Africa rarely fully reveals itself in a single trip. For second-time safari visitors, the real magic lies beyond Cape Town, the Kruger or the Serengeti. From the wild Cederberg Mountains or the beach, bush, and battlefield contrasts of KwaZulu-Nata. Or from to the deserts of Namibia, to the waterways of Zambia, this guide explores the best destinations for return visitors seeking something new. It also highlights more adventurous third- or fourth-time safari trips such as gorilla trekking, southern Tanzania or even Madagascar: ideal for those ready to go deeper.
Your first trip to Africa is always unforgettable. Cape Town dazzles. The Winelands charm. Kruger delivers those heart-stopping wildlife moments.
And then something unexpected happens. You thought it was ”a bucket list trip’ to tick off. But now you start thinking about coming back.
Second-time visitors travel differently. You’re less focused on ticking off highlights and more interested in depth, texture and contrast. You want to explore further afield. Travel a little slower. (Yes!) See a different side of Africa.
The good news? That’s where the real fun begins.
There are so many amazing destinations for repeat visitors. None of these are really “new” but it is a more select group of safari visitors that have realised their charm. And you can too!
Venturing across the border into some neighbouring countries
Brand new destinations
Within South Africa – Where to Go After Kruger & Cape Town
If your first visit covered Cape Town, the Winelands and a Big Five safari perhaps to the Kruger, here’s where to look next for a second safari trip. You may even have done the Whale Coast, or the Garden Route. You want to come back to new areas, or a mix of new and old favourites
Just 2 to 3 hours north of Cape Town lies a region many first-timers never see.
The Cederberg Mountains offer dramatic rock formations, ancient San rock art and some of the finest walking trails in the country. In spring (late August to September), the West Coast explodes into spring wildflowers: a natural spectacle that rivals far better-known bloom destinations.
This is South Africa unplugged. Few vehicles. Bigger skies. Excellent for walkers, photographers and those who enjoy space and tranquility.
If variety is what you want, KwaZulu-Natal quietly delivers. For travellers who have already “done Kruger,” this region offers a completely different mood.
Only three hours north of Johannesburg, the Waterberg Mountains surprises many second-time vOnly three hours north of Johannesburg, the Waterberg Mountains surprises many second-time visitors. This malaria-free region blends wide-open bushveld with romantic, design-forward lodges such as Marataba Safari Lodge in the Marakele National Park. It’s ideal for:
SECTION: Combine with the northern Limpopo or Mashatu
Afterwards you could head north to Mapungubwe National Park in Northern Limpopo, a little known region of mountains, forests and mystical ruins. This adds an extraordinary layer of history: once the centre of a powerful African kingdom trading gold centuries before colonial arrival.
You can combine the north withMashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of Botswana, which is accessed via South Africa. This very low-malarial area offers a unique landscape and adventurous safari activities including mountain biking, bush walks, photographic safaris, and even horse-riding safaris for experienced riders.
Sample Itinerary
The Zeederberg Trail – adventurous self-drive to Mashatu &the far north of South Africa
Interior of the Eastern Cape – Diversity without Distance
The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s most versatile regions.
Within a reasonable driving distance of each other, you’ll find:
And even Superb golf links course (for those inclined)
It works beautifully for families and combines easily with the Garden Route. But you can explore inland to the great Karoo interior and Prince Albert close to the little Karoo.
Few visitors make it to the Northern Cape. Which is precisely the point.
The Kalahari & Trans Kalagadi offers red dunes and good predator sightings with desert-adapted wildlife including black-maned lions. The Great Karoo brings silence and immense horizons. Namaqualand dazzles in flower season.
This is largely a self-drive destination, suited to independent travellers who enjoy solitude and unusual landscapes.
Chat to one of our experienced consultants that’s here to help and guide you.
We use our expertise to narrow down the choices and present feasible ideas, so you can relax and ENJOY the planning process!
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Across the Borders – Southern Africa
Now let’s zoom out.
If you’ve done South Africa, your next trip could focus on one neighbouring country in depth.
Otherworldly dunes in Sossusvlei. Desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland. Etosha’s salt pans shimmering with wildlife.
Its’s ideal for photographers and travellers who appreciate stark beauty.
You can explore by fly-in safari, privately guided trips or small group tours, or with the independence of self-drive. Namibia rewards thoughtful, well-paced itineraries, especially if travelling by road.
Tip: It’s very popular – so planning early is essential.
The Okavango Delta transforms the safari experience.
Gliding by mokoro canoe through reed channels is entirely different from game drives in Kruger. Botswana is exceptional year-round and especially strong for seasoned safari-goers who value exclusivity and expert guiding.
Zimbabwe combines excellent guiding with diverse landscapes.
Hwange offers classic big game viewing. Mana Pools delivers canoe safaris and walking. And yes, Victoria Falls is extraordinary — but it’s only the beginning.
For the Africa-Addicted – Destinations for Multi Repeat safari visitors
You’ve been to South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya, perhaps Botswana or another Southern African country. Now you want to explore more off the beaten track?
Off the Beaten Track Destinations for 3rd, 4th, 5th time visitors
Gorilla Tracking – Rwanda or Uganda
Few wildlife encounters match the emotional intensity of standing metres from a mountain gorilla.
Rwanda is more polished and compact. Uganda offers greater primate diversity and slightly lower permit costs.
It’s not inexpensive — but for many, it becomes the defining wildlife experience of their lives.
I cannot rave enough about the life-affirming experience of visiting Rwanda and seeing the Mountain gorillas. However, that is not their only draw card.
Rwanda is an expensive destination – because of the permit costs – but if you are passionate about wildlife, it is one for the list.
Similarly, although Uganda is best known for its endangered Mountain Gorillas, it also has one of the widest range of primates in Africa including the golden monkeys. These two countries are a must-visit for travelers looking for alternative destinations to visit in Africa.
Read about Peter’s experiences in Rwanda – Part 1 and Part 2.
Southern Tanzania – Safari without the Crowds
The Serengeti is iconic. But Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) offer scale and authenticity.
For those who’ve already witnessed the Great Migration, southern Tanzania feels refreshingly untamed.
Everyone flocks to the Serengeti and the Mara – sometimes all too much – but the southern reserves of the Selous and Ruaha offer an authentic taste of Tanzania without the hordes of camera-toting visitors.
Lake Malawi is the anchor here: freshwater beaches, snorkelling among colourful cichlids, relaxed pace.
Its game reserves, especially Liwonde and Majete, are becoming noticeably more rewarding under conservation partnerships. It’s a gentle, rewarding alternative.
We have always had a soft spot for Malawi. It doesn’t have the safari ‘teeth’ of Botswana or Zimbabwe. But it does have the magical Lake Malawi and its game reserves are getting better and better…
Madgascar
Madagascar doesn’t behave like the rest of Africa.
It requires careful planning and a spirit of flexibility. But its baobabs, lemurs and surreal landscapes make it utterly distinctive.
Not for everyone. Perfect for the right traveller.
Madagascar is quite unlike any other destination we offer. Sometimes exasperating but always fascinating. It doesn’t suit everyone. And it needs very careful planning. But it is a truly unique and very special destination.
So, there you have it. If you have a love for Africa that keeps you wanting to come back for more, then that’s what you should do! There is so much to see and experience, and it doesn’t all have to be the same old thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best African destination for a second safari? Botswana, Zambia and Namibia are excellent options depending on whether you prioritise water-based safaris, walking safaris or dramatic desert scenery. But it really depends on your interests and a quick phone call with a safari specialist is probably the best way forward
2. Is it worth returning to South Africa instead of trying a new country? Absolutely; it’s a vast country and so there will undoubtedly be new regions to explore like KwaZulu-Natal, the Cederberg Mountains and the Northern Cape which offer experiences completely different from a classic Cape Town & Kruger safari itinerary.
3. Which destinations are malaria-free for families? The Waterberg, Eastern Cape reserves and parts of Madikwe and KwaZulu-Natal are excellent malaria-free alternatives. Whilst Mashatu (just over the border) and northern KwaZulu Natal are very low risk.
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Best Destinations for a Second Safari in Africa – was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa
Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. She has explored the continent widely and her team are adept at designing complex safari journeys for seasoned safari travellers. In her spare time, she loves hiking in the mountains or cycling along the Cape coast.
Having crafted countless return trips for clients who simply couldn’t stay away, the Cedarberg team understands exactly how to make a second (or third) African safari adventure feel fresh, thoughtful and deeply rewarding.
