saga safari holidays south africa

Exciting safari lodge holidays

Africa is a dream destination – a continent so vast and diverse that it surprises even seasoned travellers. One of the main reasons visitors return year after year is to view the amazing wildlife from a safari lodge.

Our African lodges are set on a solid base or raised deck. All are equipped like a hotel, and they usually have furnished verandas (ideal for an afternoon siesta). As you’d expect, the views from our lodges are pretty spectacular – you’ll be right in the heart of the bush here, with nothing but wilderness around you.

Guided game drives and bush walks will take you into the surrounding landscapes in search of wildlife and a variety of flora. There’ll be early starts and active days, but there’ll be plenty of time to relax poolside, too. The perfect way to experience the wonders of an African safari.

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Pumba Water Lodge

From £ 185 per person per night (twin share)

GROUP TOURS

Mabula Game Lodge

From £ 2,715 per person

Amakhala Bush Lodge

From £ 256 per person per night (twin share)

Eastern Cape Safari - Amakahala Bush Lodge

From £ 731 per person

Eastern Cape Safari - Lalibela Lentaba Safari Lodge

From £ 743 per person

Mantis Founders Lodge

From £ 218 per person per night (twin share)

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

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Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

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SAGA holiday at Mabula Game Lodge - Review of Mabula Game Lodge

• Africa    
• South Africa    
• Limpopo Province    
• Waterberg    
• Mabula Private Game Reserve    
• Mabula Private Game Reserve Speciality Lodging    
• Mabula Private Game Reserve Lodges    

Mabula Game Lodge

Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp

Bergsig Eco Estate

Wild & Free

Kwafubesi tented safari camp.

Sable Lodge

Bosveld @ Mabula

Mbaula lodge.

Zebula Golf Estate & Spa

Protea by Marriott Zebula Lodge

We had a weeks stay at Mabula as part of a Saga tour. We had a wonderful time. The accomodation was clean with lovely comfortable beds, the lodge staff were very friendly and helpful throughout. The food was great with plenty of choice and the option to eat on the open air terrace. There were morning and evening game drives and bush walks most days. A special mention for our guides Jimmy and Ben, their knowledge and experience ensured we got great views and photos of all the animals and also learned so much. Thank you.

Thank you for a fabulous review 77pingo! We shall pass your lovely mention on to Jimmy and Ben. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and great food and we are delighted we performed on those fronts for you. See you back at our lodge soon. Kind Regards, Mabula team Xx

As I booked through Saga I feel they should have pointed out any difficulties that might have needed pointing out. For anyone fit there are no problems, unfortunately due to the number of steps and uneven paths I personally found getting around the complex difficult, I only found one ramp to use. But that is the only downside I found.

• Sleep Quality
• Cleanliness

Thank you for your feedback. We shall take your notes about accessibility into account and see how we can improve on this at our lodge. We hope to welcome you again soon. Kind Regards, Mabula team Xx

A wonderful experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides. The game drives and bush walks were well organised and led. The facilities, food and service were excellent and I would love to come back to Mabula Lodge again.

Dear Camper508742, thank you for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your experience at Mabula Game Lodge and hope to welcome you back. Kind regards, The Mabula Team

The whole trip was amazing. We took our 6- and 8-year-old children who were amazed every day by what they saw. We had two game drives included in our package every day. The food, staff and service were all amazing!

Dear Philip M, thank you for your lovely review. We are thrilled you and your family enjoyed your Mabula Game Lodge experience and hope to welcome you all back very soon. Kind regards, The Mabula Team

We went to Mabula Game Lodge with SAGA at the beginning of October flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg. Getting through immigration for the majority of passengers was extremely slow. There were 25 in our SAGA party. One person’s case was missing on arrival at Johannesburg airport and there was a subsequent delay whilst this was reported and searched for. It was brought to Mabula Game Lodge 2 days later! The 2½ hour transfer from Johannesburg was very tiring in the minibus, but we received a lovely welcome from Zenele and Beverly on arrival. The accommodation in chalets was very clean and spacious although there was little clothes storage space in the room. There was a large patio with a small table and chairs at the back of our room. The majority of the rooms are single story chalets. There is air conditioning (which, with temperatures of 33-36 deg C when we were there, was essential), but no fridge in the rooms. The rooms were some 5-8 minutes’ walk from the main buildings. Unfortunately, we did have an incident of someone coming into our room (not a member of staff), so would advise that doors are locked even when you are inside the room. The staff dealt with this incident very well and did their utmost to reassure us that it was most likely to be another guest making an innocent mistake. The food was very good – both variety and quantity. We had several “Brai” (South Africa barbecue) evenings including one where there was entertainment. The pool area was pleasant although there were not enough sunbeds in shade. Nyala, Mongoose, Hyrax and small antelope also frequent the grounds at Mabula. The Game Drives in safari vehicles were mainly aimed at the larger animals and we saw 4 of the “Big Five” (leopard being the exception). We also saw Giraffe, Zebra, Warthog and numerous species of antelope. One of the highlights of the trip was our sighting of Wild Dogs on the last morning drive of our trip. Full marks to Mdusha our ranger and driver who found them. The visit to the Ground Hornbill Project was another highlight and the talk on the Hornbills and the work being carried out was excellent. Luckily the Hornbills were present throughout, which made it all extra special. We also saw them on a later Game Drive. The Safari vehicles pull up to a platform entered via steps so you do not have to climb up into the vehicle, excellent for the less able mobility wise, although one does need to climb down and up from and into vehicles at refreshment stops on the Game drives. The biggest disappointment for us was the lack of interest shown in the birds at Mabula. Despite encouragement very few were pointed out on the Game Drives. The emphasis really was on the large animals and birders would be very disappointed, although there were a number around Mabula Lodge itself, including Yellow and Red billed Hornbills, Go Away birds and Woodpeckers. In addition to the Game Drives there was the opportunity to go on Bush Walks and a Medicinal Bush Walk. It would have solved the problem if there had been a Bird watching walk/Drive. Extras included Horse riding, a Cheeta walk, and Quad Biking. These were paid for separately and were reasonably priced. Mabula is involved with a number of conservation projects and we had a very interesting talk on this subject one afternoon. Our Stargazing evening trip was disappointing. Very few stars were visible and it was the wrong time of year to see several of the southern hemisphere constellation We felt that Mabula is an excellent place for first timers on a Safari Trip. You get to see the large animals up close and personal, but it doesn’t have the large herds of elephants, wildebeest, buffalo etc (there are only 6 elephants in the reserve) that more experienced visitors might want to see. Similarly, specialist interests (eg birds, smaller mammals etc) were not catered for on our trip with SAGA . s.

Dear Victoria37, thank you for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your experience at Mabula Game Lodge and thank you for your feedback. We hope to welcome you back in the near future. Kind regards, The Mabula Team

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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Where are you flying from?

• London Heathrow
• Manchester International
• Cardiff Airport
• London Stansted Apt

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.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flights include a short touchdown in Barbados.

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.

Our seasonal service will recommence on the 29th October 2024, with flights operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

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.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 29th October 2024.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service with direct flights, will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until the 30th March 2024.

Our direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 2nd April 2024.

1 room / 2 adults

Please enter all child ages

There must be 1 adult per child under two years of age travelling, please adjust your passenger number

To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

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 £968pp

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?

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