Written by Lauren Maker
South Africa is famous for its incredible wildlife, world-renowned Big 5 safaris, and over 560 species of birds to tick off your twitcher list!
If you’re looking for the ultimate South African safari for 2022, then look no further.
Whether you’re looking for a southern Kalahari safari, a classic savannah adventure or a forested escape, here is our list of top luxury safari destinations in South Africa that cover this sensational country from top to bottom.
KALAHARI DESERT
Situated on the borders of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana is the Kalahari, stretching for miles across red dunes and grassy knolls. Here you’ll find one of the most unique experiences when visiting South Africa, Tswalu Private Game Reserve, which stretches 420 miles across a pure, untouched wilderness.
If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-track safari, then Tswalu is it! The Korannaberg Mountains surround the grassy, red sand dunes that ripple on the horizon, really offering you unbelievable wilderness on a huge scale. The Kalahari ecosystem is charming yet sophisticated. Wildlife sightings are full of rare and endangered species and nocturnal, mysterious creatures, as well as dry savannah professionals adapted to extreme temperatures. You’ll be treated to pangolin tracking, spending the morning with the local habituated meerkats, horse riding across the dunes, star gazing and nature walks. This is a malaria-free area, so it’s perfect for families, yet the romance of the Kalahari appeals to honeymooners.
On a typical Tswalu safari, you are truly treated to time and space.
HOW TO GET THERE: An easy 2hr flight from either Cape Town or Johannesburg onboard a scheduled light aircraft will get you there.
HIGHLIGHTS : Klein Jan Restaurant
Our very own Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has opened a journey of South African cuisine in the heart of the Kalahari. Without giving too much away, Tswalu loves to tell stories, and this dining experience takes you through authentic flavours, heritage foods keeping you on your toes to the final course…
RECOMMENDED TRIP: Cape, Cederberg & Kalahari Wellness Safari
SABI SANDS
The prolific Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park, sharing an unfenced border and allowing animals and birds to move freely between the reserves. The Sabi Sands is home to 500 bird species and is known to be a premier game-watching destination. From the Big 5 to a large variety of antelope, and other predators like cheetah and wildlife, your experiences here are sure to be unforgettable.
The rangers have worked in this area for many years and know exactly where to find the magic! Highly trained and with a passion for the bushveld, the rangers and guides are a key part of your Kruger safari. Some of the most luxurious lodges in South Africa are found in the Sabi Sands, and this is also the top destination in which to spot the big cats.
HOW TO GET THERE : This is an easy flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg, and takes two hours on a scheduled flight into Skukuza Airport, and a road transfer to your lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS: Viewing the Big 5 and other predators.
For most people staying a few nights in the Sabi Sands, sightings of all members of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) is quite possible, and if you’re lucky you may see a pack of wild dogs, and a cheetah or two!
RECOMMENDED TRIPS:
- Discover More of Southern Africa,
- Romantic Kruger Safari & Mozambique Beach Honeymoon
- Classic Cape Town & Family Safari
MADIKWE
Located in South Africa’s North West Province, you’ll find Madikwe Game Reserve, an exciting conservation story of success. Here you’ll find thriving populations of black and white rhino, as well as wild dog packs, and of course – the Big 5. Madikwe’s landscape is characterized by rocky outcrops and vast open grasslands, surrounded by the striking Dwasberg Mountain Range.
This malaria-free reserve offers both luxurious, romantic accommodation and family-friendly lodges and even private safari villas where you and your family can enjoy the bushveld.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take a short charter flight from Johannesburg, or a road transfer which takes about 5 hours.
HIGHLIGHTS : On a Madikwe safari, you will be in one of the best places in the country to see the highly endangered African wild dog.
RECOMMENDED TRIPS:
TIMBAVATI
The Timbavati Private Game Reserve is found on the Kruger National Park’s unfenced western boundary and shares a border with Thornybush Game Reserve. The Timbavati is a 53 000-hectare private nature reserve ranked among the region’s most accomplished conservation stories, and is well known for its reoccurring white lion population. The Timbavati offers a classic Big 5 experience.
Experience guided morning and late afternoon game drives with expert game rangers, who will even take you off-road for close sightings! These are the best times to see the wild wake up, and nocturnal animals come out to hunt. The Timbavati has a half a dozen luxury lodges, perfect for couples and romantic getaways. With over 360 species of bird reported in the area, it is also an ideal destination for birdwatchers.
HOW TO GET THERE : Take a scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport where you will be transferred to your lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS: Keep an eye out for the white lions of the Timbavati!
RECOMMENDED TRIPS:
PHINDA GAME RESERVE
Phinda Private Game Reserve comprises a spectacular 28,555 hectares (70 560 acres) of protected wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With a variety of landscapes that include grassland, woodland, wetland and forest, the game-viewing experiences are unique, as is the fact that the reserve is situated close to the beaches and reefs of the Indian Ocean – making Phinda ideal for safari and beach getaways.
Phinda’s name means ‘return to the wild,’ and signifies the conservation philosophy of the reserve, which is research alongside the ecotourism activities. As a guest at Phina, you may even get the chance to do your bit and engage in rhion and pangolin conservation encounters.
HOW TO GET THERE : Fly into Durban in KwaZulu Natal, and be transferred by road to the reserve, which takes about 3 hours. Or charter a flight into the reserve, from either Johannesburg or Cape Town.
HIGHLIGHTS : Become part of the rhino or pangolin conservation research, monitoring these endangered species during your stay.
RECOMMENDED TRIP:
If a South African safari is on your list, then chat to one of our experienced Travel Planners today. With years of travel and safari experience under their belt, you can be assured that your 2022 African safari will be a success from start to finish!
