South Africa Safari Adventure

Duration
14 days
Price from
£15,500 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
Lion Pride Sabi Sands

Trip Highlights

  • Exclusive Big 5 sightings
  • Vineyards and tastings
  • Private guided cultural trips

What's Included

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Guided game activities

Our specialist says:

A wonderful showcase of the hugely varied wildlife and habitats found in South Africa

In many visitors’ eyes, South Africa’s safari options are often regarded as a little “one-dimensional” with the Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves seen as the best, and indeed often only place to go on safari.

However, for those willing to do a little more exploring, there is an incredible diversity of experiences to be enjoyed, which rival many of the established safari “circuit” destinations such as Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya. This trip starts off in the stunning Sabi Sand Wildtuin, regarded as one of the best places in the world for spotting leopards before taking you to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West Province where lush, riverine landscapes give way to open plains and deep red soils. The next stop is a real treat – the stunning Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the North of the country, where you can enjoy private safaris to spot all manner of wildlife, including the rare pangolin.

Tamara, our South Africa specialist, says:
“This trip is incredible — exciting game drives, peaceful afternoons in the bush, and beautiful places to stay that still feel close to nature. I loved the variety, from tracking big cats in Sabi Sand to watching meerkats at sunrise in the Kalahari. It’s the kind of journey that stays with you.”

Your South African adventure begins as you land in Johannesburg this morning, ready to transition from bustling city life to the untamed wilderness. From here, you’ll take a short domestic flight to Skukuza Airport, the gateway to the iconic Sabi Sand Wildtuin — a private game reserve renowned for its exceptional wildlife and incredible predator sightings. The moment you step off the plane, you’ll feel the pulse of the African bush calling, promising unforgettable encounters with nature at its rawest and most beautiful.

A brief transfer will take you to Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, a stunning and intimate six-bedroom camp tucked away on a dry riverbed, where luxury blends effortlessly with the wild surroundings. This is your sanctuary for the next few days — a place to relax, refresh, and prepare for the thrilling days ahead. After settling into your elegant room, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before spending some well-deserved downtime by the pool, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you.

As the afternoon sun begins to dip, your first game drive will whisk you away into the heart of the reserve. With expert guides at your side and the golden light of dusk casting long shadows across the bush, you’ll start your journey spotting some of the Sabi Sand’s famed predators — elusive leopards, majestic lions, and stealthy wild dogs — in their natural habitat. This first taste of the African wilderness sets the tone for a journey filled with discovery, wonder, and connection to the wild.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 On to the Sabi Sand

Land in Johannesburg this morning and catch a domestic flight to Skukuka airport, the gateway to the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Wildtuin. A short transfer will take you to Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, a beautiful six-bedroom camp tucked away on a dry riverbed. Enjoy a delicious lunch and some time to relax by the pool before heading out for an evening game drive, which will be a chance to start spotting some of the many predators for which the Sabi Sand is renowned.

Day 2 Big cats await

Little Bush Wild Dog

As the sun rises over the Lowveld you will be woken with coffee and biscuits in your room before heading out for an early morning game drive. The beautiful dawn light makes this a truly incredible experience and you will be able to see the animals become increasingly active as it starts to warm up. After a few hours exploring you will head back to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax before lunch in the lodge. The afternoon can be spent relaxing or perhaps enjoying a spa treatment and then afternoon tea. You will then head out for another evening game drive before returning to the lodge for drinks around the campfire and dinner.

Day 3 Exploring the Sabi Sand

Day 4 Madikwe awaits

Day 5 On safari in Madikwe

Day 6 Some time to relax

Day 7 In to the desert

Day 8 Kalahari dreams

Day 9 Meerkats at sunrise

Day 10 To Cape Town

Day 11 A day on the Cape Peninsula

Day 12 Explore on your own

Day 13 Some time to relax

Day 14 The journey home begins

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When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

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