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Best South Africa Safari Tours

Find the perfect Safari adventure in South Africa. There are 254 South Africa safaris to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 22 days. The most popular month for these tours is October.

250+ South African safari packages with 1,101 reviews

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Kruger in Depth

Fantastic itinerary, great guide and met some amazing people

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

Excellent safari from kruger adventure lodge the staff all fantastic and very helpful and welcoming definately be coming back to this lodge once again

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

Amazing trip! We saw a lot of animals despite bad weather. The food was nice and the lodge was cosy. I would recommend staying longer than we did (we only had three days).

9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure

We had a wonderful tour, made possible by a great guide. We wanted to get a taste of a variety of parks and found the destinations very thoughtfully put together. It is a lot of driving to see the various areas but there were strategic breaks. Loved staying inside the parks and having critters outside the veranda . We saw 13 rhinos in one day! Wade was great at seeing things we would have missed and always able to manoeuvre the car for best views and photos. They are quite happy to tailor your experience so don’t be afraid to ask.

Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route

I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip. Our tour guide was amazing and so insightful about daily life in South Africa.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger Lodge Experience

Kruger is amazing, as was the game drive. If I were to do it again, I'd change my optional day's itinerary from the panorama route tour (overpriced for what you get, and you see the best part of it included in your return drive to joburg) for another day in Kruger.

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

From the pick up to the stay everything was very well organized. The staff was very friendly and professional. The food was great too. Always felt safe and saw amazing animals!

Best of Kruger National Park

Es hat organisatorisch alles geklappt. Alle Mitarbeiter von Kurt Safari haben sich große Mühe gegeben. Unterkunft und Verpflegung alles sehr ausreichend. Hatte erwartet, mehr Tiere zu sehen. Das Gras war aber auch ziemlich und es gibt ausreichend viel wasser im Park. Bei eigener Safari vor langer Zeit in der Etoscha pfanne habe ich etwa 100 mal so viele Tiere gesehen. Trotzdem war es ganz gut. Sehr gut leider nicht.

Working Safari/Conferencing at luxury bush lodges, Kruger National Park & Panorama Route

PRO: 1. "All included" tour - professional guide, comfortable transportation, very good hotels, all meals and taste of great South Africa's wines. 2. Diversified itinerary - South African nature, culture, history - well presented by knowledgeable guides and thoughtfully designed by tour operator. 3. Hotels, B&B, Lodges, restaurants - exceptional. CON: None. My husband and I would like to thank Jakes for the great organization of this tour. Our guide was very professional, attentive, patient and of great personality. We recommend THIS TOUR to all who really wish get to know this beautiful country, travel in comfort and have a relaxed conference safari.

5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

Excellent program really well run safari by Viva Safari. Accomm was basic but clean and comfortable, scheduling ran like clockwork, food was excellent, staff charming and efficient and we saw loads of animals.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 and St. Lucia Wetland Safari

Great thought out company , fantastic service and knowledge! Made the trip a lifetime memory and experience! Highly recommended!!!! All the best !

3 Days and 2 Nights the great Panorama and Kruger National Park Safari Tour

Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari -"Small Group Special"

We did a two-day custom tour with Jakes for Panorama route and Kruger National Park. If you are looking for a tour custom to your needs, this is exactly the tour you need. We were constrained in terms of the activities that we could do due to our 1-year-old son. Jakes took very well care this and ensure we get maximum out of our visit to Panorama route and Kruger National Park.

2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town

Très bonne escapade, permet de voir la réserve et les animaux.

Magical Kruger National Park Safari

Amazing trip , we had great fun

South Africa Safari Reviews

Our guide was superlative. Our itinerary was superb. Our accommodation and food really satisfying and well beyond expectations. It was a great trip and I'd do it again at my first opportunity. And I'll recommend to far and wide!

The tour was really awesome. Each day we got to see so much and we were so lucky to get to see the Big 5! The only thing that let the experience down was the accommodation which was pretty dated and felt damp. But it had been wet and we were reluctant to overuse the aircon. The food was generous and the staff were very friendly and accomodating. Next time we go safari, we will spend a little more now that we know what to experimenter. Thank you for a great tour.

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National Park

• Kruger National Park (81)
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Travel Styles

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• 10 Best Luxury African Safari Tours 2024/2025
• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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• 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

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South Africa Safari

South Africa boasts a dazzling diversity of national parks and private game reserves for exceptional safari experiences. Our safari offerings in South Africa include private overland safaris accompanied by one of our guides and luxury fly-in safari packages to all the wildlife destinations in the country.

Private Overland

Exclusive top-end.

• African Safari
• South Africa

Top South African Safari Destinations

We highly recommend South Africa as a safari destination. Not only is it home to Southern Africa's most diverse wilderness area - the Kruger National Park - but there are also many alternative safari destinations from which to choose.

The most popular South African safari areas include the Kruger National Park and the private game reserves which form part of it, like the Sabi Sand and the Timbavati. The Eastern Cape also offers exceptional safaris at Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park and Phinda Private Reserve are the primary safari areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The malaria-free regions of northern South Africa, like Madikwe and Welgevonden, have also become increasingly popular safari destinations in recent years.

Safari Packages by Accommodation Level

A wide range of accommodation options exists for people intent on a safari in South Africa. Private overland safaris overnight at basic but comfortable national park camps. On the other end of the spectrum are some of the most luxurious lodges in the world.

Our private overland safaris explore South Africa's numerous national parks in the expert company of an experienced African Sky guide. Accommodations are typically basic but comfortable, offering an affordable alternative for guests with budget constraints. Our most popular overland safaris explore the Kruger National Park, Addo, and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.

Personal safaris offer fantastic value for money in spectacular wilderness areas, like private concessions within the Kruger National Park and the lesser frequented Greater Kruger game reserves like Balule and Kapama. These safaris are slightly less inclusive - for example, excluded drinks - but three meals daily and special safari activities are the norms.

The Luxury safaris offered by African Sky harmonize the needs between the desire for sumptuousness and the limits of a more moderate budget. These safari lodges lie scattered across South Africa's private game reserves, like Timbavati, Phinda, and Shamwari, as well as Botswana's Chobe National Park and Namibia's Etosha National Park.

Our exclusive top-end safaris include grand yet intimate safari lodges in the most remote, beguiling settings. Your full board accommodation will consist of all the bells and whistles, from mouth-watering gourmet meals to safari activities like traditional 4x4 game drives and mokoro safaris. Popular destinations include the Sabi Sand, Mala Mala, South Luangwa, and the Okavango Delta.

Tailor-Made

Have a specific combination of South African safari destinations that you would like to include in your travels? Opt for a tailor-made safari to ensure the package meets your personal needs. When considering your tailor-made safari in South Africa, kindly advise us regarding your ideal duration, preferred budget, and any specific interests that you may have.

Popular Safari Packages in South Africa

Recommended South African Safari itineraries - that have proven popular.

An in-depth exploration of South Africa's major safari areas, including Kruger, Ithala, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo, and Pilanesberg.

Relish unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa's Sabi Sand, Zimbabwe's Matetsi wilderness, Botswana's Chobe, and the Okavango Delta.

Enjoy a luxurious, safari adventure that includes three of South Africa's top private game reserves - Sabi Sand, Shamwari, and Phinda.

Explore three distinctly different regions of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. A private overland safari accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

This safari package combines two top destinations in Southern Africa - the Kruger National Park and mighty Victoria Falls.

A short safari excursion that departs from and returns to Cape Town. It offers a glimpse of safari in an area of the country not traditionally known for its wildlife experiences.

Why Choose South Africa for your safari

Diversity of wilderness areas.

From the authentically wild two million hectares of the Greater Kruger National Park to Phinda Private Game Reserve's seven unique semi-coastal eco-systems and the red sands of the Kalahari Desert, South Africa's diversity of wilderness areas is incomparable. You can return for a novel, unique safari experience again and again.

Best Value for Money

Of all the Southern African countries we offer safaris to, South Africa offers the best value for money. Although this is partially due to the weakness of the South African Rand and favorable exchange rates for foreign visitors, meals, accommodation, and transport tend towards the more affordable end of the scale in terms of overall international travel.

Great infrastructure

South Africa's well-developed infrastructure makes reaching far-flung safari destinations much quicker and easier than in any other African country. Commercial flights are almost always an option, as are overland transfers. This fact invariably reduces the cost of your safari. It does not mean a South African safari is an over-commercialized experience devoid of genuine wilderness encounters.

Experiences to Savor on Safari in South Africa

Encountering the Big Five

Relishing an African sunset

The ever-present call of the wild

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most diverse conservation area, protecting 147 different species of mammals.

A luxury safari with African Sky will include everything from your domestic flights and transfers to your delicious meals and exciting safari activities.

The Big Five are the continent's most awe-inspiring mammals, including the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

The South African safari lodges included in our packages range from basic tented camps to opulent lodges fitted with every comfort.

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South Africa

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

Relatively cheap when compared to other first world destinations.  Extraordinary scenery and wildlife.

South Africa has an enormous amount to offer.  For big 5 wildlife safaris, you'd want to be considering the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

For nightlife, restaurants and exquisite scenery spend a few days in Cape Town.

Cape Town is best between November and March when it's warm and not too windy.

The Kruger Park is best towards the end of winter, before it getstoo hot and you can easily see wildlife with the foliage having lost its leaves.

May 16, 2024

Trip planning made easily and with kindness!

I was in need of help quickly to book a place to stay for 6 people. I wasn’t sure if I should drive or fly and Pascal helped me so quickly and was so kind and patient. He texted with me, called me and was wonderful to work with. He provided me with 2 quotes and helped me through the booking process. Looking forward to our trip!

Safar.com review. Victoria falls Safari

Leigh Anne was a pleasure to deal and worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best experience. Thank you.

Great customer service

Heleen went out of her way to find us accommodation. We left our planning way to late and were looking at the busiest time of year yet she worked her magic.

May 15, 2024

Sara - great travel agent!

Sara was amazing to work worth and was very quick to respond with any questions I had!! She put together multiple safari packages for me to choose from and guided me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her!

May 14, 2024

Helpful, friendly

Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya

May 13, 2024

I highly recommend Shann Shaw

Shann Shaw has been great to work with and she has tried her best to try to meet our budget expectations. She is very kind, responsive and detailed in her explanations and really, really helpful. When I told her I decided to book through expedia or booking, she still explained how everything worked and how these websites sometimes don't have all the details you need, yet, she work hard in getting us our flights and the hotel that we really wanted for this experience. I couldn't be happier with her service and dedication and highly recommend her services!

Candis was lovely to work with and…

Candis was lovely to work with and super quick to respond. The entire process from when we first reached out to her to inquire about a trip to when we confirmed the quote and booking was under a week. We sincerely appreciated having all of these details taken care of for us and the all of the attention she took in answering our questions and adjusting our trip to work within our timeline.

Candis was brilliant in assisting us to organise our safari. Highly recommended!

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Why we love, south africa.

South Africa has been called “A world in one country”. It offers cosmopolitan cities, a rainbow nation of richly diverse cultures, spectacular scenery and of course the Big Five safari experience. Safaris in South Africa have it all! Read more...

South Africa safari packages

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Cape Town Day Tours

Our top 8 game reserves in south africa.

When contemplating which South African safari package to book, there are countless options and combinations available. The best South African safaris will take you to Cape Town, Johannesburg and/or Durban before you head to one (or more!) of the top game reserves in South Africa. Lion World Travel can help you choose the perfect safari package to suit your personal travel preferences.

Kruger National Park

Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park invites you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular wildlife for the ultimate safari experience. Read more...

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Dubbed an African Eden, Kapama Game Reserve offers a rich habitat home to more than 40 different mammal species and 350 bird species. Read more...

Shamwari Game Reserve

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is in a malaria-free environment tucked away in the Eastern Cape where sightings of the Big Five are common, as well as cheetah and a wide variety of other animals and birds. Read more...

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The 250 square mile private Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of the best places to experience a safari in South Africa. Read more...

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park covering 24, 710 acres of some of the most magnificent bushveld that Africa has to offer. Read more...

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Found in Kwazulu-Natal on the banks of the Mkuze River, Amakhosi Private Game Reserve offers plenty of character and countless species of wildlife to get up close to with buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhino resident to the reserve. Read more...

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

The Pilanesberg National Park, which covers 212 square miles, is the fourth largest Game Reserve in Southern Africa. Read more...

Madikwe Game Reserve

Traverse the vast open plains of grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and single mountains at Madikwe Game Reserve for an amazing South African Safari. Read more...

Tripadvisor Reviews

For 60 years Lion World Travel has been creating dream safari experiences for travelers visiting Africa. We are committed to offering a unique travel experience with memories that will last a lifetime. We love Africa, and you will too!

Want to read about what our clients are saying about us? We have over 650 reviews on Tripadvisor.

MORE JOURNEYS & PLACES

To excite the senses.

Platinum Itineraries

Small group safaris

Make Travel Matter Experiences

JNB = Johannesburg

Lion World's South Africa Safaris

Ultimate Cape Town and Botswana

Explore the coastal scenery of Cape Town and immense wetlands of the Okavango Delta.

African Dream Honeymoon

A dream honeymoon safari! Dine in Cape Town, explore a private game reserve, then unwind with some romantic beach time.

Best of Cape Town and Botswana

Explore Cape Town, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park on safari.

Best of Cape Town and the Bush

Explore the "best" of beautiful Cape Town, the picturesque Winelands and a thrilling safari.

Best of South Africa

A South African safari offering exciting game drives at Kapama and culture and scenic beauty in Cape Town.

Classic South Africa - CAD

Marvel at the beauty of South Africa on this exceptional safari.

Classic South Africa - USD

Discover Southern Africa

A Southern Africa safari offering scenic beauty in Cape Town, exciting game drives and the majesty of the Victoria Falls.

Family Fun in South Africa

A vacation package for the whole family, packed with fun and educational activities.

Luxury South Africa

Stay in the heart of Cape Town, then be mesmerized by the wildlife at the elegant Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.

Platinum South Africa

A 5 star Luxury Safari. Enjoy the beauty of Cape Town and Franschhoek along with the exceptional wildlife at Sabi Sabi.

Pride of South Africa

Explore Cape Town's beauty, embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure in KwaZulu-Natal's MfulaWozi Reserve.

South Africa in Absolute Style

Experience stunning South Africa in affordable luxury. Year after year, a top-selling safari.

South Africa in Absolute Style - CAD

South Africa's History and Heritage

Follow historical and cultural attractions along Mandela's journey and discover Cape Town's beautiful scenery.

Tented Safari in Style

A superb South African luxury tented safari that supports the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

The Pearl of Africa

Beautiful Cape Town and a thrilling safari are combined with a luxurious Rovos Rail train journey for a superb South African vacation.

The Royal Treatment

Pamper yourself with every indulgence on this luxurious South African vacation and safari.

Ultimate South Africa And Victoria Falls

Experience the ultimate in luxury accommodations in Cape Town, on safari and in Victoria Falls on this incredible itinerary.

Victoria Falls in Style

Experience stunning Victoria Falls: river cruises, luxury accommodation and nature drives.

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South Africa Luxury Safari Tours

South Africa’s luxury safari tours take in some of the highlights of what is arguably the continent’s most diverse and developed tourist circuit. A trip might include the impressive cities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch, the fossil sites of the Cradle of Humankind, the ancient rock art of the Drakensberg mountains and the spring flowers of Namaqualand. The country’s 2,700km/1,680mi coastline is varied and scenic. As if that were not enough, South Africa is also a fabulous wildlife-viewing destination – from the vast Big Five country protected within the Greater Kruger, malaria-free Madikwe and Pilanesberg and the desert landscapes of Kgalagadi to the seasonal whale-calving grounds below Hermanus.

11-Day South Africa Family Adventure

$6,323 to $9,473 pp (USD)

South Africa: Self-drive Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Hermanus (Whales) , Garden Route, Kwandwe GR, Port Elizabeth (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

4-Day All-Inclusive Kruger Safari with Hoyo Hoyo

$1,500 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Lodge Game Safari

$2,110 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

Ranger Buck Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  28 Reviews

4-Day Kapama River Camp Fly-in Safari from Cape Town

$2,358 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Cape Town (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1209 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Mid Range Safari from Johannesburg

$723 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

$4,288 to $4,704 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  423 Reviews

5-Day Greenfire Game Lodge Safari

$1,521 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

The Kruger Safari Co.   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  128 Reviews

4-Day Kruger Park & Private Game Reserve Safari

$1,224 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

4-Day 3 Nights Luxury Fly in Safari Kruger National Park

$3,660 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

African Welcome Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  233 Reviews

11-Day Luxury Garden Route Honeymoon - Whales and Safari

$8,564 pp (USD)

South Africa: Self-drive Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Hermanus (Whales) , De Hoop NR, Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route) , Kwandwe GR, Port Elizabeth (End)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sand - Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

$598 to $654 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nelspruit (Start) , Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Nelspruit (End)

Traipsing Africa's Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  100 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge Kruger National Park

$1,016 pp (USD)

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  100 Reviews

10-Day Kruger Private Reserves & Cape Town

$4,142 to $4,252 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger) , Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Cape Town (End)

Safari Online   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  115 Reviews

3-Day Madikwe Luxury Safari

$1,486 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Madikwe GR, Johannesburg (End)

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  219 Reviews

5-Day Luxurious Greater Kruger Safari

$1,623 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Johannesburg (End)

Safari Reinhardt   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  8 Reviews

6-Day Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

$2,971 pp (USD)

BST Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  30 Reviews

3-Day Kapama River Lodge Safari - Greater Kruger

$1,034 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Hoedspruit (End)

Africa Incoming   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  13 Reviews

5-Day 4 Star Panorama Route & Greater Kruger Park Safari

$1,964 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Mmilo Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  125 Reviews

5-Day The Best of Both Worlds-National and Private Parks

$1,868 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Luxury Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Wildlife Encounters   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  20 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sands Luxury Suites

$1,463 pp (USD)

Socioolite Travel and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

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6 Questions About South Africa Luxury Safari Tours

Answered by

Philip briggs.

Why should I choose South Africa for a luxury trip?

“South Africa has many private reserves and concession lodges that cater specifically to the luxury market. All the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are present in good numbers in the major private reserves. On luxury safaris, game drives and walks are generally guided by knowledgeable and experienced guides and trackers. A bonus of most private reserves and concession lodges is that night drives are permitted, as is a certain amount of off-road driving. This enhances the likelihood of close encounters with lions, leopards and other carnivores. As a bonus, South Africa has a very organized and efficient tourist infrastructure by African standards. This, combined with a luxury safari, makes it a reliable holiday choice for nervous first-time visitors to the continent.”

What is included in a South Africa luxury safari?

“A South Africa luxury safari usually operates on an all-inclusive basis. This covers four- or five-star accommodation, all meals, and expertly guided activities such as game drives in open 4x4s. Some top-end lodges also include laundry and drinks in their prices. Booked directly through the lodge, prices are unlikely to include transportation there and back. However, any package price quoted by a tour operator should include road or air transfers from the specified starting point. Tips are not included in either case, and these can add up.”

What parks do you recommend for a South African luxury safari?

“There are plenty of choices. In my opinion, the first choice for general wildlife viewing and Big Five sightings is a cluster of private reserves on the western border of Kruger National Park. These reserves are collectively managed and marketed as Sabi Sands. The only drawback to Sabi Sands is that some (not all) properties share traversing rights with several neighbors. The strict rules limiting vehicle numbers often result in a long wait to join a sighting or being hurried off to make space for another lodge’s clients. A better option, from this point of view, is Timbavati Nature Reserve, which borders Kruger, and has a scattering of exclusive concession lodges. A trip to Greater Kruger carries a low but genuine risk of contracting malaria, in particular during the hotter, wetter months of November to April. Many safari-goers, particularly those with young children, prefer to head to malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for this reason. Madikwe boasts some superb luxury lodges and fine Big Five wildlife viewing. Convenient for those whose South African holiday includes the Western and Eastern Cape is a cluster of malaria-free private reserves situated in Addo Elephant National Park, inland of Port Elizabeth. The pick of the private reserves in KwaZulu-Natal is Phinda. It offers great Big Five viewing and is also maybe the most reliable place in South Africa to spot cheetah.”

Can you describe a typical day on a South Africa luxury trip?

“Most lodges set in private reserves or concessions are exempt from the restrictions on driving between sunset and sunrise enforced in most national parks and public reserves. This has an impact on a typical day, allowing for a schedule that makes the most of the wildlife-viewing hours when predators are active. A typical day starts with a pre-dawn wake-up call and a pot of tea or coffee, before heading out on an early morning game drive. Return to the lodge mid-morning for brunch or late breakfast. Then plan on a long and relaxed lunch break, especially during the southern hemisphere summer when days are longer and temperatures higher. Following a nap or swim and a light afternoon tea, you head out on an evening game drive. This usually incorporates a sundowner drink and a night drive, where the tracker will use a spotlight to pick out wildlife ranging from chameleons and nightjars to genets and bush babies. After this, it’s back to the lodge for a three-course bush dinner and a drink around the campfire. Some lodges offer guided game walks to see birds and smaller wildlife, either first thing in the morning or – more commonly – after breakfast. These provide a welcome change of pace for those people spending more than two days on safari. Ideally, a game walk is undertaken in the morning cool rather than the heat of the afternoon.”

What type of accommodation can I expect?

“Your South Africa luxury safari will almost certainly be based at exclusive small lodges offering the safari equivalent variation of a three- to five-star city hotel. Most of these lodges are designed to make the most of their African bush surroundings and are constructed from a combination of stone, canvas, wood and thatch. Some pricier lodges offer even more ambitious designs and facilities. Wherever you stay, accommodation will likely be spacious, comfortable freestanding units with en suite showers and private verandahs. Many lodges also have swimming pools, spas and/or quality gift shops. World-class cuisine is usually complemented by carefully selected Cape wines. The service is top-notch. The upmarket lodges in South Africa’s numerous private wildlife reserves are scattered all around the country. The most important and best of them are clustered in three areas: along the western border of Kruger National Park, in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal close to iSimangaliso and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and in the Eastern Cape in the vicinity of Addo Elephant National Park. In addition to the private reserves, similarly exclusive lodges can be found in various concessions set within public reserves such as Kruger National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve.”

How much will this safari cost?

“The price of the safari leg of a South Africa luxury tour depends on which part of the country you choose and how much luxury you want to experience. You’d be lucky to pick up an all-inclusive luxury safari package for less than US$250 to US$300 per day per person sharing. At the absolute top end of the range you might be looking at an all-inclusive daily price of US$700 to US$1,000 per person. Safaris in Sabi Sands and Phinda are more costly, while the concession lodges in Kruger and Madikwe are somewhat cheaper. Most lodges offer discounted low-season rates and special one-off packages during the southern hemisphere winter (May to September). This is the best time of year for Big Five sightings in most parts of the country.”

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