best south africa safaris

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Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Whether you are a safari virgin hoping to catch your first glimpse of the Big Five or a safari aficionado with a specific sighting in mind, South Africa will rarely disappoint. Although the country is a year-round destination, the extended Southern African winter (April to October) is the best time for a safari, because the shrinking vegetation and wildlife converging on waterholes make for better sightings.  Kruger Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination and even allows visitors to hop around in their own car, although spotting the Big Five on a self-drive safari involves a lot of luck. South Africa’s private game reserves – such as Sabi Sand – offer a far more superior safari experience though since there are no restrictions on access or driving times, only specialized safari vehicles with guides are permitted (and they can go off-road in search of the wildlife) and a maximum of two vehicles at a time are permitted on a single sighting, allowing fantastic photographic opportunities. On top of that, the private fame reserves offer exeptional accommodation that matches the exceptional wildlife experience. Here’s my selection of the 10 best ultra-luxury safari-lodges in South Africa.

There is more information (with reviews & Youtube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite South African safari lodge in the comments section .

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10. KRUGER SHALATI – THE TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which pays homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago. The train celebrates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s: the train would park overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned. The hotel offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply immerse yourself in earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati welcomes you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.

• Hotel website : Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
• Review : read my review of Kruger Shalati here .

9. ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, member of Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning collection of retreats, is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Ulusaba means “place of little fear”, so named because the koppie, or hill, on which Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors with the perfect lookout point. Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge, including the beautiful Cliff Lodge, and Safari Lodge. Rock Lodge has the best view in the Sabi Sand: perched high on the summit of a koppie, with panoramic views over miles of bush, you should grab a pair of binoculars to see what you can spot. Ulusaba’s other resort, Safari Lodge, is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and some of the rooms are built treehouse-style and you really get the feeling of being in the heart of life in the bush. Safari Lodge’s rooms provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

• Hotel website: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
• Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift shop or spa credit).

  8. THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL

With a name that means “love” in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentically South African wildlife experience matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Located in northern Zululand in KwaZulu Natal, Thanda is home to abundant wildlife, including Africa’s magnificent Big Five. Visitors spend their days on game drives or bush walks and are encouraged to engage in a selection of conservation and cultural programs. Evenings are reserved for fine dining, enjoying wines from the well-stocked cellar, relaxing around the bonfire and star gazing. The luxurious accommodations range from Thanda’s flagship product, Thanda Safari Lodge, which encompasses 9 bush suites, to the exclusive-use Villa iZulu and the ruggedly elegant and utterly romantic Thanda Tented Camp, comprising 15 luxury tents.

• Hotel website : Thanda Private Game Reserve

7. KAPAMA KARULA, KAPAMA GAME RESERVE

Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River, Kapama Karula is the flagship five-star lodge of Kapama Game Reserve. Meaning ‘place of peace’, this ultra-luxurious and prestigious lodge exudes calmness and depicts the pinnacle of elegant safari accommodation, with wraparound views of the African bush enhancing the overall sense of tranquillity. Modern whitewashed wood and vast sections of glass, complemented by a neutral colour palette, give Kapama Karula a contemporary African feel. The open-plan lounge and bar are spacious yet cosy, with skylights drawing in natural daylight and moonshine. Kapama Karula has twelve suites, each exquisitely decorated and with generous private space. Each suite has its own outside deck area, full-sized heated swimming pool and sun loungers for relaxation.

• Hotel website :  Kapama Karula
• Review : read my review of Kapama Karula here .

6. TSWALU KALAHARI, NORTHERN CAPE

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest and most remotely loctaed private game reserve, now protecting over 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. The owners, the Oppenheimer family, take conservation as their absolute priority and have a vision to “restore the Kalahari to itself.” No more than 30 guests at a time can discover the beauty of this arid savannah, its diverse wildlife and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness. You can choose to stay at either Tswalu Kalahari’s main property, designated “The Motse”; the nearby personal home of the Oppenheimer family, so-called “Tarkuni”; or one of Loapi’s six ultra-luxury tented homes. At all three camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed with each booking. The total number of beds across the three camps represents the lowest ratio of guests to space in a privately protected area in South Africa.

• Hotel website :  Tswalu Kalahari

5. ROYAL MALEWANE, THORNYBUSH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge with only seven one- to six-bedroom villas, located in Thornybush private game reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The lodge, which has Bill Gates, Bono and Elton John among its repeat guests, exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort and convenience. Besides exhiliriating Big Five safaris, guests can also indulge in relaxing treatments at the tranquil waters of Royal Malewane’s bush spa and enjoy nightly feasts under the African stars. Royal Malewane also operates two other luxury lodges within the same private game reserve – Farmstead and Waterside, each one embodying an exquisite vision of contemporary design and ultimate hospitality.

• Hotel website :  Royal Malewane
• Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift from Royal Malewane).
• Review : read my review of Royal Malewane here .

4. LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Londolozi Game Reserve, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is one of the original safari camps in South Africa. Four generations of family-run hospitality and 40 years of experience hosting ecotourism have culminated in an entirely unique and transcendent bushveld experience for the discerning guest. Guests can choose from one of four small camps or stay in one of just three exclusive Private Granite Suites, each built with nature in mind and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding habitat. Londolozi offers some of the most spectacular game viewing in an ideal setting, with the some of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world. The Londolozi Healing House experience also offers guests to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi.

• Hotel website : Private Granite Suites

3. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature. This dramatic lodge comprises 13 suites and one villa that give guests a front row seat to the Kruger National Park with bold, contemporary open plan suites suspended above the N’Wanetsi River. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. Other highlights of the lodge include a roof terrace and wine studio (a multi-level retreat which boasts a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area), an interactive kitchen, and a lovely lap pool. All communal areas of the lodge have been pushed out to ensure that the outside bursts in, offering elegant, calm and meditative spaces immersed in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees.

• Hotel website :  Singita Lebombo Lodge

2. IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SABI SAND

Set along the banks of the Sabie River and attracting abundant “big five” wildlife from Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands has four luxurious lodges: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Narina Lodge. Ivory Lodge, which was complety renovated in 2017, is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands crown and the most exclusive safari lodge of South Africa. The ultra-luxe lodge is all about elegance, with an aura of sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony and ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and complete privacy. The 8 one-bedroom Villas and 1 two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa have their own private rim flow plunge pools with magnificent views over the Sabie River, allowing guests to cool down from the hot African sun while watching animals as they quench their thirst a mere stone’s throw away.

• Hotel website :  Ivory Lodge Lion Sands
• Other accolades : Ivory Lodge Lion Sands also features in my top 10 lists of the  world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms , the world’s best honeymoon resorts , the  best hotels in South Africa , and Africa’s most insanely beautiful safari lodges .
• Review : read my review of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge here .

1. &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND

Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River – in the heart of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve – lies &Beyond Tengile River Lodge. The magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station, and an outdoor deck with private lap pool. For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite. The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places.  Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted.

• Hotel website : &Beyond Tengile River Lodge
• Review : read my review of &Beyond Tengile River Lodge here .

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Ulusaba where we’re going is listed in top 10

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Oh wow, these places look incredible. I’ve actually visited the Leopard Hills lodge before with my partner a few years ago. This made us to want to book another safari for our 11th anniversary. Last week, we booked a trip to the Mateya Safari Lodge via a luxury travel company called Berkeley Travel. This is where we are staying: http://www.berkeleytravel.co.uk/resorts/mateya-safari-lodge/ – Has anyone booked with them before? I’ve heard really good things so I hope it lives up to its expectations. Thank you everyone. – Evie

I’ve been to them all but the best is Tintswalo Safari Lodge http://tintswalo.com/safari/

I’ve never been to a safari before but these places sound like a dream 😌

Can’t believe Singita Boulders didn’t make the list. We loved Lebombo for the rugged safari experience but believe Boulders had the edge for the lodge product.

Thanda is definitelty the best Safari Lodge in South Africa!

This is definitely the best list. Check out Monwana Game Lodge in Thornybush. I believe it is also one of the best in South Africa.

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14 Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Written by Becca Blond and Karen Hastings Updated Jan 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Imagine sitting in an open-topped Land Cruiser on a morning safari drive, watching the sun rise beyond a line of elephants clomping their way through the bush. Or falling asleep to the not-so-distant roar of a lion from a mosquito net-draped bed in the most luxurious canvas tent you've ever slept in. Both are experiences you'll likely encounter while staying at one of South Africa's most exclusive luxury safari lodges. These are some of the very best resorts in Africa.

South Africa has safari lodges in national parks and private reserves scattered across much of the country. But many of the most luxurious lodges are in the private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park , such as Sabi Sands, with abundant wildlife and few other tourists. Expert guides and trackers take you right to the action in open-air safari vehicles, with regular sightings of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos), as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife.

Luxury safari lodges are also found in other parts of South Africa including the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve at the edge of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa's northwest on the border with Botswana. The Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces are also home to fantastic lodges.

Remote and intimate, these exclusive and eco-conscious lodges offer a true small-group luxury wilderness experience, with exceptional service. It's a good idea to split your time between two or more lodges in different areas to maximize the diversity of game viewing. Families will be pleased to learn that many of these camps welcome children.

Note that all of these safari lodges are all-inclusive . Rates include your meals and game drives.

1. Singita Sabi Sand

2. royal malewane, 3. ulusaba rock lodge and safari lodge, 4. singita sweni and lebombo, 5. londolozi, 6. lion sands, 7. jaci's lodges, 8. sabi sabi, 9. &beyond ngala safari lodge, 10. tswalu kalahari reserve, 11. cheetah plains, 12. jamala madikwe, madikwe game reserve, 13. &beyond phinda vlei lodge, 14. shamwari private game reserve.

Bordering Kruger, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the oldest of South Africa's private reserves, Singita Sabi Sand oozes safari chic. You can choose from three different luxury lodges here: Boulders, Ebony, and Castleton.

Singita Boulders Lodge , on the banks of the Sand River, is one of the world's best lodges. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows encase each luxurious suite, with decor inspired by the tones and textures of nature. Think rustic elegance, with tribal motifs, stone accents, sculptural tree trunk supports, and open-air rooms that bring the outdoors in.

Equally elegant, Singita Ebony Lodge has a tented camp feel with exposed thatch roofs and beige canvas accents. Each of the 12 suites here come with their own private plunge pool, and the two-bedroom suites are perfect for families.

Overlooking a water hole, Singita Castleton recalls a country farmhouse with communal living areas, albeit one with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and spa treatment rooms. Guests here sleep in separate cottages sprinkled around the grounds, and children of all ages are welcome.

The property covers 45,000 acres of wilderness with a high concentration of game, including the Big Five, and frequent close-up leopard sightings.

As well as the twice daily game drives, the lodge offers mountain biking safaris, walking safaris, visits to local villages, and archery for those so inclined. A fitness center with beautiful bush views is also on-site.

In Thornybush Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is not only one of South Africa's best safari lodges, it's one of the top all-inclusive resorts in the world .

A classic old-world feel sets the scene here for a safari that could come right out of Hemingway's journal. Animals roam freely around camp, and this particular reserve, north of Sabi Sand, is known for its spectacular game viewing and abundance of lions.

Decorated in an eclectic colonial style, the eight air-conditioned suites (including two separate two-bedroom Royal Suites ) exude a seemingly effortless elegance. Jewel-toned oriental rugs cloak the floors, thatch peeks out between ceiling beams, private plunge pools beckon on expansive decks with views over the bush (and sometimes visiting elephants), and you can wash off the African dust in private open-air showers.

Africa House, a six-bedroom, exclusive-use villa with a private chef, is also available for families and groups.

Expert teams of trackers and guides scour the bush to bring you Big Five action. When you're not watching animals, you can enjoy a pampering treatment at the award-winning bush spa , or work out at the fully equipped gym.

Many guests like to combine a stay here with one of the lodges farther south, such as Singita Boulders Lodge, but book as early as possible, as Royal Malewane often fills up a year in advance.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome in the luxury suites, and children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites and Africa House.

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge lie in spectacular locations at the Western end of Sabi Sand. Game viewing is excellent, with all the Big Five in abundance, as well as wild dog, baboons, impala, cheetah, and many species of birds.

Ulusaba offers unique accommodations in two dramatic settings: Ulusaba Rock Lodge sits high atop a koppie (rocky peak), with breathtaking views over the sweeping wilderness below. Its conical, thatched roofs jutting up from the peak of the koppie evoke a whimsical African-style palace.

Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated with textural tribal elements and natural materials, and some are split between multiple levels and come with their own private infinity pools. Rock Lodge also includes deluxe Cliff Lodge suites , which are ideal for families. Book them both, and you score your own private chef, safari vehicle, spa, and gym.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge nestles in a canopy of trees on a dry riverbank, where a parade of animals wanders past to drink at a nearby waterhole. At Safari Lodge, some of the rooms are built like treehouses, perched high on stilts among the leaves. Rope swing bridges connect some of the rooms to the common areas, creating a sense of adventure as soon as you step out the door.

Spa treatments, tennis, workouts at the gym, and pool time fills the post-safari hours. Guided walking safaris are also available, and guests with a social conscience also have the option of volunteering at local schools and villages.

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome at Safari Lodge, and kids of all ages are welcome at Rock Lodge.

Near the border with Mozambique, Singita Sweni Lodge and Singita Lebombo Lodge are, like their sister lodges in Sabi Sand, eco-sensitive and extraordinarily beautiful.

The lodges occupy a 33,000-acre exclusive concession on the southeastern side of Kruger National Park, meaning the density of guests here is extremely low. The area spans four different ecological zones, creating fantastic opportunities for diverse game viewing. All the Big Five are in abundance, as well as four big prides of lion.

The two lodges here occupy spectacular locations. Suspended in the canopy along the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a series of light-filled luxury treehouses wrapped in glass for prime viewing of the animals along the river below. The interior tones and textures blend seamlessly with the environment, and expansive decks jut out into the wilderness. The main lodge includes an inviting pool, spa, gym, and the Singita Boutique & Gallery.

Perched on a mountain above the N'Wanetsi River, and inspired by the eagles' nests found up high here, Singita Lebombo Lodge overlooks the magnificent wilderness below. It has a contemporary yet textural and earthy feel and offers 13 open-plan suites and a fully-staffed villa on the riverbank. Perfect for groups, the villa comes with two interlinked two-bedroom suites that share a pool and kitchen.

Other highlights at Lebombo include a panoramic roof terrace with a library, an espresso bar, help-yourself deli, inviting pool, and expansive indoor/outdoor decks.

As with all of Singita's lodges, conservation is paramount, and the company strives to leave the lightest possible footprint on the Earth. Children 10 years and older are welcome.

Set along the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, family-run Londolozi has welcomed guests for almost a century and is one of the most famous safari lodges in South Africa. It lies within the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a wilderness area of six million acres that also incorporates Kruger National Park.

White rhino and lion live here in some of the highest concentrations found anywhere in Africa, but Londolozi is best known for its leopards, one of Africa's most elusive predators. Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning, "protector of all living things," so it's not surprising that conservation is a focus here, with features like open-air, electric safari vehicles.

You can choose between five different camps, all of which boast prestigious Relais & Châteaux status. The adults-only Londolozi Private Granite Suites is the most luxurious, while Londolozi Tree Camp and the nostalgic and romantic Londolozi Pioneer Camp are not far behind. Stylish decor, abundant glass, large living rooms, spa-like baths, and private heated plunge pools, are typical features.

Londolozi Founders Camp , along the banks of the Sand River, and the venerable Londolozi Varty Camp are larger and more family-orientated with features like thatched roof bungalows, interlinked "skywalk" rooms, and private outdoor pools.

Besides game drives, other activities available here include walking safaris, yoga classes, massage therapies, and workouts at the fitness center.

Both of these camps, as well as Pioneer Camp, welcome children six years and older.

The only lodge with access to the perennial Sabie River, Lion Sands, in the Sabi Sand game reserve, offers a collection of sumptuous safari lodges, each with its own inspiration and style.

Game viewing is excellent in this game-rich area, and the lodge boasts one of only four master trackers in the world to help you find the best sightings.

A unique feature at Lion Sands is the opportunity for guests at the lodges to combine their visit with a romantic overnight stay, sleeping under the stars in one of their luxurious treehouses . Guests snuggle up in plush four-poster canopied beds on towers raised high above the wilderness.

Each of the luxurious Lion Sands lodges has a unique personality, from organic chic to mid-century modern, so you can choose a lodge that matches your style.

Lion Sands River Lodge is the largest, with 20 thatched rooms dressed in soothing textures and tones of creme and white.

Overlooking the Sabie River, the villas of Ivory Lodge are grounded in an eco-minded, mid-century-modern aesthetic, incorporating tribal touches and natural materials such as thatch, steel, wood, and sand. Light streams in through the walls of glass, and the two-bedroom Fish Eagle suite comes with its own private Land Rover, pool, spa, and gym.

Tinga Lodge on the Sabie River has a "contemporary colonial" theme, and Narina Lodge has a treehouse feel, with nine villas suspended high in the canopy and linked by raised walkways.

Typical features at all the lodges include personal butlers; luxury bathrooms, some with outdoor showers; sitting areas with fireplaces; and private pools.

Post-game-drive activities include pampering treatments at the Africology Spa, helicopter rides over the Blyde River Canyon, and trips to Hippo Pools.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome here, but only select lodges offer babysitting services.

Jaci's Lodges in the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's North-West Province are a collection of family-owned boutique properties that offer guests an intimate, highly personalized safari experience. Madikwe, which sits on the border with Botswana and the edge of the Kalahari in a malaria-free area, is known for its thriving wild dog population.

The second most endangered carnivore in Africa after Ethiopian wolves, seeing a wild dog on safari is a rare experience anywhere else in South Africa. But in Madikwe there are three hunting packs roaming the park, and it's not uncommon to see these enigmatic pups here.

If you don't have a DSLR camera with a wildlife photography-sized lens, don't worry. You can still capture the wild dogs and all the other animals (the park also has healthy lion and rhino populations) you see in crisp, close-ups by renting a Nikon from Jaci's for the duration of your trip (highly recommended).

Jaci's is comprised of two adjacent camps, each offering a slightly different sleeping experience .

At Jaci's Safari Lodge , there are six tented suites, including two that are suitable for a family or a small group of friends. The tents have thatched roofs, hardwood floors, and canvas side panels that can be completely rolled up. The interior design features bright African colors and patterns as well as bathrooms with soaking tubs and indoor and outdoor showers.

There are also two Starbed Suites at this camp. The lodge's newest builds, these have a more contemporary look and are a good choice for people who want to sleep within walls instead of the more exposed canvas tents. The suites are two-level affairs with the second level being an open-air rooftop deck where you can sleep in a proper king-sized bed under the stars.

Downstairs you'll find a second king bed in case you prefer sleeping indoors (or it rains). The Starbed Suites are especially popular with honeymooners and couples on romantic getaways .

Jaci's Tree Lodge is the adjacent property. Here you'll find eight treehouse suites built on stilts and connected by elevated walkways that offer fabulous views of the surrounding forest and glimpses of the Marico River. Guests here also have access to a hide for photographing animals without their knowledge and a public treehouse space with a hot tub facing an active waterhole.

As the name suggests, Sabi Sabi is also in the Sabi Sand game reserve, abutting the southwestern border of Kruger National Park. This area is famous for its diversity and density of wildlife, including the Big Five and up to 350 species of birds.

Each of the four separate lodges here exudes its own personality. Steeped in colonial charm, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp is the most romantic, with a style inspired by the movie, Out of Africa .

Family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp are more contemporary in feel. Bush Lodge has a children's center and spa, and at the intimate Little Bush Camp , each room comes with a private terrace and hot tub.

True to its name, the more minimalistic Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has won accolades for its environmentally-sensitive design. It blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscapes, with plenty of neutral tones and sleek lines. All the lodges come with swimming pools, but Earth Lodge suites come with private plunge pools, and the lodge has its own library, art gallery, meditation garden, and spa.

Day and night safaris are available here, as well as walking safaris with experienced guides and trackers.

Children are welcome, though only those older than six years are allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is reserved.

On a private game reserve inside Kruger National Park , &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge offers superb Big 5 game-viewing and warm and welcoming staff members who treat guests like family.

Nostalgic safari elegance sets the tone in the 20 thatched-roof cottages. Bush views bleed into the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, and private verandahs offer popular spots to watch the passing parade of animals. Still can't tear yourself away from the wilderness views? Every room comes with an alfresco shower.

Families are welcome and are comfortably accommodated in three spacious cottages with interconnecting rooms, as well as in a family suite with a private swimming pool. Interactive kid-focused activities and childcare also provide parents with some alone time.

Besides twice-daily game drives and walking safaris, guests here can relax with a spa treatment; paddle in the pool; or sign up for a conservation experience, working directly with some of the wildlife.

Honeymooners should opt for a romantic evening in the magical Ngala Treehouse .

Eco-conscious guests will be pleased to know that &Beyond works collaboratively with local groups and communities on conservation initiatives and sustainable business practices.

Covering 1,000 square kilometers in the less-visited Kalahari region, family-friendly Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa. Conservation is key here, and the owners' mission is to restore newly acquired lands back to their natural existence and fund multiple conservation and community-minded projects.

Hauntingly beautiful landscapes of red sand, golden grass, and wind-sculpted acacia trees characterize this region, and the wildlife is uniquely adapted to the harsh environment. Among the many animals here are the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lion, endangered desert black rhino, meerkats, sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, porcupines, aardvarks, aardwolves, honey badgers, and cheetah.

Safaris are tailored to each individual party, with no set schedule. Best of all, this lodge lies in a year-round malaria-free zone .

Adorned with natural earthy materials and an abundance of textural elements, the freestanding thatched villas blend beautifully with their surrounding environment. You can choose from two locations: The Motse , a "village" of nine air-conditioned luxury suites overlooking a waterhole at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, and Tarkuni , the owners' family home, with five impeccably furnished suites, a pool, personal host, and a private five-star chef.

At Motse , the cottages mix modern comforts with an African feel. Thatched roofs and walls of stone, red clay, and desert sand echo the surrounding environment. Other features include spacious bedrooms with open fireplaces, indoor/outdoor showers, and large decks with sweeping vistas of the vast desert. Three two-bedrooms cottages, are perfect for families, with large living rooms and two bathrooms.

At the communal area here, you can take a dip in the infinity pool, curl up with a book from the library, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. Other things to do include hikes to nearby attractions such as ancient rock art; horseback safaris; and sleeping under the stars at The Malori, a raised platform with weather-proof blinds.

Tswalu hosts children of all ages, and offers a nanny service and Junior Ranger program to keep the little ones engaged.

Staying at Tswalu, with its contrasting landscapes and unique species of wildlife found only in this region, is a great complement to visiting the lodges near Kruger National Park.

In Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Cheetah Plains offers a sustainable, ultra-luxe safari experience catering to multi-gen families or groups of friends . This is the lodge to book if you want a very private and personalized holiday. There are just eight elegant sleek villas, each of which can accommodate up to eight people in four bedrooms and must be rented exclusively regardless of your group size .

These villas have a modern look with lots of glass window walls that are far removed from the canvas-tented camp vibe found at many lodges. All are luxuriously appointed with curated art collections, a chef's kitchen, indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces, and a private swimming pool on a large deck.

You'll be assigned a personal hospitality team upon check-in. This includes a personal chef, spa therapist, and expert guide and tracker that will be dedicated to your villa for the length of your stay, allowing for an extremely personalized experience.

Cheetah Plains also prides itself on being carbon-negative. Your twice daily game drives take place in electric Land Cruisers for a completely silent ride.

Set around a game-rich waterhole in South Africa's North West Province, Jamala Madikwe is known for its superb wildlife viewing, luxurious lodgings, and friendly staff.

It lies in the Madikwe Game Reserve , a malaria-free area along the Botswana border that once consisted mainly of cattle farms before it was transformed into a wildlife reserve in the early 90s.

Today, the reserve supports an incredible diversity of species due to the fact that it lies in an ecological transition zone, between the Kalahari and lowveld wilderness. Game drives regularly bring sightings of the Big Five, as well as brown hyena, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, oryx, African wild dogs, and even the rare aardwolf.

Best of all, the lodge's orientation around the waterhole means you can enjoy a "Sofa Safari" here and watch all the action from the villas and common areas, without even leaving the camp.

Accommodation is in five air-conditioned, freestanding villas that blend a colonial feel with African artifacts. Typical features include four-poster netted beds, crisp linens, outdoor showers, spa-like indoor bathrooms, living rooms with fireplaces, dining areas, and expansive decks with rim-flow plunge pools.

When you're not out on game drives, you can enjoy a luxury treatment at the Royal Spa, look for wildlife from the watchtower perched above the waterhole, or relax at the main lodge with a book from the library.

In South Africa's diverse northeastern province of Kwazulu Natal, family-friendly &Beyond Phinda offers a winning combination of private and spacious villas, superb service, and fantastic Big Five game viewing. Cheetah and antelopes such as nyala are also plentiful here. This is one of several &Beyond lodges in Phinda Reserve, an area of rehabilitated farmland now brimming with wildlife.

Tucked amid trees on the edge of a vlei (wetland), the six freestanding thatched villas at &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge could easily be at home in Bali if it weren't for the parade of African animals wandering past.

Louvered windows and large glass doors slide open to create seamless indoor/outdoor living areas, and each villa has a sitting room with a fireplace and a rambling deck with a private plunge pool. Elephants sometimes come to drink from the pools, and antelope graze on the lush grass.

Walking safaris and river cruises are other fun ways to explore the wilderness.

One of the bonuses about choosing a safari at this lodge is that you can complement your bush experience with several day trip adventures, such as a scuba safari at Sodwana Bay, about an hour's drive away; swimming with whale sharks; a Zulu village tour; black rhino tracking; and visits to an endangered wild cats project.

Kids are welcome, and the lodge offers a fun children's program and special family safaris tailored to the ages of each child.

Considered one of South Africa's most successful private conservation initiatives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a favorite with celebrities and has hosted everyone from Brad Pitt to John Travolta and Tiger Woods.

Away from the main safari areas, it is located off the N2 in a malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape between the cities of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. It can be reached easily by private vehicle with just 7 kilometers of driving on a gravel road. If you prefer to arrive by plane, there is also a private airstrip.

One of South Africa's largest private game reserves, it is home to the Big Five as well as cheetah. The reserve hosts six luxury lodges , each of which offers a different style. Long Lee Manor is a newly redesigned lodge with elegant Edwardian-styled suites and a beautiful rim-flow swimming pool.

Sindile is Shamwari's newest luxury tented camp in a secluded locale. It has nine very posh, free-standing tents elevated above the surrounding bush that offer stunning views and dark night skies for stargazing. These tents are designed to leave as minimal of an environmental footprint as possible.

For something even more adventurous book Explorer Camp. Open only during the summer season (between October and May), the wilderness bush camp is located on a granite and basalt plateau and has lodging in tents that truly make you feel you are staying in the bush – expect to hear lots of animal sounds at night (the camp is, however, discreetly fenced for safety). Guests staying here do guided walking safaris that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife.

Whichever accommodation you choose, expect twice-daily game drives led by guide and tracker teams that will get you very close to the animals. There are also spa treatments (extra fee) available at many of the lodges.

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South Africa safari: when to go, what you'll see, where to stay

South Africa has a well-deserved reputation for its many design-forward, eco-conscious safari lodges offering every conceivable luxury and almost guaranteed game viewing throughout the year. As a safari destination, South Africa is easy to get to and navigate once on the ground, making it an ideal last-minute romantic getaway for couples or a sunny winter safari for families. And while it remains an excellent choice for first-timers wanting to experience a classic, big five safari, this destination is just as popular with seasoned philanthropists taking annual impact trips supporting innovative, privately funded conservation initiatives to regenerate animal habitat, protect biodiversity and save critically endangered species .

The most sought-after lodges and safari camps are in private conservation areas, within private game reserves scattered across the country, or in the Greater Kruger area, which includes the Kruger National Park. Small and often owner-run, these luxury, light-footprint properties are in hand-picked, scenic locations and offer deeply layered, immersive safari experiences on and off the vehicle led by experienced guides and trackers with an intimate knowledge of the ecosystem in which they’re working. Many privately protected areas share unfenced boundaries with neighbouring tracts of protected land so that animals can roam and establish their territory over a larger space in tune with seasonal changes. Along with exclusive, up-close sightings and a limit on the number of vehicles permitted, other private concession perks include the freedom to drive off-road where permitted, take guided walks and night drives , enjoy remote bush dinners and star bed sleep-outs, and get involved with hands-on conservation. Sustainably managed properties that are fully invested in protecting the environment while maximising the positive economic spinoffs of nature-based tourism to local communities should always be a consideration before booking anything.

When to go to South Africa for safari

Most of the go-to game reserves are in the northeast of South Africa and experience summer rain in thunderstorms followed by a dry winter with cool to chilly nights and warm, clear-skied sunny days ( May to October ). Winter is, therefore, the most popular time to go on safari, when the dry conditions lead to concentrations of animals around reliable water sources. This makes game viewing more predictable and animals easier to track and locate due to sparse vegetation and minimal ground cover. The mild, clear days are great for getting off the vehicle to track and explore the bush on foot. Summer rain radically transforms the bush, and everything explodes with life as the days heat up. Dense thickets and trees in leaf reduce visibility and make game viewing more challenging, but the lush, green vegetation attracts summer migrants and becomes a birder’s paradise. Predator activity increases, too, due to the abundance of baby animals at a time when food is plentiful for all. After the rain, the dust settles and light conditions are excellent for photography. Autumn and spring are good for witnessing the antelope rutting season. An early or late summer safari could be South Africa’s best-kept secret, especially with the add-on of a beach holiday outside of Cape Town ’s busiest time (from mid- December to end- January ). Elsewhere, the semi-arid Karoo and Kalahari are dry and clear-skied in winter and have low rainfall averages in summer but get very hot. In general, off-peak travel is underrated, with benefits including better availability, potential stay-longer, pay-less deals, and the possibility of securing a private vehicle.

Where to go in South Africa for safari

The private conservation areas in and around the Greater Kruger area are synonymous with South Africa’s reputation for delivering epic, up-close predator action interpreted by knowledgeable guides. Kruger shares unfenced boundaries with several private reserves, including the Sabi Sand, where iconic, family-owned properties like Mala Mala , Londolozi , and Singita first put the region on the map thanks to reliable big cat sightings, especially leopards. Further private properties within the Timbavati, Thornybush and Klaserie reserves add thousands of hectares to the Greater Kruger, encouraging natural species migration and collectively securing habitat for many rare and endangered animals. In the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri’s immense flood plains and dense forests are renowned for walking safaris. At the same time, Singita’s privately leased Lebombo concession on the park’s Mozambican border provides strategic protection for rhinos. Further afield, large, private malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, close to the Botswana border, Marataba in the Waterberg, Samara in the Great Karoo, Tswalu in the southern Kalahari, and Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape, provide shelter for an astounding diversity of big game and rare and elusive species, boast breathtaking scenery and offer a choice of intimately scaled lodges for immersive, romantic getaways, secluded, off-grid trails camps for adventurers, and fully staffed, exclusive-use bush villas for multigenerational families .

The best lodges to book

Tengile river lodge, sabi sand.

This beautifully modern AndBeyond-run lodge in the Sabi Sand has nine energy-efficient, villa-sized suites – 200 square metres in extent – cleverly concealed in a riverine forest on a bend of the Sand River where elephants often come to feed. Hand-painted botanical print fabrics, recycled stone terrazzo floors, and bespoke throws and rugs add character to the smart, modern interiors, everything angled for soaking in the tranquil views. A glass-walled forest-green marble bathroom leads to an outdoor shower on a private, shaded deck and a big  pool . The lodge’s spa and gym also have a lap pool for training swims - necessary, as the food is delicious.

Best for: Nature-loving aesthetes will appreciate the sleek, glamorous style of this lodge, which champions local, eco-friendly design, and having exclusive access to over 10,000 hectares in the quieter south-east of the Sabi Sand reserve.

Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand

Electric, solar-powered game-drive vehicles offer a zero-emissions ride and properly quiet encounters with wildlife at this 100 per cent off-grid luxury property in the Sabi Sand. In synch with its sustainable approach to game-viewing, Cheetah Plains uses the latest in grey-water recycling. It powers everything from the air-cons to the temperature-controlled wine cellars in its three exclusive-use lodges on renewable solar energy. Named after legendary big cats in the area, the three exclusive-use lodges have four private guest suites - think glass walls gliding away into raw concrete to bring nature closer, even from the bath. Burnished metal, unpolished stone and solid timber interiors are the counterpart to colourful contemporary South African artworks.

Best for: Silent game drives in fast and efficient electric vehicles, charged off renewable energy, designed by Cheetah Plains’ owner, a former rally driver, to be extra-comfortable with luxury SUV suspension, ergonomically shaped padded bucket seats with built-in seat warmers for chilly winter mornings.

Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Nine gloriously remote, romantic suites with viewing decks and private pools sit above the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 kilometres through this rugged, 22,000-hectare, privately owned reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province, within driving distance of the Garden Route’s long, sandy beaches and indigenous forests. The breeding ground of the blue crane, Kwandwe has just 30 rooms split across two intimate lodges (Great Fish River being one of them), three exclusive-use villas (ideal for family safaris), and an off-grid tented camp. Exclusivity at up-close sightings of the big five, black rhino, cheetah and smaller, but no less significant, vulnerable and endangered species is amplified by the rugged wilderness setting: extensive open plains interrupted by carbon-storing subtropical thicket-clad hills, securing vital habitat for wildlife that last roamed freely here over 120 years ago.

Best for: A big five safari with a luxury of space and privacy for a romantic getaway, after exploring the Garden Route or Cape Town. Malaria free makes it ideal for families and the elderly, too - multiple generations sharing a fully staffed villa with a private vehicle and guide.

The Farmstead, at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

On expertly guided drives from this sister property to Royal Malewane’s original lodge, sightings include leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and sizeable elephant and buffalo herds. A Master Tracker leads walks. Increased movement of animals has resulted in a richer game-viewing experience in this increasingly popular privately owned reserve - all because fences were dropped on the eastern boundary with the Timbavati in 2017, opening it up to the Greater Kruger area. Liz Biden’s inimitable riotous style doesn’t hold back in this celebratory lodge with three luxury suites plus a separate villa with space for six additional adults. Like Liz’s newest addition to Royal Malewane, Waterside Lodge, this one features fun Ardmore fabrics, animal print and plush velvets in jewel colours and lots of South African art. In summer, deep verandas encourage lazing outdoors on swinging daybeds or one of the loungers submerged in the pool’s shallow end. The local Moletele community own the land here and benefits financially from the lodge’s success.

Best for: House parties, especially if the Biden family’s original bush villa, Africa House, is too big – newly renovated, its six suites share two pools, a spa treatment suite and gym.

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The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

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When to go on a safari in south africa, what to see on a safari in south africa, south africa safari logistics, here’s where to go on a safari in south africa, 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.

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.

Where To Fly

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.

What To Bring and What To Wear

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

Additional Tips and Precautions To Take

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.

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

1. Kruger National Park

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.

2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

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.

3. Madikwe Game Reserve

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.

4. Phinda Private Game Reserve

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.

5. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

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.

6. Mala Mala Game Reserve

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.

7. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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 .

8. Addo Elephant National Park

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.

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15 Best Safaris in South Africa

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When looking for the best safaris in South Africa , how can you possibly choose? Our beloved country has a wealth of Big 5 game reserves and national parks. Dig just a little when planning your safari, and you might find yourself lost amidst a mind-boggling array of options. But as the World's Leading Safari Company – and leading the pack since 2004 – there's no one more equipped to share the 15 best safaris in South Africa for 2022 with you. Here we go!

Get up-close to spectacular wildlife on a safari in South African safari destinations like Sabi Sand

Best Safaris in South Africa for 2022

Let's get wild and delve deep into the world of safari! From classics like Kruger National Park to lesser-known treasures, here are our favourite destinations for safaris in South Africa. 

1. Kruger National Park: The Grand Old Bull

A list of the best safaris in South Africa without the  Kruger National Park  would leave a rather large elephant in the room unnoticed. And, of course, if it's elephants you want to see, then the grandfather of all national parks should be high on your agenda. 

In fact, and no surprise, all of Africa's famed wildlife thrives in this two-million-hectare game reserve. There's so much to see, from lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest antelope, and more. The birdlife is also positively Jurassic in abundance.

Highlights  

• The largest national park in South Africa 
• Big 5 safari destination that's easy to reach 
• Various accommodation options for all kinds of travellers 
• Vast, unspoilt territory with a high density of animals

Get lost in king-sized Kruger

2. Madikwe Game Reserve: Malaria-free Big 5 Safari

Madikwe Game Reserve  offers 75,000 hectares of classic African scenery in South Africa's North West province. Think endless open and wooded grasslands dotted with rocky outcrops beneath a gigantic sky. Straddling the Kalahari and savannah woodland biomes, Madikwe supports an impressive variety of wildlife. And this includes the Big 5 and endangered African wild dog. 

An easy flight from Johannesburg, the reserve is only open to overnight visitors, so you won't be jostling with motorists at any of your incredible wildlife sightings.

• Exclusive, malaria-free Big 5 safari destination 
• One of the largest game reserves in South Africa 
• Famous for its endangered African wild dogs
• Conservation success story uplifting the environment and local communities 

Sip on sundowners in Madikwe, Image Credit: Jamala Madikwe

3. Londolozi Private Game Reserve: The Original Luxury Safari 

Londolozi Private Game Reserve  is one of South Africa's original private game reserves and is located in the  Sabi Sand , sharing an unfenced border with  Kruger National Park . Combining ground-breaking conservation with Relais & Châteaux luxury, the game-viewing experience is immersive and deeply personalised. 

A predator's paradise, this gigantic private reserve is famous for its resident leopard population. And with luxury lodges, exclusive access, off-road safaris, night drives and walking safaris, Londolozi ranks among the very best safaris in South Africa.

• One of South Africa's original private game reserves
• Ultra-luxurious lodges for anyone from couples to families 
• Well-known for its leopard dynasties 
• Original pioneering conservation model 

A leopard leading the way at Londolozi

4. Phinda Private Game Reserve: Remote, Diverse Safari Destination

Between sea and mountain in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal,  Phinda  is a vast private game reserve that's further away from popular tourist destinations. And with seven radically different habitats, Phinda is home to some of Africa's rarer wildlife species, including the black rhino, cheetah, pangolin, and several smaller creatures unique to this area.  That's not to say the Big 5 aren't represented. Far from it. Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, as well as hyena, giraffe and more are all here to see on safari. 

Phinda promises one of the best safaris in South Africa, and you can combine it with a visit to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and a beach holiday on the Indian Ocean coastline.

• Exclusive private game reserve with only six lodges
• Renowned for its cheetah populations and home to the Big 5
• Seven distinct habitats with plenty of wildlife and birdlife
• Sodwana Bay's reefs are nearby for a bush and beach holiday combo

Enjoy sundowners as you learn about the bush, Image Credit: &Beyond Phinda

5. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: Kruger Without The Crowds

Timbavati  is a 53,000-hectare wilderness sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park's western boundary. Translation: the Kruger safari experience but without the crowds and restrictions. 

Inside the Kruger, your safari is limited to vehicles on paved roads. But in the Timbavati, your safari experience, while ecologically sensitive, is not so hindered. Here, your safari guides are allowed to take you through the African bush in open vehicles or on foot, day and night. And being in the middle of the game-rich east-west migration route, the wildlife includes the Big 5 and the rare white lion, endemic to this (relatively) tiny strip of wilderness.

• Access to all the Kruger National Park animals but offering a more exclusive experience 
• Home to the Magnificent Seven: lion, leopard, African wild dog, elephant, rhino, buffalo and cheetah
• The unusual white lion is found here, as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo
• Variety of mostly family-run safari lodge options

The white lions of the Timbavati

6. Sabi Sand Game Reserve: Exclusivity in Unspoilt Wilderness

The  Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve  is one of the finest game viewing destinations in Africa and is best known for its high density of the elusive leopard. The reserve is a central figure in the Greater Kruger National Park area, with a fenceless border along the southwestern boundary. Furthermore, with various world-class luxury safari lodges, you don't have to rough it to experience the wilderness. 

Located between the Sabi and the Sand Rivers, the game viewing is always exceptional no matter where you decide to stay. And with safari stars like Singita, Londolozi and  Silvan Safari  to choose from, it's no wonder Sabi Sand is considered one of the best safaris in South Africa.

• One of the most luxurious Big 5 private game reserves in the country
• Very exclusive with high-end accommodation yet easy to reach, with some lodges having private landing strips
• One of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard up-close
• Off-road, night and walking safaris offered 

Up-close sightings are a given in Kruger National Park's private game reserves like Silvan Safari

7. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve: Exclusive Malaria-free Safari

Away from the Greater Kruger National Park in the north, the Eastern Cape has its share of excellent Big 5 game reserves offering among the best safaris in South Africa. Of these,  Kwandwe  offers a stand-out conservation safari experience.

The Great Fish River forms the backbone of this undulating slice of South Africa. Black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah roam the grassy plains, and smaller rare species thrive in the euphorbia thickets, including servals, wild cats and blue cranes. Malaria-free and with just five safari lodges, Kwandwe is especially suited for both families and couples looking for an exclusive safari experience.

• Big 5 malaria-free safari with award-winning lodges and villas
• Home to several endangered species
• Sustainable conservation and renowned for their expert safari guides 
• Perfect reserve for families as the Blue Crane Conservation Club offers activities for children 

There is nothing quite like a sunset safari at Kwandwe

8. Thornybush Nature Reserve: Private Luxury Safari in the Kruger

Thornybush  is one of the original nature reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park, its first lodge dating back to 1961. The 14,000-hectare reserve is known for its leopard sightings and resident populations of wildlife such as the elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, hippo and plenty of plains game.

And with just five intimate, luxurious safari lodges, you won't be sharing your wildlife sightings or classic African scenery with the crowds.

• One of the original nature reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park 
• Innovative conservation and community projects 
• It has been a setting for many wildlife documentaries because it's so rich in Big 5 and other animals
• Classic Kruger savannah woodland scenery

A laid-back lion, Image Credit: Michelle Welvering

9. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park: Birthplace of Rhino Conservation

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park  is the oldest nature reserve in South Africa and is famous for its noble rhino conservation work. Today, it's a haven for black and white rhinos, Big 5, plains game, birdlife, riverine, and many more animals. 

The Umfolozi part of the park lies to the south and is typically open grassland rising up to the hillier section of the national park – the Hluhluwe.

• Oldest nature reserve in South Africa 
• Home to the biggest population of white rhinos in the world
• Renowned for its conservation efforts 
• Big 5, rare wildlife, birdlife and spectacular scenery

Unicorns with curves, Image Credit: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

10. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Malaria-free Safari in Little Karoo

An easy drive from Cape Town,  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve  features unique Karoo scenery, open grasslands and spectacular mountain ranges. The enormous wildlife reserve has just four safari lodges catering for families, small groups, adventurous nature-lovers and romantic escapists. 

The open grasslands and rocky outcrops are home to wildlife such as the elephant, lion (including the unique white lion!), buffalo, rhino, leopard and cheetah. There is also plenty of typical Karoo species such as gemsbok springbok, hartebeest, eland, kudu and zebra. Biomes include acacia woodland, renosterveld, succulent Karoo and central mountain fynbos.

• Closest malaria-free safari to Cape Town, only three hours away
• Unique Karoo scenery, p lants and animals
• Conservation-based nature safaris
• Different accommodation types serve various types of travellers, from couples to families

A male white lion in the wild, Image Credit: Tania de Kock

11. Singita: Exclusive, Ultra-luxurious Safaris 

The Singita brand is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity. In  Sabi Sand , they have two safari lodges in the eastern Kruger National Park and three safari lodges on the western border. In short, east or west, Singita is one of the best safaris in South Africa.

The eastern lodges feature rugged, tree-shrouded hills famous for lions, elephants and general wildlife. On the other hand, the western lodges feature open plains and woodland thicket habitats rich in Big 5 wildlife.

• Award-winning safari company with ultra-luxurious lodges and wellness offerings 
• World-famous for their personalised, all-hands-on-deck hospitality
• Dedicated to a core purpose of being an ecotourism and conservation brand
• The brand is known for their highly curated wine selection

Get to meet big cats up-close and personal, Image Credit: Singita

12. Klaserie Private Nature Reserve: Sustainable Kruger Safaris

Klaserie  is an enormous private nature reserve on the central-western border of the Kruger National Park. It shares an unfenced border, and therefore, the wildlife and landscapes of Klaserie are similar to Kruger.

Conservation and community upliftment are the bedrock of Klaserie's operations, and a great variety of safari lodge options and activities contribute to its sustainable safaris.

• One of the largest privately owned reserves in South Africa
• Home to Big 5, endangered African wild dog, southern ground hornbill, and white-backed vulture
• Focused on nature conservation and low-impact tourism.
• Known for their excellent walking safaris 

The "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard) are one of the great attractions of the Kruger Park, Image Credit: Baobab Lodge

13. Thanda Safari, a Private Game Reserve: Zululand Magic 

With tree-covered hills, savannah floodplains and 14,000 hectares of exclusive-use wilderness,  Thanda Safari, a Private Game Reserve  offers  one of the best safaris in South Africa.

Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo thrive in these parts, as do over 400 bird species. Furthermore, the rich, colourful Zulu culture touches every aspect of your stay. They also offer walking safaris, an exciting way to experience the vibrant culture, landscapes and wildlife. With just three safari lodges in the entire reserve, you're guaranteed an intimate and personal Zululand wildlife experience.

• Privately owned and operated luxury private game reserve
• Committed to the local Zulu culture, people and conservation initiatives
• Big 5, cheetah, hyena, and plenty of birds and plants
• Walking safaris in spectacular scenery, rhino and cheetah tracking, and more

Watching rhino roam is a magical experience at Thanda, Image Credit: Katharina Riebesel

14. Gondwana Private Game Reserve: Malaria-free Big 5 Garden Route Safari

The Garden Route is famous for its beaches and forested mountain slopes. Throw in a Big 5 malaria-free private game reserve, and you've got the recipe for one of the best safaris in South Africa.

The  Gondwana Private Game Reserve  is an 11,000-hectare chunk of Cape Floral Kingdom with expansive plains supporting elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards. It also includes Cape species like eland, sable, red hartebeest, Cape mountain zebra and Cape buffalo.

• Malaria-free Big 5 safari on the Garden Route just four hours from Cape Town
• Family-friendly with Junior Ranger Programme for little ones
• Walking safaris, family safaris, tented bush spa and adventure activities
• Gondwana Conservation Foundation protects South Africa's endangered and threatened wildlife and vegetation

King of the bush, Image Credit: Tania de Kock

15. Pilanesberg National Park: Scenic, Malaria-free Game Reserve

Pilanesberg National Park  is a scenic Big 5 safari destination in northern South Africa with an extinct volcano and a large lake at its centre. Combining Kalahari and classic African Lowveld habitats, the scenery, vegetation, and wildlife offer a varied and always scenic safari experience. 

There are plenty of lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, black and white rhinos, buffalo and elephants to see here. Pilanesburg also features hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, rare antelopes, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and many smaller creatures. Birding in the park is another drawcard, with over 350 migrant and resident species recorded.

• Malaria-free, classic Big 5 safaris
• Easily accessible from Johannesburg, only three hours away 
• Over 350 bird species and more than 7,000 animals to marvel at
• Concealed photographic hides to capture the best images of the wildlife

Pilansberg's wild offers some of the best safaris in South Africa

Ready for your South African Big 5 Safari?

So there you have it, our round-up of the 15 best safaris in South Africa for 2022.   Contact your friendly Rhino Africa Travel Expert  for the best, first-hand, tailormade safari advice on the planet.

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About the author 

Born in Zimbabwe and, having bluffed his way through a Journalism Degree at Rhodes, Ian turned his reluctantly nomadic life into a successful career as a travel writer. With stints in Harare, Joburg, Cape Town, Swakopmund, Port Shepstone and Greyton, he has travelled the length and breadth of southern Africa. Now living in Knysna, Ian combines his innate tendency to write for a living with a deep-rooted love of Africa’s wilderness and a keen interest in the hospitality trade.

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Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

South africa’s best luxury safari accommodation.

Looking for the best luxury Safari lodges in South Africa ? There aren’t many travel experiences that come close to spending time in the African bush spotting wildlife on safari.

And if you’re looking for luxurious safari lodges and super-indulgent places from which to take it all in for a night or two, you could do a lot worse than check yourself into one of the luxury safari lodges in South Africa below.

There is no shortage of luxury safari lodges on offer in South Africa and we haven’t tried them all, so we’ve asked travel bloggers from around the world to help us out, and nominate their favourite luxury South African safari lodges.

The below list is made up of travel blogger nominations, plus lodges we’ve stayed at ourselves and can vouch for as providing ultimate safari luxury.

If you find that they’re a little over budget, find out how to organise your own cheap safari holiday .

So read on below for our collection of the most indulgent South African luxury safari lodges:

Luxury safari lodges in South Africa…

Nottens Bush Camp

Sabi Sands, South Africa

If you are looking for a really special stay during your safari in South Africa, you should consider Nottens Bush Camp in Sabi Sand Reserve. It is one of the most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa.

The lodge has, unlike many others, no fence and no electricity so you are really staying in the bush (in one of the nine exclusive, private suites).

A guard brings you to your room after dark and we experienced why they do so. One night we almost stumbled over a hyena on our way to our room.

We were so shocked and happy that we had a guard with us. Another night my parents woke up and heard a strange noise in front of their room.

They got out of bed to take a look and there was an elephant eating the plants that stood on their porch.

From your room in African style, you are overlooking an open area with a waterhole, so sit on your porch and enjoy the panoramic views and the wildlife passing by. You will see zebra, elephants, antelopes, and many other animals pass by.

Nottens Bush Camp is one of the original game lodges in South Africa and is known for its highly experienced rangers. and the area is great for spotting leopards.

This family-owned lodge goes the extra mile. After our first safari, we entered our room. All the candles and lanterns were burning, the bathtub was filled, rose leaves everywhere and a bottle of South African Vonkelwijn (champagne) was waiting for us.

In the evening all the guests are sitting at a big table to share the most thrilling stories about their safari.

They organize two game drives a day. One at 05.30 in the morning and one at 15.30 in the afternoon. In between those safaris you can relax beside the pool or enjoy a massage at the Nature Spa.

Sabi Sands is also home to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge which is one of the most family-friendly safari lodges in South Africa .

Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa

Phinda Game Reserve , in KwaZulu Natal, is home to some of the most beautiful, luxurious lodges in South Africa.

The best by far is Mountain Lodge. As the name says, this is located in such a way as to afford beautiful views across the bushveld to panoramic mountains.

The lodge is blissfully isolated on top of a hill. Once there, you will walk to the common areas where you will find the dining area, where a decadent breakfast and lunch, as well as afternoon tea are offered every day.

So much care is taken in the selection of the ingredients that you even have a choice of several types of coffee and roasts. The common area is also where the bar is located, with a seating area directly facing the mountains, for incredible views.

On the way to your room, you will find the beautiful pool and the spa, perfect for a relaxing afternoon – before you drive away on one of the game drives.

Rooms are incredibly comfortable, with large beds with a pillow menu; a sitting area with a fridge and all sorts of drinks and snacks.

There is a deck with a plunge pool – a favorite of local wildlife which is free to roam the grounds. It is not uncommon to spot nyalas and at times even elephants drinking from the pool!,

There is also a very spacious bathroom with a large shower and a Victorian-style bathtub.

At Phinda Mountain Lodge you will feel welcome, pampered and you will be able to fully relax while enjoying nature and the unique wildlife of this part of the country.

Singita Sweni Lodge

• Kruger National Park, South Africa

Contributed by sustainable travel bloggers Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Singita Sweni

Located in Kruger National Park,  Singita Sweni Lodge  epitomizes the definition of a lux eco-safari stay.

The lodge is located on 33,000 acres of exclusive concession land on the banks of the Sweni River. This meant that hippos, crocs, elephants, and other wildlife can often be spotted meandering past the lodge.

Singita Sweni Lodge offers an intimate setting far away from the crowds associated with Kruger National Park .

There are only seven large luxurious suites on-site and each one is designed to bring the outdoors in.

They have large floor-to-ceiling windows, big wooden decks, and modern decor with natural elements incorporated into the design.

For us, one of the highlights of staying at Singita Sweni was their strong focus on sustainability.

They have an ethos of “touching the earth lightly” and their efforts were visible in every element of our stay. All meals are crafted with seasonal produce and sourced from local suppliers.

Plus, Singita Sweni Lodge is involved in a number of conservation and social initiatives in the community. One such project was the creation of their solar power plant. Its implementation has meant the lodge can save close to 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

Of course, we also loved the morning and afternoon game drives. We had many wonderful sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, hippos, waterbucks, and other antelopes.

Plus we came across the most unique sighting of them all – a unique white lion, spotted only in this part of Kruger National Park!

If you are looking into a safari in Africa we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Singita Sweni Lodge for an eco-lux experience. It’s a truly one of a kind destination.

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge

Manyoni Private Game Reserve

Zebra Hills is nestled in the private game reserve of Manyoni in Zululand, and is a sure shot delight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Being part of a private reserve gives the lodge owners and guides a lot of flexibility in terms of game-watching and safari hours.

This is one of the highlights, alongside the spectacular zebra-themed decor in the bedrooms, common areas, bar, and dining room.

The perks of living in a private reserve are aplenty, but my favorite bit was enjoying traditional braai in the evenings whilst you wait for the lions to come for a refreshing sip of water in the adjoining water hole.

This is the only place where I have watched lions on foot. Yes, that’s right. The waterhole is just across the swimming pool/barbeque area and if you stay put, it is easy to spot a few thirsty beasts loitering around to quench their thirst.

With no restrictions on safari hours, the night safaris offered umpteen nocturnal sightings with our top game sightings of the day being three cheetah cubs on a kill followed by a charging black rhino.

Such sightings are a dream for true wildlife lovers and Zebra Hills, with its ultra-luxury sleeps and skilled naturalists, made our dream vacation come true.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

A male lion strolls the bush of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Big 5 destination Kwandwe Private Game Reserve covers 54,000 acres of private wilderness area. The reserve includes 30 kilometers of the Great Fish River, meaning a diverse landscape and varied wildlife sightings.

The reserve has some great family-friendly safari options offering child-focused wildlife activities such as making plaster casts of animal footprints and visits to animal orphanages, to help make your safari more meaningful.

It is one of the best places to go on safari in South Africa with kids .

Accommodation at Kwandwe: There are four properties in the reserve with 22 beds in total, meaning not too many other people or safari trucks around when you’re doing your game drives. Melton Manor and Uplands Homestead are exclusive-use lodges for families or small groups. Find prices & book >>

Samara Private Game Reserve

A herd of Eland at Samara, South Africa, looking for danger

Set among wildlife-rich rivers, mountains, and open plains, luxury private game reserve Samara offers guests some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South Africa.

Home to a very successful cheetah regeneration program, the reserve gives a good chance of spotting these beautiful cats, alongside the big 5 and large herds of eland.

Accommodation at Samara: Samara offers two exclusive onsite lodges – the Karoo Lodge and Manor House. Find prices & book >>

Amakhala Game Reserve

Giraffe-spotting on a game drive

The Amakhala Game Reserve is an 18,000-acre joint conservation effort where a former farming area has been rewilded.

Wildlife likely to be encountered on game drives in the reserve includes the big five, as well as cheetah , giraffe , zebra, wildebeest, and plenty of antelope species.

Accommodation options: There are 10 owner-managed properties across the reserve, ranging from restored country homes to tented camps, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

An all-inclusive safari experience and a range of wildlife-focused activities are offered at each property. Find prices & book >>

Kariega Game Reserve

Three luxury safari lodges at Kariega, South Africa

Kariega is a family-owned and run big five reserve incorporating 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness and two large rivers – the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers – giving access to the sea.

The reserve offers abundant game viewing, and in addition to the big 5, game to spot at Kariega includes hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of other antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

Kariega is a particularly family-friendly game lodge offering a daily children’s programme at the Kids on Safari center.

Accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve: The reserve offers five safari lodges at a variety of price points, though all are at the high end, with quality and service to match. Find prices & book >>

Shamwari Game Reserve

One of Shamwari’s waterside lodges

Big five reserve Shamwari prides itself on being both friendly (the name means “my friend” in Shona), and child-friendly.

Childminding services are available on request, along with a host of kid-specific activities to keep them occupied – including the conservation focussed ‘Kids on Safari’ program.

What’s particularly nice (and somewhat unusual) about Shamwari for young families is that children from four upwards are permitted on game drives. Just a 2-hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Shamwari is easily accessible.

Accommodation options: Shamwari has seven lodges and one explorer camp, each with a distinct vibe. From exclusive tranquillity, effortless family enjoyment, or the back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp. Find prices & book >>

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

The pool area at Tswalu, South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari is the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa – 100,000 hectares located in the Southern Kalahari, close to the Botswana border.

Although the reserve is huge, visitor numbers are kept to just 30 at a time, with all guests enjoying a private guided experience to optimise their time there.

Aside from the excellent game drives, activities include horse riding, habituated meerkat colony walks, sleep-outs under the stars, and black rhino walking safaris.

Children of all ages are welcome, and for families, Tswalu makes for a truly unique and memorable (malaria-free!) safari experience.

Accommodation options: Accommodation is luxurious with a choice of two lodges, the secluded Tarkuni (a private home with 5 suites), and The Motse (a spacious lodge with nine suites). Find prices & book >>

Madikwe Game Reserve

Views of the bush from a Madikwe balcony

Located on the Botswana border a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, Madikwe is a wild and remote reserve that’s home to the big five, and is famous for its thriving population of wild dog, as well as gemsbok, springbok, zebra, giraffe and over 340 species of birds.

It is a great option if you are looking for a safari in a non-malarial area .

Accommodation options: The reserve has a large selection of camps and lodges, including the lovely Jaci’s Lodges, Mateya Safari Lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, and Little Madikwe Hills. Find prices & book >>

The Ant Collection

Horseback safari at the Ant Collection, South Africa

Two family-owned and operated lodges – Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill – located in their own spectacular private game reserve.

The reserve is a real haven for animals (over 40 species) and people looking for a wonderful, malaria-free safari. As well as game drives, there’s horse riding, elephant safaris, and swimming available, amongst other activities.

Accommodation options: The Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill offer very family-friendly, luxurious accommodation that is intimate and homely. Find prices & book >>

Entabeni Safari Conservancy

Three of Entabeni’s rhinos grazing in front of a signature rocky outcrop

Entabeni means ‘place of the mountain’, a private reserve spread over five ecosystems including wetlands, grass plains, craggy escarpments, and cliffs.

Large animals such as elephants and rhinos are plentiful, along with leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo.

There’s a choice of activities other than game drives to keep you entertained, such as bush walks, sunset lake cruises, horse riding, and helicopter air safaris.

Children are welcome but must be six or over to join a game drive.

Accommodation options: Lodging includes Lakeside Lodge on the shores of Lake Entabeni and Wildside Safari Camp. Find prices & book >>

Leobo Private Reserve

Bush views from open lounge area at the Leobo lodge

Leobo Private Reserve  is encompassed by rugged rocks, mountains, bushveld savannah, rivers, gorges, and an abundance of wildlife.

It is one of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in Africa – allowing guests full access to the entire estate and all its facilities.

Teeming with plains game, as well as hippo, there’s also a wide array of activities for all ages including paintballing, quad bikes, shooting, fishing, and more.

Accommodation options: The lodge has luxury 9 chalets with views over the Palala valley – and a stunning swimming pool built into the side of the mountain.

It’s fully staffed and rented exclusively, so is perfect for families or groups of friends. Find prices & book >>

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

Main Mabalingwe lodge at sunsetThe Mabalingwe biome , made up of 8,500 hectares of bushveld, provides wonderful game-viewing opportunities year-round.

The reserve is very family-friendly, and the rolling grasslands make game-viewing a breeze. Home to the big five, and also hippo, giraffe, hyena, and sable, the reserve has a variety of family and child-friendly activities to go alongside their day and night game drives.

Accommodation options: There are many types of accommodation available including chalets, campsites, and bush lodges. Find prices & book >>

Welgevonden Game Reserve & Marakele National Park

Drinks time at Welgevenden’s pool area

Adjoining areas Welgevonden Game Reserve  and Marakele National Park are in the process of removing their fences to allow the game to roam in a larger area.

Both parks are home to the big five, as well as 30 more mammal species and over 250 species of birds.

Marakele is more for intrepid safari-goers than luxury safari seekers – you’ll definitely need your own four-wheel-drive car, whilst Welgevonden as a private game reserve has a focus on high-end luxury.

Accommodation options: Are plentiful and varied inside the reserve, with a host of luxurious and extremely hospitable lodges and camps to choose from. Find prices & book >>

That’s your lot for luxury safari lodges in South Africa. Have you stayed at one of these lodges, or know of any others that should be on the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section 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
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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How to Safari in South Africa

It doesn’t matter what you’ve read, or how many times you watched Out of Africa, or if you’ve always felt comfortable in khaki-colored clothing: Nothing prepares you for the first time you’re within 10 feet of a lion in the wild. Your breath catches—there they are, the kings and queens of the African savanna, with retractable claws and powerful haunches any Cross-Fitter would envy, and the only thing between you and them is a few inches of safari-jeep metal and a very hearty guide with a gun, should you need it.

You won’t need it. The lions don’t care about you. (Even if you're advertising your snackability in a white or red windbreaker—don't do that.) Lions only see the massive multi-tiered Land Rover and figure it’s not worth wrangling with that elephantine creature. So you get the privilege to watch, quietly, binoculars and iPhones out, as they go about making a meal of the baboon they just caught. It’s a circle-of-life moment that makes you rethink what you know about survival, or the multi-course lunch spread you’ll have back at the safari camp. It also makes people who were previously blasé about animals want to quit their jobs and stay on as guides, teaching other newcomers about the tell-tale signs of rhino droppings.

That first safari may change you, in subtle ways—sharpening the senses to the slightest rustle in the bushes, or training the eye to look for different birds in the trees, even once you’re home in a concrete jungle. It’s addictive, and despite its legacy as a vacation for the rich and regal, it doesn’t have to exclusive. Think about this: South African children grew up exploring the bush on school trips, camping out under the stars, and keeping night’s watch with a buddy and a flashlight, just like Traveler’s Mary Holland did ; Capetonians may make a long weekend out of the same excursion you feel like you need a lifetime to plan. South Africa offers everything you may want in a safari, so it's a great place to get your boots dusty.

Consider this your nudge out the door—our guide to planning your first, but hopefully not your last, safari holiday.

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Let’s start with the basics: Are you worried about malaria?

If you’d rather not fuss with malaria medication, just plan a trip to a no-malaria or low-risk malaria zone. A number of South African private game reserves—like Phinda in KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast and Madikwe just south of the border with Botswana—check all the boxes. “Madikwe Reserve has wonderful and varied game viewing as well as camps that cater to families, ” Daniel Saperstein , co-owner of Hippo Creek Safaris and a Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist, told us . “Also, Tswalu Kalahari is one of the largest private game reserves in Africa—it’s malaria-free and has fantastic activities for children, including Southern Skies stargazing and daytime meerkat tracking.” Tswalu doesn’t guarantee sightings of all Big Five, though. “If you want something different, there’s Shamwari in the Eastern Cape, a no-malaria area,” says Holland. Shamwari has a number of options, including the luxury tents of Bayethe and the family-friendly Riverdene Lodge, and is just an hour-long drive from Port Elizabeth.

Is it a top priority to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo?

If yes, “definitely head to Kruger Park,” says Holland. South Africa's pride and joy of national parks, with nearly 5 million acres to explore, all but guarantees a Big Five sighting in a two- or four-day safari (though, really, there's no guarantee, no matter what anyone says). East Africa may deliver more of the "ur-safari people think of"—those wide-open, big-sky, Lion King landscapes—says Traveler's Andrew Sessa, but Kruger gives you a better shot at seeing white and black rhinos. There will be crowds, though, so consider private reserves within Greater Kruger National Park like Royal Malewane , a luxury lodge in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and Tanda Tula Safari Camp , a luxury camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. For more budget-friendly options, try Jock Safari Lodge (from US$630 per adult per night) or the Sanparks website, which has a huge range, from cheap to expensive, self-catering to camping and luxury lodges.

Are you going solo, or as a couple, maybe on a honeymoon?

"South Africa is great because you can have incredible city and wine experiences [by pairing a few days in Cape Town and its surrounding wine country] with safari," says Sessa. I did just that for an anniversary trip: four days in Cape Town, then a flight to Durban, where we rented a car and drove to andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve (though that drive is only suited for nerves of steel—you can also fly to Phinda via Johannesburg and Cape Town). There are multiple andBeyond lodges in this game reserve: Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Rock Lodge, Phinda Vlei Lodge (which will reopen June 2018 after a complete renovation), Phinda Zuka Lodge, and Phinda Homestead. We booked a four-day, three-night stay at the Rock Lodge, which has six suites built of contoured stone and adobe—our own private pueblo in Zululand. Each comes with an outdoor deck and plunge pool, big ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers, and feels entirely secluded and romantic. If you're celebrating an anniversary or birthday, tell the staff ahead of time, and they may surprise you by prepping a champagne-and-roses bath at night.

And the two-a-day safari drives? Incredible. We spotted the Big Five easily, but there were so many other special sightings: a pregnant zebra, an albino giraffe, a cheetah and cubs, white and black rhinos (and their babies!) that looked like they had stumbled out of some prehistoric time warp. And then there was the unexpected visit by a herd of elephants looking for a mid-day drink out of our plunge pool.

Are you going as a family?

“I would say a high-end lodge or camp in Sabi Sands Game Reserve (on the outskirts of Kruger) is ideal for the first-time family safari," says Traveler correspondent Paul Rubio, who’s been on 20 safaris in as many years. "This area is incredibly wildlife-dense so sightings are prolific—it's not uncommon to see rhinos, lions, elephants, and a pack of wild dogs in a single game drive (read: the kids will be constantly entertained)." At the lodge, you have every amenity possible to ease the transition for tech-driven teens, he says. "The Wi-Fi and TVs we want to avoid as adults are there for the kids to enjoy if need be. Plus everyone loves the pool." For starters, try Singita Ebony Lodge , where all ages are welcome, and infants under the age of two are free, or Ulusaba Private Game Reserve , one of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection of retreats, which has a dedicated Cub’s Club.

Related: Should you bring kids on a safari?

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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

South Africa safaris: Overview

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.

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.

Kruger's hidden gems

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

My favourite Kruger alternative

North West Province

Madikwe Game Reserve

The Kalahari

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Best for big cats

Phinda Game Reserve

Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

Mala Mala Game Reserve

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant National Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Eastern Cape

Kwandwe Game Reserve

• Western Cape

Karoo National Park

Amakhala Game Reserve

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Karongwe Game Reserve

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

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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.

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.

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.

Close encounters with a leopard in South Africa

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.

• Southern Africa
• South Africa

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.

Related Guides

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.

Safari in Kruger National Park

The showpiece of South African safari, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous protected areas, and for good reason.

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.

Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo

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.

Safari in Kwazulu-Natal

Centred on the beach bum surf city of Durban, the huge, and hugely diverse, province of KwaZulu-Natal on South Africa’s east coast doesn’t have the stellar international wildlife reputation of other South Africa safari locations.

Kwazulu Natal Beach and Bush Honeymoon

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.

Safari in South Africa's North West Province

The North West Province is one of the more easily accessible South Africa safari locations.

Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari in Madikwe

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.

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.

The best safaris in Sabi Sands

The highlight for high-end South Africa safaris and a place of superlatives, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is in effect a continuation of the massive

Sabi Sands Fly In Safari

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The best Eastern Cape safaris

In many respects, the Eastern Cape is a microcosm of the best of South Africa.

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.

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.

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.

If you're going on safari in South Africa, the Western Cape might not feature too highly on your itinerary.

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.

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.

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.

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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10 Best South Africa Safari Experiences (For All Budgets!)

Among South Africa’s vibrant cities and stunning natural wonders, its one-of-a-kind wildlife remains the indisputable biggest draw for travelers headed to South Africa .

Searching for gracefully powerful big cats and thundering elephants and rhinos turns a visit to South Africa into a bucket list adventure most travelers can’t wait to experience for themselves. While there are plenty of memorable safari destinations throughout Africa, South Africa safaris have long reigned supreme.

From budget-friendly self-driving safaris to Africa’s most high-end safari experiences, these ten best South Africa safari tours and destinations are among the nation’s safari highlights. Whether you’re traveling with a budget in mind or are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip , these South Africa safari highlights are guaranteed to impress.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

South Africa Safaris

While the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya remain the most popular safari destinations in Africa, South Africa is the safari destination that is most quickly growing in popularity – and for a number of reasons. Boasting iconic safari parks like Kruger National Park , impressive game reserves like Sabi Sands with some of Africa’s most luxurious accommodations, and out-of-this-world animal experiences , it’s no wonder South Africa is such a popular safari destination.

The standout South Africa safari destination is certainly Kruger National Park and its neighboring private game reserves. Offering self-driving safaris for budget travelers within the park, and some of the most upscale safari experiences you’ll find anywhere in the neighboring game reserves , it’s both an iconic destination and an endlessly popular one that every traveler can fall in love with.

However, don’t book your trip to Kruger without considering the other incredible safari tours in South Africa. Coastal destinations like Addo Elephant National Park boast incredible diversity of wildlife, Phinda Game Reserve and its neighboring public safari park are world-renowned for birding , and northern Madikwe is a “Goldie Locks” destination offering private reserve benefits with more affordable prices.

Whether you’re looking for unique animal experiences, shorter travel times, or particularly affordable (or luxurious) safari options, there are plenty of reasons to look beyond Kruger.

How Much Does It Cost To Go on a Safari in South Africa?

Safaris are generally considered to be quite expensive vacations – but they don’t always have to be. For the most part, expect to spend more on a safari than you might on another type of vacation – safaris can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per night (or more!).

Factoring in your room, all the food you’ll be eating at your remote lodge or accommodation, plus game drives and other safari excursions, there is simply a lot to pay for when on safari.

However, safari travel on a budget is possible. Option for a national park with self-driving safari options like Kruger National Park or Pilanesberg National Park, where you won’t have to pay a guide to see the wildlife, and will only need to factor in the cost of a rental car. You can also stay at national park rest camps along the way, meaning no need to pay for expensive lodges. These safaris are different experiences, that’s for sure, though often just as memorable!

Which Safari Is Best in South Africa?

The iconic Kruger National Park and the neighboring private game reserves like Sabi Sands Game Reserve are home to nearly 150 species of mammals, including all of the Big Five Animals and even the elusive leopard, are generally considered among the best safari destination in South Africa.

Other favorite South African safaris include Phinda Game Reserve for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path destination with similar wildlife experiences to Kruger , and luxury lodges like Sabi Sands. The neighboring Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a public park, offering much of the experience of Phinda without the luxury price tag.

However, there’s no one “best” safari experience in South Africa – each different park and game reserve offers such a unique experience that every traveler will find something to their liking on a South Africa safari. Whether you’re looking for a self-driving safari through Kruger or a high-end luxury experience at a plush lodge, you’ll find it here.

Best South Africa Safari Experiences

1. kruger national park.

One of the great, iconic safari parks in Africa, Kruger National Park is South Africa’s first national park and one of the most desirable African safari destinations . Located in northeastern South Africa , this remote corner of the country is well known for offering an array of incredible safari experiences, meaning no matter the South Africa safari experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Kruger.

With an array of impressive wildlife – pretty much everything you’d want to see (the entire Big Five , and then some) – Kruger is a great place to come for first-time safari travelers, though even more experienced safari travelers will appreciate setting foot in this iconic destination .

Highlights of Kruger include seeing the rare leopards, rhinos, and African wild dogs, as well as more commonly-spotted animals like warthogs, zebras, elephants, lions, and giraffes. This is one of the few places on Earth you’ll be able to spot a leopard, so while sightings are rare, you might just get lucky in Kruger.

Whether you’re looking for luxury or more affordable South Africa safari tours, you’ll find great options in Kruger National Park. As a national park, you’ll find some very basic accommodations called “rest camps,” which make it a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers. For luxurious safari lodges within Kruger, the world-famous Singita offers luxury lodges on private concessions within the park.

Read More: Kruger National Park: Ultimate Travel Guide

Best Safari Tours in Kruger National Park

There is a reason Singita is so well-known as a South Africa safari tour provider: they’re simply the best. Experience a safari with Singita at Lebombo and Sweni, both located directly within the park, offering incredible game drives through the park and on the neighboring private game reserves.

Travelers looking for savings but who would like a guided drive rather than a self-driving experience can book one-day guided drives through Kruger National Park . These are quite economical and can really enhance the experience!

2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Bordering Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is another one of the most popular destinations for a South Africa safari. While Kruger is a national park, meaning self-guided safari drives and lower-cost accommodations, neighboring Sabi Sands is a 65,000-hectare private reserve on the lands of third- and fourth-generation landowners.

The reserve boasts what many claim to be one of the largest concentrations of big game in Africa, including the Big Five and the leopard. With game drives led by experienced private guides – no self-driving here! – you’ll have the very best opportunity to spot every animal you’re looking for and more. 

In terms of the experience here for travelers, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is known for having some of the most impressive and luxurious lodges in all of South Africa (and beyond). Think five-star luxury, ultimate attention to detail, and the price tags that go along with it. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the safari destination for you.

Best Safari Tours in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

A truly standout choice for a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve is  Cheetah Plains , among the most exclusive spots for a safari experience in South Africa. This luxurious property boasts incredible private villas, each with its own hospitality team, to ensure a first-class stay for every guest, personalized to each visitor’s interests. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

Plan a Trip to Sabi Sands

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 8 Best Sabi Sands Lodges

3. Thornybush Game Reserve

Yet another one of the impressive (and high-end) game reserves located along the bounds of Kruger National Park, Thornybush is among one of the best South Africa safari destinations for wildlife spotting. Get ready to meet all the stars of Kruger National Park , and enjoy excellent opportunities to spot the more hard-to-find big cats like leopards and cheetahs.

Both white and black rhinos are found in this reserve, as well as the rare white lion that occasionally makes a visit from the neighboring Timbavati Game Reserve. Other animals you may spot include pangolins, hyenas, meerkats, civets, and more; with Thornybush’s being so well known for its incredibly dense concentration of animals, you’re sure to have some incredible wildlife experiences here.

Thornybush is also well known for incorporating walking safaris into the safari experience of guests and visitors, which is an incredible option! These more intimate, guided experiences mean you’ll have a chance to see the incredible smaller creature of the area up-close and personal – a huge highlight.

Thornybush is also home to some of the most impressive safari lodges in South Africa, including luxurious spots known for incredible game drives with world-class guides. There are quite a number of lodges to choose from, and at a range of price points, though most tend to skew luxurious and exclusive.

Best Safari Tours in Thornybush Game Reserve

Favorite safari tour experiences can be had at Shumbalala Game Lodge and Royal Malewane , both on the luxurious end of the spectrum in this impressive safari spot. In fact, Royal Malewane is considered among the most luxurious safari lodges in the world. Expect both world-class service while at the lodge and incredible game drives with excellent guides.

4. Pilanesberg National Park

Another one of South Africa’s beloved national parks offering second-to-none safari experiences and accommodations, Pilanesberg National Park in the north of the country is a very popular safari destination. Just over two hours north of Johannesburg, it’s also easily accessible, making it a favorite choice for travelers with shorter itineraries and even families who prefer a less-remote destination.

Pilanesberg has all of the Big Five you’re hoping to see and plenty more animals as well. The Big Five, antelopes, wild dogs, and an array of smaller mammals all populate this pristine safari park due to its distinct (malaria-free!) location between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, and in the area of a massive extinct volcano. Pilanesberg’s unique scenery is a welcome breath of fresh air for safari travelers tired of flat savannah.

One of the draws of a safari in Pilanesberg National Park is the ability to self-drive through the park, which can make the experience an affordable one for travelers looking for a budget safari option – rest camps and more affordable lodges make accommodations a breeze, too. However, luxury isn’t lacking, with some truly impressive lodges awaiting travelers escaping from Johannesburg for a long weekend or the safari of a lifetime.

Best Safari Tours in Pilanesberg National Park

If you’re staying at Pilanesberg but aren’t interested in a self-driving experience, don’t worry – the lodges at the park offer guided game drives with experienced guides as part of their safari tours. For a more luxurious experience, Nkala Safari Lodge is second to none , both in impressive accommodations and world-class game drives. For a more rustic “bush lodge” experience, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is a stand-out favorite , though you’ll by no means be roughing it!

Many visitors to Pilanesberg love the self-driving safari options, which give freedom to explore the park at your leisure. However, many visitors also book experienced guides to help them explore the park with a professional eye, as this can greatly increase your chances of seeing all the wildlife you’re looking forward to spotting.

It’s certainly recommended to explore the park with a guide for at least one day of your safari – they can also give you tips to help make the rest of your self-driving experience even better!

5. Mala Mala Game Reserve

While Mala Mala Game Reserve is technically within Sabi Sands Game Reserve, this private, exclusive game reserve is worth mentioning in its own right thanks to its world-class lodges and second-to-none South Africa safari experience. One of the area’s oldest and most-beloved game reserves, it makes for an incredible destination whether you’re planning your first safari or your tenth!

Bordering Kruger National Park , this private game reserve is home to all the wildlife you’re looking forward to seeing at Kruger, but with a fraction of the crowds. In fact, a safari experience at Mala Mala may be the most private and secluded you’ll find, as only visitors staying overnight within the park are allowed access to it. You (and the animals that reside here!) will feel like you have the place all to yourself!

Of course, the Big Five roam aplenty in Mala Mala, as well as cheetahs, leopards, and other mammals like wildebeests, wild dogs, and hyenas. The frequency of leopard spotting at Mala Mala is a highlight for many visitors.

Best Safari Tours in Mala Mala Game Reserve

One of the most impressive lodges in Mala Mala, with the most well-known safari tours, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is an excellent choice when looking for a safari in this game reserve. Opened in 1927, this luxury lodge has a history of providing a fabulous guest experience on game drives and breathtaking freestanding suites offer seclusion and privacy, in your own stunning corner of the savannah.

6. Madikwe Game Reserve

Located along South Africa’s northern border with Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is perhaps the most underrated safari park in South Africa. Just a few hour’s drive from Johannesburg and just over an hour from the capital of Botswana, Gaborone, you’ll be able to easily access the reserve while still feeling like you’re a million miles away.

You thought the Big Five was impressive? In Madikwe, you’ll see the Big Seven. This includes all the animals of the classic Big Five (the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhinoceros) in addition to the rare African wild dog and the cheetah. It makes for one-of-a-kind wildlife experiences. No self-driving safari option here, but the guides are absolutely incredible – you’ll have a million times more luck with them than you would on your own!

In addition to the incredible wildlife at Madikwe Game Reserve, you’ll get a great mix of safari lodges to choose from, making the experience here just as luxurious or as budget-friendly as you can dream of. From rustic, off-grid camps like Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge to high-end spots like Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge , you’ll have a great range of choices for your South Africa safari experience at Madikwe.

Best Safari Tours in Madikwe Game Reserve

Featured among the world’s top ecolodges in Hitesh Mehta’s  Authentic Ecolodges ,  Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge  is a family-owned and operated bush camp in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve.  With world-renowned guides and incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife, it’s no wonder that 50% of guests are return visitors.

This beloved, rustic eco camp provides visitors with an authentic wilderness experience and minimal environmental impact.  This off-grid property offers just ten raised cabins with partly open sides, encouraging guests to unplug to reconnect .

7. Phinda Game Reserve

Located in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal area, right along the coastline and south of Eswatini, Phinda Game Reserve offers easily one of the very best South Africa safari experiences. Home to seven ecosystems – known as the “seven wonders of the world” – you’ll find a bit of everything here, including impressive, easily-visible wildlife, the complete Big Five , and rhino rehabilitation and conversation projects that make this one of the best places to see rare rhinos in the wild.

This game reserve is owned and operated by andBeyond, the award-winning, responsible safari brand whose presence is now throughout Africa. Phinda Game Reserve helped launch andBeyond to global recognition. At their flagship Phinda, you’ll experience their very best of the beloved andBeyond experience and feel welcomed to their pride and joy.

Despite being the flagship of such a well-known safari brand, Phinda Game Reserve still has a bit of an off-the-beaten-path vibe, especially when compared to other high-end safari spots like Thornybush and Sabi Sands . It’s a great choice for a relaxed yet luxurious safari without sacrificing wildlife experiences.

Looking to pair a safari with a beach vacation? Located close to the coast, a stay at Phinda combines perfectly with a beach getaway. The nearby iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is actually a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site, and offers pristine beaches and great snorkeling opportunities.

Best Safari Tours in Phinda Game Reserve

You really can’t go wrong with any experience at Phinda, no matter which is of the six lodges you choose from. Game drives are incredible, truly second to none, and the off-the-beaten-path luxury of the game reserve permeates no matter where you stay.

Two of the most beloved spots, offering the most distinct safari experiences at Phinda, are Phinda Mountain Lodge and Phinda Forest Lodge – nestled within totally distinct ecosystems within the reserve, they offer very different experiences. Expansive mountain views and family-friendly amenities await at Phinda Mountain Lodge, while Phinda Forest Lodge is an ecolodge par excellence with shaded cabins among the forest providing secluded luxury.

For even more privacy, choose the exclusive safari villas – The Homestead and Zuka Lodge – which offer a complete, private estate , perfect for all your family and friends to tag along and create safari memories together.

8. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Just south of Phinda Game Reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the unique experience of a safari in KwaZulu-Natal without Phinda exclusivity. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the only national safari park in the area that is home to the Big Five animals, and much of the same beautiful and diverse landscape as Phinda.

In addition to the park’s Big Five animals and dozens of other impressive animals, it’s also home to a large population of white rhinoceroses, as the park has been home to traditional breeding grounds and an extensive preservation project.

Another wildlife highlight at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park? The incredible bird populations. This is one of the most well-known and beloved destinations for birders on safari looking to spot unique species of eagles, herons, longclaws, and more. It’s the perfect spot to combine birding excursions with game drives.

Best Safari Tours in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is open for self-driving safari excursions, a popular option in the park, though not the only one. Private game drives with trained guides are still generally the best safari tours, as guides have all the inside scoop about where and when to find animals. Stay at the favorite Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for private game drives with the very best guides.

Looking for a budget safari tour? Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park might be the perfect option. It is close enough to Durban to enjoy a one-day safari excursion from Durban . Of course, staying in the park for at least a night or two means a more complete safari experience, but a safari excursion from Durban is a great option for travelers with just a short itinerary. You can also find excellent multi-day safari excursions from Durban with transportation included for a hassle-free option.

9. Addo Elephant National Park

Located along South Africa’s southern coast, Addo Elephant National Park is among the country’s largest national parks and a great choice for safaris whether you’re on your first safari or more experienced. Best known for – you guessed it – the numerous large herds of elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is also home to a rich and varied landscape. It promises incredible wildlife sightings , with much more than just elephants.

Elephants aren’t the only wildlife you’ll see here – not by far. The park is home to the Big Five , plus African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, and over 13 species of antelope. The park’s coastal location also makes for an entirely unique safari, meaning you can see seals, whales, and even sharks along with the standard safari favorites.

A mix of self-driving options and some incredible luxury lodges with top-notch private game drives means a safari in Addo Elephant National Park can be just as affordable or luxurious as you’re looking for. Nearby spots to stay, Airbnb style, offer more affordable choices as well.

Best Safari Tours in Addo Elephant National Park

As with other national parks in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park offers the option for visitors to self-drive through the park rather than hire a guide . It makes for an exciting experience and an affordable one if you’re traveling on a budget; it’s certainly one of the draws to the park. Many travelers also love to hire a safari guide for at least one day of experiencing a guided game drive – these can be a great introduction to the park and offer tips for a self-driving experience.

For a more luxurious experience, Gorah Elephant Camp is a stunning tented lodge, while the more affordable Zuurberg Mountain Village is also an excellent choice, and much loved.

An andBeyond outpost exists at Addo Elephant National Park as well, offering one of the best experiences in the park – Riverbend Lodge feels perfectly old-world and classic , providing a great experience for travelers and a comfortable retreat after a day spent scouting out animals.

• Addo Elephant National Park: Traveler’s Guide
• Best Lodges in Addo Elephant National Park

10. Lalibela Game Reserve

Another one of coastal South Africa’s best safari destinations, Lalibela Game Reserve offers a great mix of attractive features for travelers that makes it so special. Malaria-free, exclusive, and meaningfully conservation-focused, this Big Five game reserve isn’t as sprawling as its counterparts in the northern part of the country, though it doesn’t feel like it.

Home to five unique ecosystems within just 26,000 acres, you’ll get incredible opportunities to see unique bird species, mammals like lynx, jackals, and cheetahs, as well as all the Big Five favorites you’re expecting. With large expanses of grasslands, you’ll find great herds of zebras and wildebeests, making for incredible wildlife experiences and stunning photography.

Lalibela Game Reserve is home to six high-end lodges, making it a luxury safari destination perhaps not the best choice for budget travelers but a great option for those looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway.

Best Safari Tours in Lalibela Game Reserve

Each of the six lodges at Lalibela is incredible – you really can’t go wrong here. Tree Tops Safari Lodge makes for a unique experience if you’ve never stayed in a tented safari camp before. Mark’s Camp is a family-friendly option, while Inzolo Lodge feels particularly romanti c (and exclusive) with its private chalets.

Wherever you stay in Lalibela Game Reserve, make sure to add a walking safari to your itinerary. You’ll love the experience, and the guides do an incredible job making the most of a slow journey through the incredible landscape and diverse ecosystems of the park.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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A first-timer’s guide to the 22 best safaris in Africa

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From what to pack and when to go to the types of animals you can see in each park, this is a quick and easy guide to the best safaris in Africa.

Going on a safari in Africa offers an unparalleled adventure into the continent’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether exploring the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, the rich ecosystems of Kruger National Park, or the awe-inspiring plains of the Maasai Mara, the best safaris in Africa promise unforgettable wildlife encounters and wilderness experiences. From witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five, a safari allows you to connect with nature in its most raw and beautiful form.

South Africa is famous for the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros and buffaloes. South Africa has affordable safari options, an excellent food and wine scene and a good tourism infrastructure. Otherwise, intrepid travellers can find exceptional safari escapes in Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Namibia.

When is the best time to go on safari in Africa?

Generally speaking, the best time to go on any safari is during the dry season from June to October. 

South Africa/Botswana/Zimbabwe/Zambia

May to October is the dry season. Visit during the hotter and drier months when animals tend to congregate around waterholes and vegetation is sparse, making animal spotting easier. The wet season runs from December to March, a hot and humid time of year that is great for lush landscapes, birdwatching, and seeing newborn animals. 

East Africa 

Game viewing is possible all year round, however you can expect the ‘long rain’ season from April to May, and the ‘short rain’ season from November to December. Safaris are generally open during the ‘short rains’ season, while they typically close during the ‘long rains’. 

Kenya/Tanzania 

These countries are best to visit from January to March and June to October when the climate is dry and mild. Visit Tanzania to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti from January to September. While the migration patterns change depending on rain, calves are usually born around January to March in the south of the Serengeti, then they cross the rivers around July and August. Lions often follow in their wake. Visit the Masai Mara in Kenya from June to November to witness the migration.

Going on safari in Ghana is best done from September to October when the dry season is in full swing, offering cooler days and the opportunity to see the migration in the Masai Mara.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 

Hikes into the rainforest to see the gorillas are undertaken all year round, however, the weather conditions are more favourable in January, February, and from June to September, when it is cooler and drier. 

Read more: A safari oasis at Babanango Game Reserve An African safari at Shamwari Four incredible new safari adventures from Abercrombie & Kent

What do I need to pack to go on safari? 

• Keep luggage to a minimum and pack light 
• Lightweight clothing in earthy colours and natural materials 
• A windbreaker or fleece jumper to ward off the morning and evening chill 
• Hat, sunglasses and a scarf or bandana to protect your neck from the cold, sunburn or bugs 
• Comfortable and durable walking shoes for casual bush walks or game drives 
• High-quality waterproof hiking boots if you plan to do gorilla trekking, plus lightweight wool socks
• Smart-casual shoes and clothing for afternoons and evenings at your safari lodge or camp, such as jeans, shirts, dresses
• Your survival kit should include malaria tablets, antihistamines, anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from car sickness, panadol, aspirin, insect repellent, sunscreen, bands aids and a basic anti-bacterial/anti-septic cream
• Portable battery pack 
• Chargers for phones and electronic devices 
• Binoculars 

What to expect on your first safari

The things you can expect to experience on a safari depend on the season, location and style of your safari expedition, be it a tour, lodge or otherwise. Given the unpredictable nature of the weather and animals, safari itineraries can change with no notice. However, there are a few things you can expect to experience on the best safaris in Africa.

• Two game drives per day, usually early morning and late afternoon or early evening
• Time to relax during the hottest part of the day, from late morning to afternoon, and in the evenings
• Night safari drives with spotlights for nocturnal animals 
• Depending on your location, tour and/or accommodation: guided bush walks, photography hides, drinks or meals on location at scenic lookouts, hot air balloon rides, canoeing in a traditional mokoro or horseback riding

Which African country has the safest safari? 

Botswana and Rwanda are considered some of the safest countries in Africa.

What is the difference between national parks, reserves and private game reserves?

The distinction between a national park and a private game reserve lies in ownership and management. National parks are government-owned and managed, while private game reserves are owned and operated by private entities, often lodges. Despite the difference in ownership, both adhere to strict conservation principles and wildlife protection regulations. Reserves are smaller and less developed than national parks, with less tourist facilities. 

22 of the best safaris in Africa 

Etosha national park, namibia.

Regarded as the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland, Etosha National Park is a lush environment surrounded by dunes and golden, grassy plains. Four of the Big Five are found here (no buffaloes here, unfortunately), along with zebra, the rare black-faced impala, oryx, cheetah, giraffe, eland and hyena.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The best safaris in Africa aren’t always the most well-known. Brimming with a variety of wildlife, South Luangwa National Park is framed by the Muchinga escarpment, and you’ll find elusive species here, such as the hartebeest, sable and roan. Visitors can also expect to encounter elephants, hippos, and the impala’s fluffy cousin, the puku. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Home to a diverse arrangement of African wonders such as elephants, African buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard, spotted hyena, chimpanzee and lion, visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park are in for a treat. 

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda 

Home to the beloved and endangered mountain gorilla, this national park is comprised of montane ecosystems such as bamboo forest, open grasslands, swamp and heath. While Volcanoes National Park isn’t where you’ll do the usual Big Five spotting, it is home to unique animals such as black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes and baboons. It’s undoubtedly one of the best safaris in Africa. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi tends to be the more popular choice as it has a greater population of gorillas and is better situated for fly-in safaris. In addition to the majestic gorillas, those trekking this park may also see elephants, duikers, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, the clawless otter, side-striped jackal or civet. 

South Africa 

Madikwe game reserve.

Positioned in the North West Province close to the border of Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the best safaris in Africa. The malaria-free reserve is famous for being home to the ‘Super Seven’: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs and the endangered African wild dog. 

Kruger National Park

The well-known Kruger National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Here, you’ll not only find the Big Five, but more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve. Expect giraffes, hyenas, jackals, honey badgers, warthogs, impalas and more. 

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Regarded as one of the most prestigious game reserves in South Africa, Sabi Sand has a reputation for incredible leopard and lion sightings.

Gondwana Game Reserve 

Located along the Garden Route, a trail of ancient forest, gold beaches, mountain ranges and seaside towns in South Africa, Gondwana Game Reserve is malaria-free and home to the Big Five, plus Cape Mountain zebra. It’s also one of the only Big Five fynbos reserves in the world, one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms identified for its vast array of plant species.

Solio Game Reserve, Kenya

Despite its small size, this privately operated game reserve is Kenya’s oldest rhino sanctuary and an important breeding ground for black rhinos. It’s likely visitors to the 71-square-kilometre reserve will see oryxes, hartebeests, giraffes, lions, hyenas and buffaloes.

Amboseli National Park

This national park is known for its massive elephant population and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List in June 2023 and offers one of the best safaris in Africa. 

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is divided into two parts: East and West, and is home to herds of elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions, leopards, pods of hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, lesser Kudu and gerenuk.

Masai Mara National Reserve

With vast savannah plains that roll up to the border of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara is a premier safari location in Kenya, and one of the best safaris in Africa, known for its diverse wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra roam these lands, along with many other animals. 

Tanzania 

Serengeti national park.

Located in north-central Tanzania on the Serengeti Plain, this national park is the only place in Africa where huge land-animal migrations take place, particularly wildebeest, gazelle and zebras. Serengeti has been UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1981. 

Nyerere National Park 

Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park spans a whopping 30, 893 square kilometres, is the largest standalone park in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Located in Southern Tanzania, the park has a high concentration of wild animals, including big cats, giraffes, elephants, rhinos and more, making it one of the best safaris in Africa. 

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, encompassing part of the southern Serengeti’s short-grass plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands, a range of ancient volcanoes along the western Great Rift Valley. Formed around 2.5 million years ago from a volcanic cone collapse, it’s the largest unbroken volcanic caldera on Earth and serves as a natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest populations of large mammals, creating a self-contained ecosystem that is unique, even among the very best safaris in Africa. 

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, formed in 2008 when it merged with the Usangu Game Reserve, expanding to more than 20,000 square kilometres. Ruaha is a hidden treasure with just a handful of camps, making it a favourite among seasoned East African safari-goers who appreciate its wild, unspoiled character and exceptional game viewing.

Botswana 

Okavango delta.

The Okavango Delta, a unique wetland spanning up to 15,000 square kilometres of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, is sustained by the Okavango River flowing from Angola. Home to some of the world’s most endangered species, such as cheetahs, white and black rhinos, African wild dogs and lions, the delta offers some of the best safaris in Africa, including walking, riding, mokoro, boating, balloon, and helicopter safaris.

Chobe National Park

Botswana’s Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with an estimated 50,000 Kalahari elephants, known for their massive herd sizes. A safari here ensures unforgettable encounters with these magnificent animals.

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve, often called a ‘Garden of Eden,’ offers some of the best safaris in Africa with year-round game viewing and breathtaking landscapes, including savannahs, floodplains and dense forests. Home to more than 400 bird species, such as the African fish eagle and crested crane, the reserve showcases a diverse ecosystem adapted to the Okavango Delta’s swamp conditions.

Hwange National Park

As Zimbabwe’s largest and most popular park, Hwange National Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. It is renowned for its impressive concentration of elephants, especially during the dry season when they gather at the park’s waterholes.

Mana Pools National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is renowned for its remote beauty, abundant wildlife, and superb canoeing and walking safaris. Although the dry season (July to October) is hot, it’s the best time for game viewing as animals flock to the park’s water sources. If you can withstand the heat, it’s one of the best safaris in Africa. 

Read more: The 10 safest countries in Africa This is the only national park in East Africa you can explore on foot How to identify ethical animal encounters Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park Visit South Africa’s first luxury wheelchair-friendly safari lodge

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South Africa safaris for first-timers: 8 things to know before you book

Oct 5, 2021 • 8 min read

Get your camera charged and ready, safari vehicles make all stops, especially when the roads are blocked © WitR / Shutterstock

A lifelong dream for many, a safari in  South Africa  can take as many forms as the multitude of creatures you encounter in the wild.

From a remote escape in a bush camp to a luxurious idyll, the range of experiences can suit all tastes and budgets. And just like a giraffe picking and choosing amongst the canopy of leaves for the perfect snack, you'll be rewarded for taking the time to create a safari that's perfect for you.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and also be prepared. As things continue to shift with travel restrictions, make sure to check the latest travel alerts from the US State Department . From there, here's everything else you need to know prior to your South African safari to make the most of your expedition. 

1. When to go

For wildlife watching, winter (June to September) is ideal as many trees and shrubs are leafless, which aids spotting. Limited food and water also means that animals are out in the open more often foraging, hunting or grabbing a drink at a waterhole. South Africa's summer (December to February) sees the countryside at its most lush, but animals can be lost in dense shadows. Most common at this time are holidaymakers from Europe, who come in herds for the hot temps.

2. Choosing a National Park

South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves. You can find one offering any kind of experience you want, from utter desolation, to verdant savannah rich with life in all forms. You can join guided safaris, set out on your own or find serenity at a campsite far from others. They also cater to travelers on all budgets which makes them both affordable but also often crowded in parts. Most have good roads you can tour in your own rental car. For your first safari, two parks stand out:

Kruger National Park   The national park for safaris. Yes parts can get crowded, but given that it's the size of Wales, you can easily escape to a remote corner. Every iconic – and not-so-iconic – African animal is found here. You can stay in the park in everything from isolated campsites to bungalows and cottages in busy compounds, with prices that are some of the best value on the continent. Staying in the surrounding towns like Nelspruit, which have hotels, hostels and resorts for every budget, may be tempting, but they make accessing the early morning wildlife drives (the highlight of the day) difficult; the commute and park-gate traffic can eat into the best part of viewing time.

Where you should go on your first safari in Africa

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi   Combines lush scenery with all the expected wildlife. Located in the heart of Zululand, the famous culture of the namesake tribe is prevalent. Beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast are among South Africa's finest, so you can see wildlife and go for a dip. The park is especially noted for its network of hiking trails that include multi-day itineraries and camping deep in the bush.

3. Choosing a private reserve

There is only one real reason why you may not choose a private wildlife reserve: cost. These are not places for people on a tight budget, with prices reaching thousands of dollars per person per day. But for people who want the ultimate safari-experience, a lodge in a private reserve offers:

Close proximity to wildlife Not only do you avoid long drives before your safari starts but that bump you hear in the night may be an elephant looking in your window. Unlike most of the government camps, lodges here are rarely ever fenced. And when on wildlife drives, guides are usually permitted to leave the reserve's dirt tracks and head directly to sightings in the bush instead of having to watch from afar (as is the case in the national parks).  Sabi Sand Game Reserve , which adjoins Kruger National Park , is widely considered to be the best place in Africa for spotting animals.

Word class safari guides Guides working at private reserves are at the top of their game. They read the animal footprints on the dirt each morning like a newspaper and have the best chance of finding you the most incredible wildlife encounters. In the highest-end reserves, guides wear ear-piece radios and communicate with each other to let them know where any key sightings are taking place.

Fewer crowds Safari jeeps in the park may hold up to 15 guests, while those in private reserves tend to max out at six. At some high-end lodges it might actually just be your party in the vehicle. The fewer the people, the more individual time the guide has to give you; you'll also have more say in how long you stay at individual sightings. Most reserves also set a strict rule of no more than three vehicles at any one sighting, whereas there may be dozens of them in the parks.

Luxury   Some of the private reserve lodges are merely comfortable but others, such as Singita Boulders and  Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in Sabi Sand are the retreats of the rich and famous.

Customization Since you're staying amidst the wildlife, you can easily create your own menu of activities on the fly, such as guided walks through the bush or tours that focus on particular species. At Samara Private Game Reserve in a verdant valley amidst desert in the Eastern Cape, there are treks to track cheetahs on foot. One way to save on the costs of a private reserve is to spend just a few nights at one at the start of your trip. Take advantage of the talented guides and abundance of wildlife to see a lot of animals quickly and learn a lot about South Africa's wildlife. Then, with your wildlife urges somewhat sated, try a completely different experience in a national park, where you can concentrate more on appreciating the rhythms of life and natural beauty.

4. Use a guide

The first time your guide shows you easily-missed leopard tracks crossing your path, you'll be glad you're not wandering aimlessly on your own. Although guides can keep you safe from marauding lions, their great value is simply in explaining the vast complexities and subtleties of the African bush. Animals carry the colours they do so they will be easy to miss.

Are you ready for a self-drive safari

In private reserves guides are usually part of the price but in a national park you may be tempted to go DIY. You may get lucky (like we did in Kruger one day and have several prides of lions wander past), but as a novice you'll simply miss much. And when there are not big animals about, good guides will bring the bush to life, showing you smaller species, insects and even vegetation that has fascinating properties.

5. Don't be a 'Big Five' cliché

Sure, it’s great – and a reason to go – to see lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and rhinos. And you'll see the phrase (which was coined by white hunters in the 1920s to validate their self-proclaimed bravery) on everything from businesses to buses. But there are obviously far more critters out there: zebras, hippos and giraffes are just a few and the list goes on. Read up on the animals you're likely to see and make a list of the less famous ones and try to spot those. You can't appreciate the beguiling ugliness of a warthog until you've seen one; a herd of twitchy impalas reminds you that danger can lurk anywhere amidst the pastoral beauty.

6. Drive or fly

You can fly straight into Kruger National Park, connecting from Cape Town or Johannesburg . If you're pressed for time this is essential for having plenty of safari time. Most other parks and reserves are equally well served by local flights and you can work out itineraries where resorts or lodges handle all your transfers. But if you can afford the time, driving in South Africa is rewarding. Outside of parks and reserves there are wine regions, spectacular natural beauty and all manner of interesting small towns and cultural attractions. As an example, from Johannesburg you can reach Kruger or Sabi Sand in a full day of driving or you can break the journey at Pilgrim's Rest , a charmer of an 1880s gold-rush town that hasn't been over-restored.

7. Bring the right stuff

Dawn safaris during the winter in and around Kruger can be surprisingly cold; layers (even gloves and a warm hat) can be shed as the sun and temp goes up. Binoculars are an obvious choice and don't expect your lodge or guides to provide them. A compact pair will let you see that big cat skulking in the distance. Don't count on wi-fi in the bush, so a good book about the land and life around you is essential.

8. Just relax

Besides shivering in the cold dawn air you should be ready to simply chill out. Guides will be doing their best to hit a checklist of animals but this doesn't always happen. Take time to appreciate the land around you, the beauty of a deserted waterhole reflecting the vast African sky or the sounds of a bird far in the distance. Don't fret about picking off a checklist of critters and certainly don't spend all your time hunting for them through a tiny viewfinder. Get out of your vehicle and simply revel in the quiet. Sometimes the most magical moment on safari is when you see nothing at all.

You might also like: Where to go on your first safari in Africa Top tips to make your African safari more affordable A day on safari in Africa: what you can expect in camp and in the wild

This article was originally published in 2012.

This article was first published Mar 23, 2012 and updated Oct 5, 2021.

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South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves

• The Madikwe Game Reserve

By Audley South Africa specialist Chris

Whether you’re an avid safari-goer or it’s your very first time, South Africa’s diverse national parks and private reserves offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the whole of Africa. The majority are home to the Big Five, and sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos in a single trip are not uncommon.

That said, each of South Africa’s safari locations have something different to offer, allowing you to build a trip shaped around what you’re most passionate about. You might want to experience a classic safari in the storied Greater Kruger Region, or perhaps you’d prefer to explore lesser-trodden trails in Madikwe Game Reserve. Whatever your style, I can help craft a South Africa safari vacation to suit you, including one or two of my favorite parks and reserves from below.

Kruger National Park

Best for a classic Big Five safari

The  Greater Kruger Region is the oldest and largest area of undisturbed natural bush in South Africa. The park covers an immense area, allowing animals to follow ancient migration routes between South Africa,  Zimbabwe and  Mozambique .

Known as South Africa’s premier big cat viewing destinations, Kruger National Park and the wider Greater Kruger Region (which includes a variety of private reserves bordering the park) boast the highest densities and widest varieties of classic safari animals in the country. To the south and southwest, the rivers are bordered by woodland, which gives perfect cover to leopards. To the north the woodland gives way to open grassland, where on one trip, I saw six individual leopards in just three days.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget and are happy to drive yourself around the park, you can choose from an array of government-run lodges and camps within the park’s boundaries. For a more luxurious and exclusive experience, I highly recommend staying within the private wildlife reserves just outside.

Sabi Sands  is arguably the most famous private reserve in the region, but there are also a number of smaller ones, such as the  Timbavati ,  Thornybush , and Klaserie, where you'll see fewer vehicles and just as much wildlife. Both Sabi Sands and Timbavati have unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, so animals are free to move in and out. It isn’t unusual to see herds hundreds of buffaloes strong in this area.

Safaris in the Greater Kruger Region are predominantly vehicle-based, but it’s sometimes possible to take a bush walk too. The purpose of these walks is not to view the bigger animals but to introduce you to smaller creatures and insects, as well explaining the principles of tracking and spoor identification.

Where to stay in the Greater Kruger Region

With just a handful of thatched-roof chalets, a central relaxation space overlooking a seasonal waterhole, and an eco-conscious approach in all that it does, Bateleur Safari Camp is one of the region’s best stays. It’s perched above a dry riverbed within Timbavati Private Game Reserve, so you can often spot elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes as you unwind at the camp after an action-packed day.

The Eastern Cape’s parks & reserves

Best safari destination for families

The  Eastern Cape is relatively new to safari compared to the Kruger region. That said, all wildlife viewing here provides ample opportunity to spot the Big Five: a stellar safari cast, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and cape buffaloes. During a three-night stay, your chances of seeing all five animals are good — though, as with all safaris, never guaranteed. The most elusive member of the Big Five in the Eastern Cape, the leopard, can be relatively hard to spot due to its secretive nature and the fact that they’re not as accustomed to vehicles in this region.

While on safari here, I was lucky enough to enjoy two incredibly rare sightings. First, a black rhino and her calf voluntarily walking straight past our vehicle, and then I spotted an extremely rare and nocturnal aardwolf during the day.

Most wildlife viewing is conducted on drives — however, you can also explore on foot. I’d recommend heading out with the more experienced guides, such as those in Lalibela Game Reserve. They’re able to bring the bush to life and highlight interesting details you may miss from a vehicle.

Unlike most other safari destinations, the Eastern Cape is malaria-free, making it ideal for families with children. It also boasts great weather from October to March, when it’s wetter in the Kruger region.

Where to stay in the Eastern Cape

Tucked away on a secluded hillside in Lalibela Private Game Reserve is Lentaba Safari Lodge. Each of its chalets has a private observation deck, so you can gaze across the valley bushveld as the sun sets. I love how the lodge has integrated traditional African decor throughout the chalets and communal spaces, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere to retreat to after your twice-daily wildlife drives.

Lentaba welcomes children aged 12 and above, so if you have younger children, I recommend Riverdene Family Lodge in Shamwari Private Game Reserve instead. It’s a converted farmhouse with an unobtrusive safety fence around the grounds, meaning there’s plenty of space for children to run around and play safely, including a dedicated playground.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Best for a remote safari

Madikwe is the second largest wildlife reserve in South Africa and home to all the wildlife big hitters, but it often flies under the radar when people plan a safari. This makes it ideal if you want a more traditional safari experience with fewer vehicles around. I consider it one of the best safari destinations near Johannesburg , around a one-hour flight from the city by light aircraft or a five-hour drive. It’s also another malaria-free option for families.

The vast swathes of land that make up Madikwe Game Reserve are a beautiful combination of rocky outcrops and open plains. There are very few large trees, thanks in part to the 1,000 or so elephants found here, and also because of the arid climate, which is more similar to the  Kalahari than the rest of South Africa.

Madikwe once had a reputation for its large population of wild dogs, but unfortunately due to the introduction of rabies by poachers, their numbers were decimated to only five individuals. However, recently the population has started to bounce back, and on my most recent trip I saw a litter of nine pups. I’ve also heard that, since my return home, another pack has successfully raised a litter.

Wild dogs are rarely at the top of a first-time visitor’s wish list, but once you’ve seen these charismatic and sociable animals frolicking in front of you, you’ll see why experienced safari-goers love them. Unlike other predators, they can be very active during the day, hunting up to three times with around a 75% success rate.

There are also over 400 species of bird in Madikwe, so it’s a popular choice for birdwatchers, with the opportunity for sightings of yellow-throated sandgrouses, kori bustards, and Temminck’s coursers, as well as barred wren-warblers.

Where to stay in Madikwe Game Reserve

Impodimo Lodge  is my favorite place to stay in this area because of the vast number of elephants that come to drink at the watering hole during the mid-day siesta. There’s an underground hide that you can use to make the most of this view. Then, in the evening, you can unwind in your glass-fronted chalet, complete with an outdoor shower and a private deck surrounded by tamboti trees, so you can fully immerse yourself in nature. The lodge welcomes children of all ages and even has a dedicated program to keep little ones occupied.

Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Best for combining wildlife with history

There’s so much to do in the  KwaZulu-Natal area that you can spend two to three weeks just in this region, combining time on safari with an exploration of the military history and stark mountain landscapes that the region is known for. It’s my favorite part of South Africa.

Probably the best private wildlife reserve in this area is  Phinda . Wildlife drives and walking safaris are both possible here, making the area perfect for more active safari-goers. It’s home to the Big Five, as well as &Beyond’s guide training school, and is particularly known for its rhino sightings. Cheetahs also thrive here due to smaller populations of lions and leopards that typically outcompete cheetahs elsewhere.

Phinda comprises several different biomes: woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, forests (including a rare dry sand forest), mountains, rivers, and marshes. This diversity gives you a chance to spot animals that you’re unlikely to see elsewhere in Africa, like the suni antelope, one of the smallest ungulates in the world.

It wouldn’t be accurate to say that KwaZulu-Natal is off the beaten track, but it’s certainly lesser known and quieter than other areas. As well as safari, you can also visit the  battlefields of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars , or if you want to walk, there are some excellent hiking trails through the  Drakensberg Mountains .

Where to stay in Phinda Private Game Reserve

As is typical of KwaZulu-Natal, rolling scenery takes pride of place at &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge — you can admire the Lobombo foothills from across its hilltop grounds. The lodge’s collection of suites and cottages are spread out away from the main building, dotted down the hillside. I particularly like that each has a private plunge pool — somewhere special to unwind at the end of the day. As you take a dip, you can enjoy views of the bush and the foraging vervet monkeys that live within it.

Combine a safari with other highlights of South Africa

You could visit South Africa and never step foot in a safari park because there’s so much else to do, which is why I always like to add on time before or after a safari to explore the country’s rich culture, cuisine, and history.

Cape Town  and  The Winelands work well as a combination with most parts of South Africa. While there, you can hike Table Mountain, visit Robben Island , take guided food tours, and hop between vineyards on the Wine Tram. Then, you can fly directly from Cape Town to the Kruger Region or the Eastern Cape game reserves.

Johannesburg  is the other major entry point to South Africa and has good connections to Kruger and Madikwe. During your stay you could visit the  Apartheid Museum , the Pretoria Diamond Mines, or perhaps the Cradle of Humankind, where the largest number of hominid remains have been found.

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting South Africa, and particularly if you’re heading to Kruger, you may want to combine your safari with a visit to  Victoria Falls , just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg.

Alternatively, if you’d like some true relaxation after your safari, you couldn’t wish for better than the azure waters and beautiful beaches of the  Seychelles ,  Mozambique , or  Mauritius . These all offer a huge range of hotels, from small self-catering apartments to the most opulent and indulgent beach stays. Or, within South Africa, there’s the  Elephant Coast with its wild beaches and rustic oceanfront lodges.

Best time to go on safari in South Africa

Due to South Africa’s varied regional climates, the best time to visit for a safari depends on where you want to explore. In December and January, the Eastern Cape is hot and dry, meaning that thirsty animals congregate around waterholes in plain sight. Kruger is best in May, when temperatures cool and animals become more active, but you can enjoy dry weather until September. Likewise, dry conditions provide ample wildlife spotting opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal from May to September.

Read more about safari trips to South Africa

Discover South Africa

13 days from $5,100pp

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

11 days from $9,200pp

Cape Town to Kruger: luxury South African rail journey

12 days from $14,995pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
• Family vacations & safaris in South Africa
• A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari
• What to do in South Africa: our highlights
• Self-driving in South Africa

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• World's Best

Our Readers' Favorite 10 Safari Lodges in Africa in 2021

Lila Harron Battis is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Travel + Leisure .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The Western idea of Africa as a vast unknowable expanse of wilderness — rather than a living, breathing place with as much diversity and unique regionality as any other continent — has endured with stubborn longevity. Perhaps quintessential images like silverbacks in a lush mountain forest, giraffes and acacia trees silhouetted against a savannah sunset, and herds of elephants in the floodplains along a winding river stick with travelers because they are so unlike the nature scenes of the U.S., where centuries of human interference have left little trace of true wilderness or of the animals that once roamed freely.

Africa's rarefied natural spaces have compelled generations of adventurers to seek them out — and the hospitality world has kept pace. Today's safari-goers have little more to worry about than checking off the Big Five and whether to order red or white with dinner. And for the ultimate in service, comfort, and indulgence, they can't go wrong with the places that T+L readers voted onto this year's list of the best safari lodges in Africa.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

The spots on the list are brimming with opulent touches and spectacular scenery. At No. 4 Angama Mara, in Kenya's Masai Mara , two 15-tent camps dot the edge of an escarpment about 300 yards above the game reserve. The views of the Great Rift Valley are so cinematic it's tempting to stay on property and just gawk at the scenery. Don't miss a visit to the on-site craft workshop, where Masai women teach guests the techniques and meaning behind their beading traditions, or the photography studio, where you can test out pro gear and polish up your safari snapshots with cutting-edge photo-editing software.

At No. 6 Singita Grumeti, in Tanzania, the lodging options offer something for every style: crystal chandeliers and gilded frames at Sasakwa Lodge, rattan chairs and campaign tables at Sabora Tented Camp, and breezy furnishings and basketry-inspired light fixtures at Faru Faru Lodge, among others. In South Africa, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge (No. 9) has 20 cottages that blend light details — wide-slate bathroom floors, ceramic stools, pale patterned loveseats, high thatched ceilings — with the gravitas of deep-hued wood furnishings, muted flat-weave rugs, and antique-inspired wildlife illustrations. Overall, it feels grounded and traditional, but never stuffy. The property is situated on Ngala Private Game Reserve, which — thanks to the success of andBeyond's conservation work — is now part of Kruger National Park.

Many of the properties on this list held an emotional resonance for our readers, one that lingered long after returning home. Of the Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, in Zambia, which came in No. 8, one reader wrote, "I dream about Mfuwe, the people, and the sounds of the animals at night. The experience I had was beyond everything I imagined." Another put it simply: "You truly connect with raw life." A reader who spent time at No. 5 Gibb's Farm, in Tanzania, called it "the most magical place I've ever stayed!" And at Sasaab, in Kenya, the property's do-good efforts made a mark just as much as the luxe environment: "Sasaab's culture is fabulous," a reader wrote of the No. 10 property, adding that "the hotel has an innate sustainable ethos."

But the best safari lodge in Africa, the Richard Branson–owned Mahali Mzuri, brings together every element readers expect in their experience, then amplifies it all tenfold. Read on to find out why it's so beloved and which other lodges join it on this year's list.

1. Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya

The 12-suite Mahali Mzuri sits on the edge of a lush bowl, and there's not a bad seat in the house: over breakfast, you can watch monkeys scrabble in the trees and grass; from the pool you'll spot giraffes wandering through to snack on the acacias; sitting on your private terrace you may catch a glimpse of a cat stopping to drink from the rocky stream that runs through. And the property's location is ideal for maximizing both wildlife spotting and privacy. It's set within the private, 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is part of the Masai Mara ecosystem but beyond the bounds of the national park. That means all the richness of big game, but no other cars in sight—you can get within feet of a lion pride and have the moment all to yourself, with no jockeying for position or tuning out the chatter of other safari-goers. "Mahali Mzuri is the best luxurious camp to visit on the African continent," declared one reader; "just perfect," wrote another. The team is small and familial, with the kind of warm, relaxed — yet flawless — service that gives guests the easy sense of being among friends; the guides are among the best in the business, many having worked at the property for years to develop intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife. One reader put it best: "The hospitality at Mahali Mzuri resembles its name," he wrote, noting the translation of the Swahili: "the Beautiful Place."

Score: 99.73 More information: virginlimitededition.com

2. Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Score: 98.75 More information: belmond.com

3. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 98.50 More information: andbeyond.com

4. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 97.73 More information: angama.com

5. Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 97.63 More information: gibbsfarm.com

6. Singita Grumeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 97.60 More information: singita.com

7. Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Score: 97.47 More information: belmond.com

8. The Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Score: 97.33 More information: bushcampcompany.com

9. (tie) andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 97.26 More information: andbeyond.com

9. (tie) Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

Score: 97.26 More information: thesafaricollection.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway — near or far — at Travel + Leisure GO .

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• Visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden
• Walk through the bush for wildlife encounters
• Explore Kruger on a full-day safari drive

“Fantastic itinerary, great guide and met some amazing people.”

• Visit Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels
• Relax in Hazyview, the gateway to Kruger Park
• Explore Kruger Park's wildlife on a safari

• Witness great herds of elephants and lion packs
• Venture out to remote areas of Kruger National Park
• Get up close to some of Africa’s most stealthy predators

“a journey filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking sights, and cherished memories that will stay with me forever.”

• Visit the Endangered Wildlife Ranch of Cango
• Discover the Swartberg Mountains
• Experience the bungee jumping in Bloukrans

“I felt so at home at the accommodation provided. When I return I will not hesitate to rebook.”

• Relax with an afternoon swim at the lodge
• Spot hippos and crocodiles at a waterhole
• Explore Kruger Park's Big Five on a safari

“Amazing trip, we had great fun.”

• See the Panorama Route's scenic views
• Visit Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
• Experience a thrilling 4h Bush Walk

“Die Safari war eine ganz tolle Erfahrung. Alle Ranger, Guides, das Office und die Küche waren maximal bemüht, gute Laune und eine tolle Safari Experience für uns zu schaffen!”

• Visit the Elephant Sanctuary in Garden Route
• Stop over in the world's "Ostrich capital"
• Cage dive with crocodiles in Oudtshroon

“The views driving around were amazing! I definitely recommend this tour.”

• Enjoy three full days in the Kruger National Park and spot the 'Big 5'
• Discover the stunning scenery of the Panorama Route
• Options for half-day or full-day game drives

“I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip.”

• Relax at a cozy lodge in Greater Kruger
• Learn about local flora and fauna on a bush walk
• Explore Kruger on a thrilling afternoon safari

“Panorama trip could have been done on the last day back to johanesburg to save time.”

• Cruise through St. Lucia estuary
• Hike to Drakensberg's Amphitheater
• Explore Blyde River Canyon sights

“We wanted to get a taste of a variety of parks and found the destinations very thoughtfully put together.”

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10 Best South Africa Safari Tours: Our Top Luxury Packages

With so much to see and do, South Africa is perfect for your first trip to Africa! South Africa safari tours offer unbelievable wildlife viewing and a full range of accommodations, from great value options to all-out luxury. Cape Town delights with its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan feel. Nearby are beautiful winelands and outdoor adventures galore. South Africa truly has it all!

Here are our 10 best South Africa safari tours:

1. Safari of the senses: South Africa Victoria Falls package

12 days • Destinations: 4 • Accommodations: Luxury hotels and a unique island river lodge

This trip has a bit of everything! Start with culinary delights and unique adventures in Cape Town (snorkeling with seals, anyone?), followed by a luxury safari in the Sabi Sands. Finally, stay at a breathtaking island lodge in the Zambezi River and explore Victoria Falls by land and air.

Tour highlights:

• VIP touring in Cape Town and the Winelands with private guides, wine tastings, and a helicopter excursion
• Luxury safari lodge in an exclusive game reserve bordering Kruger
• Escape the crowds at Victoria Falls at a dreamy river island lodge
• Sunset cocktail cruise and local village visit at Victoria Falls

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and foodies

2. South Africa family adventure

7 days • Destinations: 2 • Accommodations: Luxury lodges

This family adventure is perfect for parents and kids! Explore beautiful Cape Town from the comfort of a luxurious ocean view resort. Finish with a family safari in the fabulous Sabi Sands, suitable for children 6 and over, and see the Big 5.

• Beautiful resort in one of Cape Town’s most fashionable neighborhoods
• Explore Table Mountain and see the penguins on Boulders Beach
• Unplug and connect with nature at a luxury safari lodge
• The Sabi Sands has exceptional Big 5 game viewing all year long

Perfect for: Families with young kids and small groups traveling together

3. Bucket list South Africa safari

10 days • Destinations: 3 • Accommodations: Beautiful and exclusive luxury lodges

See all the South Africa highlights and unexpected delights on this bucket list adventure. Explore Cape Town’s quirky side on private tours, sample the flavors of the Cape Winelands, go cage diving with Great White Sharks, and enjoy a Big 5 wildlife safari!

• Private touring in Cape Town and private wine tasting in the Cape Winelands
• Luxury Big 5 safari at Royal Malewane, named one of the Top 20 Resorts in the World by  Conde Nast Traveller
• Thrilling cage diving experience with Great White Sharks
• Explore a gorgeous private nature reserve on the Western Cape
• VIP treatment throughout your adventure

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and families with teens or adult children

4. Breathtaking luxury escape: Cape Town and safari

10 days • Destinations: 3 • Accommodations: Private luxury lodges

This retreat is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate in some of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. Visit cosmopolitan Cape Town and enjoy a private culinary tour of the city. Experience a luxury Kruger safari in the famous Sabi Sands reserve, then explore stunning walking trails that are only accessible by foot.

• Discover vibrant Cape Town with a private foodie tour
• Gorgeous safari lodge in the exclusive Sabi Sands reserve
• Spend a night at a luxurious treehouse sleep-out
• Go off the beaten path and soak up stunning mountain scenery at Marataba Trails Lodge

Perfect for: Couples or small groups, adventure lovers

5. Luxury Garden Route adventure: Safari by land and sea

12 days • Destinations: 5 • Accommodations: Beautiful resorts and luxury lodges

Discover beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure in South Africa on this self-driving Garden Route travel package! Highlights include vibrant Cape Town, stunning scenery in wine country, a luxury Addo Elephant Park safari, and cage diving with Great White Sharks.

• Safari of the sea: Go cage diving with Great White Sharks and enjoy a dolphin encounter or whale watching excursion
• Discover beautiful beaches and hiking trails along the Garden Route, a scenic drive hugging the coast
• Indulge the senses at a luxurious country estate in wine country
• Safari adventure in Addo Elephant Park

Perfect for: Adventure lovers and multigenerational families

6. City explorer and adventure safari

11 days • Destinations: 4 • Accommodations: Luxury hotels and a luxurious tented safari camp

Discover the best of South Africa’s major cities, with a private culinary tour in Cape Town and a fabulous tour of Johannesburg’s vibrant street art. Spend some time at Victoria Falls, Africa’s adventure capital, and enjoy a luxury safari adventure.

• Explore delicious cuisine and vibrant street art in South Africa’s major cities
• Immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort at a tented safari camp (one of the few in South Africa)
• Countless adventures to choose from at Victoria Falls, like bungy jumping, microlight excursions, and water safaris

Perfect for: Honeymooners or friends traveling together

7. Rovos Rail golf safari: Scenic rail adventure

9 days • Destinations: 6 • Accommodations: Rovos Rail luxury train

Embark on a luxurious tour of South Africa’s top golf courses and safari highlights via luxury rail! Play spectacular golf courses, including Leopard Creek, Gary Player, Durban Country Club, and more. Non-golfers will tour the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields and enjoy game drives in South Africa’s best safari parks.

• Capture the spirit of colonial romance aboard southern Africa’s premier luxury rail line
• Play bucket list golf courses and keep an eye out for giraffes crossing the fairways
• Spot the Big 5 on safari excursions
• Discover the historic KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields

Perfect for: Golfers, history buffs, and empty nesters

8. Luxury family adventure: South Africa highlights

12 days • Destinations: 5 • Accommodations: The best luxury hotels and lodges in South Africa

Enjoy the ultimate South African family adventure! Featuring private touring in Cape Town, an epicurean getaway in the Cape Winelands, a Big 5 safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, and much more. Get a unique feel for South Africa’s highlights while staying in the best luxury hotels.

• Stay at beautiful and exclusive hotels throughout, including the Silo in Cape Town
• Private touring in Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, and Johannesburg—perfect for families or groups
• Stunning country retreat in the Cape Winelands, surrounded by scenic mountains
• Escape the Kruger crowds at a 5-star safari lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve

Perfect for: Multigenerational families, couples and honeymooners, or small groups

9. &Beyond safari South Africa: Phinda and Sabi Sands

9 days • Destinations: 2 • Accommodations: 5-star safari lodges on private reserves

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with one of our favorite South Africa safari tours! Enjoy the height of luxury at 2 fabulous &Beyond safari lodges, both in prime locations for exclusive and thrilling game viewing. Immerse yourself in seemingly untouched wilderness and catch exceptional sightings of Africa’s Big 5.

• Go off the beaten path at the beautiful &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, known for the Big 5 and great cheetah sightings
• Check the Sabi Sands off your bucket list at a luxury safari lodge that exudes colonial romance
• Fabulous wildlife sightings year-round
• Get the kids involved in nature with extensive children’s programs at both properties

Perfect for: Families with young children, couples, and honeymooners

10. Luxury nature retreat: Safari and beach getaway

9 days • Destinations: 2 • Accommodations: Luxury safari lodge and beach resort

Are you ready for a getaway unlike any other? Enjoy a luxury Big 5 safari in South Africa, then unwind at a stunning resort in Mozambique where you can watch turtles nesting and swim with dolphins!

• Luxury safari in Kruger National Park
• Watch wildlife gather around the waterhole from your private deck
• 5-star beach resort in Mozambique, well off the beaten path
• See dolphins, turtles, humpback whales, and much more in the sparkling waters of Mozambique

Perfect for: Divers, couples, empty nesters, and travel connoisseurs

Want to customize these South Africa safari tours? We specialize in handcrafted safaris! Tell us about your dream trip , and our African safari specialists will make it happen.

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Walking Safari in South Africa

Africa's best tailor-made safaris.

Walking safaris in South Africa offer an intimate and immersive way to experience the wilderness. Unlike traditional vehicle safaris, walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot, often referred to as a ‘bush walk’, providing a unique perspective on the landscape and its inhabitants.

Led by experienced guides, these safaris offer a chance to observe wildlife up close, learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem, and connect deeply with nature. Discover the best walking safari experiences in South Africa on the Discover Africa website.

What is a Walking Safari?

A walking safari is a guided tour that takes place on foot, allowing you to explore the bush at a slower pace and gain a deeper understanding of the environment.

These safaris focus on tracking animals, learning about plants and insects, and experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness. Walking safaris are typically led by highly trained walking safari guides and trackers who ensure your safety while providing fascinating insights into the natural world.

Best Walking Safari Destinations in South Africa

South Africa offers several premier destinations for walking safaris within its renowned national parks and game reserves, each providing unique experiences and diverse wildlife:

• Kruger National Park : One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it a top destination for walking safaris.
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve : Adjacent to Kruger, Sabi Sands is renowned for its high density of big cats and other wildlife, offering exceptional walking safari experiences.
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park : Known for its conservation history and rich biodiversity, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi provides excellent opportunities for walking safaris.
• Pafuri Walking Trails : Located in the northern part of Kruger National Park, Pafuri is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
• Phinda Private Game Reserve : Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda offers seven distinct habitats, providing varied walking safari experiences.

Wildlife and Experiences

• Kruger National Park : A game drive through Kruger’s diverse habitats provide a wealth of wildlife and flora to discover. However, on foot, it offers a thrilling chance to maximize wildlife sightings, including big game animals like elephants and buffalos.
• Big Five Tracking : Track the Big Five and other wildlife with the help of experienced guides.
• Birdwatching : Observe a variety of bird species, including raptors and waterbirds.
• Scenic Walks : Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs to riverine forests.
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve : Renowned for its wildlife density, Sabi Sands provides exceptional opportunities for close encounters with big cats and other animals. A safari vehicle allows for traditional game drives, enhancing the overall safari experience.
• Leopard Tracking : Sabi Sands is famous for frequent and intimate leopard encounters on foot.
• Game Walks : Enjoy guided game walks that focus on the smaller details of the ecosystem.
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park : This park offers a unique combination of history and biodiversity, making it an excellent destination for walking safaris.
• Wild Animals Encounters : Track the Big Five and other wild animals with knowledgeable guides.
• Cultural Insights : Learn about the park’s conservation history and the Zulu culture.
• Scenic Trails : Explore the park’s rolling hills and riverine forests on foot.
• Pafuri Walking Trails : Known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, Pafuri offers a unique walking safari experience in the northern part of Kruger.
• Diverse Landscapes : Walk through riverine forests, floodplains, and baobab groves.
• Birdwatching : Pafuri is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species recorded.
• Cultural Sites : Explore ancient archaeological sites and learn about the history of the area.
• Phinda Private Game Reserve : With seven distinct habitats, Phinda offers a variety of landscapes and wildlife for walking safaris.
• Diverse Habitats : Walk through sand forests, savannahs, and wetlands, each offering unique wildlife encounters.
• Close Encounters : Track rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife on foot.

Best Times for Walking Safaris in South Africa

• Winter (May to September) : The dry season is the best time for walking safaris, as animals congregate around water sources and the vegetation is less dense.
• Spring (September to November) : The cooler temperatures and blooming landscapes make for enjoyable walking conditions.

Tips for a Successful Guided Walking Safari

• Wear Appropriate Clothing : Wear neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat for sun protection.
• Stay Hydrated : Bring plenty of water and drink regularly to stay hydrated.
• Follow Your Guide’s Instructions : Always listen to your guide and follow their safety instructions.
• Bring Essential Gear : Pack binoculars, a camera, and a small daypack for personal items.
• Be Patient and Observant : Walking safaris are about appreciating the smaller details of the ecosystem, so take your time to observe and enjoy your surroundings.

Walking safaris in South Africa offer an intimate and immersive way to experience the wilderness. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five in Kruger, exploring the diverse landscapes of Phinda, or discovering the scenic beauty of Pafuri, South Africa promises a walking safari adventure like no other.

Book your walking safari with Discover Africa and connect deeply with the natural world on an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s wild heart.

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