Where to Go on Safari in South Africa

Founded in 1898 by President Paul Kruger, this national park remains one of South Africa’s largest and most famous. One of the oldest wildlife reserves in the world, the Kruger has a groundbreaking conservation philosophy that has led the way for other wildlife sanctuaries across the globe. The variety in Kruger National Park makes for excellent safaris. The park is home to 517 species of bird and more varieties of mammals – including the Big Five – than any other reserve. The main national park is open to all; however, parts can become crowded. We recommend staying in lodges in private concessions and reserves bordering the park, so any Jacada safari to the Kruger feels like a truly exclusive experience.  

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The Sabi Sands are a collection of unfenced private concessions bordering Kruger National Park. Offering the perfect balance between luxury and wilderness, this reserve has unrivalled opportunities to see the ‘Big Five.’ It’s also particularly renowned for its abundance of leopard. The landscape here is Savanna Bushveld – a typical safari environment of scrub, small trees and grassland. Sabi Sands is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa, so the animals are accustomed to being close to vehicles. This allows for fantastic viewings of leopards or wild dogs as they hunt, which is a unique and thrilling experience.

The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s more remote safari experiences, bordering the Kalahari Desert and Botswana. This reserve is also malaria free, making it a great option for families wondering where to go on safari in South Africa. At 75,000 acres, this is South Africa’s fifth-largest game reserve but is still relatively unknown. Madikwe is home to a variety of wildlife, including a large population of elephants, 300 types of bird and over sixty different mammal species. There are many activities on offer here – from rock climbing and abseiling to fishing and bird watching – so there is something for all members of the family.

Mateya Safari Lodge is the epitome of finesse and elegance. This property also has five luxurious suites, spaced out for increased privacy. 6-foot wide four-poster beds, massive marble bath tubs and plunge pools are the perfect place to relax after a day of game drives and bush walks. With a maximum of only ten guests, the attentiveness of the guides is second to none and the rangers are some of the best in the country.

At 350,000 metres, the Kalahari spreads itself over most of Botswana, the east of Namibia and the north of South Africa. This semi-arid savannah supports more flora and fauna than is typical for a desert, so safaris are excellent in this region. After the annual rains, blooming plains attract herds of herbivores alongside large predators. Far removed from the usual tourist route, the Kalahari is a unique destination suited to true nature enthusiasts. The ‘Green Kalahari’ is what makes up the vast Tswalu Private Game Reserve, just north of Upington in the Northern Cape.

Tswalu’s accommodation provides top of the range African luxury and exclusivity. Motse is the main camp in Tswalu and sits at the bottom of the Korannaberg mountains. Eight small houses in the camp all have indoor and outdoor showers, fireplaces and private sundecks decorated with rattan armchairs. Upon your arrival at the camp, you’ll have a private consultation so all of the activities on offer – from sleep outs to tracking cheetah – are yours to choose from. The same is true of nearby Tarkuni. Located around ten minutes from Motse, this camp is a private residence, rented out exclusively with your own chef, butler, personal field guide, vehicle and tracker. Tarkuni is a great choice for families – five elegant suites sleep up to ten people.

Once working farmland, South Africa’s Eastern Cape now wins many visitors over. The second largest province in the country boasts 800 kilometres of sun-soaked coastline, including the 174 kilometre ‘Wild Coast.’ A delightful lack of development has preserved the rocky headlands, coastal dunes and rivers ending in expansive estuaries. With its pristine coastline and malaria-free wildlife reserves, the Eastern Cape is great for families.  

For more active travellers looking at where to go on safari in South Africa, Kwandwe Game Reserve offers a more ‘sporting’ kind of safari. The reserve is only open to guests staying at its lodges, so you can really participate in the tracking process. Kwandwe is also home to some endangered species, including the knysna woodpecker, cape grysbok and crowned eagle. Superb nocturnal safaris are on offer here, with opportunities to spot the elusive aardwolf and aardvark. There are two safari lodges within the reserve – Great Fish River Lodge and Ecca Lodge. Three exclusive-use villas are also located here; Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor.