12 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $8,731
Fascinating indigenous wildlife, spectacular unspoiled sceneries, and immersive historic culture sweep large regions and underpin many communities peppering South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. For 12 days, explore the best of these countries and embrace the opportunities to spot beautiful flora and fauna, gaze across iconic African safari spectacles, and delve into the cultures of the local people. The southern slice of Africa is a dream to be discovered.
12 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $14,035
Seek out the sensational experiences sweeping South Africa and Botswana on this handcrafted 12-day tour beginning in the impressive wildlife sanctuary of Sabi Sands Game Reserve. You will indulge in the country’s iconic safari scenes before immersing yourself in Cape culture and sipping on sumptuous wines in Cape Town and Franschhoek. Heading for Botswana thereafter, the majesty of the untouched Okavango Delta will await your exploration.
9 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $7,015
Discover the grandeur of an African safari on this customizable 9-day tour of Botswana and Zimbabwe, leading from the sweeping Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the Okavango Delta floodplains and culminating at the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls. Along the way, embrace the spectacular scenery of each of these destinations, including flourishing environments and sparse savannas teeming with diverse wildlife indigenous to Africa.
10 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $14,295
Revel in the luxuries of Botswana’s immaculate safari resorts and cherish encounters with the wondrous wildlife inhabiting the country’s untouched reserves on this glamorous ten-day adventure along the Chobe River, within the Selinda Reserve, and across the Duba Plains Private Reserve. Every destination and activity is tailored to sharing opulence within the wilderness and will unveil the beauty of this beloved country.
10 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $5,585
Let Cape Town’s cosmopolitan charm and cultural allure dazzle you, Franschhoek’s deep-rooted history and wine-making heritage entice you, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve’s gorgeous green grasslands and abundant wildlife enchant you on this 10-day classic South African tour and safari. With guided experiences and time at leisure allowing you to experience the best of these destinations, the stage is set for a spectacular stay.
10 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $10,395
From the brilliant bushveld of South Africa’s renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve to the breathtaking beaches of Mozambique’s beloved Benguerra Island, this tailored 10-day luxe bush and beach vacation shows off the spellbinding sensations sweeping Africa’s captivating coastal castaways and island escapes. Discover fascinating indigenous game, soak up the luxuries of seaside living, and embrace the beauty of untamed Africa during this tour.
21 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $16,375
In South Africa, Cape Town shines a spotlight on the country’s remarkable history and shares exquisite tastes of the Western Cape’s famous wines. In Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls lives up to its status as a Natural World Wonder. And in Botswana, the wilderness beckons visitors to embrace its endless beauty. These are Africa’s pinnacle destinations you may discover during this unforgettable 21-day vacation from the Cape to Moremi Game Reserve.
17 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $14,921
From the dazzling suburbs of the city of gold, Johannesburg, to the sweeping lush plains of Sabi Sands Game Reserve and from the bustling districts and gorgeous coastline of Cape Town to the pristine beaches of Ponta Mamoli, this 17-day tour is tailored to showcasing what makes South Africa and Mozambique must-visit destinations. Embrace their boundless beauty, from the untouched wilderness to the immaculate coastlines during your stay.
7 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $5,910
From blazing campfires in Moremi Game Reserve under the starry night sky to safari drives and motorboat cruises across the pearl islands of the Okavango Delta, Botswana's beauty is yours to behold during your adventures over this tailormade 7-day tour. Discover the marvelous wilderness wonders stretching from the heart of the delta to its furthest corners, embracing safari in Botswana like never before.
11 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $11,226
Visiting the colossal pounding streams of the Victoria Falls and then continuing to Botswana’s breathtaking reserves, this handcrafted 11-day safari tour is bound to share many remarkable encounters with marvelous animals and vivid birdlife, among other spectacular wilderness scenes. From Chobe National Park to the Central Kalahari, explore the phenomenally diverse environments, teeming with beautiful life, that sweep across the country.
13 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $10,135
Leave no stone unturned on this tailor-made 13-day adventure safari from Zimbabwe’s marvelous national parks to the breathtaking reserves of Botswana. Discover the majesty of Matobo, sensational sights speckling the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, captivating creatures dwelling in Chobe’s diverse environments, and wondrous wildlife sweeping the plains of Moremi Game Reserve through many magnificent safari experiences from the regions’ fully-equipped lodges and campsites.
21 Day Custom Tour
Dynamic pricing from $16,375
Let South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities seduce you, its vast, rich landscapes inspire you, its iconic animal sightings allure you, and its fabulous colorful birdlife enchant you on this safari and birding exploration from Umhlanga to Cederberg. On the journey, history and culture will come to life as nature awakens within the plains and bushveld surrounding you, an experience that will be richly rewarding.
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Popular Southern Africa Safari Destinations
Kruger National ParkOkavango DeltaSouth Africa Safaris with SeychellesSouth Africa Safaris with MozambiqueBotswana Safaris with Victoria FallsTanzania Safaris with Victoria FallsFrom the lush floodplains of the Okavango to the vast bushveld of the Kruger National Park, Southern Africa promises spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Whether you are looking for the Big 5 or prolific birdlife, these are the countries in Southern Africa you can visit on our safaris:
The peak safari season in Southern Africa runs from April through October, when the region experiences cool, dry weather. During these months, wildlife is more concentrated around scarce water sources, making for excellent game viewing.
Botswana's Okavango Delta offers a unique water-based safari as its channels flood from April to August. This inundation attracts wildlife like elephants, buffalo, and hippos. The dry season from September to October also brings large herds to the Delta. South Africa's Kruger National Park also offers excellent game viewing during these times of the year as vegetation is sparse, increasing visibility.
With strategic planning, a Southern African safari delivers an unforgettable experience year-round, whether you visit in the dry or wet season. The right time for your safari depends on your travel preferences, and we can help you find the best time in your preferred destination.
Southern Africa is home to some of the world's top safari destinations. When planning your luxury safari adventure, be sure to consider these renowned safari spots and more remarkable places to visit in southern Africa:
- Okavango Delta, Botswana: Okavango Delta is a must-visit safari destination thanks to its serene beauty, abundance of wildlife, and exotic mokoro canoe excursions that provide an intimate vantage point in the lush wetlands.
- Kruger National Park, South Africa: As South Africa's largest game reserve, Kruger National Park offers exceptional Big 5 and wildlife sightings across its vast landscape of diverse habitats, making it one of Africa's iconic safari destinations.
- Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: With its pristine wilderness setting along the Zambezi River and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds, Mana Pools offers a spectacular and remote safari experience.
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: South Luangwa is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and birdlife, and its walking safaris allow visitors to intimately encounter the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
When visiting Southern Africa, there are so many incredible things to do to make the most of your safari experience. Here are some of the best safari activities and experiences this region has to offer:
- Explore the bush on game drives in search of the Big 5 and other wildlife
- Walk with experienced guides to get closer to the sights and sounds of the bush
- Embark on an aerial safari by helicopter for a thrilling new safari perspective
- Float gently over the plains and treetops for unique views by hot-air balloon
- Glide silently through the deltas of Botswana on a traditional mokoro canoe
The abundance and diversity of wildlife in Southern Africa is simply astonishing. Each national park and private game reserve promises its own unique adventures and concentrations of iconic animals, including but not limited to these top animals to see:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Rhino
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Cheetah
- African wild dog
- Hyena
- Zebra
- Impala
- Kudu
A Southern African safari promises grand adventures and amazing encounters with iconic wildlife. Be sure to come prepared with the proper safari attire, gear, and essentials to make your experience comfortable, safe and memorable. In addition to your personal items, we recommend packing:
- Neutral, light-colored clothing
- Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
- Long pants for bush walks
- Hiking boots or walking shoes
- Daypack
- Camera with a zoom lens and extra memory cards
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- UV protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses
Southern Africa is home to the vast Kalahari Desert and Namibia's Namib Desert, offering a completely different desert safari experience.
Covering much of Botswana, as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is a fossil desert featuring iconic red sand dunes alongside stretches of lush, green grasslands when rains permit. Stretching nearly 1000 miles along Namibia's Atlantic coast, the Namib is the oldest desert on Earth, with towering red sand dunes, rocky plains, and ethereal fog that rolls in from the ocean.
Each of these iconic desert landscapes offers travelers a chance to experience unique safari adventures away from the crowds at other popular parks and reserves.
Safaris throughout Southern Africa are safe.
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa all have superb reputations as premier safari destinations. By heeding the instructions of your highly-trained safari guide and rangers, you can safely observe incredible creatures like lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitats. Lodges and camps also take extensive security measures to keep guests safe and secure within park boundaries.
Outside of reserves, petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft can occur in some urban areas, but are uncommon on a Southern African safari within the tourism infrastructure. Practicing basic vigilance in securing valuables and passports and working closely with your guides greatly minimizes any security issues.
Whether you seek classic big game sightings or prefer going off the beaten path for more intimate encounters, we can help tailor the perfect experience just for you. Here are some of our most popular Southern African safari itineraries to spark your imagination:
- For an in-depth luxury safari experience showcasing the iconic highlights of the region, our Best of Southern Africa in 12 Days safari provides an outstanding adventure
- Combining South Africa's premier private game reserve with Botswana's wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, our Exceptional South Africa and Botswana: Sabi Sands to Okavango Delta safari delivers the best of these two remarkable destinations
- From the lush Okavango Delta in Botswana to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, our African Grandeur: Botswana and Zimbabwe safari encompasses breathtaking natural highlights for an unforgettable adventure
- What else should I know about how to plan a safari in Southern Africa?
Explore more information and inspiration in our Southern Africa travel guide.
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