South Africa Safari Guide
Few destinations can compare to South Africa, where a multitude of attractions awaits, all easily accessible through convenient regional travel. With the Big 5 and stunning landscapes, a safari in South Africa offers the perfect experience for families, honeymooners, and thrill-seekers of every generation. Game reserves are alive with the presence of lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, rare cheetahs, and all the beloved plains game such as zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. For an unforgettable experience with the Big 5 in South Africa, Kruger National Park stands out as the premier destination, renowned for its exceptional opportunities to spot the leopard, the most elusive of all big cats. Accommodation options span from luxurious 5-star retreats to enchanting star-lit escapes, featuring family lodges, romantic honeymoon hideaways, and impressive grand tented camps.
Even the most incredible safari in South Africa feels unfinished without adding a few days in the enchanting Cape Town. While you may not encounter the Big 5 or expansive savannas, the Mother City is brimming with experiences – from watching African penguins frolic in the ocean at Boulders Beach to embarking on breathtaking hikes to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain.
If you are planning a journey and curious about what awaits you on safari in South Africa, you have landed in the perfect spot. Since 1998, we have been crafting South Africa safari itineraries and have gathered all the essential information you need to plan your unforgettable adventure in this convenient guide…
South Africa Safari Guide
Location & Landscape
South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent, boasting a lengthy coastline of approximately 1,500 miles (2,500 kilometres) that runs alongside two magnificent oceans: the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It’s the 25th-largest country in the world – nearly twice the size of Texas and five times larger than the United Kingdom.
Exciting Safari Insights:
Summer spans from November to March.
Winter: June through August
May to September brings the rainy season in Cape Town.
The rainy season in Kruger spans from November to April.
Peak season in Kruger: July to October
Whale season: August to September
The interior of South Africa features a sprawling plateau embraced by the Great Escarpment, with the eastern section showcasing the majestic Drakensberg, known as the ‘Mountains of Dragons’. The southern part of the plateau is known as the Great Karoo, a semi-desert region characterized by its sparsely populated scrubland that gradually transitions into the drier and more arid Kalahari Desert in the north-west of South Africa. The eastern and highest section of the plateau is referred to as the Highveld, gently descending to the north to transform into the Lowveld, home to the renowned Kruger National Park.
The western coastline of the country extends southward from Namibia to the Cape Peninsula, where the chilly Atlantic embraces the warm Indian Ocean beyond Cape Point. It then journeys east through a vibrant, wooded area celebrated as the renowned Garden Route, before extending north to create the nation’s warm Indian Ocean coastline that connects with Mozambique.
Guidelines for Budgeting Your South Africa Safari
Experience the thrill of encountering the majestic Big 5—elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, and lions—in the heart of the Kruger.
Providing precise costs for a safari experience in South Africa can be quite challenging. Numerous elements can shape your budget, such as the level of comfort you desire during your stay, your choice of transportation—be it flying or driving—whether you prefer a more private and exclusive experience, the season of your travels, and the additional activities you wish to include in your plans, like spa treatments and cultural excursions.
We can, however, share some estimated costs so you can have an idea of what to anticipate on your safari in South Africa.
Top Safari Spots in South Africa
With endless possibilities, which destination will provide you with the ultimate South Africa safari experience? The Kruger is an essential destination for any safari, and if you are traveling with young children, we suggest exploring one of South Africa’s renowned malaria-free private reserves.
Another must-see destination brimming with excitement for every age and taste is Cape Town: renowned for its world-class wine country and gourmet dining, stunning beaches, the iconic Table Mountain, lively open-air markets, scenic mountain trails for hikers and cyclists, a vibrant theatre scene and nightlife, as well as an array of luxurious villas, hotels, boutiques, galleries, and spas.
Discover a guide to some of our most beloved safari destinations in South Africa:
The Greater Kruger: A Hub of Wildlife Excitement
The legendary Kruger, a century-old reserve in South Africa, embodies the essence of safari experiences. We suggest experiencing a stay at one of the private reserves that border the national park, or at one of the exclusive-use concessions nestled within it – these offer serene settings where the wildlife viewing is truly exceptional, rivaling the finest in Africa. Indeed, the abundance of wildlife in the Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Thornybush private reserves makes it quite common to encounter the Big 5 in a single day, with leopard sightings so remarkable you will feel as though you are part of a National Geographic documentary! Night drives, guided walks, and off-road game driving enhance the thrill, while open-top tree houses, world-class spas, fine dining, and private villas come together to create an exceptional South Africa safari experience.
There are numerous lodges perfect for families, featuring babysitters and engaging activity clubs for children, alongside camps that highlight the enchanting aspects of safari – luxurious, secluded suites and intimate candle-lit dinners for couples. Traveling to the Kruger is an exciting journey, whether you choose to drive from Johannesburg or take a flight from various locations across South Africa. We recommend taking to the skies – it offers a more serene experience and allows for extra time to explore the wonders of the safari. Keep in mind, the longer you immerse yourself in the wild, the higher your odds of witnessing a hunt or encountering elusive creatures such as a honey badger, cheetah, or pangolin.
Traveling through South Africa and its nearby safari spots is a breeze, allowing you to seamlessly blend the thrilling wildlife experiences of Kruger with the stunning beaches of Mozambique’s Bazaruto or Quirimbas Archipelagos. You can also explore the culinary delights and vibrant design scene of Cape Town, or venture to Victoria Falls, known for its exhilarating experiences.
Reasons for Our Affection:
Intimate, trustworthy Exciting encounters with the Big 5 throughout the year
Timeless 4×4 expeditions led by expert tracker-and-guide teams
Experience exclusive sightings without the hustle and bustle of crowds.
Some of the most exhilarating safari lodges in Africa
Perfect for those embarking on their journey for the first time
Seamlessly paired with tropical getaways and iconic spots such as Cape Town and Victoria Falls
Optimal Time for Exploration:
The ideal period to explore the Kruger, considering the weather and wildlife sightings, is the dry season, which typically spans from late May to October. The rainy summer season brings forth a vibrant world filled with the arrival of newborn antelope, breathtaking green landscapes, and exhilarating opportunities for bird watching. Keep in mind that Kruger is located in a malaria zone: while the risk is minimal – even during the summer months – it is wise to check with your healthcare provider before embarking on your journey.
