South Africa safaris
South Africa encompasses a huge variety of activities, malaria-free safaris, private ranches and sensational local food and wine.
About South Africa
Few places on Earth can match South Africa for its blend of adventure and outstanding hospitality. From riding to swimming in rivers to game viewing safaris, the activities on offer are as vast and varied as the landscapes.
You could embark on a road trip through stunning scenery, bask in the superb climate, explore world-class wilderness and sample award-winning wines. For families, South Africa really comes into its own. On a practical level, it’s a destination where you can pack everything in, without going overboard on costs. The hugely beneficial exchange rate means your money goes an incredibly long way.
There are a number of exceptional bush homes that are wonderful for families looking for a taste of safari. Children and adults alike can choose from a huge range of different activities to fill the days and stay busy. This ranges from game viewing or riding and walking safaris, to sleeping out under the stars, all based from incredibly comfortable owner-run homes located on private ranches. These places are unrivalled if you’re looking for great hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. Expect wonderful food cooked from fresh local ingredients and, of course, excellent South African wines.
South Africa is home to the ‘Big Five’, all of which can be spotted in the famous, Kruger National Park. The main Kruger park is largely served by tarred roads and used by self drive visitors. However we focus our attention almost exclusively on the private reserves that surround this area such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Manyeleti. The experience is much more consistent here with what we’d expect to offer in other safari destinations like Tanzania, Botswana or Zambia.
Meanwhile, the rolling farmland of KwaZulu-Natal with its backdrop of lakes and the ever-present Drakensberg make for a seductive place to stop and spend a few days. This part of South Africa is brimming with things to do – from Zulu or Boer war battlefield tours to adventures in the mountains, to white-water rafting and canoeing. But what’s also hugely pleasurable is to spend a few days slowing down and simply enjoying the relaxed hospitality that seems to come so naturally to people who live in this part of the world. Unlike a hotel stay, many of these places are working farms so you’re more or staying with a family, albeit often in separate guest cottages.
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- Excellent choice of superb private game reserves
- Epic family adventures with a range of high octane activities
- Luxurious safari lodges
- Malaria free safaris – perfect for families
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Best Time To Visit South Africa
Experience the warm high season from November to March
South Africa’s sunny season brings new life to safari parks.
The summer in South Africa brings beautifully hot temperatures and consistently warm weather for most of the country, with the north experiencing thunderstorms.
This time of year is perfect for soaking up the sun and exploring the Winelands, while witnessing the birthing season in Kruger National Park.
The hotter, wetter weather shows off the incredibly rich and luscious natural landscapes, while giving you dibs on safari adventures thanks to the quieter periods.
This is also the perfect time to relax by South Africa’s stunning beaches, especially in Cape Town. Take this opportunity to visit the Garden Route, and drive along the coast with the beautiful Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains as your backdrop. As this is South Africa’s high season, all businesses are open and expecting tourists, so you’ll be spoiled for choice for food, activities, and drinks.
South African safaris from April to October
South Africa’s chillier months offer fantastic game viewing with bright weather.
The winter months perfectly show off the animals in the safari park, thanks to the dry weather. Vegetation thins out and water sources dry up over the winter, clearing the area for you to spot animals as they congregate around the watering holes.
This is also the perfect time to go whale watching along the Whale Coast. The number of whales is generally at the highest in September, but it’s possible to spot them anytime from June onwards.
The KwaZulu-Natal coast experiences milder winters than the rest of the country and shows off the animals in a much more scenic reserve. The area is perfect for bird enthusiasts, while also having a much higher cheetah population than other national parks.
Best Time To Visit South Africa
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Popular Safaris in South Africa
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South Africa’sParks & Areas
Stunning backdrops and natural landscapes abound across South Africa making every National Park and area even more special.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park to explore wild oceans, immense dunes, and spot exciting animals including crocodiles and hippos.
– Low tourist numbers
– Excellent boating experiences
– Learn ancient fishing methods
– Rafia Forests
Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves
One of the world’s most famous wildlife areas, Kruger National Park is home to an astonishing range of mammals and birdlife, offering you the chance to see the Big Five.
– Excellent choice of superb private game reserves
– Guaranteed big five sightings
– One of the best known wildlife areas in the world
– Luxurious safari lodges
Kwazulu Natal
One of the most accessible and exciting parts of Africa for a family safari, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal offers stunning scenery from mountain to coast.
– Literally the world in one provinc
– Huge variety of activities
– Dramatic scenery
– Chance to stay in local homestays
The Drakensberg Mountains
KwaZulu-Natal’s most dominant feature, the Drakensberg Mountain range, has something for everyone, whether it’s short day-walks or more high-octane adventures.
– Dramatic mountain views
– Epic family adventures with a range of high octane activities
– Multi-day walks up into the high berg at over 3000 metres
– Authentic mountain experience
Cape Town & Winelands
Renowned for its food and wine, this area of South Africa also provides stunning mountain scenery and marine wildlife.
– Perfect for family holidays
– Gourmet meals & wine tasting
– Dramatic scenery
– Climb Table Mountain in Cape Town
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage site and a perfect location for hikers, cyclists and whale watchers.
– Sensational land based whale watching
– Wild Atlantic coastline
– Unique bedroom views from De Lekker Beach Lodge
– Day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden gem on the safari scene, it is one of the lesser-known parks in South Africa with superb wildlife.
– Malaria free safari
– Brilliant safari and driveable from Johnnesburg
– Excellent private reserve
– Superb game viewing
Garden Route
A beautiful stretch of South Africa that offers a wonderful mix of mountain hideaways, ancient forests and the opportunity for beach holidays.
– Fantastic area to self-drive
– Beautiful private boutique hotels
– Wonderful scenery and range of activities – hiking, beach, golf and tennis
– Coastal views
Waterberg
South Africa’s best kept secret has a rich tapestry of biodiversity, making it a superb family safari destination.
– Malaria free safari
– Great for horse riding enthusiasts
– Good rhino sightings
– Natural heritage site and unique wilderness
South Africa (FAQs) Need to Know
What is the best safari in South Africa?
This depends on what you want to see. Kruger National Park is perhaps the most popular park in South Africa, and is one of the largest safari parks in the world. It’s possible to see the famed Big Five at this park, while still giving you an authentic safari experience. Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal is ideal for a more dramatic backdrop, exclusive luxury lodges, and a range of adrenaline-fuelled activities like white-water rafting and canoeing.
How many days do I need for a South African safari?
We recommend spending at least three days on safari in order to get the most out of your experience and maximise your chances of seeing the animals you want to see. However, it’s important to remember that a safari holiday is made up of early morning starts and late-night drives, as well as plenty of walking and travelling. It can be exhausting if you’re not used to it, and certainly isn’t a traditional holiday. We always suggest breaking up any long stretches of safari with some downtime by a beach or in a luxury cabin. This gives you the time to rest up and relax before heading back out.
When is the best time to go on safari in South Africa?
South Africa’s cooler winters offer perfect game viewing opportunities, thanks to the drier landscapes giving animals less places to hide. However, while the wetter summer months may not be as busy, they also bring out South Africa’s natural beauty in other ways. This is the time to see the luscious greenery as well as the birthing of young calves, and witness the animals look after their young.
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.