A South Africa safari offers a unique opportunity to enjoy South Africa’s breathtaking scenery, a melting pot of cultures, diverse wilderness and wildlife, iconic cities, and quaint coastal villages. There is a reason why South Africa is called “a World in One Country.” With excellent infrastructure, roads, and transport, good value for money, beautiful landscapes, low malaria risk, and an abundance of the Big 5, South Africa is the ideal destination for a perfect family Africa safari, first-time safari-goers, and for the discerning travelers, and for those on a tighter budget or timeframe.

While it is tough to have the ‘true wilderness’ experience on a South Africa safari due to South Africa’s developed infrastructure and dense population compared to other African countries, you can combine different holiday experiences. Beautiful Cape Town’s iconic bay nestled below Table Mountain, pristine beaches of Wild Coast, the jagged peaks of Drakensberg mountain range, glorious rolling hills of the Winelands, UNESCO-certified Cradle of Humankind, and unforgettable Apartheid Museum at Johannesburg all make South Africa a multi-faceted and memorable safari destination. Kruger National Park undeniably offers a superb wildlife experience, including the finest Big Five viewing on the continent. It is ideal for affordable safaris and those who prefer the ultimate comfort and high-end experience on a South Africa safari.

With Recherché Journeys, create your tailor-made South Africa safari. Enjoy the bush walks, the Winelands, sightings of black-maned Kalahari lions and desert black rhino, immerse yourself in the tranquil spa treatments, or add a fully-equipped photographic safari vehicle.

Ready to create your journey? Contact us for a FREE  tour plan.

Recommended Parks:

Kruger National Park: Exceptional diversity and density of wildlife, including the Big Five, excellent birding destination, good infrastructure, and road, a wide range of accommodation cater to all budgets. Lacks ‘true wilderness’ appeal. The best time to visit is the dry season of May-Sep, which is also the busiest season.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: A merger of Kalahari Gemsbok NP in South Africa (has excellent facilities) and Gemsbok NP in Botswana (basic campsites). The stunning backdrop of red sand dunes in the inhospitable desert offers excellent photographic opportunities: outstanding wildlife (not Big Five) and a birding destination with great wilderness appeal. The best time to visit is from March to May.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Great Reserve: Located in the Kwazulu Natal province, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi was created in the 1890s as a sanctuary for the last tiny population of white rhino. It offers good wildlife viewing with Big Five and both rhino species, excellent birding, and a self-driving destination. Also offers moderately priced rest camps in the park. The best time to visit is from May to Sep.

When to go:

Best time to visit: May to September (all parks). Incidentally, it is also the low season to visit.

High Season: October to March (not overly crowded, except for some camps in Kruger due to summer vacation in SA)

Low Season: April – September. However, nights and early mornings from June to August get cold. Carry layers.