Long-haul
South Africa safari: Kruger, private reserves and Cape Town
A leopard lies in a marula tree ten metres from the vehicle, and the guide switches off the engine. How to combine a Kruger safari with the winelands and Table Mountain in Cape Town.
A leopard lies stretched out on a branch in a marula tree, ten metres from the vehicle. The guide switches off the engine and nobody speaks. After a couple of minutes it lifts its head, yawns and climbs down. Then it is gone into the grass. Moments like these are why many people think South Africa is the best place for a first safari.
The country is easy to travel, has good lodges at every price point and can be combined with Cape Town, the winelands and coastal drives on the same trip. Here is how to put it together.
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Kruger or a private reserve?
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest national parks, and you can drive yourself on tarred roads and stay in the park’s rest camps. It is affordable and free, but vehicles must stay on the roads.
Along the western boundary lie private game reserves such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Kapama, with no fences between them and the park. Here guides drive open vehicles, can go off-road and follow animals into the bush, which brings closer encounters, especially with leopards.
Self-drive in Kruger: free, affordable and great if you like finding animals yourself.
Private reserve: guided drives twice a day, all-inclusive and better odds for the Big Five.
Combination: two nights in Kruger and two or three nights in a private reserve.
Book the experience: See safari tours in Kruger
Where to stay on safari
Most people fly into Johannesburg and connect to one of the airports near Kruger, such as Hoedspruit or Skukuza.
Kapama
Kapama is a private game reserve near Hoedspruit.
Private reserve: Kapama River Lodge
Kapama is near Hoedspruit, a short drive from the airport. The lodge runs two game drives a day with experienced trackers, and meals are served on the deck or around the fire.
Guests single out the staff, and it is a good choice if you want everything taken care of.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kapama River Lodge
Kruger Shalati
The carriages are parked on an old railway bridge over the Sabie River.
Inside Kruger: Kruger Shalati
Kruger Shalati is a hotel in vintage train carriages parked on a railway bridge over the Sabie River at Skukuza. From the rooms and pool you look straight down on the river, where elephants and hippos often pass.
It is one of the most unusual hotels in Africa, and it sits right inside the national park.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kruger Shalati
Hoyo Hoyo
Hoyo Hoyo has huts in a traditional style.
Greater Kruger: Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Hoyo Hoyo sits in the greater Kruger area and is built in a traditional style, with round thatched huts. The lodge has a pool and restaurant, and guided game drives leave from the door.
It is a cosier, more personal lodge for those who want to feel close to the bush.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Finish in Cape Town
After the safari, many fly to Cape Town for a few days of mountains, ocean and wine. Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula with the penguins at Boulders Beach and the winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are all a short drive away.
Book the experience: See things to do in Cape Town
Cape Town
Mount Nelson sits in gardens below Table Mountain.
Cape Town: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
The pink hotel sits in large gardens in the Gardens district, with Table Mountain right behind. Afternoon tea on the terrace is a Cape Town tradition, and Kloof Street with its cafés and restaurants is a couple of minutes away.
It is a classic grand hotel and a good place to land after a safari.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mount Nelson
Cape Town: One&Only Cape Town
One&Only sits by the V&A Waterfront, with Table Mountain views from many rooms. Boats to Robben Island leave from here, and the harbour, restaurants and markets are right outside.
It suits those who want a modern, central base with a spa and pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at One&Only Cape Town
When is the best time for a South Africa safari?
For Kruger, the dry season from roughly May to September is best. The vegetation is thin, animals gather at water and the days are clear. Summer is greener and hotter, with many newborn animals and rich birdlife.
Cape Town’s summer runs from November to March, with the most sunshine and warmth. Many combine an autumn safari with Cape Town in spring, or travel in October and November to get a bit of both.
When should you book?
School holidays and Christmas: book six months ahead, lodges fill up.
Kruger Shalati: few rooms, book early.
Cape Town in December and January: peak season, book well ahead.
Check entry requirements and health advice for South Africa before you travel.
South Africa safari FAQ
What is the difference between Kruger and a private reserve?
In Kruger National Park you can drive yourself but must stay on the roads. In private reserves such as Sabi Sand and Kapama, guides drive open vehicles and can go off-road, which brings you closer to the animals.
When is the best time for a Kruger safari?
The dry season from May to September is best for game viewing. Summer from November to March is greener and hotter, with plenty of newborn animals.
Can you combine a safari with Cape Town?
Yes, it is the most popular itinerary. Fly from the Kruger area via Johannesburg or direct to Cape Town and finish with a few days of Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and the winelands.
Can I self-drive in Kruger?
Yes, Kruger has tarred main roads and gravel roads you can drive yourself. Follow the rules, stay in the car and remember the gates close in the evening.
Where should I stay on a South Africa safari?
Stay in a private reserve such as Kapama for the best game drives, or inside the park at Kruger Shalati for something unusual. In Cape Town, Mount Nelson and One&Only are good choices.