South Africa safari holidays

Kruger National Park is a popular choice for South Africa safari holidays. And it’s arguably the best. Situated in the northeast corner of the country, on the Mozambique border, this iconic game reserve is one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations in the world. It’s home to more species of mammal than any other African game reserve, with 147 having been recorded within its borders. These include all of the Big Five, plus cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and zebras, amongst many others. And with more than 500 different avian species known to reside here, the birdlife is another big draw.

Despite spanning a whopping 19,485 square kilometers, and covering no fewer than six ecosystems, Kruger’s vast network of roads makes it one of the most accessible game reserves in South Africa. It’s an ideal destination for a self-drive safari – although guided game drives are of course also available.

Just an hour north of Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park offers the best wildlife experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. It was established in 1931 to protect the 11 elephants left in the area at the time. Today, there are more than 600 of them, making it home to one of the densest populations of African Elephants on earth. The park has grown to become the third-largest national park in South Africa and now encompasses an off-shore marine reserve, which includes St. Croix Island and Bird Island – both important breeding grounds for gannets and penguins.

Addo Elephant Park’s coastal location has helped make it unique, and one of the top destinations for safari holidays in South Africa. This is because it’s the only place in the world where you can see Africa’s Big Seven – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, plus southern right whales and great white sharks – in their natural habitat.

If you’re looking for luxurious safari holidays in South Africa, this private game reserve should certainly be on your list. Located in the Eastern Cape, in an area historically rich in wildlife, Shamwari Game Reserve has a strong focus on conservation. For the past 25 years, the Shamwari Wildlife Department has tried to repair the damage done by hunting and farming practices, which led to many species being eradicated. Responsible management means the land has once again become a functioning ecosystem, with many wild animal species increasing in number and other locally-extinct species having been reintroduced.

As well as offering safari game drives and guided bushwalks, Shamwari Game Reserve runs a wildlife rehabilitation centre and big cat rescue centres in partnership with the charity Born Free. The accommodation here is some of the best you’ll find on any South Africa safari holiday, and Shamwari Game Reserve’s compact size means it has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Eastern Cape.

South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of those in the UK – summer runs from December to March, while winter occurs between June and August. You’ll need to plan your safari trip carefully, for the best possible chances of seeing the ‘Big Five’ and other wildlife.

If you’re planning to go on safari in one of the Eastern Cape game reserves, summer is the best time to go. During these long, hot days, the animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. This is also a great time to see more of South Africa, if you fancy visiting Cape Town or driving along the Garden Route.

Meanwhile, further north, Kruger National Park is a year-round destination. But the dry season – May to September – is the best time to go on safari here. The animals are easier to see at this time of year, as the vegetation is very sparse.