Ultimate Guide to South Africa Safari Tours (2025)
You can’t have a top safari experience list without South Africa. But why? Well, South Africa is one of the few places in the world where you can go from spotting lions on open savannahs to watching whales breach along the coast. Just like you will see diverse landscapes, that’s how you will find diverse destinations when you go on South Africa safari tours. From iconic Kruger Park and gems like iSimangaliso Wetland Park, to thrilling bush walks and game drives, there’s a lot to know to get the right experience.
Continue reading to find out how a safari in South Africa can get you an unforgettable memory.
Why Safari in South Africa?
South Africa safari tours give you an unmatched wildlife experience by bringing you closer to raw, untamed nature. With comfort and world-class services, you can enjoy wildlife experiences such as spotting the Big 5 in their natural habitat or watching adorable penguins waddle along the Cape coast.
All experiences will be in a diverse, immersive landscape that includes arid deserts, lush bushveld, rolling hills, and secluded beaches. Whether you’re looking for walking safaris, thrilling game drives, or peaceful moments in a treehouse, South Africa safari tours can deliver what’s perfect for everyone, including families. Plus, there are fewer crowds at this location, and there is also a chance to support real conservation efforts.
Best time for South Africa Safari Tours
May to September is the overall best time for South Africa safari tours due to the weather being cool and the landscape opening up. During these dry winter months, it is easier to spot wildlife because they come out and gather at waterholes. At parks like Kruger, Pilanesberg, Madikwe, and KwaZulu-Natal, you will see animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes during this period. June to August is popular among visitors, which also means the crowd and prices will be higher. The best practice during this period is to book early.
Another top period is the end of winter and the start of spring (that’s around September). During this time, the wildflowers are blooming, the weather is great, tourists are few, and you will still have excellent wildlife viewing. Plus, you can have the chance of experiencing things like whale migrations, festivals, and better surfing conditions.
Types of South Africa Safari Tours
1. Luxury Safari
A luxury safari in South Africa lets you experience the untamed wilderness with all the comforts you could ever want. You will stay in top-tier lodges that have everything from spa treatments and private plunge pools to gourmet meals and personalised game drives. Places like Kruger, Sabi Sands, and Phinda are home to some of the most exclusive lodges where everything is taken care of for you. Whether it’s watching elephants from the bathtub or sipping drinks while lions pass by a nearby waterhole, you just need to relax, and you will have the best wildlife experience.
2. Mobile Safari
A mobile safari in South Africa is for any bold traveller who wants adventure in the wild. Instead of staying at a fixed lodge, a mobile safari involves moving to or exploring different parts of the reserve. You will get to sleep in walk-in tents that have real beds, crisp linen, and en-suite bathrooms including hot bucket showers. The camps are set up already, and when you arrive, you enjoy sundowners and then engage in wildlife expeditions. It involves fewer crowds, more freedom, and an experience close to nature. Yet, you will also be pampered on this kind of safari.
One way to enjoy a safari in South Africa at your own pace is through a self-driving safari. This safari starts with you renting a 4×4 vehicle, getting a map of your route, and heading into the wild to explore. The best thing about it is that you get to stop wherever and whenever something grabs your attention. Whether it’s lions lounging under a tree or herds of elephants walking, you get to decide what to do. Another good thing is you won’t experience bad roads, as South Africa has excellent road networks to top safari spots like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands.
3. Walking Safari
A walking safari in South Africa is the next step after a mobile safari when it comes to an up-close wildlife experience. It involves exploring nature on foot with expert guides leading the way. You will engage in interesting activities, including tracking animals, identifying bird calls, and noticing small details like insects, animal prints, and medicinal plants.
Among the top destinations for a walking safari are Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, and the lush trails of Pafuri. Plus, Phinda has seven different types of habitats you can walk through. This kind of safari is best enjoyed during the dry season from May to September, when the bush thins out and the wildlife gathers around water.
4. Malaria-Free Safari
Malaria-free safari in South Africa is a safari experience where you can explore wildlife without worrying about the mosquito-borne parasite. Many travellers, especially families with young kids, are not so keen on taking antimalarial medications. They easily get carried away and skip the pills or the hassle of keeping up with dosages.
Thankfully, there are lots of regions in South Africa that fall outside the risk zone. Places like Madikwe Game Reserve, Kwandwe, Shamwari, and the Waterberg are malaria-free spots. Plus, you will find amazing Big Five sightings, breathtaking landscapes, while in luxurious lodges without the need for mosquito nets. This safari is best for pregnant travellers, parents, or anyone with health concerns.
5 Best Safari Destinations in South Africa
1. Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is a top spot to see the Big Seven, including elephants, buffalo, great white sharks, southern right whales, lions, and leopards. Plus, you will find other animals like zebras, antelopes, and more. The Main Rest Camp offers perfect wildlife viewing, while the Zuurberg Mountain Trails are great for a scenic hike.
2. Balule Game Reserve
Balule Game Reserve is a Big Five safari spot with no fences between it and Kruger, which means wildlife has the chance to roam freely. Whether you’re travelling with a group or on a game drive, you can go off-road for close encounters in places like the Olifants River. At the Olifants River, you will be able to see elephants, hippos, and birds gathering together to drink water. There’s also the rocky Maseke area, which is a favourite hideout for leopards.
3. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is South Africa’s oldest game reserve and is popularly known for its rhino conservation success. At this Big Five hotspot, there is a lot you can do—from enjoying a classic game drive across scenic circuits to having a guided walk through the Imfolozi Wilderness Area. Along the trails, you will find rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, wild dogs, and over 340 bird species. This destination is just a few hours from Durban and can be reached with ease through a short drive from King Shaka International Airport.
4. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is popular for its coral reefs, beaches, lakes, wetlands, and forests. Packed with diversity, this safari destination is one of a kind for visitors. You will be able to spot rhinos at uMkhuze, watch birds at Lake St. Lucia, and dive into the colourful reefs of Sodwana Bay. You will also see wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and rare birds.
5. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the most popular and well-known safari parks in South Africa. This destination has diverse wildlife and excellent safari options. You will get thrilling experiences such as exploring the white rhino hotspots of the south, tracking lion prides in the central grasslands, and birdwatching in the secluded north. It is a sure destination with Big Five sightings, over 500 bird species, and dramatic landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the cheapest time for South Africa safari tours?
November to April is considered the cheapest time because this season is wet, humid, and lush. During this season or summer, the crowds are exceptionally fewer because they find it hard to spot big game in the thick greenery. However, the landscape is vibrant, and there’s a possibility you will see cute baby animals. This period is a choice for anyone who wants to grab a good deal on tours and accommodation, and also have a quiet experience.
2. When is the worst time for South Africa safari tours?
October and February are considered the worst times because it is the time for heavy rain, heat, and overgrown vegetation. It’s so bad that the temperature can hit 40°C (104°F), and the storms are frequent. Plus, wildlife is harder to spot, and the summer holidays bring local and international crowds. However, it is a most loved time for bird watchers or people who want to explore the beaches and other attractions.