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South Africa Safaris & ToursFrom Cape Town to Kruger, discover South Africa on an escorted safari tour

South Africa overland safaris

Our selection of overland safaris are a great way to take in the wildlife and beautiful landscapes of South Africa. Ranging in length from 4 days to 2 months, you can explore the country alongside many of its neighbours, from Namibia and Botswana all the way up to Kenya and Tanzania. On our camping safaris you will sleep on a roll mat in two-man tents, helping to set up camp, cook and clean up. Travelling in a fully equipped overland truck with the services of an experienced two-person crew. These escorted tours are stacked with game drives - perfect for those looking for the best wildlife encounters. On the majority of tours we also offer an accommodated upgrade. On these tours you'll still travel with those on the camping safari and help with camp chores, but you'll stay in budget accommodation at the campsites, rather than in tents.

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Step into South Africa

Where vast plains of wilderness meet vibrant cities and rich cultures. Experience authentic South Africa on an award-winning package tour or safari. Book today!

South Africa. A lively nation of diverse people, thrilling wildlife, and distinct landscapes. A captivating destination for any adventurer. Game reserves to vineyards. Cosmopolitan cities to coastal roads. Table top mountains to bays of the Indian Ocean.

Our South Africa trips and safaris are led by expert guides. And they know South Africa. The best spots for elephant sightings. The tastiest food in Cape Town. The most idyllic beaches.

South Africa is the ultimate adventure destination. Along the Garden Route, you'll find picturesque towns, golden beaches, dramatic cave systems, inland lagoons, ancient forests, and a wide selection of outdoor pursuits. In the Eastern Cape, there's the world-famous Kruger ecosystem, where game drives reveal an unparalleled variety and density of Africa's most famous animals including the Big Five. South Africa's award-winning wines can be enjoyed in and around the extremely photogenic city of Cape Town, backed by the dramatic flat peak of Table Mountain, facing Cape Point and the undulating ocean.

We'll show you the way to authentic South Africa, leaving no stone unturned. It's why we win British Travel Awards. And it's why you can be confident you'll return home with life-long memories.

South Africa lodge & accommodated tours

Whether you're heading along the coastal Garden Route, riding to the top of Table Mountain, or searching for the Big Five on a bucket list safari experience, you'll do so knowing you have a comfortable bed and plenty of amenities to look forward to at the end of the day, on our small group accommodated safaris. Accommodation ranges from simple chalets to beautiful mid-range lodges, dependent on the tour. You can find out more by browsing our tour pages.

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South Africa comfort camping safaris

Our comfort camping safaris are ideal for the over 40s and also welcome families with children aged 10 and above. On these overland safaris you can sit back and relax as your experienced three-person crew sets up camp, prepares your meals and cleans up, so you don't need to lift a finger. In addition, you’ll enjoy the comfort of sleeping on a camp bed rather than a roll mat and benefit from at least three nights in a hotel, including the first and last night of the tour. These are small group safaris (maximum size of 16), escorted by a licensed African guide.

South Africa private safaris & tours

Our private safaris and package tours are a great option if you'd prefer to travel just with your family and friends. Whether you're looking to take in the country's coastal Garden Route on a self-drive adventure, or wish to combine Cape Town with a Kruger National Park safari, we're sure to have the private South Africa trip for you.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to tour South Africa?

There are many different ways to tour South Africa, but the most popular is overlanding. Overland tours tend to be cheaper than the alternatives and they allow you to enjoy an authentic adventure, pitching in with the cooking at camp and enjoying crossing the dramatic landscapes of South Africa in a specialist vehicle. On our overland tours, you can choose to camp or upgrade to simple accommodation instead. We also offer a selection of lodge safaris and tours taking in the stunning Garden Route, along the country's south coast.

Will I see the Big Five on my South Africa safari?

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When is the best time to go to South Africa?

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Spotting the Big Five on safari in South Africa

Lions in South Africa

Here's everything you need to know about the Big Five in South Africa, including population information and the best national parks to spot each species on your South Africa tour.

Lion

Population: 2,300
Where to see them: Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Gondwana Game Reserve

South Africa is one of just a handful of African countries with a stable population of lions, though the wild population is still significantly smaller than the captive lion population. You will only see truly wild and free lions on tour with us.

Elephants in South Africa

Elephant

Population: 10,000
Where to see them: Addo Elephant National Park, Kruger National Park

Despite many threats, elephant populations in South Africa have recovered from a historic low of just a few hundred to around 10,000.

Leopard in South Africa

Leopard

Population: 3,000 - 11,000
Where to see them: Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park

Leopards are elusive so populations are hard to estimate. Numbers are thought to be declining but there are stable populations in many protected areas. Leopards are very versatile and there is scope for recovery if habitat is preserved and restored.

Rhinos in South Africa

Rhino

White rhino population: 15,000 - 18,000
Black rhino population: 2,000
Where to see white rhinos: Kruger National Park, Shamwari Game Reserve
Where to see black rhinos: Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park

Although South Africa is home to more rhinos than many countries, numbers in Kruger have declined dramatically in recent years due to poaching. Wildlife officials are working hard to combat poaching, and the resumption of tourism should help.

Buffalo in South Africa

Buffalo

Population: Unknown, but it is a common species
Where to see them: Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park

The most common of the Big Five, buffalo are also regarded as the most dangerous animal in Africa! Buffalo are notoriously aggressive and unpredictable, roaming the plains in large herds - they will probably be the first member of the Big Five you will spot on safari.

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The best of our South Africa trips

South Africa, the Rainbow Nation, is an incredibly diverse country. Modern cities like Cape Town boast beautiful beaches and amazing culture. The Garden Route is as scenic as it gets anywhere in the world, and Greater Kruger National Park is home to some of the world's most iconic animals. There's more stunning scenery in the Drakensberg Mountains and the independent but surrounded mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini. Plus, you'll definitely want to try wine tastings in the Cape Winelands. Here are some of our top destinations and the best hidden gems you can explore with a South Africa tour.

Knysna

Possibly the most picturesque location along the Garden Route, coastal Knysna is located next to shimmering Knysna Lagoon and is well-known for The Heads, two rugged sandstone formations that attract thousands of visitors. It's a great spot to unwind for a couple of days.

Drakensberg

A great location for hiking and breathing in lungfuls of clean mountain air, Drakensberg is another classic example of South African scenery. Sweeping through the country for hundreds of miles, it's a location you won't want to miss on your trip.

iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Protected by UNESCO and another of the country's finest wildlife destinations, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park comprises a huge wetland area teeming with life, plus numerous other intact ecosystems including beach, bush, and forest. Whale watching is possible at the coast and birdlife is in abundance, with more than 500 species recorded here.

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