South Africa Safaris
Luxury Safaris in South Africa - Kruger Safaris
Reasons to Visit South Africa For Safaris
Why You Should Visit South Africa For Safaris
South Africa is known for impressive luxury safaris across its wild destinations, but it also offers other safari activities such as visits to the Winelands and City Tours in Cape Town. Enjoy adventurous thrills in Cape Town, cycling and kayaking the peninsula, and unwind in the winelands.
Our South Africa Safaris are an all-inclusive adventure, filled with not only the big five safaris, but also wine tours, Table Mountain Cable Cars, or a visit to the Cape Peninsula. The landscapes of South Africa are world-renowned – home to no less than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
South Africa boasts a diverse and stunning coastline that stretches for 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles). Flanked by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on one side and the cooler Atlantic Ocean on the other, this country provides travelers with sun-drenched beaches, rugged coastlines, charming villages, and native forests to discover.
Visit major national parks and reserves in South Africa with our customised and private South Africa Safaris, like the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Reserve, for the normal big five wildlife, and visit the Cape Peninsula for the penguins and pristine beaches.
Wildlife to See in South Africa on Safari
A safari adventure in South Africa offers a rare perspective on the unbridled beauty of nature. This is best experienced by encountering the famous Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. In premier locations like Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands, you can watch a pride of lions roaming the savanna or a leopard resting on the branch of a leadwood tree. The sight of a giant elephant emerging from the thicket, or a prehistoric rhinoceros grazing under the golden sun, is a reality that very few places on Earth can offer.
Beyond the Big Five, the South African bush overflows with a colorful supporting cast. You will see towers of giraffes moving majestically through acacia trees, groups of zebras, and herds of wildebeest across the plains. In specialized parks like Madikwe, you might even see the rare African wild dog with its beautifully designed coat. The waterholes offer their own delights, with hippos grunting and yawning in the water while Nile crocodiles laze peacefully on the muddy banks.
Best Experiences on a South Africa Safari Holiday
South Africa provides an array of exciting holiday experiences, from having the Big Five safari experiences in Kruger National Park to cage diving with sharks, as well as exploring the exciting city of Cape town and Table Mountain. Some of the top experiences include cruising along the Garden Route, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and visiting Robben Island.
Top Holiday Experiences in South Africa
Wildlife and Safaris
South Africa is world-renowned for its amazing wildlife. Take part in game drives in Kruger National Park, which harbors big five game drives, or visit the most unique Elephant National Park called Addo with its many large herds of elephants. For an exclusive experience, Madikwe Game Reserve offers outstanding sightings in a malaria-free environment.
Capetown Holiday Experiences
Cape Town and Surroundings Cape Town is a lively city with many iconic landmarks. You can take the Table Mountain cableway for a bird’s-eye view over the coast or see the penguins at Boulders Beach. History enthusiasts should visit Robben Island, while the aesthetically-minded will love the twisting bends of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Wine and Culinary
The Cape Winelands are a paradise for food and wine lovers. You could spend a day wine tasting in the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl. For a different perspective on the vineyards, you could take the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which tours some of the loveliest wine farms in the region.
Coastal and Beach Experiences
The coastline is quite scenic, some of the best in Africa, and there are many ways to explore it. A standard form of tourism is the motor trip along the famous Garden Route, while those interested in hiking can explore the forests of Tsitsikamma National Park. In the right season, you can also go whale watching in Hermanus.
Looking For a Safari in Africa?
Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.
Safari Destinations to Visit in South Africa
Explore the Best national Parks and Regions in South Africa
As we have seen, South Africa has so many places you can visit, it’s hard to exhaust all of them. With more than 20 National Parks, 200+ small reserves and conservancies, more than 3 main cities, South Africa has so many attractions for your next safari holiday. The best places we would recommend you visit are many, but we have listed some of them below to guide you as you plan your next adventure in South Africa.
The Greater Kruger Ecosystem in South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the biggest and most famous game parks in Africa. The park is the ultimate destination to spot the Big Five. Neighboring the park is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which is world-famous for its high density of leopard sightings and luxurious accommodations. Other game parks like Timbavati and Thornybush offer the ultimate experience and the chance to spot the rare white lion. These parks are ideal for visitors seeking high game density and luxurious high-end accommodations.
Family-Friendly and Malaria-Free Zones in South Africa for Holidays
South Africa provides a fantastic experience for families and health-oriented tourists who prefer malaria-free zones. Madikwe Game Reserve, situated in the North West Province, is a world-class destination for a family safari, particularly for its wild dog sightings and luxurious family lodges. In addition, the Eastern Cape Game Reserves, such as Shamwari and Kariega, offer boutique and easily accessible game lodges. These areas can easily be combined with a road trip to the picturesque Garden Route, providing a secure and exciting experience for the whole family.
Conservation and Historic Landscapes in South Africa
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, situated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a historic destination, being the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. It is a world-renowned destination for its critical role in saving the species of the white rhino from extinction. Its undulating, green landscape is a unique visual experience, unlike the flat landscape of the northern parts of the country. By traveling to this area, tourists have a unique opportunity to experience a rich connection to South Africa’s conservation history and view a success story of wildlife conservation in action.
South Africa Map - South Africa Safari Map
South Africa National Parks Map
South Africa is a large country, covering approximately 1.22 million square kilometers (471,000 sq mi), and boasts a whopping 42 major national parks and reserves, with nearly 200 smaller reserves. The main conservation authority for all of South Africa’s national parks is South African National Parks (SANParks).
Which is the Best Time To Visit South Africa for safari
When to Visit South Africa - Best Time for South Africa Safaris
The best time to visit South Africa varies based on your interests: from May to October (Winter/Spring) is the best period for safaris in Kruger, as it is the dry season with clear visibility. and whale watching (July-November) along the coastline, whereas November to March (Summer) is perfect for enjoying the beaches of Cape Town and warm temperatures.
January, May, and September of every year are considered to be the best times for Wildlife Safaris in South Africa, while for beach holidays, it’s best during the summer months, which are from January to April.
South Africa Safaris Seasonal Guide
The best time to go on a South Africa safari is during the winter months of May to September, as wildlife will be easily spotted during this time because of the scarcity of water and vegetation. If you want to go during a warmer time of year with lush vegetation, then you should consider visiting during the wet summer months of November to March.
| Season | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kruger National Park | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
Mala Mala Game Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
| Sabi Sands Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
| Madikwe Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
| Timbavati Nature Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
| Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
Shamwari Private Game Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
Manyeleti Game Reserve | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
Capetown | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Fair | Fair |
Low Season
High Season
Peak Season
Low Season
Shoulder Season in South Africa: March – May
The autumn months of March to May are an excellent balance for the guests wanting to experience the traditional safari adventure while also taking in the other great icons that South Africa has to offer. In the transition from winter to summer, the temperatures are mild and pleasant across the whole country.
The savanna is also with fresh air, lush and green from the rains that fell in the previous months, while the scorching heat and humidity of mid-summer are gone, providing pleasant temperatures for both morning and afternoon game drives. The shoulder season is the perfect time for the tourist wanting to experience the best of the wilderness as well as the culture and beauty of South Africa’s modern cities.
High Season
The Green Season: November – April
The summer months or the low season, also known as the Green Season, bring a lush, vibrant, and green landscape to the dusty savanna. While the temperatures and humidity are high, with dramatic thunderstorms rolling in during the afternoons, it is a great time for Wildlife photography and bird-watching, particularly for the many migratory birds of brilliant plumage from the northern hemisphere.
It is also a time to see newborns and experience a unique view of the circle of life in the wilds of Africa. While the bushes make it slightly more difficult to track the wildlife than in the winter months, the abundance of wildlife, the pristine air, and the dramatic stormy skies offer a beautiful and vastly different view of the untamed wilderness for the intrepid traveler.
Peak Season
Peak Season in South Africa: May – September
The dry winter months are generally regarded as the best time of the year for a safari in South Africa. The weather is consistently warm and sunny, although it does get quite chilly in the evenings. There is little to no rainfall during this time, which causes the plantations and bushes in the savanna to be quite sparse, increasing the chances of spotting elusive game such as the leopard and lion.
In addition, the animals are concentrated in a specific area as the water dries up, making it easier to spot the Big Five in one place. August and September are the absolute peak of the safari season, providing the best game viewing conditions before the rains arrive.
Exceptional Safari Experiences in South Africa
What to experience on a South Africa Safari
The premier safari experiences in South Africa vary from private Big Five experiences in the Sabi Sands and Timbavati, to unique and malaria-free experiences in Madikwe or Addo. These are known for their luxurious lodges and variety of scenery, and offer unique experiences such as guided bush walks, night drives, and even marine safaris in the Western Cape for whales and sharks.
Exclusive Wildlife Encounters in the Greater Kruger in South Africa
South Africa’s most exclusive safari experiences are offered in the world-famous Greater Kruger ecosystem, within the Sabi Sands and Timbavati Game Reserves in the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is globally recognized for offering the most exclusive and frequent leopard sightings on the African continent. Within this reserve, exclusive safari lodges, such as the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, offer ultra-luxury accommodations and highly experienced safari guides and trackers for an exclusive safari experience.
The Timbavati Game Reserve offers an even wilder and more exclusive safari experience, with its unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. The 53,000-hectare wilderness offers visitors the rare opportunity for spotting the legendary white lions in their natural habitat. The exclusive nature of the reserve ensures that all wildlife encounters are quiet, personal, and highly immersive for the visitor.
Top Malaria-Free and Desert Safaris in South Africa
For a family or for those who do not want to take medication, there are world-class malaria-free safaris in unique locations. Madikwe Game Reserve is a top-tier malaria-free destination, well known for its highly successful project for conservation of the African wild dog and for having the complete Big Five experience. Its position on the border of the Kalahari creates a unique interface for many species.
If a more isolated experience is desired, Tswalu Kalahari offers a private desert haven where guests can view rare species such as aardvarks and pangolins. Here, a unique experience awaits on the Malori sleep-out deck, where guests can spend a night under the unpolluted stars of the Kalahari Desert.
Specialized Activities and Luxury Lifestyle Safaris
Today, South Africa has developed a range of specialized activities in the safari experience, which extend beyond the norm of morning and evening game drives. The private game reserves offer exhilarating night drives to spot nocturnal predators, while the bush walks provide a more in-depth understanding of the environment. The adventurous may enjoy a helicopter safari, which provides a bird ’s-eye view of the breathtaking scenery.
On the other hand, South Africa has a range of lifestyle safaris, which include the Wine Safaris in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions. These safaris provide a sophisticated combination of game viewing and wine tasting at some of the historic wine estates in the region. Whether you stay in a luxurious treehouse or dine on gourmet cuisine in the bush, the emphasis is on providing a high-end, world-class experience.
Helicopter and scenic flights are among the most thrilling and luxurious ways to experience the breathtaking
Mokoro and boat rides provide a tranquil and immersive way to explore some of Africa’s most
Walking safaris offer a unique and immersive way to experience the African wilderness. Unlike traditional game
Best Places to Stay While on South Africa Safari
Top Safari Accommodations in South Africa
South Africa provides a wide variety of safari game lodges and safari accommodations, ranging from ultra-luxurious and all-inclusive private game lodges and tented camps to simple and self-catering national park rest camps. There are luxurious game lodges in the Sabi Sand game reserve, like Singita Boulders, romantic tented camps, unique options like the Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge, and family-friendly and eco-sensitive or mobile tented camps.
Luxury Private Game Lodges and Personalized Service in South Africa
South Africa prides itself as one of the best places in the world for ultra-luxury private game lodges, mostly located in premier game reserves like Sabi Sand and Madikwe. These safari lodges, like Singita Boulders and Lion Sands, are characterized by all-inclusive ultra-luxury and opulence. They are equipped with luxurious suites, gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs, and private plunge pools with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
However, the defining feature of these ultra-luxury game lodges is the personalized and exceptional service offered by the staff, including butlers and professional trackers. These safari lodges are located in private reserves, hence the exclusive traversing rights, guaranteeing unique and intimate game viewing without the crowds often experienced in public game reserves.
Luxury Tented Camps and Immersive Nature
For travelers seeking a romantic Out of Africa atmosphere without sacrificing modern comforts, luxury tented camps offer a perfect balance. Properties like Hamilton’s Tented Camp combine the adventurous spirit of canvas walls with high-end amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and private viewing decks. These camps are often tucked away in serene, remote corners of the bush, allowing the sounds of the wilderness to drift through the room at night.
This style of Safari accommodation provides a deeply sensory and immersive experience, connecting guests to the natural environment while maintaining the standards of a five-star hotel. It is an ideal choice for couples or honeymooners looking for a blend of traditional safari charm and contemporary elegance.
Luxury South Africa Safari Packages
South Africa safari itineraries and ideas To Custom Make
South Africa offers a cocktail of all kinds of adventures, from beach holidays to city tours and exclusive luxury safaris. Regarded as South Africa’s top locations for observing big cats, Kruger National Park and the broader Greater Kruger Region (which encompasses several private reserves adjacent to the park) are home to the highest concentrations and greatest diversity of traditional safari wildlife in the nation.
As part of Cheetah Safaris’ quality service delivery, we ensure that your safari in South Africa is a memorable experience. We design and custom-make the best flying safaris in South Africa. Flying from your city of choice, be it Johannesburg or Cape Town, or Durban, we will charter you from your point of entry and plan all your safari logistics from there till the end.
You can combine our safari destinations in South Africa, like the Kruger National Park, with the amazing Sabi Sand Reserve, with a private charter flight. South Africa is best explored on a private and exclusive basis, as the experiences are more rewarding than any other.
Unlike East Africa’s Safaris, South Africa is a country with a lot of safari activities. From enjoying helicopter Tours over the Table Mountains in Cape Town to Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region.
Why Book Your South Africa Safari with Us
Lets make Your South Africa Safari Holiday the best.
By booking your South African safari with Cheetah Safaris, you’ll enjoy unique, luxurious experiences with over 69 years of combined experience. Their safaris offer secure, all-inclusive, and eco-friendly safaris with professional Silver/Gold guides, providing you with a safe and unforgettable experience in Southern Africa.
Decades of Deep African Expertise and Knowledge
Although we may be a premier safari tour operator for the last fifteen years, the experience we possess allows us to explore both the famous landmarks and the not-so-explored areas of Southern Africa. Cheetah Safaris Experts are able to bridge the gap between local authenticity and international luxury standards. Our experience is crucial in ensuring that you experience the best of what the African continent has to offer, given that we possess in-depth experience in the industry.
Elite Professional Guiding and Wildlife Insights in South Africa
One of the key characteristics of Cheetah Safaris is our focus on providing only top-notch guiding. Cheetah Safaris only employs Silver and Gold-level professional guides. These are not simply guides who will chauffeur you to various wildlife encounters, but rather highly educated storytellers who offer profound insights into complex animal behaviors, savanna ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Whether you are tracking the elusive leopard in the Sabi Sands or witnessing rhino conservation in action, you can rest assured that your wildlife experience will be both educational and action-packed, thanks to the presence of one of our expert guides. Their presence will turn a standard game drive into a rich, immersive experience, resulting in a much greater appreciation for the intricate balance of South Africa’s diverse and vibrant ecosystems.
Bespoke Luxury and Tailored Itineraries For South Africa Safaris
Cheetah Safaris prides itself on offering customized, all-inclusive luxury itineraries that are carefully designed to match each client’s interests. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for a honeymoon, a family vacation with members of different ages, or a photography safari, we will ensure that each experience is tailored to your needs. This means that you have complete flexibility in your safari plans, allowing you to set your own pace as you explore Africa.
From choosing only the best accommodations available to ensuring smooth transportation across different regions, we will offer you complete service from your first arrival until your last departure. This commitment to luxury ensures not only a safari but a once-in-a-lifetime experience tailored specifically to your interests as an individual.
Financial Protection
You are guranteed of a safe, and peace of mind booking process, and as well safari payments. We ensure that your payments are secure and safe.
Sustainable Practices
Keeping in mind our efforts in wildlife, environment and natural resources protections, we are sustainable travel conscious and aware.
Ground Safari Expert
We Know Africa more than any one. We love taking our guests to the less explored destinations. Experiencing the magical touch of African Wild.
Positive Impact
Our Safaris are not only sustainable, but create very positive impacts to so many. We engage in school programmes, that inspires our future leaders.
15 Years of Experience
Cheetah Safaris has a combined of 69 years of safari expertise and practice in Africa. We will take care of your safari from arrival till departure.
Proffessional Guides
We have the best safari guides in East Africa. All our guides are Silver and Gold Guides. Hence you will learn so much with them while on safari.
Looking For a Safari in Africa?
Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.
Travel Tips for a South Africa Safari Tour
Best Safari and Travel Guides to plan your South Africa Safaris
As you plan your Luxury South Africa Safari with us, there is some important information you need to know before visiting. Our travel guide will help you plan effectively, know what you need ahead of your trip to Africa, and gain a basic understanding of what a South African safari entails.
What Does a South Africa Safari Cost?
To determine the amount you will spend on your safari, a budget from our expert and cost guide is important. A South Africa Safari can cost between USD 500 and up to more than USD 5,000 per person per day. Get the full guide of our African Safari Cost Guide to help you plan your safari well.
What to Pack For a South Africa Safari in Africa
When packing for your South Africa safari holiday, Pack items that won’t make your safari tiresome and hectic. Light packaging helps you move easily from one safari destination to another. We have prepared a comprehensive African Safari Packing list to guide you through.
When to Visit South Africa, the Best Time, and the climate or weather
It’s vital to know when it’s the best time to visit South Africa, as well as understand if your preferred month of visiting is perfect for an amazing wildlife experience. Our safari destinations in Africa that we cover have varying weather conditions and climatic conditions. It’s important to get in touch with us, and we can advise you on the best place you can visit within your travel dates.
Documentation for travelling to South Africa
Now that you have managed to plan and book your safari, it’s important to be legal and find out what documents are required to visit South Africa. You will need a valid eVisa, a passport that is more than 6 months old, and it is recommended to have a yellow fever vaccination.
Safety and Health While on Safari in South Africa
This is most important, as you will need to know how safe South Africa is, and also what you need to do when it gets uneasy. Safety is paramount to all of our guests, and we do our best to offer safety measures to all our guests when on game drives in parks, when driving on roads, and in our booked accommodations, or in case of any security threat.
In terms of health, we have made sure we have measures to manage our guests’ health conditions, but we advise our guests to share any of their health conditions so we can know how to handle incase anything happens.
All FAQs About South Africa Safaris
FAQS and Questions and Answers about South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions About our South Africa Safaris. If you have any queries regarding our South Africa safaris and tours, no need to worry, as we have gathered some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions below to help you make your decision on whether South Africa is the place for your safari holiday.
Is South Africa Safe to Visit For Safaris
It is very Safe to visit South Africa for a luxury safari. According to the Global Index, South Africa ranks top on being a safe safari destination in Africa.
Which Are the Best Destinations to visit in South Africa?
The best places to visit in South Africa for your safari holiday include Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and Table Mountain.
Are South Africa Safaris Expensive?
South Africa safaris can be affordable, averaging between USD 500 Per Person Per Day to 3,500 Per Person Per Day.
What do I need to Visit South Africa?
To visit South Africa for a safari, you will need a passport that is more than 6 months valid and a valid travel E-visa. We recommend having travel insurance and malaria and yellow fever vaccinations.
Pack For a Purpose
Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.
- Education
- Sustainable Travel
- Wildlife Conservation
Let us help you customize your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. We’ll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.
Prepare for your trip
Our Safari experts will be of help in planning your safari from start to end. They will advise you on all that you need to pack and travel documents, too. They will be ready to answer any queries you have.
When you return
We would love to hear from you about your trip with us. Your feedback will help us always work better and try to be the best. You can leave your review on our Reviews Page or TripAdvisor Page.
Partners / Memberships
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