Experiencing a wildlife documentary on National Geographic doesn’t compare to the excitement of seeing it firsthand on an African safari. Planning your adventure can feel overwhelming as you select the right safari for you. As safari experts, we’ve curated a list of the “Top 10 Best African Safari Tours in Southern Africa.” These tours are popular among our customers and offer authentic safari experiences. Each itinerary is meticulously designed to include accommodations, transfers, and opportunities to explore the most iconic destinations: Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, and Mozambique. Hidden gems like KwaZulu Natal and the Garden Route are also included.
These pre-packaged tours suit various travel needs, but our experts can tailor packages to fit your specific preferences and budget.
1. Lion Sands Sabi Sand Safari
Renowned for its ‘Big 5’ and remarkable sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, Lion Sands Game Reserve offers close-up wildlife encounters, amazing photography opportunities from open game vehicles, and thrilling bush walks. Lion Sands River Lodge ensures three days of comfort, including the unique experience of staying in a treehouse—perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and honeymooners.
2. Bushveld and Beach Escape
Machangulo Beach Lodge is a hidden gem on Mozambique's southern coastline. This 9-day adventure is ideal for couples and families seeking a combination of ‘Big 5’ game drives in the iconic Kruger National Park and serene beach living on tropical Inhaca Island. Expect warm waters, sandy beaches, and memorable wildlife encounters without extensive travel.
3. Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town
Spanning 11 action-packed days, this tour combines luxury with adventure across three iconic destinations. Highlights include thrilling ‘Big 5’ game drives in Kruger National Park, up-close wildlife interactions, witnessing the magnificent Victoria Falls, and picturesque Table Mountain views. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.
4. Luxury Victoria Falls and Chobe
At the luxurious Sussi & Chuma Safari Game Lodge, set on a scenic bend of the Zambezi River, enjoy a 6-day journey through two breathtaking countries. This tour combines game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya and Chobe National Parks, a sundowner river cruise, and cultural experiences, all from your luxurious treehouse accommodations.
5. Kwandwe, Garden Route, and Cape Town
This 10-day tour blends the malaria-free 'Big 5' safari experience at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge with scenic vistas along the Garden Route and Cape Town’s attractions. Highlights include ostrich interactions, game drives, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and stays in luxurious accommodations.
6. Magical Moremi and Okavango Delta
Discover Botswana’s heartland in 5 days with this tour of the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. Highlights include game drives, guided bush walks, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, and night safaris. This is a paradise for bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and lovers of African Wild Dog conservation.
7. Diverse Namibia
Namibia, with its vast spaces and contrasts, is one of Southern Africa’s hidden treasures. This 10-day tour visits the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, Swakopmund, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park. Combining luxury tented camps and photographic hides, this safari offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and unforgettable landscapes.
8. A Unique Adventure to Kruger and Victoria Falls
This 7-day tour combines adventure and luxury, featuring uninterrupted wildlife views from the iconic Kruger Shalati Train and breathtaking vistas of Victoria Falls from The Wallow Lodge. Highlights include wildlife encounters and exclusive accommodations.
9. Luxury Rail Journeys Across Southern Africa
Travel in style aboard Rovos Rail, a magnificent 5-star train offering journeys from Cape Town to Pretoria, Durban to Victoria Falls, and even a 9-day Namibia adventure. Luxurious amenities, fine dining, and breathtaking scenery make this a unique way to explore Africa.
10. Walking Safari Trails
Experience the wilderness on foot with a guided walking safari. This 5-day adventure in Kruger National Park combines lodge and tented accommodations with game drives and bush walks. A night in a treehouse offers the magic of African sunsets, starlit dinners, and the sounds of nature.
No matter your preference, an African safari promises unforgettable moments.