wildlife safari in south africa

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South Africa Wildlife Safari Tours

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

214 South Africa wildlife tour packages with 1,179 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

Animal sighting in chosen area was not good, they should have chosen a better area for safari. Panorama trip could have been done on the last day back to johanesburg to save time.

Super South Africa

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

Wild Kruger Camping

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

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

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

Wonders of the Western Cape (10 Days)

South Africa In Depth

Amazing trip. We did "Mystical Egypt" and enjoyed every minute of it. The guide Ramy is wonderful. Very well done tour in every way. Rachel Pader from the tour agency was very helpful and answer all our questions and helped us from day one to the end of the trip. Highly recommend this tour!

• Volunteering

Wildlife Reserve Volunteer in South Africa

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

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days

Incredible experience. - most beautiful/important places are included - good accommodation and local delicious food - great guide

Cape Town & the Garden Route

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

Great tour with Christine! She is so friendly and informative and helped me so much while on the tour! I would recommend this tour company to others and the sights are beautiful

3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town

This was a very nice tour!

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.

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

Kruger in Depth

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

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger

Everything was perfect organized. Also the contact with the staff members was very good. We had an amazing time in South Africa. With great tour guides. Amazing trip

What people love about Wildlife Tours in South Africa

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

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

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

National Park

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

Regions in South Africa

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

Travel Styles

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• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Classic Kruger National Park safaris & Tours

Kruger Park and Private Safari Lodges

Kruger Park and Blyde River Canyon

5 Day Kruger Park plus the Panorama Route

Introduction to Kruger National Park

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Top 20 Best South Africa Safaris - Compare 876 Tours

4-Day Sabi Sand Safari with Arathusa Safari Lodge

$1,708 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge

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

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  125 Reviews

11-Day South Africa & Mauritius Family Safari & Beach

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

South Africa & Mauritius: Private tour Lodge & Resort

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

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Lodge Game Safari

$2,010 pp (USD)

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

Ranger Buck Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  27 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park Experience

$683 pp (USD)

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

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

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

4.8 /5  –  90 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$664 pp (USD)

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

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

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$512 pp (USD)

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

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

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1147 Reviews

3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

$767 pp (USD)

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

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

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  258 Reviews

3-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari

$669 pp (USD)

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

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

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  262 Reviews

5-Day Kruger Safari and Soweto Tour

$1,365 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Guest House

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

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  62 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Swaziland Cultural Tour

$868 to $955 pp (USD)

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

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

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

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

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

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

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sands Tented Camp Safari

$937 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Tented Camp

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

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

5-Day Greenfire Game Lodge Safari

$1,446 pp (USD)

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

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

5.0 /5  –  125 Reviews

5-Day Luxury Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Safari

$2,921 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Lodge & Chalet

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

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

3-Day Incredible Greater Kruger Safari

$586 pp (USD)

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

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari

$591 pp (USD)

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

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

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange

$663 pp (USD)

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

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  33 Reviews

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

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

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

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

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  63 Reviews

4-Day Luxury Mdluli Game Lodge Kruger National Park

$794 pp (USD)

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

4.9 /5  –  98 Reviews

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

$3,840 pp (USD)

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

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

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Kruger National Park - South African Safari Tours

Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is waiting for you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife.

Plan your Kruger National Park safari trip from our recommended Kruger Park safari tours which range from exclusive private safaris to affordable group safaris. Take a journey of exploration to find Africa's Big Five : Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo, you will discover unique wildlife on a real Kruger National Park safari in Africa.

Classic Safari Tours

Our Classic Kruger Safaris offer you an authentic African safari experience with excellent wildlife sightings. Think 4x4 game drives followed by dinner under the African stars...

Safari Lodge

This Kruger Park lodging guide introduces you to the best safari accommodation in Kruger Park. You will stay in luxury safari lodges or opulent tented camps.

Romantic Safari

Romance, indulgence and luxury escapes. Exquisite destinations to celebrate your love. These Kruger Park honeymoon packages at the most sought after lodges...

Premier Safari Collection

Create timeless memories on the ultimate private South Africa safari Experience a safari with every luxury on hand, outstanding cuisine and a range of five star facilities...

Family Safari Holiday

Take your children on a safe, magical journey of discovery into nature's wonders. These family tours in Kruger Park provide options for kids of all ages, with tailored programs, fun...

Popular Safaris

For the time-constrained traveller wanting to experience the essence of a wildlife safari, this collection of Krugerpark tours , offers you a choice of classic, deluxe and luxury...

Accommodation Near Kruger Park

Hotel lodging and accommodation near Kruger National Park are close enough for you to participate in a self-drive or guided Full-day Safari Browse guest houses, lodges and hotels near Kruger Park entrance gates ...

Fully Guided Safari

Enjoy traditional Kruger National Park safari comfort, accompanied by a skilled ranger on your game viewing safaris. These fully guided safari travel packages deliver standard lodge accommodation and guided game viewing...

Luxury Lodge Safari in Kruger National Park

This selection of the finest luxury accommodation and lodging in Kruger Park is where you will discover a way to appreciate the African wild and do it in comfort - with exceptional cuisine, magnificent wildlife experiences and great hospitality. Our South African safari and game lodges range from artistically elegant to super luxurious with en-suite bathroom facilities.

Self-Catering Rest Camps in Kruger Park

Looking for more affordable self-catering accommodation in Kruger National Park? Rest Camps in Kruger Park offer a range of accommodation from campsites to huts, bungalows, cottages, rondavels, safari tents and guest houses. Facilities include restaurants, shops, petrol stations and more. Ideal for a self-drive safari, although guided game drives can also be arranged.

Kruger National Park Map

Where is Kruger National Park? A Kruger Park Map is indispensable in the planning of any safari. Find out how to drive to Kruger Park from Johannesburg, and how to get around Kruger Park if you are doing a self-drive safari . Here you can find

• Main Kruger Park Map
• Best Game Viewing Routes Map
• Kruger Park Gate Times and Distances List
• Map of Historical Kruger Park Sites
• Map from Johannesburg to Kruger Park

Flights to Kruger National Park

Get flight times and schedules for departures from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, to Kruger International Airport.

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Timbavati private game reserve.

• Manyeleti Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Balule private game reserve, nearby activities and attractions.

There are also other fabulous activities in the surrounding areas that will enhance your Kruger National Park safari experience. How about an amazing Kids elephant safari or a majestic hot air balloon flight? These are real once in a lifetime experiences! Other options include horseback riding, blissful spa treatments and golf.

You can also see what is being done on a grassroots level for the survival of African wildlife at rehabilitation, breeding and endangered species centres .

Combining any of these activities with your Kruger Park safari adventure is something you definitely should consider - maximize your holiday experience in every way.

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The best safaris in South Africa

An expert guide to safaris in south africa.

Anthony Ham

Stuart Butler

• In this guide

Kruger National Park

Sabi sands game reserve, kwazulu-natal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the digested read

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

Close encounters with a leopard in South Africa

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

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

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

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

Kruger's hidden gems

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

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

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

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

My favourite Kruger alternative

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

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

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

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

Madikwe Game Reserve

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

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

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

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

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

Best for big cats

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

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

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

Phinda Game Reserve

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

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

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

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

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

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

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

Mala Mala Game Reserve

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

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

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

Addo Elephant National Park

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

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

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

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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

Kwandwe Game Reserve

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

Karoo National Park

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

Amakhala Game Reserve

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

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

Northern Cape

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

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

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

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

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

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and photography

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

Karongwe Game Reserve

Best for: Birdwatching and the Big Five

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

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

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

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On safari in South Africa

Where to go on safari in South Africa

Our experts' top picks and some hidden gems.

Best for: iconic safaris & exclusive reserves

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

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

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

Best for: absolute luxury safaris

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

Best for: less crowded safaris

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

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

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

Best for: quick & accessible safaris

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

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

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

The Eastern Cape

Best for: easy access from cape town.

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

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

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

The Western Cape

Best for: family-friendly & short safaris.

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa safari: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

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

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

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

Safari on your own terms

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa safari logistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to go on safari in South Africa

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

Sunset over the Savannah

Safety on safari

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

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

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

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

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

Staying healthy

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

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

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

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

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

Responsible safaris

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

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

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

Respect the wildlife

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

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

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

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

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

Follow your guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa safari FAQs

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

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

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

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

What should I expect on a safari in South Africa?

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

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

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

Is safari dangerous?

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

Is safari family friendly?

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

What is the food like in safari camps?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much should we tip our safari guides?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should I pack for a South Africa safari?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do I find a responsible South Africa safari operator?

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

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

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

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

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

In this guide:

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

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

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

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South Africa Safaris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa Safari Resources

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KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

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Weather in South Africa

South Africa safari highlights

Self-drive kruger national park.

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

Go searching for the big seven

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

Splurge on a luxury retreat

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

Hiking in Table Mountain National Park

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

Best time to safari in South Africa

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

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

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

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National parks in South Africa

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

Top South Africa national park picks

Kruger national park.

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

Addo Elephant Park

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

West Coast National Park

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

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other South Africa safari resources

South africa safari companies.

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

South Africa safari lodges

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

Read safari guides to all countries

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

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

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

Top countries for safaris

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

Safari basics

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

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Africa’s best game reserves

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

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The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

Senior Content Contributor

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When To Go on a Safari in South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa Safari Logistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is South Africa the best country for a safari?

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

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A Wildlife Safari To Discover In South Africa

06 August 2019 | PUBLISHED BY admin

Take a wildlife safari and explore wild Africa. Discover animals in their natural habitat while kicking back in uttermost luxury.

Quick Guide to a Wildlife Safari in South Africa

• What is a Wildlife Safari?
• Wild South African Animals You’ll See on Safari
• What an African Wildlife Safari looks like at Shamwari
• Wild Safari Animals in Africa
• See the Big Five up close on African Wild Safari

Exciting Wildlife Safari Park Activities

South african accommodation in the heart of the bush, immersive outdoor accommodation with all the frills.

• Deluxe Wild Safari Lodges Fit for Royalty
• Family-Friendly Safari Accommodation

Pack for a Wild Safari in South Africa: Here’s What You Need

African wildlife safari prices: what to expect, read our wildlife safaris reviews.

• Your dream African wild safari is a click away!

Wildlife Safari: An Adventure into Africa

A wilderness safari is often an impressive game viewing journey, taken via an open safari truck or on foot, where tourists can view wildlife in their natural habitat. Unlike its hunting origins, the modern-day African safari is focused on nature conservation . Now sightseers not only see beautiful wild creatures in action but they also learn about the importance of protecting species in the whole world.

Rangers, safari guides who know the landscape and its animals by heart, can take holidaymakers on wild safaris within a game reserve’s boundary. Listening, and adhering to the game ranger’s requests is essential to a comprehensive and safe wild African safari experience.

Wild South African Animals You’ll See on a Wildlife Safari

Thanks to wildlife conservation efforts, wildlife numbers are stable, which means that sighting a wild animal on an African safari is guaranteed. Whether you’re on a family safari holiday or a photography assignment, you’re bound to be privy to exceptional animal sightings, especially at Shamwari.

Take a peek into life on an African wildlife safari at Shamwari in the video below!

The Big Five’s reputation precedes them as their strength, size and mental prowess make some of the most dangerous animals on the planet. However, there are countless other magnificent creatures to see. Rare, shy or small beings like the Small Five are difficult to spot, but if you do, you should count yourself as lucky.

Try to Spot These Wild Safari Animals in Africa

See the big five up close on a wildlife safari.

The African elephant’s majestic grace up close

Wonder at the beautiful bond between rhinos and their young

Sneak a peek at one of South Africa’s most elusive animals, the leopard

Feel the thunder of a lion’s roar

Experience the force of the African Buffalo

Safaris are not limited to driving through the wild. The extent of your African wild safari holiday depends on the game reserve’s service offerings and the level of adventure you crave. From walking to microlight flights, you can have it all.

Extravagant safari extras can include photography workshops, wildlife courses, helicopter flights , and balloon safaris. Some establishments even offer rafting, kayaking, quad biking or horse rides in a secured area, away from wildlife.

A typical African wild safari tour tries to keep it as natural as possible. That said, natural can feel daunting as walking safaris require participants to be relatively fit, and between the age of 16 and 65. Here are the top wild safari experiences at Shamwari.

Exhilarating African Wildlife Safari Game Drives

Guests can explore the vast, almost 25,000-hectare, reserve from the safety of a comfortable 4×4 vehicle. The game viewing vehicles take guests to survey areas at sunrise or sunset when animals are at their most active.

As there is a river running through the game reserve, rare animal sightings are not uncommon. Warming coffees greet guests on their early morning drives while those on the afternoon excursions get tasty sun-downers.

These informative drives not only give guests a front seat to wildlife in action but also teaches them about animal behaviour, habitat, animal tracks and the area history.

Find out about game drives at Shamwari *No children under the age of 4 allowed on a game drive.

Live Life on the Edge with Guided Wild Safari Bush Walks

Tread on foot and walk among South African wildlife on a Shamwari bush safari walk. Expert safari guides accompany guests on an intimate hike through the bush while sharing their intimate knowledge on fauna and flora.

For an all-encompassing experience, book your family safari holiday at the Explorer Camp. The camp offers guests an adventure-filled stay, perfect for mature family members aged between 16 and 65. The experience hones in on the core principle of the game reserve: appreciating nature at its most basic and raw. Guests will go on a supersized walking safari, an adventure-filled 2-night trail that immerses you into the wild.

Find out more about the Explorer Camp

Take Time on a Natural Birding Wildlife Safari

Shamwari’s tours and safaris offer bird-lovers a chance to spot some of their 275 beautiful bird species. Thanks to the Bushman’s river that runs through Shamwari, the game reserve has a wide variety of prime birding spots to admire rare birds and majestic birds of prey that flock to the area .

Find out more about birding at Shamwari

Let the Little Ones Loose on an African Wild Safari for Kids

Shamwari makes sure that each member of the family gets a wild safari experience. Children, alongside adults, can attend the multiple educational centres, which aim to inspire future wildlife conservationists. Kids can even go on their own safari !

The family-friendly lodge, Riverdene, has a Kids Club, an Adventure Centre specially designed to give active kids an unforgettable adventure.

• The Adventure Centre is equipped with a zip-line, child-friendly rock climbing walls, an expansive network of tree-houses and adventure slide.
• The Kids Club has pizza making, cookie decoration, and a kids’ library.
• Multiple outdoor activities can keep the littlest ones busy with a large playground, and fun-filled maze.

Top Wild Safaris Journeys

Small game drives ensure that each guest is well looked after. Once guests arrive at their chosen lodge, they meet their game ranger. A ranger is assigned to the guests for game drives, bush walks and most importantly, to make sure their stay is a memorable one!

For the most private and immersive experience, book your wild safari during the winter months. The chances are, you’ll have a game ranger all to yourself, which means you’ll be able to satiate all the questions you may have and get the most from the ranger’s expertise.

You can request a private wildlife safari game drive or bush walk before or during your stay at Shamwari. Or, explore the conservation and rehabilitation centres to learn more about the wildlife of Africa.

Top 10 Wildlife Safari Tours at Shamwari, South Africa

• Safari game drives
• Daily bush walks
• 2-night trail (Explorer Camp)
• Kids safari adventure
• Photographic workshop and safari
• Visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
• Big cat sanctuary
• Spa experience

Rugged and naturally wild or pristine and sheltered, Shamwari accommodation caters to all tastes and stages of life. Whether it’s an exquisite family lodge or adventurous tented camp, luxury lies in every detail.

Sindile: Elevated Immaculate Safari Tents

Strategically placed atop a bushy landscape, nine comfortable tents give guests an unsullied view of the surrounding area. All luxury tented bush camps are equipped with a private mini-bar, international adapters, indoor fireplace, outdoor shower, en-suite bathroom, private deck with heated plunge pool and lounge and dining area.

Read more about Sindile

Bayethe: Luxury Safari Lodge

“… no words can explain how amazing it was!”

As one of the top safari lodges in South Africa, this wilderness bush camp is submersed in lush vegetation and a feeling of serenity. This safari utopia provides the uttermost privacy and exclusive access to a Relaxation Retreat, gift boutique and outdoor deck.

Read more about Bayethe

Explorer Camp: Immersive Tented Camps

“We absolutely loved every moment”

Experience wildlife at its most natural and undisturbed. The Explorer Camp has Livingston style safari tents that are basic but have all the luxuries and creature comforts guests may need. Holidaymakers can expect a 2-night trail in spring to autumn, and delicious meals after an excursion. The wild safari site is rough to allow guests to immerse themselves in the South African wild.

Read more about the Explorer Camp

Deluxe Wildlife Safari Lodges Fit for Royalty

Eagles Crag: Wild Safari Luxury in the Treetops

“ Stunning accommodation and if you’re lucky sometimes elephants come right up to your plunge pool”

With its viewing platforms on the upper deck, Eagles Crag not only gives guests a bird’s eye view of surrounding nature but also exclusive luxury at its best. The nine suites have breathtaking vistas. Each suite is fully enveloped in the surrounding bush which makes Eagles Crag a top choice for romantic getaways. Guests can immerse themselves in Shamwari by sitting on the deck, enjoy the view from the suite’s lounge area or play a round of pool on the billiard table in the entertainment area.

Read more about Eagles Crag

Long Lee Manor: Comfort, Relaxation and Recreation

“A once in a lifetime experience”

Long Lee Manor is the answer for those who want the best of both worlds: homely accommodation with many creature comforts and wild nature at your doorstep. Guests can indulge their senses in the relaxation retreat, immense swimming pool, gift boutique, and beautiful garden. The manor offers teens entertainment in the teen play zone and active guests the option of hitting the weights in the fitness centre.

Apart from its luxurious accommodation, Long Lee Manor’s boma overlooks the water hole that attracts a variety of animals.

Read more about Long Lee Manor

Lobengula: Exclusivity and Private Plunge Pools

“What an amazing place!”

Guests who stay at Lobengula can get an idea of what a traditional African kraal looked like. The layout of the lodge resembles that of an original kraal, but the utmost comfort of the suites contrast and complement the rustic setting. All six exclusive rooms have private plunge pools overlooking the surrounding bushveld

Read more about Lobengula

Family-Friendly Wild Life Safari Accommodation

Riverdene Family Safari Lodge: Entertainment for the Whole Family

“ Far more than just a 5-star lodge”

Riverdene is the ultimate destination for a family safari holiday. Adults can enjoy the views of the Bushman’s River, famous for its incredible animal sightings, and the bar and lounge area, while kids can run wild in the supervised kids club, adventure centre or toddlers play area. At Riverdene families can bond and relax for hours with the highest service and facilities at their disposal. Children under 8 years old stay for free.

Read more about Riverdene

Sarili: Expansive Viewing Platform and Creature Comforts

“ Amazing… can’t wait to go back”

Hovering near the edge of Bushman’s River, the Sarili deck offers guest unbeatable vistas of the wild below. Luxury amenities and access to the Kids Safari Experience ensure that the whole family have a brilliant time. The welcoming pool is also a remarkable treat after a game drive or bush walk.

Read more about Sarili

Preparation is key to a successful African safari. First, you need comfortable neutral coloured clothes that will not only keep you warm during the early morning game drive but also transition into light wear when the landscape heats up. To prepare your travel bag for your wild safari in South Africa, pack these things in your holiday bag :

Walking shoes that can conquer rough terrain

Neutral-coloured (like beige and khaki) clothing, camera with extra memory cards and batteries., insect repellent, especially in high-risk areas, your medication, multi-purpose ointment for bruises and insect bites.

If your African wild safari destination includes a pool, pack your bathing suit too! You can also stock up on essentials at the game lodge’s curio shop.

All-inclusive African wild safari vacations ensure that you, the guest, have the ultimate wilderness experience that is at once exciting and luxurious. With our customised wild safari packages you can have it all and save between 10-20% on your total accommodation and wildlife safaris prices.

All Shamwari stays include the following:

• Luxury accommodation
• All-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner (excludes beverages)
• Game drives twice a day (includes local beverages)
• Guided bush walks
• Coffee, tea and still/sparkling water
• Visits to wildlife educational centres within Shamwari
• Daily housekeeping
• Turndown service after dinner

Explore Shamwari tailored holiday packages

Shamwari offers exceptional wildlife safaris. Whether you want to be fully immersed in wild Africa or view wild nature from a distance, you can find it at Shamwari. According to one happy guest, “the [safari] drives surpassed our expectations and seeing the animals so close was wonderful”, and another stated that “it was the best experience we have ever had on holiday”. Find out what our past guests have to say on TripAdvisor and Google reviews .

What are you waiting for? Your dream African wild safari is a click away!

Book your wild safari experience at Shamwari today and discover what it’s like on the wilder side of life!

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Welcome to Samara

Journey with purpose

Award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in South Africa’s heart-stoppingly beautiful Great Karoo region. Founded in 1997, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalysing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation estate to a 3-million-acre footprint in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Today the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species including the Big Five and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Three intimate lodges welcome guests for considered, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters.

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In staying at Samara, every guest plays a role in safeguarding the landscape in perpetuity. Yet for those who visit, Samara’s magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To immerse oneself in this soulful landscape of infinite horizons is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset, a deep reconnection with Nature and a heart-lifting vision of hope for the future.

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Holiday with purpose

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To restore the magic of the Great Karoo through rewilding & responsible tourism, in order to catalyse the healing of this landscape for the benefit of people and planet.

– OUR VISION –

Samara recognised by Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards

Top 15 Resorts in South Africa

Every guest that stays with us is integral to our ongoing journey to conserve and celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of the Karoo.

We are proud to be a Fellow Member of The Long Run , a collection of the world’s most sustainable nature-based travel destinations. Collectively, The Long Run members help conserve over 20 million acres of biodiversity and improve the lives of 750,000 people.

By joining the movement, we have committed to a continuous journey of improvement towards achieving a holistic balance of the “4Cs”: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.

Staying at one of Samara’s lodges acts as a direct contribution to this vision.

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Samara Karoo Reserve Petersburg Road off the R63 to Pearston Graaff-Reinet Eastern Cape, 6280 South Africa

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South Africa Safari

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written by Kieran Meeke

updated 26.04.2023

Of the many amazing things to do in this beautiful county - a South African safari is among the most awesome. With game parks and reserves scattered across the country, covering vast areas of the stunning landscape of every description, you are never far away from an encounter with nature and an experience of a lifetime.

Kruger National Park

Kgalagadi transfrontier park, hluhluwe-imfolozi park, kwazulu-natal, addo elephant park, eastern cape, madikwe game reserve, private game reserves, safari at sea.

• When's the best time to go on a South African safari?

Accommodation

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to South Africa , your essential guide for visiting South Africa .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for South Africa, created by local experts

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Tailor-made trips for   South Africa

Of the many sights to see in South Africa, spotting the “Big Five” on safari – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo – is an unmissable experience. Seeing these magnificent animals is a much easier (and safer) proposition than it once was, especially in Kruger National Park , a vast tract of land that is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and one of the best places to visit with kids .

It may look tiny on a map of South Africa, tucked away into the northeast corner, but it’s a staggering 350km from north to south and 80km from east to west. The number of animals is equally big: roughly 160,000 impalas, 30,000 zebras, 13,000 elephants and 1,600 lions roam the park among the 140 species of mammals.

Once you’ve seen the "Big Five" and plenty of others, you might be just as taken by the birdlife. Kruger even has its own “Big Six” birds found nowhere else in the world – among a total of 500 bird species.

Leopard at Kruger © Sekar B/Shutterstock

How do I get there?

The best way to get to Kruger National Park is by flying into Johannesburg and transferring to a smaller flight into the park, hiring a car, or joining a tour with the transport provided.

Kruger National Park is one of the best-known national parks in South Africa and is always worth a visit. Start and end this tailor-made Kruger adventure in Johannesburg is the perfect stop to then take a domestic flight towards George or Cape Town for the rest of your trip.

Africa's first trans-frontier park spans South Africa and Botswana – so you can tick two countries off in one go on safari here. The open landscape gives an unobstructed view for spotting animals. Kgalagadi is most well-known for its predators.

If you have your heart set on seeing a leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena or the black-maned Kalahari lion, this South Africa safari will be your best bet. The park is also known for its seasonal movement of herbivores such as wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok.

As with Kruger and South Africa safari journeys, you'll most likely start by flying into Johannesburg . You can then rent a car or take another flight closer to Upington, where you can have a tour pick you up.

Springbok antelope jumping, or pronking, South Africa © EcoPrint/Shutterstock

Despite being a twentieth of the size of Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMofolozi Park is considered superior by some. While it can't compete with the game populations, it does have a distinctly more wild feel. Only one of the rest camps is fenced off, allowing the animals to wander at leisure.

All of the Big Five are here, and it's one of the best places in not only South Africa, but the world, to see rhinos, both black and white. It's also well worth coming here for wilderness hiking trails, of which there are some of the best in the country.

Durban is the best starting point for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. It's close enough to Durban that you can even go on a day tour, which makes this park a perfect beach South Africa safari escape.

Young zebras playing in the bush © Natalie Shuttleworth/Shutterstock

As the name suggests, this park in the Eastern Cape is known for its excellent elephant spotting. No other park in the country has a bigger elephant population. In addition, Addo Elephant Park (and the private reserves around it) are malaria-free. This means no inconvenient or side-effect-inducing medication is needed. It's also the only national park in South Africa that has a section of coastline.

Elephants are of course the main draw, but lions and hyenas have been reintroduced here. Addo is also home to the Big Five. The bush is thicker here than in other parks, which means it may sometimes be more difficult to see the game, but when you do it's usually very close-up.

Port Elizabeth is the closest major city, so you'll need to fly here and then drive or get picked up by a lodge or tour.

Two young elephant calves © John Michael Vosloo/Shutterstock

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Tucked near the Botswanan border, Madikwe Game Reserve has remarkably few visitors compared to other South African safari parks. Despite this, it boasts excellent lodges and wildlife-spotting opportunities, including lions (and the rest of the Big Five), elephants, cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas and over 350 bird species.

One of the largest parks and malaria-free, Madikwe is an exclusive resort. There's no self-drive option here and day visits aren't allowed. Only guests of one of the 20-plus lodges here can enter the park and reap the benefits of this uncrowded and wildlife-rich area.

You can drive from Johannesburg, which is 360km away, or take one of the few daily flights from Johannesburg airport to the park.

On the western edge of Kruger are many private game reserves that add five-star pampering to the safari experience. There are no fences separating them from the national park itself, so the wildlife is the same, but game drives can go off-road for an even closer encounter. And afterwards, you can relax in luxurious surroundings and share stories over the very best in food and drink.

Private Game Reserves hippos © Shutterstock

Sabi Sands is a large reserve with a number of luxury camps, including Singita which has often been voted the best in Africa. The exclusivity of Sabi Sands means its wildlife is well accustomed to human behaviour and vehicles can get very close indeed. It’s named for spanning the Sabie and Sand rivers, so rest assured it’s not actually a sandy desert.

Elephants at a plunge pool in Sabi Sand Game Reserve - one of the best options for South Africa safari © Shutterstock

MalaMala is even more exclusive, only open to guests staying at the reserve – not the policy elsewhere. That means fewer vehicles and better game spotting, making it a popular choice for photographers. While still luxurious, and a haunt of A-List celebrities, its emphasis is on Big Five viewing rather than the latest style trends.

Leopard at MalaMala © Sean de la Harpe-Parker/Shutterstock

Greater Makalali Game Reserve

The Greater Makalali Game Reserve is an hour west of Kruger National Park, and roughly 80km from Hoedspruit Airport, in the arid Lowveld region of Limpopo. It’s open savanna grassland and acacia bush, cut by the Makhutswi River, and dotted with native trees such as marula and knobthorn. These rolling hills are a contrast to the rougher terrain closer to Kruger, making for lovely views and easier Big Five spotting.

Makalali is an important migration route for wildlife, connecting Kruger with the rugged Drakensberg mountains to the west at the edge of the African plateau. The reserve is for overnight guests only and Garonga Safari Camp is one of the most romantic lodges you can find. Makalali means “place of rest” and you’ll understand why if you stay.

MUST-DO: Makalali is home to the lovely but rare sable antelope, whose horns can reach up to 1.2m in length, making it a special sight to add to your Big Five viewing.

Male sable antelope © Shutterstock

South African National Parks

Kruger gets the headlines but South African National Parks (SAN Parks) actually manages 21 parks in all. These include such gems as Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape, home to many endangered species, and Mountain Zebra in the Eastern Cape, where you can track cheetahs on foot with an experienced guide. That’s just as amazing as it sounds.

MUST-DO: The black-maned lions of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, bordering Botswana, are a unique sight in themselves but the Kalahari desert adds even more to the experience. It’s also the best place in South Africa to see a cheetah.

Cheetah on a termite mound in San Parks © Shutterstock

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Only two hours from Cape Town, Aquila 's remote setting makes it feel even further away from city life. It’s the only Big Five reserve in the Cape. You may even tick them all off on the drive-in, especially in the dry season when the bush is thinner.

The four-star lodge has bars, a restaurant and a spa and you can watch hippos in the reserve’s dam from many of the rooms. Scattered around the grounds are private luxury cottages in African style.

If you can drag yourself away from the buffet, there are dawn, post-lunch and sunset game drives. You can also enjoy the reserve on quad bike or horseback.

MUST-DO: No wildlife lover’s trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Simon's Town. However, the seal colonies at Hout Bay or Duiker Island are just as entertaining.

Lion at Aquila Game Reserve © Josef Hajda/Shutterstock

As well as the Big Five, in South Africa, you can add whales and the great white shark to make the Big Seven. For that, you obviously have to head to the coast.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

This eastern coast, with the city of Durban at its heart, meets the border with Mozambique in the north and the Eastern Cape Province to the south at Port Edward. KZN’s Indian Ocean frontage means plenty of soft sandy beaches, seaside resorts and nature reserves with lots of birdlife.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

North of Durban, this park protects almost 300km of coastline from St Lucia northwards. There are eight interconnected ecosystems including coral-rich Sodwana Bay, great for scuba diving, and freshwater Lake Sibaya, with its huge numbers of hippos, crocodiles and birds.

There are plenty of lovely sub-tropical beaches along this coast and a good choice of places to stay, from luxury beach lodges to campsites. A 4x4 vehicle is a good idea if you want to explore further north but Cape Vidal, just outside St Lucia, is a beautiful campsite where you can sometimes see whales and dolphins offshore.

Between November and March, you have the joy of sharing the beaches with nesting loggerhead and leatherback turtles. You won’t want to disturb them, so sign up for a tour with an expert guide.

Inland, you can see the Big Five in Mkuze Game Reserve which also draws in birdwatchers from all over the world for its 420 bird species. Tembe Elephant Park is another special place, where some of the largest elephants in Africa are looked after on land donated by the Tembe tribe.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park © Shutterstock

Sardine Run

KwaZulu-Natal’s whale season is June-July when they follow the Sardine Run up the coast on the way to warmer waters. This migration is much bigger in numbers than the famous Serengeti wildebeest migration, involving billions of South African pilchards and their predators: mainly gannets and dolphins.

A sightseeing flight, or even an up close and personal guided dive , is the best way to grasp the truly awesome size of the shoals while also spotting whales and dolphins. Despite its scale, and starring role in documentaries such as BBC’s The Blue Planet , there’s a lot about the Sardine Run we still don’t know.

Sardine run © Wildestanimal/Shutterstock

Hermanus and Gaansbaai

These towns are in Western Cape Province at either end of Walker Bay, world famous for whale watching. You can actually stand on the coast and see pods of Southern Right whales breaching a few metres offshore during the season from July to November.

The peak is in September and October when the two-day Hermanus Whale Festival marks the annual return of the Southern Right whales to their winter mating and breeding grounds in Walker Bay. Humpback whales, orcas, Bryde’s whales and pods of dolphins can also be seen at other times of the year.

Boat trips will bring you even closer to the whales, while aerial tours again give a unique view from above. A sea kayak tour is another option if you’re brave enough. Southern right whales are quite sociable and interact well with dolphins and boats.

MUST-DO: The 7km-long Klipgat Hiking trail from De Kelders to Gansbaai has great ocean views, bracing sea air and some of the best whale-watching.

Southern right whale off the coast of Hermanus © John Fader/Shutterstock

The ultimate trip from Gaansbaai is to dive with great white sharks . Of course, you don’t actually swim with them (phew!) but watch them being fed close-up while protected by a steel cage. You don’t need any previous diving experience, either.

You are fitted out with a wetsuit, mask and scuba tank and given simple instructions. Once in the cage, you stay on the surface until the divemaster tells you the sharks are around. Then you dip underwater to enjoy an experience that certainly gets the heart pumping.

As well as the great white shark, a visit to Dyer Island will give you a sighting of whales, dolphins, penguins and seals to complete your South Africa safari experience.

Great White Shark diving in Gaansbaai © Shutterstock

Cape Whale Route

Walker Bay is just the start of a “Cape Whale Route” that runs for 900km along the south coast. It takes in Cape Agulhas, the most southerly tip of Africa, where you can spot whales from the dunes of Agulhas National Park . Maybe not as many as at Hermanus, but there will be far fewer people too and wilder scenery.

The town of De Hoop is another less crowded alternative to Hermanus. De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve protects an important whale nursery. Another nursery is at Witsand , on the mouth of the Breede River. Boat trips in the bay are banned to protect the whales, but you can see plenty from the land while enjoying fabulous beaches.

West of Cape Town, the towns of Yzerfontein, Lambert’s Bay and Strandfontein offer another alternative to Hermanus, with the flowers of Namaqualand blooming from late August to early September as a photographic bonus to the whale season.

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MUST-DO: Seal Island off Mossel Bay is home to thousands of Cape fur seals and is a good place to spot dolphins, whales or even sharks.

Meisho Maru Shipwreck along the Agulhas Coast © Shutterstock

When's the best time to go on a South African safari?

The best time to go on a South African safari is in the dry season, from May to October. The grass is low, visibility is better and the dry conditions mean you'll find more wildlife congregating around the watering holes. The temperatures are also much cooler than the sticky, hot summer. That said, the summer months (November to April) are often cheaper, the lush vegetation is spectacular, and baby animals can make an appearance.

Start this tailor-made Five Star South African trip in Johannesburg with a few days of exploring the city. Afterwards, take the exclusive Rovos Rail to Cape Town with several stops on the way. From Cape Town, you will explore the peninsula as well as the wine lands. The Garden Route rounds up this luxurious trip.

Cheetahs out for a stroll © Ewan Chesser/Shutterstock

Budget and mid-range

It's not often you hear the words 'South Africa safari on a budget', but keeping the costs down is not impossible. If you're looking to keep the purse strings tight, start with South Africa National Parks.

It's responsible for 20 parks in South Africa and its properties are usually much cheaper than those in private game reserves. Doing a self-drive safari will also lower the costs. Alternatively, you can book a tour which, depending on the operator, can keep costs affordable.

Some of the best budget accommodation options in South Africa

• Ocean Lounge
• Sani Lodge Backpackers
• ATKV Klein-Kariba
• The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel

Safari, South Africa © Shutterstock

As has been suggested already, choosing a private game reserve will push you towards the more luxurious end of your budget. Private reserves mean you won't be sharing the park with a trail of other cars. Instead, you'll be taken out on game drives in a comfortable 4WD with plenty of information from your guide.

Accommodation is usually in romantic rooms (hence why safaris are a great honeymoon choice) or luxury "tents", overlooking the savanna.

Luxurious places to stay in South Africa

• The Marine Hermanus
• Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
• Prana Lodge
• Kapama River Lodge

Ready for a trip to South Africa ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to South Africa or The Rough Guide to Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to South Africa without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Kiera n has lived in 12 countries – including Yemen and Mozambique – and written about countless others, specialising in long-form features that get beneath the surface. This love of exploring the quirky and hidden in every destination saw him run the Secret London website for 15 years, but more recently has taken him on long distance walking and horse-riding adventures. Follow him on Instagram @kieran_meeke .

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• Wildlife in South Africa

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Co-founder, Discover Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Alluring Stillness Amid Raw Beauty And Boundless Plains

Uncover the story behind sanbona.

Immerse yourself in a landscape where wildlife and flora leave you truly captivated and transformed. Sanbona is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves, stretching across 62 000 hectares of rich protected ecosystems within two biodiversity hotspots. This vast track of land in the Little Karoo outside Montagu, a mere 3.5 hours drive from Cape Town along Route 62, is owned by a non-profit company focused on steering conservation to the forefront of the safari experience. Sanbona offers an authentic and contrasting natural space, striving to create a balance where critically important ecosystems, endangered wildlife and flora can prosper for the benefit of future generations. Sanbona offers four different accommodation options, each with their own distinctive style and appeal. Spend the day exploring every corner of this immense reserve, endless open plains and sculpted Cape fold mountains adorned with San rock art, the endemic flora and some of South Africa’s most sought after wildlife.

The Ultimate Luxury Mindful Safari

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve invites you for a high-end, conservation-based nature safari in the diverse landscapes of the unique Little Karoo. It’s the closest true wildlife experience you can find near Cape Town, a short three-hour drive away, offering an exclusive and unique malaria-free safari. From the classic Tilney Manor to Gondwana Family Lodge welcoming children of all ages, there’s something for everyone. Couples will love Dwyka Tented Lodge, set in a secluded horseshoe bend, and if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, Explorer Camp offers an immersive walking safari experience.

Find your perfect stay

Set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and concealed by striking rock formations.

Enjoy a funky farmhouse characterised by contemporary interiors with an up-to-the-minute African edge.

Rooted in a more stately past, the Cape Georgian-style homestead gazes out over the renosterveld to the Kleinberg mountain range.

Space and Solitude

At the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona stretches across 62,000 hectares of awe-inspiring wide-open plains, with mountain tops to gorgeous gorges and a wide array of endemic flowers and foliage. Sanbona offers a Big Five safari experience, yet it is the emphasis on environmental sustainability, ecosystem conservation and authentic wilderness experiences that sets it apart. Enter our ethereal safari destination, where you’ll become one with your surroundings, reaching the ultimate level of inner peace.

Witness Conservation First-Hand

Every experience at Sanbona is centered around conservation. Owned by a non-profit company, not only will every cent of your stay go toward our conservation efforts, but you also get to see the results with your own eyes. Our sustainable approach to showcasing the region’s unique biodiversity, the wealth of botanical life and endemic, rare and endangered wildlife means you get to see first-hand how you’re helping us make a difference. From twice-daily game drives, nature walks, San rock art tours, birdwatching, photography and stargazing, let us show you a whole new magical world. At our Gondwana Family Lodge, your little future conservationists can enjoy plenty of child-friendly facilities and our Kids on Safari activities.

Experience true Natural beauty

Conserving Ancient heritage, ecosystems and landscapes

Sanbona’s unique setting and delicate ecosystem is something we respect and strive to protect with everything we do. Conservation is a core value at Sanbona, and, with every visit, you play a vital part in preserving the region for future generations. What started as a dream in 2002 is a reality today. We’re proud to be a highly respected player in conservation as we continue to guard the area’s heritage, ecosystem and landscapes while creating employment opportunities to uplift the local communities.

Explore stories from Sanbona’s plains

Find out what's been happening in and around Sanbona, our conservation success stories, and more in our blog.

One of a kind – a unique Cape mountain zebra foal born at Sanbona

The birth of a unique foal at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a beacon of hope for Cape mountain zebra conservation. Over the last 300 years, hunting and habitat destruction has decimated Cape mountain zebra numbers and isolated the three remaining small populations.

Sanbona’s White Lions: Icons of Majesty and Conservation

In the heart of the Little Karoo, where the vast landscapes echo with the untamed rhythm of nature, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve stands as a testament to the commitment to conservation and the preservation of endangered species.

A Metapopulation Milestone

A species genetically idled for nearly 100 years, has finally been given the opportunity to bolster and perpetually increase their genetic lineage.

Stay 4, Pay 3 Offer

Receive one night on a complimentary basis when booking 4 consecutive nights at any of our luxury lodges. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is packed with opportunities to learn, love and explore nature around you while residing in ultimate comfort.

• SOUTH AFRICA
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We specialize in small group, custom made photographic tours.

EXPLORE OUR PHOTOGRAPHIC TOURS

Let us guide you through Asia, Africa and South America's most renowned birding destinations.

Explore our Birding Tours

We've been organizing safaris in Southern Africa since 2004

EXPLORE OUR WILDLIFE SAFARIS

We specialize in small-group, custom-made, and packaged birding-, wildlife- and photographic safaris since 2004. Depending on your interest our team of wildlife walking-trails guides, specialized birding guides, and experienced wildlife photographic guides will make sure that you have the best wildlife experience.

Our set-date departures and package trips are popular with wildlife enthusiasts while the custom-made itineraries will cater for your specific itineraries will cater for your specific interest.

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From Our Clients

Kruger national park, botswana, caprivi and victoria falls.

Nine leopards, lions mating and hunting buffalo, cheetah eating its kill, 271 species of birds and many of them photographed. Elephants doing a river crossing, four African finfoot, Pel’s fishing owl, rock pratincole and southern carmine bee-eaters. Wow Casper, you pulled out all the stops and delivered a superb 25-day trip that included Kruger, Caprivi, Chobe and Victoria Falls. We now have months of photo editing to do. Very... Read this review

Leoni, Trish, John and Adrian

Costa Rica 15-day Birding Trip

I have finally totalled up my list. It seems as if I saw 445 species 233 were lifers. So an excellent result all round. The accommodations were all of a high standard and the food excellent. The transport and our driver was also first class. Hotel Robledal was great being so near the airport and with a good selection of birds to get started. (Actually we had two new... Read this review

Alex, UK - Apr/May 2022

Central Ecuador including the Amazon Rainforest 19 days & Galapagos Island 9 days Birding Trip

We have just had the pleasure of spending 30 days with Casper in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. It was a most exhilarating experience, and one not to be missed. All travelling and accommodation arrangements ran very smoothly, with local guides providing outstanding photographic and ornithological skills, which made the whole trip an absolute pleasure to be part of. Nothing was too much trouble for Casper whose kind and... Read this review

Chris and Helen Gregory

South Africa

Central Ecuador including the Amazon Rainforest 19 days Birding Trip

What a wonderful tour, very well organised, extremely knowledgeable and helpful guides, comfortable accommodation, great food and a spectacular 459 lifers. We had such fun!! Thank you Casper and your team, the tour exceeded our wildest dreams. September 2021

Trygve & Anne Hvidsten

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Wildlife safaris

Find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you

Whether you want to witness the Serengeti’s Great Migration, track rhino on foot or gently approach some of the world’s last mountain gorillas, use our expertise to find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you. However, there is such a variety of options – about 90% of our trips are wildlife focused – that making blanket recommendations for what we think are “the best wildlife safaris in Africa" would be impossible. Spotting a magnificent black-maned lion on a Kalahari dune, relaxing to watch elephants mud-bathing in the midday sun, or following a pack of wild dogs at high speed as they hunt – all have figured amongst our travellers’ best wildlife experiences in Africa. Choosing the wildlife safari which is best for your trip to Africa depends enormously on you – what you want to see, how you like to travel and what kind of experiences you want. If there's a specific species you really want to see, check out the interactive map on our Wildlife page . This summarises the tens of thousands of species sighting reports sent to us by hundreds of our travellers to give some very precise ideas about the best areas and camps to see wildlife across Africa, or get in contact to speak to a member of our team. Meanwhile we hope that the ideas below will offer inspiration. We’ve tried to highlight the strengths of the various countries so click below for our recommendations on some of the best camps and lodges for great wildlife experiences. These lists are far from exhaustive; many excellent camps aren’t included here – but you will find the crème de la crème of places which offer outstanding wildlife experiences, as well as some which excel for very specific species or activities.

Our top wildlife safaris

The thunder of a million wildebeest hoves crossing the Serengeti, meeting a mountain gorilla and walking with rhino. Get inspired for your safari to Africa.

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$8,060 - US$10,020 per person

Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe’s location near the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment allows sightings of species that you may not see elsewhere on your wildlife safari in Zambia. Such species include the Samango monkey ( Corcophithecus mitis ), and the crested guineafowl ( Guttera pucheroni ).

Kakuli Bushcamp

On a bend of the Luangwa River at the confluence of the Luwi River, where elephants regularly congregate, Kakuli Bushcamp is in an area with a high density of game and bird life. Combine this with great guiding, and the result a superb wildlife safari experience.

Mchenja Bushcamp

Zambia’s South Luangwa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, with high densities of wildlife; Sightings of lion and leopard are particularly common on night drives. On one of our drives from Mchenja Bushcamp during the dry season, we saw many antelope – including impala and puku – a slender mongoose, a genet and a bushbaby, before an exciting hour or more following a pride of three lion out hunting.

Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

3 days • 1 location DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$2,430 - US$3,030 per person

Lake Manze Camp

A stay at Lake Manze allows you to feel close to the wildlife - a wide variety of game including elephant, impala, hippos and buffalos can be seen from your own tent, or you can go on a game drive or boat safari from here.

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$4,110 - US$5,060 per person

Mdonya Old River Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person

The wildlife in this area of Nyerere National Park is usually good, but can be a little elusive at times. There is a permanent population of lions and frequent sightings of more transient wild dogs. Among much other game, there’s usually an abundance of giraffe, wildebeest and the odd buffalo.

Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka is located in one of the best game-viewing areas in Ruaha, making it a great choice for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The park is known for its particularly good numbers of lion and elephant and guests staying for several nights can expect some excellent wildlife sightings.

Topi Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$6,540 - US$6,870 per person

Nyerere National Park has a good population of wildlife throughout the year. There is always an abundance of giraffe and impala as well as a number of lion. The fortunate might see leopard, as well as wild dogs that occasionally move through the area around Siwandu.

Jongomero Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, occasional cheetah and wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Boehm's Zebra Safari

7 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$7,130 - US$9,410 per person

Kaingo Camp

Kaingo is in an area of South Luangwa National Park with high densities of more common species, as well as endemics such as Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe, making this an excellent spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Mwamba Bushcamp

The game hides at Mwamba camp are one of its main attractions, and they allow you to see some fantastic wildlife. The game-rich area and high-quality guides make this a great camp for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Robin Pope Walking Safari

7 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person

Nkwali camp has first-rate guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris, and South Luangwa allows night drives, and some off-read driving. These factors make for a superb wildlife safari experience in one of Africa's best game areas.

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, where elephants regularly cross, Nsefu is in an area with a high density of game and birdlife – but relatively few visitors. This, along with top-notch guides, results in excellent Zambian wildlife safaris.

Robin Pope mobile

Immersed in nature, this temporary mobile walking camp offers the ultimate in a truly remote safari – a time to connect with the bush and the wildlife in one of Africa’s top safari areas, by simply walking around with an expert guide and naturalist.

Azura Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 location VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

US$5,250 - US$6,880 per person

Azura Benguerra

Azura Benguerra offers some of the best marine wildlife encounters in Mozambique, be it diving and snorkelling with a multitude of fish, finding Dugong in the mainland's mangroves or getting up close with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.

Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person

Chongwe River House

Chongwe River House comes with a private expert safari guide who is fully qualified to lead walking safaris, boat trips and 4WD safaris. Hence you can expect a first-class wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the Lower Zambezi Valley.

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House comes with a private 4WD safari vehicle and an expert guide. With night drives and some off-road driving also allowed in the park, Luangwa Safari House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the South Luangwa.

Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

3 days • 1 location PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

US$2,730 - US$4,240 per person

From the family-friendly Ecca Lodge you can go on 4WD wildlife safaris and guided walks in the Kwandwe Game Reserve. You have a good chance of seeing rhino, as well as lion and cheetah. Even small children can participate in spoor tracking or drives to see hazard-free wildlife.

Wildlife holidays in Africa

Browse trip ideas by country.

Botswana's wildlife safaris are perhaps the best in Africa: the vast reserves are usually un-fenced, ...

Kenya is the country where the word 'Safari' (Swahili for 'journey') actually comes from. Close ...

Don't expect spectacular game on a wildlife safari in Malawi, instead come for a relaxed safari ...

Mozambique is best known for its wonderful beaches and marine life, not its 4WD safaris. There ...

Wildlife safaris in Namibia can be outstanding. The country has Africa's highest cheetah population, ...

Having walked since dawn, you're tired but your senses are alive. You hear them grunt before you ...

South Africa

Expert Africa covers only the western side of South Africa, including the Cape and Kgalagadi. Within ...

Tanzania offers a winning combination: some of Africa's best wildlife safaris plus stunning tropical ...

For all of the Zambia specialists at Expert Africa, wildlife safaris are the core of what we do: ...

If watching wildlife from a 4WD is not close enough for you, then go on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe! ...

Africa trips to appeal to many different interests

Click below for ideas, then call us to discuss what you want. We will design a trip perfectly for you, around your interests.

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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Wildlife safari

C C oming this close to nature is a sense-tingling reminder of why we have always been inspired by the untouched wild. With world-renowned nature reserves and preservation areas in every province, there’s no shortage of places to explore.

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Glamping: Embracing Nature's Splendour in Glamorous Comfort

Khosi tyobeka, zimase travel, millicent shai: founder and owner of thaba legae guest lodge, soul-searching in south africa, south african tourism - heritage day, vervet monkeys: the mischievous primates with long tails are plentiful in many south african habitats, the upper karoo route: meander through northern cape from victoria west to calvinia, weddings in northern cape: lush riverside farms and dramatic desert landscapes, weddings in south africa: unsurpassed natural beauty and warm hospitality guaranteed, zebras in south africa: excellent places to spot africa’s striped wild horse, the klein karoo, western cape: beneath the arid exterior, hidden jewels, aeons old, thakadu river camp in madikwe game reserve: conservation uplifting local communities in north west and limpopo., south africa on social media.

The BMW International Open has made us excited for the BMW Golf Cup World Final to be hosted in SA. We caught up wi… https://t.co/XiU3waBo1T

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Ready to get into the swing of things? The Pro-Am Tournament of the 2023 BMW International Open starts today in Mün… https://t.co/WqLU7FshdH

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South Africa and Victoria Falls

11 days/10 nights Lodges/Hotel Departs daily ex Victoria Falls

Tour Cost Prices on request

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Discover the best of south africa & zimbabwe.

This popular itinerary combines Zimbabwe’s magnificent Victoria Falls with a safari in South Africa and a visit to scenic Cape Town.

Sip cocktails on the Zambezi River, tour the Falls, look out for lion , elephant and leopard in the Kruger, and discover the spectacular mountains, vineyards and seascapes of the Cape.

This is not a group tour but a recommended itinerary for private touring that stands alone or can be tailored to your requirements. We can easily add more nights in any area, and can mix and match the accommodation to suit.

Getting there

• Victoria Falls World Heritage Site
• Kruger Park Private Reserves
• Big Five gameviewing in open vehicles
• Beautiful Cape Town & Table Mountain
• Spectacular Cape Winelands & Cape Point

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

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

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

Sample Itinerary

11 days/10 nights, victoria falls.

Arrive Victoria Falls and transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, set on a plateau with panoramic views over the Zambezi National Park and a private waterhole attracting herds of animals. This evening enjoy sundowner cocktails on your sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

On day 2 spend the morning witnessing the amazing beauty of the Victoria Falls. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure. Optional tours are available  including a Flight of Angels and a Chobe National Park full day excursion.

Kruger Private Game Reserve

Transfer from Victoria Falls town to Livingstone for flight to Kruger International Airport. On arrival transfer by road to Londolozi Pioneer Camp for 3 nights. Nestled in a grove of ebony trees, Pioneer Camp accomodates just 6 guests in 3 luxurious suites. Londolozi is world renowned and the ideal place to view Africa’s big game. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives whilst at the lodge and when time permits on arrival and departure day.

This morning savour an early morning game drive before departing by road for Kruger International Airport for your onward flight. Arrive Cape Town in the late afternoon and transfer to the five-star Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel offering storied luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mother City.

After breakfast enjoy a half day city tour of Cape Town including a visit to stunning Table Mountain. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

On your second day enjoy a full day tour of Cape Point taking in some spectacular scenery along the South African coastline. The following day indulge in a full day Cape Winelands tour tasting some local wines.

Tour ends Cape Town

After breakfast transfer to Cape Town airport. Tour ends.

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

Subscribe below to keep up to date, find out more about our tailor made african safaris, recommended safaris in south africa, ultimate south africa.

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

Kruger and The Cape

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

South Africa in Luxury

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

Winelands, Garden Route and Safari Self Drive

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

South Africa and Victoria Falls Family Safari

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

South Africa Cape Explorer

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

Say ‘I Do’ in Africa

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

Cape, Kruger and a Castaway Island

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

African Safari Extravaganza

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

Cape Town and Garden Route Discovery

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

Malaria Free Safari

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

Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail

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

Best of South Africa

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

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

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Wildlife Africa - Your African Safari Specialist

• South Africa

Wildlife Africa – Your South African Safari Specialist

Welcome to wildlife africa and our specialized collection for your wildlife safari in africa including all the best south africa destinations..

Wildlife Africa is a South Africa based tour operator specializing in tailor made safari tours and holidays. We bring you the African safari, the Kruger National Park, the African lion safari, the African wildlife park and your luxury African safari and luxury train trips.

With more than 30 years experience of traveling in Africa, we will take you to spectacular wildlife reserves and pristine wilderness areas, to exclusive African Safari Lodges and Camps where specially trained game rangers and trackers are on standby to take you on day and night safaris on foot and on open safari vehicles. We offer a range of the best holiday destinations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Although we specialize in the luxury African safari, we offer a range of safari holidays, tours and packages to suit every taste and budget whether it be a guided tour through Namibia, or a luxury safari camp in South Africa, a stunning beach holiday in Mozambique or a wildlife safari in Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe, we pride ourselves on providing you with the ultimate African Wildlife Safari experience. The game lodges and safari camps we use for our itineraries, offer you the best African Wildlife safari experience, fantastic game viewing, high standards of service and the African Safari of a lifetime.

A vast selection of Botswana Safaris combining the best safari areas in Botswana. Safari Packages include Okavango Delta, Savuti, Chobe National Park, Moremi, Savuti and the Salt Pans

At Wildlife Africa, we offer a range of Mozambique Island Lodges and holiday destinations. This African gem has a coastline regarded as a diving, deep sea fishing and snorkelling paradise.

Welcome to Wildlife Africa’s selection of Safari Destinations in Namibia – Namibia is a country of startling contrasts that straddles two great deserts: the Namib (after which it is named).

SOUTH AFRICA

Our Selection of Luxury African Safari Vacations, incorporating 5 star properties in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe

On safari from Livingstone in Zambia with Wildlife Africa Safaris and Tours. Wildlife Africa selection of safari holiday packages from Livingstone in Zambia

Welcome to Wildlife Africa’s selection of packaged Safari Holidays in Zimbabwe The diversity of attractions available make Zimbabwe a holiday paradise.

African Safari Vacations

Wildlife Africa offers a big range of Luxury African Safari Vacations throughout Southern Africa…

Botswana Fly In Safaris

All the safari Packages on this page are inclusive of all accommodation costs, air and road transportation…

Malaria Free Safaris

Safari and tour Packages to Malaria Free Safari Areas in South Africa, Pilanesberg, Madikwe and…

Kruger Park Safaris

Luxury Kruger National Park Safaris, Safari Deals and Packages…