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Safari

GENERAL INFORMATION

There are many options for safaris in South Africa. We HIGHLY recommend booking as soon as possible, as these can be fully booked a year in advance. There are national parks and private game reserves - both adhere to the same principles, rules, and regulations of conservation and wildlife protection. Private game reserves have more strict regulations on the number of tourists allowed into the reserve, which helps preserve the integrity of the ecosystem and also gives a less crowded / more authentic safari experience with little rules as to the time of safari drives. These are usually all-inclusive with lodging, meals, etc. and can also usually provide transportation to and from the nearest city. National parks have more visitors and have regulated opening / closing times, but provide more freedom to drive on your own. We have linked a few options for private reserves and national parks below (click the name for further info).

RECOMMENDATIONS

Aquila Private Game Reserve

  • 2 hours from Cape Town

  • Half day, full day, or overnight safaris

  • Big 5, various other wild game including giraffes, hippos, antelope, and many bird species

  • Full day safari with transport approx. $215 pp; Half day safari with transport approx. $180 pp; Overnight Safari with lodging and transport approx. $285 pp; Special pricing for children

Inverdoorn Game Reserve

  • 2 hours 30 minutes from Cape Town (the drive goes through the wine route)

  • Big 5, giraffes, zebras, hippos, impalas, wildebeest, springboks, and more

  • Options include 2-day one-night safaris, private safari, sunrise/sunset safaris, walk with giraffes, cheetah encounters, cheetah runs (Cheetah sanctuary)

  • Day safari - $130 per person, one or two night safari with game drives, accommodation and meals ranges from $180 - $400 per person/night (children are 50%)

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

  • 3 hours 15 minutes from Cape Town

  • Overnight safaris only

  • Big 5, iconic white lions, cheetahs, and rare riverine rabbit

  • Pricing per person per night approx. $500

Pumba Private Game Reserve

  • Located near Port Elizabeth (1 hour and 15 minute flight from Cape Town)

  • One of CNN’s Top 10 Safari destinations in the world

  • Big 5, rare white lion, hippo, hyena, cheetah, giraffes, various antelope and various bird species

  • Safari prices are approx. $600 per person per night, round trip flights from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth are approx. $120

Addo Elephant Park

  • Located near Port Elizabeth (1 hour and 15 minute flight from Cape Town)

  • Third largest national park in South Africa

  • More than 550 elephants, Cape Buffalo, lion, black rhino, various antelope, warthogs, and more

  • No booking is required for a day visit if self driving, booking should be made if you want to partake in organized activities (a game drive)

Kruger National Park 

  • Largest game reserve in South Africa, most famous game reserve in all of Africa, and one of the world's biggest wildlife sanctuaries

  • Located the Northeast of South Africa bordering Mozambique

  • 147 mammal species have been recorded within the park’s boundaries, including Big 5, Little 5, cheetah, and the endangered African wild dog

  • You can drive your own car or book a guided game drive through any of the rest camps

  • Various forms of accommodation within the park 

  • Skukuza Airport is located within the park itself, Hoedspruit Airport and the Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) are nearby. There are daily flights between Cape Town and Skukuza, Hoedspruit and KMIA airports. You can hire a rental car to take you to (and around) the park. Alternatively, some private bus companies organize shuttles between the airports and the park, while those on a packaged tour will likely have organized transport

  • Due to the size of the park, there are MANY safari options available at a wide range of pricing

  • *Kruger National Park lies within a malarial area

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