South Africa is a captivating safari destination perched at the tip of Africa. The idyllic seascape destination teems with wildlife, from the mighty Big Five to various bird species.
South Africa is more than just safaris; it’s a cultural mosaic, with vibrant cities, rich history, and warm hospitality. Its culture is rich and diverse, offering wide experiences—from sophisticated art, music, and award-winning museums to traditional cultural and historical tours.
Explore bustling cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town before venturing into the wild, where every sunset brings the promise of adventure. South Africa is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s untamed beauty and planning an itinerary can be daunting. To help with this, we have compiled a guide to the top safari destinations for you to check out.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Sabi Sands is the ultimate destination for big cat enthusiasts, particularly for leopard sightings. Its 65,000-hectare reserve offers top-notch guiding and low-density tourism, creating intimate wildlife experiences.
As one of the top safari spots in South Africa, it’s a collection of private reserves bordering Kruger National Park. Also, birdwatchers will appreciate its diverse birdlife slipping effortlessly around the ecosystem while world-class wildlife guides ensure that you’re always in the right place at the right time.
Kruger National Park
Of the many sights to see in South Africa, spotting the “Big Five” on safari – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo – is an unmissable experience. Kruger Park is easily accessible by road or air and features the very best four and five-star accommodation in Africa.
Kruger offers a complementary experience with wild beauty, fewer crowds, and an unforgettable safari ambiance. Kruger National Park is a vast territory of land one of Africa’s largest game reserves and one of the best destinations to visit in South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town is considered by many as the prettiest and most pleasant large city in Africa. Sharing the dramatic coastline with the scenic Table Mountain, Cape Town has something for everyone. Nature lovers will enjoy the towering mountains, hills, incredible gardens, and coastline.
While here, you can take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain for must-see breathtaking views and a look at its ecosystem. History buffs can view buildings dating back hundreds of years throughout the city or take a tour of Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration for many years.
For those who appreciate fine dining, Cape Town offers a wide range of world-class restaurants and styles of food to please any palate. With countless adventures and sights to see a trip to Cape Town will prove that it lives up to its praises.
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa’s cultural heartland offers an essential involvement in the country’s rich complexity. Private reserves and iconic parks like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi span various habitats, embodying South African landscapes.
While wildlife watching is excellent across the region, the northeastern coastal areas, a short drive from Durban have the largest concentration of protected areas. These include interconnected public and private reserves sprawling from the vast Lake St Lucia. Here, you will encounter a montage of environments, from windswept beaches to grasslands crawling with the Big Five, making it a truly comprehensive safari experience.
Cape Winelands
For any wine enthusiast or those who love history and beautiful scenery, a visit to the Winelands area in the Western Cape is a must. The stars of the Winelands are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, and they can either be visited in a day or easily spread over a week for wine and food lovers. No matter what the pace, visitors are sure to enjoy the many varietals produced here.
Several Winelands restaurants have been rated among the top in the world. A leisurely guided day of tastings at multiple vineyards, gourmet picnics among the vines, and cycling between estates make safari at the Winelands a top destination in South Africa.
Northern Cape
The lightly populated region of South Africa offers breathtaking seasonal wildflower displays, showcasing the Cape Floral Kingdom’s richness. This Northern Cape is one of six globally with thousands of endemic species.
South Africa’s Northern Cape province hosts Tswalu Game Reserve, the country’s largest private reserve amidst striking red Kalahari sands and scenic mountains. Tswalu is packed with rare wildlife, including cheetahs, leopards, black-maned Kalahari lions, and various antelope species. Its desert setting also affords incredible star gazing, and the reserve is also home to ancient archeological sites and San artwork.
Garden Route
The Garden Route which stretches from Cape Town to Storms River is a stunning region filled with charming towns. While here, you will meet welcoming locals along beaches, rivers, and lakes and savor Cape Dutch architecture. The route offers the most scenic coastal drives in South Africa. Charming towns invite stops for leisurely exploration or a meal of local seafood.
From coast-based whale watching to eyeing African penguins, there is much to see. Activities include golf, hiking, swimming, surfing, and adrenaline sports, including a 709-foot bungee jump off of the world’s highest single-span arch bridge. Many visitors focus on the chance to see rich marine life including great white sharks, seals, African penguins, and whales.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is South Africa’s second-smallest province and is a treasure trove of natural wonders and popular destinations. Among these destinations is the Blyde River Canyon, renowned as the world’s third-deepest gorge.
Located in Mpumalanga are the Sudwala Caves recognized as the world’s oldest caves filled with fascinating geological formations that have captivated travelers. Inside these ancient caverns, you can witness stunning stalactites and stalagmites. It also has a wide array of animal and bird species offering travelers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing living an everlasting experience for you.
Best time to Visit
South Africa is truly a year-round destination with safaris that are wonderful any time of year. The Southern Hemisphere winter brings cool and dry weather to the mountains and safari areas, which is great for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
Vegetation is sparse as are permanent water sources making winter an excellent season for game viewing. And there you have it, a guide on the best safari destinations to check out in South Africa this year.
Enjoy your South African Safari
Whether you’re chasing lions in Sabi Sands, seeking solitude in Northern Kruger, admiring flowers in the Cape, or exploring the wonders of Mpumalanga, one thing’s for sure, the adventure of a lifetime awaits.
