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South Africa Safari

Find out all you need to know about South African safaris

Get to Know South Africa

Imagine the thrill of a South African safari, the sun warming your skin as you set off on a game drive through the iconic Kruger National Park. Picture the breathtaking moment your eyes meet those of a prowling leopard or the awe-inspiring sight of a pride of lions bathed in the golden hues of dawn or the bright crimson evidence of a recent hunt. Back in the city, South Africans proudly carry the weight of struggles gone by, filled with a sense of unity admired the world over.

South Africaโ€™s allure extends far beyond its wildlife. From the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands, where world-class wines await, to the Drakensberg Mountainsโ€™ dramatic cliffs and the Wild Coastโ€™s untouched beaches, this country is a tapestry of natural wonders waiting to be explored. And, as you delve deeper into the countryโ€™s difficult past, you begin to appreciate exactly why itโ€™s one of the most remarkable nations in the world.

Thatโ€™s why South Africa isnโ€™t just a destination. Itโ€™s a place where every traveller can find their own unforgettable connection with the wild and with themselves, all while savouring world-class cuisine, wines, and safari experiences.

Why South Africa?

  • Diverse Safari Options: From the iconic Kruger National Park to private reserves like Sabi Sands, South Africa offers a range of safari experiences for all types of travellers.
  • Big Five & Beyond: South Africa is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, from the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) to elusive predators like cheetahs and African wild dogs.
  • Luxury & Accessibility: World-class lodges and easy access via major airports make South Africa a top-tier safari destination.
  • Malaria-Free Reserves: Several regions, such as Madikwe and the Eastern Cape, offer family-friendly, malaria-free safaris.
  • Renowned Winelands: South Africaโ€™s Cape Winelands, particularly Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, boast some of the worldโ€™s finest wines, offering picturesque vineyard landscapes, award-winning vintages, and gourmet food experiences that perfectly complement a safari adventure.

Where to Go

Discover the top safari destinations in South Africa, from the iconic Kruger National Park to the vibrant city of Cape Town and beyond.

When to Go

Peak Season

Low Season

Who is Travelling to South Africa with you?

Plan your South African safari adventure tailored to you, whether youโ€™re travelling solo, with family, or celebrating a special occasion.

What You Need To Know

Find everything you need to know to plan your South Africa journey, from travel tips to essential insights for an unforgettable trip.

Not sure what to pack? Discover Africa has created a detailed guide to clothing, gadgets and so much more, but if you want to find out more - speak to us.


Packing List for a South Africa Holiday

So, youโ€™ve settled on southern Africa as your ideal safari destination, but you canโ€™t choose between two of the worldโ€™s most famous wildlife havens: South Africa and Botswana. One is home to Kruger National Park, a game reserve thatโ€™s bigger than some countries, and the other boasts the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site...


South Africa vs Botswana

Several Big Five reserves in South Africa protect the more charismatic large mammals associated with the African savannah. Foremost among these is the Kruger National Park and its abutting private reserves. Still, other key safari destinations include iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, Addo Elephant National Park, and a variety of smaller and more exclusive...


Wildlife in South Africa

South Africa is affectionately known as the โ€œRainbow Nationโ€ because of its diversity in its people, climates, geography, and wide array of experiences. Here, people speak 11 official languages, with English being the lingua franca. As youโ€™d expect, South African culture isnโ€™t homogenous โ€“ instead, itโ€™s a collection of numerous cultures and creeds, with some restricted...


South African Cultures and Their Nuances

So, youโ€™ve decided to experience the safari vacation of a lifetime in South Africa, but thereโ€™s one thing making you a bit apprehensive: crime. While itโ€™s true that crime rates are relatively high in South Africa, the overwhelming majority of visitors have hassle-free holidays. Generally speaking, the vast majority of crime in South Africa is...


Is South Africa Safe?

Are you going on a holiday in South Africa? With 12 official languages, there are a variety of ways to communicate with the locals.


Languages in South Africa

South Africa is a surprisingly affordable safari destination compared to the rest of Africa, due to its favourable exchange rate. Its safari options are as varied as its landscapes, from the expansive plains of the Kruger National Park to the exclusive, game-rich areas of Sabi Sands and the family-friendly, malaria-free reserves of the Eastern Cape....


Cost of a South Africa Safari

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South Africa Safari Reviews

Read what other travellers have to say about their unforgettable experiences in South Africa.

Trip of a Lifetime!

South African Safari Review

Patty Whidden, United States
21 Jan 2025
Highly recommend

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Cody, Australia
16 Jan 2025
Experience of a Lifetime

6 Day Cape Town Adventure & Kruger Safari Review

Amanda, United States
12 Sep 2024

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