The Guide to Safari in South Africa
Which reserve to choose? Is it a private or government reserve? The information is here:
Private reserves and safari accommodations with a discount through us
South Africa boasts a large number of nature reserves with an abundance of animals.
The famous and largest reserve is the Kruger Park .
Other government reserves are Pilsensberg, Shlishelvi and Edo, and there are a large number of private reserves in Kruger, on the Garden Road, in the Port Elizabeth area, near the border with Botswana, and more.
You can also take a short flight to Victoria Falls, at reasonable flight prices, and there visit the Chubi Reserve in Botswana , which includes a spectacular river safari.
Private or government safari?
Private safari reserves
In the private safari reserves in South Africa, the accommodation is of a high standard, including 3 meals a day, and at least two tours a day. The guides are usually excellent (they are not civil servants), there are fewer visitors and you can go down to the field and follow the animals.
In the Kruger there are private reserves that are part of the Kruger and there are no fences between them and the government reserve, and there are reserves that are completely separated from the government reserve.
If you are on a honeymoon or with a high budget, ant on the private reserves.
Government Safari Reserves
Advantages: the cost is usually lower than that of the private reserves and you can drive independently.
Disadvantages: The accommodation is simple and not cheap, and it is forbidden to deviate from the roads or get out of the vehicle. Lions are usually not approached in government reserves like in private reserves.
Accommodation outside the reserves and daily entry to the safari
Here you get good value for money in pampering places, but please note: the entrance fee to Kroger is paid per day and not per night when sleeping outside the reserve.
You can spend the night at the entrance to the reserve and thus enjoy pampering places at reasonable prices. In many tours there is no entrance fee to the reserve.
The cost of safari tours in Kruger
Daily tour about 1100 rand per person (up to 7 people on the tour)
Private tour about 4800 rand for half a day (up to 10 people)
6800 full day (up to 10 people)
You can also do a morning + afternoon tour with a long break in the middle of the day – recommended!
The cost of safari tours in Chubi in Botswana (about two hours drive from Victoria Falls)
Safari in Chobi Reserve in Botswana – departure from Victoria Falls – cost: 170 dollars
Day tours that include car safari, boat safari on the Chubi River, lunch, pick-up and return to the hotel in Victoria Falls.
Our advice – staying in the Chubi area is worthwhile and there is an airport from there with flights to South Africa.
What is the added value of a safari guide over self-driving?
On a customized safari vehicle tour with a professional guide, you will be surprised to find animals before dawn. The guide knows where to look for them, and is in radio contact with other guides who keep each other updated on the location of the animals.
In the early morning, watching the predators is best during these hours. During the hot part of the day the animals often hide under trees or bushes and are less easy to spot.
Our tip is to wake up early for the tour in the morning, return to the camp for a late breakfast and a long lunch break, and in the late afternoon enjoy another driving tour in search of wildlife.
The best times for a safari are early morning between 5:30 and 9:30 and late afternoon between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.
What to bring for safari tours?
Binoculars, water, snacks and fruit, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and guide books about animals and birds.
Night safari
Night tours (usually between 20:00 and 22:00) allow you to observe the predators from a different angle, since many of them are more active at night. Big cats like tigers and lions do much of their hunting after dark, and hippos come out of the water to eat.
The safari in Kruger is the pearl of South Africa.
Viewing animals from open safari vehicles in the national park is one of the ultimate safari experiences in Africa, and being able to do it in one day is ideal for those who have limited time to spend on safari. A day trip is an ideal way to experience the park and all it has to offer.
You can relax while relying on the skills of the experienced guide to ensure an authentic and exhaustive safari experience. An early morning start is ideal. Our guides will try to find all the wonderful treasures of the Kruger National Park, including the big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, tiger and lion). Kruger also has over 500 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, 110 species of reptiles and more.
During the day we will stop at iconic picnic areas or one of the rest camps on the banks of the Sabi for breakfast / lunch, rest and enjoy a dip in a swimming pool, or a spa – or a coffee in front of the animals in the river, before returning in the afternoon for an evening tour.
Tips for visiting Kroger
Plan the route in advance and don’t try to cover too much distance. The Kruger National Park is a huge area.
The early morning hours and the evening hours are often the ideal times for animal viewing.
Bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen, plenty of water and a swimsuit – there are quite a few swimming pools to stop in the middle of the day.
Do not leave food unattended – the monkeys will take it.
If walking around at night, always with a flashlight.
The light attracts flying insects, bats and frogs. Remember to keep the doors closed.
If a bat enters the room, calmly place a towel over the bat and release it outside or call for help. It happens a lot.
The monkeys are very cute and can be entertaining for children and old people, but don’t feed them.

Madikwe
It is one of South Africa’s lesser known parks, but is quickly gaining a reputation for its conservation efforts. This reserve, located in the North-West Province, is an especially excellent destination due to the scarcity of places to stay, which makes it particularly pristine and experiential.
Madikwa is located near the border with Botswana in a malaria free area and only three hours drive from Johannesburg. It is home to the big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, tiger and lion) and covers an area of approximately 75,000 dunams with dozens of luxury lodges in nature.
Mediqua was developed as a particularly luxurious safari destination, and most of the lodges are ecological and aimed at a high budget. Because of this Madikwa is quiet and exclusive from many government reserves.
From time to time there are special offers and discounts – it is recommended to check with us.
Madikwa is located in the Mariko river basin and is known for its spectacular scenery. The flow of the river blends with open savannah meadows and wooded thickets where it is easy to observe the wildlife. Most of the guesthouses in Madikwa are well located facing the breathtaking view of the valley and the mountains.
This is the home of the Big 5 and you will find here an impressive variety of predators, antelopes and birds. Madikwa is limited to guests staying at the luxury lodge and does not have the option of day visits.
When to visit Madikwa?
Madikwa is located in a semi-arid region on the border of the Kalahari desert. The weather is usually pleasant to warm most of the year, and a little cool in the winter months. Animal viewing here is good all year round and the time to visit Madikwa depends on which weather you prefer:
Rainy season (October to April)
It is the time of summer rains and dramatic late afternoon thunderstorms that are nothing short of spectacular. The vegetation is thicker in the summer months and it is less ideal for hunting animals but the days are amazing and warm. The evenings are warm and it’s great for night safaris.
dry season (May to September)
The winters are dry and pleasant, although cold at night. This is the best time to see the animals because the vegetation is sparser, which is better because the animals congregate in the dams and waterholes.
Private reserves on the Garden Road and Port Elizabeth
On the Garden Road and near Port Elizabeth there are very nice private reserves such as Pumba, Kariega, Botlierskop and more.
There is a discount through us for most reservations – you are welcome to get in touch.
One of the special experiences between the Garden Route and Cape Town is the horse safari which can be booked through us.
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