Private Overland and Luxury Safaris in South Africa
Help Me PlanTop South African Safari Destinations
South Africa boasts a dazzling diversity of national parks and private game reserves, from world-famous Kruger to intimate, owner-run private reserves. Whether you prefer a privately guided overland safari or a seamless luxury fly-in itinerary, South Africa offers exceptional wildlife, reliable infrastructure, and superb value for money.
Kruger is South Africa's premier conservation area, and here, you will find the most significant diversity of wildlife.
The reserve is famous for luxury lodges and is the best place in Africa for leopard sightings.
Here, you can enjoy malaria-free luxury safaris in southern South Africa.
Safari Package Options
There are various safari package options, one of which will meet your requirements and budgetary constraints.
Top-End Luxury
Our exclusive top-end safaris include grand, intimate lodges in the most remote, beguiling settings. Your full-board accommodation will consist of all the bells and whistles.
Luxury
The Luxury safaris offered by African Sky balance the desire for sumptuousness with the limits of a more moderate budget. These safari lodges are scattered across South Africa's private game reserves.
Personal and Comfortable
Personal safaris offer fantastic value for money in spectacular wilderness areas, such as private concessions within the Kruger National Park and lesser-frequented reserves like Balule and Kapama.
Private Overland
Our private overland safaris explore South Africa's numerous national parks with the expertise of an experienced African Sky guide. Accommodations are typically basic but comfortable.
Tailor-Made
Do you have a specific combination of South African safari destinations that you would like to include in your travels? Opt for a tailor-made safari to ensure the package meets your personal needs.
Recommended Safaris
These are a few of our favorite itineraries.
An in-depth exploration of South Africa's primary national parks, including Kruger, uMkhuze, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and Addo Elephant National Park.
Relish unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa's Sabi Sand, Zimbabwe's Matetsi wilderness, Botswana's Chobe, and the Okavango Delta.
Enjoy a luxurious safari adventure with three of South Africa's top private game reserves - Sabi Sand, Shamwari, and Phinda.
Explore three distinctly different regions of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. A private overland safari accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
This safari package combines two top destinations in Southern Africa - the Kruger National Park and mighty Victoria Falls.
A short safari excursion that departs from and returns to Cape Town. It offers a glimpse of safari in an area of the country not traditionally known for its wildlife experiences.
Experiences to Savor on Safari in South Africa
A safari in South Africa comes with an abundance of activities and attractions, all flavored with the tastes of Africa — from relaxing by a bonfire in the boma with exclusive comforts to encountering unique wildlife in the untamed wilderness.
Encountering the Big Five
Meeting one of Africa's legendary Big 5 on safari in the wilderness is always exciting. Following a lion pride on the hunt, admiring the grace of the leopard as it effortlessly ascends a tree, or being awe-struck by the size of an elephant viewed up close are a few examples of the adventures that await on safari.
Relishing an African Sunset
There's a solid reason that African sunsets are the stuff of legend. Regardless of which wilderness area you enjoy your safari in, with no pollution interfering with the natural artistry of the skies, the vision will take your breath away. Sip on a cocktail while observing an effervescent blend of pink, gold, and auburn.
The Ever-Present Call of the Wild
Any wilderness on the continent bears its wild orchestra, providing a hypnotic soundtrack to your safari activities. From the beautiful cry of the fish eagle and the haunting hoots of owls to the spine-tingling reverberation of a lion's roar and the eerie laughter of hyenas, the call of the wild will be ever-present.Other Destinations
Though less noteworthy than the above destinations, South Africa holds many natural treasures.
Phinda Private Reserve
In the lush wilderness of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda offers Big Five safaris in a reserve with no less than seven ecosystems.
Addo Elephant Park
Addo is an ideal choice for those who wish to combine the Garden Route with a safari in a malaria-free wilderness.
Madikwe Game Reserve
In the northwest part of South Africa, Madikwe offers the opportunity to view some animals not seen in Kruger Park.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
This reserve played a leading role in bringing rhinos back from the brink of extinction and is the best place in South Africa to view them.
Wildlife
The Big 5 arguably inspire the most awe amongst Africa's myriad wildlife, but there is much more to encounter.
More Animals
FAQ
A private overland or fly-in safari depends mainly on your budget. Overland safaris are generally more affordable and offer the opportunity to see more of the country. In contrast, fly-in safaris tend to be the more expensive but save travel time.
South Africa's quality infrastructure, particularly the decent infrastructure inside its national parks, makes it viable for overland safaris. Our guides are also all conveniently based in South Africa.
Madikwe, Welgevonden, Marakele, and Pilanesberg are all malaria-free wilderness areas not far from Johannesburg. In the Eastern Cape, Shamwari and Addo bear no risk of malaria.
The Kruger National Park's size, well-preserved environmental authenticity, and unparalleled diversity make it the premier safari destination in Southern Africa.
Safari cruises are available at the Marataba Private Game Reserve, which forms part of Marakele National Park and Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Canoe safaris are also an option at Phinda.
Commercial flights are available within a stone's throw of most of South Africa's safari areas - charter flights would only be used by choice if you are keen on something different.
The winter months between May and August are ideal for game viewing, as daytime temperatures are more moderate, and the lack of rain means vegetation becomes sparse, meaning fewer obstructions. Animals also converge around remaining water sources during this time, making them easier to track down. Nevertheless, you can enjoy safaris year-round in South Africa, and even in the summer, it tends to be less hot and humid than further north in Zambia and Botswana.
Yes - Madikwe and Shamwari both have lodges that aim to ensure that every family member, no matter how old, can take full advantage of their South African safari.
Yes - many lodges also offer bush walks for a more intimate exploration of South Africa's wilderness areas. Bush walks are usually subject to weather conditions and the availability of rangers, and certain lodges require pre-booking for the activity.
The minimum duration for a safari is three nights, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the experience and relax fully. This duration also ensures ample time to encounter a wealth of wildlife. If you are after a longer safari, we recommend alternating between different lodges or locations to keep the experience fresh so that you are not traversing the same area for more than three days.
The Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most diverse conservation area, protecting 147 different species of mammals.
A luxury safari with African Sky will include everything from your domestic flights and transfers to your delicious meals and exciting safari activities.
The Big Five are the continent's most awe-inspiring mammals, including the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
The South African safari lodges included in our packages range from basic tented camps to opulent lodges fitted with every comfort.
