How to Go on a Safari in South Africa

Going on a safari in South Africa was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I've ever had. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure where to start at first. There are so many parks, types of safaris, and price ranges that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But after planning it myself and spending time in both private reserves and national parks, I figured out a rhythm that made it not only doable, but incredible.

Whether you’re dreaming about spotting a leopard under a marula tree or watching elephants cross a dusty road at sunset, this guide breaks down everything I learned about planning your own safari in South Africa.

Key Points

• Don’t overpack your itinerary—stick to one or two parks to reduce travel time and actually enjoy your days.
• Choose your safari style early (self-drive, guided, luxury lodge, etc.) so you can budget accordingly.
• Kruger isn’t your only option—there are lesser-known reserves that are just as wild and far less crowded.

Where to start when planning your safari in South Africa

Before booking anything, I had to figure out what kind of safari experience I actually wanted. South Africa offers a mix of self-drive safaris, all-inclusive luxury lodges, and budget-friendly guided tours.

If you’re not sure where to begin, this overview of African safaris helps you understand the different types available.

The first thing I recommend doing is narrowing down your destination. South Africa has several amazing safari regions, but they’re spread out. It’s tempting to try and see everything—but it’s more rewarding to go deep in one or two spots rather than rushing across the country.

You can also explore options near major cities like Cape Town, which makes it easier if you’re flying in or combining your safari with other travel.

Choosing a park or reserve

This part depends a lot on your travel style and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the top areas:

Kruger National Park

Probably the most famous safari destination in South Africa, and for good reason. Kruger National Park is huge, full of wildlife, and gives you the choice of self-drive camping or five-star lodges. I spent four nights in Kruger and paid about $30 per night for a basic rest camp hut. Park fees were around $25 per person per day for international visitors.

You can also join a guided safari within Kruger for about $60–$100 per day per person, depending on the vehicle and length of the drive. I did a sunrise drive one morning for about $75, and it was absolutely worth it.

More about Kruger National Park safaris here.

Private Game Reserves

Places like Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Manyeleti offer more exclusive experiences. I spent two nights in a mid-range lodge in Timbavati that cost about $320 per night per person, which included game drives, meals, and drinks. Some of the high-end lodges in Sabi Sands go up to $1,000–$2,000 per night per person.

The quality of the guides, the fewer vehicles per sighting, and the chance to see elusive animals (like leopards and wild dogs) made this worth it to me. If you're considering an all-inclusive safari, these are worth a look.

Lesser-known Parks

I also looked into Addo Elephant Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. Addo was more budget-friendly—you can get a rest camp hut for around $40–$70 per night and do self-drives with a rental car. Madikwe lodges range from $250 to $900 per person per night but are malaria-free and less crowded.

Here’s a more detailed list of the best places to go on safari in Africa.

How to budget your safari trip

Safari pricing can be all over the place. When I started crunching numbers, I realized a self-drive trip in Kruger would cost a fraction of what I’d spend in a private lodge. Here’s a full guide I put together on how much safaris cost, which helped me figure out what was realistic.

My actual costs broke down something like this:

• Car rental: $40–$60/day (small SUV, automatic)
• Gas: $80 total for a 5-day trip in Kruger
• Rest camp accommodation: $30–$80/night
• Park fees: $25/day per person
• Food: $10–$20/day if you shop and cook, $30+ if you eat in camp restaurants
• Guided game drive: $60–$100/drive

Lodge safaris cost more, but are much simpler since everything is included—just expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 per night per person depending on the level of luxury.

When to go on safari in South Africa

I went in the dry season (May to September), which most people recommend for wildlife spotting. The grass is lower and thinner during these months, so it’s much easier to see animals moving through the bush. Many species gather around remaining waterholes, making sightings more frequent and concentrated. Another huge plus was the weather—it’s dry and comfortable, and there are hardly any mosquitoes compared to the rainy season.

When I went in late August, mornings were brisk—about 45°F (7°C)—and I definitely needed a fleece and windbreaker on early game drives. But by the afternoon, it warmed up to around 80°F (27°C), so layers were key. I found that most people underestimated how cold it could be in an open safari vehicle before sunrise, so if you’re going during the dry season, bring gloves and a warm hat—you’ll thank yourself when you’re out in the wind at dawn.

If you want fewer crowds and potentially better rates on accommodations, shoulder season (April or October) can be an ideal compromise. I’ve talked to travelers who went in early April and had similar wildlife experiences but with slightly more green in the landscape. Some lodges also offer discounts during those months before peak season pricing kicks in.

What to pack

I packed way too much the first time. You really just need:

• Neutral colored clothes (nothing flashy)
• Layers for chilly mornings and hot afternoons
• Binoculars (game-changer)
• A wide-brim hat and sunscreen
• A power bank or extra batteries
• Lightweight hiking shoes or closed-toe trail shoes

Most rest camps have shops for snacks and supplies. Lodges usually provide insect repellent, ponchos, and filtered water.

Safari logistics: getting around

Domestic flights in South Africa are cheap and reliable. I paid about $80 for a flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. You can also drive—rental cars are affordable and roads are generally good. I used DiscoverCars and paid around $240 for a 6-day rental.

If you’re doing a self-drive safari, just make sure you understand park entry times—most gates open at sunrise and close at sunset.

Safari animals and what to expect

Everyone wants to see the Big Five—but there’s so much more. I saw giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, warthogs, hippos, crocs, jackals, kudu, and more birds than I could keep track of. The early morning and late afternoon drives were always the most active.

Check out this African safari animals list if you want to know what to look out for.

Also, don't overlook the most dangerous safaris in Africa—not because you’ll be in danger, but because those places often have the most raw, untamed energy. South Africa has a balance between adventure and safety.

Where to stay on safari

There’s a huge range when it comes to safari accommodation in South Africa—from basic $40 campgrounds inside national parks to $1,000+ per night luxury suites in private reserves. I’ve personally stayed in both ends of the spectrum, and they offer very different experiences. In Kruger, for example, I paid around $30–$80 per night for a basic self-catering hut inside a SANParks rest camp. These had a bed, electricity, a small kitchenette, and a private bathroom—nothing fancy, but perfectly comfortable if you’re on a budget or doing a self-drive safari.

On the other end, I also spent two nights at a mid-range luxury lodge in Timbavati that cost about $320 per night per person, which included all meals, two daily game drives, drinks, and even laundry service. It felt like a completely different type of trip—more pampered, more structured, and definitely better for relaxing between drives.

At the top-tier luxury level, lodges like Singita or Londolozi in Sabi Sands can run upwards of $1,200 to $2,000 per person per night. But that includes world-class service, gourmet dining, private plunge pools, spa treatments, and the best wildlife guides you’ll find anywhere. These lodges usually cater to international travelers celebrating special occasions or simply wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re curious what these lodging tiers actually look like, this guide to African safari hotels breaks it down well with real examples.

Also, if you’re doing a special trip with a partner—whether it’s a honeymoon or anniversary—safari honeymoons are honestly next level. Many luxury lodges have honeymoon suites, private dinners in the bush, or sunset drives with champagne setups. It’s a stunning way to celebrate something meaningful together.