South Africa Safaris

Average temperatures in South Africa Map of South Africa

Bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa is a vast land often called ‘a world in one country’. Its landscapes stretch from tropical white-sand beaches to snow-capped mountains and include spectacular views and game-filled national parks and reserves.

In contrast to these areas of natural beauty are cosmopolitan cities boasting excellent museums and world class restaurants. As the most developed country on the continent, South Africa offers the widest choice of cultural, wildlife, leisure and sporting activities, all linked by excellent roads, internal flights and luxurious rail services.

Highlights of a South Africa safari holiday may include visiting the vibrant city of Cape Town, overshadowed by the imposing Table Mountain; taking in the gastronomic delights of the surrounding Winelands area; enjoying a classic wildlife safari in any of the ‘Big Five’ private reserves that fringe the Kruger National Park; hiking in the wild landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains or exploring the beaches and marine reserves of subtropical KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa Safaris - Travel Tips


  • South Africa, with malaria free reserves is a wonderful family safari destination.
  • The Mediterranean climate in the Cape and along the Garden Route means these regions are best visited between August and April.
  • A safari in South Africa's northern game reserves is best from April to October.
  • It is easy to make connections from South Africa with all the other countries in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

South Africa Safaris - A Personal View

Charlotte OppermanWhere do I start with South Africa? Favourite family holidays, wonderful riding, great game, glorious beaches, glamorous hotels, superb food … the list is endless.

It is to this ‘world in one country’ that I turned when I wanted to introduce my own children to safari. Combining the beaches of the Cape with safari proved so good on our first visit, that we went back a year later for more. I doubt we’ve finished either, with this fantastic family holiday destination there is just so much more to see and do.

I’ve ridden through herds of zebra and giraffe in the late evening sun, admired magnificent lions snoozing through the heat of the day and wondered how something as big as an elephant can just vanish into the bush before your eyes. One day you can be in the middle of the bush and then next in sophisticated Cape Town – for me, this incredible versatility is a complete winner … and never once did I hear that ‘I’m bored and what can I do now’ so oft repeated on a family holiday!

Charlotte Opperman - One of Aardvark Safaris' South Africa safari specialists

South Africa Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

South Africa - catamaran Tigger Too in Waterfront area Cape Town  

Fishing for Your Lunch

From Hout Bay near Cape Town, take in the awe-inspiring Cape coastline onboard “Tigger Too”, a 53ft catamaran cruiser. Spot some seals and try your hand at catching fish. If you’re lucky you can grill your catch on the boat’s barbeque for lunch.

     
South Africa - Rovos Rail luxury train safari  

Take the Train

Journey between Cape Town and Pretoria aboard a luxury train refurbished to recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era. By day watch the ever changing scenery roll by from the comfort of your suite, which by night is turned into a luxurious bedroom. Relax in the comfort of the five star lounge or observation car; enjoy fine cuisine from the a la carte menu served in the elegant dining car. With the opportunity to visit places of interest on route this is a truly world class travel experience.

     
South Africa - Fugitives Drift Lodge near Rorkes Drift battlefields  

History Comes Alive at Fugitives Drift

Fugitives Drift Lodge is set on a hillside above Buffalo River Gorge in a large private reserve close to Rorke's Drift in KwaZulu Natal. In the heart of the area’s Zulu and Anglo-Boer war sites, the lodge is run by the Rattray family whose knowledge of local history creates a splendid almost museum like atmosphere. A tour to the battlefield sites, with superb story telling from your guide, makes the history of this fascinating region come alive.

     
South Africa - kids on a family safari at Jembisa  

Family Friendly and Malaria Free Safaris

South Africa boasts a number of malaria free camps which makes it a superb safari destination for families with young children. Ant’s Nest, Jembisa, Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Kwandwe Lodge are some of our favourite properties where the staff know exactly what families need for a fantastic family safari holiday. Game drives to spot the “big five” can be enjoyed without the need to take malaria prophylactics. Easy connections with Mauritius or Cape Town allows a beach based end to your family safari.

     
South Africa - rental car on a self drive holiday  

The Open Road

Self-drive is a hugely popular way of exploring South Africa, offering total freedom and complete privacy. Good roads, driving on the left and easy navigation make self- drive holidays in South Africa a great choice. The flexibility of self-drive leaves you free to stop off where you like to take in particularly impressive views, restaurants or shops. We can provide ideas or detailed itineraries and book accommodation for you along the way.