Nestled between both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, the sheer size of South Africa alone means the habitat varies from thick coastal forests to dry sandy deserts and everything in between. South Africa’s charms are certainly magnetic, encompassing historic battlegrounds, cosmopolitan cities and iconic scenery with luxury accommodation and incredible wildlife.
Safari holidays in South Africa are usually concentrated in private game reserves around the Kruger National Park. These elegant and luxurious lodges offer first class game viewing and with regular ‘Big Five’ sightings you are likely to be on the edge of your seat with awe-inspiring wildlife experiences. Swim with penguins on Boulders Beach or walk with lions in the Kruger National Park. South Africa is a fantastic family safari and honeymoon destination, with malaria free zones, great infrastructure, regular air connections and perfectly adapted accommodation with a great mix of culture and wildlife.
Here at Natural World Safaris, our team of specialists can create tailor-made itineraries that are designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Whether you want to go on a wildlife safari, explore the country's culture, or simply relax on the beach, we can create an itinerary that is perfect for you.
We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organizations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of South Africa. Unlike other safari operators, we can offer you exclusive experiences that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Our excellent range of camps, lodges and experiences mean you can tailor-make your own unique South African itinerary, ensuring you can truly enjoy the sights and sounds of this incredible country. With VIP airport meet and assists and access to a personal concierge whilst travelling, your own tour can be personally tailored to your own interests.
Typically, expect to budget from £4000 per person for a 7-day safari in South Africa, a true wilderness experience, you will be staying in rustic but comfortable camps. This will generally include transfers, food and beverages throughout your stay, and highly-experienced guides. For a luxurious 7-day experience staying at the most premium camps, expect to budget around £14000 per person. Our safaris here are typically created on a bespoke basis for clients.
History, culture, wildlife and the world's largest waterfall await travellers embarking on this 10-day safari, an itinerary that takes in everything from game drives in search of the Big Five to a tour of Robben Island, where the legendary Nelson Mandela spent 18 years as a political prisoner.
From 5800 per person
A Kwandwe, winelands & adventure; immerse yourself in South Africa’s natural beauty without compromising on luxury. Spend six days in the company of expert guides while exploring idyllic winelands and a private game reserve, all while staying in private villas.
From 4995 per person
Relax in the ultimate luxury of your lodge after encountering the African big cats whilst out on safari with your expert guide. Spend time on the coast of Cape Town exploring historic Robben Island and the rugged rocks of beautiful Cape Point. Visit Hermanus, a world-renowned whale watching destination, take the opportunity to see both black and white rhino in one place and even search for the rare white Lion in Timbavati Game Reserve.
From 19200 per person
With great infrastructure and regular air connections, it is possible to create some thrilling tailor-made safaris to South Africa that can cover great distances with relative ease. With such an array of experiences, we try to pull together as many of your favourite elements, including wildlife safaris, city adventures, wine tasting and beach retreats.
You may wish to include the following in your South Africa itinerary:
From spectacular coastal hideaways to naturally inspired river lodges in private game reserves, where you stay is key to your enjoyment and as such we have chosen accommodation of the highest standard and setting to maximise your safari. Below you will find our selected camps and lodges, but as we are not able to feature all options, if you do not see what you are looking for please contact us today to discuss in greater detail. Known worldwide for its luxurious lodges and camps, South Africa offers a range of accommodation, much of which blends European and African styles with contemporary decor. Read more about where to stay in South Africa.
South Africa is vast and has a fairly agreeable climate year-round with a good amount of sunshine and Austral seasons which run opposite to the northern hemisphere. The best time to go will be largely dependent on what you wish to achieve whilst you are there. Read more about when to go to South Africa.
The Great Sardine Run. Millions of sardines moving as one seething mass up the coast. A shimmer of silver under the surface and we’re off. Moving as one, millions of sardines make their way up the coast in seething masses known to be over 7 kilometres in length and 30 metres deep. You might be thinking ‘sardines? Really? But this really is one of the earth’s most magnificent wildlife feats, a truly spectacular sight that few will ever see with their own eyes.
Read about The Great Sardine Run
Just ten minutes from the centre of Cape Town you will find Bantry Bay, a place so beautiful that at the beginning of the last century, ship owner John Ellerman fell under its spell. He chose to build a exuberant mansion that would make the most of its surroundings, which now serves as an elegant and luxurious place to base your self.
Read more about Ellerman House
Marataba, a 21,000-hectare (52,000-acre), privately managed section of the Marakele National Park, is uniquely situated where lush bushveld gives way to the Kalahari sands in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.
Read more about the camps here
Imagine a vast red-hued expanse of desert where lions roam the plains and towering dunes carve into the skyline and vanishing horizon.
Read more
The highest mountain range in Southern Africa, with peaks that rise to 3,482 metres in height, the Drakensberg mountain range is an area of spectacular natural beauty.
Read moreFrom our first encounter with Phoenix to our last flight from Zimbabwe the trip was FLAWLESS! The Simbavati group is excellent. We loved both locations, but Camp George was over and above. The room, spa service and wildlife were superb. At River Camp, we enjoyed multiple up close encounters with rhino and elephants. It was unbelievable.
It was the best thing I could have done for myself. The food, accommodation, animals - everything was fantastic. All went very smoothly. It was an experience I’ll never forget. On occasion i cried tears of overwhelm and joy due to some of the animal sightings. Leaving was the hardest thing to do. Thank you NWS.
We received some excellent, helpful advice for our pre-trip service and from our Destination Specialist. Our accommodation was amazing and the hosts were very helpful and gave us great tips on where to eat and what to see - it was like having a personal concierge! We'd love to travel with NWS again!
Our destination team were extraordinary, and I had a great experience with good communication, prompt responses and a very well organised booking process. This trip was a 10/10 and I don't know how to put into words the amazing experience we had in Africa. I spent my entire adult life dreaming of going to Africa and had feared that I had hyped it up so much in my head that the reality could be a disappointment. However, Africa and my experiences there DID NOT disappoint! This trip exceeded all of my expectations and it was a dream come true. The customer service was the best I've ever seen!
Every time I travel with NWS my trip goes without a hitch. The lodges were perfect, the animal sightings were perfect, and the trip was top-notch. I love everything about this trip and cannot wait to travel with NWS again. The specialists are incredibly knowledgeable and create an itinerary based on your likes and wants. I love the fact that I can trust their selection of parks/lodges and know that my trip will run smoothly.
The entire trip was excellent and way surpassed all our expectations. We would highly recommend NWS without hesitation - the service was impeccable!
This lived up to our anticipation of the trip of a lifetime. The guide (Tuelo), Tracker (KB) and all of the staff at Splash were exceptional. Incredible experience. Our destination specialist was very helpful, professional, patient and responsive!
South Africa is one of the premier safari destinations in the world, offering a wide range of safari experiences to suit different preferences and budgets. From iconic national parks like Kruger National Park to private game reserves and lodges in various regions, visitors have the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), in their natural habitats. Game drives, guided walks, and other activities provide a chance to see animals up close while experienced guides share their knowledge of the local ecosystems. South Africa's well-developed tourism infrastructure, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity make it a top choice for unforgettable safari adventures.
Discover more of South Africa's wildlife.
For a safari in South Africa, pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants, comfortable walking shoes or boots, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a camera with binoculars. Include swimwear, casual clothing, and a reusable water bottle for downtime. Don't forget chargers, personal medications, and toiletries, and carry a small daypack for game drives and walks. Adapt your packing to the specific season and location, and consult our destination specialists for more advice.
In South Africa, it's customary to show appreciation for good service by tipping safari guides and staff. Typically, a gratuity of around 10-15% of the total cost of your safari is considered a standard guideline for tipping your guide, with similar percentages applying to other lodge or camp staff members. However, tipping is discretionary and should be based on the level of service received and your satisfaction. To ensure fairness, you can leave tips in communal staff tip boxes or provide individual tips in envelopes. While the suggested percentages provide a starting point, it's advisable to check with your safari lodge or operator for any specific guidelines they may have regarding gratuities.
South Africa is generally considered a safe and popular destination for safari experiences. With well-established national parks, private reserves, and experienced guides, visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters in their natural habitats.
