South African Safari | Luxury, Top-End and Privately Guided Packages

Top South African Safari Destinations

We highly recommend South Africa as a safari destination.

Kruger National Park

Kruger is South Africa's premier conservation area, and here, you will find the most significant diversity of wildlife.

Sabi Sand Private Reserve

The reserve is famous for luxury lodges and is the best place in Africa for leopard sightings.

Shamwari Private Reserve

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.

Privately Guided National Parks

15 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal and Comfortable Code: S29

An in-depth exploration of South Africa's major safari areas, including Kruger, Ithala, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo, and Pilanesberg.

Three Country Safari

12 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: S10

Relish unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa's Sabi Sand, Zimbabwe's Matetsi wilderness, Botswana's Chobe, and the Okavango Delta.

Three Area South African Safari

9 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: S13

Enjoy a luxurious safari adventure with three of South Africa's top private game reserves - Sabi Sand, Shamwari, and Phinda.

In-Depth Kruger park

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal and Comfortable Code: S31

Explore three distinctly different regions of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. A private overland safari accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

Kruger Park & Vic Falls

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: S15

This safari package combines two top destinations in Southern Africa - the Kruger National Park and mighty Victoria Falls.

Cape Safari

4 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal and Comfortable Code: S26

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.

View South African Safaris

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, are 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.

Why Choose South Africa For Your Safari

Diversity of Wilderness Areas

South Africa's diversity of wilderness areas is incomparable, from the authentically wild two million hectares of the Greater Kruger National Park to Phinda Private Game Reserve's seven unique semi-coastal ecosystems and the red sands of the Kalahari Desert. You can return for a novel, unique safari experience again and again.

Best Value for Money

Of all the Southern African countries we offer safaris to, South Africa offers the best value for money. This is partially due to the weakness of the South African Rand and favorable exchange rates for foreign visitors. Meals, accommodation, and transport tend towards the more affordable end of the scale in terms of overall international travel.

Great Infrastructure

South Africa's well-developed infrastructure makes reaching far-flung safari destinations much quicker and easier than in any other African country. Commercial flights and overland transfers are almost always an option, invariably reducing the cost of your safari. However, this does not mean a South African safari is an over-commercialized experience devoid of genuine wilderness encounters.

Wildlife

The Big 5 arguably inspire the most awe amongst Africa's myriad wildlife, but there is much more to encounter.

Buffalo

Kudu

Nyala

Lion

Klipspringer

Steenbok

More Animals

FAQ

Should I opt for an overland safari or a fly-in safari?

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.

Why are overland safaris only available in South Africa and not elsewhere?

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.

Where can I go on a safari where malaria isn't a risk?

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.

What makes the Kruger National Park the best South African safari destination?

The Kruger National Park's size, well-preserved environmental authenticity, and unparalleled diversity make it the premier safari destination in Southern Africa.

Are any water-based safari activities available in South 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.

Are charter flights necessary to reach South Africa's safari areas?

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.

When is the best time to enjoy a safari in South Africa?

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.

Are there family-friendly safari lodges?

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.

Besides traditional 4x4 game drives, are other safari activities available?

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.

What is the ideal duration for a South African safari?

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.

Private Overland and Luxury Safaris in South Africa