Luxury South Africa Safari
Experience a luxury South Africa safari, from big cat encounters to exploring Cape Town's breathtaking coastline.
From $36,000 per personMenu
South Africa Safaris & Holidays
Nestled between both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, the sheer size of South Africa alone means the habitat varies from thick coastal forests to dry sandy deserts and everything in between. Safari holidays in South Africa are usually concentrated in private game reserves around the Kruger National Park. These elegant and luxurious lodges offer first class game viewing and with regular ‘Big Five’ sightings you are likely to be on the edge of your seat with awe-inspiring wildlife experiences. Swim with penguins on Boulders Beach or walk with lions in the Kruger National Park.
The South Africa Safari Experience
- Big Cats & The Big Five
- Walking Safaris in Kruger National Park (April to September)
- Night Drives to meet the rarer, nocturnal wildlife species
- Incredible Wine and Food
- Annual Sardine Run (mid-May to mid-July)
- Cape Town and Table Mountains
South Africa Safaris
Classic South Africa Safari
History, culture, wildlife await travellers embarking on this 14-day safari, an itinerary that takes in everything from game drives in search of the Big Five to discovering the art, culture and cuisine of cosmopolitan Cape Town.
From $9,000 per person
Talk to a South Africa Destination Specialist
Why Natural World Safaris?
We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organisations, we ensure that our South Africa safari holidays have a positive impact on the environment and local people of South Africa. Our excellent range of camps, lodges and experiences mean you can tailor-make your own unique South African itinerary, ensuring you can truly enjoy the sights and sounds of this incredible country. With VIP airport meet and assists and access to a personal concierge whilst travelling, your own safari can be personally tailored to your own interests.
How much does South Africa cost?
Typically, expect to budget from $5,000 per person for a 7-day safari in South Africa, a true wilderness experience, you will be staying in rustic but comfortable camps. This will generally include transfers, food and beverages throughout your stay, and highly-experienced guides. For a luxurious 7-day experience staying at the most premium camps, expect to budget around $17,500 per person. Our safaris here are typically created on a bespoke basis for clients.
Where to Stay in South Africa?
From spectacular coastal hideaways to naturally inspired river lodges in private game reserves, where you stay in South Africa is key to your enjoyment and as such we have chosen accommodation of the highest standard and setting to maximise your safari. Known worldwide for its luxurious lodges and camps, South Africa offers a range of accommodation, much of which blends European and African styles with contemporary decor. Read more about where to stay in South Africa.
South Africa Safari Inspo
Sardine Run
The Great Sardine Run. Millions of sardines moving as one seething mass up the coast. A shimmer of silver under the surface and we’re off. Moving as one, millions of sardines make their way up the coast in seething masses known to be over 7 kilometres in length and 30 metres deep. You might be thinking ‘sardines? Really? But this really is one of the earth’s most magnificent wildlife feats, a truly spectacular sight that few will ever see with their own eyes.
South Africa Safari Highlights
Plan your visit
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 6 customer reviews
- —Shannon Yrigoyen who travelled on Waterfalls & Wildlife Safari in April 2023
From our first encounter with Phoenix to our last flight from Zimbabwe the trip was FLAWLESS! The Simbavati group is excellent. We loved both locations, but Camp George was over and above. The room, spa service and wildlife were superb. At River Camp, we enjoyed multiple up close encounters with rhino and elephants. It was unbelievable.
- —Tamara Fletcher who travelled on South Africa: Big 5 Birthday Safari in August 2023
It was the best thing I could have done for myself. The food, accommodation, animals - everything was fantastic. All went very smoothly. It was an experience I’ll never forget. On occasion i cried tears of overwhelm and joy due to some of the animal sightings. Leaving was the hardest thing to do. Thank you NWS.
- —Carol Gilbert, South Africa, 2025
Natural World Safaris made our dream vacation come true! We travelled in early September to South Africa, as the seasons were changing. The weather was cool in the evening and warmed considerably during the day for our game drives. We were fortunate to see- lions, giraffe, emu, Impala, kudu, cheetah, leopard, elephants, zebra, baboons, warthogs, water buffalo, a lot of unique birds, and hippos. The game drives provide an opportunity to connect with nature and provide a unique perspective on the behaviors of the animals.
Our lodging included: The Peech Hotel, Johannesburg; Davison's Camp, Hwange; Pioneer Hotel, Victoria Falls; Kwara Kamp, Okavango Delta; and Protea Hotel, Mowbray - Cape Town. Each location was unique and provided an experience that combined nicely with scheduled activities.
NWS made all of our flight arrangements and had someone waiting for us at each airport and/or landing strip. Their arrangements made travel to the various countries easy, as the staff meeting us assisted with getting through customs and across borders!
We are already discussing our next adventure with NWS!!
- —Kevin B, South Africa: Safari, City & Waterfalls, June 2024
Phoenix was excellent. She made my wife’s surprise birthday trip the “Trip of a Lifetime” for my family! Every aspect of this trip was phenomenal. Every host, guide and staff member were great. We felt a VIP treatment unlike any vacation we’ve ever taken. I highly recommend NWS to anyone who makes this journey.
- —Susan Mitchener who travelled on South Africa Wildlife & Cape Town Safari
We received some excellent, helpful advice for our pre-trip service and from our Destination Specialist. Our accommodation was amazing and the hosts were very helpful and gave us great tips on where to eat and what to see - it was like having a personal concierge! We'd love to travel with NWS again!
- —Kelli Garrity who travelled on South Africa: Kruger Safari & Cape Town
Our destination team were extraordinary, and I had a great experience with good communication, prompt responses and a very well organised booking process. This trip was a 10/10 and I don't know how to put into words the amazing experience we had in Africa. I spent my entire adult life dreaming of going to Africa and had feared that I had hyped it up so much in my head that the reality could be a disappointment. However, Africa and my experiences there DID NOT disappoint! This trip exceeded all of my expectations and it was a dream come true. The customer service was the best I've ever seen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit South Africa for a safari?
The best time to visit South Africa for safari is May to September, when dry winter conditions make wildlife easier to spot in reserves like Kruger. For Cape Town and the Garden Route, October to March offers warm summer weather, ideal for a combined trip.
Where are the best safari destinations in South Africa?
Top areas include Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Madikwe, and Timbavati. Kruger and Sabi Sands deliver classic Big Five encounters, while Madikwe is malaria-free and ideal for families.
Are South Africa’s safaris malaria-free?
Many regions, such as Madikwe Game Reserve and the Eastern Cape, are malaria-free. Kruger and Limpopo do have low-risk zones, where precautions are advised. Always check with a travel clinic before your trip.
Can I combine a South Africa safari with other experiences?
Yes. Many travellers pair Kruger safaris with Cape Town, the Winelands, or Victoria Falls. Short internal flights make it easy to combine wildlife, beaches, and city culture in one trip.
What wildlife can I expect to see in South Africa?
South Africa is home to the Big Five, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, as well as cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, and rich birdlife. Marine safaris along the coast offer whales, sharks, and penguins.
Is South Africa suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Yes. South Africa has world-class infrastructure, excellent lodges, and easy logistics. Private reserves like Sabi Sands offer guided drives with guaranteed sightings, perfect for first-time visitors.
What types of safaris are available in South Africa?
Visitors can choose from self-drive safaris, private guided tours, walking safaris, and luxury lodge stays. South Africa’s mix of accessible national parks and exclusive reserves offers something for every traveller.
How does South Africa support sustainable tourism?
Many lodges are part of conservation and community projects. Sabi Sands and Phinda Private Game Reserve fund anti-poaching, rewilding, and local education, ensuring tourism benefits both people and wildlife.
How safe is it to travel in South Africa?
Safari destinations are very safe, with professional guides and well-managed lodges. In cities, use common sense: avoid isolated areas and use reputable transfers. Overall, South Africa is well-equipped for international travellers.
How long should I spend on safari in South Africa?
A typical safari lasts 3 to 5 nights, though many extend to a week with combinations like Cape Town or the Winelands. Short flights and good roads make multi-region safaris easy.
Why Natural World Safaris for your South Africa Safari?
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Safari are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.
Wealth of Experience
Natural World Safaris has a long established pedigree in Africa, starting in 2005 after our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover had spent many years guiding on the continent. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground, from lodge owners to frontline conservationists, affording our clients access and opportunities that nobody else can match.
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our primary focus. Encounter Mara is carefully selected for front-row wildlife spectacles to maximise your photographic opportunities. We want you to experience wild South Africa at its very best, listening out at night for the saw-like grunt of a leopard, or the deep bone trembling roar of lions.