What to expect on a safari in South Africa?

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What to expect on a safari in South Africa? A fantastic safari destination with epic wildlife viewing, a beautifully diverse country and a trip of a life time!

South Africa is one of the most iconic safari destinations and with good reason. South Africa is home to the Big 5, has so many wonderful parks to choose from and so many adventures to experience! It’s a destination you will want to return to time and time again!

National Parks & Game Reserves in South Africa

South Africa boasts phenomenal parks and reserves that are home to the Big 5, including the iconic Kruger National Park and renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve! South Africa also has a number of ‘malaria-free’ reserves, a great option for families!

The iconic Kruger National Park is located in the Eastern Region of South Africa and is one of the most popular parks to visit on an African safari. National parks are usually open to the public and allow day visitors so expect these areas to busy.

Private Game Reserves offer a more exclusive safari experience and often incredible wildlife viewing! They are not usually open to the public and only cater for guests staying within lodges in the park.

Madikwe Game Reserve is a true hidden gem and one of the best places to see wild dogs in South Africa. Not only is Madikwe Game Reserve a ‘malaria-free’ park, it’s one of the quieter reserves making it a fantastic option for a safari! Sabi Sands Game Reserve has the reputation of the most exclusive Reserve in the Greater Kruger area. It boasts magnificent wildlife viewing and is famed for its numerous leopard sightings!

How to book a safari in South Africa?

The most common way to book a safari in South Africa is either to book directly through the lodge you would like to stay at or book through a local safari company.

You can book through the big ‘well known’ and popular travel agents, BUT, you will be paying a premium to do it this way as they are a third party company and it’s usually more expensive. We love booking experiences locally to support sustainable tourism.

We would recommend if booking with a local lodge or company that you check their cancellation policies, check any licenses they may hold, check Google reviews and Trip Advisor reviews and check they have recognised methods of payments that you are comfortable with.

The Game Drives

If staying in a lodge within a park, the game drives are usually run by the lodge that you are staying at. The accommodation price usually includes the cost of all game drives. If you have not booked a package that includes game drives, you will be able to book these separately through various companies.

You usually embark on two game drives per day lasting around 3 hours each! One early in the morning and one during late afternoon as these are the times the wildlife is most active. Game drives are typically shared experiences, where you’ll join other guests from your accommodation.

TOP TIP: If you are able to, try to arrive at your lodge in time for the afternoon game drive! Aim to leave your lodge after the morning game drive to maximise your game drives!

Trained safari guides run the game drives and can spot and track wildlife. They will teach you all about the wonderful wildlife encounters you may experience! Don’t forget to ask lots of questions, they have so much knowledge!

The safari vehicles in South Africa tend to be ‘open’ trucks giving you an epic safari experience! Some vehicles don’t have a roof, so bear this in mind as you may not be protected from the sun or rain during the drives.

Safari accommodation

In South Africa, the most popular type of accommodation to book is a safari lodge located within the park you wish to visit! This is arguably the best way to experience a safari! Lodges range from budget all the way to luxurious, so there is usually something to suit everyone’s budget!

Lodges vary in size, with some intimate lodges only having 6 rooms and others having a lot more, therefore more guests. Try to opt for a lodge with a small number of rooms if you want a more intimate experience. In private game reserves, a lot of lodges have fences around them, although they are usually disguised from the guests! Most lodges will offer a fully inclusive rate for beautiful accommodation, all game drives and all meals. The lodges really go above and beyond in South Africa to make sure you have the most wonderful experience!

We would recommend a minimum of a three night stay to really enjoy your safari experience. This will enable you to relax, make the most of the game drives and really enjoy an authentic safari experience!

TOP TIP! We would highly recommend booking a lodge that overlooks a watering hole and has an underground hide. It’s a fantastic way to observe the wildlife when you aren’t out on the game drives! After all, who wouldn’t want to be lounging by a pool whilst watching a herd of elephants nearby….. it’s the wildlife you are there to see right?!

A day on safari in South Africa

Days typically start with an early morning wake up call! Remember this is the best time to see the wildlife! Grab yourself a coffee and pastry before you embark on your first game drive of the day. Watching the sun rise in the African bush is unlike anything you will ever experience!

Spend the morning spotting wildlife around the park and stop for a late morning coffee or cup of Rooibos tea! (A local South African tea meaning ‘red bush’). You literally stop in the middle of the bush… and yes, you do get out of the truck in the middle of the bush!! It’s an experience like no other!

Head back to the lodge late morning where you will be welcomed by a big hot breakfast. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst overlooking the African bush.

Make the most of your free time by relaxing by the pool or watch wildlife by the watering hole. Have a nap or hit the gym… the time is yours to relax!

In the afternoon, have a light lunch before heading out on your second game drive of the day. Witness some incredible wildlife sightings and stop for the all important ‘South African sun downer’ with a tipple of your choice! You should try a glass of Amarula! (a creamy South African spirit). A South African sundowner in the middle of the African bush is always a highlight of a safari trip!

Arriving back at the lodge, it’ll be time for a beautiful dinner and some relaxed drinks at the bar! Lodges have a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. Before long it will be time to head to bed to get some rest before your next early morning wake up call!

Are you ready to start planning your safari to South Africa? Drop us a comment below with any questions!

Interested in a safari in Tanzania? Check out our other blogs for Tanzanian safaris!