South Africa is one of the team’s favourite destinations! The country offers so much variety beyond a safari in the reserves and national parks. You could road-trip along the Garden Route, sip world-class vintages in the winelands, test out the foodie scene in Cape Town, or learn about Zulu culture in KwaZulu-Natal.
5 reasons to go on a South Africa safari in 2026-2027
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Exclusive private reserves
The Kruger is the most popular national park. Yet, we like to recommend the smaller reserves such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati and the Klaserie for their exclusivity and variety of luxury lodges.
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Diverse adventures
Enjoy thrilling safaris, take in the scenic coast, drive the famous Garden Route, or explore the Cape Peninsula by motorbike. We can arrange a holiday full of adventures.
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Malaria-free safaris
Perfect for a family safari or first-time safari-goers, the Eastern Cape, Madikwe, Waterberg and Tswalu Kalahari offer world-class malaria-free safaris.
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Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands have some of the best food and wine in the southern hemisphere. Don’t miss exploring award-winning vineyards on the iconic hop-on, hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram.
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Beach life and vibrant cities
South Africa has it all: beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and astounding game and marine life. You might see the Big 5, meerkats, penguins, turtles, sharks and whales – all on one trip!
Luxury safaris in South Africa 2026-2027
A holiday in South Africa is so diverse and exciting, you can roll five holidays into one. A safari, city break, beach holiday, Winelands tour, or coastal self-drive – let us know what piques your interest, and we can create a bespoke luxury adventure just for you. Give us a call and get first-hand information and advice from those who know the area best. Get planning your 2026 safari with us today.
When it comes to a safari in South Africa, the most famous national park is Kruger. It’s known for its wildlife density and big cat population, but the surrounding reserves that make up the Greater Kruger, such as Timbavati and Sabi Sands, offer similar stand-out Big 5 viewings with more exclusivity.
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and offers fine dining, luxurious hotels, brilliant beaches and stunning winelands on its doorstep. It is also a gateway to the picturesque Whale Coast, the Garden Route, and, beyond that, the safari adventures of Karoo and the Eastern Cape.
South Africa is described as a ‘rainbow nation’ for its cultural diversity – and you’ll see this for yourself in the colourful architecture, arts and food. It’s worth checking out the brightly-painted houses in the Bo-Kapp district, admiring the old Cape Dutch houses in Stellenbosch, and discovering Durban’s Indian flair.
Food-wise, must-trys are South Africa’s famous braais (barbecues), bunny chow curries, delectable seafood and world-class wine. South Africa is a truly exceptional culinary experience. If you want to know more about South Africa and our recommended places to stay, you can call us or WhatsApp us.
Let us design your 2026-2027 Africa safari trip
Meet Alex
SENIOR AFRICA TRAVEL EXPERT
“South Africa is my favourite destination for a varied holiday. It’s got everything: incredible landscapes, amazing wildlife, great food and wine, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Whether I’m on safari, exploring the coast, or just enjoying a glass of local wine, it’s a place I always look forward to going back to.”
Safari lodges
Take a look at the best hotels, camps and safari lodges in South Africa for 2026.
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Londolozi Game Reserve
High in the Leadwood trees, this camp is inspired by the leopards that visit the area. Sip champagne on the terrace while watching elephants in the river below.
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Sabi Sands Nature Reserve
Set within Sabi Sands, the view from your luxury river or bush suite is jaw-dropping. Leopards are occasionally spotted from your private game viewing deck, which features a plunge pool.
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Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Feel the tension melt away here. Tented suites are perched on stilts above the Bushman’s River. Gaze across the vast savannah from your private plunge pool or freestanding bathtub.
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Cape Town
This boutique Cape Town base is located in the buzzing Kloof Street Neighbourhood. Its restaurant, Upper Union, is a sought-after culinary hotspot.
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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
This sustainable luxury lodge is perfect for families. Go whale watching, hiking and horse riding, then relax by the pool.
Best time to visit South Africa's northern reserves
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The dry season 2026-2027
May to October
The dry winter months are widely considered the best time for safari in the northern reserves and the Greater Kruger region. With little rainfall, vegetation thins out and wildlife gathers around permanent water sources, creating excellent game viewing conditions.
The green season 2026-2027
November to April
In summer, you can expect hot, humid temperatures and heavy rainfall, turning the northern reserves lush and green. With water widely available, wildlife spreads out across the bush, and the thicker vegetation and longer grasses can make sightings a little more challenging. However, this is also the breeding season, offering the wonderful opportunity to see newborn animals, dramatic predator interactions, and an influx of migratory bird species.
Best time to visit the Cape
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The dry season 2026-2027
October to April
Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with long, dry summers and warm, sunny days. From October through April, conditions are ideal for exploring Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route, with the sunniest months typically falling between November and February. This is also a great time to enjoy a safari in the Eastern Cape reserves, where wildlife viewing remains strong throughout the summer.
The rainy season 2026-2027
May to September
Winter in the Cape is cooler and sees increased rainfall, particularly in June and July. Whale watching on the southern coast is at its very best between July and October.
The Table Mountain cable-car may close temporarily during winter for scheduled maintenance or due to weather conditions.
South Africa safaris FAQs
It depends on what you’re interested in. Kruger National Park has popular appeal, but you can enjoy a more exclusive safari experience in smaller private reserves around the Greater Kruger Region, like Sabi Sands and Timbavati. You don’t miss out on wildlife, as the Big 5 are present in both. Families and first-time safari-goers might prefer the malaria-free Waterberg and Eastern Cape reserves for more peace of mind. Talk to our team at The Safari Edit and we’ll tell you more.
Anytime between May and September is best, as it’s the dry season. The vegetation is lower, and animals tend to gather around fewer watering holes, which makes them easier to spot. This time of year is also the peak season, so it’s wise to book your safari in advance. If you’re interested in birding safaris,
the green season between December and March is a great time to visit. It’s the breeding season for many species, so they’re most active. If you have a particular month you’d like to depart in, let our team know at The Safari Edit and we’ll give you the best options.
You could do a South African safari in a week with one or two reserves, but since there’s so much to do here, we recommend 10-14 days. That gives you enough time to enjoy some world-class private reserves without rushing and have some time in Cape Town, whether that’s on the beach or exploring the Cape Winelands. If you have more time, even better. Talk to our team at The Safari Edit and we’ll create an itinerary just for you.
We specialise in bespoke luxury safaris to South Africa. Our team is based across the UK and Cape Town, so we're best placed to offer first-hand advice on where to stay and what to do. If you have any questions about a South Africa safari or city stay, you can contact us or chat with us via our LiveChat. The Safari Edit is open 7 days a week and happy to help.
If you like the look of any accommodation on this page, give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through the options.
We’d like to thank and credit the following lodges and camps for the images:
Londolozi Lodge Tree Camp, Singita Boulders South Africa, Shamwari Sindile Tented Camp, Cape Cadogan Hotel, The Garden Lodge at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
We’re open 7 days a week
If you’ve got a question about an African safari or beach holiday, we’re happy to help.
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What Our Clients Say
“We had a fantastic family holiday to South Africa thanks to The Safari Edit. We love to travel, but, with busy lives, we find it hard to make time to plan big holidays. Alex really knows how to put together a trip of a lifetime. We spent one hour discussing with him what we hoped to experience on our family holiday. Alex then created an outstanding bespoke itinerary. There were so many highlights, including a visit to a local rhino conservation project, exploring the Western Cape, and a “Big 5″ marine safari. We are already planning our next African adventure with The Safari Edit.”
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What Our Clients Say
“My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful holiday in Zanzibar with The Safari Edit. The team planned everything exactly as we requested, a mix of culture and sightseeing in Stone Town, followed by complete relaxation on the beach. Everything was taken care of, so we didn’t have to worry about connections, flights or transfers. The hotels that Alex suggested were spot on for our needs and he really took into account things that mattered to us, like stair-free properties and accessible old town tours. All in all, fantastic service and a wonderful trip. We can’t wait to book again.”
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What Our Clients Say
“Everything ran seamlessly, and we had great peace of mind in knowing that Alex was always available to smooth any glitches should they arise. We had the most amazing, unforgettable experience and leave South Africa resolved to return, and will most definitely be reaching out to Alex at The Safari Edit to create our future adventures.” -
What Our Clients Say
“The best of the best. Nobody knows safari like The Safari Edit. Alex was incredible from start to finish from the planning process, to giving us all the info we needed before we travelled, to being in touch throughout the trip and also the follow up. Can’t recommend these guys enough!”
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What Our Clients Say
“I cannot recommend The Safari Edit highly enough! They organised the most magical, once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa for us at the start of the year, and it truly was the best trip we have ever been on. Every single detail was perfectly curated, from the hotels and transfers to the experiences and recommendations. A very special thank you to Alex, who was absolutely amazing from start to finish. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and delivered something beyond anything we could have imagined. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will treasure forever.”
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