South Africa's best wildlife safaris
The question “What is the best wildlife safari in South Africa?" is hard to answer; the range of possibilities is extraordinary. From tracking cheetah on foot, to whale watching, to excellent birding, there is an outstanding variety of ways to explore wildlife in South Africa.
The best wildlife safaris on dry land
For 'classic' wildlife safaris with great game viewing and a real sense of wilderness head to the vast 38,000km² of red Kalahari dunes in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It is the best wildlife safari park in Africa for meerkats, and also notably good for cheetah. Wildlife safari experiences in the Kgalagadi are best for experienced Africa travellers as part of a self-drive safari; we don't think this park works well for brief visits.
Whilst elephants are usually absent from the Kgalagadi, they're common in the more accessible Addo Elephant Park - and the scattering of good, malaria-free private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. These include the well-known Shamwari, lesser-known spots like Kariega, and the excellent Kwandwe. These reserves appeal most to young families, as this area is not regarded as malarial. Samara Game Reserve is similar, and here the studying of endangered species is a real objective.
The best marine wildlife-watching
For whale-watching, Hermanus is undoubtedly the best destination in Africa. Come from August to November, when southern right whales migrate here to mate, calve and rear their young - and can often be seen from boats or cliff-top walks.
Best camps & lodges for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
Ocean Eleven
Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to watch whales, either from the shore or by boat. The southern right whale can usually be seen between June and November. Humpback whales, African penguins, dolphins, great white sharks and Cape fur seals can also be viewed here.
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
Ta Shebube Rooiputs' proximity to the Nossob’s dry riverbed offers arguably some of the best wildlife safaris in South Africa. Expect dry-country antelope and predators like black-maned Kalahari lion, leopard, wildcat and cheetah – for which the park is particularly well known.
Ecca Lodge
From the family-friendly Ecca Lodge you can go on 4WD wildlife safaris and guided walks in the Kwandwe Game Reserve. You have a good chance of seeing rhino, as well as lion and cheetah. Even small children can participate in spoor tracking or drives to see hazard-free wildlife.
Melton Manor
At the private villa Melton Manor in South Africa you can tailor your wildlife safaris completely around your interests, as it comes fully staffed, including a private guide, and with a 4WD vehicle. Kwandwe Game Reserve is notable for high-quality guiding and large mammals.
Great Fish River Lodge
Great Fish River Lodge is a comfortable, elegant base from where to explore the Kwandwe Reserve, which hosts a good range of large mammals including the famous ‘big five’. Guiding standards are very high in Kwandwe, partly thanks to the reserve’s own training programmes.
Addo Main Camp
Addo Main Camp offers both guided 4WD safaris and a self-drive base. Its biggest attraction are the park’s very relaxed elephants, whilst other game includes endless zebra, kudu and warthog. It’s good, but don’t expect the most game-rich wildlife safari in South Africa.
Mata Mata Rest Camp
These days the number of visitors to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is increasing, especially from South Africa. However, they are still relatively low, especially in comparison to places like Kruger – making it a fantastic place for game viewing without the crowds.
River Bend Lodge
At River Bend you can choose between wildlife safaris in the lodge’s private concession, tailored to guests’ interests and schedules, and self-drives in South Africa’s Addo Park. This has a high density of elephants and many kudu, warthog, Burchell’s zebra and eland.
Garden Lodge
Though not the most obvious place for a wildlife safari in South Africa, in season Grootbos is a superb base for observing southern right whales from the shore as well as from boats. You may also spot dolphins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals and African penguins.
Twee Rivieren
The Kgalagadi gets relatively few visitors, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the masses. Springbok, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, eland and red hartebeest can be found here, whilst meerkats, giraffe, leopards, and black-maned lions are also regularly seen.
Molopo Lodge
The Kgalagadi NP is inhabited by a large variety of antelope including hartebeest, gemsbok and eland. Wildebeest, lion and African wild cat can be found and if you are lucky leopard, brown and spotted hyena. This is also a good place to see the endearing meerkat.
Uplands Homestead
South Africa’s Kwandwe Reserve has good wildlife densities and excellent guiding. Here the historic Uplands Homestead is a private home which now includes modern amenities. A private 4WD and safari guide enables wildlife safaris to be tailored to your wishes.
Gorah Elephant Camp
The luxurious tented Gorah Camp in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is ideally located for watching elephants: directly opposite a waterhole. In the adjacent Addo National Park you can go on guided 4WD wildlife safaris or self-drive through the wildlife area.
Ta Shebube Polentswa
The over 60 mammal species reported in the KTP include good populations of predators and antelope. Spotlit night game drives to the private concession’s waterhole might allow you to see elusive nocturnal species like leopard or aardvark.
Karoo Lodge
Samara doesn’t have the highest game densities for a wildlife safari in South Africa. However, Samara does have a high density of aardvarks – giving this reserve an enviable record for sightings of these very elusive, nocturnal mammals.
Camp Fig Tree
At Camp Fig Tree in South Africa, choose between self-driving into Addo, guided 4WD wildlife safaris to the park, or walks on the camp’s private concession. The wildlife on the concession is limited, but the vegetation is lovely.
Forest Lodge
Grootbos has its own water-based ‘Big 5’ which can be observed either by boat or from the shore. You may see African penguins, dolphins, Cape fur seals, right southern whales and even great white sharks.
The Marine
Perched on the cliff top overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, where southern right whales come to breed between July and October, The Marine is the perfect base for whale watching in South Africa.
Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in South Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,925 sightings from 3,516 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,188 sightings from 3,609 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,180 sightings from 4,595 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,541 sightings from 2,207 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,030 sightings from 4,695 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
90% SUCCESS
3,046 sightings from 3,403 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,473 sightings from 4,531 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
282 sightings from 1,778 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,234 sightings from 4,757 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,459 sightings from 4,276 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
707 sightings from 2,332 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
569 sightings from 1,328 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,005 sightings from 3,130 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,820 sightings from 4,202 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 3,804 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,758 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,651 sightings from 3,370 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
20% SUCCESS
95 sightings from 470 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,394 sightings from 5,228 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
581 sightings from 2,341 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
555 sightings from 2,357 observations
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