South Africa Safari Tours
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari In South Africa
South Africa is special, there is no doubt about it; the classic safari country of Kruger National Park to its vibrant ‘capital city’ of Cape Town there is so much to see and do here, from snow-sprinkled heights of the Drakensberg to the timeless red dunes of the Kalahari; wander through the world-class Winelands around Stellenbosch to the powdery beaches with blinding blue waters of the Garden Route… we could go on and on!
The landscapes beauty brings a rare intensity to every experience encountered. Discover lush scenery, breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, history, culture, luxury, romance combined in some of the best wildlife holidays in South Africa.
South Africa’s charm extends far beyond its wildlife, it’s a place where every traveler can find their connection with the wild and with themselves, making family holidays in South Africa popular with those seeking a malaria-free holiday, the dedicated foodies and wine-lovers, and for combining a bush safari and beach holiday.
"A world in one country".
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In South Africa
Offering an appealing blend of travel experiences, from the energetic streets of Cape Town, the wild-game viewing in Kruger National Park, the charming valleys of the Winelands, to arid deserts, jagged peaks, and long stretches of pristine soft sand beaches, choosing the top 10 best places to visit in South Africa is like selecting which countries to visit on a global tour.
You’ll find each destination so different, offering unalike experiences, places of interest, and best South Africa vacation spots. It’s also important to know when to go to South Africa. Remember, whatever way you like it – smooth or wild adventures, a South Africa safari holiday promises you an all-rounded African experience that you’ve always dreamed of.
Even though it was hard, we’ve selected a collection of the best places to visit in South Africa; every place here promises something for all tastes.
Kruger National Park
Best place for wildlife safaris. It’s also the biggest and best-known national park in South Africa. Kruger National Park boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. You can expect up-close sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo). The Kruger is one of the best South Africa vacation spots and delivers unequaled safari experiences. The Kruger National Park is easily accessible via Johannesburg (only a four-hour drive away) and is near to scenic towns such as Graskop, White River and Pilgrims Rest.
Cape Town
if you’re looking for some of the best South Africa vacation ideas, look no further than Cape Town, the best place for a city break. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world, famed for centuries as the Tavern of the Seas. With the mountain dominating the urban landscape here, nature’s drama is obvious just about whenever you look outside. The city’s celebrated food and wine experiences are as tempting as its iconic landmarks: Cape Town attracts more visitors than any other place in Africa, with its natural setting, culture and climate providing the appeal.
Cape Winelands
The best region for wine tasting. It’s easy to spend a day at a wine estate, less than an hour’s drive outside of Cape Town, in the heart Cape Winelands, you’ll find Stellenbosch, a picturesque town known for its excellent vineyards. Walk the town’s quaint streets, then set off to explore the wider region by visiting wine estates nearby. A part from a wide choice of wine estate cellars, visitors can also indulge on a variety of locally produced cheeses, olives, export-quality fruit and organic produce.
As a source of many legendary Cape wines, the region features three (3) main towns — Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl — form a triangle that you can easily visit all in one trip. Let’s just say wine tasting usually forms a significant part of your stay, and can easily be added on your itinerary or we can custom make a Winelands itinerary that suits your interests.
Garden Route
One of the most visited areas in South Africa, running along the Western Cape coast. Boasting a combination of world-class white sandy beaches, lagoons, lush mountain ranges and indigenous forests interspersed with welcoming towns, and a simple, scenic, oceanic- highways to self-drives, Garden Route delivers the best South Africa vacation ideas for families. Don’t miss the picturesque town of Knysna, the best town for beaches, famous for its guided kayak tours and sunset boat cruises. Garden route is a wonderland for the adventure addict; spend your time on the sand, out on the water or hiking along one of the forest trails, a mix of laid-back atmosphere and superb natural beauty that makes for an ideal beach getaway.
Madikwe Game Reserve
South Africa’s hidden gem, located close to the border of Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. Photographic safaris at Madikwe are a major highlight of this reserve, this hidden gem is also regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience, a thriving population of 86 mammals, 350 bird species and 104 varieties of trees all exist in a completely malaria-free environment. Generally, the reserve boasts the Super Seven – adding cheetahs and the endangered African wild dog to the list of the already famous Big Five.
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Divided into 9 regions, the Eastern Cape is hard to beat when it comes to lovely beaches, secluded lakes and lagoons, and stress-free Big 5 safaris for family adventures. Here, a number of Big Five game parks boast an incomparable range of game viewing adventures that will inspire any wildlife enthusiast.
A habitat for over 600 elephants as well as lion, buffalo, black rhino, leopard and spotted hyena, the Addo Elephant National Park provides some of the world’s most up-close elephant viewing and the unique opportunity to view marine life such as whales and great white sharks.
It’s a particularly sparkly jewel in South Africa’s scenic and human treasure chest, is perhaps best known for the famed Garden Route, which stretches its 120-mile way along South Africa’s relentlessly scenic southern coast from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms Bay in the Eastern Cape. With a combination of child-friendly lodges in malaria-free parks, a fine collection of charming towns and luxury hotels, the area’s game parks and reserves are among the favourite places to visit for honeymoons in South Africa.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Positioned on the east coast of the country, Durban is well known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine made by the locals, first-class shopping outlets to the historic battlefields. Think warm weather all-year round, world-class beaches and incredible eateries in-and-around vibey hangout spots – that’s KwaZulu-Natal for you and more. This sunny region has some of the best South Africa vacation spots fantastic for adventure seekers and discerning travellers.
Johannesburg
Famously known as the ‘City of Gold’, this is the best city for history and street art. Johannesburg’s Central Business District continues to evolve, with an on-going urban renewal and cultural regeneration programme breathing new life into the city. These new bustling districts include Maboneng and Braamfontein. Being one of the most exciting places to visit in South Africa; what you’ll love about Johannesburg is the multi-cultural cosmopolitan vibe, boasting exclusive boutiques in upmarket malls, theatres, museums, cultural villages, thriving café culture, and a night life attitude that says “let’s party”. Johannesburg remains the heart of the country’s economy. To understand more of South Africa’s recent past, we recommend a visit to the Apartheid Museum, a highly informative and moving experience.
Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast
The best place for whale watching in South Africa. Every year, the season is celebrated with the Hermanus Whale Festival. Cape Whale Coast is flanked by towering mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The entire route is well-known as the best destination for whale sightings, particularly in the Walker Bay area between Hermanus and Gansbaai. Encounter them from June to November, the coastal town becomes a hub for visitors hoping to see migratory southern right whales frolic in the sheltered waters of Walker Bay. These whales swim into the bay to mate and give birth, and give onlookers a show with their breaching theatrics. A planning tip: To maximize your chances, plan your whale-watching trip to South Africa during peak migration season, the scenery is more than breathtakingly beautiful.
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve:
Next to to the famous Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is popular for its wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.
Discover South Africa
Top 6 Best Things To Do On A South Africa Safari
As for the travelers taking kids on safari, South Africa family holidays offers far more than wildlife game viewing. Travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in South Africa; take a relaxed road trip along the Garden Route, enjoying views over the long stretches of pristine soft sand beaches, or go on a Big five safari in the Eastern Cape. Discover luxury rail journeys that cross South Africa’s mountain ranges, grasslands, and semi-arid Karoo Desert.
Hike up the Table Mountain, one of South Africa’s top attractions, explore the wilderness of the Cape Peninsula, while in the Winelands you can sample some of the country’s finest vintages on a tour of a wine estate. One more popular highlight is a boat trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Whatever your interests, our safari specialists will propose experiences aimed to enrich your trip to South Africa.
Wildlife In South Africa
If your goal is to see the African Big Five in South Africa, you’re more than lucky. The country is a prime wildlife destination. All of the popular safari animals are easily seen. Kruger National Park offers excellent general wildlife viewing, and the scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best to see rhino. In Sabi Sand, the main focus is on seeing the Big Five and it is famous for its leopards.
The rare black wildebeest, thrives in the Karoo reserves, and some dry-country wildlife specials can be spotted in the Kalahari. These include meerkat, gemsbok, springbok and bat-eared fox.
Best safari parks for bird watching in South Africa
For bird lovers, Kruger is great for general birding tours, while uMkhuze is a real birding destination, offering almost as many species in a much smaller area with an incredible number of specials. The dry Kgalagadi is known for its raptors.
Hike the Table Mountain
Best Time To Visit South Africa, Safari & Beach
As for when to visit South Africa for safari vacations, remember that South Africa can be visited all year-round and has different area climates and wildlife opportunities. With that in mind, the best time to visit South Africa for a wildlife safari is from May to September. During these winter months, the northern regions offer great conditions for viewing big game. Wildlife is easier to spot during this dry season because vegetation is thin, and animals gather around waterholes and rivers to drink. It can be rainy from November to February, but this is the best time to travel for birding tours, as temperatures remain warm.
Cape Town’s Dry and Wet seasons are opposite to those in Kruger. Therefore, the best time for visiting Cape Town and surrounds is during the dry summer months of November to March. Explore more of our month-by-month South Africa weather guide.
Top South Africa Tours & Safari Holidays
Browse our favorite hand-picked South Africa safari packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make a South Africa tour that matches your travel wishes. As a tip, combining Cape Town and the Winelands with a Big Five safari in a private reserve has the makings of a great South Africa holiday. Get to know South Africa, what’s possible on your trip to South Africa, and discover some of best-loved experiences and the routes that we’ve found working particularly well with our travelers.
Best South Africa Safari Packages
8 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
10 Days | Kenya - Tanzania Safaris
South Africa Travel Guide
Black-maned lions framed against desert dunes, powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, star-studded night skies, rugged mountains – But wait, there’s so much more to see and do. Uncover everything you need to know before you go to South Africa.
Explore South Africa in unexpected ways; the scenery is stunning, from wave-crashed shorelines, walks along endless carpets of wildflowers to wildlife-filled savannahs and world-class coastlines. The country has diverse cities, charming wine towns and important cultural experiences.
Go whale watching, hike, surf, kayak, fish, horseback ride, dive with sharks and crocodiles and stargaze under some of the planet’s darkest skies.
Boastful as one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations, additionally travelers are treated to winelands, offering some of the best wines in the world. Golden beaches, rugged mountains, forested slopes, and hilly countryside give way to awe-inspiring canyons and gorges that are host to a multitude of adventure activities including the Bloukrans Bridge, that offer the highest bungee jumps in the world. Discover lots of romantic, and best luxury safaris in South Africa, including the trendy nightlife, and amazing cities, including Cape Town.
How To Get To South Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is the popular flights hub of South Africa. Onward travel is mostly by car, mostly made possible with the availability of excellent road networks and facilities in South Africa.
The other international airports in South Africa are located in Cape Town and Durban, but few flights from Europe or America fly directly to either destination.
Remember, there are scheduled domestic flights in South Africa, and various chartered airlines fly to and from safari camps. Several domestic airlines fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), located near Kruger National Park and to Skukuza Airport inside the park. Federal Airlines has scheduled flights to several upmarket safari destinations.
Most of these parks in South Africa have airstrips allowing easy access to safari parks. Once you’re in South Africa, there is a good number of domestic flights connecting the major safari park routes, making fly-in safaris in South Africa 100% possible and there is also an improving road network for road safaris using our comfortable 4×4 land cruiser jeeps with open rooftops.
Flights & Airlines to South Africa. When booking flights to South Africa, you take a look at Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to South Africa and what tickets would cost.
Frequently Asked South Africa Safari Questions
As for the documentation you need for your holiday in South Africa, keep in mind entry requirements can change, consequently please contact your local South Africa embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
-All foreign visitors will need to carry a return or onward ticket.
-Citizens from most countries do not require a visa and will get a 90-day entry permit on arrival.
-If you have minors traveling with you, accompanied by only one or no biological parents, additional documents may be required. Contact your local embassy or check on the official website for more information.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local South African embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
When it comes to picking the right South African safari holiday, the popular safari circuits combine bucket-list destinations like the Kruger and legendary ‘Sabi Sands’, home to South Africa’s finest ‘Big Five’ safari, but the country’s malaria-free reserves cater well for families. With that in mind, do take a look at our top 5 best wildlife safari destinations in South Africa;
- Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Madikwe Game Reserve
- Timbavati Nature Reserve
- Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve
Plan your trip and discover our South Africa holiday packages and hotels today.
Averagely speaking, the cost of a South Africa safari starting with the budget safaris will cost $300 (USD), whereas mid-range safaris cost $400 and luxury safari tours cost $650, all per person per day. The factors influencing the cost of a South Africa safari includes the following.
– Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
– Your choice of luxury safari lodges in South Africa or tented safari camps.
– Duration of your stay in South Africa.
– Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in South African safaris or by road using our comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
– Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like walking safaris or conservation add-ons, mostly associated with luxury safaris to South Africa.
About medicine for your holiday trip to South Africa, malaria is absent from most parts of the country, the one major exception being Kruger National Park and its immediate environs, but even here the risk is far lower than in most other African safari destinations. Madikwe and Pilanesberg are Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destinations.
With hundreds of excellent luxury South Africa safari lodges and camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in on a luxury Safaris in South Africa from five-star hotels and luxury private villas to family-friendly safari lodges and comfortable guest houses. Both quality and service are comparable to anything you’d find in Europe. Additionally, we’ve also selected safari accommodations in South Africa’s malaria-free safari parks – perfect for family getaways.
Other existing options included for these adventures in South Africa is our list of the best safari lodges which also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget on your South African Tour.
South Africa Safari Reservations
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a South Africa safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Africa Flying Safaris
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
South Africa Safari Payment Methods
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.