South African Safaris
Wild Beauty, World-Class Comfort
From Big Five game drives to dramatic coastlines, South Africa blends wild beauty with modern comfort – effortlessly.
A Land of Safaris, Scenery, and Soul
South African safaris are just the beginning. Here, you can track lions at sunrise in Kruger National Park. Sip Pinotage in the Cape Winelands by afternoon. Watch the sun set into the ocean along the Garden Route.
South Africa has a rich culture, exceptional wildlife, and luxurious accommodations. It offers something truly rare. Every day in the country feels like a different adventure.
Key Destinations in South Africa
Southern Africa offers some of the continent’s most iconic and varied safari landscapes. From South Africa’s luxury private reserves to Botswana’s wild, water-rich Okavango Delta. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned safari-goer, this region delivers immersive, world-class wildlife experiences.
Our Africa-born team has personally selected every destination we offer. They are shaped by decades of hands-on experience. The team possesses deep local connections. We design each journey to be more than a holiday. It’s a meaningful encounter with nature, culture, and the raw beauty of Southern Africa.
Kruger National Park Safaris
South Africa’s most legendary safari destination. Home of the Big Five and endless horizons.
Sabi Sands Safaris
The ultimate luxury South African safari experience. With signature camps, expert trackers and unrivalled leopard sightings.
Garden Route
A self-drive paradise filled with forests, beaches, whales, and adventure.
Madikwe Game Reserve
A hidden gem of luxury safaris, wild dogs, and quiet, crowd-free wilderness.
Durban
Warm oceans, golden beaches, and the bold flavours of Zulu-Indian fusion.
Cape Town
A vibrant coastal city framed by mountains, oceans, and centuries of culture.
Eastern Cape
Malaria-free safaris and coastal charm meet in this family-friendly region.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
Seasonal Safari & Travel Tips
When to Go on a South African Safari
South Africa is a year-round destination. Each season brings something different. It ranges from peak Big Five sightings to perfect beach days and vineyard visits. Here’s how to time your trip based on what you want to experience.
Summer Season: January – April
Perfect for Coastal Travel & Safari-Beach Combos
These warmer months are perfect for pairing a South African safari with time in Cape Town. You can also explore the Garden Route. Alternatively, visit Durban’s beaches. While the northeast (Kruger area) can be hot and rainy, private reserves still offer excellent wildlife viewing. Luxury lodges have guides who know how to track in any conditions.
- Ideal for: Cape Town holidays, wine & food, Garden Route road trips, beach escapes
- Best areas: Cape Town, Winelands, Eastern Cape, Durban, private safari lodges
Dry Season: May – September
Best for Big Five Sightings & Classic South African Safaris
These cooler winter months are ideal for South African safaris. It is especially true in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. Wildlife is easier to spot around waterholes there. Visibility is excellent. With little rain, low humidity, and sparse vegetation, this is prime time for game viewing and walking safaris.
- Ideal for: Big Five safaris, game drives, bush walks, mild weather
- Best areas: Kruger, Sabi Sands, Madikwe, Eastern Cape reserves
Green Season: October – December
Great for Landscapes, Birdlife & Fewer Crowds
Early summer brings lush green scenery, dramatic skies, and newborn wildlife. The bush is denser and game a bit harder to spot. However, this is a rewarding time for photographers and birders. The Cape Winelands and Garden Route are also coming into full bloom, with beautiful road trip conditions and fewer crowds.
- Ideal for: Birding, scenic photography, wine tasting, shoulder-season deals
- Best areas: Sabi Sands, Madikwe, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Garden Route
Kruger National Park
Classic South African Safari Country
One of Africa’s largest and most iconic national parks, Kruger is the beating heart of the South African safari experience. Home to the Big Five and over 500 bird species, it’s ideal for both first-time safari-goers and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
Top Things To Do in Kruger:
- Guided game drives and walking safaris
- Visit the Panorama Route for epic views
- Stay in classic rest camps or private concessions
- Spot lions, elephants, rhino, and more
Sabi Sands
South Africa’s Premier Luxury Safari Destination
Bordering Kruger with no fences between, Sabi Sands is world-famous for its leopard sightings, expert trackers, and ultra-luxury lodges. This is the place for private game drives, spa treatments in the bush, and fine dining under the stars.
Top Things to Do in Sabi Sands:
- Spot the Big Five on private safaris
- Indulge in all-inclusive luxury safari lodges such as Dulini & Savanna
- Dine al fresco with savanna views
- Relax with a massage in the wild
Garden Route
Coastal Adventure Awaits
The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River. It offers incredible scenery and charming towns. There are countless ways to explore by land and sea. Ideal for self-drives and family-friendly itineraries before or after your safari adventures.
Top Things To Do on the Garden Route:
- Explore Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River
- Whale watch in Hermanus (seasonal)
- Visit Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
- Try bungee jumping, hiking, or kayaking
Madikwe Game Reserve
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury Safari
Tucked away near the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve offers an exclusive South African safari experience without the crowds. Known for its malaria-free status, luxurious lodges, and exceptional wildlife — including endangered African wild dogs. Madikwe is a hidden gem for those seeking comfort, privacy, and conservation-led travel. With private game drives and family-friendly accommodations, it’s an ideal alternative to the busier Kruger circuit.
Top Things to Do in Madikwe:
- Big Five game drives in private reserves
- Track wild dogs with expert guides
- Stay in eco-luxury or family-oriented lodges
- Combine with Botswana or Johannesburg-based itineraries
Durban
Surf, Sunshine & Zulu Culture
On South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast, Durban offers a tropical vibe with warm water, golden beaches, and rich multicultural energy. It’s a great add-on to your South African safari tour.
Top Things To Do in Durban:
- Walk the Golden Mile beachfront
- Try spicy bunny chow or local seafood
- Visit the Valley of a Thousand Hills
- Take a detour to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi for a quieter safari
Cape Town
Coastal Culture & Natural Beauty
With Table Mountain, white-sand beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Cape Town is the jewel of South Africa’s southern coast. It’s the perfect city to begin or end your safari, offering both adventure and elegance.
Top Things to Do in Cape Town:
- Take the cable car up Table Mountain
- Tour Robben Island and the V&A Waterfront
- Explore Bo-Kaap and Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Pair your trip with the nearby Cape Winelands
Eastern Cape
Malaria-Free Safaris & Coastal Adventure
The Eastern Cape is a rising star in South African safari travel. Offering malaria-free Big Five game viewing in private reserves like Shamwari, Kariega, and Addo Elephant National Park. Ideal for families and first-timers, the region blends accessible wildlife encounters with cultural heritage and coastal beauty. Positioned at the end of the Garden Route, it’s easy to combine bush and beach into one seamless adventure.
Top Things To Do in Eastern Cape:
- Safari in Shamwari, Kariega, or Addo
- Explore Port Elizabeth’s beaches and history
- Visit local Xhosa communities or craft markets
- Hike or surf in the nearby Wild Coast
Signature Safari Experiences in South Africa
Luxury Lodge Living in the Heart of the Wild
Big Five Game Drives in World-Class Reserves
Private, Off-Road Safari Adventures
Bush & Beach Pairings Made Seamless
“I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Waking up to lions calling in the distance, floating through the Zambezi at sunset, sharing stories by the fire… it was magic. Every part of the journey felt personal — like it was designed just for us. Go Beyond didn’t just take us to Africa, they helped us feel it.
And honestly, I never wanted to leave.”
Let’s Plan Your South African Safari
From private game reserves to the coastlines of Cape Town, we’ll craft a journey. It will be as wild or as refined as you want it to be. Our specialists were born here, live here, and travel here , and we’ll help you Go Beyond.