South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty and extraordinary wildlife. It is one of the best countries for a safari. And there are many South Africa safari tours to choose from.
From vast savannas to lush wetlands, this diverse country offers you an array of magnificent landscapes. This is your backdrop to thrilling encounters with the world's most iconic animals.
Jump straight to the Top 10 South Africa Safari Tours
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Witness iconic lions prowling the grasslands, graceful giraffes grazing under the African sun, and mighty elephants roaming freely across the horizon.
We will mention these South Africa Safari Tours below – and we will include short video guides, tour summaries and the differences between experiences.
Where to go for the best safari experience?
South Africa is a land of extraordinary diversity and abundance. It’s truly fortunate to possess an exceptional amount of wildlife and incredible landscapes.
This captivating country offers you remarkable safari encounters. You have almost unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
With many different protected areas, including national parks and incredible private game reserves, you can enjoy an unforgettable journey in this remarkable country.
But where do you go to make the most of your safari experience? We will mention our recommendations below.
There are some celebrated areas for wildlife in South Africa. And these include fantastic private reserves. The best reserve have comfortable lodges to enjoy fantastic spectacles from the comfort of your suite.
The following South Africa safari destinations have been thoughtfully selected to ensure you make the most of your safari experience.
These tours offer luxury or comfort level accommodation and expertly guided expeditions into the reserves. Your safari is then accompanied by delicious cuisine and personalized service.
We have selected the top places for:
- Wildlife-rich Safari Experiences: These tours guarantee unforgettable encounters with South Africa's abundant and diverse wildlife. From the iconic "Big Five" to the smaller wildlife of colorful birds and honey badgers, prepare to be captivated by fantastic animals.
- Comfortable Suites: Each tour offers accommodation that seamlessly blends comfort with a harmonious connection to nature. Immerse yourself in the exquisite comfort of carefully designed lodges, ensuring a restful sleep after exhilarating safari adventures.
- Professional and Experienced Guides: Expert guides accompany you throughout your safari, sharing their extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and ecosystems. Their passion and expertise enhance your understanding and appreciation of the remarkable biodiversity surrounding you.
- Environmentally Responsible Practices: Environmental conservation is at the core of these tours. They respect the environment they work in and contribute to the preservation of South Africa's natural habitats.
The luxury safari tours in South Africa for the best wildlife
South Africa is home to an incredible assortment of African animals.
For example, the Dulini Moya Lodge, in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, offers one of the highest chances in Africa to see elusive leopards.
The Dulini Moya offers you luxury accommodation, delicious cuisine and personalized service in this incredible reserve.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve will be mentioned my most safari professionals as a top option for South Africa safari destinations.
The Sabi Sands, as the reserve is affectionately known, joined the private game reserves surrounding the famous Kruger National Park into one wildlife paradise of a protected area.
This incredible region is in fact part of the Great Kruger National Park region.
The Sabi Sands shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. The difference, however, is that a limited number of guests at the few lodges in the Sabi Sands have exclusive access. Also, the safari operators can venture off-road to give you the best wildlife sightings.
Not only this, but because of sensitive viewing practices and the high protection, some animals (notably leopards) are far more easily observed than in other South African areas.
Click the short video below for an introduction to the Dulini Moya.
[t_video image_filename="Dulini-Moya-Lodge" video_url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOrka-up4vI" ]
In addition to the Dulini Moya, there are some other lodges offering the same high standard of comfort, service and guiding. These include the Dulini River Lodge and Leadwood Lodge.
You can find these in the same wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve offering almost incomparable experiences of the Big 5.
The Dulini River Lodge, as the name suggests, is positioned a little closer to the Sand River, which gave the name to the reserve. Designed with couples, solo adventurers, and small groups in mind, this is another recommendation for your South Africa safari tour.
And if you’d like a little more exclusivity, there is the Dulini Leadwood Lodge.
You will find the Dulini Leadwood Lodge in the same region as the Dulini River Lodge. However, this luxury safari lodge offers only four spacious and exclusive suites. This gives you a little more privacy and exclusivity in the Sabi Sands.
The Dulini Moya Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaPositioned in the world renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the Dulini Moya Lodge offers you the romance and sense of wonder of a traditional Afric...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ person
The Dulini River Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaExperience luxury in the heart of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich region with a safari from Dulini River Lodge. Perched over the Sand River in ...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ person
The Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaThe Dulini Leadwood offers you a luxurious safari lodge at the confluence of Sand and Mabrak rivers in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Nature Reserve....
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ personFor a comfort-level option with the same incredible wildlife, game drives and wilderness walks there is the Inyati Game Lodge.
Click the video below for a quick introduction.
[t_video image_filename="Inyati-Game-Lodge" video_url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlZPiXk2jds" ]
Nestled in the heart of Sabi Sands, Inyati Game Lodge offers an unforgettable African safari experience that goes beyond the iconic Big 5.
Venture into the untamed wilderness and spot magnificent cheetahs, graceful giraffes, striped zebras, elusive wild dogs, and a myriad of antelope species. Your stay at Inyati is characterized by comfort and warmth, with cozy family chalets and standard chalets providing a peaceful sanctuary.
Each chalet boasts tasteful decor and mesmerizing views of the African bush and Sand River, ensuring that every moment is steeped in natural beauty. Immerse yourself in a range of activities, from guided bush walks and stargazing to fishing and cultural encounters.
Of course, exhilarating game drives remain the highlight, where you can witness the wonders of the wild up close. And after a day filled with adventure, unwind by the lodge's inviting pool or in the relaxing lounge area. Savor mouth-watering meals complemented by excellent South African wines, completing a truly enchanting safari experience at Inyati Game Lodge.
The Inyati Game Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaExperience an unforgettable African safari at Inyati Game Lodge. Nestled in the western section of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, enjoy some of the bes...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 1,469
/ personTop Safari Tours for the Madikwe Reserve
Madikwe is a fantastic 80,000 hectare Big-5, wildlife-rich reserve in South Africa. And there are 3 safari tours we recommend for your experience.
Jaci’s Tree Lodge
Jaci's Tree Lodge is a remarkable destination that seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of the Madikwe Reserve.
The lodge itself is part of the experience. The elevated design makes it seem like you are part of the surrounding forest. This creates a fantastic contrast after your day-time experiences exploring the grasslands.
From the comfortable lodge, you will explore this incredible reserve on captivating twice-daily game drives. You will be scouting for the reserve’s incredible animal sightings. In addition to game drives, you can enjoy walking safaris for a more immersive experience.
As well as iconic lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino, you can find African wild dogs, cheetahs, brown and spotted hyenas, giraffes, hippos, and numerous antelope species. There are also porcupines, warthogs, servals, baboons and over 350 bird species to find.
As a point of note, you will find the rhinos in the Madikwe all have their horns intact, which you will find in few other South African reserves. This is due to the less invasive (but effective) protection methods in the Madikwe.
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Offering the same exciting experiences of the reserve as Jacis Tree Lodge above, including the walking safaris and game drives, the Safari Lodge is located in a more open area on the grasslands.
In addition to your comfortable suite, enjoy a spacious and open-plan lounge, beautiful copper fireplace, a bar and dining areas. The Thutlwa Lookout then provides a comfortable place to watch iconic animals in comfort in addition to your safaris.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Jacis Starbed Suites
For an incredible romantic getaway in the reserve, you can choose the Starbed Suites.
Located in the same location, the suites offer two beds, with one in the open to sleep watching the incredible star-studded African sky. Enjoy the same delicious cuisine as the other lodges, the twice-daily Madikwe Reserve game drives and the immersive walking safaris.
Jaci’s Starbed Suites
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Top Safari Tours for the mFulaWozi Reserve, South Africa
The mFulaWozi initiative started when several Zulu chiefs from the Shaka dynasty agreed to open up 16,000 hectares of pristine African bushveld to visitors to share this incredible region.
The incredible destination offers tourists rich culture, wildlife and history. And the strong attractions visitors have had to the region has helped local communities through infrastructure, education, and employment. This ultimately helps to preserve the wildlife and wilderness for future generations.
mFulaWozi is home to roughly 1,200 plant species, 84 distinct mammal species, and over 400 bird species. It is a nature lover’s and wildlife photographer's paradise.
You can find all the favorites of elephants, lions, rhino, buffalo and leopards. With these famous Big 5, you can find Nile crocodiles, giraffes, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, honey badgers, mongoose and more.
There are two very comfortable lodges to enjoy this region. These are:
Both experiences include guided tours to take you out on two daily game drives, as well as walking safaris to enjoy the region and wildlife. Enjoy delicious meals, comfortable accommodation and spectacular views of the mFulaWozi region.
Check availability for your travel dates by sending the lodges a request using their tour bubbles below.
The Biyela Lodge
Richards Bay, South AfricaYou will find the Biyela Lodge in the middle of the wildlife-rich mFulaWozi Reserve. Offering you a comfortable and exciting safari experience, th...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 1,073
/ person
The Mthembu Lodge
Richards Bay, South AfricaAt Mthembu Lodge, you will discover the awe-inspiring history and natural beauty of a region and culture with over five hundred years of tradition...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 947
/ personA coastal lodge in South Africa
For a different type of lodge experience, if you’re traveling on the Garden Route or would like a coastal experience in addition to your safari tours, we recommend the Mosaic Lagoon Lodge.
Enjoy beautiful views and guided tours from this comfortable lodge. The view from your suite has to be seen to be believed. And being positioned on the Cape Whale Coast, you can enjoy the included whale watching tours. Other activities offered at the lodge include boat cruises, shark cage diving, and quad biking tours.
The Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
The Top South Africa Safari Tours - Summary
And here is our selection of the top Safari Tours in South Africa:
-
3, 4 days+
The Dulini Moya Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaPositioned in the world renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the Dulini Moya Lodge offers you the romance and sense of wonder of a traditional Afric...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ person -
3, 4 days+
The Dulini River Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaExperience luxury in the heart of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich region with a safari from Dulini River Lodge. Perched over the Sand River in ...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ person -
3, 4 days+
The Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaThe Dulini Leadwood offers you a luxurious safari lodge at the confluence of Sand and Mabrak rivers in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Nature Reserve....
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 3,075
/ person -
Jaci's Tree Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable -
3, 4 days+
The Inyati Game Lodge
Johannesburg, South AfricaExperience an unforgettable African safari at Inyati Game Lodge. Nestled in the western section of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, enjoy some of the bes...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 1,469
/ person -
Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable -
Jaci’s Starbed Suites
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable -
3, 4 days+
The Biyela Lodge
Richards Bay, South AfricaYou will find the Biyela Lodge in the middle of the wildlife-rich mFulaWozi Reserve. Offering you a comfortable and exciting safari experience, th...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 1,073
/ person -
3, 4 days+
The Mthembu Lodge
Richards Bay, South AfricaAt Mthembu Lodge, you will discover the awe-inspiring history and natural beauty of a region and culture with over five hundred years of tradition...
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris
From $ 947
/ person -
The Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable
Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.