Discover South Africa’s cities, diverse culture to dramatic landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Our South Africa safaris and tours will take you on a journey of contrasts that you will never forget, from game drives through magnificently wild landscapes seeking out the ‘Big 5’ to strolling along golden beaches, visiting award-winning wine regions and exploring exciting, cosmopolitan cities. Our selection of preferred South Africa accommodation ranges from extravagant luxury hotels and luxury safari lodges to rustic bush camps.
South Africa is populated by a mix of African, Asian and European people, with a rich variety of languages and cultures. Equally diverse is its variety of landscapes, including spectacular mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, forests, deserts, sun-drenched beaches as well as renowned game reserves teeming with iconic species. At the same time, South Africa offers a refined tourist infrastructure, excellent road and air networks, and top-drawer accommodation.
South Africa’s most famous national park – Kruger – is approximately 19,485 km2 and bordered by a number of equally well-known private game reserves. The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve offers some of the best leopard viewing in Africa.
Popular with young families are South Africa’s malaria-free reserves, including Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari game reserves. To the south, award-winning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a unique experience overlooking South Africa’s famous Walker Bay. It is home to the “Marine Big 5” – Southern Right Whales, African Penguin, Dolphins, Cape Fur Seal and the Great White Shark.
The perfect finish to a South African safari is a stay in beautiful Cape Town, where Table Mountain forms a stunning backdrop to the city. Of the many tours available one of the most worthwhile is a visit to Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Less than an hour’s drive from the city are the fabulous Cape Winelands, another popular destination for couples after a safari.
Finally the country also boasts two of the finest luxury train experiences in the world. The luxurious Blue Train operates between Cape Town and Pretoria and offers all the comforts of a 5-star hotel. Re-creating the old-world charm and romance of the golden era of train travel, legendary Rovos Rail operates journeys between a number of destinations within South Africa as well as to neighbouring countries. Their elegantly restored 1920s carriages have been painstakingly refurbished over the years, fitted with traditional furnishings, period décor and fine wood panelling.
Best South Africa Safaris
Explore some of the best holidays & experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.
South Africa in Style
Discover the wild beauty of South Africa on this exciting 11 day/10 night package, and search for The Big 5.
Ultimate South Africa
Discover the very best of South Africa from it’s iconic wildlife reserves to it’s romantic railways
Kruger and The Cape
Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.
South Africa in Luxury
Travel from cosmopolitan Durban to Cape Town in utmost luxury, taking in two beautiful and unusual private game reserves in between: Phinda and Grootbos.
Best of South Africa
Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
Cape Town and Garden Route Discovery
Experience the sites of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Karoo semi-desert and the lush forests and lagoons of the famous Garden Route.
South Africa and Victoria Falls Family Safari
Go gameviewing with the kids in two excellent malaria-free "Big 5" reserves in South Africa: Pilanesberg and Madikwe. Then, fly to Zambia for a tour of Victoria Falls.
South Africa Cape Explorer
Travel with the family from Cape Town to beautiful Grootbos Private Game Reserve. At malaria-free Kwandwe, experience an unforgettable "Big 5" safari.
Say ‘I Do’ in Africa
Tie the knot at a stylish resort in Mauritius, before a honeymoon in South Africa staying at two exclusive safari lodges adjoining Kruger National Park and exploring Cape Town.
Cape, Kruger and a Castaway Island
This 13 day African getaway has it all: Cape Town, the winelands, Kruger National Park and even a castaway island off the coast of Mozambique.
African Safari Extravaganza
This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.
Winelands, Garden Route and Safari Self Drive
Explore Cape Town, self-drive the famous Winelands and Garden Route regions and finish with a "Big 5" safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.
Malaria Free Safari
This malaria-free South Africa safari means that you don't need to worry about taking medication on your holiday. This is an ideal option for families with young children or travellers with health concerns.
Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail
Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.
South Africa and Victoria Falls
Discover Zimbabwe's magnificent Victoria Falls, go on a safari in search of the Big-5 in South Africa and visit scenic Cape Town.
Accommodation in South Africa
Like many other African countries, South Africa offers a wealth of sophisticated camps and lodges as well as opulent city hotels – many of which have been awarded Relais & Châteaux or National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World status. Many others offer a level of sophistication, intimacy and service seen in few other places around the world. Our preferred lodges, hotels and camps in South Africa have been carefully selected for their superior location, service and comfort. Explore our handpicked accommodation options available across the many highlights of South Africa.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Luxurious Londolozi Pioneer Camp consists of 3 secluded suites in the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.
Idube Game Lodge
Idube is a classic safari lodge that offers all the wildlife found in South Africa's celebrated Kruger National Park with none of the crowds.
andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp
One of South Africa's most prestigious luxury safari lodges, andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp is situated in the leopard-rich Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
Dulini Lodge
Dulini Lodge nestles in a grove of ancient hardwood trees on the peaceful banks of the Mabrak River in the celebrated Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
River Lodge
Set beside the seasonal Sand River frequented by all of the 'Big 5', indulgent River Lodge combines contemporary luxury with centuries-old safari traditions.
Leadwood Lodge
Stunning Leadwood Lodge sits in a grove of ancient hardwood trees at the confluence of the Sand and Mabrak rivers in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
Savanna Lodge
Savanna Lodge is wildly popular for good reason - it's within the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves, where ‘Big 5’ sightings are almost guaranteed.
MalaMala Main Camp
On the largest privately owned game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, Mala Mala Main Camp was South Africa's first safari lodge to transition from hunting to photographic safaris.
MalaMala Sable Camp
Family-friendly Sable Camp offers personal wildlife experiences in the historic, prolific Mala Mala Game Reserve, which adjoins world-famous Kruger National Park.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp
The most exclusive of the three properties on the historic Mala Mala Game Reserve, Rattray’s luxury suites embody old-world grandeur with their claw-footed tubs and romantic canopied beds.
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
Little Bush Camp is the latest addition to the Sabi Sabi family of luxury safari lodges, set on a riverbank in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
One of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, sumptuous Bush Lodge has earned a reputation for luxury, service and cuisine over 35 years.
Sabi Sabi Selati Camp
Award-winning Selati Camp is named after a railway once used to transport gold, and this historic theme carries across this safari lodge.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has been described as the most environmentally sensitive luxury safari lodge in all of Africa.
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Perched high above Kruger National Park’s N’Wanetsi River, Singita Lebombo Lodge offers exceptional opportunities for intimate wildlife encounters.
Singita Sweni Lodge
The more intimate of Singita's two lodges in the northern Kruger, Singita Sweni offers indulgent accommodation and exclusive gameviewing experiences.
Singita Castleton Lodge
The former family home of Singita’s founders, Singita Castleton Lodge has the atmosphere of a very luxurious private country farmhouse with all of the advantages of a high-end safari camp.
Singita Boulders Lodge
Inspired by the rocks on which it rests, Boulders Lodge is a rustic yet sophisticated retreat crafted from raw timbers, wrought iron, stone and thatch.
Singita Ebony Lodge
Nestled in a grove of ancient hardwoods on the banks of the Sand River, Singita Ebony Lodge combines the luxury of a bush lodge with the simplicity of a tented camp.
Londolozi Varty Camp
The Londolozi Private Game Reserve’s spiritual heart, Varty Camp is casual and relaxed in atmosphere making it a wonderful choice for families on safari.
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi’s adults-only Private Granite Suites are set amid great boulders and large trees, natural features which have influenced the property’s interiors and organic colour palette.
Greenfire Game Lodge
Situated on the 50,000 hectare privately owned Balule Nature Reserve, this small luxury safari lodge virtually guarantees good game sightings.
Tanda Tula
The first East African-style luxury safari camp in South Africa, Tanda Tula remains a pioneer in many areas including memorable wildlife experiences.
Thornybush Game Reserve
One of South Africa’s oldest private game reserves, Thornybush comprises of 34,000 acres of wilderness inhabited by elephant, leopard, lion and cheetah.
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Adjoining Kruger National Park, the andBeyond Private Game Reserve is home to all of the "Big 5", a classic safari lodge and luxury tented camp.
Kings Camp
In the Timbavati Private Reserve which shares a boundary with Kruger National Park, Kings Camp faces a waterhole visited by an endless parade of wildlife.
Tuningi Safari Lodge
On the vast Madikwe Game Reserve is the luxurious Tuningi Safari Lodge as well as family-friendly Little Tuningi, a self-contained private villa.
Tau Game Lodge
Located on the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge offers an authentic safari experience in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
A secluded retreat within the exclusive 185,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge offers guests two accommodation options.
andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge
In the heart of a rare sand forest lies andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, a collection of serene, contemporary glass houses.
andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
On a crest in a dramatic mountain range, andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge offers breathtaking views of the wildlife-rich landscape below.
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Blending beautifully into the surrounding bush, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is the kind of place where you’re much more likely to see wildlife than people.
andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge
andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge is an architectural wonder - a collection of suites seemingly suspended from cliff face over a valley many metres below.
Tintswalo Atlantic
With iconic Chapman’s Peak as a backdrop, award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic is perfectly positioned for explorations of beautiful Cape Town.
Londolozi Founders Camp
This relaxed safari lodge nestles in ancient forest along the Sand River, offering activities for all the family from yoga to an entertaining kids' program.
Londolozi Tree Camp
Londolozi’s adults-only Tree Camp is a super-stylish luxury safari camp set deep within a thicket of leadwood trees
Taj Cape Town
Situated in one of the most historic areas of Cape Town, Taj Cape Town is synonymous with the highest standards of service and style.
Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The classic Victoria & Alfred Hotel is a haven of old-world character and personalised service right on Cape Town’s vibrant V & A Waterfront.
Le Quartier Francais
Set in the peaceful village of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Francais invites visitors to indulge in absolute luxury and sumptuous cuisine.
Franschhoek Country House and Villas
Just outside of Franschhoek village lies a lovely original homestead with many decorative accents that allude to the property’s rich history. Innovative regional cuisine awaits you at the
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Overlooking Walker Bay on South Africa's Western Cape, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an oasis of luxury set amid unique native wilderness - a magnet for rare birds.
Tswalu Kalahari
South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari is inhabited by over 80 mammal species including meerkat and desert rhino.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers five safari lodges, each designed to showcase the remote beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Shamwari Game Reserve
On South Africa’s pristine Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve is an excellent safari destination being malaria-free and home to fantastic wildlife including all of the legendary "Big 5".
Makutsi Safari Springs
Family-owned and operated, Makutsi Safari Springs is a private reserve which has a very similar ecosystem to neighbouring Kruger National Park. This delightful property encompasses a number of
Rovos Rail
Experience the extravagance of Victorian and Edwardian-era train travel on a journey aboard one of Rovos Rail’s gleaming, gloriously restored vintage trains.
The Blue Train
The multi award-winning Blue Train first launched in 1946 and today remains synonymous with the highest standards in luxury train travel.
Leeu House
Elegant Leeu House is an enchanting combination of casual country living and world-class luxury set in the charming, historic village of Franschhoek.
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
At the edge of charming Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation and fine dining.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers old-world elegance and an authentic safari experience in the beautiful Manyeleti Reserve.
Leeu Estates
Leeu Estates is a 17-room country house and boutique winery in the Frankshoek Valley and is the flagship property of Leeu Collection
Talk to one of our Africa Experts
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa is very much a year-round destination with many camps and lodges open throughout the year. However, certain times of the year offer a better game-viewing experience. Like many other countries across Southern Africa, the best time to visit is from June to October during the dry season. Game viewing in national parks and game reserves is superb at this time of year, and coincides with whale watching season (June-November) along the Eastern Cape coast – a popular add-on to see the marine “Big 5”.
A visit to Cape Town and the renowned Cape wine lands area is perfect at any time of year. However winters can be cool and wet whilst the weather during the summer months between November and February makes is sunny and dry.
In the north of the country July marks the beginning of peak season. Wildlife viewing is excellent with animals congregating around the remaining water sources and accommodation space is limited around the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve. July also marks the start of whale watching season. Southern Right Whales reside around Walker Bay between June and December and boating tours are a major highlight of the region. Renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve overlooks the bay and whales can come as close as 30 metres from the shoreline.
November marks the final month of whale watching season and Walker Bay and Plettenberg Bay remain two of the best spots to see marine life. December is busy in South Africa during the school holidays and festive period. Game viewing is still good, but the rains have transformed the landscape and finding and viewing wildlife becomes a bit more difficult.
January to March is fantastic time visit South Africa’s Cape with hot days and little rainfall. Cape Town and other coastal towns such as Hermanus, George and Knysna are popular destinations with cool ocean winds combating the hotter temperatures. It is a popular time to travel the famous Garden Route or explore the famous Cape Winelands. January and February are particularly popular times so bookings well in advance is important.
A quieter time of year, the landscape is starting to dry out, particularly in the north – including Kruger National Park. April and May is a nice time of year to combine different regions. May is a shoulder month, before game viewing and crowds begin to pick back up leading into the peak wildlife viewing months of July to October. June is a fantastic time to visit too, when the days are cool and dry. It can be very chilly at night so layers are necessary.
South Africa FAQ’s
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