many Huguenot refugees who settled there in the late 1680s, pretty little Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) hosts a few historic buildings, notably a pastoral Cape Dutch church built in in 1848.

Its French roots are reflected in the handsome arched Huguenot Monument built on its outskirts in the 1840s, and the adjacent Huguenot Memorial Museum. The village is a culinary Mecca, hosting several of the country’s finest restaurants.

Boschendal Estate

Set in a verdant valley flanked by the Groot Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains, the perennially popular Boschendal Estate was first planted with vines in 1685 and is notable both for its superb Cape Dutch architecture and Mediterranean-style picnics served on the oak-shaded lawn.

Regularly known for its spring wildflowers and sleepy museum, the quaint town of Darling not only has its own wine route but is home to the cabaret venue and supper club Evita se Perron (named after Evita Bezuidenhout, a politicized South African equivalent to Dame Edna Everage created by the cross-dressing satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys).

Spier Estate

The family-friendly Spier Estate might lack the ambiance of its older counterparts, but its excellent range of activities and amenities includes a swimming pool, spa, playground, cheetah outreach program, raptor center, horseback excursions, and two onsite restaurants.

Vergelegen Estate

Founded in 1685 on the slopes of the Helderberg, Vergelegen (roughly translated as ‘far away’) is arguably the loveliest estate in the Winelands thanks to its gracious manor house, octagonal garden, and row of gnarled camphor trees planted circa 1700. The restaurant and award-winning wines are also exceptional.

The Winelands’ largest town, Paarl, is redeemed from mundanity by the pearl-smooth granite dome of the adjacent Paarl (‘Pearl’) Mountain, reached on a footpath through the protea-rich slopes of the nature reserve bordering the town center.

The Taal Monument, built in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of Afrikaans’ recognition as an official language, lies on its lower slopes.

A recommended diversion for devotees of Cape Dutch architecture is modest Tulbagh, whose Church Street has been restored in traditional style following a devastating earthquake in 1970.

Fairview Estate

Ideal for those traveling with children, the unpretentious Fairview Estate combines a laidback farmyard atmosphere with a superb deli serving a fabulous range of handcrafted cheeses and homegrown wines.

Travel Tips for Stellenbosch And The Winelands

• Stellenbosch lies a mere 50km (31mi) inland of Cape Town and 35km (22mi) from Cape Town International Airport, which is served by several international flights and several dozen daily flights from Johannesburg, and domestic flights to all other major centers in South Africa.
• The winelands can easily be visited as a day trip out of Cape Town. For those who prefer an overnight stay, the region is well-endowed with hotels, B&Bs, and backpacker hostels, most of which offer a more rustic feel than their coastal and city counterparts around Cape Town.
• Although self-drive is a straightforward option, the best way to sample a few of the region’s wine estates is on an organized day excursion out of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, or Franschhoek. These usually take in around five different estates and are recommended because the self-drive wine-tasting option is in contravention of both commonsense and the law.
• Opening hours vary, but you can safely assume that any name estate will be open for tasting over 09:00-16:00 Mon-Fri, and most are also open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The 200km (124mi) stretch of coast connecting Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth is commonly referred to as the Garden Route in reference to its beguiling diversity of wide sandy beaches, lovely lakes and lagoons, shady evergreen forests, and protea-studded slopes.

Lined with family-friendly beaches and ideally suited to hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, the region is home to the patchwork Garden Route National Park and a host of protected indigenous forests.

Large terrestrial wildlife is scarce, but the region offers fabulous aquatic and forest bird watching , including striking avian endemics such as Knysna turaco, Yellow-throated warbler, and Olive woodpecker. At the same time, seals, dolphins, and whales are commonly seen from seaside cliffs.

Tsitsikamma

The Tsitsikamma sector of the Garden Route National Park protects a vast tract of indigenous forest along with a series of breathtaking cliffs that rise 180m (591ft) above the breakers below.

Highlights include the thrilling suspension bridge across the Storms River Mouth and the 6km (4mi) Waterfall Trail, which follows the same stretch of rocky wave-battered shore as the legendary five-day Otter Trail.

Bloukrans Bridge

A short distance inland of Tsitsikamma, the 215m (705ft) Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump is reputedly the world’s highest.

Family-friendly Monkeyland is a private sanctuary offering refuge to more than a dozen species of monkeys and lemurs, all rescued from domestic captivity.

The adjacent Birds of Eden is a massive free-flight aviary run through by a 1km (0.6mi) walkway and suspension bridge. A third associated sanctuary, Jukani, is home to rescued lions and various other big cats and smaller carnivores.

Plettenberg Bay

Set on the aptly named Baia Formosa (Beautiful Bay), the perennially popular resort town of Plettenberg Bay boasts one of South Africa’s loveliest and calmest urban beach holiday destinations , along with a great selection of seafood and other restaurants.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Adjacent to Plettenberg Bay, the towering cliffs of the Robberg Nature Reserve, home to large numbers of Cape fur seals, are circumnavigated by a stunning day trail from which dolphins, humpback whales, and the endemic African black oystercatcher are often observed.

The charming town of Knysna, whose Holy Trinity Church might have been transplanted from a sleepy English village, stands on a pretty lagoon hemmed in by a pair of sheer rock faces known as the Knysna Heads.

Several quayside eateries specialize in fresh oysters cultivated in the lagoon and craft beers like those pioneered by the legendary Mitchell’s Brewery.

Despite its sophisticated veneer, Knysna supports a thriving alternative scene whose annual highlight is the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival, a five-day gay pride event held every April or May.

Sandwiched between a beach and lagoon, the resort village of Wilderness flanks a sector of the Garden Route National Park, whose vast network of freshwater lakes and forested waterways form a true birdwatcher’s paradise .

It can be explored along a network of six easy walking trails, each named for one of the park’s half-dozen kingfisher species, or by canoeing through a stunning forested gorge formed by the Touws River.

Set in the arid Little Karoo, an hour’s drive inland, Oudtshoorn was the thriving center of a lucrative trade in ostrich feathers in the late 19th century.

The CP Nel Museum has good displays on the ostrich trade, while several out-of-town ostrich farms offer travelers the opportunity to learn about, pet, and even ride these bizarre outsized birds.

Cango Caves

In the scenic Swartberg (Black Mountains) north of Oudtshoorn, guided 60-minute trips lead deep underground through the sequence of well-lit labyrinths of the Cango Caves. All manner of unusual limestone formations decorates their chambers.

An extended 90-minute ‘adventure’ tour into Cango Caves entails squeezing and clambering through crevices unsuited to the claustrophobic or seriously overweight.

Mossel Bay is where, on 3 February 1488, Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to set foot on South African soil.

Three years later, it is where a stranded Portuguese navigator left an account of his misfortunes in an old shoe suspended from a milkwood tree that went on to serve as South Africa’s first ‘post office’ for decades.

The post office tree still stands on the grounds of the Bartolomeu Dias Museum, but Mossel Bay is now better known as a base for caged shark dives and boat trips to the aptly named Seal Island.

Practical Advice of the Garden Route

• The main gateway to the Garden Route is George, a well-equipped city whose out-of-town airport is connected to Cape Town and Johannesburg by regularly scheduled flights and has all the usual car rental agencies. It is also possible to drive along the well-maintained 430km (267mi) N2 between Cape Town and George in 4-5 hours.
• The Garden Route is studded with literally hundreds of hotels, beach resorts, and B&Bs, so it’s usually easy to find competitively priced rooms. However, rates rocket sky-high, and booking is typically necessary over the South African Christmas and New Year holidays.

A popular add-on to Kruger safaris but also well worth exploring in its own right, the Panorama Route is a loose circuit of mostly natural attractions associated with the towering cliffs that divide the Highveld around Sabie and Graskop from the Lowveld of the Kruger Park and Mpumalanga’s provincial capital Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit).

The Panorama Route Gods WindowAlthough much of the region is given over to exotic plantations, significant tracts of indigenous forest remain, especially on steep cliffs, as do several areas of grassland studded with proteas and red-hot pokers. The region is notable historically as the site of South Africa’s earliest gold rush, which proved to be short-lived, as far richer seams of gold were discovered soon after in Johannesburg.

Highlights of The Panorama Route

169-hectare Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Well worth a stop if you pass through Mbombela, the 169-hectare Lowveld National Botanical Garden, set on the confluence of the Nels and Crocodile Rivers, is of equal interest to botanists and ornithologists.

The rainforest section protects a vast collection of prehistoric cycads. At the same time, a bird checklist of 250 species includes Purple-crested turaco, Half-collared kingfisher, and African finfoot, making it a perfect destination for bird lovers .

Mac-Mac Falls

The 65m (213ft) Mac-Mac Falls is named after a pair of Scottish prospectors who camped above it in the gold rush era. You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls or continue by car for 2km (1,24mi) to the start of a 4km (2,5mi) day trail to the little-visited Forest Falls.

Bourke’s Luck

Situated at the confluence of the Blyde (Joy) and Treur (Sorrow) rivers, the bizarre riverine formation known as Bourke’s Luck comprises a series of deep cylindrical potholes created entirely by water erosion and can be explored along a short network of paths and footbridges.

Blyde River Canyon

The 25km (16mi) long and 1.4km (4,593ft) deep red sandstone Blyde River Canyon, protected within a 270km2 (104 square mile) nature reserve, is one of the largest and most spectacular features of its type on Earth.

It offers much to keen walkers and wildlife lovers. The most rewarding of several day hikes is the Kadishi Trail, which leads through a lush indigenous evergreen forest (inhabited by Vervet and Blue monkeys) to an impressive stalactite-like Tufa waterfall.

The Panorama Route_Blyde River CanyonOne of the most scenic spots in South Africa, the Three Rondavels viewpoint gazes across the vast Blyde River Canyon – the river itself a blue ribbon hundreds of meters below – to a striking trio of outcrops that recall traditional thatched rondavels (round houses).

Sudwala Caves

The dank, cool chambers of the Sudwala Caves support some incredible limestone drip formations. They can be explored on regular guided tours that lead about 500m (1,640ft) deep into the underground labyrinth.

Pilgrim’s Rest

Pilgrim’s Rest mushroomed into life in 1873 following the discovery of a large deposit of alluvial gold. The boomtown’s heyday was short-lived, but it was later restored as a living museum evoking the gold rush era.

Points of interest include the Anglican Church (built in 1884), the Methodist Church (1911), Catholic Church (1928), Old Police Station (1902), and the hilltop cemetery whose graves all point in the same direction, the one exception being an anonymous Robber’s Grave.

God’s Window

The finest of several viewpoints offering views along the R532, God’s Window provides a splendid view over the edge of the escarpment to the expansive Lowveld more than 1,000m (3,281ft) below. However, its impact depends on very clear weather.

Lisbon Falls

The tallest single-drop waterfall in the region, the twin-stream Lisbon Falls plunges over a 90m (295ft) stone amphitheater whose base is accessible via a steep footpath.

Travel Tips for The Panorama Route

• The primary air gateway to Mpumalanga is Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), which stands about 25km (16mi) northeast of Mbombela off the R40 to White River. It is connected to Gauteng’s OR Tambo International Airport by several scheduled flights daily. There are also direct flights from Durban and Cape Town, and several car rental companies are represented there.
• It may be more affordable for couples or families to rent a car out of Gauteng and drive, following the N4 east from Pretoria to Mbombela or the N12 from Johannesburg/OR Tambo to connect with the N4 at eMalahleni (formerly Witbank). The drive takes 3-5 hours, depending on your ultimate destination.
• Self-drivers could visit most sites along the Panorama Route in one day, but two would be better. A good variety of hotels and lodges are available in Mbombela and smaller towns such as Hazyview, Sabie, and Graskop.

Collectively protecting around two-thirds of South Africa’s phenomenal coastline, the country’s two most southerly provinces also incorporate several of its oldest and most characterful settlements.

The main regional travel hub (and administrative capital of the Western Cape) is the city of Cape Town , which boasts an incomparable setting on the Atlantic coastline below the slopes of majestic Table Mountain.

For nature lovers, the adjacent Cape Peninsula stands at the core of the world’s smallest and most botanically diverse floral kingdom.

The region supports a wealth of endemic plants and animals, ranging from the beautiful King Protea to the endangered Cape mountain zebra and striking Cape sugarbird.

A Cape Town Holiday is an all-in-one experience if you like nature, culture, and history. In Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, you can enjoy a beach holiday and a foodie holiday. (P.S. If you’re looking for affordable Western Cape or Eastern Cape Accommodation Specials , we’ve got some great travel deals for you.)

Further afield, some of the world’s finest and most scenic wine estates are concentrated around the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

The clifftop resort town of Hermanus offers the world’s best land-based whale-watching , while the Garden Route is named for its lush vistas of scenic lagoons and beaches framed by tall mountains and evergreen forests.

Storms River MouthThe garden route runs into the Eastern Cape , a province less popular with international tourists than its western counterpart but almost as rich in attractions.

These range from the idyllic Wild Coast and surfing scene at Jeffrey’s Bay to the malaria-free Big Five game-viewing on offer in the Addo Elephant National Park and the National Arts Festival held in Grahamstown every July.

Highlights of the Western And Eastern Cape

One of the world’s most scenic and culturally rewarding cities, Cape Town is the gateway to any number of fine swimming beaches for a beach holiday , as well as a magnificent mountainous peninsula that terminates at the sheer wave-battered cliffs of Cape Point .

Cape Winelands

A perennially popular day or overnight excursion out of Cape Town runs inland to the Cape Winelands, where dozens of historic wine estates offer tasting sessions in characterful Cape Dutch buildings shadowed by spectacular mountain ranges such as the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein.

Visiting the Cape winelands can be included in your South African holiday itinerary if you love historic buildings and wine.

Garden Route

Stretching for 200km (124mi) between Mossel Bay and the dramatic Storms River mouth, the Garden Route is lined with family-friendly Indian Ocean beaches, making it the perfect destination for a beach holiday .

The Garden Route’s plethora of lakes, forests, and mountains – many protected in the patchwork Garden Route National Park – offer rich pickings to hikers, birdwatchers , and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Set on the cliffs above Walker Bay 120km (75mi) southeast of Cape Town, Hermanus is an attractive town of cobbled alleys and relaxed seafood restaurants best known for offering some of the world’s finest land-based whale-watching .

The season runs from June to November and peaks over September-October, when around 100 Southern Right whales and a smaller number of Humpback whales converge to calve.

Hermanus makes for a perfect beach holiday as it has several small swimming beaches to pick from, and its cliff path is ideal for an afternoon walk.

Agulhas National Park

Protected within the recently created Agulhas National Park , the rocky headland known to the Portuguese as Cabo das Agulhas (Cape of Needles) is not only the southernmost tip of Africa but also forms the semi-official divide between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

More than 250 ships fell victim to the jagged offshore rocks for which Agulhas was named before the construction of what is now the country’s second-oldest lighthouse.

If you can endure the cold water, the beaches at Agulhas are also perfect for a beach vacation with your family .

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park north of Cape Town is centered on the vast Langebaan Lagoon, a globally significant site for marine birds, ten species of which breed there colonially.

It is also renowned for its multi-hued spring wildflower displays, which usually take place in August-September. It’s a perfect holiday destination if you love birdwatching and flowers.

Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast is studded with scenic gems, ranging from arty Port St Johns on the Mzimvubu River mouth to the sea-eroded rock formation known as Hole in the Wall or EsiKhaleni (isiXhosa for ‘Place of Noise’).

It is also the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, whose three-hut maternal home is preserved as a museum annex in the village of Qunu.

Grahamstown

Founded by the British immigrants known as the 1820 settlers, the well-groomed university town of Grahamstown is studded with Georgian and Victorian buildings, including an astonishing 40 churches.

The 11-day National Arts Festival held here in early July is the premier event of its type in South Africa, hosting everything from Shakespearean plays to live African music and a multitude of street artists. It’s the perfect vacation if you love the arts and history.

Addo Elephant National Park

Created in 1931 to protect the region’s last 11 surviving elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is now one of the country’s top malaria-free Big Five safari destinations .

Roughly 500 elephants roam the park alongside naturally occurring populations of leopards, buffalo, and greater kudu, and reintroduced Black rhinos, lions, and spotted hyenas.

While Addo is ideal for self-drivers, several neighboring private establishments offer guided luxury safaris in game lodges comparable to those in Sabi Sands .

Blue Flag Beach

The attractive Blue Flag beach at Jeffreys Bay is dominated by what many surfers regard to be the world’s longest and most perfect right-hand break: supertubes.

Scintillating surfing aside, dolphins are frequently observed from the unspoiled coastline protected within the nearby Cape St Francis Nature Reserve. Blue Flag Beach is the perfect beach holiday destination for an adventurous traveler.

Travel Tips for the Western And Eastern Cape

• The main air gateway to the region is Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), which lies about 20km (12mi) east of the city center and 35km (22mi) from Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. An increasing number of international flights land at CTIA, and it’s also serviced by dozens of flights daily from Johannesburg and domestic flights to all other major centers in South Africa.
• Other important airports can be found at George (the largest town on the Garden Route), Port Elizabeth (capital of the Eastern Cape), and East London (gateway to the Wild Coast). Depending on how long you have to spare and where you want to visit, an excellent way to explore the region independently would be to fly into Cape Town, self-drive east as far as George, Port Elizabeth, or East London, then fly back out.
• It’s also possible to continue driving northeast of East London via the Wild Coast and southern KwaZulu-Natal to Durban.
• As South Africa’s most traveled province, the Western Cape offers an immense selection of overnight options, ranging from five-star city and boutique hotels to backpacker hostels and B&Bs. Overnight options in the Eastern Cape are also profuse and varied. Although it’s usually straightforward enough to find a competitively priced room, rates boom, and booking is usually necessary over the South African Christmas and New Year school holidays.

Africa’s largest protected montane wilderness – the 2,500km2 (965 square mile) uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park extends for a full 200km (124mi) along the border of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho and incorporates several dozen peaks with the highest rising to 3,000m (9,843ft).

Its name combines the isiZulu uKhahlamba (“Barrier of Spears”) with the Afrikaans Drakensberg (“Dragon’s Mountain”). South Africa’s ultimate destination for high-altitude day walks and overnight hikes, the park is a hub of botanical diversity. Some 15% of its 2,500 identified plant species occur nowhere else globally.

Highlights of UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

Large wildlife includes baboon, eland, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, Grey rhebok, and Grey duiker, as well as a 300-strong bird checklist that is strong on cliff-associated raptors such as Verreaux’s eagle, Jackal buzzard, Cape vulture and lammergeyer. It also includes 20 species whose range is restricted to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, making for a perfect birding holiday.

An important repository of prehistoric rock art, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg contains at least 500 painted caves and shelters.

This is where monochrome human figures and finely shaded polychrome elands share wall space with bizarre half-human-half-animal creatures known as therianthropes.

Executed between 3,000 and 200 years ago, the art depicts the ritual trances experienced by shamans and their complex relationships with revered animals.

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg’s combination of rich biodiversity and prolific rock art has gained it recognition as one of only 35 ‘mixed’ natural and cultural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Royal Natal National Park

No single feature encapsulates the mountains’ majesty quite like the Amphitheatre, a 5km (3mi) long, kilometer-high wall of burnished sandstone that dominates the Royal Natal National Park skyline.

A must for keen walkers is the half-day Gorge Trail, which follows a pretty riverine gorge past natural swimming pools to the 949m (3,114ft) tall five-stage Tugela Falls.

A feasible day hike from Royal Natal is the Witsieshoek’s Chain Ladder Trail. It’s the easiest hike to the top of the escarpment and offers sensational views from the lip of the Tugela Falls as it crashes over the Amphitheatre.

The ideal goal for those wanting to enjoy splendid submontane scenery without breaking a sweat, Champagne Valley is overlooked by a trio of distinctive high peaks – domed Champagne Castle, fang-like Monk’s Cowl, and freestanding Cathkin Peak. It also houses a great selection of golf courses, stables, shopping malls, craft factories, and the like.

Giant’s Castle Game Reserve

Named after a 3,314m (10,873ft) basaltic protrusion that stands at the convergence of the mountains’ northern and southern escarpments, Giant’s Castle Game Reserve is renowned for its rock art, in particular the hundreds of superb images that adorn Main Cave. It’s also an excellent place to see the stately eland antelope and other large mammals and raptors.

Didima Rock Art Center

Didima Rock Art Center contains life-size reproductions of several inaccessible rock art panels set higher in the mountains. Only 45 minutes’ walk away, the Lower Mushroom Cave is decorated with a wonderful scene of stick men evading a marauding leopard.

Cathedral Peak

The striking 3,005m (9,859ft) Cathedral Peak towers above the main escarpment like a squatted version of the cow horn alluded to in its traditional name Mponjwane. It’s an attainable goal for a tough full-day guided hike from Didima.

The undulating slopes of Kamberg support fair numbers of eland and mountain reedbuck.

A three-hour round hike leads to the Game Pass Shelter, a superbly preserved rock art panel dubbed the Rosetta Stone in double reference to its significance in helping scholars ‘crack the code’ of shamanistic symbolism that underlies the prehistoric paintings.

Barriers of Spears

The only motorable track to breach the Barriers of Spears, rocky 4×4-only Sani Pass follows a series of switchbacks uphill to a remote Lesotho border post (passport required) set at a windswept altitude of 2,865m (9,400ft).

Here, the tussocky grass, mossy boulders, and clumped heather of the Alpine zone acquire an ethereal beauty in the soft light of dusk or dawn. It’s also the most accessible place to see high-altitude endemic birds, such as the Drakensberg rockjumper and Mountain pipit.

Practical Advice for UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

• The rugged topography of uKhahlamba-Drakensberg divides the park into a dozen-odd different sectors, each effectively a self-contained destination with its own attractions and access roads. Most visitors will only have time to explore one or two. As a guideline, Royal Natal ranks highest for scenic impact, Champagne Valley for upmarket tourist development, Giant’s Castle and Kamberg for accessible rock art, and Sani Pass for birdwatching and 4×4 enthusiasts.
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is geared best toward active self-drive travelers willing to explore its slopes on foot. Bank on at least up to four hours to cover the 350km (217mi) from Gauteng to Royal Natal Park (in the north) or two hours from Durban to Himeville (near the base of Sani Pass).
• For ecological reasons, no hotels exist within the park. Still, the park authorities operate rest camps at several entrance gates. There are private hotels in Champagne Valley and in the vicinity of Royal Natal, Cathedral Peak, and Sani Pass.
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg’s non-nannyish management policy stands in contrast to the strict regulations and hefty costs associated with other iconic African mountains. Simply pitch up at any entrance gate, hand over the nominal entrance fee, sign into the mountain register, and off you go.
• Hikers on the upper slopes frequently get trapped in stormy or misty conditions, so dress suitably and be prepared to turn back or stay put as weather conditions dictate.

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When is the best month to travel to south africa.

• South Africa in January

Johannesburg and the Highveld are hot by day, warm at night, and receive regular rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Cape Town and the Western Cape are hot and dry, cooling down at night, making it perfect for a beach holiday . The Kruger Park and its surroundings are very hot by day, warm at night, and receive occasional rainfall.

• January is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast, though Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast to its north can be swelteringly hot.
• Game viewing in Kruger Park and other reserves can be relatively challenging as animals are dispersed away from water sources, and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility. This is arguably compensated for by the lush green condition of the bush, clearer skies (better for a photographic safari ), and far greater variety and profusion of birds as resident species come into breeding plumage and are supplemented by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants, making it a good time for a birding safari .
• January falls into the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours can be undertaken in the evening.
• Accommodation tends to be full during the school holidays, which run to mid-January, but much quieter towards the end of the month.
• South Africa in February

Johannesburg and the highveld is hot by day, warm at night and receives regular rainfall often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.

Cape Town and the Western Cape is hot and dry, cooling down at night.

The Kruger Park and surrounds is very hot by day, warm at night and receives occasional rainfall.

February is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast if a quieter holiday is more enticing. Though Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast to its north can be uncomfortably hot.

Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves can be relatively challenging as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility. This is arguably compensated by the lush green condition of the bush, clearer skies (better for photography) and far greater variety and profusion of birds as resident species come into breeding plumage and are supplement by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.

February falls into the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours can be undertaken in the evening.

• South Africa in March

Johannesburg and the highveld is warm and mild by day, cool at night and receives occasional rainfall often in the late afternoon.

Cape Town and the Western Cape starts cooling down with regular windy spells, cooler evenings and crisp early mornings.

The Kruger Park and surrounds is still hot during the day, cooling down at night and receives occasional rainfall.

March is a good time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast, with different regions offering varied climates to attract tourists looking for a variety of experiences. Durban and the east coast is still warm and humid, although the peak tourist season has quietened down and costs are relatively low, making it a good option.

Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves starts picking up as the rainfall abates and the lush summer vegetation clears to make spotting wildlife easier. This is an excellent period for birdwatching as a profusion of birds come into breeding plumage and are supplement by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.

March lies towards the end of the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours can be undertaken in the evening.

Accommodation in the main tourist areas is usually relatively quiet in March.

• South Africa in April

Johannesburg and the Highveld are warm by day, cool at night, and might receive occasional rainfall.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are mild by day, cool at night, and might receive occasional rainfall to mark the start of the wet winter.

The Kruger Park and its surroundings see the seasonal shift towards autumn with noticeable drops in temperatures, occasional late summer rains, and cool evenings.

• April is an ideal time for beach holidays along the east coast because of its warm and tropical climate throughout the year. However, it may not be suitable for a beach holiday in the Western or Eastern Cape because the weather is cooler, and rains start falling around this time.
• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves can be relatively challenging as animals are dispersed away from water sources, and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility. This is arguably compensated for by the lush green condition of the bush and clearer skies (better for a photographic safari ). Most intra-African and Palaearctic migrant birds will have flown north by April.
• Accommodation tends to be full during the school holidays, focused on the Easter break.
• The Easter weekend coincides with South Africa’s longest-running music festival, the four-day Splashy Fen, which has been held on a farm in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg foothills near the town of Underberg since 1990.
• South Africa in May

Johannesburg and the Highveld are warm by day, cold at night, and dry.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are warm by day, cool at night, and might be wet and windy with winter rainfall.

• May is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal coast, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable.
• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves tends to improve following the end of the rains, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility.
• Accommodation in tourist areas is usually quiet in May.
• Taking everything into account, May is one of the best months to visit South Africa, particularly if your main interest is safaris rather than beaches.
• South Africa in June

Johannesburg and the highveld is cool but sunny by day, very cold at night, and dry.

Cape Town and the Western Cape is warm by day, cool at night, and receives regular rainfall.

The Kruger Park and surrounds is hot by day, cool at night, and dry.

Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves tends to be good in the dry season, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility.

• South Africa in July

Johannesburg and the Highveld are mild to cool by day, cold at night, and dry.

• The Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, cool at night, and dry. August is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal coast, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable.
• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves tends to be exceptional towards the end of the dry season, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility making it the perfect time for a Kruger safari.
• August usually heralds the start of the whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape. Accommodation in tourist areas is usually very quiet in August.
• Taking everything into account, August is one of the best months to visit South Africa, particularly if your main interest is safaris rather than beaches.
• South Africa in August

• August is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal coast, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable.
• August usually heralds the start of the whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape.
• Accommodation in tourist areas is usually very quiet in August.
• South Africa in September

Cape Town and the Western Cape are mild by day, cool at night, and receive regular rainfall.

The Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, mild at night, and dry.

• September is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable.
• September is widely regarded as offering the best game viewing safaris of any month in the Kruger National Park and other reserves, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility.
• September to November is peak whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape. Accommodation in tourist areas is usually very quiet in September, though it may fill up over the short spring school holiday that usually takes place in late September/early October.
• Taking everything into account, September is one of the best months to visit South Africa, assuming you are free to travel then.
• South Africa in October

Johannesburg and the Highveld are warm by day, cooler at night, and will receive occasional rainfall.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are hot by day, cooler at night, and generally dry, while the Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, warm at night, and dry.

• October is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast.
• This month usually offers excellent game viewing safaris in the Kruger Park and other reserves, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility. However, they will start to disperse in the wake of the first rains.
• September-November is peak whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape.
• Accommodation in tourist areas is usually very quiet in October, though it may fill up over the short spring school holiday that usually takes place in late September/early October.
• Taking everything into account, October is one of the best months to visit South Africa.
• South Africa in November

Johannesburg and the Highveld are hot by day, cool at night, and receive regular rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are hot by day, cooler at night, and dry.

The Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, warm at night, and dry.

• November is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast, though Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast to its north can be rather hot.
• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves can be relatively challenging as animals are dispersed away from water sources, and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility. This is arguably compensated for by the lush green condition of the bush and clearer skies ( better for photography ).
• Many resident species come into breeding plumage during November, and this transitional month also usually heralds the arrival of large numbers of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.
• September-November is peak whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape. November is the start of the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours can be undertaken in the evening.
• Accommodation in tourist areas is usually quiet in November, though it starts to fill up towards the end of the month.
• South Africa in December

Johannesburg and the highveld is hot by day, cool at night and receives regular rainfall often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.

• December is an ideal time for beach holidays anywhere along the South African coast, though Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast to its north can be swelteringly hot.
• Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves can be relatively challenging as animals are dispersed away from water sources, and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility. This is arguably compensated for by the lush green condition of the bush and clearer skies (better for photographic safaris ). Many resident species come into breeding plumage during December, and this transitional month also heralds the arrival of large numbers of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.
• December is the peak nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours can be undertaken in the evening.
• Accommodation along the coast and other popular tourist areas tends to be full during the school holidays starting in early December.

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Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, diane du plessis was so very helpful and personable.

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Ready to plan your tailor-made safari.

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Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Faqs about south africa, tipping amount guideline, why is tipping a customary practice, tipping in relation to safari costs, augrabies falls national park, when you want to go, where you choose to stay matters: solo, private, or family and friends group, try discover africa safari cost calculator here., what type of transport suits your needs, group vs. private safaris.

• Light, neutral-colored clothes are recommended
• Bring layers and pack smartly
• A rain jacket that is both light and waterproof
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm are all good options for UV protection
• Walking shoes that are both comfortable and stylish
• Binoculars, camera, lenses, extra batteries, and memory card
• A medical kit for personal use

If you are planning on visiting South Africa , you may hear that South Africa is a beautiful country and that it is the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is big and if you stick to the main cities of South Africa it is safe to travel.

• A Safari in South Africa is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts. All major safari animals can easily be seen at any of South Africa's National Parks.
• The scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best for seeing rhino
• Kruger National Park offers excellent general wildlife viewing
• The main attraction in Sabi Sand is seeing the Big Five and it is well-known for its habituated leopards
• Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably.
• Generally, there is an en-suite private shower stall within your tent with a “rainfall” style shower head at which you can control the water flow. Outside the tent, there is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres (5 US gallons) of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern.
• The water is delivered at the ideal temperature so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time of day, or you simply need to give them a few minutes notice so they can get it ready.
• All game reserves in Madikwe, the Pilanesberg and the Eastern Cape are malaria-free.
• Most lodges and hotels will have safes for your valuables either in your room or at the reception.
• The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere.
• Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit cards, but always have a small amount of cash on you for tips etc. Numerous ATMs can be found in all the big towns.
• No vaccination is mandatory for entering South Africa except for yellow fever for passengers arriving from areas affected by the disease.
• Electricity in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and in most of the continent is 220/240 volts.
• Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator, which runs part of the day (morning and late evening when guests are out on their activities).
• Lanterns also provide light at night. In many camps running on solar power, you will not be able to use a hairdryer.
• Tipping is common practice in South Africa. Some guidelines concerning tipping are - in the bars and restaurants, the tipping is 10% minimum but preferably more.
• The car parks are monitored by guards or watchmen, they will often ask if you want them to keep an eye on your car while you are away. If you accept - offer them a tip of R5 or more, according to the parking time.
• In South Africa, the petrol station attendants will fill your car with petrol - they will also check your tyre pressure, oil-water levels and clean your windscreen. This typical South African service is around R5 or more at your discretion. Tipping is always welcome in South Africa.
• Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the dry winter months of May to September are the best. During this season - animals gather at the waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot. However, the daytime temperature is comfortable.
• There may not be many predator mammals, but the park seems to attract more than its fair share of raptors. Look out for martial eagles, and a range of vultures - including lappet-faced, white-backed and cape vultures.

Our Recommended Activities in South Africa

• Horseback Riding
• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Mountain Biking
• Night Drives
• Visiting Local Villages

Going for a bush walk on your South Africa safari is an amazing experience that allows you to get up close and personal with nature.

Some of the best destinations for a bush walk include Gondwana Game Reserve , Kambaku @ Sea on the Garden Route, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge at Oudtshoorn, and self-catering AfriCamps at Ingwe near Plettenberg Bay.

On a bush walk, you’ll see a variety of South African safari wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.

A bush walk is different from a game drive because it allows you to experience nature in a more intimate way. You’ll be able to see things that you wouldn’t be able to see from a vehicle.

Some of the highlights of going on a bush walk on your South Africa safari tour include examining the real details of the bush, from the Big Five safaris right down to the insects that form such an important part of the ecosystem.

South African safari grasslands have 30 species per square kilometre, greater than the biodiversity of rainforests.

It’s entirely safe to go on a bush walk on your South Africa safari as long as you follow the instructions of your guide and take the necessary precautions.

It’s important to remember that you are in the wild and there are risks involved, but with proper guidance and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Horseback riding safaris are a thrilling way to experience the astounding beauty of South Africa safari wildlife and landscapes.

South African Safari tours range from short stints through the bush for inexperienced riders to multi-day excursions for the more experienced, where you’ll camp at fly tents overnight before continuing your adventure the next day.

The advantage of going horseback riding on African safari is that wildlife doesn’t see humans on horseback as a threat, so you can often get closer to the animals than you would on foot or in a safari vehicle.

Two of the best locations for horseback safaris on your South Africa safari include the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo Province, and the Kruger National Park .

Taking a hot air balloon flight on a South African Safari Tours is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.

You can choose from a variety of hot air balloon rides that offer different experiences.

For example, you can combine a hot air balloon ride with a Big Five Safari for an even more immersive experience on your South Africa safari.

This option allows you to see South Africa’s diverse wildlife from a unique perspective.

If you’re looking for a more classic experience, you can try a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site or the Magaliesberg mountain range1.

This option offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful and serene flight.

The cost of hot air balloon rides on a South Africa safari varies depending on the type of ride you choose and the location.

South Africa Safari Tours is a great place for mountain biking adventures.

Some of the most popular mountain bike holiday destinations in South Africa are Cape Town and Stellenbosch biking tour areas , Knysna and the Garden Route, Sabie in Mpumalanga and the Drakensberg in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Many of these destinations have tour operators and offer guided and self-guided mountain bike tours.

Get in the saddle and explore some of the gorgeous landscapes that South Africa Safari Tours has to offer as you navigate spotless trails and winding jeep tracks.

There’s something for everyone, from challenging singletrack to more moderate dirt roads.

Remember to take enough water and snacks so that you can hydrate often and keep yourself fuelled on your mountain biking adventure.

This is your chance to see Africa’s wonderful nocturnal life. Unlike daytime activities, during night drive safaris, the chances of spotting nightjars, porcupines, scorpions, chameleons, and bush babies are high.

Of course, it’s also an excellent opportunity to see leopards, lions, civets, and genet or perhaps even a pangolin or aardvark. The trick is to search for their glinting eyes in the vehicle’s headlights or the spotlights shining across the bush.

For safety and practical reasons, many African parks and reserves still don’t allow visitors to drive around the park after the sun has set.

Most of the time, the main parks like the Kruger National Park , Serengeti and Masai Mara are reluctant to conduct night drives. But the private concessions and conservancies surrounding these famous reserves do allow and support game drives at night.

Night drives are incredibly rewarding, and although it’s a bit more tricky to take good pictures, it’s more about the unique animals you’ll get to see and the nighttime sounds you hear.

These aren’t things you’ll ever experience during a daytime game drive. It really completes an African safari.

What can be better than peering up on your South African Safari Tour at the Milky Way to marvel at the unbridled beauty of the cosmos?

Thanks to the low-to-no light pollution levels in South Africa’s Safari Tour lodges at game parks and national reserves, you can witness shooting stars and celestial bodies in all their glory.

Some of the top destinations for stargazing on your South African Safari Tour include Tankwa Karoo National Park , |Ai|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

All offer stunning and uninterrupted views of the night sky.

South Africa has a lot of cultural heritage and visiting local villages can be an enriching experience on your South African Safari Tour .

These villages offer a unique opportunity to learn about South African tribal culture , history, and traditions while enjoying traditional food and entertainment.

There is no single tribal culture in South Africa. Even the Zulu people, the largest ethnic group in the country, are diverse in their beliefs and customs.

With such an abundance of cultures to explore, there’s no end of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and discover new ways of life.

In addition to organized tours, there are many villages throughout the South African Safri Tours that welcome visitors.

Some popular villages include Lesedi Cultural Village in Gauteng province, Shangana Cultural Village near Kruger National Park, Khaya La Bantu Cultural Village in Cape Town, Basotho Cultural Village in Free State province , and Botshabelo Mission Station in Mpumalanga province.

See South Africa in Your Comfort

• Affordable Safari in South Africa
• Budget Safari Holiday in South Africa
• Luxury Safari Holiday in South Africa

An excellent option for those who want to travel in reasonable comfort while keeping costs down is to self-drive some or all of the time.

Rental cars can be arranged in all major centers (as well as at all airports), and roads are generally up to international standards, though potholes are increasingly prevalent in smaller towns.

The Kruger National Park ranks as Africa’s ultimate DIY self-drive safari destination, thanks to its good network of (mostly surfaced) roads and well-equipped and affordable rest camps.

Still, similar facilities are available at most major public reserves, including iSimangaliso, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Pilanesberg, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, and any number of less publicized places.

South Africa is a destination that caters to all budgets, offering something special that is sure to meet your expectations. The level of three or even four-star graded establishments is generally higher than that of European standards, for example.

Therefore you’re able to travel on a more restricted budget.

South Africa is well-suited to budget travelers . There are backpacker hostels, affordable B&Bs, and self-catering options in all major centers. There are also very affordable and well-equipped campsites, usually with hot water in the ablution blocks and electricity.

For transport, the perennially popular hop-on, hop-off Baz Bus connects Johannesburg to Cape Town via the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, and the Garden Route.

Excellent and affordable coach services run along with these and most other trunk routes.

Most backpacker hostels offer or can arrange various excursions – from half-day, wine-tasting trips out of Cape Town to multi-night Kruger safaris out of Johannesburg – at prices that cater to their intended clientele.

Although restaurants in South Africa are very affordable by international standards, the cost of eating out three times a day will add up, and you can save a lot of money by self-catering and buying ingredients and drinks directly from supermarkets and liquor stores.

Low Season Rates

You’ll be able to take advantage of some very generous low-season pricing offered by several safari lodges depending on the time of year you travel for your budget safari holiday in South Africa.

Low season rates in South Africa are available from the beginning of May to the end of September when the country is experiencing winter.

Surprisingly, this is not the rainy season for Kruger National Park and many other private reserves in South Africa.

Instead, the rainy weather in Cape Town is to blame for the low season prices all around South Africa!

This is excellent news for wildlife enthusiasts, as these are the best months to go on a budget safari holiday in South Africa. May through September is the dry season for Kruger and Madikwe .

The bush isn’t as lush and green at this time of year, allowing for greater game viewing, and the animals are more dependent on waterholes and rivers because it’s the dry season.

This also makes it easier to locate the game in the winter. This is the perfect place to go if you want to see a variety of African animals collected around a waterhole early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in on your budget safari holiday in South Africa .

Budget Safari Lodges

South Africa, in particular, has a wide choice of less expensive or budget private lodges . While they aren’t exactly budget, they provide the same game-viewing experiences as their more expensive neighbors at a fraction of the cost.

You can’t go wrong with one of these budget lodges if you’re going to South Africa primarily for the animals. While the accommodations aren’t quite as polished and elegant, and the food isn’t quite as sumptuous, they offer fantastic value for money and world-class safaris.

A must-for for anybody with a taste for bush luxury is a stay at one of the small and exclusive camps or lodges set in private reserves or concessions such as the Kruger concessions , Sabi Sand , Madikwe , Phinda , and the vicinity of Addo Elephant National Park .

Typically these lodges combine chic Africa-themed accommodation with world-class cuisine, fine wines, attentive staff, and, most importantly, thrilling game drives led by expert guides in open-sided 4x4s.

A three-night stay at any given lodge or camp is probably ideal for a luxury South Africa Safari .

Elsewhere, Cape Town , the nearby Cape Winelands , and Garden Route are studded with small but superb boutique hotels that combine five-star service and amenities with individualistic decor.

The most comfortable way to travel on a luxury holiday would be to fly between major centers and then arrange airport pick-ups and drop-offs and any required outings with the lodge or hotel you book into.

South Africa is a real treat when it comes to wining and dining on a generous budget. Any good tour operator can put together a package of this sort for those who don’t want the bother of arranging it themselves.

For more luxury safaris in Africa , have a look at the options we offer.

Holiday Styles and Options in South Africa

• 4×4 Rental South Africa
• A Photography Safari in South Africa
• A Relaxed Safari Holiday in South Africa
• An Active Holiday in South Africa
• An Adventure Holiday in South Africa
• Beach and Bush Safari Holidays in South Africa
• Big Five Safari Holidays in South Africa
• Birding Safari Holidays in South Africa
• City and Bush Safari Holidays in South Africa
• Foodie Holidays in South Africa
• Malaria Free Safari Holidays in South Africa
• Walking Safari Holidays in South Africa

Rent a 4×4 for Your Journey in South Africa

Explore Africa in a 4×4. Visit untamed wilderness area, rich in wildlife and packed with adventure.

Intrepid explorers can literally follow their heart across all manner of terrain, to discovering the true beauty of Africa from the comfort of an offroad venture.

Take to the road less travelled with a rental 4×4 vehicle from our sister company, Drive South Africa. It’s easy to compare and save on all 4×4 rental cars. The booking process is simple and efficient. There’s no better way to book your 4×4 rental online.

Drive South Africa caters to local and foreign African adventure travel enthusiasts. We specialize in off road vehicle hire, 4×4 off road equipment and self-drive wildlife safaris.

4×4 Rental Options

Choose from a huge range of offroad 4×4 rental vehicles ready to take you wherever you want to go. Select your ride from reliable 4x4s like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Suzuki Jimny, and Toyota Fortuner.

Benefits of Renting in a 4×4 in South Africa

• Explore South Africa at your own pace.
• Experience the freedom and flexibility that comes with renting a 4×4
• Go on an epic road trip with all the convenience you need

We also offer 4×4 rentals in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique.

South Africa is a highly photogenic country , especially in the summer months (November-April) when the air is least hazy, and landscapes are at their greenest.

The coastline and mountains all make great subjects. Still, the country’s most popular venues for photography are its game reserves, with their magnificent array of wildlife, which tends to be better for photographing during a winter safari.

For dedicated photographers, it’s worth weighing off the pros and cons of a guided safari in a private reserve such as Sabi Sand or a self-drive trip in a public reserve such as Kruger .

Private reserves are generally much more costly to visit, and guides tend to focus strongly on the Big Five rather than less glamorous but equally photogenic subjects such as birds and antelope.

In addition, people with long lenses may find the seating arrangements in the open 4x4s rather cramped unless they arrange private game drive safaris in advance.

On the other hand, most private reserves offer far superior sightings of lions, leopards, and other photogenic predators that you can hope for in public reserves.

Also, the ability to drive off-road means you can stick with the subject for longer and usually get far closer to it and line up better.

First-time safari goers should also be aware that wildlife photography requires faster and higher-magnification lenses than most other subjects.

The ideal lens combination would be a zoom that goes up to 300 together with a fixed 400, with a fastest f-stop of 4 or better, 2.8. A beanbag to rest your lens and minimize camera shake risk is a vital accessory.

To save weight, you can travel with an empty bean bag and fill it up with rice or something similar upon arrival at your destination.

South Africa’s lovely coastline offers ideal holiday conditions for chilling out, catching a tan, taking the occasional dip, and relaxing over a paperback or magazine.

Most coastal resorts also boast a fine array of restaurants where seafood and other cuisines can be enjoyed, along with fine homegrown white and red wines.

If you want to punctuate lazy seaside days with the occasional gentle stroll, you’re probably best heading for one of the rural or suburban beaches that line the Garden Route and Eastern Cape coast .

For those who prefer a more overtly resort-like setting, the standout region is Durban and the south KwaZulu-Natal coast .

At the same time, Cape Town and the adjacent peninsula are ideal for those wanting the modern amenities and varied cultural life associated with a world-class city.

People seeking a relaxed holiday might prefer to limit their itinerary to a couple of venues, spending up to a week at each to minimize day-to-day travel and really settle in.

With its fine year-round climate and varied landscapes, South Africa is custom-made for a holiday for active travelers. Indeed, there are a few parts of the country where a good selection of fun activities can be integrated into a regular holiday.

A lovely area for active travelers is the Garden Route , where low-key physical activities range from canoeing along the Touws River and several excellent mountain biking routes to any number of coastal and montane day walks ranging from 5km (3mi) to 20km (12mi) in duration.

None finer, perhaps, is the cliff-top trail through Robberg Nature Reserve.

The Garden Route is also an excellent area for swimming, surfing, sea-kayaking, and other marine activities, perfect for an active holiday.

Cape Town and its environs offer a similar array of activities to the Garden Route . These range from cliff walks in the whale-watching capital of Hermanus or on the stunning Cape of Good Hope to a steep but scenic day hike from the City Bowl to the summit of Table Mountain .

Another popular walking destination is the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg . Casual ramblers can easily explore the foothills of this stunning range, but the upper slopes are unpredictable in terms of weather. They are recommended only to experienced and adequately equipped hikers.

Generally speaking, game viewing is a relatively inactive pursuit since most reserves understandably forbid unguided walking.

Overnight guided wilderness trails are available in the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, but these must usually be booked well in advance.

Most private reserves will also offer guided walks as an alternative to game drives, but these tend to focus on birds, insects, and other small wildlife rather than seeking out the Big Five .

Unguided nature trails are typically free and up to 10km (6,2mi) in duration. They can be found in many minor reserves that lack dangerous wildlife.

South Africa has a strong culture of recreational running and cycling. Mountain bikes can easily be hired at most destinations with good cycling possibilities, and you can ask local running clubs about park runs, time trials, and other good local routes.

Bring suitable footwear and a few pairs of thick socks if you plan on walking a lot. A walking stick can be useful in hilly areas or on trails with loose rocks underfoot. Binoculars will greatly enhance bird and other wildlife sightings on the trail on your walking safari.

South Africa is a brilliant destination for adventurous travellers. Hard to beat, in fact.

Depending on your tastes, interests, age and level of fitness, activities on offer range from week-long rafting excursions along the Orange River as it follows the border between the Northern Cape and neighbouring Namibia, to multi-day coastal hikes such as the world-famous Otter or Oystercatcher Trails.

Mountain biking in the remote montane heights of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is a highlight, as is an overnight guided wilderness trail looking for wildlife and camping wild in Big Five reserves such as the Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.

Whilst the Garden Route is renowned for its paragliding courses.

Other popular one-off adventure activities range from caged shark-diving in Mossel Bay and diving the coral reefs off Sodwana Bay to the world’s highest bungee jump (215m) off the Bloukrans Bridge and abseiling off Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Longer adventure activities such as hiking trails, rafting trips and wilderness trails should definitely be booked well in advance in order to build your itinerary around the dates.

Discovering South Africa’s landscape

Adventure travellers should pack sensible outdoor clothing as well as waterproof clothing (trousers and jackets) and appropriate walking shoes or hiking boots, It would also be advisable to check if any specialist clothing and gear is required to bring from home.

Day activities such as bungee jumps or caged dives can usually be arranged on the spot, or with a day or two’s warning. Probably the best part of South Africa for tackling a wide array of adventure activities on to your itinerary is in Cape Town and the Garden Route .

South Africa is an ideal location for a beach trip and bush safari. Time permitting, it’s best to split the ‘bush’ and ‘beach’ components. For a bush safari, try the Kruger National Park and associated private reserves for a great chance of ticking off the Big Five or almost-as-good but malaria-free Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game reserves northwest of Johannesburg.

For beach holidays , it would be hard to beat the Garden Route (best in the southern summer) or KwaZulu-Nata l south coast (good in winter too). For a shorter best-of-both-worlds holiday, there’s no better candidate than the iSimangaliso Wetland Park , with a night or two’s diversion to nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi or Phinda .

For many first-time visitors to Africa, a top priority is ticking off the so-called Big Five : lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. South Africa offers many excellent opportunities to do this. It’s the easiest place in Africa to see rhinos since it supports more than 90% of the continental population of these endangered creatures. It’s also the African country best suited to self-drive safaris.

South Africa’s top Big Five destination is the Kruger National Park , extending over 20,000km2 (7,722 square miles) to form one of Africa’s largest and most iconic safari destinations.

Kruger is home to around 40,000 buffalo, 13,000 elephants, 1,600 lions, 2,000 leopards, 7,000 white rhinos, and 400 Black rhinos. For those who can afford it, great alternatives to Kruger are the exclusive private reserves that border it and ‘concession lodges’ that occupy enclaves within it.

South Africa boasts many other world-class safari destinations, including the malaria-free Pilanesberg and Madikwe Game Reserves northwest of Johannesburg.

The narina trogon in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South Africa is a superb birding safari destination . The national checklist comprises around 840 species, and includes the world’s largest bird (ostrich) and what is reputedly its bulkiest flying species (kori bustard) along with a dazzling variety of birds of prey, ranging from the largely terrestrial Secretary bird to the charismatic African fish eagle and macabre Lappet-faced vulture.

It also supports a dazzling array of colourful bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and waxbills.

There are several sites in South Africa where a moderately skilled birder could tick 100 species in a day. Foremost among these – and an excellent overall introduction to African birds – is the Kruger National Park , though some would argue that iSimangaliso Wetland Park outranks it. But rewarding birdwatching can be enjoyed anywhere in South Africa, even in the suburbs of Cape Town and Johannesburg .

Of particular interest to visiting birders are the 35 species more-or-less endemic to South Africa (some have a range extending into the small bordering kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho) and several other near-endemics with a range that extends a small way into Namibia and/or Botswana. Good sites for these localized species include the Western Cape , the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg , and Pilanesberg/Madikwe .

Avian variety is most significant in the southern summer (November-March) when several resident species assume a colorful breeding plumage and dozens of migrant species arrive from Europe or elsewhere in Africa. Several good regional field guides can be bought at any decent bookshop in South Africa.

No other country matches South Africa when it comes to offering a world-class city and bush holiday. Cape Town is the most beautiful city in Africa and arguably the best equipped for urban attractions such as museums, live music, restaurants, and wine-tasting venues. A Cape Town holiday also offers fabulous beaches and the incomparable Table Mountain.

It can be twinned with the Kruger National Park (and/or associated private reserves) for a Big Five safari to match anything else Africa has to offer (though those seeking a malaria-free safari experience might prefer Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves northwest of Johannesburg).

South Africa’s larger cities have thriving culinary scenes, and visitors will find the quality very high and prices very affordable by international standards.

A celebrated facet of South Africa’s cuisine is the superb variety of good, affordable wine produced mainly in the Western Cape. Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands are rightly renowned as the culinary capitals of South Africa.

They would form the obvious starting point of any foodie holiday in the country.

Seafood is particularly recommended anywhere along the coast, while excellent venison can be enjoyed in the vicinity of the Kruger National Park .

Oudtshoorn in the Karoo region is famed for its lean, free-range ostrich meat (and eggs). At the same time, Durban excels in Indian restaurants, the latter usually offering an excellent vegetarian selection.

Don’t forget to try some of the several dishes that are more-or-less unique to South Africa on your South African vacation. ‘Cape Malay’ specialties include sosatie kebabs (a variation on the Indonesian satay) and a fruit-sweetened baked mincemeat dish called bobotie.

Spicy boerewors ‘farmer’s sausage’ is an integral component of any casual braai (barbecue) countrywide, while biltong is an air-dried strip of salted and spiced beef or game meat reminiscent of American jerky.

Although malaria is a major travel concern in much of Africa, it has a minimal presence in South Africa. Indeed, more than 95% of South Africa, and most of its major attractions, are entirely free of malaria .

There are only two exceptions. The eastern Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which includes the Kruger National Park and associated private reserves, is classified as moderate risk.

Then there is coastal KwaZulu-Natal , north of Richards Bay, which is regarded as low risk and includes iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

Transmission in these areas is more or less confined to the rainy summer months. Most other safari destinations in South Africa are malaria-free, notably Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves and Addo Elephant National Park .

There is also no malaria in other popular areas such as Cape Town, the Cape Winelands , the Garden Route , Durban, the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, and Johannesburg.

South Africa is an excellent destination for keen walkers. Hundreds if not thousands of day trails have been marked out countrywide, many within easy reach of cities such as Cape Town or Durban.

South Africa also supports a superb network of overnight hiking trails ranging from easy one-night excursions to more arduous five- or seven-night mountain treks.

The Garden Route is particularly well suited to walkers. It supports any number of coastal and montane day walks ranging from 5km (3,1mi) to 20km (12mi) in duration – none finer perhaps than the clifftop trail through Robberg Nature Reserve.

South Africa’s ultimate walking destination is the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg , which offers opportunities for both casual ramblers and experienced and adequately equipped hikers.

Guided multi-day wilderness trails operate in the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, but must be booked well in advance. Shorter unguided nature trails, typically up to 10km (6,2mi) in duration, can be found in many minor reserves that lack dangerous wildlife.

If you plan on walking a lot, bring suitable footwear and a few pairs of thick socks. A walking stick can be helpful in more hilly areas or trails with loose rocks underfoot.

Who is Travelling to South Africa with you?

• A South African Holiday as a Couple
• Family Safari in South Africa
• LGBTQIA+ Safari Holidays in South Africa
• Solo Traveling Through South Africa
• South Africa Honeymoon

Most parts of South Africa are suited for a couples holiday. However, it’s easier for couples traveling without children to self-drive (which also helps keep costs down) and ensures plenty of privacy and quality time together.

Many couples opt to visit areas like the Garden Route , Kruger Park , and iSimangaliso , which are ideal for self-drive exploration and romantic interludes.

(P.S. If you’re looking for Romantic Holiday Packages , we’ve got some great travel deals for you.)

South Africa is one of the world’s best family-friendly safari destinations . It’s mostly malaria-free and offers excellent infrastructure and relatively good road networks. There are also several parks that provide self-drive safaris, making it ideal for families wanting to holiday in the African bush.

Pilanesberg National Park

Amongst the best family-friendly parks is Pilanesberg National Park in the North-West province. Not only does it neighbor the famous Sun City entertainment resort, but it’s malaria-free , an easy two-hours drive from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and hosts the Big Five .

Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant National Park is not only overflowing with elephants but the rest of the Big Five can also be sighted in the park on safari.

The beauty of the park is that its proximity to the coast allows families to see whales at the right time of the year. Once inside the park, there are several excellent, affordable camps and self-catering options with good roads.

The Kruger National Park is the crown jewel in South Africa’s wildlife crown and is the most accessible – an easy four-hour drive from Johannesburg makes it an excellent option for families. Within the park itself, there is an abundance of affordable accommodation options, which are surrounded by the Big Five .

Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West is also 100% malaria-free and is regarded as South Africa’s best private game reserve. They cater to families of all sizes and ages, with their “Jungle Drives” for children under the age of four and the “Children’s Safari” for slightly older kids. (P.S. If you’re looking for Family Holiday Specials , we’ve got some great travel deals for you.)

South Africa ranks among the world’s more progressive countries regarding LGBTQIA+ rights. Indeed, the new South African Constitution, drawn up in 1996, was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2005 South Africa became the fifth country in the world, and first in Africa, to recognize same-sex marriage.

Cape Town is the most amenable city in Africa for LGBTQIA+ visitors, thanks to a lively and friendly gay scene focused on De Waterkant and parts of Green Point.

Larger cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban also have thriving LGBT Communities. Of the smaller towns, Knysna is renowned for its annual Pink Loerie Pride Carnival. Elsewhere in South Africa, attitudes tend to be more conservative, but LGBT rights are guaranteed, and you are highly unlikely to encounter open discrimination.

Solo travel through South Africa is a pleasure. Locals are friendly, and you’ll be able to meet many people. Most parts of South Africa are suited to solo travel.

Locals are welcoming and often go out of their way to make single travelers feel at home.

Cape Town , in particular, is suited to those who relish urban attractions, whether it be museums, galleries, theaters, bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

Private reserves are probably better suited to single travelers than national parks and other public sanctuaries since they tend to offer a more hands-on personalized service.

Solo travelers tend to gravitate towards more urban attractions than couples. Cape Town is a must for solo travelers and a good base for exploring the gorgeous Cape Peninsula and the Cape Winelands.

Many solo travelers prefer not to self-drive, which makes it challenging to explore areas like Kruger Park and Garden Route unless you join an organized tour. Private game reserves such as Sabi Sand and Phinda are particularly well-suited to solo travelers.

An excellent way for single travelers to explore South Africa is by combining the Baz Bus and the many backpacker hostels scattered around its cities and other main sites of interest. 

The Baz Bus is an affordable hop-on, hop-off bus service that connects Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and several other popular places of interest.

Its clientele is dominated by single travelers who are receptive to making new friends and meeting like-minded travel companions on the road. 

Likewise, most backpacker hostels have lively communal areas where it’s easy to meet other travelers.

They usually also offer affordable group tours to local sites of interest, as well as overnight tours further afield, for instance from Gauteng to the Kruger National Park or Cape Town to the Winelands .

At a more luxurious level, most private reserves operate group game drives. Many also encourage guests to dine together, making it easy for solo travelers to mingle on holiday.

In the middle range, solo travelers seeking personalized attention should consider booking into small B&Bs and other owner-managed lodges rather than larger, more institutional hotels.

There are no risks specific to solo travel in South Africa. Still, single women, in particular, should apply the usual common sense precautions such as not walking alone in cities at night and avoiding deserted beaches.

Additionally, you should notify family and friends of your whereabouts during your travels.

An authentic South Africa honeymoon is lovely for romantic holidays, especially for those who want to mix up the romance with outdoor pursuits such as game viewing and walking.

If it’s bush luxury you’re after for your South Africa honeymoon, look no further than a lodge in a private reserve (for instance, Sabi Sands, Madikwe or Phinda), many of which have honeymoon suites and can arrange romantic gas lit dinners on a private terrace or deep in the bush.

Another popular venue for a honeymoon safari in South Africa is the Super-Luxurious Sun City complex , which lies just two hours’ drive from Johannesburg and borders the excellent malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve .

Ideally, pair up your South Africa honeymoon with a few days at a coastal resort such as Umhlanga Rocks and Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal , Plettenberg Bay, and Knysna on the Garden Route , or even Cape Town itself.

Finally, no self-respecting foodie should miss out on the Cape Winelands on their honeymoon, which hosts some of South Africa’s finest, most gracious, and most romantic restaurants and wine-tasting venues.

Where to go on Safari in South Africa for your honeymoon

Thornybush lodge.

Each lodge has a unique nature that lends itself to the romanticism of celebrating love; whether it’s a private candlelit dinner or simply the magic of being immersed in the bush, Thornybush Lodge ensures you get only the best in special treatment.

Let us take care of the small things while you spend quality time together and enjoy your intimate moments in one of the most romantic safari destinations in Africa.

Another famous African safari lodge for honeymooning in Southern Africa is Lion Sands – an award-winning lodge that was just rebuilt in 2016 with stunning views of the Sabie River in Kruger National Park.

The rooms are enormous and uber-private, with fireplaces, viewing decks, and private pools.

Tintswalo Private Safari Lodge

Sharing an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the pristine Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, home to some of the best game viewing and game drive experiences South Africa has to offer.

Royal Malewane

For a six-star safari lodge experience that is delectably deluxe, look no further than Royal Malewane , where you can watch elephants from your very own pool.

Royal Malewane is easily accessible by air and road and is located in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the Western Border of The Greater Kruger National Park.

The closest airport is Hoedspruit, and there is a private landing strip at Royal Malewane. This is an ultra-luxurious private safari lodge and an ideal South Africa honeymoon.

What You Need To Know

• Why Go to South Africa?
• South Africa Visa Requirements and Fees
• Packing List for a South Africa Holiday
• Highlights of South Africa
• Medical Insurance for South Africa
• South Africa vs Botswana
• Wildlife in South Africa
• South Africa vs Namibia
• Getting Around in South Africa
• South African Cultures and Their Nuances
• Medical Requirements for South Africa
• Travelling to South Africa
• South African Food and Tipping
• Is South Africa Safe?
• Vaccinations for South Africa
• Languages in South Africa
• Changing Money in South Africa
• Health Care in South Africa
• Shopping in South Africa
• Medical Emergencies in South Africa
• Lodges in South Africa: The Do’s and Don’ts

No other country in Africa, and few anywhere else in the world, offers a diversity of attractions to rival South Africa. South Africa is one of the continent’s finest Big Five destinations.

The Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve have all the amenities and attractions one would expect from world-class wildlife destinations.

While adjoining private reserves such as Sabi Sand and Phinda rank among the world’s most luxurious venues for all-inclusive guided safaris. Importantly, when it comes to families with young children, South Africa is unique in that several of its most alluring Big Five reserves – for instance, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, and Addo Elephant National Park – lie within regions that are 100% free of malaria.

South Africa is remarkable when it comes to the ‘smaller stuff’. Indeed, some ecologists regard it to be the world’s third most important country in terms of overall biodiversity, thanks to its unusually high level of endemism.

The tiny Cape Floral Kingdom, centered in Cape Town, contains approximately 5% of the world’s plant species, two-thirds of which occur nowhere else on the planet.

Wildlife aside, South Africa’s 2,500km (1,553mi) coastline is one of the most varied in the world and holds the opportunity for the best beach holidays.

Split between the warm Indian Ocean and cooler Atlantic, it’s studded with idyllic sun-kissed swimming beaches but also embraces everything from the subtropical forested dunes and coral reefs of iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the craggy, windswept cliffs of the Cape and Robberg Peninsulas.

South Africa today displays a unique cultural blend of African, European, and Asian influences.

There’s the bold economic powerhouse of Johannesburg and its more stately coastal counterpart Cape Town, the curry houses of Indian-influenced Durban, and the French vinicultural tradition and Dutch-derived architecture that characterizes the Winelands around Stellenbosch.

Elsewhere, traditional Zulu and Ndebele cultural villages pay homage to the country’s indigenous cultural diversity, as does the incomparable wealth of prehistoric rock art found in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg.

A significant part of modern South Africa’s fascination is the immense progress it has made as a unified nation since the first democratic election in 1994, a progression placed in sobering historical perspective by a visit to Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum or Cape Town’s District Six Museum.

At the opposite end of the immediacy scale, the three-million-year-long hominid fossil record preserved in the ancient limestone caverns of Gauteng’s Cradle of Humankind has no equal elsewhere in the world.

All in all, South Africa is a country like no other.

• All visitors must present a passport upon arrival at their port of entry. This must be valid until at least 30 days after the end of their intended stay and must have at least one blank page to accommodate entry and exit stamps.
• Technically, visitors should also have a return or onward ticket and be able to demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover day-to-day expenses for the duration of their stay, but these requirements are seldom enforced.
• Visas for stays of up to 90 days are not required by holders of the following passports: Australia, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania (90 days per year), United Kingdom (including Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Man and the Virgin Islands, and British Overseas territories), United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
• Visas for stays of up to 30 days are not required by holders of the following passports: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Peru, Poland, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkey, and Zambia.
• Holders of other passports must organize a visa in advance and require at least two unused pages for endorsements. A multiple-entry visa is required for those planning an air or road excursion from South Africa to another neighboring country.
• A strictly enforced new ruling to curtail child trafficking requires that all children under 18 show an unabridged birth certificate upon arrival in or exit from South Africa (or if a visa is necessary when they apply for that). If the child is traveling with one or neither parent, a parental consent affidavit or equivalent document from the absent parent(s) is also required.

Aside from checking relevant vaccinations and seeking advice about anti-malaria drugs, no special preparations are required for a trip to South Africa.

All over-the-counter medications are widely available at pharmacies, but you might want to buy essentials such as sunblock and insect repellent before you travel.

Travelers who wear contact lenses might find that their eyes are more irritable in the dry heat typical of parts of South Africa. Pack glasses as a backup on your South African holiday.

Travelling with Children

If you are traveling with children, please ensure that you have all the required documentation and original birth certificates for each child.

This is part of the child visa regulations implemented by the South Africa Home Affairs department, and more information can be obtained using this [checklist].

If you are traveling to South Africa and a safari is part of your planned itinerary, then there are a couple of things to consider packing. Some of the items below will be helpful;

• High-SPF sunscreen and a sunhat
• Comfortable, lightweight clothes of neutral colors
• Comfortable closed shoes
• A light fleece or sweater for the evenings
• Insect repellent
• Camera equipment
• Anti-malarial medication if you’re in a malaria area (rare)
• US dollars in cash – You don’t need much, but a couple of hundred will allow you to at least change if need be and helps for tipping purposes as well.

South Africa attracts more than its fair share of repeat visitors. Some return every year or two to enjoy the familiar pleasures of a favorite beach on a beach holiday or re-explore the vast expanses of the Kruger National Park , where no two days on safari are ever quite the same.

For others, it would be the fact that South Africa offers so many fresh potential experiences to more adventurous travelers.

You’ve done Cape Town and the Kruger ? Then try KwaZulu-Natal’s contrasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the lush subtropical beaches and rich wildlife of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and superb hiking and rock art associated with the lofty uKhahlamba-Drakensberg.

You could also always opt for a few days in the lovely Cape Wineland s, followed by a coastal foray along the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape.

Or head northwest to the vast and thinly populated Northern Cape, whose main attractions include the wildlife-rich red dunes of Kgalagadi, spectacular spring wildflower displays of Namaqualand, and magnificent Augrabies Falls.

Coupled with the excellent amenities and highly favorable exchange rate, this diversity makes South Africa an ideal holiday destination for repeat visitors.

Full medical travel insurance, including air evacuation from remote areas, is highly recommended. Be aware that some insurance policies may not cover activities deemed to be hazardous, for instance, paragliding or scuba diving.

When traveling to South Africa, we always recommend you speak to a local travel consultant to ensure you have all the proper documentation and cover.

These policies and procedures may change, and therefore, your local operator cannot be held responsible in cases of a medical emergency. There are a couple of fantastic resources for both, such as Just Landed , that can guide you through the process.

Botswana is a more pure wildlife destination than South Africa. Its main safari reserves, for instance, the Okavango and Chobe , are less accessible than their South African counterparts, far wilder in feel, and tend to cater more to high-cost, low-impact fly-in tourism.

Botswana thus offers more of an overt wilderness experience than anything in South Africa. Still, it’s not well suited to budget-conscious travelers or DIY self-drivers like Kruger or Pilanesberg.

South Africa is a more family-friendly and affordable safari destination than Botswana. It has a far greater variety of attractions.

Botswana has nothing to compare to historical South African cities such as Cape Town or Stellenbosch or to the lofty heights of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg.

It is a landlocked country with no coastline compared to 2,500km (1,553mi) in South Africa. South Africa is also the only country in Africa to boast several malaria-free safari destinations .

Several Big Five reserves protect the more charismatic large mammals associated with the African savannah. Foremost among these is the Kruger National Park and its abutting private reserves.

Still, other key safari destinations include iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, Addo Elephant National Park, and a variety of smaller and more exclusive private reserves.

These premier reserves all support healthy lion, elephant, and buffalo populations. South Africa stands as the world’s most important stronghold for rhinos (around 90% of the global population of White rhinos and Black rhinos is concentrated there).

At the same time, the private reserves bordering Kruger have few, if any, rivals when it comes to intimate leopard encounters.

Other wildlife associated with these reserves includes African wild dogs, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebra, warthogs, baboons, and Vervet monkeys.

The country supports around two dozen species of antelope, ranging from the outsized eland and stately spiral-horned greater kudu to the gregarious Blue wildebeest and impala and arid-country specialists such as gemsbok, springbok, and the diminutive forest-dwelling Red and Blue duikers.

Several large mammal species are endemic to South Africa. The Black wildebeest and Blesbok are associated mainly with grassy habitats in the Highveld.

At the same time, the Cape mountain zebra and bontebok are fynbos-dwellers more-or-less confined to the Western Cape.

Marine wildlife is a strong feature of South Africa. The clifftop town of Hermanus offers the world’s finest land-based whale-watching, while other aquatic wildlife attractions range from caged shark dives at Mossel Bay and turtle-nesting excursions in iSimangaliso to the penguin colony at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach and dolphins that frequently visit many of the country’s bays.

South Africa is a key bird-watching destination . The national checklist comprises around 840 species and includes the world’s largest bird (ostrich) and what is reputedly its bulkiest flying species (kori bustard), along with a dazzling variety of bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and waxbills.

The national checklist comprises around 840 species and includes the world’s largest bird (ostrich) and what is reputedly its bulkiest flying species (kori bustard), along with a dazzling variety of bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and waxbills. d several more are near-endemics with a range that extends a small way into Namibia and/or Botswana.

Avian variety is most significant in the southern summer (November-March) when several resident species assume a colorful breeding plumage and dozens of migrant species arrive from Europe or elsewhere in Africa.

There are several sites in South Africa, most notably perhaps Kruger, where a moderately skilled birder could tick 100 species in a day.

South Africa and Namibia stand out as two of the few countries in Africa truly suited to self-drive travel.

Both also have excellent safari opportunities, self-drive or otherwise, in the form of Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Kruger National Park (among others) in South Africa.

In most other respects the two countries are very different. Namibia is of greatest interest for its dramatic desert landscapes, most famously the stunning red dunes of Sossuvlei , and for the overwhelming sense of space one might expect of the most thinly populated country in sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa is a more family-friendly and varied destination than Namibia, and generally more affordable too. There is nothing in Namibia to compare to historic South African cities such as Cape Town or Stellenbosch (though the remote German-influenced port of Luderitz tries its best).

And while Namibia does boasts a long and scenic Atlantic coastline, it is for the most part too barren and windswept to qualify as a conventional beach holiday destination comparable to South Africa’s Garden Route or KwaZulu-Natal .

A good network of domestic flights connects Johannesburg and Cape Town to other major cities such as Mbombela (for the Kruger Park ), Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, and George (for the Garden Route ).

Trunk roads are all surfaced and well maintained, so self-drive is a straightforward option, provided you have a valid license. The usual international car rental companies are represented in all major cities and airports.

Driving is on the left side of the road, as in the UK, which may require some adjustment for drivers from mainland Europe, the USA, and elsewhere who are accustomed to driving on the right.

A popular option with backpackers, the Baz Bus is a hop-on hop-off service that runs through the interior between Johannesburg and Durban via Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg, then along the coastal N2 between Durban and Cape Town via East London, Port Elizabeth, and the Garden Route.

Inexpensive Greyhound-style coaches also cover most trunk routes.

• South Africa has four main ethnic groups that comprise the entire population.
• 11 official languages are spoken, with English being the most widely used.
• South Africa is affectionately known as the Rainbow Nation because of its diversity in its people, climates, geography, and wide array of experiences.
• It covers 1,21 million square kilometers, making it roughly twice the size of France.
• South Africans are very warm and accommodating.
• The culture isn’t homogenous; instead, it’s a collection of different cultures, with different ones being predominant in different regions.
• The population comprises a wide range of backgrounds, including people of mixed African, Asian, and European descent.

• Eating with a knife and fork is the norm, except at some traditional
• South African society is pretty liberal, as everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution.
• South Africans express affection very openly, so shaking hands and slaps on the back are commonplace.

Malaria is absent from most parts of South Africa, and it’s nowhere as prevalent as in much of equatorial Africa.

Exceptions are the eastern Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which is classified as a moderate-risk malarial area, and coastal KwaZulu-Natal north of Richard’s Bay, which is regarded to be low-risk.

Transmission is more or less confined to the rainy summer months. For this reason, travelers who intend to visit the Kruger National Park and/or adjacent private reserves from September to May are advised to take antimalarial drugs, and visitors to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi might also consider it.

Several such drugs are available, and it’s best to seek advice from a doctor or travel clinic a few weeks before your trip.

It’s also advisable to take all reasonable precautions against being bitten by the nocturnal Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and socks in the evening, apply a DEET-based insect repellent to any exposed flesh, and sleep under a net, in an air-conditioned room, under a fan, or with a mosquito coil burning.

Travelers with young children or who prefer not to take medication could consider visiting one of several malaria-free safari destinations, for instance, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, or Addo, in preference to the Kruger National Park.

• Almost all visitors from abroad fly to South Africa. The main hub for international flights is OR Tambo International Airport on the outskirts of Johannesburg, but some carriers also operate international flights to Cape Town and/or Durban.
• The national carrier, SAA, operates an extensive flight network between Johannesburg and many major cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and elsewhere in Africa.

• It’s also possible to enter South Africa overland from the neighboring countries of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Still, you’d only be likely to do so as part of an extended overland trip through Africa.
• There are overland borders with the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland, the former surrounded entirely and the latter on three sides by South Africa. It’s doubtful anybody would enter South Africa directly via either of these small countries. Still, some itineraries pass through them (Swaziland in particular), in which case any visitor who requires a visa should apply for multiple entry.

Restaurants operate on a similar basis to those in Europe or North America. A 10-15% tip to the waiter is standard, depending on the quality of service.

At hotels, it’s usually easier to sign drinks and meals to the room than to pay cash, but you could still leave a tip for an individual waiter or bartender or add one to the bill before you sign it.

Hotel porters usually expect a tip of around R10 per item of luggage.

On organized tours, most tips are handled by the guide, but it’s customary to tip the guide and/or driver at the end, usually as a group rather than individually.

Upmarket lodges and camps that operate on a full-board basis generally have a tip box at reception. Tips will usually be distributed between all the staff, a system that seems fairest to backroom workers in a country where hotel staff is very poorly paid.

Any guides, drivers, and trackers should be tipped in game lodges that offer guided game drives. Many such lodges have guidelines in the rooms; failing that, ask management for a directive.

South Africa has strict foreign exchange regulations, so it’s best tip in Rands rather than hard currency.

Crime rates are high but, as a rule, not directed specifically at tourists. The main crime hotspot areas are probably the CBDs of the three largest cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban), but an element of risk exists everywhere.

That said, the overwhelming majority of visitors have hassle-free holidays, and so should you if you follow the commonsense do’s and don’ts below:

• Before you leave home, make sure you have a scan or other electronic version of all important travel documents in case they are lost or stolen. Carry copies of these scans on all suitable devices and email them to yourself.
• Make sure your luggage can easily be padlocked; this won’t prevent a determined thief from slashing it open, but it is a solid deterrent to casual light fingers.
• Never leave cash, mobile phones, electronic devices, and other valuables lying around in your hotel room, and where possible, store your passport and other essential documents, as well as spare cash and cards, in a hotel safe.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, laptops, or large amounts of cash in urban areas.
• Avoid walking around towns after dark. If you do, there is safety in numbers, and it’s always advisable to stick to busy and well-lit streets.
• Be very alert around ATMs, especially in quiet areas and after dark.
• Self-drivers should keep their car doors locked, and windows closed in urban areas. When leaving the car parked in transit, lock all valuables in the boot.

The one vaccination certificate you may be required to show at immigration is yellow fever, and then only if you arrive from or via the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Other recommended vaccinations are tetanus and polio. You could also consider immunization against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, rabies, typhoid, cholera, and tuberculosis.

That said, please ensure that you always check with your local travel clinic or doctor before traveling, as there are different guidelines depending on the country you are traveling from.

The most numerically significant language is isiZulu, the mother tongue of roughly 22.5% of South Africans, followed by IsiXhosa (16%) and Dutch-based Afrikaans (13.5%).

English, the first language of 9.5% of South Africans, is the lingua franca of the tourist industry and will be spoken to a high to middling standard by practically all waiters, bartenders, shop assistants, and staff of hotels and other tourist-oriented institutions.

The other official languages are SeSotho, Sepedi (also known as North SeSotho), IsiNdebele, Tshivenda, Setswana, Xitsonga, and siSwati.

The South African Rand (ZAR) trades at very favorable rates to most international currencies. There’s no need to bring large amounts of hard currency cash or to buy Rands in advance.

Major international credit/debit cards (for instance, Visa, MasterCard, and, to a lesser extent, American Express) can be used to draw local currency at 24-hour ATMs throughout the country (the one exception being in most national parks and game reserves) and to pay directly for almost all services and goods.

That said, it’s a good idea to carry a bit of hard currency cash as a fallback, say the equivalent of around US$200-400; this can be exchanged into Rands at any bank or Bureau de Change.

Although South Africa has a public healthcare system, it is underfunded and understaffed, and facilities tend to be overcrowded, with some 20% of the country’s doctors employed to serve around 80% of the population.

By contrast, private medical facilities compare favorably with anywhere in the world and also tend to be affordable.

Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other large cities are liberally dotted with shopping malls that typically contain several supermarkets and a plethora of other retail outlets selling the sort of goods you’d expect in similar establishments in North America and Europe.

Home-grown foodstuffs, wine, beer, and other local produce tend to be very inexpensive by international standards, but imported goods can be pricey.

Smaller towns tend to have at least one mall offering a similar range of goods but less choice than their big city counterparts. Shopping opportunities are somewhat more limited in game reserves.

If no other assistance is at hand, call a medical emergency service. The government-run emergency number for ambulances in South Africa is 10177. Private 24-hour national emergency and ambulance services include ER24 (084 124), which is linked to a private network of 50-plus MediClinic hospitals, and Netcare 911 (082 911). The police flying squad can be reached at 10111.

• Cover up when on safari; closed shoes are a must (or at least open shoes that fasten tightly). Consider neutral-colored clothing when in the bush. Keep it down to preserve noise pollution and respect fellow safari-goers.
• Notice the small things. While sighting the Big Five in South Africa is a must, noticing the smaller details will make your experience that much more enriching.

• Don’t get too close to the wildlife – the power of nature is unpredictable and formidable and should be respected at all times.
• Take a pair of binoculars if you want a good close-up of wildlife while still maintaining your distance.

• Protect yourself in terms of insects and viruses. Always check what vaccinations you need.
• Understand how game drives work. Private lodges offer game drives for guests (anywhere from 4-10 people). There is generally a chance for a coffee break in the morning and sundowners in the evening.

• Rangers are usually in radio contact with other vehicles and allow the other the courtesy of enjoying a sighting before making it known to the rest of the vehicles.
• Pack the right kit for a safari.
• Keep children entertained with an animal checklist when on game drives.

• Sit in the middle of the vehicle. This gives you the best of both vantage points.
• If you’re a keen birdwatcher or photographer, you may want to consider a private vehicle – just be sure to comply with the game lodge rules, i.e. never get out of your vehicle.
• Why South Africa

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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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