South Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

South Africa’s dry season arrives in May and lasts until October. It is the best time of the year for seeing wildlife as animals wander in search of water and food, and rainfall rarely affects visibility. There is also less vegetation, creating more openings in the bush to see the wildlife.

While dry season temperatures are cooler than in the southern hemisphere’s summer, lows seldom drop below 50°F, and a typical day in July, the southern hemisphere’s winter, averages around 65°F. As most days offer clear skies and sunshine, the conditions are excellent for game drives, bush walks, and more African safari experiences.

If you can only travel outside of the dry season, October through April have their own benefits. The rainfall waters the bushveld and the landscapes are brought to life, migratory birds are present and far easier to see, and rain showers are brief and rarely interfere with safari activities.

To find a month or season that works best for you, explore our guide on the best time for safari in South Africa.

We recommend spending a minimum of 10 days on safari, though 12 days provide more time to view the wildlife, and two weeks is ideal for visiting multiple camps and reserves. That said, you can customize your safari based on the number of days you have available.

10-day safaris are great for exploring a specific reserve like Sabi Sands, while 12-day safaris give you a little more time to visit multiple game reserves in Kruger. Spending two weeks on safari gives you plenty of time to visit multiple camps and enjoy various safari activities in South Africa’s top national parks and reserves. You may see herds of elephants bathing in a river one day and watch a pride of lions saunter to shady acacias a day or two later. You may also leave some days unplanned, giving you room to relax in the amenities at your safari camp or lodge.

You can also plan safaris for longer, and spending upwards of two weeks gives you more opportunities to see your favorite animals and birdlife. The length of your safari is guided by what you want to see and do, and we can help you decide.

Kruger National Park is the most recognizable safari destination in South Africa. Within the Kruger region, Sabi Sands and Mala Mala top our list of game reserves to visit on safari:

• Kruger National Park: As the best place to safari in South Africa, especially among fans of the Big Five, it’s hard to pass up on visiting Kruger Park. With several stunning reserves within the greater Kruger region, no safari is ever the same.
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Sabi Sands, on the border of Kruger, is South Africa’s most luxurious game reserve. It’s often the first game reserve booked for luxury South African safaris as the lodges are some of the finest in the world.
• Mala Mala Game Reserve: Situated within the Kruger region, Mala Mala is a private game reserve that offers exceptional wildlife viewing and unrivaled luxury. The Kruger reserve is a hotspot for viewing the Big Five from the comfort of gorgeous camps within the untamed wilderness.

From Big Five game drives to bush and beach trips, guided bush walks, and nocturnal wildlife viewing, here are some of the top things to do in South Africa on safari:

• Search for the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos on South Africa safari game drives
• Explore the bush with spotlights on nighttime game drives to see the nocturnal wildlife
• Stay in luxury tented camps for a uniquely lavish experience surrounded by nature
• Visit a safari reserve on the coast to see great white sharks, whales, and other marine life

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as coming face to face with a pride of lions or watching a massive elephant bull pass right by the front of your vehicle. From the Big Five to migratory birds, here are some of the animals in South Africa to see on safari:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Rhinos
• Buffalos
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Giraffes
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Springbok
• Impala
• Eland
• African wild dogs
• Meerkats

We recommend that travelers come adequately prepared for a safari tour in South Africa, which means packing some additional items over and above your usual travel packing list. Here are some items to consider packing for your African adventure:

• Neutral, light-colored clothing
• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
• Long pants for bush walks
• Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes
• Backpack
• Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, and memory cards
• Binoculars
• Insect and mosquito repellent
• Sun protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses

A safari in South Africa is very safe.

South Africa’s safari animals pose little threat to your safety provided that you follow the instructions and guidance of your game rangers and guides.

Some regions in South Africa are malaria-free, though we advise bringing mosquito and insect repellent for your comfort.

Pickpocketing and petty crime are highly unlikely at South Africa’s safari lodges, although we recommend being mindful of your personal belongings wherever you travel in the world.

The South African rand (R).

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a safari in South Africa and inspiration in our South Africa travel guide.