safari holiday in south africa

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Best South Africa Safari Tours

Find the perfect Safari adventure in South Africa. There are 293 South Africa safaris to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 22 days. The most popular month for these tours is October.

250+ South African safari packages with 1,347 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger in Depth

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

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

Der Krueger Nationalpark und die Guides waren sehr gut. Leider war die Unterkunft, in der wir untergebracht waren sehr schmutzig feucht und schmuddelig . Es hat alles sehr gut geklappt von der Abholung bis zur Rückbringung zum Flughafen.

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

Route 62 Adventure Safari 15 Days / 14 Nights

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

South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

Amazing experience was lucky enough to see the big 5 on the trip and the accomodation was excellent

9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure

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

Kruger Lodge Experience

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

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

From the pick up to the stay everything was very well organized. The staff was very friendly and professional. The food was great too. Always felt safe and saw amazing animals!

5 Day Cape to Addo Safari Tour (Return)

• Coach / Bus

Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route

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

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

Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town

Perfect tour of Cape Town, Garden Route, Addo and Wine farms, as well as Uncover South Africa Naturist Tour. Our family holiday in South Africa was spent with the Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park tour from stunning Cape Town. We booked the tour online a couple of months in advance, and it turned out to be the best! We also booked the Uncover South Africa Naturist Tour, as we are naturists/nudists, and how fantastic! If you are into this, you will not regret doing this tour, it was just such an amazing experience of SA, and we met so many local naturists, friends we made to last forever. Highly recommended. We received a VIP itinerary and treatment from Jakes of Amatungulu Tours and the professional and knowledgeable guide we had was excellent and reassuring. All the places and landmarks that truly matters are selected for this tour, and we saw amazing scenery, wildlife, history, fauna and flora. The traditional food was to die for and the overnight accommodation a rare treat. For what I thought would bore my children turned out to be such beauty and exhilarating experiences, that even them was caught enjoying themselves. These tours exceeded all our expectations and opened our eyes to the real history and beauty of South Africa and we highly recommended it to all our friends, and the readers.

Best of Kruger National Park

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

2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)

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

Working Safari/Conferencing at luxury bush lodges, Kruger National Park & Panorama Route

PRO: 1. "All included" tour - professional guide, comfortable transportation, very good hotels, all meals and taste of great South Africa's wines. 2. Diversified itinerary - South African nature, culture, history - well presented by knowledgeable guides and thoughtfully designed by tour operator. 3. Hotels, B&B, Lodges, restaurants - exceptional. CON: None. My husband and I would like to thank Jakes for the great organization of this tour. Our guide was very professional, attentive, patient and of great personality. We recommend THIS TOUR to all who really wish get to know this beautiful country, travel in comfort and have a relaxed conference safari.

5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

The entire staff made you feel welcomed. From the cook to the rangers/guides it was an absolute pleasure. The guides were knowledgeable and did their best to make sure you see as many animals as possible. I recommend this tour to anyone seeking.

South Africa Safari Reviews

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

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

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

Safari Tours

• Wildlife (136)
• Big Five (78)

National Park

• Kruger National Park (90)
• Victoria Falls (8)
• Pilanesberg National Park (7)
• Sabi Sand National Park (6)
• Addo Elephant Park (5)

Regions in South Africa

• Kruger National Park (103)
• Limpopo (45)
• Garden Route (45)
• Western Cape (34)
• Guateng (12)
• North West (5)
• KwaZulu-Natal (5)

Travel Styles

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

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 23, 2024

Shann was amazing

Shann was amazing , great prompt service and went above and beyond to meet our travel requirements.

Apr 22, 2024

My experience with safari.com is always…

My experience with safari.com is always incredibly, pascal made happen my dream again. He is the best always answering questions and making everything perfect.thank you again pascal, can’t wait to tell all about my second trip to Africa in October.

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service!

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service. We have booked through her at Kruger park numerous times. She is very helpful and quick to assist.

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.

South Africa

Discover south africa’s cities, diverse culture to dramatic landscapes teeming with wildlife.  .

Our South Africa safaris and tours will take you on a journey of contrasts that you will never forget, from game drives through magnificently wild landscapes seeking out the ‘Big 5’ to strolling along golden beaches, visiting award-winning wine regions and exploring exciting, cosmopolitan cities. Our selection of preferred South Africa accommodation ranges from extravagant luxury hotels and luxury safari lodges to rustic bush camps.

South Africa is populated by a mix of African, Asian and European people, with a rich variety of languages and cultures. Equally diverse is its variety of landscapes, including spectacular mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, forests, deserts, sun-drenched beaches as well as renowned game reserves teeming with iconic species. At the same time, South Africa offers a refined tourist infrastructure, excellent road and air networks, and top-drawer accommodation.

South Africa’s most famous national park – Kruger – is approximately 19,485 km2 and bordered by a number of equally well-known private game reserves. The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve offers some of the best leopard viewing in Africa.

Popular with young families are South Africa’s malaria-free reserves, including Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari game reserves. To the south, award-winning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a unique experience overlooking South Africa’s famous Walker Bay. It is home to the “Marine Big 5” – Southern Right Whales, African Penguin, Dolphins, Cape Fur Seal and the Great White Shark.

The perfect finish to a South African safari is a stay in beautiful Cape Town, where Table Mountain forms a stunning backdrop to the city. Of the many tours available one of the most worthwhile is a visit to Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Less than an hour’s  drive from the city are the fabulous Cape Winelands, another popular destination for couples after a safari.

Finally the country also boasts two of the finest luxury train experiences in the world. The luxurious Blue Train operates between Cape Town and Pretoria and offers all the comforts of a 5-star hotel. Re-creating the old-world charm and romance of the golden era of train travel, legendary Rovos Rail operates journeys between a number of destinations within South Africa as well as to neighbouring countries. Their elegantly restored 1920s carriages have been painstakingly refurbished over the years, fitted with traditional furnishings, period décor and fine wood panelling.

Be transported to a more glamorous era while travelling on our selection of luxury trains across the spectacular landscapes of southern Africa.

South Africa Train Journeys

Phinda Private Game Reserve is a majestic mosaic of woodland, grassland, wetland, mountains and rivers. Phinda has a range of exquisite five-star

Phinda Private Game Reserve

The captivating Cape Winelands and Garden Route regions are best explored on a self-drive holiday, staying along the way at a beautiful historic

Cape Winelands & the Garden Route

Our selection of fabulous hotels in stunning Cape Town have been handpicked for their superior standards of accommodation and fantastic locations

South Africa has a wonderful range of malaria-free game reserves throughout the country. Enjoy an authentic safari experience with complete peace

Malaria Free Game Reserves

Kruger National Park is home to a mind-boggling array of game but where should you stay? We’ve featured a range of premium safari lodges and

Kruger, Sabi Sands and Surrounds

For a destination that has great gameviewing, is conveniently malaria-free, and provides entertainment for all ages, look no further than

Pilanesberg and Sun City

A popular gateway to southern Africa’s prime safari areas, Johannesburg has a wealth of quality hotels in vibrant inner-city locations, as well

Johannesburg

Best south africa safaris.

Explore some of the best holidays & experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.

Ultimate South Africa

Discover the very best of South Africa from it’s iconic wildlife reserves to it’s romantic railways

Kruger and The Cape

Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.

South Africa in Luxury

Travel from cosmopolitan Durban to Cape Town in utmost luxury, taking in two beautiful and unusual private game reserves in between: Phinda and Grootbos.

Winelands, Garden Route and Safari Self Drive

Explore Cape Town, self-drive the famous Winelands and Garden Route regions and finish with a "Big 5" safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.

South Africa and Victoria Falls Family Safari

Go gameviewing with the kids in two excellent malaria-free "Big 5" reserves in South Africa: Pilanesberg and Madikwe. Then, fly to Zambia for a tour of Victoria Falls.

South Africa Cape Explorer

Travel with the family from Cape Town to beautiful Grootbos Private Game Reserve. At malaria-free Kwandwe, experience an unforgettable "Big 5" safari.

Say ‘I Do’ in Africa

Tie the knot at a stylish resort in Mauritius, before a honeymoon in South Africa staying at two exclusive safari lodges adjoining Kruger National Park and exploring Cape Town.

Cape, Kruger and a Castaway Island

This 13 day African getaway has it all: Cape Town, the winelands, Kruger National Park and even a castaway island off the coast of Mozambique.

African Safari Extravaganza

This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.

Cape Town and Garden Route Discovery

Experience the sites of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Karoo semi-desert and the lush forests and lagoons of the famous Garden Route.

Malaria Free Safari

This malaria-free South Africa safari means that you don't need to worry about taking medication on your holiday. This is an ideal option for families with young children or travellers with health concerns.

Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail

Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.

Best of South Africa

Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.

South Africa and Victoria Falls

Discover Zimbabwe's magnificent Victoria Falls, go on a safari in search of the Big-5 in South Africa and visit scenic Cape Town.

 Accommodation in South Africa

Like many other African countries, South Africa offers a wealth of sophisticated camps and lodges as well as opulent city hotels – many of which have been awarded  Relais  & Château x  or National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World status.  Many others  offer a level of sophistication, intimacy and service seen in few other places around the world. Our preferred lodges, hotels and camps in  South Africa  have been carefully selected for their superior location, service and comfort. Explore our handpicked accommodation options available across the many highlights of  South Africa .  

Londolozi Pioneer Camp

Luxurious Londolozi Pioneer Camp consists of 3 secluded suites in the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.

Idube Game Lodge

Idube is a classic safari lodge that offers all the wildlife found in South Africa's celebrated Kruger National Park with none of the crowds.

andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp

One of South Africa's most prestigious luxury safari lodges, andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp is situated in the leopard-rich Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.

Dulini Lodge

Dulini Lodge nestles in a grove of ancient hardwood trees on the peaceful banks of the Mabrak River in the celebrated Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

River Lodge

Set beside the seasonal Sand River frequented by all of the 'Big 5', indulgent River Lodge combines contemporary luxury with centuries-old safari traditions.

Leadwood Lodge

Stunning Leadwood Lodge sits in a grove of ancient hardwood trees at the confluence of the Sand and Mabrak rivers in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.

Savanna Lodge

Savanna Lodge is wildly popular for good reason - it's within the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves, where ‘Big 5’ sightings are almost guaranteed.

MalaMala Main Camp

On the largest privately owned game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, Mala Mala Main Camp was South Africa's first safari lodge to transition from hunting to photographic safaris.

MalaMala Sable Camp

Family-friendly Sable Camp offers personal wildlife experiences in the historic, prolific Mala Mala Game Reserve, which adjoins world-famous Kruger National Park.

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp

The most exclusive of the three properties on the historic Mala Mala Game Reserve, Rattray’s luxury suites embody old-world grandeur with their claw-footed tubs and romantic canopied beds.

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Little Bush Camp is the latest addition to the Sabi Sabi family of luxury safari lodges, set on a riverbank in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

One of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, sumptuous Bush Lodge has earned a reputation for luxury, service and cuisine over 35 years.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp

Award-winning Selati Camp is named after a railway once used to transport gold, and this historic theme carries across this safari lodge.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has been described as the most environmentally sensitive luxury safari lodge in all of Africa.

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Perched high above Kruger National Park’s N’Wanetsi River, Singita Lebombo Lodge offers exceptional opportunities for intimate wildlife encounters.

Singita Sweni Lodge

The more intimate of Singita's two lodges in the northern Kruger, Singita Sweni offers indulgent accommodation and exclusive gameviewing experiences.

Singita Castleton Lodge

The former family home of Singita’s founders, Singita Castleton Lodge has the atmosphere of a very luxurious private country farmhouse with all of the advantages of a high-end safari camp.

Singita Boulders Lodge

Inspired by the rocks on which it rests, Boulders Lodge is a rustic yet sophisticated retreat crafted from raw timbers, wrought iron, stone and thatch.

Singita Ebony Lodge

Nestled in a grove of ancient hardwoods on the banks of the Sand River, Singita Ebony Lodge combines the luxury of a bush lodge with the simplicity of a tented camp.

Londolozi Varty Camp

The Londolozi Private Game Reserve’s spiritual heart, Varty Camp is casual and relaxed in atmosphere making it a wonderful choice for families on safari.

Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Londolozi’s adults-only Private Granite Suites are set amid great boulders and large trees, natural features which have influenced the property’s interiors and organic colour palette.

Greenfire Game Lodge

Situated on the 50,000 hectare privately owned Balule Nature Reserve, this small luxury safari lodge virtually guarantees good game sightings.

The first East African-style luxury safari camp in South Africa, Tanda Tula remains a pioneer in many areas including memorable wildlife experiences.

Thornybush Game Reserve

One of South Africa’s oldest private game reserves, Thornybush comprises of 34,000 acres of wilderness inhabited by elephant, leopard, lion and cheetah.

andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge

Adjoining Kruger National Park, the andBeyond Private Game Reserve is home to all of the "Big 5", a classic safari lodge and luxury tented camp.

In the Timbavati Private Reserve which shares a boundary with Kruger National Park, Kings Camp faces a waterhole visited by an endless parade of wildlife.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

On the vast Madikwe Game Reserve is the luxurious Tuningi Safari Lodge as well as family-friendly Little Tuningi, a self-contained private villa.

Tau Game Lodge

Located on the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge offers an authentic safari experience in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

A secluded retreat within the exclusive 185,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge offers guests two accommodation options.

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

In the heart of a rare sand forest lies andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, a collection of serene, contemporary glass houses.

andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

On a crest in a dramatic mountain range, andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge offers breathtaking views of the wildlife-rich landscape below.

andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Blending beautifully into the surrounding bush, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is the kind of place where you’re much more likely to see wildlife than people.

andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge

andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge is an architectural wonder - a collection of suites seemingly suspended from cliff face over a valley many metres below.

Tintswalo Atlantic

With iconic Chapman’s Peak as a backdrop, award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic is perfectly positioned for explorations of beautiful Cape Town.

Londolozi Founders Camp

This relaxed safari lodge nestles in ancient forest along the Sand River, offering activities for all the family from yoga to an entertaining kids' program.

Londolozi Tree Camp

Londolozi’s adults-only Tree Camp is a super-stylish luxury safari camp set deep within a thicket of leadwood trees

Taj Cape Town

Situated in one of the most historic areas of Cape Town, Taj Cape Town is synonymous with the highest standards of service and style.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

The classic Victoria & Alfred Hotel is a haven of old-world character and personalised service right on Cape Town’s vibrant V & A Waterfront.

Le Quartier Francais

Set in the peaceful village of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Francais invites visitors to indulge in absolute luxury and sumptuous cuisine.

Franschhoek Country House and Villas

Just outside of Franschhoek village lies a lovely original homestead with many decorative accents that allude to the property’s rich history. Innovative regional cuisine awaits you at the

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Overlooking Walker Bay on South Africa's Western Cape, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an oasis of luxury set amid unique native wilderness - a magnet for rare birds.

Tswalu Kalahari

South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari is inhabited by over 80 mammal species including meerkat and desert rhino.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers five safari lodges, each designed to showcase the remote beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Shamwari Game Reserve

On South Africa’s pristine Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve is an excellent safari destination being malaria-free and home to fantastic wildlife including all of the legendary "Big 5".

Makutsi Safari Springs

Family-owned and operated, Makutsi Safari Springs is a private reserve which has a very similar ecosystem to neighbouring Kruger National Park. This delightful property encompasses a number of

Sun City is a sprawling resort complex with two golf courses, entertainment, a huge water park and casinos - an ideal place for the whole family to relax at the end of a safari holiday.

Experience the extravagance of Victorian and Edwardian-era train travel on a journey aboard one of Rovos Rail’s gleaming, gloriously restored vintage trains.

The Blue Train

The multi award-winning Blue Train first launched in 1946 and today remains synonymous with the highest standards in luxury train travel.

Elegant Leeu House is an enchanting combination of casual country living and world-class luxury set in the charming, historic village of Franschhoek.

Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

At the edge of charming Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation and fine dining.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers old-world elegance and an authentic safari experience in the beautiful Manyeleti Reserve.

Leeu Estates

Leeu Estates is a 17-room country house and boutique winery in the Frankshoek Valley and is the flagship property of Leeu Collection

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

Subscribe below to keep up to date, find out more about our tailor made african safaris, talk to one of our africa experts, michael fitzgerald.

Senior Destination Specialist

Taleen Gaidzkar

When is the best time to visit south africa.

South Africa  is very much a year-round destination with many camps and lodges open throughout the year. However, certain times of the year offer a better game-viewing experience. Like many other countries across  Southern Africa , the best time to visit is from June to October during the dry season. Game viewing in national parks and game reserves is superb at this time of year, and coincides with whale watching se ason (June-November) along the  Eastern C ape  coast  – a popular add-on  to see the marine “Big 5” .   

A visit to  Cape Town  and the renowned  Cape   wine   lands area is  perfect  at any time of year. However  winters can be cool and wet whilst  the weather during the summer months between November and February makes  is sunny and dry.  

July - October

November - december, january - march, april - june.

In the north of the country July marks the beginning of peak season. Wildlife viewing is excellent with animals congregating around the remaining water sources and accommodation space is limited around the  Kruger   National Park  and  Sabi  Sand Game Reserve. July also marks the start of whale watching season. Southern Right Whales reside around  Walker   Bay  between June and December and boating tours are a major highlight of the region. Renowned  Grootbos  Private Nature Reserve  overlooks the bay and whales can come as close as 30 metres from the shoreline.   

November marks the final month of whale watching season and  Walker   Bay  and  Plettenberg   Bay  remain two of the best spots to see marine life. December is busy in  South Africa  during the school holidays and festive period. Game viewing is still good, but the rains have transformed the landscape and  finding and viewing  wildlife  becomes a bit more difficult .   

January to March is fantastic time visit  South Africa ’s  Cape  with hot days and little rainfall.  Cape Town  and other coastal towns such as  Hermanus , George and  Knysna  are popular destinations with cool ocean winds combating the hotter temperatures. It is a popular time to travel the famous  Garden Route  or  explore the famous  Cape   Winelands . January and February are parti cularly popular times so  bookin gs  well in advance  is  important.   

A quieter time of year, the landscape is starting to dry out, particularly in the north – including  Kruger   National Park . April and May is a nice time of year to combine different regions. May is a shoulder month, before game   viewing and crowds begin to pick back up leading into the peak wildlife viewing months of July to October. June is a fantastic time to visit too, when the days are cool and dry. It can be very chilly at night so layers are necessary.   

South Africa FAQ’s

Can i see the big 5 in south africa.

South Africa is one of the best countries to see the legendary “Big 5” – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. There are a number of national parks and reserves where you can see all members of the “Big 5”. The country remains a stronghold for rhino whilst the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard.

Are there malaria-free game reserves in South Africa?

South Africa does have some malaria-free game reserves including Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari game reserves ideal for family safaris. There are also a number of reserves along the Eastern Cape easily combinable with a stay in Cape Town or a tour along the renowned Garden Route.

Where in Africa can I do a train safari?

South Africa has two of the world’s best luxury train experiences. Rovos Rail offers luxury rail safaris between major destinations including Cape Town to Pretoria and Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Many departures stop at famous national parks including Kruger and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Why travel to South Africa? 

Described as “a world in one country” South Africa  is more than just a safari destination. The wildlife of Kruger and the many private reserves throughout the country are complemented by  South Africa ’s fascinating history and diverse cultures, the beautiful coastline and majestic landscapes of the  Cape .  

What is the culture of  South Africa? 

There are m any different cultures including Zulu, Swazi, Xhosa, Indian,  Cape   Malay  and European.  As a result, there are many  unique  culinary dishes as well as  distinct music and dance.  Elegant   Cape  Dutch architecture  is also a highlight of  South Africa ’s cape .  

What can I combine South Africa with?

South Africa is easily combined with neighbouring Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia or the nearby tropical island of Mauritius. Johannesburg is a very popular gateway to most of southern and eastern Africa.    

How to get to South Africa?

Many major airlines including South African Airways, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airways and British Airways fly into Johannesburg  OR Tambo International Airport . There are also many regional and domestic carriers that service local cities such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park area.  

US  – South African Airways fly’s directly to east coast cities including New York and Washington. Delta Airlines is another option to consider flying directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta.   

UK / Europe  – There are direct flights to OR Tambo International Airport with South African Airways from London-Heathrow, Frankfurt and Munich. Major European Airlines flying directly into Johannesburg include British Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.   

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The best safaris in South Africa

An expert guide to safaris in south africa.

Anthony Ham

Stuart Butler

• In this guide

Kruger National Park

Sabi sands game reserve, kwazulu-natal.

• Parks of the North West Province
• Safari in the Eastern Cape
• Safari in the Western Cape
• Where to go
• Planning a safari
• Safari FAQs

I fell in love with South Africa the very first time I laid eyes on it. Like so many safari-goers before me, the love affair began in Kruger : big cats, rhinos, elephants and just about every species of charismatic mega-fauna weren’t just present. They were everywhere.

In the years since, as my knowledge of South Africa's safari parks deepened, each visit has only confirmed that my first impressions were, if anything, an understatement. I've been travelling to Africa for two decades as a travel journalist and guidebook author, and some of my happiest safari experiences have been in South Africa.

For me, what makes South Africa special is that it ticks just about every safari box: abundant wildlife, varied habitats and landscapes, a well-organised tourism industry, and a wonderful mix of the accessible and the remote. And every time I come back, I’m surprised by how much there still is to discover and how much there still is to see.

It’s why I keep returning, and I'm sure you will too.

My best South Africa safari tip? There's a whole world beyond Kruger and the other blockbuster parks. Those in the know seek out Timbavati, Madikwe, Kgalagadi and all the other places that the mainstream South African safari industry doesn't want to tell you about. But that's what this guide is for: we'll explore my top recommended South Africa safari parks and reserves in the following pages.

Get the digested read

Where to begin? When to go? How to plan? So many questions, so little time. That's why we've asked leading South Africa safari expert Stuart Butler to answer your most frequently asked questions in this handy four-part email series.

Close encounters with a leopard in South Africa

South Africa's best safari parks, and some hidden gems

Trying to pick the "best" safari parks in South Africa is a fool's errand, but if pushed I'd say it's a toss-up between either Phinda Game Reserve or Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. But all the following would be well worth your time and money.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

North west province, the kalahari, addo elephant park, eastern cape, western cape, |ai-|ais/richtersveld transfrontier park, sanbona wildlife reserve.

Kruger's hidden gems

Kruger is South Africa’s most celebrated safari park, and deservedly so. Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa’s iconic mammal species, including the endangered African wild dog. Its varied habitats support more than 500 bird species and many of the private reserves offer top quality specialised photo safaris.

But a park as good and easy to visit as Kruger attracts a lot of visitors, and in high season the main routes can be busy. The highly-developed park doesn’t always feel that wild in places.

If this sounds off-putting, fear not: head to northern Kruger for wild beauty, smaller crowds and a palpable sense of adventure. You may have to work a little harder for your sightings up here, but that’s because the animals are less habituated to vehicles. In other words, it feels like a safari of yesteryear. Oh, and the birdlife is exceptional in the north, with species you just don’t find elsewhere in the park.

Another way to avoid the Kruger crowds is by visiting one of the superb private reserves that fringe the park itself, where limited numbers and no self-drives keep things peaceful.

My favourite Kruger alternative

Kwazulu-Natal is South Africa’s cultural heartland, an essential immersion for those seeking to understand this glorious country in all its complexity. Networks of private reserves, plus big-ticket Hluhluwe-iMfolozi range across habitats and landscapes that are quintessentially South African.

Second only to Kruger National Park, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a nearly thousand square kilometre slab of wilderness surrounded by private game reserves. With its soaring hills and mountains, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is scenically much more inspiring than the sometimes drab scrub-scape of Kruger. It is thanks to an innovative and wildly successful breeding programme here that the southern white rhino exists at all, and rhinos from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi have been used to re-populate parks and reserves across southern Africa.

Today, it would be a rare game drive that didn’t bump into at least one of these prehistoric looking creatures. Elephants are common as are buffalo, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Much harder to find are the big cats.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is easily accessible and has great facilities for people on all budgets. This makes it a good family-safari destination, but it also means it’s the most popular park in KwaZulu-Natal and during the holidays it can get very busy with holidaying locals.

Madikwe Game Reserve

I’ve never quite understood why Madikwe isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Kruger and South Africa’s other elite parks. Then again, I like it that way: whenever I visit, it’s never crowded. All of the big cats are here, as are elephants, rhinos, buffalo – I once saw rhino, elephant and buffalo all sharing the same waterhole. I’ve also seen African wild dog, two bull giraffes fighting, and lions on the hunt, all on the same afternoon game drive.

Madikwe is unusual in that it is owned by the state in partnership with local communities and the private sector. However, it is run in the same manner as one of the exclusive private game reserves. There are no self-drive safaris here and only people staying in one of the upmarket (but slightly more affordable than normal) lodges are allowed into the reserve. This gives the reserve, which has been formed out of old farm and ranch land, a real air of tranquillity and the wildlife obviously appreciate this as well.

With lower prices than somewhere like Sabi Sands in the Kruger region, but with a similar exclusive vibe, Madikwe suits those who want all the advantages of a prime private reserve but who don’t have quite enough cash to splash out on those big names. The mix of accommodation is just about right, too, with an affordable choice and a handful of perfectly placed luxury options.

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Claiming to be South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu, in Northern Cape, is a shining example of what can be done when conservation and tourism combines. Built around a model of sustainability, the reserve takes a holistic approach to conservation with deep ties to the local community. And with, at last count, 85 mammal and 264 bird species, the Kalahari wildlife is magnificent, with everything from black-maned Kalahari lions, oryx and meerkats to brown hyenas, African wild dogs and pangolins.

Best for big cats

If I had to make a choice, for me it’s all about the big cats. And there’s nowhere better than Sabi Sands . The leopard sightings in particular here are almost always something special, thanks to the unrivalled quality of the guiding and the intimacy of the whole low-density-tourism experience.

This 65,000 hectare reserve is, in many respects, the finest chunk of wildlife-filled wilderness in southern Africa. The choice safari destination in South Africa for the wealthy, Sabi Sands is actually a grouping of smaller private reserves rather than one single entity. With unfenced reserves adjacent to Kruger, the wildlife slips effortlessly around the ecosystem while world-class wildlife guides ensure that you’re always in the right place at the right time.

The only real downside is the hefty price tag! But if you can afford it, there’s no question that Sabi Sands offers the best safari experience in South Africa. Also, if birdwatching is your thing, as with Kruger, Sabi Sands has great birdlife, although with less habitat diversity the species count is lower.

Phinda Game Reserve

Of all the private reserves of KwaZulu-Natal, it’s Phinda that most rivals Sabi Sands and the other world-famous reserves that fringe Kruger. With its winning combination of attractive scenery, large numbers of mammals (including all the big five), more than 400 bird species, stupendously beautiful accommodation and a real sense of exclusivity, a range of exciting visitor activities and a forward-looking conservation and community programme, it’s easy to see how it garners endless accolades.

I'd say this is perhaps the best place in South Africa to see the cheetah, and sightings here are consistently excellent.

And to combine safari with marine wildlife watching, visit the Sodwana coast which rivals the Great Barrier Reef for marine birds.

Fabulous accommodation adds to the appeal, visitor numbers are far fewer than in the Kruger reserves. A stay here doesn’t come cheap and you can only enter the reserve as a guest of one of the six very upmarket lodges. But if your budget stretches to it then, in our opinion, Phinda is one of the very best places for a short safari and you’re almost guaranteed to see all the flagship animals.

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

The vast upland massif of the Waterberg region is one of only two biosphere reserves in all of Africa. This is a region of superlatives where space, solitude and wildlife are backdrops to day-to-day life. This isn’t so much a single unbroken reserve, but rather a puzzle of interconnected reserves and small human settlements. A journey here is proof that wildlife and humans can live and thrive side by side.

The best-regarded reserves are the Lapalala Wilderness Area, Marakele National Park, and the Welgevonden Game Reserve. What wildlife you’ll see really depends on which reserve you visit. Some, such as Marakele and Welgevonden, have all the animals you came to Africa to see, but others (particularly the smaller private reserves) are fenced and mainly have smaller creatures. In these reserves, the focus is more on family-friendly activities such as cycling, walking and bush camping.

Mala Mala Game Reserve

Another one of South Africa’s original private game reserves, the massive Mala Mala has been operating since the 1920s. Although part of the Sabi Sands Reserve for some time, Mala Mala has gone its own way, but the visitor wouldn’t know the difference. The wildlife is just as impressive as before and the whole safari experience is just as polished. The difference is that Mala Mala is (marginally) more affordable than most of the others and, at around 130 sq km, is much larger. Its size, and the fact that guests of other reserves are not allowed means that you have this wonderful sweep of bushy savannah all to yourself. All in all it's one of my favourite safari reserves in all South Africa.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sands and Mala Mala may get all the attention among the private reserves west of Kruger. And make no mistake: both offer world-class wildlife experiences. But for something a little more low-key, I always choose Timbavati, where my wildlife sightings have always been exceptional and intense. There’s no fence between Timbavati and the national park, visiting here is like a concentrated version of the best of Kruger without the hype. A good mix of accommodation also makes it a touch more affordable than the others.

Addo Elephant National Park

This, one of South Africa’s largest national parks, is best known for its namesake elephants. But this diverse park, which includes river valleys, mountains, savannahs, forests and beaches, has much more to offer.

A few lions saunter in and out of the shadows, and buffalo, various antelope and even rhino are all present, but there are also plenty of unexpected safari animals including Cape fur seals, penguins, southern right whales and — for those brave enough to go for a paddle — great white sharks. But it’s those elephants that most people come to see. When the park was formed back in the 1930s there were fewer than a dozen elephants here. Today there are more than 600 and sightings are almost a given.

As well as fantastic wildlife, Addo has excellent tourist facilities and accommodation, easy access, a good road network and, with hiking, kayaking and horse riding, plenty of activities to get you out of the cramped safari vehicle. This is also one of the better family safari destinations.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

I love deserts, and have spent a lifetime roaming across Africa in search of the perfect desert safari experience. One that combines South African accessibility (paved roads run right to the park gate) with the best in desert scenery is Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which South Africa shares with Botswana. Having written a book about lions, I’ve always valued as special Kgalagadi’s lion possibilities that never disappoint: watching a pride of lions roaring atop a sand dune at sunset is my definition of safari perfection.

Kwandwe Game Reserve

This 220-sq-km reserve is larger than most in the eastern Cape, and yet has just two small lodges in which to stay: overcrowding at wildlife sightings just doesn’t happen here. I’ve often had big cat and rhino sightings to myself here; the rhinos in particular seem oblivious to vehicles and I’ve been so close, I could have leaned out to touch them. And I just love the night drives: there’s nothing quite like seeing a porcupine waddling along a night road, confusing the hell out of lions.

Karoo National Park

Every time I visit Karoo National Park, I’m struck with amazement that this arid wilderness survives in the heart of the country. The rugged terrain, coupled with astonishing birdlife, the lurking presence of lion and black rhino, and the sheer silence at night all combine to lure me back. It’s having a desert transplanted alongside the Johannesburg-Cape Town road. Most visitors drive right on by, but there’s a whole world of wonder to experience if decide to stop.

Amakhala Game Reserve

Of all the private reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amakhala is my pick. Relatively unheralded and yet filled with animals, it offers the kind of safari experience that will appeal to families as well as to veteran safari visitors.

Big cat, elephant and rhino sightings are consistently excellent, and the habitat here enables an unusual range of activities, from standard game drives in an open-sided 4WD to walking safaris and boat trips.

Northern Cape

I can never resist a desert experience, one of the least-known is this fine park along the Namibian border. It’s a chance to concentrate less on the animals - though there are some rarities here, such as the caracal, klipspringer, honey badger and the Hautmann’s mountain zebra – and more on the landscape as a whole. Vivid wildflower displays in spring and the extraordinary fissures and landforms of Fish River Canyon (the world’s second-largest), make this one of Africa’s most underrated natural wonders.

Combine big cats with wine tasting, and you get the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Sanbona is an exclusive private conservancy that’s been restocked with the big ticket animal attractions — lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinos — and, thanks to the expert guides, all are regularly seen on safaris here. Covering more than 50,000 hectares, Sanbona is large enough to feel like a genuine wilderness, but at the same time is only a three-hour drive from Cape Town and lies close to the Western Cape’s famed wine lands. This means it’s easy to slip a Big Five safari into a wine tasting tour and a Cape Town city break.

Situated at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo, Sanbona offers three reserves with all the usual luxuries.

As well as standard vehicle safaris, I recommend joining an overnight walking safari and trying a bush camping experience. Look out for the 3,500-year-old rock art depicting people and animals left by the San and Khoikhoi tribes.

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and photography

Covering some 60,000 hectares, the spectacular Klaserie Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately-owned nature reserves in South Africa. The reserve is also deeply committed to environmental education for local children and supports a number of long-term scientific studies. For the tourist, Klaserie combines memorably diverse scenery, including glittering waterways, and an impressive range of wildlife such as rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos and some massive buffalo. The birdlife is equally impressive and one of the scientific projects the reserve supports focuses on the prehistoric-looking ground hornbill. There’s a wide selection of accommodation within Klaserie, all of it very luxurious and intimate in scale, and the sheer size of the reserve means that Klaserie never feels busy — except with wildlife.

Karongwe Game Reserve

Best for: Birdwatching and the Big Five

Known for offering some of the highest chances of spotting the elusive leopard, Karongwe is a moderately-sized private game reserve hemmed in between four rivers with views of the Drakensberg Mountains. This gives it an unusually lush, green landscape, in contrast to some of Kruger’s drier regions. Other highlights are the superb guided bush walks and exceptional birdwatching (again, thank those rivers). Since there are just five unashamedly luxurious and very small camps, crowds are never an issue here and the quality of the guiding and accommodation is almost unsurpassed in the Kruger area.

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

A collection of former rangelands, Sabi Sabi is the discerning (and very well-heeled) safari goer’s choice. This stupendous reserve has all the wildlife drama and beauty that is to be expected of the Sabi Sands area, but the whole package is just that much more luxurious and exclusive than most of the other Sabi Sands camps and reserves (and let’s face it, you’re hardly slumming it in any of them). With just four uber up-market but radically different places to stay, and traversing rights given to only one outside lodge, Sabi Sabi is exclusivity redefined.

Featured South Africa Safaris

Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo

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Mobile camping & walking safaris.

Jewels of South Africa

13 day small group tour of south africa.

Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari in Madikwe

Big Five Safari in Mala Mala

Kruger Safari & Beach

8 days from kruger to mozambique.

Wonders of South Africa

15 days from port elizabeth to kruger.

Sabi Sands Fly In Safari

Kwazulu Natal Beach and Bush Honeymoon

Family self-drive along the Garden Route

Cape Town & Kruger Luxury Safari

On safari in South Africa

Where to go on safari in South Africa

Our experts' top picks and some hidden gems.

Best for: iconic safaris & exclusive reserves

Kruger is South Africa’s most celebrated safari park, and deservedly so. Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa’s iconic mammal species, including the endangered African wild dog, its varied habitats support more than 500 bird species and many of the private reserves offer top quality specialised photo safaris.

A park as good and easy to visit as Kruger attracts a lot of visitors and in high season main routes can be busy. The park’s highly-developed infrastructure also means that it doesn’t always feel all that wild. If this sounds off-putting, fear not: head to northern Kruger for wild beauty, smaller crowds and a palpable sense of adventure. You may have to work a little harder for your sightings up here, but that’s because the animals are a little more wary of vehicles than they are elsewhere. In other words, it feels like a safari of yesteryear. Oh, and the birdlife is exceptional in the north, with species you just don’t find elsewhere in the park.

The park is surrounded by a number of superb private reserves with limited numbers and no self-drives allowed, which means that wild Africa comes growling right up to you. Taking all this into account, whatever sort of safari you’re looking for, Kruger usually comes out on top.

Best for: absolute luxury safaris

If I had to make a choice, for me it’s all about the big cats. And there’s nowhere better than Sabi Sands. The leopard sightings in particular here are almost always something special, thanks to the unrivalled quality of the guiding and the intimacy of the whole low-density-tourism experience.

Best for: less crowded safaris

Welcome to South Africa’s cultural heartland, an essential immersion for those seeking to understand this glorious country in all its complexity. Networks of private reserves, plus big-ticket Hluhluwe-iMfolozi range across habitats and landscapes that are quintessentially South African. That these parks even exists gives great hope for the future.

Although there is great wildlife watching in many parts of the region, the largest concentration of protected areas is in the northeastern coastal areas a few hours’ drive north of Durban. Spinning away from the massive Lake St Lucia is a number of interconnecting public and private game reserves which together encompass everything from windblown beaches to Big Five-filled grasslands.

The density of big ticket wildlife is a little lower than in the Kruger area, but thanks to the diversity of habitats the range of animal species is exceptional. All the normal big hitters are here including elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino (both black and white), leopard and wild dogs. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and surrounding conservation areas are the best bet for a classic Big Five safari and many an experienced safari goer actually rates Hluhluwe-iMfolozi over the more famous Kruger.

Best for: quick & accessible safaris

If I can’t visit Kruger, I head for the North West and into Limpopo. Some of my happiest safari days have been in Marakele, Mapungubwe and Madikwe; the latter is brilliant for everything. Up here, it’s possible to still feel a sense of adventure, as if the animals outnumber people.

In this often dry and sunburnt region, life can be tough and this is reflected in the fact that compared to greener and better-watered areas such as Kruger National Park, the density of animals can be lower. However, here it’s all about quality and not quantity. Most of the star players are resident on these open savannahs and bushveld, including all the Big Five. This is a prime region for Africa’s most lethal but persecuted predator, the wild dog. Elephants and rhino are also big fans of this part of the country but the cats, though present, tend to be a bit harder to find compared to other South African safari zones. Birdlife is impressive throughout the region.

In short, this part of the country suits two types of safari-goer: those short on time who merely need a quick safari hit with near guaranteed sightings of most big mammals and, by contrast, those with plenty of time and a willingness to forgo large numbers of animals in exchange for the adventure of never knowing quite what might be around the next corner.

The Eastern Cape

Best for: easy access from cape town.

Going on safari in the Eastern Cape always feels a little like cheating. But why shouldn’t we see elephants and big cats and other safari specials not far from world-class beaches and the peerless city of Cape Town? Smaller reserves add to the sense of safaris that are custom-made for slotting into an all-round South African holiday.

The reserves here are more compact than elsewhere, but what they lack in scale they make up for in an abundance of wildlife — including all the Big Five.

With easy access from major travel hubs, excellent tourist infrastructure and the possibility of slotting beaches, Cape Town and other attractions into the mix, the Eastern Cape is one of the most rewarding and deservedly popular wildlife destinations in South Africa, with a range of parks to explore.

The Western Cape

Best for: family-friendly & short safaris.

Other areas of the country have vast wilderness. Western Cape is instead all about making it easy to see amazing safari animals. Like Eastern Cape, it’s all about smaller reserves chockfull of wildlife, and that’s nothing to complain about. Add in the marine mammals, especially the great white sharks, and it’s a magnificent place to go on safari.

All the famed Big Five are present in this region although in most cases they’ve been re-introduced into fairly small, fenced private game reserves. These are not zoos, but they’re also not vast wilderness zones like the ones you might find elsewhere in southern Africa.

Like the Eastern Cape, Western Cape contains many different habitats, and it supports a wide range of wildlife. This includes some massive marine life including some of the world’s biggest (and hungriest!) sharks. On dry land many of the larger native mammals were wiped out over the last couple of hundred years. However, today, thanks to reintroduction programmes in the region’s private game reserves, many of these animals are returning. It’s now possible to see most of the key big mammal species of South Africa here.

Big horizons and the feeling of nature in the ascendant is what draws me to the Kalahari in South Africa’s north.

One of my favourite parks in all of Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which South Africa shares with Botswana) is like a gateway into the rich desert biodiversity of one of the world’s largest sand deserts.

South Africa safari: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

South Africa is safari heaven. From the world-famous Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands to the lesser-known Karoo and family-friendly experiences in the Western Cape, there’s a wildlife experience to match all needs. First-time visitors will probably want to hit the Big Five highlights of the major parks, but don’t dismiss the more accessible lodges in the North West Province and around Cape Town.

For those looking for a cheaper option, consider self-drive safari routes. A quintessential South African family experience is a self-drive route through Kruger National Park, staying at self-catering campsites, where accommodation can be anything from small huts to guesthouses.

When planning where to go on safari in South Africa, consider what you want to get out of the experience. For luxurious lodges, head to up-market parks like Sabi Sands. If you want to get out into the bush, consider lodges that offer walking safaris. For those less bothered by the big five, consider the birdlife of KwaZulu-Natal or the cheetahs of Karoo.

Safari on your own terms

This may be controversial, but in my opinion you should forget about the "Big Five".

The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) are the five African safari animals deemed the most dangerous to hunt by colonial-era hunters in the late 19th- and early 20th-century. Yes, it’s a useful marketing tool. And yes, many South Africa safari-goers (and companies) are still in their thrall. But in my opinion the obsession over the Big Five has more to do with nostalgia than the excitement and experience of a safari today.

I’ve nothing against seeing the Big Five animals themselves: each one is a thrill, every time. But I think the emphasis on "bagging" all the Big Five like a colonial big game hunter can detract from fully appreciating the true experience. I’ve encountered travellers who rush away from a lion kill because they’re yet to see a buffalo and their time on safari is running out. Safari, and travel more generally, should be about much more than rushed bucket lists and tick boxes.

Personally, I’m just as thrilled to encounter a cheetah – I’d rather see a cheetah on the hunt than a lion sleeping under a tree – or an African wild dog pack streaming across the landscape and on the hunt. Or a serval, or a meerkat, or a brown hyena. Sometimes, I’ll choose to sit beneath a leopard resting in a tree for a whole afternoon, just on the chance that it will soon stretch, climb down the tree, and head off on some exciting leopard mission.

And it just seems so arbitrary. Why not the "Big Six" (I always add the cheetah to the traditional list); adding African wild dogs and fighting giraffes to become a "Big Eight". This is the problem with the Big Five: it puts someone else’s list above your own sense of wonder.

South Africa safari logistics

There are two main classes of safari in South Africa: self-drive and organised safari tours. And within the latter, there’s a whole world of choice: between a group and a private safari; between a fly-in and a 4WD safari; between a walking safari and one where you remain in your vehicle; between a camping safari and one spent sleeping in lodges.

Self-drive means using your own vehicle (typically a rental car) to travel between the game reserves and, where self-drive safaris are permitted, making your own way through the reserves and parks. You’ll need to book ahead at your chosen accommodation in each reserve, and be sure to check that self-drive safaris are permitted. Although you certainly could rent a 4WD, most South African parks and reserves have excellent road networks and a 2WD is, in most cases, sufficient.

Organised safaris are similar to typical packaged multi-stop tours, usually with a number of different reserves or parks in one trip. They include all accommodation, collection and ground transfers from the airports (or, in the case of some luxury lodges, fly-ins to their own private airstrips). You won’t need your own vehicle and all game drives will be with a guide, usually in a small group of guests.

The main pros to self-drive safaris are that they tend to be cheaper, allow you to visit places that aren’t included on mainstream safari packages, and they give you more freedom to change plans at the last moment. There’s nothing worse than being on safari with other travellers who convince the guide to move on, when all you’d like to do is stick around and wait for those lion cubs to wake up: a self-drive safari solves that problem.

There are a number of drawbacks. Firstly, you most likely won’t be in a specialised safari vehicle, typically a large, open-sided 4WD that is purpose made for good visibility. This is usually a deal-breaker for keen wildlife spotters and photographers, as being in a rental saloon car severely limits where you can go and how much you can see. You could, of course, rent a 4WD vehicle, but this increases the cost significantly. Self-drive safari also means that you are your own guide and wildlife spotter. Fun perhaps, but you’ll miss lots of sightings without a proper guide.

But not all organised South African safaris are created equal. In addition to choosing which accommodation you’ll sleep in, whether you fly or drive in, and how much time you spend in your vehicle, you’ll need to choose between your own private a safari and one you share with others. Private safaris mean having the guide and vehicle all to yourself and/or your travelling party; such safaris are easier to customise, but also more expensive. A group safari means sharing both costs and experiences: you’ll pay less and have a cast of safari companions with which to share it all, but you’ll also have less control over everything from your dates of travel to the itinerary.

Such considerations aside, the best South Africa safari tours use customised jeeps and highly-trained guides who will enliven your experience with their vast knowledge and tracking skills. Poor quality safaris can mean an overcrowded minibus hurtling from one sighting to the next with a guide who barely knows his giraffe from his flamingo. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for — aim as high as you can afford, even if that means taking a shorter trip.

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination. Each region offers something unique and it is always a good season somewhere in this diverse country.

The overall best time to go on safari in South Africa is between May to September. This is South Africa’s dry season, but also low season as temperatures drop for winter; don’t underestimate how long temperatures can fall overnight, particularly away from the coast. Wildlife is easier to spot in these months, as vegetation is lower and animals gather around waterholes.

When to go on safari in South Africa

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination…

Sunset over the Savannah

Safety on safari

Part of the thrill of going on safari in South Africa is the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most awesome — and dangerous — animals. It’s important to follow safety guidelines and some basic health procedures to ensure your trip is as memorable as possible.

First-time safari-goers are often worried about encounters with dangerous wildlife. The simple truth is that you won’t get eaten by a lion. Safari guides are trained to keep their guests safe and will tell you how to act in any given encounter with wildlife.

If you’re on a self-drive trip: never get out of your car unless specifically told that it’s safe to do so; never attempt to feed or pet the animals; and never walk around in the bush alone at night — if you need to leave your tent at night, call security.

Note that elephants, buffalo and hippo are all far more dangerous than lions. Give elephants a very wide berth especially if you happen to be on foot. Never get between a hippo and water and avoid walking in dense bush where you could meet buffalo.

If you’re on a walking trip, try to stay downwind of the animals. If an animal begins behaving in a hostile manner, back away slowly and quietly. In all scenarios, follow the advice of your guides and rangers.

Staying healthy

The more real health risk comes from drinking tap water or eating something which doesn’t agree with you, both of which can lead to an upset stomach for a day or so. Only drink treated water and be careful with what you eat - although the food prepared at most safari camps is invariably safe - and often world-class.

The heat and strong African sun can easily leave you burnt, dehydrated or, worse, give you heat or sunstroke. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, bring lots of water and slap on plenty of factor 50 sunscreen.

Malaria can be a problem in parts of the northeast (which is where the best-known parks and reserves are) so always wear insect repellent at night, sleep under a net and follow your doctor’s advice on anti-malarials.

Health-wise, South Africa is generally a trouble-free destination, but make sure all of your standard vaccinations are up to date before travelling.

South Africa has an unenviable reputation for violence and robbery and it would be remiss to say that there isn’t a danger from this. However, the threat to most tourists is very low. Most violence occurs in poorer city neighbourhoods and not in tourist areas. More to the point, robberies and violence on a safari is only likely to be an issue if a troop of baboons manages to get into your room.

Responsible safaris

A safari is a wonderful opportunity to experience nature on a grand scale. But although it’s easy to get swept up with the romance of it all, you shouldn’t forget that your presence has a direct impact on the ecosystem, for good and bad.

The upside of your safari is that the money you put into the system pays for conservation and helps keep the land protected and wild. Without wildlife tourism, there’s a very real chance that many of South Africa’s conservation zones would become, or remain, farmland with all the implications that has for a fragile ecosystem.

In addition, there are things you can do to make your impact is as positive as possible. Before booking with any safari company, camp or lodge, or even choosing the parks and reserves you wish to visit, take a look at the conservation and community projects they are involved with. Companies investing back into local communities and conservation projects often like to shout about it on their websites. And when you do book, remember to mention that their community projects were a factor in your decision. This will encourage further investment in such programmes.

Respect the wildlife

On safari, treat the wildlife with the respect it deserves. Getting too close to wildlife, approaching animals head-on or pursuing and encircling them is likely to disturb them and cause distress. Approach wildlife at an angle, which is less threatening than coming at animals head-on. Movements must be steady and predictable.

How close you can get depends on the species but in general, your presence shouldn’t alarm the animals, cause them to flee, or change their normal behaviour. If the animals appear disturbed, you should move away immediately.

Noise, such as the sound of engines, laughter and shouting, should be kept to a minimum. Engines should be switched off when stationary and vehicle horns or fog horns on boats should never be used.

Bright lights and flash photography will startle an animal, possibly costing it a meal or even its life. On night drives, the use of naked searchlights should be replaced with red filtered lamps that do not disturb wild animals.

Avoid causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Litter, including plastic bags, batteries and cigarette butts, can be ingested by wildlife, causing injury or even death. Make sure you don’t drop anything and dispose of your rubbish properly.

Follow your guide

Absolutely no direct contact should be made between wild animals and people, including the guides. This can be highly stressful for the animals concerned, run the risk of transmitting disease, and can potentially, cause injury or even death. If you are observing wildlife from a vehicle, never get out of the car unless instructed to do so by your guide.

All animals have very specific diets and feeding them different foods could make them ill. Feeding wildlife can also change their social and feeding behaviour, encouraging begging, causing conflict between other animals, and increasing the likelihood of aggression towards humans.

If travelling in a group, don’t be shy. If you see or experience unacceptable human behaviour that has a negative impact on wild animals, be sure to speak out. If you cannot change the behaviour at the time by voicing your concerns, contact your tour operator afterwards and register your disapproval.

Conversely, if you have a great experience, thank and reward your guide appropriately and let your tour company or agent know that you appreciate their conscientious approach to what should be a magical experience.

Part of the joy of seeing animals in the wild is that you’re visiting them in their own environments and witnessing their natural behaviour. Inevitably there will be times when the animals are less active or visible, depending on the location, the season, or even just the time of day.

Do your research before you travel and find out the best time of year to view the wildlife you most wish to see. If the animals aren’t active when you visit, don’t be disappointed: this is not a zoo. It’s all part of a respectful approach to the natural world that you’re visiting. It’s important that tourists don’t pressure their guides into manipulating the situation to make viewing the animals easier, or to set up that perfect photo opportunity.

Finally, when you get back home talk to your friends about the environmental issues the parks and reserves of South Africa face, and help spread the important message of conservation to your friends and family.

For more information on ethical wildlife holidays and how to interact with wildlife in a responsible and sustainable way, see our companion guide Compassionate Travel: A guide to animal-friendly holidays .

South Africa safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, how much does a safari in south africa cost.

This is a virtually impossible question to answer as there’s such a huge range! But broadly speaking at the low-cost/budget end it ranges from USD $100 to $300 per person per night. This typically includes basic accommodations, such as tented camps or rest camp lodges.

At the mid-range prices might be USD $300 - $600 per person per night with a corresponding bump in accommodation quality.

At the high end there seems to be no ceiling. In private game reserves visitors can spend from $600 to $2,000 or more per person per night. You’ll be grateful that the sundowner is included in the price and additional activities like bush walks, night drives, or even hot air balloon rides may be included.

What should I expect on a safari in South Africa?

Most safaris start around dawn with a quick breakfast before heading out in the vehicles to begin animal spotting. Most animals choose to hunt in the early morning or dusk when temperatures are cooler. It’s also a good time to spot nocturnal animals returning from a night’s hunting, such as lions.

After a few hours in the field, you’ll break for lunch before heading out again until dusk. In general, expect to spend between 6-8 hours each day searching for animals. Remember that temperatures will regularly reach 30C and the tracks the vehicles drive on can be bumpy and dusty. Dress appropriately, wear lots of suncream and drink plenty of water. Evenings are spent swapping stories — and drinks — around the campfire.

It’s also worth remembering that you’re visiting national parks, not zoos. There is no guarantee that you’ll see any of the Big Five — or any animal at all. Conversely, be aware that you’ll spend eight hours a day searching for wildlife. It is possible for animal ‘fatigue’ to set in if you spend too long in one park or lodge. To counter this, visit different lodges or parks, and mix up your experience by including walking safaris, overnight camping or evening safaris.

Is safari dangerous?

In a word, no. The chances of being attacked by an animal are so minimal it hardly warrants considering. However, you must stick to the general rules imposed by the park and heed the instructions of your guides. If you break those and decide to go for a moonlight walk through the bush on your own, then yes, you might become a midnight snack.

Is safari family friendly?

Kids of all ages enjoy safaris as much as any adult. But a safari tends to mean a lot of time in a vehicle, often on bad roads and in hot weather. If there’s plenty of action taking place, younger children will be as hooked as you. But they can become bored the moment the pace slows down. If travelling with kids, ensure you choose camps or lodges that offer plenty of child-friendly activities. Some lodges and camps don’t accept children under a certain age. And don’t plan on heading out on early game drives every morning.

What is the food like in safari camps?

The standard of food is generally very high — even in the remotest lodges. Most lodges will have qualified chefs on hand and part of the entire safari experience is the cuisine and the emphasis placed on food.

Will I have to carry cash on safari in South Africa?

South Africa’s currency is the Rand, denoted by an R in shops and ZAR in currency trading. A favourable exchange rate with major currencies makes travelling in South Africa cheaper than visiting Europe or the United States. You can use credit cards in many shops, restaurants and lodges; there are many ATMs throughout the country and you can exchange traveller’s cheques at all banks. The best cash currencies to bring are US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds as these notes are accepted at the many Bureaux de Change in bigger cities.

You will be offered currency exchanges by people on the street throughout Africa. It may be tempting to avoid the conversion commissions; however, this is illegal and should be avoided at all costs.

On safari, almost all major expenses (all meals, activities, and, sometimes even, drinks) are covered in the costs of accommodation. Any extras tend to be very limited, and can generally be paid by card.

In urban centers, particularly in South Africa, ATMs are to be found in most shopping malls and banks, and will accept international cards using the Cirrus and Plus systems, as well as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards (provided your credit account has a cash withdrawal facility).

All airports in south Africa also have ATMs, and you can withdraw money as soon as you land (generally at a better exchange rate than if you were to exchange cash or travellers checks at a bank).

How much should we tip our safari guides?

In some environments such as at lodges, on safari and on treks, tipping is structured in ways that make it clear, fair and less easy to abuse. Tips can be given in local currencies or in USD, GBP or EUR, so be sure to carry small denominations with you. As a general guide:

Guide/tracker: Your guide and tracker are central to the success of your safari. You’ll have plenty of time to connect with them and, by the end of your trip, they might just be your new best friends. With guides, it’s customary to leave a tip on your departure. What you choose to leave is totally up to you, but a general rule of thumb on safari is to tip your guide US$10 and your tracker US$5 per person per day.

Guests that are returning to a lodge that they have visited before, sometimes even bring small, personalised gifts for their guides. Alternatively, the lodges will generally give you a guideline for tipping and gifting if you ask them.

Camp/lodge staff: There is a lot that happens behind the scenes on your safari and it’s important to consider and acknowledge all the wonderful people who look after the lodge. Most safari lodges and camps have a communal tip ‘jar’ and around US$10 to US$20 per day is considered a reasonable tip.

Outside of the lodges/camps, you might want to tip 10% to 15% for good service at restaurants and in bars. Most waiters earn an incredibly basic wage so tips are a much-needed supplement. If you're just buying a beer or a coke, it's fine to leave the change rather than a specific tip. If you're dining with a large group at a nice restaurant, a service charge will usually be automatically added to your bill.

At budget hotels, tips for housekeeping are not expected but are nevertheless always welcome. At luxury safari camps there will often be a general tipping box at the front desk or reception. Tips deposited here will usually be spread evenly between camp staff; so if you want to tip someone specifically, make sure to do so directly.

What should I pack for a South Africa safari?

You don’t need much specialist gear for a South African safari.

Most people will want a photographic record of their adventure and if wildlife images are important to you then you need a good DSLR camera with a long lens, at least 400mm. Anything less and the animals will appear as nothing but hazy dots in a sea of scrub. Bring spare camera batteries and memory cards.

Binoculars are another essential. Get the best pair you can afford and make sure that everyone in your group has a pair or there will be endless bickering over whose turn it is to get a closer look at that distant rhino.

A good field guide to the birds and animals is an excellent addition to your pack. Most guides will have one for guests to use, but it’s still nice to have your own.

Lightweight walking shoes are a good idea (and essential for anyone planning a walking safari). Hiking trousers and shorts are also worth having. They provide protection from the thorn bushes and sun and are comfortable to wear. Don’t forget to bring a fleece as it can be surprisingly cold during a sunrise safari. Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are three other essentials.

If staying in up-market accommodation, it’s probably worth bringing a set of slightly smarter clothes for evening dinner.

With fluctuating temperatures — hot and sunny during the day, cold at night — layering is your best option. Some things to consider bringing include:

• T-shirts or shirts — bring some longsleeve ones to combat mosquito and the sun
• Lightweight fleece/jacket
• Safari/combat trousers
• Broken in walking/hiking shoes
• Sandals/flipflops for use in lodges/camps

How long should I plan for a safari in South Africa?

If you’re just looking for your standard Big 5 safari, fewer nights in one or two really great private reserves trumps more nights in a crowded national park. My standard advice is to get more bang for your buck: aim for fewer nights, but spend more per night for the best reserve/lodge that your budget can stretch to.

What are the differences between private game reserves and national parks in South Africa?

National Parks are government-owned and managed and private reserves are, you guessed it, privately owned and operated.

National parks serve a broader range of budgets, including some fairly low cost safaris and basic accommodation. They’re busier, sometimes feeling crowded, and activities are limited to standard game drives.

Private reserves are a whole other affair, can be very exclusive and upscale and you’ll often have the wildlife all to yourself. Privately operated reserves are free to offer a wider range of activities such as night game drives and horseback rides.

What can we do before or after a safari in South Africa?

Probably my biggest piece of advice would be to make plenty of time to see the rest of the country either before or after your safari. Just a smattering of suggestions:

South Africa’s cities, history and urban culture : There’s Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Apartheid Museum and Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg. And of course a visit to Nelson Mandela House Museum in Soweto.

If nature and the outdoors are your bag look into Blyde River Canyon for breathtaking views and hiking trails, the fascinating hominid fossils at Cradle of Humankind just north of Johannesburg, the waterfalls at Augrabies Falls National Park and the scenic trails and views of Plettenberg Bay at Robberg Nature Reserve.

For some beach and coast time there’s Golden Mile and Umhlanga Rocks at Durban, whale watching in Hermanus (best between June and November), and the lagoons and beaches of West Coast National Park.

Finally for some road trips and scenic routes have a look at the Garden Route, famous for its charming towns and beautiful beaches; vineyard driving routes around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Constantia, or, for something totally different, to the glorious tacky Sun City.

Are there any non-touristy tribal experiences in South Africa?

If you're expecting colourfully dressed, exotic-looking tribal peoples that you can visit and for it not to feel commercial, then no that's difficult to find. An experience like that that you’re paying for will, by definition, be somewhat inauthentic, if not exploitative.

However, if you want to meet people of different tribes but not necessarily dressed in an exotic manner and dancing around for you then that's possible everywhere in South Africa on almost every street.

For something more in-between, and I suspect, more what you're after then I'd try heading to the Kalahari regions in the north. It's a stunning semi-desert region (lots of interesting wildlife and a real wilderness feel) and is the home of South Africa's small San Bushmen community. These were some of the original inhabitants of southern Africa and some do live a very traditional lifestyle (but well away from tourists).

How do I find a responsible South Africa safari operator?

Although it’s easy to get swept up with the romance of it all, you shouldn’t forget that your presence has a direct impact on the ecosystem, for good and bad.

The upside of your visit is that the money you put into the system pays for conservation and helps keep the land protected and wild. Without wildlife tourism, there’s a very real chance that many of South Africa’s conservation zones would become farmland.

But there are things you can do to make your impact as positive as possible. Before booking with any safari company, camp or lodge, or even choosing the parks and reserves you wish to visit, take a look at the conservation and community projects they are involved with. And when you do book, remember to mention that their community projects were a factor in your decision. This will encourage further investment in such programmes.

Would you recommend a self-drive safari in South Africa? Is it easy?

Yes, it’s easy to self-drive in South Africa and, generally, fairly safe although car crime can be an issue (don't leave anything in your car in towns). If you're just hopping from national park to park and sticking mainly to rural regions then self-drive in South Africa is simple enough. Just remember that South Africa is a big place so don't try and cover it all in one trip!

In this guide:

The best safaris in kruger national park, an expert guide to the best safaris in sabi sands, an expert guide to the best safaris in kwazulu-natal, about the authors.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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South Africa

Book your safari holiday experience today, experience south africa safari tours.

South Africa is not only home to Africa’s iconic wildlife, but also destinations and experiences. It is a prime bush and beach holiday destination, great not only for safari goers, but also honey-mooners, families, photographers and even solo travellers. There is not much that South Africa doesn’t have to offer. From the most pristine Big 5 game viewing, the beautiful and iconic Garden Route, the beautiful city of Cape Town and the neighboring wine lands, Kwazulu Natal’s beautiful beaches, the thought of a safari to South Africa will have you spoilt for choices. A Safari to South Africa will capture your heart with its sensational scenery, exotic wildlife and colourful culture. The wildlife is excellent and easily accessible thanks to excellent infrastructure and a well-run tourism industry. 

South Africa boasts a wide variety of habitats and scenery with superb wildlife viewing parks and reserves, offering a far greater ecological diversity. Its public reserves are particularly well suited for budget safaris, while an ever growing collection of luxurious private reserves offers concentrated Big 5 viewing at the top end of the price range. A good network of surfaced roads and domestic flights allows for flexible itinerary planning, but the flagship Kruger National Park and associated private reserves remain the obvious choice for first-time safari goers. The best place for safari in South Africa is in private reserves adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This is without a doubt the easiest quality area in Africa to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) and often times in one day you may see all the 5 species.

Reasons to Safari in South Africa

• Magnificent wildlife and Birds
• Cape Town Beach Holidays
• Superb Food and Wine
• Premier Game viewing destination
• One of Africa’s top vacation destination
• Malaria free national parks and reserves
• Easy sighting of the Big 5
• Better chance to see exclusive wildlife
• Plenty of budget-friendly safaris offering excellent value for money
• Awe inspiring scenery and magnificent natural and historical sights
• Excellent accommodation options
• Perfect combination of bush, beach and cultural heritage safaris.
• Abundance of things to do
• Friendly people and local cultures
• The sunshine and ideal weather
• Its family friendly year-round

South Africa Safari Itineraries

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our South African safari itineraries, packed with adventure.

South Africa National Parks & Reserves

Witness the splendour of South Africa’s incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visit some of South Africa’s world famous safari National Parks and Reserves.  

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve

Marakele National Park

Manyeleti Game Reserve

MalaMala Game Reserve

Kruger National Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Amakala Game Reserve

Addo Elephant National Park

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South Africa Safari Holidays

Insight Safari Holidays takes you to South Africa for the ultimate safari experience.

Are you a solo traveller seeking fulfilling personal experiences or  a couple on a safari to South Africa? How about a group of friends or a family affair , we tailor every safari to suit your needs and preferences.

Trending South African Safari Holiday Packages

South Africa is one of the top safari destinations in Africa. This is because you can watch over 300 different kinds of mammals and more than 500 different kinds of birds living in their natural habitat, the national parks. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to see the famous “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Nearly half of Africa’s pride of lions and 80% of the world’s African rhinos are found in South Africa.

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Offered by top rated tour operators.

Top Rated Safari Countries

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• #8 Zimbabwe

Popular Safari Tours

3-Day Luxury Safari in Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire

$1,342 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (End)

Amshar Serengeti Adventures

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4-Day Taste of Kenya - Mid-Range

$1,100 to $1,590 pp (USD)

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You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)

Spirit of Kenya

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Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Lion King Adventures

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SOUTH AFRICA

Diverse landscapes, prolific wildlife and  rich heritage.

Kruger: Highest chance in Africa of seeing all of the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo

Madikwe: A heartening conservation success story

Cape Town: Table Mountain, the Winelands, African penguins and the V&A Waterfront

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry Season ⊕ :  July to October

Green Season ⊕ :  November to April

Shoulder Season ⊕ :  April to May

*Cape Town’s seasons are reversed. Whale season is August to September.

TRAVEL ADVICE

We’ve put together all the information you need to prepare for your trip to South Africa

WHY VISIT SOUTH AFRICA

There’s an old slogan that goes ‘South Africa is a world in one country’ and it’s not hard to see why. The balmy Indian Ocean buffets the sub-tropical east coast while the mercurial Atlantic washes up on the west. Cape Town and Johannesburg are world-class cities with every mod con while, surrounding them, are pristine wildlife areas where time has stood still. The sheer diversity of things to see and do here makes it popular with honeymooners, adventurers and multi-generational families. Landscapes range from dense Afromontane forest – home to elephants, jackals, bushpigs, porcupines and warthogs – to the Cape floristic region, which comprises 9 000 species of plants. When spring arrives in about September, they bloom into blankets of intense yellow, orange, purple and white flowers to make an incredible display.

Most safari lovers head to South Africa’s Greater Kruger area to tick off the Big 5. Thanks to decades of conservation work since the 1920s, populations of rhino are greater here than almost anywhere else in the world. Once you have seen a rhino mom protecting her adorable little calf or a crash of rhino males standing their ground in the road, you’ll immediately understand the drive to protect them. The rocky outcrops and tall trees in this region are also perfect leopard country: when you’re on a game drive, look out for the tell-tale dangling tail of a leopard resting in the branches above you!

MEET SABRINA OUR SOUTH AFRICA EXPERT

Fortunate enough to call South Africa my home, I have been blessed with countless opportunities to explore this magnificent country. From the majestic peaks of Table Mountain in the Mother City, the famous vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park and the endless beaches and tropical weather of Kwazulu Natal, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in South Africa’s diverse landscapes.

ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU

Here are our favourite South Africa Itineraries to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Premium itineraries

Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.

South African Villa Vacation

Cape Town | Whale Coast | Kruger | Phinda DURATION: 12 NIGHTS

Sublime South Africa

Cape Town | Kruger DURATION: 9 NIGHTS

Kalahari and Cape Town

Tswalu | Cape Town DURATION: 10 NIGHTS

Luxury itineraries

Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.

Secret South Africa

Phinda | Maputaland Marine Reserve DURATION: 10 NIGHTS

Big 5 and Beach

Cape Town | Timbavati | Sabi Sand DURATION: 10 NIGHTS

Kruger to Cape Town

Sabi Sand | Cape Town DURATION: 10 NIGHTS

Classic South Africa

Cape Town | Winelands | Whale Coast | Sabi Sand DURATION: 12 NIGHTS

Comfortable itineraries

Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.

See and Do It All

Cape Town | Kruger | Mozambique DURATION: 11 NIGHTS

South Africa Self-drive

Cape Town | Winelands | Welgevonden DURATION: 9 NIGHTS

Endless Panoramas

Kruger | Panorama Route | Victoria Falls DURATION: 12 NIGHTS

Self-drive the Cape

Cape Town | Garden Route | Kariega DURATION: 11 NIGHTS

Wine, Whales and Wildlife

Cape Town | Winelands | Whale Coast | Garden Route | Addo DURATION: 14 NIGHTS

OUR FAVOURITE SOUTH AFRICA DESTINATIONS

You want to see the Big 5? The Kruger is, without a doubt, the best place in the world to see this sought-after collection of impressive animals. In fact, it’s not unheard of to see elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a single game drive in this wildlife-rich corner of South Africa. Your chances are so high here because of an excellent conservation ethos and a smaller traversing area so that guides can share – and get to – sightings quickly.

Coupled with excellent lodges in private reserves, the Greater Kruger area is perfect for first-time visitors to Africa.

History, art, food, culture and nature all come together at the foot of Table Mountain and make Cape Town one of the most beloved places in South Africa. Spend your days visiting Mandela’s cell on Robben Island, enjoying the antics of penguins, marveling at Cape Point and strolling through Kirstenbosch Gardens before heading to one of the outstanding restaurants for dinner. Best of all, Cape Town is an easy scenic drive from the Winelands of Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you can savour delicious wines on estates dating back to the 1680s, set in beautiful grounds.

THE GARDEN ROUTE

A magnificent stretch of southern coastline, the Garden Route is ideal for those who want to drive themselves or who are travelling with younger children who need plenty of age-appropriate activities like animal sanctuaries and general outdoor fun. More adventurous travellers can go caving, hiking, sailing, bungee jumping and bridge swinging. Along the way are Knysna (look out for the famous Knysna loerie or turaco – and be sure to try oysters straight from the sea), Plettenberg Bay (with a huge golden beach) and the Tsitsikamma forest, a tangle of trees that could still be home to rare forest elephants.

This private reserve is proof of what patience and a dedication to conservation can achieve. In the early 1990s, this area was still farmland but the decision was taken to convert it to a protected wildlife reserve. Since then, remarkable progress has been made that showcases nature’s ability to regenerate if allowed the chance. Classic ‘veld’ or sandy grassland, the Madikwe and Groot Marico Rivers support thriving herds of kudu, zebra and elephant as well as predators like lions, cheetahs and packs of wild dogs, themselves an inspiring conservation story as they were brought back from the brink of extinction.

PILANESBERG

Pilanesberg National Park, a captivating South African Big 5 game reserve, offers accessible wildlife viewing in a malaria-free zone. Positioned between the Kalahari and Lowveld, it presents diverse ecosystems and accommodation options. The expansive Mankwe Dam region showcases stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including waterbucks, zebras, and wildebeests. Bird lovers can relish a waterside hideout, spotting fish eagles and kingfishers.

WELGEVONDEN

Welgevonden Game Reserve, a mesmerising South African wildlife sanctuary, promises remarkable Big 5 sightings in a malaria-free environment. Located in the Waterberg region, it boasts varied terrains and lodging choices. The vast Rhenoster River area offers breathtaking landscapes teeming with creatures like kudus, impalas, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will find delight in the tree-canopied hideaways, catching glimpses of hornbills and bee-eaters.

EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA

OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR SOUTH AFRICA ITINERARY

Here are a few of our favourite options to add to your South Africa itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. We know that time is a precious commodity and we can tailor them to meet your requirements.

Silverbacks in Style

Kigali | Volcanoes National Park DURATION: 4 NIGHTS

The Victoria Falls Hotel

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE DURATION: 2 NIGHTS (B&B)

Northern Highlights

Chobe | Khwai | Okavango Delta DURATION: 6 NIGHTS

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EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA

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Our new direct Virgin Atlantic service commences 22nd October 2023.

Please remember when searching for your holiday to add an additional night, as we operate an overnight service on our outbound flight.

i.e. For a 7 night holiday please search for 8 nights.

Our new direct Virgin Atlantic service commences 30th October 2023.

We will operate from London Heathrow four times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 4 direct flights, will operate until the 19th May 2024.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 28th October 2024.

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Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29th March 2024. From the 2nd April, this service will reduce to Tuesdays and Saturdays.

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Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 3 direct flights, will operate until the 11th May 2024. Flights will commence from 23 May 2024 - 24th October 2024 on Thursdays and include a short touchdown.

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Holidays in South Africa

South africa completely embodies the term ‘rainbow nation', we fly direct to johannesburg and cape town daily..

You can also fly from regional UK airports on one of our partner airlines.

South Africa from £930pp

Jet off on a trip to South Africa for an exciting escape. From wildlife spotting on safari to exploring lush vineyards and immersing yourself in city life, there's a new discovery to be made around every corner on holiday in South Africa. This colourful destination is steeped in history and home to some of the world's most breathtaking, undisturbed natural beauty spots, from Cape Town to Kruger National Park. Find both relaxation and adventure with our South Africa holiday packages.

Now on sale for 2024!

 Guarantee the hotel you want and get early access to a choice of Virgin Atlantic flights. You can also spread the cost of your holiday with Direct Debit payments.

Sun, sea and safari: South Africa highlights

Welcome to the wild! Is an African safari the ultimate tick on your bucket list? It should be! South Africa is special, there is no doubt about it, it is dusty and adventurous and warm and crazy and so much fun - we guarantee you will be back for more. The great thing about South Africa is the diversity you can find in one destination - 'Big Five' game reserves, waterfalls, spectacular self-drives, history, culture, great gastronomy, luxury, romance… we could go on and on!

You can discover lush scenery, breathtaking mountain views and exotic wildlife with holidays to South Africa. Plan your trip and discover our South Africa holiday packages and  hotels  today.

South Africa is a vast country with each province, city and game reserve offering a different experience, so where do you start? Most visitors combine a few different places within the country or across the region, travelling by plane, train or self-drive, and this is certainly what we would recommend.

Here are a few of our favourite combinations across South Africa and beyond:

City life mixed with adventure

Settle into an oceanside room in Cape Town then stay in the thick of it inside a game reserve. You can fly direct from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth for the Eastern Cape private game reserves or straight into Hoedspruit or Skukuza airports for the Kruger National Park.

Adding in some relaxation

For a relaxing break that includes a bit of the bustle of city life, start in Cape Town then take a meandering drive along the famous Garden Route ending in one of our wonderful game reserves in the Eastern Cape.  

Not a city person?

Then just skip the high-rises and get straight out into the bush. Sun City and Madikwe, Madikwe and Marataba, or just an extended stay in the Kruger, there are loads of options for the wild at heart.

Culture vulture?

South Africa has a fascinating history and is a melting pot of cultures. Johannesburg and Cape Town are a great place to start with a choice of museums and exhibitions.

Want to stay in one place?

Enjoy the Cape Town summer at The Bay Hotel in fun and funky Camps Bay, home to some of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants. Stay here for the best of both worlds – where city life meets a sandy beach and the very best spot in the city for sunset cocktails.

Head into the Winelands

Opt for Richard Branson’s Franschhoek lodge, Mont Rochelle, the ultimate in luxury. If you have a bit more time then add on a few nights in Hermanus too to spot whales and the infamous Great White Shark!

Holidays to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a spectacular Big Five safari. You can choose to stay in a lodge or tent within one of the parks, or reside just outside and plan your own self-guided road trip safari instead  – either way, this is your chance to spot some incredible wildlife.

When to go?

From April to October, we recommend heading for nothern areas such as Kruger National Park to enjoy warm safari evenings, and hot summer storms. However, if you do choose to enjoy the Eastern Cape in these winter months, the dry weather allows for low grass, less water-holes and easier wildlife spotting. From November to March, expect glorious weather wherever you go. 

Kruger National Park

One of the largest game reserves in South Africa with over 500 bird species and around 150 species of mammals. You’ve got a great choice of accommodation from tip-top luxury lodges to smaller, traditional hotels and homesteads outside of the park, great for the more budget-conscious.

Heading South

Offering fantastic value for money, the Garden Route and Eastern Cape are home to some great private Big Five reserves including Pumba Private Game Reserve, with luxurious lodges and loads of activities on offer, especially for the kids. You're best off travelling in South Africa's summer months here (November - March) - if you're a first time safari-goer these would be perfect!

Hotel comforts

If you like the idea of a safari but without staying in a lodge, try Sun City. This entertainment resort offers a good range of accommodation, a huge waterpark and choice of activities in a prime location just outside of the Pilanesberg National Park.

Immerse yourself in history and everyday life in vibrant  Cape Town . The lively metropolitan city is home to a myriad of boutiques, museums, restaurants and nightlife hotspots.

The summer in Cape Town brings glorious weather and a drive through vineyards and along the Garden Route is one of the country’s highlights but also don’t be put off by travelling in the winter months! Sipping white wine under oak trees in the Cape vineyards in the summer months turns into drinking rich reds around the fire. Winter is also the best time to see the famous Southern Right Whales as they migrate to the Whale Coast from  April to November .

Iconic Landmarks

Take a cable car up Table Mountain National Park for breathtaking views. Go early to miss the intense heat or abseil down if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. If you don't fancy such dizzy heights book yourself a ticket for the open bus tour - for less than £20 you can get a complete day tour taking in views of Table Bay along with Kirstenbosch National Gardens and the Constantia Vineyards.

Food and Drink

The V&A Waterfront is the most visited tourist attraction in South Africa and a great place to find your feet. If you love sampling local food and drink, this is the place for you - head to the food market where you'll find over 40 vendors selling gourmet street food, accompanied by regular live music and local wines and beers. Pop by The Watershed with it's huge range of local crafts, great for picking up a souvier.

When you've had enough of the hustle and bustle, escape to one of the beaches on the Cape coast for a picnic, Clifton or Camps Bay are a great option. In the evenings, get the party started on Long Street. On hotter summer nights, seek out a rooftop bar for epic views (and Instagram-worthy photo ops).

History and Culture

Learn about the country’s rich history in one (or all) of the city’s many museums. District Six museum is a must-see to learn about the history of the apartheid. Set aside at least two hours to take in all the exhibits.

Alongside the wildlife, there’s all manner of forests, mountains and lagoons waiting to be explored. Here are a few you might not want to miss.

Cango Caves

Located in the Garden Route, these massive chambers are easy to explore and the perfect escape from the midday heat. If you're adventurous (and don't mind tight spaces), opt for the extended tour.

Swartberg Pass

After exploring the beautiful Karoo, take a majestic drive along the Swartberg Pass, dropping down from Oudtshoorn to the Garden Route coastline. Here you can immerse yourself in dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful flowers.

Grab a car and spend a few nights here, as the prime location of this town allows for spectacular self-drive safaris in the Kruger National Park but also close-by is one of the largest canyons on earth, the Blyde River Canyon. The region is known as the Panoramic Route which includes God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Where to stay in South Africa

Holidays in Cape Town

Holidays in Winelands

Holidays in Garden Route

Holidays in Eastern Cape

Holidays in Johannesburg

Holidays in Sun City

Holidays in Madikwe

Kruger and surrounds holidays

Hotels in south africa, essential information for south africa.

Do I need a visa?

Your UK passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa and it should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.

Find out  more about Travel Visas here   »

When should I go?

South Africa has the opposite seasons to the UK — their summer is roughly  November to March  and winter is from  April to October . The north of the country (Kruger, Madikwe, Sun City) is generally warm all year but the cooler winter temperatures have a stronger effect on the Western and  Eastern Cape  Provinces which includes Cape Town and the  Garden Route .

South Africa Flydrive Holidays

Drive dramatic coastlines or experience the splendour of the famous Garden Route on your own terms when you hire a car for your South Africa holiday.

We've partnered with Hertz South Africa, and offer a comprehensive package with no excesses, unlimited mileage and an additional driver - so, why not hit the open road and make the most of your trip to the Rainbow Nation?

Customers who like South Africa also like...

South Africa

A Quick Guide to South Africa

More about south africa, must-know travel facts, best south africa tours, south africa is magic..

A place of misty forests, majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and rolling savannahs and serene national parks, kept wild and free for the indigenous animals, South Africa has absolutely everything one could want from a holiday destination. There is so much South African history to explore here, including old architecture, and museums full of the stories of people we will never get to meet but who have shaped our world and way of life. There are cities, with their award winning restaurants and hidden cultural hubs, best explored as a part of a city tour. And there is more wilderness than you could possibly imagine.

A trip to South Africa can feel like visiting 6 different countries all at once. With the sheer diversity of landscapes, cultures, villages, towns and cities, and with every part of the country feeling so different to the next, many visitors to South Africa choose to take part in a variety of tours. By doing so, they can ensure that they have truly seen and experienced everything that this unique destination has to offer.

• Population Size : Roughly 56 Million
• Official Languages : Swati, Venda, Ndebele, Sotho, Pedi, Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans, Setswana, and Tsonga.
• Land Size : 1.22 Million Square Kilometres which is twice the size of Texas or the size of France and Spain combined.
• Politics : A multiparty Democracy

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

South Africa is, according to locals and the many visitors who arrive each year, blessed with the best weather all year round. While the winters do get quite chilly in parts and there is the occasional snow fall on some of the mountains around the Cape, for the most part the sun is always shinning.

If weather is a factor that you really feel will affect your holiday experience, there are two ways to work around it. You can travel during those months which are considered the overall best time to visit, or you can plan your trip based on the area you will be visiting.

The best time of year to travel to South Africa is between the months of May and September . These are the cooler, winter months, and with the exception of the Western Cape, these months are drier than the summer months, when the rainfall returns in abundance.

Between the months of September and April , the days are long and can get exceptionally hot, especially in the safari areas in the North East of the country. The upside about travelling in the summer, if you can happily handle the heat, is that the land takes on an intense green and the sunshine has that tropical look. Summer days in the summer rainfall areas generally end with a spectacular thunderstorm, which is a really something to behold.

Top Attractions and Activities

It is hard to choose the best things to see and do when visiting South Africa, because there are just so many options, but to get a better idea about what you can expect and what to add to your South Africa holiday , here’s a couple of great options.

• Go to the Western Cape

From the most exciting and interesting Cape Town tours and holidays , to spending a day or two visiting all of the different winelands that are in the region, a trip to the Western Cape is a must and will also be a fairly good starting point for your South Africa holiday .

Some of the top attractions in the Western Cape include Table Mountain, the Bo-Kaap, and Cape Point.

• Go on Safari in the Kruger

The Kruger National Park is an absolutely iconic destination. So popular and well-known is the park that the word safari is almost synonymous with the Kruger. One of the best ways to visit the park is to sign up for a Kruger Park safari . These guided tours will take you to some of the best wildlife areas in the park, almost guaranteeing the best animal sightings, including the chance to spot the Big 5.

• Go to the Karoo

An arid and hauntingly beautiful place, with its flat landscape, wild animals, and the burst of colourful flowers that come to life in the spring, the Karoo is not on every tourist’s radar but absolutely should be. Along with being just an utterly breath taking place to visit, the Karoo also has plenty of small towns to explore and quite a few interesting attractions to see.

• Go to the Drakensberg

South Africa’s majestic mountain range, which starts in the Western Cape and stretches all the way up into the lush green province of Mpumalanga, the Drakensberg is a must-visit especially for those who want to hike while on holiday. These mountains are among the oldest in the world and they are quite the sight, making a trip to the Drakensberg an equally good idea if you are an avid photographer.

• Go to the Garden Route

South Africa’s very own natural garden, of sorts, the Garden Route is full of indigenous forests, small towns and some of the best coastal views. The route covers quite a long stretch and all along the way there is something interesting to see and to experience. Some of the top attractions include the Tsitsikamma, the Storms River Suspension Bridge, the Knysna Heads and the Knysna Forest.

Travelling to South Africa

When travelling to South Africa for the first time, some like to embark on a solo drive, but the best way to really get into the experience would be to book a South Africa guided tour , and we have some of the best packages for you.

• The Enchanted Garden Route Tour

Taking on an adventure of a lifetime, this tour takes guests on an intrepid 6 night, 7 day scheduled tour through the beautiful Garden Route. The tour starts and ends in Cape Town and along the way guests visit the many villages in the area, they will stop at a working ostrich farm, and they will enjoy a spot of whale watching. This holiday covers a bit of everything, making it the ultimate Garden Route tour.

• The Kruger and Panorama Breakaway Tour

A trip to South Africa that doesn’t include a Kruger Park safari is a trip wasted. With this epic adventure tour, guests get to experience not only the best of the Kruger National Park, but they also have the chance to explore the nearby Panorama Route, a spectacular part of the province of Mpumalanga, characterised by waterfalls, forests and mountains, as well as a few small villages. This 4 day tour packs a whole lot of punch and guests are guided into some of the best parts of the Kruger, those areas where wildlife is abundantly seen.

• The Kruger to Coast Tour

An exciting tour that starts in the Kruger and ends in the tropical island-like country of Mozambique, this 4 day trip is a great way to experience the best of both worlds. Guests can look forward to spending sometime relaxing in Kruger, spotting all sorts of interesting animals during a game drive, and then the tour turns in a beach holiday of sorts.

• The Safari, Wine and The Mother City Tour

A tour that will take guests from one side of the country to the other, guests are in for a real treat and a full South African experience when they book the Safari, Wine and Mother City package. This is a self-drive tour, which means guests are guided by a pre-booked itinerary but aside from that, they have the freedom to really explore all of the beautiful scenery and attractions the route has to offer.

This tour begins in Johannesburg, continues onto the Kruger National Park, and then heads down to the Cape.

• The Pioneer Walking Trail

Something a little different, this walking tour will bring guests really close to nature, as they walk from one bush lodge to the next, getting up close to nature along the way. This tour is an adventure in every sense of the word and a great way to have unique kind of safari. This particular walking tour takes place in Gondwana Private Game Reserve.

Planning Your South Africa Holiday Trip

The success and enjoyment of any holiday starts and ends with the planning. And to minimise the amount of work you have to do and stress that you have to endure, booking a packaged South Africa holiday can be the better option.

At ATC Travels, we have a selection of some of the most interesting, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable holiday packages. Our tours are designed to go well beyond the conventional South African holiday packages, as we like to make sure that our guests get to experience what they expect to see when visiting South Africa and at the same time have a truly unique holiday which includes some lesser known attractions.

All of our South Africa holiday packages can be booked directly via our website and you can also contact our team today to discuss the sort of holiday you want to have, and they can curate the perfect trip or help you find the best tour for you.

South Africa in a minute

South Africa Tours

Black Mamba Experience

4 Days | From R 24,310.00 pps

Cape Art Tour

9 Days | From R 36,310.00 pps

Cape Town, Safari & Victoria Falls

11 Days | From R 168,050.00 pps

South Africa | Zimbabwe

Cape Winelands Golf Tour

5 Days | From R 11,520.00 pps

Enchanted Garden Route

7 Days | From R 16,900.00 pps

Family Slow Travel – Self Drive

13 Days | From R 16,540.00 pps

Garden Route & Addo Adventure

5 Days | From R 21,550.00 pps

Gourmet Cape & Winelands Experience

11 Days | From R 55,660.00 pps

In-Style Country Combination Tour

14 Days | From R 172,499.00 pps

South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe

Kruger & Panorama Route Breakaway

4 Days | From R 16,040.00 pps

Kruger Park Safari Fly-in

4 Days | From R 29,555.00 pps

Kruger to Coast

4 Days | From R 160,000.00 pps

South Africa | Mozambique

Kwa-Zulu Natal Family Self-drive

8 Days | From R 15,265.00 pps

Kwa-Zulu Natal Golf Tour

5 Days | From R 9,815.00 pps

Kwandwe, Cape Town & Tswalu

12 Days | From R 266,340.00 pps

Low Carbon Footprint Tour

13 Days | From R 32,250.00 pps

Luxury Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

8 Days | From R 41,786.00 pps

Luxury Garden Route & Safari

8 Days | From R 51,403.00 pps

Malaria Free Family Safari

5 Days | From R 36,000.00 pps

Motorcycle Garden Route Explorer Tour

11 Days | From R 66,840.00 pps

Pioneer Walking Trail

4 Days | From R 18,200.00 pps

Private-Collection Bush & Beach

16 Days | From $14,217.00 pps

Botswana | Seychelles

Rovos Rail – Cape Town to Pretoria

4 Days | From R 31,700.00 pps

Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Victoria Falls

4 Days | From R 39,600.00 pps

Safari, Wine And The Mother City

11 Days | From R 41,786.00 pps

Taste of Nature

14 Days | From R 39,575.00 pps

Whales & White Lions

6 Days | From R 39,880.00 pps

Zulu Safari and Pearly Beach

8 Days | From $4,040.00 pps

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Luxury Safari Holidays South Africa

There is no question too small. Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists

A luxury safari in South Africa is a fabulous showcase of the continent’s rich wildlife, but it can include a variety of experiences if you wish.

Experience vibrant cities and strikingly different and spectacular landscapes on your luxury South Africa holidays with Hayes & Jarvis. We promise, there are many surprises in store for you on this journey.

Explore South Africa safari holidays with Hayes & Jarvis

Kruger National Park , situated in the Mpumalanga province, is the most famous Kruger National Park figures right at the top of the best luxury safaris in South Africa list. It’s not hard to see why. And it starts with the park’s fabulous diversity. Photographers, bird watchers, and wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of reasons to rejoice. Grab the chance to head out on early morning, evening, and night safaris for opportunities to view the entire gamut of wildlife the reserves and parks are famous for. 

For a unique perspective, ride into the sky on a hot air balloon. Or, to get a feel for the land, sign up for an engaging bushwalk or go on hikes that take you close to some of the gentler inhabitants of the park. 

Come evenings, dive in for a dip in your hotel’s swimming pool, pamper yourself with a signature spa treatment or enjoy dinner under the African sky. And with a range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to glamping choices, you can pick one that speaks to you the most. 

For a more exclusive experience, there’s the Madikwe Game Reserve, which has a strong focus on conservation. Catch sight of the Big 5, lounge near the pool, taking in the raw wilderness that surrounds you and be pleasantly surprised by wildlife sightings right outside your doorstep. 

The Pilanesberg National Park and Shamwari Game Safari are perfect if little guests are involved. Adventure clubs and exciting ranger-led hikes will keep their hands, legs and curious minds entertained and occupied. 

One of the best parts of our tailor-made luxury South Africa adventure is that you can add a variety of experiences to your family safari holidays .

Looking for some city action? How about a break at vibrant Cape Town or buzzing Durban to take in the sights and sounds of South Africa’s lively cities. 

Our luxury safaris in South Africa start at £2,599 per person.

Steps to book a South African safari holiday with Hayes & Jarvis

Step 1 – Browse through our sample itineraries and destinations to understand what kind of a holiday you’d prefer

Step 2: Call us at 020 8106 2403, or write to us. Our travel consultants will contact you to discuss your preferences and requirements after which they will design a personalised itinerary. Based on your feedback, we’ll perfect it so that you can look forward to an enchanting luxury safari in South Africa. 

Step 3: Book your holiday and rest easy. Our team of experts will take care of all the logistics and details.  A brilliant mix of experiences, a luxury safari in South Africa is a memorable adventure any way you look at it. Contact us today to get started.

You can also take a look at the wide range of luxury safari holidays that Hayes & Jarvis has to offer, such as Namibia Safari holiday , or get inspired by top 5 game reserves in South Africa .

Discover our mesmerizing South Africa multi centre holidays and elevate your experience to a whole new level!

A few South Africa safari itineraries to get you dreaming

Here’s a selection of popular South Africa safari holidays to give you an idea of what other travellers have enjoyed. Call us now and we’ll create an amazing, tailor made South African holiday package that will fulfill all your safari holiday ideals.

South Africa Safari And Beach Holidays

South Africa And Seychelles Holiday

• from £4,999 PP

More inspiration for South Africa holidays

Take a look at these ideas and recommendations for South Africa safaris put together by our Destination Specialists, who have first-hand experience of this amazing country. Their advice will be invaluable as your dream South African holiday comes together.

Plan the perfect family safari holiday

Top 5 game reserves in South Africa

Frequently asked questions (faqs), which is the best month to go on a luxury safari holiday in south africa.

The best months to go on a luxury safari holiday in South Africa are from May to September, the dry season during which water scarcity drives wildlife to the watering holes. This, in turn, makes it easy to spot the Big 5 and the country’s incredible diversity of fauna and avifauna.

How much does a luxury safari holiday in South Africa cost?

Our luxury safaris in South Africa start from £2,799 per person.

Is Kenya or South Africa better for a luxury safari holiday?

Both Kenya and South Africa are spectacular luxury safari holiday destinations.

South Africa has a well-established tourism infrastructure and offers a fantastic variety of accommodation options and experiences. With several malaria-free game reserves, such as the Eastern Cape Game Reserve and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and children-centric lodges, South Africa is an excellent pick for first-time safari goers and families.  Kenya offers a mix of unforgettable wildlife sightings and immersive cultural experiences. The Masai Mara is the setting for the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, the Great Migration. Its acacia tree-studded grasslands provide brilliant opportunities to spot the Big 5, and local villages offer the chance to understand the customs and lifestyles of the local tribes.

Is it safe to go on a safari holiday in South Africa?

Yes, going on a luxury safari holiday in South Africa is absolutely safe. Talk to our travel consultants about the country’s malaria-free game reserves and child-friendly properties if you are looking to travel with kids.

Can the travel consultant create a unique luxury safari holiday in South Africa?

Absolutely. Our travel consultants can create unique luxury safaris in South Africa according to your requirements and wishlists. Whether you are looking for a safari and beach experience or want to visit multiple game reserves, our Africa experts will help curate the ultimate safari holiday for you and your family.

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Need assistance? Our team is here to help you plan

Welcome to our exclusive portfolio of handpicked luxury safari lodges, experiences and curated itineraries. With undoubtably the most dedicated team of industry experts, Safaris Down South offers a heart-warming African experience of a lifetime for our visitors from all over the globe.

South Africa

Special Offers SA Resident deals Cape Town packages Kruger National Park Sabi Sands All Safari Destinations

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Kruger National Park

Eastern Cape

KwaZulu Natal

Cape Town & Safari

Victoria Falls

Understated Luxury in the Wild

Popular Safari Lodges

Pumba – Msenge Bush Lodge

• From : £  285 /night

Savanna – Main Lodge

• From : £  626 /night

Dulini – Main Lodge

• From : £  942 /night

Phinda Rock Lodge

• From : £  780 /night

Kwandwe – Ecca Lodge

• From : £  567 /night

Shamwari – Long Lee Manor

• From : £  425 /night

Kapama – Kapama Southern Camp

• From : £  379 /night

Thanda – Safari Lodge

• From : £  365 /night

Ulusaba – Rock Lodge

• From : £  582 /night

Thornybush – Saseka Tented Camp

• From : £  822 /night

“…… when we arrived at Boulders it was like in a dream…all is made for the travelers to feel welcome; the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is just heaven and to location…what a location! “

‘ ….. each tent with its own private pool and sun deck overlooking the river and plains teeming with game, simply took our breath away. “, ‘ ….. it was five of the most memorable days of our lives. i could not recommend londolozi highly enough to anyone considering an african safari holiday, ‘ ….. it is hard to describe how amazing our time at leopard hills was every single person we interacted with on the property was outstanding, featured safari packages.

14 Nights Sabi Sands, Cape Town & Winelands

14 Nights / 15 Days

From £  5,478 to £  7,585 per person

Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…

MalaMala has stood the test of time and delivers a high standard safari experience. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and then it’s time to unwind at Babylonstoren wine estate…

7 Nights Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands

7 Nights / 8 Days

From £  6,279 to £  6,532 per person

Stay at the exquisite Saseka Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sabi’s signature Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sands. This is an ultra-luxurious experience with exceptional Big-5 game drives…

9 Nights Eastern Cape Game Reserve & Cape Town

9 Nights / 10 Days

From £  5,006 to £  7,025 per person

With high standard game drives and luxury accommodation, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is known for the most superior safari in the Eastern Cape. Stay in Cape Town’s most prestigious boutique hotel…

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Change the world from here

4 inspirations for an adventurous holiday

If you’re craving a vacation full of adventure and memories you’ll cherish forever, look no further! In this article we look for four sources of inspiration for an adventure holiday that will satisfy your craving for excitement and discovery. From epic mountain treks to exhilarating water sports, these destinations have something in store for every adrenaline junkie.

Exploring the Swiss Alps on an eagle walk

If you’re a fan of hiking and breathtaking mountain views, then the Swiss Alps are the perfect destination for you. One of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in this majestic mountain range is embarking on an Eagle Walk . This challenging trek takes you through rugged terrain and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As you make your way through the wilderness, keep an eye out for the majestic eagles that call this region home. The feeling of being high above the world, surrounded by nothing but nature, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Conquering the rapids in Costa Rica

For those who prefer their adventures to be a bit more water-based, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination. This Central American country is known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and thrilling water sports. One of the most popular activities for adrenaline junkies is white-water rafting on the country’s fast-flowing rivers. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through challenging rapids and take in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable experience for all.

Embarking on a safari in South Africa

If you’ve always dreamt of experiencing the thrill of a safari, then South Africa is the destination for you. This diverse country is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Embark on a guided safari tour through one of the many national parks and reserves, where you’ll have the chance to see these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat. The feeling of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah is truly awe-inspiring and will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro

For the ultimate adventure seeker, there’s nothing quite like the challenge of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. As the highest mountain in Africa, this iconic peak offers a once-in-a-lifetime climbing experience that will push you to your limits both physically and mentally. The feeling of standing on the summit, gazing out at the vast African plains below, is an experience that few will ever forget. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice looking for a new challenge, conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is an achievement that will stay with you forever.

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