South Africa Safari Holidays

Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa

You can go on safari anytime in South Africa since the weather is pretty good all year round. But if you want to see lots of animals, the dry winter months (May to September) are the best. It’s easier to spot animals during these months because they gather around water. South Africa gets 21 million visitors a year, and many of them come during these months. For birdwatching safaris in Africa, the summer months (November to February) are great because many bird species migrate to South Africa from across other parts of Africa and the world. In fact, the country has over 900 different bird species!

A typical safari in South Africa begins by a game drive in the morning then a lunch break, followed by a late afternoon safari trip when the wild animals are roaming around. With over 42 National parks and game reserves in South Africa, there are plenty of safari activities to do including nature guided walks, hot air balloons, horseback safaris, birding and so much more. Africa your safari, the evening and nights are perfect for sitting under the stars as you dine and wine, listening to the African stories of centuries ago.

Best Places for a Safari in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the most visited safari park in Africa and South Africa. The wild animal species count is about 147 mammals, 114 reptiles and over 507 bird species that you can watch. This explains why over 1.4 million tourist come to South Africa to specifically visit Kruger National Park for a true wildlife experience.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Known for its pure red sand dunes and the eye catching dry river beds, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is perfect for a photographic safari and instagrammable pictures. You wont miss lots of animals such as the leopards, lions, cheetahs and so much more. This area has over 38,000 kilometers for you to explore.

Addo Elephant National Park

Another African safari park to tour is the Addo Elephant National Park with over 600 African elephants. Much as this park is popular for the big five wild animals, that is the elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino and leopard, you will also see the other 2 marine mammals including the white shark and the southern right whale to make the big seven animals.

South African Safari Activities

Walking Safaris

Walking Safari tours are very common in South Africa. Phinda Private Game Reserve is one of the best south African safari destination to go for a walking safari . Phinda home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and over 400 wildlife birds. Each year, thousands of people visit, and around 30% of them join an African walking safari. Kruger National Park is famous for walking trips. It’s so popular that over 50,000 people come every year just for the walking safaris. But there are even more places to go for a walk. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Marakele National Park, and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park all offer worthwhile walking safaris.

Bird Watching

When you take on a birdwatching safari in South Africa, expect over 900 bird species, making it 10% of the birds in the whole world. Kruger National Park has over 500 bird species including the Martial Eagle, Ground Hornbill and Kori Bustard. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, has over 280 bird species including the birds of prey. Among the birds here are the Pygmy Falcon, Secretary Bird, and the Sociable Weaver. Find the aquatic birds in Isimangalo Wetland Park, about 520 species including the Flamingo, African fish Eagle and Skimmer. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and Marakele National Park are also top destinations for birding in South Africa. The former, with about 340 bird species, is known for species like the Narina Trogon and Pink-throated Twinspot, while the latter, with around 400 species, is famous for sightings of the Cape Vulture and the Crimson-breasted Shrike.

Horseback Safaris

The Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill bush homes in the Waterberg region are popular for horseback safaris, with over 90 horses available for visitors. Other destinations where you can observe the big five animals while on the horse back include Makalali Game Reserve near Kruger National Park ,The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape and the Karongwe Private Game Reserve.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon rides are considered as Luxury safaris in Africa. Its fun floating above the ground while in the midst of wildlife. The Magaliesberg region near Johannesburg is one of the most popular places for hot air balloon rides in South Africa, watch the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Pilanesberg National Park helps you to see the Big Five. Hot air balloon rides over the vineyards of the Western Cape are another unique South African experience. From above, visitors can take in sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains in regions like Stellenbosch and Paarl. The Drakensberg Mountains also provide a spectacular backdrop of peaks and deep valleys.

Cultural Safaris in South Africa

The Zulu cultural safaris in KwaZulu-Natal are a highlight for many visitors. Here, you can experience traditional Zulu hospitality, tour the African village, and learn about their history and way of life. Visit the Western Cape, in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town to learn about the Cape Malay community, their culture and food. The Lesedi Cultural Village near Johannesburg offers insights into the cultures of various South African tribes including the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele. Experience traditional dance and local music performances, visit homesteads, and try local foods. In the Northern Cape visit the San people (Bushmen), their ancient rock art, and their deep connection with nature.