South Africa Safaris

Diverse game reserves from Kruger to the Kgalagadi offer huge concentrations of game with close encounters with large predators often on offer.

Scroll for more

Overview

A South Africa safari offers some of Africaā€™s most successful and best loved game reserves and lodges. Few people consider that they are ā€˜going on safariā€™ in South Africa to the exclusion of all else. The more typical pattern is to incorporate a 3 to 6 night South Africa safari into a varied trip. Perhaps combining a few days in the bush with time in Cape Town, on the beach or enjoying the stunning scenery.

South Africa Safaris - The Kruger

The primary game reserve is the greater Kruger National Park. We usually suggets lodges in its adjacent private game reserves such as the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and Timbavati Wildlife Reserve, and Thornybush. These private game reserves have open borders with the Kruger. But you have more flexibility with night drives, off-road sightings and bush walks.

Alternatively you can stay at one of the private concession camps within the Kruger National Park itself. This greater Kruger park gives you the best all-round safari in South Africa in our opinion.

See our blog on comparing two game experiences:Ā Private Game Reserves or Private concessions for your Kruger safari

South Africa Safaris - Malaria-Free

Alternatively you could opt for one of the Malaria-free destinations such as Madikwe, the Eastern Cape and the Waterberg ā€“ see our dedicated page below on Malaria-free safariĀ areasā€¦

These are not the only non-malaria areas. Some of the more off the beaten track South Africa safaris are also malaria-free. Think Tswalu Game Reserve and the Trans Kalagadi National Park in the Kalahari, or the Great Karoo area of the Eastern Cape.

Dancing lions at Kwandwe game reserve, Eastern Cape

South Africa Safaris - Bush & Beach in Kwa Zulu Natal

Finally don't forget the Northern KwaZulu Natal reserves such as Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Phinda, Thanda and Manyoni Rhino Reserve. These also offer excellent Big Five game-viewing. Plus this isĀ a good area to see cheetah, and of course white rhino.

TheyĀ have the added attraction of being close to some stunning Indian Ocean beaches so that you can combine 'bush and beach' with only a short road transfer in between. Well worth considering especially in our winter months when other parts of South Africa can be cool.

In an ideal world, you would aim to have two contrasting safari experiences in South Africa within one trip.

Cheetah cub in south africa safari

Head to South Africa safari pages:

More Blogs on South Africa Safaris:

Several articles to read at the end. Here are a few more:

Download our What to Wear on Safari Guide

An important part of planning an African safari is deciding what to wear, what to take and what to pack. Get the low-down here. Get our Free Guide here
Find me the best in for
Cedarberg was very thorough
"Cedarberg was very thorough , helpful and easy to deal with. Very comprehensive information pack. " - Mrs Pamela Bailey
Exceeded our expectations
"From our first phone call, our requirements for the holiday were quickly and efficiently met and the overall standard of accommodation booked for us met and, in some cases, exceeded our expectation ..." - Mr B Smith
Ginny's advice was spot on
"Ginny’s advice was spot on – the locations, pace of trip and quality of accommodation was superb. The 2 slightly different safari areas also worked out well and it was great that our be ..." - Mr Matthew Campbell
It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on!
"It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. I still can’t believe I was able to have the experience. We were treated like royalty the entire time. Thank you for doing such an amazing jo ..." - Mrs A Booth
Tailor make it all to suit
"Peter got it from the start of my gabbled explanationĀ of reason for trip and abnormal itinerary. He pieced it all together and I always felt confident, even before the trip. " - Mr & Mrs Leake, UK
 
staff image

Kate Bergh

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH