South Africa safari vacations

1. Kruger National Park
Our wildlife tours in South Africa always visit Kruger National Park. This iconic park has enabled generations of travelers to see the ‘big five’ from close-up. A huge number of species are present including elephant, lion, black and white rhino, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wild dog, hyena, wildebeest and almost all of South Africa’s species of antelope. The bird life is just as impressive with crowned cranes, bee-eaters and vultures. Finish the day listening to the sounds of the African bush. Take this safari on all our South African wildlife tours, including South African Highlights. 

2. St Lucia Wetlands
Stay in an intimate Zulu-style lodge in South Africa’s first world heritage site on our South African Lodge Safari. Set in flower-filled, lush gardens the outdoor lounge is the prefect setting to watch the colorful local birdlife. Spend your days relaxing by the pool or take a boat trip across the wetlands for a chance to spot crocodile, hippo and a wide variety of bird life. You may even experience a hippo roaming by night on your front lawn! 

3. Cape Peninsular National Park
Discover South Africa’s Garden Route and explore the Cape Peninsula with a scenic drive past the white-sand beaches of Fish Hoek. Stop off to walk around the small but important naval base of Simon's Town. Walk within the national park to Cape Point and the lighthouse, keeping an eye out for resident baboons, tortoises, otters and seabirds along the way. Pause at Hout Bay, with an optional boat trip out to Seal Island - home to 1,000 Cape fur seals and guarded by the impressive, towering Sentinel Mountain.

When is the best time to go on a wildlife tour in South Africa? 
Mild throughout the year, South Africa can be visited all year round. Summer runs from November to March with temperatures averaging 75°C to 93°C. April and October are generally warm and sunny. The winter can be a nice time to visit as it is less busy but it can be cold in the early mornings and evenings. 

What is the accommodation like on a South African wildlife vacation?
Depending on the tour, will stay in a mixture of hotels, cabins, lodges, and even a tree house on your wildlife vacation in South Africa. Standards vary from rustic to premium depending on the trip and most include a bit of both. 

What should I pack for a wildlife vacation in South Africa?
Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable but the evening and nights can be chilly. All year round long trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket are recommended. Take swimwear and a quick dry towel. Plus, comfortable shoes, trainers or sandals to travel in.

Do I need any additional equipment on a South African wildlife tour?
For a South African wildlife tour, we recommend you bring; a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch and insect repellent. Mosquito nets are provided by the accommodation where necessary. Binoculars are essential for bird and animal spotting and we recommend you travel with a reusable filtered water bottle.

How many people will there be on a small group wildlife vacation in South Africa?
Our average South African wildlife tour size is just 11 people. For family tours, in general you will travel with three to five other families.