12 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $6,391
The Rainbow Nation is yours to explore on this astounding 12-day adventure leading from Cape Town to Madikwe Game Reserve. Tailormade to spotlight the fascinating local culture, remarkable history, and heritage, as well as the wondrous unspoiled wilderness, this journey across South Africa is set to reveal a country more beautiful than one may believe made possible through participating in an array of enchanting activities.
14 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $10,915
Victoria Falls is a Natural World Wonder that is more magnificent than words can describe, Cape Town is a vibrant cosmopolitan cityscape that shares rich South African heritage, Lion Sands Game Reserve is an untamed wildlife sanctuary in the Greater Kruger National Park, and Mahe Island is a pristine seascape getaway in the Seychelles archipelago. For 14 days, explore these world-famous destinations with your partner on an enchanting couples escape.
12 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $12,163
Crafted with wine fanatics in mind, this luxurious 12-day tour of South Africa is designed to give you the perfect sampling of South Africa’s many flavors. From elegant wine estates in the Western Cape, to luxury lodges with expansive wine cellars in the heart of the bush, you will experience South Africa as guided by the country’s favorite wines. Coupled with an extraordinary culinary adventure, a sensational bush experience, and a few award-winning spas, this two-week tour will surely delight each and every one of your senses.
10 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $5,585
Let Cape Town’s cosmopolitan charm and cultural allure dazzle you, Franschhoek’s deep-rooted history and wine-making heritage entice you, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve’s gorgeous green grasslands and abundant wildlife enchant you on this 10-day classic South African tour and safari. With guided experiences and time at leisure allowing you to experience the best of these destinations, the stage is set for a spectacular stay.
11 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $7,574
From game drives and safari walks to herds of elephants and troops of baboons, this 11-day best of Southern Africa family safari allows you to experience the country’s majestic wilderness. Indulge in the thrills of luxury accommodations in the secluded wilds of private game reserves that offer unique insights into the abundant wildlife. Cruise rivers, walk with trained rangers, and bask in the wonders of the African bush.
8 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $8,211
Allow yourself to be dazzled by the opulence and luxury offered by South Africa on this weeklong tour. Beginning at a lodge that defines luxury bush living, you will embark on an adventure through the wilderness in search of intimate encounters with leopards, lions and cheetahs. Moving on your second magical and untouched reserve, the adventure continues amidst archaic trees and sweeping vistas. Saturated and satisfied with wildlife, the tour concludes with a culinary spectacle in the city of Cape Town – complete with tastings of the continent’s best wines. This tour is the true combination of South Africa’s most elegant side.
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Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts
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Popular South Africa Safari Styles
LuxurySeniorsFamilyHoneymoonsCouplesWineSouth Africa’s dry season arrives in May and lasts until October. It is the best time of the year for seeing wildlife as animals wander in search of water and food, and rainfall rarely affects visibility. There is also less vegetation, creating more openings in the bush to see the wildlife.
While dry season temperatures are cooler than in the southern hemisphere’s summer, lows seldom drop below 50°F, and a typical day in July, the southern hemisphere’s winter, averages around 65°F. As most days offer clear skies and sunshine, the conditions are excellent for game drives, bush walks, and more African safari experiences.
If you can only travel outside of the dry season, October through April have their own benefits. The rainfall waters the bushveld and the landscapes are brought to life, migratory birds are present and far easier to see, and rain showers are brief and rarely interfere with safari activities.
To find a month or season that works best for you, explore our guide on the best time for safari in South Africa.
We recommend spending a minimum of 10 days on safari, though 12 days provide more time to view the wildlife, and two weeks is ideal for visiting multiple camps and reserves. That said, you can customize your safari based on the number of days you have available.
10-day safaris are great for exploring a specific reserve like Sabi Sands, while 12-day safaris give you a little more time to visit multiple game reserves in Kruger. Spending two weeks on safari gives you plenty of time to visit multiple camps and enjoy various safari activities in South Africa’s top national parks and reserves. You may see herds of elephants bathing in a river one day and watch a pride of lions saunter to shady acacias a day or two later. You may also leave some days unplanned, giving you room to relax in the amenities at your safari camp or lodge.
You can also plan safaris for longer, and spending upwards of two weeks gives you more opportunities to see your favorite animals and birdlife. The length of your safari is guided by what you want to see and do, and we can help you decide.
Kruger National Park is the most recognizable safari destination in South Africa. Within the Kruger region, Sabi Sands and Mala Mala top our list of game reserves to visit on safari:
- Kruger National Park: As the best place to safari in South Africa, especially among fans of the Big Five, it’s hard to pass up on visiting Kruger Park. With several stunning reserves within the greater Kruger region, no safari is ever the same.
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Sabi Sands, on the border of Kruger, is South Africa’s most luxurious game reserve. It’s often the first game reserve booked for luxury South African safaris as the lodges are some of the finest in the world.
- Mala Mala Game Reserve: Situated within the Kruger region, Mala Mala is a private game reserve that offers exceptional wildlife viewing and unrivaled luxury. The Kruger reserve is a hotspot for viewing the Big Five from the comfort of gorgeous camps within the untamed wilderness.
From Big Five game drives to bush and beach trips, guided bush walks, and nocturnal wildlife viewing, here are some of the top things to do in South Africa on safari:
- Search for the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos on South Africa safari game drives
- Explore the bush with spotlights on nighttime game drives to see the nocturnal wildlife
- Stay in luxury tented camps for a uniquely lavish experience surrounded by nature
- Visit a safari reserve on the coast to see great white sharks, whales, and other marine life
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as coming face to face with a pride of lions or watching a massive elephant bull pass right by the front of your vehicle. From the Big Five to migratory birds, here are some of the animals in South Africa to see on safari:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Rhinos
- Buffalos
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Giraffes
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Springbok
- Impala
- Eland
- African wild dogs
- Meerkats
We recommend that travelers come adequately prepared for a safari tour in South Africa, which means packing some additional items over and above your usual travel packing list. Here are some items to consider packing for your African adventure:
- Neutral, light-colored clothing
- Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
- Long pants for bush walks
- Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes
- Backpack
- Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Insect and mosquito repellent
- Sun protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses
A safari in South Africa is very safe.
South Africa’s safari animals pose little threat to your safety provided that you follow the instructions and guidance of your game rangers and guides.
Some regions in South Africa are malaria-free, though we advise bringing mosquito and insect repellent for your comfort.
Pickpocketing and petty crime are highly unlikely at South Africa’s safari lodges, although we recommend being mindful of your personal belongings wherever you travel in the world.
The South African rand (R).
Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a safari in South Africa and inspiration in our South Africa travel guide.
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