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When to Go

S O U T H   A F R I C A

A  S a f a r i  H e a v y  H i t t e r

S O U T H
A F R I C A

A  S a f a r i  H e a v y  H i t t e r

Top Destinations in South Africa

Kruger National Park & The Greater Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country’s greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s claim to fame is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

Highlights

• Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private game reserves

• Custom-made safaris for every traveller type – from families and honeymooners

• Incredible year-round game viewing, especially predators

• The Great Wildebeest Migration (December to October)

Consider Adding …

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Kwandwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve close enough to tour the Garden Route and end with a superb Big five safari in a historic area. The reception of the reserve is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead. 

Timbavati Reserve Reserve

The Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing the wildlife to roam free between the two. Stay at colonial-style game lodges, bush lodges and luxury tented safari camps, a South African safari dream destination.

Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve is on the Eastern coast of South Africa and has incredible lodges that are well-known for their high-quality game rangers, dedication to conservation and five-star luxury safari lodges.

High Season:

The drier winter months are the best time for game viewing on a South Africa safari in the Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg and KwaZulu-Natal. Big game are usually concentrated around water sources and are easier to spot in the thinned-out vegetation. If you want to see whales along South Africa’s Whale Coast, then a visit between June and October is a must, with the numbers at their highest in September.

Green Season:

For a South African safari, the green season is when the landscape is a beautiful, lush emerald colour and with the best light of the year for photography. It’s calving season and there are great opportunities to witness baby animals and some dramatic predator action. For a Cape Town beach holiday, you simply can’t beat the hot summer months between November and March, but you have to book your spot well in advance for this trendy destination.

Days

A Romantic Getaway  
The Best of Cape Town & Kruger

Also Consider Kenya

Samburu National Reserve 

Samburu is an arrestingly beautiful, rocky landscape that heralds Kenya’s vast northern deserts. It’s the traditional homeland of the Samburu people and a haven for the unique Special 5: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, long-neck gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Laikipia

The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s 
best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary 
for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.

Kenya Beaches

Relaxing along Kenya’s dazzling tropical coastline is one of the best ways to crown your safari. From family-friendly resorts to exclusive beach villas, the country’s coastline offers excellent accommodation and superb diving and snorkelling spots.

South Africa Trip Ideas

Here are some of our best South Africa safari packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

DESTINATIONS:

• Gardens, Cape Town
  
  
• Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
  
  
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger

THE EXPERIENCE:

Begin your vacation at an exceptional boutique hotel situated in a fashionable neighbourhood of Cape Town – a perfect location from which to explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and the gorgeous beaches. Franschhoek is your next stop: a foodie haven amid spectacular vineyards. Known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, this village is the ideal place for sampling the country’s gastronomic delights. Then be whisked off to a private game reserve neighbouring the legendary Kruger National Park where you’ll crown your vacation with some of Africa’s finest Big 5 sightings, especially leopard.

Days

Family Vacation: 
Southern Africa’s Most Popular Route

DESTINATIONS:

THE EXPERIENCE:

Kick off this 11-day trip in cosmopolitan Cape Town, home of fine dining, the famous Table Mountain and award-winning beaches. Then head north to encounter the legendary leopards of the sensational Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private slice of the untamed Kruger wilderness. Teeming with wildlife, Sabi Sands delivers some of the best Big 5 game viewing in Africa. Fly up to Zimbabwe for your grand finale at the world’s biggest waterfall. Stand in awe as you witness the sheer power and magnitude of Victoria Falls, a.k.a. ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.

• Gardens, Cape Town
  
  
• Melrose, Johannesburg
  
  
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger
  
  
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

11

Why Travel With Go2Africa

We are African

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

We are safari experts

Our size and trusted relationships with Africa’s top operators gives us access to the best possible rates. If you find a better quote for your itinerary, let us know and we’ll match it.

Our best price promise

Your money stays in Africa

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Why Travel with Go2Africa

Complete financial protection

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

We are African

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We are safari experts

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

Our best price promise

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

Your money stays in Africa

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Complete financial protection

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

What Our Clients Say

How Much is a 

South Africa Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1550 USD at the finest lodges in high season. 

How Much is an African Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of $1 500 USD at peak season.

What Costs are Included?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.

The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.

How Much is a 
South Africa Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.

What's Included in the Cost?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.

The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.

Days

The Best of Cape Town & Kruger

Begin your vacation at an exceptional boutique hotel situated in a fashionable neighbourhood of Cape Town – a perfect location from which to explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and the city's gorgeous beaches. Franschhoek is your next stop: a foodie haven amid spectacular vineyards. Known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, this village is the ideal place for sampling the country’s gastronomic delights. Then be whisked off to a private game reserve neighbouring the legendary Kruger National Park where you’ll crown your vacation with some of Africa’s finest Big 5 sightings, especially leopard.

Days

A Romantic Getaway 

Family Vacation

Southern Africa’s Most Popular Route

• Gardens, Cape Town

• Melrose, Johannesburg

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger

• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

THE EXPERIENCE:

Consider Adding… 

South Africa Trip Ideas

Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

The Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country's greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s pièce de résistance is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

Dry Season: 

May–Oct

The dry winter season is considered the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing. Vegetation is low and sparse, making animals easier to spot and follow, and wildlife will not move far from remaining water sources at this time of year. It’s a very comfortable time for a safari with few mosquitoes around, little if any rain, and pleasant temperatures.

Highlights

• Luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds

• 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa

• Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5

Green Season:

Nov–Apr 

The summer’s afternoon thundershowers transform the Kruger into a beautiful, thriving green landscape that makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good – with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise – and it's the best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching plus safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

When To Go

Consider Adding …

The Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing the wildlife to roam free between the two. Stay at colonial-style game lodges, bush lodges and luxury tented safari camps, a South African safari dream destination.

Kwandwe Game Reserve 

Kwandwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve close enough to tour the Garden Route and end with a superb Big five safari in a historic area. The reception of the reserve is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead. 

Timbavati Game Reserve 

Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve is on the Eastern coast of South Africa and has incredible lodges that are well-known for their high-quality game rangers, dedication to conservation and five-star luxury safari lodges.

The Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country's greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s pièce de résistance is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

Dry Season: 

May–Oct

The dry winter season is considered the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing. Vegetation is low and sparse, making animals easier to spot and follow, and wildlife will not move far from remaining water sources at this time of year. It’s a very comfortable time for a safari with few mosquitoes around, little if any rain, and pleasant temperatures.

Highlights

• Luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds

• 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa

• Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5

Green Season:

Nov–Apr 

The summer’s afternoon thundershowers transform the Kruger into a beautiful, thriving green landscape that makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good – with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise – and it's the best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching plus safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

Top Destinations in South Africa

Browse our South Africa resources

Browse our South Africa resources

Browse our South Africa resources

Browse our Kenya resources

DESTINATIONS:

Kick off this 11-day trip in cosmopolitan Cape Town, home of fine dining, the famous Table Mountain and award-winning beaches. Then head north to encounter the legendary leopards of the sensational Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private slice of the untamed Kruger wilderness. Teeming with wildlife, Sabi Sands delivers some of the best Big 5 game viewing in Africa. Fly up to Zimbabwe for your grand finale at the world’s biggest waterfall. Stand in awe as you witness the sheer power and magnitude of Victoria Falls, a.k.a. ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.

DESTINATIONS:

• Gardens, Cape Town

• Franschoek, Cape Winelands

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger

THE EXPERIENCE:

Madikwe Game Reserve 

An easy half-day drive or short charter flight from Johannesburg lies malaria-free Madikwe - one of South Africa’s largest yet least known Big 5 reserves. Lying on the edge of the Kalahari and close to the Botswana border, the 75 000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve is home to a rewarding mix of familiar savannah animals and desert specialists. It delivers thrilling, diverse big game safaris that not only meet but regularly exceed visitor expectations.

Eastern Cape Safaris

The Eastern Cape’s biggest draw is its reserves. As the newest addition to South Africa’s safari circuit, this once-overlooked province has now become a top big game destination in its own rights. Most of its reserves boast the Big 5 in easy-to-see habitats and offer a variety of safari activities ranging from game drives and river cruises to horseback and walking safaris. All of this is within a short drive from the popular beaches and seaside towns of the Garden Route.

Why Go on a South African Safari?

Prolific Big 5 Game Viewing

Encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) is a major item on any safari goer’s bucket list. South Africa is one of the very few places on Earth where you’re able to tick off all five in one day.

Easily Combine Bush, Beach & Vine

Cape Town’s gorgeous coastline offers its visitors sun-kissed beaches, while the famous Cape Winelands will delight any gourmet. Superb infrastructure and daily domestic flights make combining a Kruger safari with a beach holiday a piece of cake.

World-class Service & Amenities

Experience culinary excellence from award-winning chefs in Kruger’s private reserves and concessions. Plus enjoy top-notch service and amenities like spas, gyms, and with some having fully stocked libraries.

Fantastic Logistics

Daily commercial flights link all the major cities, chartered airplanes can get you to safari lodges with their own private airstrips, and there are self-drive holiday options made safe and easy thanks to well-maintained road networks.

A Trip For Every Traveller

Multi-generational broods will love South Africa’s variety of family-friendly accommodation. Couples will find the perfect trip to celebrate a special occasion, and adventure seekers will relish in a plethora of outdoor activities.

Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, it’s easy to find superb accommodation that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering. Spoilt for choice is an understatement with an option to suit every budget and preference. 

Excellent Value

Our Partners

Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we've built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.

Partners

Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we've built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.