South Africa Safaris

South Africa’s prime safari season runs from May to September, when the dry winter weather draws wildlife to waterholes and visibility is at its best. That said, parks like Kruger are great year-round, with lush landscapes and newborn animals in summer. It depends on what you'd like to see and your tolerance for heat.

The Kruger National Park and its private reserves (such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati) are world-class, with high chances of seeing the Big Five. Malaria-free alternatives like Madikwe or the Eastern Cape are superb for families. Phinda in KwaZulu-Natal combines safari with nearby beaches.

Yes – it’s one of the easiest and most accessible safari destinations, with excellent infrastructure, a range of lodges, and safari options for all budgets. You can fly between parks or drive yourself in some areas. Private reserves offer great guiding and Big Five sightings in a shorter time, making them ideal for first-timers.

Absolutely. Many reserves are malaria-free, and there are lodges that cater specifically for children, with family-friendly rooms, childminding, and tailored activities. Game drives can be shorter and more flexible than in other destinations, which helps keep younger kids engaged. Some lodges also run educational bush programmes for different age groups.

You have an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – especially in Kruger and its private reserves. Other common sightings include giraffe, zebra, cheetah, hippo, crocodile, hyena, and a variety of antelope. Birdlife is also rich, with over 500 species recorded in Kruger alone.

Several safari regions are malaria-free, including Madikwe and the Eastern Cape, which are great for families. Kruger and northern Limpopo are in a low-risk malaria zone, but most travellers visiting for short periods and taking precautions are at minimal risk. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for higher-risk areas; speak to your GP or travel clinic for advice.

We recommend at least 3 - 4 nights in one reserve to give you time for varied sightings and a relaxed pace. If combining multiple regions or lodges, 5 - 7 nights works well. You can easily pair a safari with Cape Town or the Garden Route for a varied trip over 10–14 days.

National parks like Kruger allow self-drives and have larger public areas. Private reserves (often bordering national parks) offer more exclusive experiences with expert guides, off-road game drives, and fewer vehicles at sightings. Lodges in private reserves are generally more luxurious, with all-inclusive stays and a strong focus on service and wildlife interpretation.

Yes – in parks like Kruger, self-driving is a popular and cost-effective option. The roads are good, and sightings can be fantastic, though you miss out on expert guiding. For those wanting more insight and ease, we recommend a private reserve with guided game drives, where the focus is entirely on wildlife and your experience.

Pack neutral-coloured clothing, layers for early morning and evening drives, sun protection, binoculars, insect repellent, and a camera with spare batteries or charger. Some lodges offer laundry, so you don’t need to overpack. If visiting in winter (May–August), bring a warm jacket and gloves for chilly dawn game drives.