Overview
A South Africa safari offers some of Africa’s most successful and best loved game reserves and lodges. Few people consider that they are ‘going on safari’ 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: 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 – see our dedicated page below on Malaria-free safari areas…
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.
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 is a good area to see cheetah, and of course white rhino.
They 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.
Head to South Africa safari pages:
More Blogs on South Africa Safaris:
Several articles to read at the end. Here are a few more:
Highlights
- Some of Africa’s most successful game reserves and best lodges are in South Africa.
- Easy Bush & Beach combinations in KwaZulu Natal
- Good opportunities to see some of the rarer apex predators such as cheetah and leopard
- Still good concentrations of white and black rhino
- Option of malaria-free game reserves
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 hereGinny Russell
Co-founder & Director
Popular tours & safaris
We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.
- National AnimalThe Springbok is the national animal of South Africa, hence the rugby team's name.
- Oldest Game ReserveHluhluwe-Umfolozi is the oldest game reserve, established i 1895
