South Africa
Where to go
Nicky
Safari Expert
South Africa is a mega-diverse country on the southernmost tip of the African continent and is the 25th largest country in the world. The coastline of South Africa stretches for 1 739 miles (2798 km) along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Some countries have deserts; some have subtropical forests but South Africa has deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains, and escarpments. The heart of the country provides some of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries in the world. National parks such as Kruger, Addo, Limpopo Transfrontier and Kalahari have captured the imagination of wildlife enthusiast across the world. South Africa is extremely rich in mining and minerals and considered the world’s leader with nearly 90% of all the platinum metals on earth and around 41% of all the world’s Gold. Some of the greatest leaders have too come from South Africa including Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Often referred to as ‘a world in one country’, South Africa offers an array of unique experiences and accommodation options to suit everyone.
We have more than 50 accomplished South Africa travel consultants ready to help you make your Safari dream a reality. With our in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience, we’re able to tailor a safari to suit your budget, and our price guarantee ensures that you won’t get it cheaper elsewhere…not even by booking direct.
Cape Town
A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Voted the best city in the world for a fifth time by 90 000 readers of The Telegraph in Britain, Cape Town is a must-see destination.
Cape Winelands
South Africa’s Cape Winelands have around 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers. The Cape's 18 official wine routes and two brandy routes are among the most scenic in the world, featuring many historic wine estates that date back centuries. Route 62 is a top attraction and is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. That alone is a good reason to visit South Africa if you haven’t yet been!
Garden Route
The most beautiful region in the Cape is the Garden Route with its 300 km stretch of pristine beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and kloofs. The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms – and the only one which is wholly contained within a single country. The Garden Route has an array of activities to offer and is a popular self-drive route in Southern Africa.
Eastern Cape
Situated along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Eastern Cape offers travelers an adventure unlike any other. From lush subtropical forests and deserted shores to malaria-free game reserves, the Eastern Cape offers a vast array of topography and experiences. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are a variety of fantastic activities ranging from mild to wild, across water, land and air. You can experience bungy jumping from the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge, skydive in Frontier Country or surf the biggest right-hand surf break in Jeffreys Bay.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is recognized as one of the world’s greatest reserves. If you visit only one game park in South Africa, this should be it! Its high density of wild animals includes the famous Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. With 148 mammal species and 505 bird species, game viewing in the Kruger is phenomenal. Enjoy open vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, birdwatching, local village tours, elephant interactions and rides, hot air ballooning, and various wildlife rehabilitation centers.
KwaZulu Natal
Keen to see rhinos and whales on the same day? Known for its beaches, mountains and savannah populated by big game, KwaZulu Natal is the perfect location for travelers wanting to experience a beach and bush safari. KwaZulu (Place of the Zulus) Natal is a spectacular multi-cultural destination flanked by the warm Indian Ocean and soaring peaks. This region not only boasts Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, where you will find the Big Five, but also the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, an internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.
Madikwe, Pilanesberg and Sun City
Madikwe, Pilanesberg, and Sun City lie in South Africa’s wild and unpopulated North West Province.
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's best-kept secrets! Malaria - free and home to the famous Big 5 and endangered wild dog, the reserve offers an exceptional safari experience
Pilanesberg National Park, which covers some 55 000 hectare, is the fourth largest in southern Africa and is too home to the Big 5. Pilanesberg offers a variety of affordable accommodation options and is within easy reach of Johannesburg.
Sun City Resort is home to the Valley of Waves and is sprawled along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park. Sun City enjoys the fine distinction of being the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of Johannesburg.
Gauteng
Gauteng which means "place of gold" is defined by two of the nation's largest cities.
Pretoria is the capital city and is home to the Union Buildings, important monuments, and is the headquarters for the South African Rovos Rail - considered to be the most luxurious train in the world!
Johannesburg is a city that bustles with gourmet restaurants and cafes, craft markets, art galleries, world-class shopping malls, and significant tourist attractions which include the Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Hill. It is also the gateway to other African destinations.
Other places of interest include the Soweto township and Maropeng, where the oldest remains of modern humans were found and are well over 160,000 years old.
Cape Town awaits to take you on an adventure of a lifetime!
Picture yourself hiking to the top of Table Mountain where spectacular views await, or out on a boat amongst a pod of magnificent Southern Right whales.
Below are our suggested tours and safaris so take a look and let your imagination run wild.
Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to tailor a tour that suits your every need and will assist you with every step of your journey.
The Cape Winelands is one of the most scenic in the world, boasting eighteen official wine routes and two brandy routes. Some of the world’s leading wines are produced in the Cape Winelands, making it a wine connoisseur’s dream destination.
The Cape Winelands comprises several historic towns, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, and Paarl. Collectively they are South Africa’s largest wine producing region and one of the oldest in the world.
The wine country is incredibly scenic and is a safe and easy self-drive vacation for solo travelers, couples and families alike. Our selection of accommodation options are central to top attractions and wine estates in each area and vary from luxury farm hotels to villas and quaint guesthouses.
Visitors to this region are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. Experience a cheetah interaction, visit art galleries that showcase South African talent, indulge in relaxation treatments offered at various spa and wellness centers, experience unique wine and chocolate tastings, hike in nature reserves that boast incredible birdlife and flora, explore the century-old vineyards in Franschhoek by wine tram, take a Segway tour in Stellenbosch, and dine in one of South Africa’s finest restaurants – the finest display of food and wine pairing.
Below are our suggested tours and safaris that highlight top attractions in the Winelands and other iconic South African destinations. Our friendly safari experts are available to help plan a trip that best suits your needs and makes the most of your time in the Cape Winelands.
The Eastern Cape Province is made up of various towns, including Port Elizabeth, East London, Grahamstown, Graaf Reinet, Cradock, and Port St Johns.
Accommodation in the Eastern Cape varies from luxury hotels and safari lodges to quaint guesthouses in smaller towns. Indulge in exceptional comfort and warm hospitality whilst exploring unique landmarks throughout the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape is an adventure destination for solo travelers, couples and families alike. Experiences to be had in this incredibly diverse region include big five safaris in Addo Elephant National Park or one of the private game reserves, ocean safaris with incredible up-close views of seasonal southern-right whales and great white sharks, surfing on pristine beaches, climbing sand dunes, the annual Grahamstown arts festival, visits to the Nelson Mandela Museum, and hiking along the Wild Coast.
With the Eastern Cape’s convenient access to the renowned Garden Route, you can easily combine your safari with a scenic tour along the 300 kilometer stretch of coastline.
View our collection of top-rated Eastern Cape tours and safaris below. Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to tailor a tour to suit your particular needs. We’ll assist you with every step of your journey.
The Garden Route is a destination fit for the entire family – an exploration of the great outdoors. It’s a popular self-drive route that boasts incredible scenery and the opportunity to visit several quaint towns and seaside villages along a 300 kilometer stretch of coastline.
Encompassing nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, lagoons, and forests – the Garden Route is the perfect add-on to a vacation in Cape Town or one of the malaria-free big five game reserves in the Eastern Cape.
Our collection of accommodation along the Garden Route vary from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses, affording exceptional comfort in the finest locations.
Top attractions along the garden route include Robberg Nature Reserve, Storms River, Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Knysna Heads, Knysna Elephant Park, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and the Cango Caves to name only a few.
Each town along the Garden Route offers different activities, including ocean safaris, surfing, hiking, canoeing, paragliding, river cruises, strawberry picking, and interactions with different animal species.
Our selection of suggested tours and safaris below were created with explorers in mind, visiting iconic destinations in South Africa that offer unique experiences. Our Garden Route Experts are incredibly knowledgeable and can tailor-make a trip to best suit your needs.
At Safari.com, we have more than 50 accomplished Kruger travel consultants ready to help you make your Safari dream a reality. With our in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of the Kruger region, we’re able to tailor a safari to suit your budget, and our price guarantee ensures that you won’t get it cheaper elsewhere… not even by booking direct. Please let one of our safari experts give you a call to discuss your travel plans, we provide the most convenient flight options with seamless transfers, pre and post safari accommodation, day trips and insider traveler tips or you can go onto Live Chat right now.
There are a number of reserves and concessions scattered around the edges of the Kruger, some sharing a border with the park. These smaller reserves offer diverse landscapes of savannah grasslands, granitic hills and riverine woodlands, often with the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains as backdrop. Most are home to the Big Five and a wide array of other big mammals.
Accommodation varies greatly and is usually far more affordable than the Kruger’s private concessions. You can choose anything from luxury chalets and rustic en-suite rondavels (huts) to self-catering bush lodges and romantic sleep-out decks under the stars.
Activities in these reserves include game drives, guided bush walks, star gazing, horse riding, hot-air ballooning, elephant-back safaris, white-water rafting, boat trips and cultural-village tours. You can even enjoy a game of golf, which might be interrupted by a giraffe strolling across the fairway.
Contact us now to plan your ideal Greater Kruger Park holiday. We have more than 50 expert safari consultants ready and waiting to help you.
Must see: Enjoy the thrill of a hot-air-balloon ride and watch the sun rising over the vast, untamed wilderness of the Kruger.
The Kruger National Park awaits to take you on an adventure of a lifetime!
Picture yourself walking through the African bushveld, when you come across a rhino grazing in the distance, or perhaps an up close and personal encounter with a herd of majestic elephants.
Below are our suggested tours and safaris so take a look and let your imagination run wild.
Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to tailor a tour that suits your every need and will assist you with every step of your journey.
KwaZulu Natal is a popular choice for bush and beach vacations. The sub-tropical climate, big five game reserves, incredible swimming beaches, and pristine diving sites with a thriving marine life are what makes KwaZulu Natal an incredibly attractive tourist destination.
Whether you desire to relax and soak up the sun on a gorgeous sandy beach, enjoy an unforgettable ocean safari with up-close views of dolphins and migrating whales, embark on a guided turtle nesting safari, or venture out on an open vehicle game drive in the oldest game reserve in Africa - KwaZulu Natal has something for everyone.
This region is also well-known for its Indian cuisine, incredible street food, and a wide range of modern sea-facing hotels and luxury safari lodges that are positioned to offer incredible game viewing opportunities. Indulge in sumptuous accommodation with modern amenities, tantalizing cuisine, and a world-class service.
The north coast of KwaZulu Natal is home to several big game reserves, including Phinda, Mkuze, and Thanda. Game drives and guided bush walks afford the opportunity of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog. With over 360 species of bird found in this region, KwaZulu Natal is a firm favorite when it comes to bird watching safaris.
A safari in KwaZulu Natal is unique because of its diverse ecosystem – Mountains, rivers, rolling hills of savannah, and forests.
Our tours and safaris below visit the best tourist attractions and include one of a kind experiences. Our KwaZulu Natal Safari Experts are extremely knowledgeable and are standing by to help you plan the perfect surf and safari vacation in a destination with fewer crowds.
Madikwe, Pilanesberg and Sun City offer a vast range of hotel, lodge, game-activity and entertainment options. These are some of our favourites:
Go on a game drive and try to spot the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard)
Spend time with a pack of endangered African wild dogs as they lope across the plains on a hunt
Play a round of golf at the famous Lost City course
Get twitching in this hotspot zone for bushveld and desert birds
Go walking in the wild with an experienced game tracker and learn about spoor, dung and the medicinal uses of plants
Soar in a hot-air balloon over the Pilanesberg crater
Go swimming in the Roaring Lagoon at the Valley of the Waves and experience two-metre-high waves generated every 90 seconds
Traveller tip: Enjoy a bush braai (barbecue) dinner on top of a koppie (hill), serenaded by the haunting whoop of hyenas and cry of jackals.
Below are a few tour options and suggestions for your North West holiday. Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to tailor a tour to suit your particular needs. We’ll assist you with every step of your journey.
Best time to go
Find out when is the best time of year to visit South Africa
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January
January is the best time of the year for a beach and photography getaway with lush landscapes and dramatic thunderstorms. Until mid-January, most of South Africa’s coastal towns and game parks are crowded with locals who are making the most of the summer school holidays. If you are planning to travel in the earlier part of the month, you should try to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Game viewing in the Kruger National Park and other reserves like Madikwe and Pilanesberg can be challenging as animals move away from rivers and waterholes and spread out into the thick bush. When visiting any of the South African game reserves, it is recommended that you consider private concessions in order to have a more exclusive safari experience. Skilled rangers lead the off-road morning and afternoon game drives, and are able to track down animals in the lush vegetation. The greenery and blue skies make for the best photography. It is also a wonderful time for bird watching, with many resident species breeding and migrant birds flocking to the region. Temperatures on the east coast are very warm but the humidity can be uncomfortable for some. The Indian Ocean has a warm current which makes swimming pleasant throughout the year. On the beaches of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, loggerhead and leatherback turtles arrive to begin the nesting season. Turtle tours operate in the evening and bring you up-close with these incredible animals.
February
February marks the peak of the summer season, with the country experiencing sunny weather and occasional rainfall. February is the best time to visit South Africa if you looking to go on a safari and beach getaway. The Kruger National Park is hot by day, warm at night, and has an occasional thunderstorm. When going on a safari, it is best to take advantage of the cooler early mornings and evenings when animals are out and about. This ensures a greater opportunity of seeing a variety of wildlife, including the big five and various migratory birds. It is also the calving season for many antelope species, such as eland, impala, and gemsbok. With newborn animals about, there is a lot more predator activity. KwaZulu-Natal has a wonderful contrast of coastal and inland destinations, making a visit here very rewarding. Although the province experiences a lot of rain, it doesn’t distract from the experiences had in places like the Drakensberg, Phinda Game Reserve, and Durban. February also falls into the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of iSimangaliso, and turtle-tracking tours are offered in the evenings.
March
March is the best time to visit South Africa if you are looking for a beach vacation, with all of the beaches along the South African coast offering lots of sunshine and a variety of water adventures. Durban in particular experiences very warm and humid conditions, and fewer crowds in the month of March making it a really good place to visit. March marks the end of the nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles along the beaches of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal. Cape Town experiences warm days and regular windy spells, with cooler evenings and early mornings. The majority of activities are not affected by the weather conditions in Cape Town, except for those activities that are weather dependent, such as helicopter flights, boat-based activities, and diving. Game viewing in the Kruger National Park, Madikwe, and other reserves start to pick up as the rainfall subsides and makes it easier to spot wildlife. This is an excellent time for birdwatching with a number of resident and migratory birds present. The summer months are special because it is when you are most likely to see animals give birth to their young.
April
April is the best time to visit South Africa if you looking for ideal weather conditions that allow you to go on a safari, dive amongst pristine coral reefs, or go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains. April is a wonderful time to visit the Cape Winelands, indulging in exceptional cuisine and visiting century old vineyards to discover how wine is made and sample wines that have won local and international awards. In the nearby town of Paarl, you could even take to the sky at sunrise in a hot air balloon - a once in a lifetime experience. The Drakensberg Mountains offer the most spectacular scenery during the month of April, and pleasant weather conditions make it easier to experience the wide range of activities on offer in the region - hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and swimming. The landscape in the game reserves starts to change with leaves falling from trees and trees bearing fruit - a favorite time for elephants and monkeys. The reserves generally experience hot and humid days that usually result in an afternoon thunderstorm. Migrant birds have generally left and April marks the start of the best game viewing season.
May
Not too hot and not yet cold, the month of May is the best time to visit South Africa for a safari, city, and beach experience. There is only a small chance of rain so you can expect a great dose of sunshine each day. After the summer rains, game viewing in the Kruger National Park and other South African game reserves tend to improve as animals start to congregate around the more permanent sources of water. Considered to be the autumn season, leaves begin to fall off the trees and the lush bush begins to shrivel up with the lack of rainfall. This is most beneficial to spotting wildlife. Cape Town and the Western Cape experience warm, pleasant days and cooler evenings; with a chance of wind and rainfall. There are a number of food and wine festivals and the pleasant daytime temperatures afford you the opportunity to enjoy top attractions in Cape Town. There are generally some great accommodation specials running during this time, making it the best time to visit South Africa if you are on a specific budget. In the evenings, you can enjoy a number of the finest Cape restaurants that prepare the most sumptuous cuisine, paired with great wine and a fireplace for a warm and cozy atmosphere.
June
June marks the beginning of the winter season and is the best time to visit South Africa if you would like to venture into the bushveld and escape to the mountains. Winter in the Drakensberg Mountains is spectacular, with extremely cold weather conditions and a high likeliness of snowfall at the higher mountain peaks. Despite the cooler weather, with average temperatures of 9°C (48°F) during the day and -3°C (26°F) overnight – it is a wonderful time to take a hike, try out on of the various 4x4 adventure trails, and enjoy a number of outdoor activities. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park too transforms into a winter wonderland with snowfall seen for miles. The KwaZulu coastline doesn’t really experience cold winters, with temperatures averaging ranging from 24 – 26°C (75 – 78°F) and the warm Indian Ocean hardly ever dropping below 20°C (68°F). It is a destination still worth considering, especially if you are a keen diver.
July
By the month of July, South Africa is well into the dry season in the northern and eastern regions of the country. Temperatures average around 13°C (55°F), so visitors to South Africa are encouraged to pack warm clothing. Out in the wilderness, in parks such as the Kruger and Madikwe Game Reserve, the skies are blue, the vegetation is shriveled up, and water sources are limited; making it the best time to visit South Africa if you are looking to spot the elusive leopard and wild dog. The winter night sky is full of stars and is best appreciated in the untouched wilderness regions, particularly Tswalu Private Game Reserve. Stargazing and bush dining experiences are at their very best during this time of the year. When traveling to Cape Town or the Garden Route, you may expect some rainfall so be sure to pack in a waterproof jacket or umbrella just in case. The Knysna Oyster Festival takes place in July each year and is jam-packed with wine tastings, oyster competitions, and sporting events; so it advisable to book a trip to Knysna well in advance.
August
The month of August is part of the dry winter season, so days are warm, evenings are cold, and the vegetation is less dense; making it the best time to visit South Africa for a safari adventure. With the cooler weather conditions and minimal water supplies, an abundance of wildlife is regularly seen congregating around permanent rivers and waterholes. The chances of seeing the famous Big Five are incredibly high, often spotting the more elusive nocturnal species on evening and early morning game drives. Don’t forget to pack in some warm clothing! August also marks the start of the whale-viewing season in Hermanus and shark cage diving in Gansbaai is still at its best, with plenty of breaching activity. It is a wonderful time to enjoy an ocean safari with pristine diving sites and plenty of marine life.
September
September is the best time to visit South Africa if you looking to go on a safari and beach vacation on the Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu Natal. The daytime temperatures are pleasant with very little chance of rain, and the vegetation is still relatively dry, making it easier to spot wildlife. Animals are still seen gathered at the permanent water sources. It is usually a quieter time to visit the Kruger National Park and other game reserves but can get busier towards the latter part of September when the local schools break for their holiday. The weather conditions on the Eastern and Western Cape coastline are not as predictable but this shouldn’t hold you back from visiting the region’s top attractions or going on a safari. September is a fantastic time to go whale-viewing in Hermanus, whilst the West Coast National Park offers the opportunity to see rolling fields of spring flowers.
October
The month of October is the best time to visit South Africa if you are looking to visit the Western Cape and go on a big five safari. October is part of the peak whale-viewing season in Hermanus and the Western Cape, so land and boat-based excursions are available. There are also many festivals and outdoor events are held in and around Cape Town during this month. A gorgeous array of flowers are now in bloom, making it the perfect time to visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens for an afternoon picnic. A trip to the Cape Winelands and self-drive along the Garden Route are great add-ons to your South African vacation, exploring century-old vineyards and 200 kilometers of gorgeous coastline. This month usually offers excellent game viewing in the Kruger National Park, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Madikwe, and Pilanesberg. Although some rainfall may be experienced in the late afternoons, the game reserves in South Africa are still relatively dry and animals continue to congregate around the permanent water sources, affording fantastic sightings.
November
The month of November is the best time to visit South Africa if you are a keen birder, enjoy photographing gorgeous landscapes of lush greenery and colorful flowers, or just wish to enjoy one of South Africa’s pristine beaches. In the Kruger National Park, temperatures rise considerably during the day, generally resulting in dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. The dense bushveld makes it more challenging to spot animals but if you decide to stay in one of the private concessions, you will have an expert guide who will track animals down during off-road game drives. It is a bird watching paradise in the Kruger, with many migratory birds abound. November is an ideal time for beach vacations along the South African coastline. Beaches in KwaZulu Natal are a popular choice, boasting the Indian Ocean and some of South Africa’s most pristine diving sites. It is also the start of the loggerhead and leatherback turtle nesting season in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Turtle-tracking tours are offered in the evenings in order to witness this incredible event. Cape Town experience hot, dry days and cooler evenings; making it a wonderful time to explore the city’s top attractions. It is also an ideal time to venture along the Garden Route or visit the West Coast National Park and Namaqualand for incredible sightings of wildflowers. It is also generally the last month to see the whales in Hermanus who then migrate north.
December
Christmas is peak season in South Africa as the local schools close for their long summer holidays and many families travel to popular beaches and game reserves. Seaside towns such as Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, St Lucia, and Sodwana Bay are some popular vacation spots amongst local South Africans. The hot and humid weather conditions are what attracts many to the coastline, looking to experience an array of water adventures such as diving, jet skiing, fishing, and surfing. With so many locals about, it is the best time to visit South Africa if you want to gain in-depth knowledge of the South African culture. National reserves such as the Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg, and Hluhluwe all receive a number of local travelers with many cars seen on the roads. If you wanting to go on a safari in December, you need to book well in advance but may want to consider the private game reserves such as Sabi Sands, Madikwe, and Phinda Game Reserve who offer exclusivity.
Nicky
Safari Expert
