African Safari Packages | African Sky (Since 1998)

Q: Where can I see all the Big Five?

The Kruger National Park and its bordering private reserves are among the most reliable wilderness areas for viewing the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). In Botswana, they can consistently be found on Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta.

Q: Private overland or fly-in package?

The key considerations when choosing a safari type are your budget, time available, and the preferred level of comfort or luxury. Overland safaris are often more budget-friendly but require more travel time.

Q: What is the ideal duration for an African safari?

Given the long international flights to Southern Africa, we recommend ten to fourteen nights in Africa overall, with at least three to four nights per safari destination to fully appreciate the area’s natural grandeur.

Q: How far in advance should I book?

As a rule of thumb, book at least a year ahead (or 18 months for peak season) to ensure availability. Many safari camps are small and exclusive, often having only 8–12 rooms for guests.

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African Safari

Luxury Fly-In and Private Overland African Safari Packages

Many claim to be African safari experts. With over 25 years’ experience tailor-making safaris based on client requirements, we are. Our focus is on safaris to the national parks and private reserves in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Highlights in other Southern African countries are often included, most notably Victoria Falls.

Safari Logistics in South Africa

The country has a well-developed infrastructure, and most of the country's safari areas can be accessed easily with a commercial flight and an overland trip from a half-hour to three hours. Charter flights to an airstrip near the lodge or camp are generally available.

Safari Logistics in Namibia

Safaris to Namibia normally start with a flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Windhoek or Walvis Bay. From here, travel between various safari destinations can be overland or via light charter aircraft. The most sought-after safari areas are Etosha National Park (and its surrounding private reserves) and Sossusvlei, with most visitors also opting to spend a few nights in Swakopmund, from which the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert can be explored. Namibia is a vast country, and if you opt for overland travel between areas, you must be comfortable with long drives (typically around five to seven hours) between destinations.

Safari Logistics in Botswana

Botswana's prime safari destinations are in the country's northeastern part. Access to these areas is via the airports in Maun and Kasane. Daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa are available to these towns. Kasane can also be reached by transferring just over an hour from Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Once in Botswana, light charter flights are required to reach the camps in the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Kalahari, and the central and southern parts of the Chobe National Park. The northern reaches of Chobe are accessible from the commercial airport in Kasane.

Lion spotted on a game drive in South Africa’s wilderness

South Africa Safaris

You have abundant choices for exceptional Big Five viewing in pristine areas.

Namibia Safaris

Experience vast landscapes under star-studded skies and photograph desert-adapted animals.

Botswana safari with an elephant crossing the Chobe River

Botswana Safaris

Enjoy authentic safaris in untouched wilderness with seasonal migrations.

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Memorable African Safari Experiences

The many national parks and private game reserves on the subcontinent cater to diverse safari requirements and offer a variety of experiences in stunning wilderness areas.

Luxury safaris

Luxury safaris bring together the thrill of the wild with all the comforts of world-class travel. Think private game drives, elegant lodges, fine dining, and close encounters with nature in style.

Big Five safaris

A Big Five safari is all about the excitement of spotting lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. With expert guides leading the way, every drive is a chance to witness Africa’s icons up close.

Family enjoying standing at a waterhole in the malaria-free Madikwe Reserve

Malaria-free safaris

Malaria-free safaris let you enjoy Africa’s wildlife without the worry. These destinations are perfect for families and anyone wanting peace of mind while still experiencing unforgettable game viewing.

Couple with a young child sitting on the back of an open 4x4 vehicle

Family safaris

Family safaris are designed for all ages, with child-friendly lodges and activities that keep kids engaged. They’re a chance for parents, children, and grandparents to share Africa’s wonders together.

Sunset over a golf course in one of South Africa's safari areas

Golf safaris

Golf safaris combine two passions — the wild and the fairway. Spend your mornings on game drives, then tee off on championship courses set against breathtaking backdrops.

Tourists view an elephant mother and her calf on an accompanied walking safari

Walking safaris

Walking safaris slow the pace and bring you closer to nature than a vehicle ever could. Guided by experts, you’ll track animals on foot, learn about the smaller details of the bush, and feel the thrill of being part of the wild.

Top Safari Destinations in Southern Africa

These safari areas are unmatched in variety of wildlife, extraordinary landscapes, and a primordial sense of our dependence on nature.

Kruger National Park

Kruger offers a greater diversity of animal species than any of Africa's other national parks. The available safaris range from basic but comfortable to ultra-luxurious.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango is an oasis in the vast Kalahari that attracts seasonal migrations to its crystal-clear waters — unique, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.

Close-up of a leopard resting in the Sabi Sand

Sabi Sand Private Reserve

South Africa's oldest and most revered private reserve is home to some of Africa’s most luxurious lodges. It forms part of Greater Kruger and is the best place to view leopards in the wild.

Elephant and other animals around a waterhole in Etosha

Etosha National Park

Etosha features in our private overland tours and luxury fly-in safaris to Namibia. This arid wilderness is truly unique and rich in wildlife.

Guests observing hippos in the Chobe River from a safari boat.

Chobe National Park

Chobe is famous for its vast elephant herds along the Chobe River. Visitors enjoy boat safaris, abundant wildlife, and predator action in the Savuti and Linyanti regions.

Guests of Shamwari observe two giraffes in the wild from a parked safari vehicle.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is malaria-free and known for luxury lodges and strong conservation efforts. It offers Big Five viewing in a family-friendly setting.

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African Wildlife

Viewing Africa's wildlife in its natural habitat is the primary focus of any safari. The Big Five inspire the most awe, but there is much more to encounter.

Cheetah

Known for their speed and elegance, cheetah are often seen on the open plains of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The park’s vast landscapes provide ideal conditions to witness these cats hunting.

Blue wildebeest

Blue wildebeest are commonly seen in Kruger National Park, especially in open savanna areas. They’re a key prey species for lion.

Wild dog

African wild dogs, endangered yet captivating, thrive in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. Here, packs can be seen working together with extraordinary hunting skill.

Impala

Graceful impala are among the most common antelope in Kruger National Park. Their large herds make them a vital prey species and a constant presence on game drives.

Spotted hyena

The spotted hyena, both cunning and social, is frequently observed in Etosha National Park. They patrol the plains in clans, often heard before they are seen.

Kudu

With their striking spiral horns, kudu are iconic browsers of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. They are often found in woodland areas, blending elegantly into the bush.

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Inspirational Safari Packages

These itineraries combine remote wilderness areas, excellent lodgings, expert guides, and rewarding game viewing.

Three countries & Cape Town

18 Days From: USD 36,603 - 41,683 pp Top-End Luxury Code: S01

This ultra-luxurious safari and tour explores the finest wilderness areas in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia before ending in Cape Town.

Best of Southern Africa

15 Days From: USD 28,591 - 49,455 pp Top-End Luxury Code: S02

Explore South Africa's top Big Five parks with a private African Sky guide, including Kruger, uMkhuze, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and Pilanesberg.

Scenic vista in a South African national park

National park private safari

15 Days From: USD 5,205 - 8,247 pp Personal and Comfortable Code: S29

Travel with an African Sky guide through Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo, and Pilanesberg.

Guests on a bush walk near a baobab tree

Three-country safari

12 Days From: USD 20,030 - 34,583 pp Luxury Code: S10

Visit three countries and four remarkable safari areas — Sabi Sand in Greater Kruger, Matetsi in Zimbabwe, Chobe, and the Okavango Delta.

Cape Town to Victoria Falls

12 Days From: USD 7,080 - 9,320 pp Personal and Comfortable Code: T15

An affordable, personal combination that ticks off Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls.

Highlights of Namibia

9 Days From: USD 7,020 - 9,956 pp Luxury Code: S12

Traverse the Namib Desert on a nine-day journey to Windhoek, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, and Etosha.

Popular African Safari Activities

Activities commonly enjoyed on safari in the national parks and private reserves of Southern Africa.

Open 4x4 game drives

Game drives are the predominant activity in private reserves and national parks. Two drives are typically conducted daily (about 2.5–3 hours): early morning and late afternoon, sometimes extending into early evening.

Bush walks

Walk with an armed ranger for a closer connection to Africa’s wilderness. Many lodges offer guided walks after the morning drive.

Boat safari on the Chobe River at sunset

Water-based game viewing

Popular in Botswana and parts of Zambia: view wildlife from waterways and lagoons by mokoro or boat. Sunset cruises on the Chobe and Zambezi are a memorable way to spot game and savor an African sunset.

Birding

Southern Africa offers abundant migrant and endemic species in dramatic settings. Mention target species (e.g., southern carmine bee-eater or Pel’s fishing owl) to plan the right destinations.

Stargazing

Clear skies and low light pollution make Africa’s wilderness ideal for stargazing. Ask for camps with telescopes and guides for deeper astronomy sessions.

Bush picnics

Enjoy private picnics in scenic spots. Most lodges also pause for coffee on morning drives and for sunset drinks on afternoon drives.

African Safari FAQ

Which country is best for a safari?

It largely depends on your interests and budget. South Africa offers the best diversity of mammal species, while in Botswana you will see larger numbers of certain species. Etosha in northern Namibia is excellent for viewing various species around a single waterhole and for photography, thanks to sparse vegetation.

Where can I see all the Big Five?

The Kruger National Park and the private reserves that border it are among the most reliable wilderness areas for viewing the Big Five. In Botswana, they can consistently be seen on Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta.

Private overland or fly-in package?

The key considerations are budget, time, and the level of comfort or luxury you prefer. Fly-in packages are typically more expensive and focus on exclusive, remote lodges, while overland tours offer a more comprehensive route and are generally more cost-effective.

What is the ideal duration for an African safari?

Given the long international flights to Southern Africa, a short trip is often unsatisfying. We recommend ten to fourteen nights in Africa overall, with at least three to four nights per safari destination to fully appreciate the area’s natural grandeur.

How far in advance should I book?

As a rule of thumb, book at least a year ahead to ensure availability. Many safari camps are small and exclusive, often having only 8–12 rooms for guests, especially during peak season.

Is it safe?

Safaris are carefully managed for safety and strictly controlled by expert guides. In more than twenty-five years of operation, African Sky has maintained an excellent safety record for all our guests. We avoid higher-risk areas and prioritize reliable, secure logistics.

Can children be accommodated?

Yes. Many lodges welcome children and offer dedicated activities for them. We strongly suggest prioritizing malaria-free areas (such as South Africa's Eastern Cape) for families traveling with young children for peace of mind.

Which months are best for a safari in Southern Africa?

May to September is generally considered ideal for game viewing in most regions, with June to August often offering the best conditions. These dry winter months force animals to congregate around water sources, making sightings easier and more frequent. However, many areas are rewarding year-round.

Should I visit national parks or private game reserves?

Both are worthwhile for different reasons. Private reserves offer off-road driving, night drives, and exclusive access, while national parks offer greater flexibility for self-driving and a wider range of accommodations. We recommend consulting a specialist to tailor the right mix for your expectations.

Soutern African Safari Packages

Luxury Fly-In and Private Overland African Safari Packages

Safari Logistics in South Africa

Safari Logistics in Namibia

Safari Logistics in Botswana

Memorable African Safari Experiences

Top Safari Destinations in Southern Africa

African Wildlife

Inspirational Safari Packages

Popular African Safari Activities

African Safari FAQ

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Useful Information

Off-The-Beaten-Track

African Sky Safaris & Tours

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