South Africa Safari is perfect for a ‘beach’ and ‘bush’ holiday. Why do we call it a ‘beach’ and ‘bush’ destination? Well! There are two components of South Africa Safari, beauty and wilderness.

For the ‘beach’ part, there are no shortages of them in South Africa. With the coastline extending over 2000 miles and facing two oceans, South Africa is home to no less than 46 Blue Flag beaches. Some are sandy bays known for sunbathing while others are known for their wildlife.

For the ‘bush’ component we have the Kruger National Park and other top-class private game reserves. The night drives, walking safaris, and off-road driving allow you close wildlife encounters. And, they also guarantee your sighting of the ‘Big Five.

In short, the two aspects of South Africa, its safari and beach holidays are a perfect combo for any adventure lover. So, why not consider making your South African Safari Trip exciting by complementing the thrills of game viewing with a relaxing beach holiday?

How Much Does A South African Safari Cost?

South African Safari Trip can be arranged on both a high and low budget.

If you want a budget tour, you can plan your Safari tour in a national park, like Kruger in South Africa, which are accessible to foreigners for a small fee; less than $ 25. South African National Parks also run inexpensive traditional camping sites in the area.

So, depending on the number of nights you spend in Safari, your costs can range from budget to mid-range and luxury and super-luxury.

We have given a table below showing the average cost of a safari for different price ranges for South African Private Safari.

What Is The Best Time To Visit South Africa For A Safari?

South Africa is a year-round destination. A Safari to South Africa is possible at any time as it offers game-viewing opportunities throughout the year.

However, An Africa Safari Specialist named Andrew, calls September the best month to travel to South Africa. According to him, September is the perfect blend as the weather is good everywhere, and sights include frolicking newborn games and breaching whales.

Let’s have an overview of the significant features of different places to see in South Africa throughout different seasons:

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is the most famous safari destination in South Africa. The reason people come to visit this park is to see the ‘Big Five’ which are Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Rhino.

Highlights

• You will come across a variety of wildlife living in the park including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, and 49 types of fish.
• You get to explore the vast stretches of landscape and the National Park while being saddled on an elephant.
• You get to see the Iron Age old site of Thulamela.
• Visit some of the cultural villages and see the lives of Bushmen.
• Going in for a hot air balloon ride while watching herds of animals. 

Phinda Private Game Reserve

The best thing about Phinda Private Game reserve is the closeness to South Africa’s coastline. So if you want to do anything more than just view the game, then you can also visit the beach in Northern KwaZulu-Natal which has some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches.

Highlights

• Its home to Big Five and other endangered animals.
• Phinda Private game reserve is the best place to see cheetahs.
• You can also see endangered black rhinos and turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches.
• Excellent place for bird watching with 436 species of birds living in the area.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is one the best conservation areas in Africa and one of the guarded secret places to see in South Africa.

Highlights

• It’s one of South Africa’s foremost Big Five malaria-free reserves.
• It is mainly a group of mountains and high plateaus.
• The favourite places to visit here are The Pilanesberg National Park and Johannesburg.
• This game reserve is famous for African wild dogs which are one of the rarest predators present in Africa.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has unique and diverse wildlife and is home to over 80 species of mammals. You will see some unusual creatures here which you won’t find in other parts of the continent.

Highlights

• Some incredible wildlife that is viewed in the Kalahari Vegetation is the black rhino, black-maned lions, cheetahs, meerkats, aardvarks, and pangolins.
• Tswalu is both malaria-free and family-friendly.
• Other attractions in The Reserve are sundowners on lantern-lit dunes, and Boma dining.

Eastern Cape Safari Parks

If you are planning an escape to the bushes, the Eastern Cape is an ideal place for you.

The Eastern Cape boasts about Big 5 game reserves with traditional villages, big smiles, and fewer crowds.  The Eastern Cape is a drive away from the seaside towns of Garden Route.

Highlights

• The tours in Eastern Cape range from Addo Elephant National Park to Garden Route tours.
• Shamwari Game Reserve is the longest private reserve in Eastern Cape. Its home to wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, and zebra.
• Kwande Game Reserve is known for its up-close opportunity to experience cheetahs.

After having a brief run-through of the bush components in South African Safari Vacation, let’s have a glance at the ‘beach’ part of it.

Cape Town

Cape Town is a perfect tourist destination for visitors worldwide. Its’ a coastal surprise and known for its sea and magnificent scenery.

With Table Mountain on one side and the beaches on the other, Cape Town is certainly a must-see place to see in South Africa.

Boulders’ Beach is the most unique beach along the Cape Point tour and is home to the endangered African Penguins.

Cape Town offers forests, beaches, gardens, mountains, oceans, and grasslands which is definitely worth your time while on South African Safari Trip.

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is used to refer to a small triangular area centered in the Western Cape of South Africa.

There are hundreds of wine farms around this place. World-class wines of South Africa have certainly started getting attention from tourists around the world.

Hermanus

Hermanus is a popular holiday town in South African Safari Vacation. It’s famous for its’ whale watching.

You will view beautiful oceans, and experience nature walks while in Hermanus.

Garden Route

Garden Route is one of Africa’s top tourism destinations. You can self-drive through the Garden Route and enjoy your experience.  

There are beautiful scenic views, and beaches throughout the route.

It’s less than a 3- hour drive from the St Blaze Hiking Trail in the west to Storms River Mouth in the eastern end.

Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town is popularly known for its rich history and gorgeous beaches.

The primary attraction of this place is the African Penguins residing on the beaches.

You can also enjoy shark cage diving here and even witness the Great White Shark breaching.

With all the above-mentioned major tourist attractive destinations of South Africa, no doubt South Africa is home to the most majestic and glorious places.

Besides, the scenic beauty at its Camp Bays and beaches will give you a relaxing holiday.  The coastal areas offer energetic aquatic activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing which will certainly help you rejuvenate. No matter where you go on a South African Safari Trip, you are going to get a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure.

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