available in South Africa
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
South Africa, located at the southernmost tip of Africa, is home to some of the richest biodiversity on earth, with numerous national parks and incredible landscapes ranging from mountains, lakes and oceans to winelands, game farms and deserts. With renowned highlights such as Table Mountain, Kruger National Park and big five safari areas, amongst numerous others, South Africa remains one of the world’s favourite safari destinations.
As well as the big game reserves and national parks, South Africa also has excellent private wildlife reserves such as the Timbavati, Sabi Sands, Amakhala, Shamwari and Kariega. And it’s not only about South Africa safaris, there is also its colourful history with many fascinating historical sites to visit such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Natal battlefields and Apartheid Museum.
One of the most popular places for South Africa tours and safaris is Kruger National Park, one of the largest game parks in Africa, spanning both the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. With an astonishing variety of species including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles and 336 trees, Kruger is situated in the Lowveld, with baobab, fever, marula and mopane trees. On a safari trip to South Africa, expect to spot the big five, as well as the little five and the birding big six, exploring on a wide variety of activities such as wildlife safaris, mountain biking trails, guided walking safaris, golfing and bird watching.
South Africa’s famed Garden Route is a panoramic stretch of coastline ideal for a slow paced self-drive. Technically it runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River, although many start well before Mossel Bay in beautiful Cape Town. Savour the scenic beauty of lakes, forests, lagoons, beaches and forest along the way, and enjoy the many outdoor activities and adventures on offer from hiking and water sports to whale watching and shark cage diving!
See Also: Wildlife in South Africa – African Safari Animals and Where to Find Them (Infographic).
FAQ - South Africa Safari
- What makes a South Africa safari unique compared to other African destinations?
South Africa safaris are special because they combine incredible wildlife viewing with diverse
landscapes and world-class tourism infrastructure. You can spot the Big Five in Kruger, enjoy
wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, or drive along the scenic Garden Route—all in one trip. This
mix of nature, culture, and convenience sets South Africa apart. - When is the best time to go on a safari in South Africa?
The best time for safari in South Africa is during the dry winter months (May to September),
when animals gather around waterholes and vegetation is thinner, making sightings easier.
That said, summer (November to March) offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, so
your choice depends on the experience you want. - Is a South Africa safari suitable for families with kids?
Yes, many lodges and reserves in South Africa are family-friendly and offer child-focused
activities like bush walks, junior ranger programs, and safe game drives. With malaria-free
reserves also available, parents can enjoy peace of mind while children connect with nature. - How much does a South Africa safari typically cost?
Safari prices vary widely depending on whether you choose a self-drive in Kruger, a mid-range
lodge, or a luxury private reserve. Budget trips can start from a few hundred dollars, while high-
end fly-in safaris can reach several thousand. Safari Deals helps you compare options so you can
find the right experience for your budget. - Can I combine a safari with other South African attractions?
Absolutely—many travelers pair their safari with Cape Town, the Garden Route, or even the
Drakensberg Mountains. This allows you to enjoy both wildlife adventures and cultural or scenic
highlights, creating a more complete South African holiday. - Do I need any special vaccinations or precautions for a safari in South Africa?
Some areas, like Kruger, are malaria zones, so you may need preventive medication. Basic
vaccinations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A) are recommended, and travel insurance is always
a smart idea. Always check with your doctor before you travel for the most up-to-date advice. - How do I choose the right safari tour in South Africa?
The right safari depends on your interests, budget, and travel style. Self-drives offer flexibility, guided tours provide expert knowledge, and luxury lodges ensure comfort and exclusivity. Our
curated Safari Deals make it easier to pick a trip that matches your needs and expectations.
South Africa Safari Travel Seasons
- Jun–Aug Low Season. Winter – temperatures can reach zero at night in places but days are generally sunny and warm. It’s the rainy season in Cape Town and the Western Cape. The ideal months for wildlife watching and prices should generally be low but watch out for school holidays (late June to mid July) as prices can increase.
- Apr–May, Sep & Oct Shoulder Season. Sunny spring and autumn weather, temperatures peak in late October. August is a great time for the Garden Route and Northern Cape as it is wild flower season while March onwards offers fantastic wildlife watching conditions.
- Nov–Mar High Season. Summer – peak times are early Dec to mid Jan, as well as around Easter. It is essential to book accommodation in national parks and on the coast well in advance during these periods – be aware that prices can rise by at least 50% in the most popular locations.
General Information
- Currency – South African Rand
- Languages – English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Sotho, Ndebele
- Size – 1,221,037 sq km, five times larger than Great Britain
- Population: 55.45 million (2017)
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Malaria is a risk in the northeastern regions so talk to your doctor about the best prophylaxis to take.
- The water from taps in most developed areas is of a high quality, but in rural areas stick to drinking bottled water.
- South Africa has a high crime rate but the majority of travellers visit without any incident – be sure to take basic safety precautions.
Pros
- 14 National Parks
- Huge diversity in landscapes
- Well connected international and internal flights
- Fabulous wildlife
- Rich history
- Well priced, wide variety of safari options
Cons
- Crime in urban centres
- Quite large distances between areas
- Availability during peak times
Arriving in South Africa
- South Africa is incredibly well connected to the world, with international airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Most visitors arrive in South Africa by air, often through the regional hub of Johannesburg.
- If you are already in the region then you can drive, bus or train in.
Getting Around
- South Africa is a large country with very specific tourism areas and distances between them can be large.
- There is a well maintained road network connecting the main safari areas, it’s the ideal country to self drive around.
- Easy to travel around with great internal flights on a wide range of competitively priced airlines.
- There are good transport link out of all airports including the excellent Gautrain from Johannesburg airport into central Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- Stunning train journeys between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Visas
- Visitors from Commonwealth countries (including Australia, Canada and the UK), Western European countries, Japan and the USA are issued with a free, 90-day visitor’s permit on arrival.
- Ensure you have at least two completely blank pages in your passport.
- Please check for visa requirements as changes do occur – South African Visas >>
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South Africa Safaris
5-Day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Tour
- 5 Days
This 5-Day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Tour is a big 5 safari to the world-famous Kruger Park. It...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:5 Days
- Start/end:Start in Johannesburg, end in Johannesburg
Guided Bush & Mozambique Dive Safari
- 15 Days
From game viewing in South Africa and Swaziland to diving the reefs of Mozambique, this fantastic tour...
- Country:South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:15 Days
- Start/end:Start in Johannesburg, end in Johannesburg
12-Day Exclusive Safari, Cape Town and Surrounds
- 12 Days
This South African journey combines ultra-luxury and exclusivity, showcasing some of the country’s...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:12 Days
- Start/end:Start in Cape Town, end in Johannesburg
3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
- 3 Days
On this 3-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari, the focus is on maximum safari drives in Big 5 areas of Kruger...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:3 Days
- Start/end:Start in Johannesburg, end in Johannesburg
Cape Town & Malaria Free Eastern Cape Safari
- 7 Days
The Fairest Cape is yours to explore, from its glamorous beaches and striking Table Mountain to its fabulous...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:7 Days
- Start/end:Start in Cape Town, end in Port Elizabeth
Discover the Battlefields
- 3 Days
Renowned for its moving and detailed battlefield tours led by excellent tour guides with great story-telling...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:3 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Transfer or Self-drive
Escorted Whale Shark Scuba Special
- 10 Days
Join our tour to St Helena in January 2022 to see whale sharks, escorted by pro-UW photographer Christopher...
- Country:South Africa, St Helena,
- Departures:Array
- Length:10 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Johannesburg, South Africa
Kruger Park Family Safari
- 6 Days
The perfect South African safari for families who enjoy seeing amazing wildlife. As well as three nights...
- Country:South Africa,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:6 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Johannesburg
Luxury Cape Town, Kruger & Mozambique
- 11 Days
This is a wonderful safari giving you a taste of stunning city and wildlife-rich national park in South...
- Country:South Africa, Mozambique,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:11 Days
- Start/end:Start in Cape Town, end in Johannesburg
Self-Drive Tour 4 Countries
- 22 Days
This epic self-drive adventure takes you to four countries; South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia....
- Country:Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia,
- Departures:Year Round
- Length:22 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Johannesburg
Partners offering Safaris in South Africa
Countries in the same Region
Botswana
- 8 Partners
- 7 Tours
Botswana safaris are sought after for those seeking incredible untouched wilderness; the beautiful Okavango Delta, elephant paradise Chobe National Park, green savannah of Savuti and much more.
Zambia
- 6 Partners
- 11 Tours
With vast tracts of remote wilderness and few tourists, a visit to Zambia offers genuine adventure with high quality guides sharing their knowledge on game drives, night excursions, walking and canoe safaris.
Namibia
- 5 Partners
- 3 Tours
This remarkable country is home to an array of breathtaking safari areas; the Namib Desert with its red sand dunes, Damaraland, home to unique desert-adapted species and Etosha National Park with its wildlife and salt pan scenery.
Zimbabwe
- 7 Partners
- 5 Tours
Zimbabwe still rates as one of the greatest Southern African safari destinations. Despite its recent troubles, it offers a superior safari experience and is home to some of the very best guides in the business.
Swaziland
- 3 Partners
- 1 Tours
Despite being the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, the Kingdom of Swaziland packs a punch with everything it has to offer, brimming with colourful rich culture, laid-back friendly locals, natural beauty and amazing wildllife.
Mozambique
- 3 Partners
- 3 Tours
Mozambique is a tropical paradise that has so much to offer visitors; soft, dune-covered beaches and turquoise-coloured oceans, rich coral reefs and uninhabited archipelagos. Inland the vast wilderness is recovering from years of civil war. Situated in the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley, the Gorongosa National Park lies in the wild heart of central Mozambique.
Malawi
- 1 Partners
- 0 Tours
Malawi’s varied landscapes include green plains, mountainous areas, forests and river valleys. Despite its relatively small land mass for an African country, Malawi boasts a large number of national parks and open spaces making it ideal for a safari holiday.
Madagascar
- 1 Partners
- 2 Tours
Lying off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and a unique ecological environment. The island split off from the ancient landform of Gondwana some 88 million years ago and has since remained an isolated landmass. This has resulted in the spectacular biodiversity for which Madagascar has become known, with an astonishing 90% of its wildlife unique to the island.