South Africa Safari Holidays

A vast country full of warmth, diversity and laughter. We will always return to South Africa to keep finding those incredible people who you’ll meet on your journey. We know winemakers, safari guides, community elders and marine trackers, and we’ll show you their South Africa.

Landscape shot of a winding road built into a canyon with the sea on the other side.

Best South Africa Safari Tours and Tailor-Made Itineraries

We have suggested a few South Africa itineraries to whet your appetite and introduce you to this wonderful country. All our itineraries will fulfill our purpose to create exceptional experiences and support conservation and community projects. Please get in touch so we can design your perfect South Africa trip.

Image of Ximiwu Safari lodge
Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls for Wheelchair Users

Highlights of Southern Africa Adaptive Travel

From £5,335per person

Ascend Table Mountain, Fly over Victoria Falls and safari in the Kruger National Park
A landscape shot of green bushland with lots of trees and a luxury safari camp.
Luxury Conservation Safari

Private Group Luxury Conservation Safari

£6,000per person

Support and participate in conservation while staying in the most luxurious private house in Africa.
A luxury safari camp overlooking green bushland.
South Africa and Mauritius

10 day South Africa Safari and Beach trip

From £4,300 Per Person per person

Experience a luxury safari in a beautiful wilderness and relax on Mauritius’ sandy beaches.
A luxury safari camp built into a rocky mountain side in Cedarberg
Escape to Bakkrans

2 night conservation and food experience in the Cederberg wilderness

Stay in the remote Cederberg with chefs and conservation experts as hosts and guides.
Landscape shot of 8 people sitting on camp chairs in water.
Kruger Walking Safari

8-10 nights on safari in the Greater Kruger

£3,600per person

Explore two wildlife rich areas of the Greater Kruger on walking safaris with expert guides
A school of fish in the sea with divers snorkelling above
Sardine Run Safari

5 night ocean safari searching for the sardine run

£3,880per person

Experience one of the most epic wildlife scenes in the world as we track down the Sardine Run

What We Love

South Africa Wildlife

South Africa boasts remarkable wildlife, including the Big Five in Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sands. For a more secluded experience, the Waterberg’s Lapalala Wilderness offers conservation-driven safaris with rhino and diverse birdlife. Marine safaris along the coast highlight whales, dolphins, and sharks, expanding the wildlife adventure to the sea.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time for a South Africa safari is the dry season, May to September, when wildlife is easily spotted near waterholes. Kruger National Park and private reserves shine during this period. For whale watching, June to November is ideal, especially in Hermanus. The green season, November to March, offers fewer tourists and excellent birdwatching.

South Africa People and Culture

Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa’s cultural diversity spans 11 official languages and various traditions. The Zulu and Xhosa communities, among others, celebrate rich heritage through music, dance, and art. In cities like Cape Town, African, European, and Asian influences mix, enhancing local cuisine and cultural experiences.

Speak to an expert

We love designing African adventures. Get in touch and we can help you create yours.

Email: adventure@wild-paths.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +447568161707

A man sat in a chair smiling against the backdrop of a lake

South Africa Accommodation

There are hundreds of hotels and safari camps in South Africa so it’s almost impossible to know where you should stay. Luckily, we love getting out there and finding the owner run boutique properties that add that wow factor to your trip. 

Image of Ximiwu Safari lodge
Ximiwu

Klaserie Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger

Sleeps

Luxury safari lodge for wheelchair users
Luxury safari camp surrounded by green trees.
Lepogo Lodges Noka Camp

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Sleeps

12

Modern safari lodge with some of the best views in South Africa

South Africa FAQs

 We answer a few common questions we often receive. Please just get in touch if anything you want to know isn’t answered below. 

Which South Africa Safari is best?

Cape Town –  offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Explore iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, and the vibrant V&A Waterfront. With world-class restaurants, beaches, and history, it’s a must-visit destination that perfectly complements a South African adventure.

Cederberg Mountains – provide a rugged escape with dramatic rock formations, ancient San rock art, and excellent hiking trails. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring its remote landscapes, while luxury lodges offer serene stays. The area’s rich biodiversity and stargazing opportunities make it a hidden gem for adventurers.

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve – an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path destination in the Waterberg. Known for conservation, it offers private game drives and walking safaris with opportunities to see rhino and cheetah Ideal for those seeking solitude and pristine wilderness, it combines luxury with a strong conservation ethos.

Greater Kruger – offers world-renowned wildlife experiences with the chance to see the Big Five in private, uncrowded reserves. Stay in luxury lodges, enjoy expertly guided game drives, and participate in conservation initiatives. The region is perfect for close-up wildlife encounters and immersive safari experiences.

KwaZulu-Natal –  combines beach, bush, and culture. Visit the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for Big Five safaris or head to the Drakensberg Mountains for scenic hikes. The region’s diverse landscapes and rich Zulu heritage make it a unique destination for both wildlife and cultural experiences.

Which month is best for safari in South Africa?

The best time for a safari in South Africa is during the dry season, from May to September, when wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings easier.

What is the Big 5 in South Africa?

The Big 5 is lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. It comes from the old days of hunting when these were the fiercest and hardest animals to hunt. The Big 5 is now really just used as a marketing tool and unfortunately is very overused. You will rarely see us talking about the Big 5, we don’t want to celebrate ‘the good old days’ of hunting and anyway, there’s so much to a safari than ticking off a few big mammals.

South Africa Regions

Cape Town

Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city, blending dramatic scenery with a rich cultural history. Ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views, or visit Robben Island to explore South Africa’s past. Drive along the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, and visit the famous penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town’s dynamic food scene offers everything from Cape Malay flavors to international fine dining. Many restaurants also support social upliftment projects, providing skills training and jobs to local communities. A visit to Cape Town allows travelers to experience both its natural beauty and its contributions to social development.

Landscape shot of Cape Town - a built up city with high rise buildings surrounded by the sea with mountains in the background

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is a region of remarkable contrasts, from the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains to the rich coastal wetlands of iSimangaliso. Hikers will find dramatic trails in the Drakensberg, while the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a haven for birdwatching and endangered turtles. KZN also offers opportunities to engage with Zulu culture, from cultural tours to community-driven projects. In wildlife-rich areas like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, visitors can take part in safaris or conservation efforts, while coastal areas offer the chance to help monitor marine life. Tourism in KZN plays a vital role in supporting local conservation and community development initiatives.

Landscape shot of verdant plains and trees covering the ground and partially covering a rocky mountain

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is a leading conservation area in the Waterberg region, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection. Guests can enjoy guided game drives or walking safaris, where they may encounter species like cheetah, pangolin, and African wild dog. The reserve’s dedication to conservation is evident through its community outreach programs, which support education and training for local schools and anti-poaching units. Lapalala’s low-impact approach to tourism ensures that visitors not only experience its untouched wilderness but also actively contribute to preserving it for future generations.

A luxury safari camp overlooking green bushland.

Greater Kruger

The Greater Kruger region offers a more private, intimate safari experience in comparison to the national park. Visitors can explore vast areas of wilderness through day and night game drives or walking safaris, encountering a range of wildlife without the typical crowds. Conservation is a key focus in this area, with private reserves working closely with local communities to manage the land and protect endangered species. By staying in these private lodges, guests support crucial conservation efforts and community projects that aim to create sustainable livelihoods while ensuring the protection of the region’s wildlife and natural beauty.

A close-up shot of a leopard walking along a dirt path looking at the camera

Cederberg Mountains

The Cederberg Mountains offer rugged beauty with dramatic rock formations, ancient San rock art, and remote hiking trails. The region’s unique ecosystem supports species like Cape leopard, caracal, and aardvark, and conservation efforts focus on protecting these elusive animals and preserving indigenous plant life. Lodges in Cederberg emphasize sustainability, using solar power and water-saving technologies, and working closely with local communities. Visitors can explore the area on guided hikes, marvel at the ancient rock art, or enjoy the star-filled night skies. A trip to Cederberg is a chance to connect with nature while supporting conservation and cultural preservation.

Arched rock formation in front of a starry backdrop in Tanzania
A herd of elephants drinking from a watering hole.

Our Impact

We choose our local partners, safari camps and guides based on their ability to offer incredible experiences and their commitment to people, the planet, and wildlife. We’ve worked with many of them for years.

  • Every holiday we create aligns with our purpose to support conservation through the power of travel
  • We measure the carbon cost of each trip and invest in projects that remove emissions and celebrate the wild
  • 30% of profits are donated to charities, supporting conservation, communities and biodiversity.