South Africa Safaris

A safari in South Africa 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 South Africa safari into a varied trip, combining a few days in the bush with time in a city, on the beach and 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.