Safari in South Africa
South Africa Safari — The Big Five, Kruger National Park
South Africa is one of Africa’s most accessible and diverse safari destinations — a country that combines extraordinary Big Five wildlife with stunning landscapes, world-class cuisine, and the option to self-drive in addition to guided safari experiences.
trek advisor offers expert-guided South Africa safari packages, designed with the same meticulous attention to detail and bespoke personalisation that defines everything we do. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic Kruger National Park safari, a Big Five experience in KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling thornveld, or a multi-destination journey across South Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions, we will design it around you.
South Africa's Premier Safari Destinations
Kruger National Park One of Africa’s largest and most celebrated national parks, Kruger covers nearly 20,000 km² of bush and supports exceptional Big Five populations alongside wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, and over 500 bird species. Accommodation ranges from Kruger’s own well-appointed rest camps to some of the finest private game lodges and concessions in Africa — including properties in the Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Klaserie private reserves, where off-road game drives and walking safaris are permitted.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KwaZulu-Natal) Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and the park responsible for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi offers excellent Big Five game viewing in a remarkably beautiful landscape of rolling hills, riverine forest, and open grassland. More intimate and less visited than Kruger, it is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path South Africa experience.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal) South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso encompasses ancient dunes, coastal forest, coral reefs, and one of Africa’s finest estuarine systems. Home to hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, and extraordinary birdlife, it combines effortlessly with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi on a KwaZulu-Natal safari itinerary.
Panorama Route (Mpumalanga) The dramatic escarpment of Mpumalanga’s Drakensberg — including Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes — provides one of South Africa’s most spectacular scenic journeys. Typically combined with a Kruger safari as a full-day excursion.
Cape Town & the Garden Route For travellers combining a South Africa safari with a broader South Africa journey, Cape Town’s peninsula, wine country, and the whale-watching coast of Hermanus are exceptional additions. trek advisor can incorporate any of these into a comprehensive South Africa programme.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda can be visited year-round, as gorilla trekking permits are available in all months. The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally preferred for trekking, as forest trails are drier and more manageable. The months of July–September coincide with peak gorilla trekking season and demand for permits is at its highest.
South Africa Safari Itineraries
7-Day South Africa Safari – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Elephant Coast
5-Day South Africa Safari – Kruger National Park, Big Five & Panorama Route
4-Day Kruger National Park Luxury Safari – Big Five & Panorama Route
Frequently asked questions — South Africa safari
Everything you need to know about planning a South Africa safari — from self-driving Kruger to combining it with Tanzania.Yes — Kruger National Park has an excellent road network and self-driving is a popular option. However, private game reserve safaris (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, etc.) require guided drives. trek advisor can design a mixed guided-and-self-drive South Africa itinerary if this appeals to you.
Excellent. South Africa has strong populations of all Big Five species. Kruger is outstanding for lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. Rhino — both black and white — are present in Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and many private reserves, making South Africa one of the best rhino destinations on the continent.
Absolutely — our Tanzania and South Africa combination itineraries are popular with travellers who want to experience both East and Southern Africa's finest wildlife on a single journey.
Interested in South Africa? Our specialists can help you combine Kruger, private reserves, and the Cape — or weave South Africa into a wider East and Southern Africa itinerary.