Majestic megafauna, marine wildlife and sensational safaris
A luxury South Africa safari is an experience unlike any other, thanks to this country’s sheer volume of species and vast diversity of destinations. There are 19 national parks and dozens of notable private reserves, each with its own emblematic species, landscapes and safari experiences.
The quintessential South African safari destination is the Kruger: a massive national park where you can see all of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo). On its outskirts there are several private reserves that boast the same animals in a much more intimate environment, such as Sabi Sands, Thornybush and Timbavati.
In KwaZulu-Natal you’ll find Phinda, a private game reserve where you can see rare species like cheetahs and black rhinos, as well as waterbirds and nesting sea turtles. For family safaris, we often recommend Madikwe or Tswalu Kalahari – both of which are free of malaria and exceptionally exclusive.
There’s a wonderful array of luxury safari lodges in South Africa, including authentic camps like Tanda Tula and opulent residences like Tarkuni Private House. Reach out to our team of safari experts for insider tips on where to stay, and let us design the ideal South African wildlife tour for you.
Highlights
Visit Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula to see endangered African penguins in their natural habitat
Spend a night in the Giraffe’s Nest Hide in Timbavati to observe the wildlife of the Xanatsi Dam in total privacy
Embark on a nautical safari from Gansbaai to spot the Marine Big Five: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins
Stay in the prestigious Singita Reserve for phenomenal game drives, walking safaris and superb service
Board a luxury train to combine safaris with cities, vineyards, beaches and adventures in other Southern African countries
South Africa is a wonderfully well-rounded safari destination. Beyond its undeniably impressive wildlife, its wide variety of reserves and lodges offer ideal conditions for families, honeymooners and adventure seekers alike.

Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury South Africa safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in South Africa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
South Africa safari inspiration
Get inspired with our South Africa safari example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where to go in South Africa

Cape Town
Cape Town is an essential stop on any trip to South Africa. Table Mountain dominates the skyline, while the streets below are full of history, culture and buzzing bars and restaurants.
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Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains are an epic place to visit. Explore massive tabletops and ranges, ancient rock art sites and crashing waterfalls on hikes, zip lines and horse riding expeditions.
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Durban
Durban boasts a subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, as well as plenty of cultural and political importance as the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
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Eastern Cape Safaris
The Eastern Cape wins over visitors with its pristine coastline, accessible and malaria-free wildlife reserves, picturesque villages and surreal hinterlands.
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Johannesburg
This sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, but also an incredibly cool metropolis where art and culture thrive.
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KwaZulu Natal
Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Zulu’, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s most northeasterly coastal province, offers both fantastic safaris and abundant marine wildlife.
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Limpopo Province
Limpopo is characterised by majestic scenery, ancient landscapes and millions of hectares of protected land, where you can enjoy some of the country’s best horse riding safaris.
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Luxury Rail Travel
Travel through South Africa’s dramatic landscapes on a luxury train. Take in the scenery from the comfort of a stylish carriage, with stops for safaris and plenty of other adventures.
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Madikwe
Located in South Africa’s northwestern corner, Madikwe is a hidden gem for safari-goers. It’s also an optimal destination for families with young children as it’s a malaria-free area.
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Northern Kruger National Park
The northernmost section of the Kruger is a diverse and dramatic region that’s also wonderfully quiet, thanks to its remoteness and careful management as a community-run concession.
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Phinda
Phinda is a private reserve offering exclusivity, conservation-focused lodges and exciting wildlife experiences. Its proximity to the coast allows you to easily combine beach and bush.
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Pretoria
Located in the northern part of the Gauteng province, Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, featuring grand buildings, leafy green suburbs and wide, tree-lined streets.
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Sabi Sands
A private reserve spanning 65,000 hectares and bordering the Kruger, Sabi Sands promises exclusive safaris with no shortage of wildlife; think leopards, lions and wild dogs.
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The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a place of magnificent natural beauty, boasting small bays, pretty beaches and quaint towns. Green hills and forests meet a coastline that’s bursting with marine life.
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The Kalahari
The Kalahari showcases the massive diversity of South Africa’s landscapes. Desert species roam the arid plains, waiting for the rains to bring the land to life with a flurry of desert flowers.
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The Kruger
The Kruger is a world-famous national park for good reason. Wildlife is abundant, with especially large numbers of the Big Five, and luxury lodges offer sensational safari experiences.
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The Western Cape Mountains
These mountains span the northern and southern capes, including the Cederberg Mountains and most of the Karoo plateau, inviting you to embark on scenic road trips on Route 62.
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The Whale Coast
On the Atlantic shoreline of the Western Cape there’s a beautiful collection of bays, towns and villages where you can enjoy whale watching boat trips, fine restaurants and chic hotels.
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The Winelands
Pretty towns and villages punctuate the green rolling hills of South Africa’s wine region. Exquisite vineyards are complemented by gourmet dining and outdoor activities.
Discover moreWhen to visit South Africa for safaris
The best time for luxury safari tours in South Africa is the dry season (May–October). These months coincide with late autumn, winter and early spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect temperatures in the mid-20sºC (mid- to upper 70sºF) and low rainfall in the main safari areas, along with high wildlife visibility.
Although the green season (November–April) doesn’t offer ideal safari conditions, it does have some benefits. The rainy weather leads to lovely green landscapes, it’s the best time of year for birdwatching, and it’s when you’re most likely to see newborn animals since lots of species calve during this half of the year.

Peak safari season
June–August

Rainiest weather
December–February

Whale watching
June–December
South Africa travel guides
Plan your safari in South Africa
Whatever you want from your safari adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.


Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.




























