south africa approach tours

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Welcome to a new Approach

Travel is not about checklists or selfies, it is how we feed our soul. It allows us to experience cultures, to touch history, to bond with strangers, to reconnect as people.

There is no right or wrong way to travel, but there are good and bad experiences. Most people have already had a bad experience. We have. We learned from it.

Approach Tours is founded on the principle that every tour should be positive and energizing – an experience in enlightening discussions, in stimulating discoveries, in honest food, in restful sleep.

Because of that conviction, every Approach group tour is thoughtfully crafted in-house based on our own personal travel moments. Each dedicated Group Guru is recruited. Each location is scouted. Each local expert is certified. Each restaurant is tasted. Each bed is slept in.

We’re that committed to your experience.

Timeless Collection

Experience classic cities as open-air museums – full of impressive monuments, moving music and cobble-stone streets.

Into the Wild Collection

Gaze at majestic animals up-close in their natural habitat. We’ll be reminded that we are the visitors, not them.

Old World Collection

Embrace the sense of awe while discovering ancient lands where it all began.

Naturescapes Collection

Feel small surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and deserts. You will need to zoom-out to get that perfect picture.

We challenged ourselves to raise the bar for those travellers who demand more from their tour company. This is our unique approach.

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South Africa

South Africa is a land of incredible beauty and contrast. The variety of dramatic landscapes on offer is astounding, from rugged coastline fringed with pristine beaches and technicolour wildflowers, to dramatic mountain ranges and vast savanna plains filled with Africa's most iconic wildlife.

It's an exciting, expansive country with extraordinary environmental and cultural diversity, some of the world's most exotic and abundant wildlife, vibrant cities, a rich local arts scene and world-class food and wine.

Revel in exhilarating wildlife encounters and magnificent scenery on a South African wildlife safari through Kruger National Park, Africa's premier safari destination, and hike among the towering pinnacles, waterfalls and wild scenery of the stunning Drakensberg Mountains.

Indulge in the fabulous wines and gourmet cuisine of the scenic Cape Winelands region, and discover the magic of Cape Town, with its vibrant townships, pretty harbour front and exciting nightlife, all framed by the impressive Table Mountain.

Cruise along the Garden Route, famous for its perfect beaches, whale watching and spectacular coastal landscapes; cycle the challenging mountain passes of the Western Cape's Route 62 for stunning scenery and frequent marine life sightings; and take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula as you tour, trek or cycle to the Cape of Good Hope, Africa's most southwesterly point.

Learn more about local history at the Nelson Mandela Museum, Apartheid Museum or the infamous Robben Island, and engage with South Africa's diverse cultures by visiting vibrant regional communities.

There's so much on offer in South Africa, the hardest part of your trek or safari will be choosing an itinerary.

Destination

Antarctica & the arctic, australasia, central america, central asia, indian subcontinent, middle east, north america, south america, vessels & boats, advanced search, find your south africa trip.

South Africa Walking Adventure

Activities:.

Introductory to Moderate

South Africa Encompassed

Adventure touring.

African Wildlife Explorer

African wildlife explorer (vfa to cpt).

Botswana and Zimbabwe Explorer

Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique Adventure

More about south africa, popular activities.

• South Africa destinations
• Popular travel regions

Why travel with us

Responsible travel, accommodation, leaders in the field, custom made itineraries.

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Trip reviews

Country information.

Wildlife Safari

Walking: Day Walks

South africa highlights.

Explore Kruger National Park

Discover magical Cape Town

Hike the Drakensberg Mountains

Cruise along the Garden Route

Take in the Cape Peninsula

Relax with a good pinotage

Experience South Africa's cultural diversity

Our all inclusive approach

All of our South Africa adventures offer fantastic value for money by featuring atmosphere accommodation and exceptional staff. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, transfers, excursions, game drives, permits and national park fees.

Authentic travel experiences in South Africa

Our programs are packed with unique elements that provide real insight to the geographic features and cultural diversity of South Africa. From exhilarating wildlife encounters in Kruger National Park to hiking the Drakensberg Mountains and exploring vibrant cities and local townships, there are endless options for those with an adventurous spirit.

Choice of accommodations

We offer wide a range of adventures in South Africa to suit various budgets and interests. If you are looking for a little extra luxury, check out our 'In Comfort' range of safaris which feature some high quality boutique accommodations.

Custom built, reliable transport

Trained drivers and well maintained vehicles, which are purpose built for our safaris, are what you can expect when on the lookout for Africa’s Big 5 game animals. Safari transport is designed with wildlife viewing in mind, providing unobstructed views and in most cases forward facing seats and air-conditioning.

Experienced local guides

Our guides are passionate about South Africa and its people, wildlife and scenic beauty, and are eager to share their knowledge with you. From spotting wildlife to cooking up a feast on the campsire, our staff are dedicated to making your South Africa experience the trip of a lifetime.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart our South Africa programs. Our adventures provide a true wilderness experience by viewing wildlife in their natural habitat and supporting the protection of diverse landscapes and local cultures.

Hunting avoidance

We do not participate in, support or promote any activities connected with hunting, including the purhcasing of products derived from hunting activities.

Employee welfare focus

All of our staff are local Southern Africans and are paid monthly salaries even if they do not have a tour group during a month. They are provided with uniforms that are suitable for the climate and conditions, accommodated in a company house in between tour groups and offered various skills training courses.

Responsible litter disposal

We ensure that the waste that is produced at our campsites is taken to the nearest city and disposed of responsibly, leaving nothing behind for animal consumption.

Safari lodges

In game parks, national parks and rural locations we use 3 to 4 star comfortable properties that reflect the character of the area. Some may have extra facilities such as a swimming pool or private balcony.

Permanent safari camps

Like a tented hotel room, this is the perfect way to experience the African wilderness. We use 3 to 4 star comfortable properties that reflect the character of the area.

We offer two styles of camping; fully supported and semi-participation. Both styles feature quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, comfortable and reliable.

Chalets/guesthouses

We use quality 2 to 3 star chalets or guesthouses. They can be rustic; however we ensure that they provide a comfortable and friendly experience.

Kembo Sithole

Starting life as a bank teller in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Kembo saw the light and began his safari career in Hwange National Park in 1998. Since then he has grown to become one of our most popular Southern African guides. He has vast knowledge of fauna and flora and this with his excellent manner with people ensures he brings that something extra to our guests' safari experience.

Phumuzile Ncube

Phumuzile was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and moved to South Africa to work in the hospitality industry and learn more about his passion for wildlife and nature. His love of the local cultures, beauty of nature and sense of humour make Phumuzile an excellent guide for Southern African safaris. In his spare time, he loves supporting local football.

Ian Williams

Ian lives and breathes the bush and is known as the "Africa Guru". It would be a hard task to determine where Ian has not travelled in Africa over the past 40 years! He is a keen photographer and is passionate about all things African. His in-depth knowledge is integral to the itineraries he organises for our Africa private and school groups.

Gesine (Gus) Cheung

From Cairo to the Cape and beyond, Gus' travels have taken her to the roof of Africa (Kilimanjaro), the 'Big 5' in South Africa, Tanzania's annual migration, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Rwanda's Mountain Gorillas, Namibia, Zanzibar's beaches, majestic Victoria Falls, Morocco, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Jordan. Gus' usual mode of transport is her own two feet, so don't be surprised if you see her out on an African trail sometime.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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• Where to Go & Weather
• Dialing Code

Electricity

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Where to Go

Get up close with the iconic ‘Big 5’ animals in Kruger National Park.

Get outdoors and hike, bike or climb your way through one of the country’s spectacular national parks.

Experience South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage with an organised cultural visit to a city township or rural community.

Enjoy the world class restaurants, nightlife, museums and galleries, shopping, culture and history of Cape Town, all set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s dramatic mountains and stunning beaches.

Take in Durban’s sun, sand and surf, but don’t forget to explore the city’s colourful Indian District while you’re there.

Soak up South Africa’s rich history in one of the country’s excellent museums.

Honour the country’s beloved former leader at the Nelson Mandela Museum, Eastern Cape.

Learn more about South Africa’s challenging past with a visit to Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum

Sample the country’s excellent wine & local produce, or take part in a South African braai (barbecue) if you’re lucky!

Shop for colourful traditional arts and crafts

Most of the country is considered to be semi-arid, however, there is considerable variation in topography and climate. South Africa is blessed with one of the most temperate climates on the continent, with extremes of heat and cold rare and temperate weather conditions year-round.

Most of South Africa lies at a fairly high elevation and, as such, experiences average temperatures that are cooler than countries at similar latitude (for example, Australia).

South Africa’s climate and weather patterns are greatly influenced by the oceans surrounding the country to the east, south and west, and cold polar wind fronts in the winter months, and by high-pressure systems from the Atlantic Ocean in the summer months.

Precipitation is highly variable, but rains and thunderstorms generally occur in the summer months (November to March) with the exception of the Western Cape, which receives its rainfalls in winter (June to September). The higher areas of the Cape and the Drakensberg mountains generally receive snowfalls in the winter months.

Across almost the entire country, summers are warm to hot and winters cool to cold. Diurnal temperature ranges are dramatic in the interior but much more stable in coastal areas.

Summer temperatures range from 15 to 35°C (59 to 95°F), with winter temperatures ranging from -2 to 25°C (28 to 77°F).

While the temperate climate permits a visit to South Africa in any month, the days can be wet and uncomfortably hot in summer (November to March) and the cooler, drier winter months (June to early September) are generally the best for hiking, outdoor adventuring and wildlife watching. Spring (mid-September to November) and autumn (April to May) are ideal times to visit.

Time in South Africa

South Africa is +2 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

South Africa’s 1996 constitution gives official status to 11 different languages, with two West Germanic languages and nine Bantu origin languages broken down as follows: Zulu (23.82%), Xhosa (17.64%), Afrikaans (13.35)%, Northern Sotho/Sepedi (9.39%), English (8.2%), Tswana (8.2%), Sotho (7.93%), Tsonga (4.44%), Swati (2.66%), Venda (2.28%) and Ndebele (1.59%). Other languages account for 0.5%.

South Africa is an extremely linguistically diverse country, with most people speaking multiple languages. Afrikaans and, increasingly, English being the predominant languages of business and education.

Rand (Divided into cents)

Recommend that you travel with ZAR cash preferably, or USD cash (printed after 2006) or EUR cash.

Automatic teller machines (ATM’s) are regularly available in South Africa to draw money.

Visa & Mastercard are accepted in major and tourist centres such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. Outside these areas it is difficult to use (credit cards widely accepted except in rural areas). Note that merchant fees can be high on credit card purchases.

Amex and Diners are not readily accepted.

International Dialing Code

Electricity in South Africa is 220 Volts, at 60 hertz. The most common pin type is M. (3 round prong). Not compatible with any other plug types. In some areas the pin type C (2 round prong) can also be found.

Visas for South Africa are exempt for a stay of less than 90 days for passport holders from the following countries:-

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand (as of 15 August 2019)

*All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

From 10 November 2019, accompanied foreign children travelling on a valid passport with one or both parents can now enter the country without carrying supporting documents such as birth certificates, parental consent letters and other supporting documents relating to proof of parentage. However, South African children, or unaccompanied foreign children travelling (under the age of 18), or foreign children under legal guardianship are still required to provide supporting documents, in line with the requirements of the Children’s Act. Foreign children who require a visa for South Africa do not need to carry the supporting documents for inspection at a port of entry since these would be processed together with their visa applications. For more information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website – http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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Best South Africa Safari Tours

Find the perfect Safari adventure in South Africa. There are 283 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 1,332 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger in Depth

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!

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

Wonderful experience. Delicious food, great game drives. Cozy atmosphere at the lodge. Friendly staff. Worth the money and a great value for a budget safari.

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

Route 62 Adventure Safari 15 Days / 14 Nights

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

South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

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

9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure

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

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

I enjoyed the Safari, well organised and plenty of work had obviously gone into this - tankyou. The onl,y thing I would have prefered was some idea before the commencement about the amount of cash and guide line for tips. There was no where we could get extra cash an it was not until we were given the itinerary on the bus the amount that was suggested we tip. Therefore, some people was short changed. Some idea somewhere that we would not have been able to get near a payment by card in the accommodation for drinks or anything would have been useful, otherwise very good and thank you, Susan

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 weather was not good but the tour was nice.

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).

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Travel Styles

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• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

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Top 20 Best South Africa Safaris - Compare 874 Tours

4-Day Eastern Cape Safari with Kariega Ukhozi Lodge

$1,019 to $1,602 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Port Elizabeth (Start) , Kariega GR, Port Elizabeth (End)

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  125 Reviews

7-Day South Africa Safari: Hluhluwe Elephant Coast

$3,700 to $4,525 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, Elephant Coast (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Lodge Game Safari

$2,003 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge

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

Ranger Buck Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  28 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park Experience

$675 pp (USD)

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

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

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

4.8 /5  –  90 Reviews

5-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$840 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  19 Reviews

4-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

$958 pp (USD)

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

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

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  259 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$509 pp (USD)

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

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

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1158 Reviews

3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari

$638 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  262 Reviews

5-Day Safari with Night Drive and Panorama Route Tour

$1,322 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  62 Reviews

10-Day Kruger Private Reserves & Cape Town

$4,142 to $4,252 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Cape Town (End)

Safari Online   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  115 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

$4,098 to $4,495 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

5-Day 4 Star Panorama Route & Greater Kruger Park Safari

$1,883 pp (USD)

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

Mmilo Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  123 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari

$932 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

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

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

5-Day Greenfire Game Lodge Safari

$1,451 pp (USD)

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

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

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

5.0 /5  –  125 Reviews

3-Day Safari in Style - Lodge Living & Kruger Safari Fun

$765 pp (USD)

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

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

4-Day Kruger Safari, Soweto & Apartheid Museum

$860 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  33 Reviews

3-Day Camping Safari in Kruger National Park

$520 pp (USD)

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

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

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

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

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

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

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

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

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  63 Reviews

5-Day Luxury Sabi Sands Promotion

$3,119 pp (USD)

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

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

5-Day Perfect Kruger Safari Escape

$2,375 to $3,010 pp (USD)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

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• South Africa

Travelling in South Africa

Embark on an extraordinary South Africa tour and immerse yourself in thrilling adventures and captivating wonders.

South Africa is a year-round travel destination, known for Big 5 safari experiences, adrenaline fuelled activities, as well as world-class dining, vibrant cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, from breathtaking winelands to stunning beaches.

Travellers to South Africa love to visit the iconic Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, where the majestic Big 5 roam freely including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. Venture into the Greater Kruger Area for exclusive encounters and an intimate safari experience, away from the crowds. 

Discover the hidden gem of Madikwe, a conservation area brimming with wildlife. Or for those preferring a shorter journey, explore the rich safari offerings of Pilanesberg National Park, a true South African travel gem. Both of these great destinations are popular with families.

KwaZulu-Natal is a coastal South African province, where picturesque beaches, majestic mountains, and wildlife-filled savannahs await. Delight in immersive game drives and combine your safari with visits to the Zulu Battlefields, the enchanting Drakensberg Escarpment, or the impressive Umhlanga Rocks beaches. Traditional villages around the town of Eshowe showcase the traditions of the indigenous Zulu people.

In Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, you will be captivated by the panoramic views from Table Mountain's cable car and will be moved by the historic significance of Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela.

Just one hour drive east of Cape Town lies the winelands; a connoisseurs dream, with endless fine restaurants, acres of vineyards and an amazing array of hotels to choose from. The region’s three main towns — Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl — form a triangle that you can easily visit all in one trip.

The scenic Garden Route is a stunning 200km stretch of coastline where picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and pristine beaches beckon. Immerse yourself in nature's splendour, with majestic mountains on one side and the enchanting Indian Ocean on the other, with numerous lovely towns, beautiful beaches, indigenous forests and beautiful flowers.

South Africa’s Eastern Cape boasts some excellent private game reserves just a short distance from Port Elizabeth. Experience thrilling safaris in a unique environment, a perfect complement to your journey along the Garden Route.

If you are looking to travel in South Africa many wonders await, and we   would love to help plan your ultimate adventure .

What currency is used in South Africa?

The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Major credit cards are generally accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments, although when traveling in South Africa it's advisable to carry some cash in rand for smaller expenses, such as local markets and smaller establishments that may not accept credit cards.

Is it safe to visit South Africa?

South Africa is generally a safe country to visit, but like any destination, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

If you plan to visit national parks or wildlife reserves, always follow the instructions of experienced guides and park officials. Maintain a safe distance from wild animals and never approach them on foot unless accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

Read more about visiting South Africa safely as a solo female traveller on our blog.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you seek. South Africa has a diverse climate and a range of activities and attractions to offer throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of the seasons to help you plan your visit:

Summer (December to February): South Africa's summer months bring warm to hot temperatures and are ideal for beach activities, wildlife sightings, and outdoor adventures. It's a popular time to visit coastal areas, such as Cape Town and Durban, as well as the Kruger National Park and other game reserves. However, it's worth noting that some regions, particularly the coastal areas, can get crowded during the peak holiday season.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn in South Africa is characterized by mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. It's a great time to visit Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route, as the weather is still pleasant, and the landscapes are beautifully colored with autumn hues. The game viewing in the Kruger National Park and other reserves remains good during this time.

Winter (June to August): Winter in South Africa brings cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings and early mornings. It's an excellent time to visit game reserves, as the dry conditions make wildlife easier to spot. The Kruger National Park and other reserves in the northeastern parts of the country offer fantastic game viewing opportunities. The winter months are also a good time to explore cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, as they experience fewer tourists.

Spring (September to November): Spring in South Africa brings mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and vibrant landscapes. It's a great time to visit the Cape Winelands, the Namaqualand region, and the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. In game reserves, the spring months offer pleasant weather and the chance to witness newborn animals and migratory bird arrivals.

Can I go on safari in South Africa?

Absolutely! South Africa is a fantastic destination for safari experiences, offering a diverse range of national parks and private game reserves that showcase the country's rich wildlife. The most widely known safari destination in South Africa is Kruger National Park, which is one of Africa's largest game reserves and is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as numerous other species.

Check out our South Africa tours to find out more.

Destination Map

Discover more amazing experiences on our blog.

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Approach tours Africa trip - Approach Tours

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The 4 star rating reflects the fact that Approach delivers what they promise. Do you really want... read more

We took the land package only which we were glad we did as the flights taken by the rest of the... read more

Approach tours Africa trip

Went on the South Africa tour September 12 2023 with approach tours Would not recommend approach tours to anyone.the tour was rush rush we had no time to relax. Spent about 30 percent of the time on a bus. There was no plan B for the weather. Hotels were sub standard and in areas that we could not go out at night. Safaris were great lodges and hotels sub standard food was buffet and basic. Approach tours took our money then passed all arrangements to Thompson tours who proceeded to organize a budget holiday for luxury prices. The guide Ben seemed very political and had no idea that we were all seniors the schedule was hectic.If you are thinking of using approach tours I recommend finding another company

Hello Samuel, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. While everything is included on an Approach tour, we built our experiences with different travel styles in mind. If you want more free time, we totally get that! Feel free to skip an activity and rejoin the group whenever you want – we’ll even give you tips on how to get around and what there is to see. Just give us a heads up! We’re sorry to hear that you feel the accommodations didn’t meet your expectations and you were frustrated that you could not go out at night. Not being able to venture away from the hotel unaccompanied at night is a very common practice in South Africa, especially while staying at the safari lodges. It’s a measure that we take to ensure your safety since wild animals tend to roam at night. While Cape Town is a beautiful and vibrant city, it's also important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. While we do work with suppliers around the world to execute elements of the itineraries that we've planned, all aspects of your tour including the choice of activities, meals and accommodations are hand-selected by our team. Rest assured, your feedback regarding your national guide has been heard and your concerns will be taken into consideration as we plan for future tours. We value your feedback and if there is anything else you would like to discuss or if you have any further suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1-866-351-9545 or [email protected]

Went to South Africa on a 21 day safari with approach tours, if you are thinking of going with them DON’T they have no idea what is going on there all they do is use Thomson travel in South Africa who book everything with many places that are sub standard. The South African tour guide Ben who was coordinating the trip was not the best and should keep his political views to himself and concentrate on the trip and have a back up plan if the weather does not comply. The safaris are mostly good but when they send you to a park three times in one day with very few animals and a truck with no cover on top they obviously don’t care. The food was ok but too many buffet’s. Hotels were mostly ok but some were lucky if they were 21/2 star. A lot of MONEY for what you get. You will enjoy South Africa with a much better tour group.

Hello David, Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent South Africa & Victoria Falls tour with our company. We appreciate your candid comments as they help us identify areas for improvement. While we do work with suppliers around the world to execute elements of the itineraries that we've planned, all aspects of your tour including the choice of activities, meals and accommodations are hand-selected by our team to ensure you have a well-rounded, immersive experience while still experiencing the comforts of home. To make the meal process as smooth and positive as possible, we don’t offer a la carte menus on tour. All our breakfasts on a tour are continental buffet style, and most of our lunches and dinners are served as pre-fixed, two and three-course meals. We believe restful sleep is important on tour which is why we choose to stay in 4-star accommodations. Almost every country has its own star rating system, so a 4-star standard ironically may not actually be very standard! What we mean when we say the hotels we visit are 4-star standard is that we always ensure that your room features the homey comforts you need to get a good night’s sleep, such as nice bedding and a private washroom. We choose hotels that offer upper-end amenities and ones that have a reception desk open 24/7. All our accommodations are selected based on our travellers' feedback, so your concerns will be taken into consideration as we review and reassess our hotel choices for future tours. It can be frustrating when you visit a safari and don’t see as many animals as you had hoped to. This is why, on certain days, we schedule game drives in the morning and afternoon to increase your chances of spotting the big five. Wild animals can be fickle, and unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be active when you embark on your drive. We value your feedback and if there is anything else you would like to discuss or if you have any further suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1-866-351-9545 or [email protected]

Went sept 2023 on South Africa’s 20 day trip. Guru had zero knowledge of SA and little knowledge of facilitating travel. Reached out to approach 7 days into the trip after a 2hour wait outside airport (driver didn’t show) and heard back NOTHING. Zero customer service. It’s a crap shoot as far as getting a proper guru to lead your experience obviously. Guru , Natalia, actually left us stranded in Toronto and made her merry way home to Montreal! Think hard before handing your money over to this sub par travel broker!

Hello Elaine, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We understand that your group was delayed getting picked up from the airport in South Africa. From our understanding, there was a serious car accident blocking the only highway to the airport which caused the driver to be delayed. This can be a frustrating situation, and thankfully your Group Guru and National Guide were both there with you to coordinate with the driver, ensure he was safe and hold down the fort until he could arrive. During your return to Canada, many Air France flights were cancelled, including yours which caused you to miss your flight home. Your Group Guru, Natalia was at the Toronto Airport assisting other travellers with rebooking their flights. Since you were in a different terminal than her, she was in contact with you over WhatsApp. It is our understanding that you were able to get rebooked on a flight to Manitoba and that Natalia was in contact with you offering support during this process. We are committed to supporting our customers during these unforeseen circumstances. During both situations, our team was there to offer support and ensure your safety and comfort. Should you have any suggestions on additional steps we could have taken, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1-866-351-9545 or [email protected].

We recently traveled with Approach to Italy on their Signature Italy tour. If you are considering this tour, DON’T. This tour is a sub-economy tour at luxury prices. The food: breakfasts and lunches were generally acceptable but almost all dinners were unacceptable by any standard, especially for Italy. We received escalope of pork or chicken at at least half the meals, sometimes you could not tell which it was. And if you are expecting to be able to choose from a couple choices, forget it, you get what is served. Rome was particularly awful. I felt particularly sorry for the vegetarians on the tour, they received tomato and mozzarella salad at almost every dinner. Hotels: they claim they are 4 star but generally, they are not. The exception was Sorrento which was the only good hotel we had. The hotels are not centrally located so if you plan to see any of Italy at night, plan to spend a lot on taxis. Local guides: in 14 days we had a total of 6 local guides. We did not have guides for: Lake Garda, Cinque Terre, Monteriggioni (this was suppose to be Siena but was switched with no explanation), Rome, Isle of Capri, or the Amalfi Coast. Also, we were not given tours of many attractions such as Il Duomo in Florence. We were given a tour of the Vatican Museum in Rome and entrance (no guide) to the Coliseum but that was it. Generally at most places we were given “free time” to tour on our own. The Travel Guru did not provide any guidance at all. He was only concerned with being a tourist himself. Its easy to say all tours are included when you include so little. Generally, it appears Approaches business plan is to cut corners at every chance. Everything is included but is meager and low quality at best. Italy did not disappoint but Approach certainly did. Also, on our return, some of us got caught in the Westjet strike. We contacted Approach as soon as we found out our flight was cancelled and asked for assistance in finding a hotel for the night. They simply said that was Westjet’s problem and we were on our own.

Hello Kevin, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We appreciate you taking the time to do so as it helps us identify areas for improvement. We understand that you were upset by the lack of choice when it came to dinners on tour. All of our breakfasts on a tour are continental buffet style, and most of our lunches and dinners are served as pre-fixed, two and three-course meals. To make the meal process as smooth and positive as possible, we don’t offer a la carte menus on tour. We believe food is a big part of the experience, and it’s important that we offer filling meals that effortlessly blend local flavours and familiar tastes from home. We understand that the food fell short of your expectations. We will investigate your concerns and work closely with our partners to address any issues with the quality and variety of the food offered. In regards to hotels, we strive to select first-class accommodations that align with our advertised standards, and we’re sorry that you feel we fell short in this regard. All of our accommodations are selected based on our travellers' feedback, so your concerns will be taken into consideration as we review and reassess our hotel choices for future tours. We are one of the rare tour companies to provide three layers of service on tour. Your Group Guru is there from the beginning of your journey to the end, building group dynamics and coordinating with the rest of the Approach team to make sure your tour is as amazing as possible. For the duration of your visit abroad, you are also accompanied by an English-speaking national guide who knows all the must-see hidden gems and fun facts about the areas you visit. In addition to this, local guides will join your group during special outings and visits to key locations, like when you visited the Vatican Museums, Pompeii, Verona, Venice, Pisa, and Florence. During excursions to coastal regions such as Cinque Terre, we try to give you as much free time as possible to soak in the sights and sun. We understand that the WestJet airline strike created a chaotic situation and affected multiple flights, including yours. We are committed to supporting our customers during these unforeseen circumstances. While our head office was in contact with your Group Guru, who was in liaison with you and your group to rebook your flight, West Jet had already booked you on another flight the following day. With last-minute cancellations, airlines provide a hotel voucher so travellers have a place to stay until their alternative flight. We value your feedback and if there is anything else you would like to discuss or if you have any further suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1-866-351-9545 or [email protected]

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Experience South Africa differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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Go on a private safari in Kruger National Park

Experience the wonders of Kruger on a private safari with Trafalgar. We’ll take you through one of the largest national parks in Africa, home to 135 mammal species including the iconic Big Five. See elephants chewing on mopane trees, wildebeest running through open savanna, and big cats lurking in the grass.

Take in the cosmopolitan spirit of Cape Town

From the slopes of Table Mountain to the rocky Atlantic shoreline, a tour of Cape Town is one of the best things to do in South Africa. Our Local Specialists will show you the sprawling City Bowl, the golden vineyards of the Cape Winelands, and the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

Enjoy the views of the Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest peaks in South Africa, towering up to 1,422 feet. We’ll explore this UNESCO-listed Site, with magnificent views and rock art dating back several thousand years. You’ll also have the chance to join a 4x4 Sani Pass drive, for lunch at Africa's highest pub in Lesotho.

Connect with Swazi culture in a local Chief's village

We’ll travel to beautiful eSwatini, where your South Africa guide will show you around a Swazi Chief's village. You’ll see their traditional crimson dress, sample some local cuisine such as pap (cornmeal porridge) and meat and vegetable stew, and gain a deeper understanding of the community's way of life.

Go up the Table Mountain by Cable Car

Soaring 3,558 feet to form a flat-topped peak, Table Mountain is one of the most iconic South Africa attractions. We’ll take you to the top in a cableway, where you’ll discover bright Cape fynbos, the curious rock hyrax, and panoramic views of the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard.

Our top 5 things to do in South Africa

We’ll show you what to do in South Africa, from searching for the Big Five in Kruger National Park, to ascending Table Mountain for breathtaking views over Cape Town.

Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town

Founded in 1825 in the historic Company’s Gardens, the South African Museum houses extensive collections of natural history, zoology and archaeology. There are more than 1.5 million specimens in the museum, ranging from 700-million year old fossils, to stone tools made 120,000 years ago.

Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum commemorates the era of racial segregation in South America, providing a chilling insight into the apartheid system and sharing moving stories of the fight for democracy. You can easily spend a few hours here, taking in the wealth of information on this dark period.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Port Elizabeth

Originally opened in 1956, this museum was renamed in 2002 in honor of Nelson Mandela. It houses a fantastic collection of South African art, along with international pieces. You can see artworks from the Eastern Cape, British art, Chinese textiles, Indian miniatures and international printmaking.

Best museums in South Africa

Our South Africa travel experiences take you to the country’s superb museums, from the moving Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, to the vast historic collections of the Iziko South African Museum.

As South Africa’s favorite snack, you’ll find biltong throughout the country, from markets to restaurants. Biltong is made from cured meat, usually beef and game, and is served in dried slices, spiced with herbs. In South Africa, game refers to the animals of the bush like ostrich, kudu, impala and wildebeest.

South African biryani is a traditional dish originating from the Cape Malay culture. It’s made with lentils, meat like goat or chicken, vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes, and seasonings like garam masala, turmeric and chilli powder. It’s served with parboiled rice for a hearty meal.

Amasi is a popular dairy snack in South Africa, made from unpasteurised cow's milk stored in a calabash container to allow it to ferment. The thick liquid that remains tastes like plain yoghurt and is traditionally served in a clay pot, or poured over pap porridge.

Best Food in South Africa

South Africa food is wonderfully diverse and our Local Specialists will show you all the best places to taste the classics, from dried biltong to warm biryani.

What to pack for South Africa

Adaptor plug

In South Africa, the standard voltage is 230 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type D, M and N. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Bring your binoculars for wildlife spotting when we take you on a private safari through Kruger National Park, one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing in all of Africa.

Sunscreen & sunglasses

You’ll be much closer to the equator when you travel to South Africa, so you’ll need to protect your skin and eyes with strong sunscreen and UV protected sunglasses.

South Africa is known for its spectacular beaches, so pack a swimsuit if you’d like to take a dip in the Indian or Atlantic Oceans that border the country.

Versatile clothing

From the dusty savannah and sunny vineyards, to the chilly mountains and windy coastline, you’ll need a range of versatile clothing when you visit South Africa.

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South africa travel inspiration.

Find trips for traveling to South Africa, stories from the road, trip planning trips and more!

Travel tips for South Africa trips

South Africa is home to unbelievable natural scenery, vibrant culture, colorful architecture, and deep history. As a result, there are so many things to do on South Africa tours. Here are some of our favorite things to do:

• Take a cable car up Table Mountain, South Africa’s most iconic landmark
• Hike along the Cape of Good Hope and see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet
• Spend  a day in Cape Town , an oceanside city with malls, restaurants, gardens, history, and yes, even penguins
• Explore Soweto township, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
• Take a ferry to Robben Island, the historic symbol of apartheid, where Nelson Mandela was jailed
• Go on  a safari in Kruger National Park  and try to spot the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceroses

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, consider traveling between May and September. During this time, the weather is a little cooler and you have a better chance of seeing more big game animals on your safari.

November through February is also a great time for South Africa trips—especially if you’re interested in birding. The temperatures remain pretty warm, and while it can be rainy, it’s an unforgettable experience as long as you’re prepared!

As you plan for one of our South Africa tours, here’s what you should remember to bring:

• Sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat
• A warm jacket for colder nights and early-morning safaris
• Closed-toe shoes and long pants to protect yourself from bugs
• Spare change to donate to community centers and buy souvenirs
• Your camera! You don’t want to miss out on all the incredible memories you’ll make

Each of our group travel packages to South Africa have their own unique packing lists, so be sure to check those out, too.

Our South Africa tour packages range between 11 and 20 days. It’s such a large country with so many sights and activities, you’ll never feel like you’re there too long.

To learn more, check out our  Cape Town Travel Guide .

One of the best parts of going on South Africa tours is trying the local cuisine. Here are some of the most popular foods:

• Cape Malay curry, a blend of local produce and spices with meats and rice.
• Chakalaka, a vegetable dish made of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, and spices typically served on top of “pap”, a porridge made from white corn maize
• Braai, a traditional South African barbecue and a mainstay of the culture
• Biltong, a thinly sliced, air-dried cured meat—it’s a can’t-miss snack on all South Africa trips

For us, it comes down to ease. We’ve picked out all of the best spots for our guided tours of South Africa, so you never have to stress about what to do on your trip or how to get there. You can simply focus on the spectacular sightseeing. 

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Hi wondering if anyone has used Approach Tours for the African tour? If so what was your experience. thanks in advance

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• What to do/see in South Africa
• A guide to booking and staying in Kruger National Park
• Animal Interactions and Ethical tourism.
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• The reality of lion cub petting
• -Responsible_Tourism

Southern Africa: Small-Group Safari Tour with Five-Star Lodge Stays, Game Drives, Victoria Falls Cruise & Internal Flights

Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park

Discover true safari splendour on this once-in-a-lifetime eight-day luxury small-group tour of Southern Africa’s breathtaking natural wonders (max. 10 travellers), showcasing the region’s extraordinary wildlife – including the iconic ‘big five.’ Experience five-star lodge stays with all-inclusive food and drinks plus daily activities, selected wine and spirits at Imbali Safari Lodge, make magnificent sightings in South Africa’s world-famous Kruger National Park, savour a sunset cruise on the majestic Zambezi River, witness the majesty of Zimbabwe’s mighty Victoria Falls and explore stunning landscapes in Botswana’s unforgettable Chobe National Park.

This is an African adventure worth going wild for – included are seven nights of five-star luxury accommodation in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, select international flights and on-ground transfers, daily breakfast, select dining experiences during lodge stays and the services of expert, English-speaking guides.

Your journey takes you to: Johannesburg, South Africa — Hoedspruit — Kruger National Park — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — Chobe National Park, Botswana — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Welcome to Johannesburg! On arrival in South Africa’s vibrant metropolis, you’ll be met by a Luxury Escapes representative at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), who will greet you before your transfer by domestic flight to Hoedspruit (‘Hat Creek' in Afrikaans), the vibrant gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Upon arriving in town, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to your luxurious accommodation, Imbali Safari Lodge.

Set within the extraordinary Kruger National Park, Imbali is the perfect base to explore a region steeped in history, brimming with spectacular landscapes and an abundance of incredible wildlife. Set within the central point of over 10,000 hectares of wild concession, each of the lodge’s 12 private chalets offers exquisite views, private jacuzzis and everything you need for a truly magical African experience. Spend your first evening admiring the majestic South African sunset and savouring time spent in the midst of the true wilderness.

Roam wild and free as you explore the Mpumalanga region, backed by the expertise of Imbali Lodge. Admire how Kruger National Park’s spectacular granite kopjes (hills) pepper the south, the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savannah in the east, and tropical forests cover the north of the staggeringly huge park.

Spend days in paradise engaging with Imbali Lodge’s incredible safari program. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, including Africa’s iconic safari species and the coveted ‘big five’ – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. It’s also the perfect chance to catch glimpses of giraffes, zebras and menacingly cute hippopotamuses, as well as an extraordinary amount of native birdlife, including southern yellow-billed hornbills, crested barbets and glossy starlings.

If you’re feeling brave, ask your guide about ‘Qugunyan’s Fortune,’ an almost mythical abandoned fortune of diamonds, gold and coins found originally found just after the Anglo-Boer war.

Enjoy evenings with good company, great food and hours spent under the star-swept skies.

After breakfast, depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and your international flight of approximately two hours to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe, and the gateway to one of the world’s most magnificent natural cascades. After touching down, you’ll be met and transferred across the border to your Zimbabwe accommodation – Pioneers Victoria Falls (approximate transfer time is 4.5 hours).

Set among lush gardens, this boutique, heritage-inspired hotel offers elegant lodging just minutes from the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls. Spend pleasant evenings in the serene central area, dining in Pioneers Falls’ nostalgic dining room or sipping local craft beer in the stylish lobby bar.

Today, learn about Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, on a guided tour on the Zimbabwean side of the falls. Learn why the falls are known as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – by locals, and witness what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and deafening noise.

As you amble along scenic pathways of the surrounding rainforest – stopping at each spectacular vantage point along the way – learn about the geological formation of Victoria Falls, the fascinating ‘discovery’ by David Livingstone and the abundance of birdlife.

After an afternoon of leisure, savour the experience of a lifetime – a sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Board the Ra-Ikane – named after historic explorer David Livingstone’s local guide and handcrafted to resemble a turn-of-the-century riverboat – and sip on your favourite sundowner as you relax and enjoy the riverine vegetation and exciting wildlife, including unique birds, hippos and the occasional crocodile. It’s the perfect way to experience Victorian splendour in the heart of Africa as you enjoy a welcome cocktail, tea and cakes while being given the history of the river. In the drier months, wildlife such as elephants and many antelope species can be seen grazing on the riverbanks or swimming across to the smaller islands.

Please note: Your sunset cruise may be moved to another day, depending on weather and transfers.

After a hearty breakfast, journey by vehicle roughly 90-minutes to your accommodation – Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the Botswana bush, on the edge of Chobe National Park — home to Africa’s largest elephant population, buffalo herds, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and a vast number of beautiful birds. Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views across the floodplains, the very best African hospitality and uniquely luxe lodge accommodation – the entirety of the hotel is under thatched roofing.

With countless gorgeous riverbank pathways and a wealth of amenities – including a bar, resident lounge, dining patio, golf course and safari boutique – Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is your gateway to splendour and safari. Enjoy a wide range of included safari activities, all the while being accompanied by the resort's impeccable service and expertise.

The options are almost limitless – spend your days exploring the stunning natural beauty of Chobe National Park. During morning and afternoon safari drives, learn of the rich ecosystems of the park, which lend themselves to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an array of stunning landscapes and spectacular wild animals.

During your included drives, watch for elephants feeding and washing, spot stampeding herds of buffalo, keep an eye out for hyenas hiding from majestic lions and encounter up to 16 types of antelope, including the rare, semi-aquatic puku, red lechwe and sitatunga. Depending on the season, you may also catch the second-largest migration of zebra in Africa.

Say goodbye to Africa’s untamed paradise as you depart for Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and your onward journey.

Your experience begins in Johannesburg, gateway to spectacular Kruger National Park.Embark on game drives led by expert local guides and trackers, who will share personal stories and help you spot elusive animals. Dubbed the ‘big five’ purely because they are the five most difficult animals in Africa to seek out on foot, there’s nothing more majestic than watching lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos in their natural habitat – it's an experience you will never forget.

You'll also visit Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with an estimated 120,000 of these beautiful animals calling the reserve home. Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone, and you can follow in their footsteps with incredible wildlife experiences. Spend two full days in the Chobe area, taking morning and afternoon game drives. The rich ecosystems of the park lend themselves to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an array of stunning landscapes and, of course, spectacular wild animals, including lions, giraffes, hyenas and more.

Get up close to one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Victoria Falls, on a guided tour and learn why the falls are known as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – by locals. Witness as the roaring waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and deafening noise, and dividing the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia in a most dramatic fashion. Determined to be the largest naturally formed waterfall on planet Earth, in 1989, it officially became one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Begin your journey with three nights at the lavish Imbali Safari Lodge, set on the banks of the N’waswitsontso River in the Kruger National Park. It's view of the valleys and mountains, the enchanting sunrises and African sunsets and the variety of game species that graze nearby create a serene ambience that makes the lodges at Imbali a truly spectacular experience.

Let all-inclusive dining and free-flow drinks fuel your adventures as you embark on exhilarating game drives to spot elephants, lions, giraffes and leopards. By night, unwind in your private lodging surrounded by lush landscape. Rustic and sanded wooden decks open to an expansive backdrop of the national park while sandstone bathrooms welcome you with sunken bathtubs and romantic outdoor showers – it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with nature.

You'll also spend two nights in the shadow of wonder at Pioneers Victoria Falls – an oasis of timeless glamour – and two nights at the opulent Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, located on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. Bear witness to the magical wonders of untamed Africa, where herds of elephants, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards and more roam freely against the backdrop of the spectacular floodplains.

• Seven nights of handpicked luxury accommodation across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana
• 17 meals included – 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners asd per itinerary
• Free-flow selected wine and spirits at Imbali Safari Lodge
• Daily activities and game drives at Imbali Safari Lodge and Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
• Discover the stunning beauty of South Africa's Kruger National Park with experienced naturalist guides
• See the Zambezi River come to life on a sunset cruise with canapes and drinks
• Embark on a private, guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Explore the rugged, natural landscapes of Botswana's Chobe National Park
• Domestic flights and transfers from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls
• Private roundtrip airport transfers
• Expert English-speaking guides, private transportation, and sightseeing and entrance fees throughout the tour itinerary
• All taxes, fees and levies

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 30 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected], who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.

7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:

• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund if cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date.
• All booking Deposits are non-refundable.
• After final payment is received, bookings are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in our refund policy.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, a service fee of A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Any changes or cancellations made within the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, where applicable, will not incur any fees unless otherwise restricted to the product Fine Print. Booking changes may include, but are not limited to, name changes or name corrections.
• For date changes made after the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, the cost of your new tour must be of equal or greater value than your current tour.
• If the request is a change from a tour of higher value to a tour of lesser value, any difference in the tour prices will not be refunded.
• Changes are not permitted once the final payment has been collected.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be related to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs, or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] for further information.

• Return international flights
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and gratuities
• Scenic flights
• Park fees, entrance fees, porterage where not specified
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Update 2 June 2023, 12pm AEST: Victoria Falls sunset cruise has been moved to day 5 or 6 of the tour.

Baggage Restrictions

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20kg on tour.
• Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller hand-piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.
• Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
• Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email  [email protected] .

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact [email protected] so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
• Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
• Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
• Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You'll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.

Partially Guided Tour: You'll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.

Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and ends Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) with roundtrip airport transfers (if applicable).

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Please book your flights to arrive Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) by 8am on Day 1. The connecting flight to Hoedspruit on Day 1 departs at 10.30am. It is recommended that travellers book a night of pre-tour accommodation to ensure they arrive at the airport in time for the start of their tour.

Please book your departing flights to leave Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) at any time on Day 8. Please note that the first scheduled flight of the day from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) to O.R.Tambo International Airport (JNB) does not leave until 1.55pm.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] to arrange your transfer.

You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

Important:  Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller's responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights?  Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact [email protected] .

Important Destination Information:

South Africa

Time zone: UTC +2

Telephone: +27

Currency: South African Rand

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.

Language: South Africa recognises 11 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Afrikaans, English and Zulu

Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between June and August, while summer is from December to February.

Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.

Time zone: GMT+2

Telephone: +263

Currency: Both the Zimbabwe Dollar and US Dollar are currently in use.

Accessing money: ATMs may not be able to provide cash with an international debit card and changing money is only possible at officially licenced banks and exchange bureaus. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.

Language: Zimbabwe recognises 16 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Shona, English and Ndebele.

Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between May and August, while summer is from September to May.

Telephone: +267

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)

Language: English

Climate: The annual climate ranges from months of dry temperate weather during winter to humid subtropical weather interspersed with drier periods of hot weather during summer.

Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense

The orphaned youngsters Daisy and Modjadji have more in common than you might think.

Whether playing ball, chasing and racing, or snuggling up together at night, Daisy the baby white rhinoceros and Modjadji the plains zebra are often inseparable at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa where they were rehabilitated. “You cannot believe how adorable these guys are,” says sanctuary founder Petronel Nieuwoudt of the two young animals she helped raise.

Modjadji, named after the local rain goddess, was found alone and suffering from tick-borne anemia in Kruger National Park after a heavy rainstorm. A few days later, rangers found Daisy. She was only about 12 hours old and still had her umbilical cord attached; she was also sick with an infection. Her mother was likely poached for her horn.

Left alone, these animals likely wouldn’t have survived. But paired together—and with the help of conservationists—the unlikely friends have a chance to return to the wild.

Young friends

Both species are able to stand within an hour of birth, but both white rhinos and plains zebras still require parental investment. Rhino calves stay with their mothers for two to three years, while zebras can reach independence after one year. In that time, the youngsters rely on their mothers for food, protection, and socialization.

Although these species don’t closely interact in the wild, Nieuwoudt placed the two orphans together so that they would receive the comfort they were missing from their mothers. She says the pair especially loved to touch each other while they slept. “It’s the feeling of, ‘Oh there’s another little breath next to me and another little heartbeat next to me,’” Nieuwoudt says.

Plus, the youngsters could teach each other how to play. “Play behavior is very important for building social skills, learning boundaries, and becoming physically competent,” says Terri Roth , a rhino scientist at the Cincinnati Zoo. Socialization with another animal at a young age “makes for a much more adapted animal as they become an adult.”

Protecting these peers on the plains

In the wild, rhinos’ and zebras’ territories overlap—both are herbivores that often chow on grass. “The use of the savannas by the white rhinos and the zebras is pretty similar,” Roth says. And these animals are both perissodactyls , a group of hoofed herbivores that includes horses and donkeys. “They are taxonomically more closely related than anything else.” This may explain why a rhino would serve as a surrogate buddy for a zebra, she says.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the plains zebras as near threatened , and their population is decreasing. Climate change is causing extensive droughts which make food and water less available to zebras, and they’re being pushed from their habitat as people farm the land.

White rhinos were once thought to be extinct, but they’re now listed as near threatened thanks to conservation efforts. The main threat are poachers seeking rhino horns. Made of the same material that makes up fingernails, horns are still used in some cultures as traditional medicine or for carvings. And though there are laws prohibiting poaching, they aren’t always enforced.

See you later

There are some skills both pals can only learn from their species. Roth explains that while a rhino will instinctively roll in the mud to get relief from biting flies, finding the locations of mud wallows and water sources is a skill learned from the mother. Daisy will need to learn this from other rhinos.

Modjadji will need to learn about herd hierarchy with other zebras, says wildlife veterinarian and Nat Geo Explorer Shaleen Angwenyi . These animals live in permanent groups with one male, up to six females, and their foals. They often travel in a line led by the dominant female and the rest following according to rank.

As they grow, Modjadji is spending less time with Daisy and more with her fellow zebras in a protected area. Nieuwoudt often spots her hanging out near the adult rhinos in the area, but Modjadji still sometimes comes back to the center for a quick nap with Daisy.

Meanwhile, Daisy continues to live at the sanctuary where they’re working to help her grow—she now weighs over a thousand pounds—and learn how to interact with other orphaned rhinos. Nieuwoudt hopes that someday both Daisy and Modjadji will be wild again, perhaps grazing close to each other.

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Related topics.

• PLAINS ZEBRAS
• WHITE RHINOCEROSES
• ANIMAL REHABILITATION
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WILDLIFE REFUGES
• WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

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