SOUTH AFRICA

Matlabas River

Marakele National Park, South Africa. ©Hadley Pierce

Leopard cub

Marakele National Park, South Africa. © Hadley Pierce

Lion flehmen grimacing

Marakele National Park, South Africa. © Hadley Pierce

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The southernmost country on the continent is also one of the most bio-diverse and thus one of the most visited countries by people seeking a thrilling safari. The Greater Kruger National Park is one of the most well-known national parks in Africa for its vast size and year-round game viewing. Situated in the heart of the lowveld, a savanna haven, the Kruger’s high density of leopard, lion, and elephant allows intimate sightings of both apex predators and herbivores alike.

Within the park, places like the Sabi Sand game reserve and the Timbavati boast some of the most well-reputed lodges on the continent where a long-standing tradition of ethically viewing animals has led to incredibly relaxed predators that can be viewed from a close distance. The country’s great infrastructure means that even the less-experienced traveler is able to comfortably reach their safari destination, be it the moist, coastal forest on the eastern coast, or the arid Kgalagadi in the north western part of the country. To top it off, one can combine a safari of a life time with a visit to the cultural hub of Cape Town, a city which boasts culinary, cultural, and natural wonders.

Key Points:

-Main attraction: Cape Town, great all-around safari in Kruger National Park

-Best visited: Year round for safari, October-April for Cape Town

-Suggested stay length: 10-12 days

-Suggested traveler: First time safari goers

SOUTH AFRICA ITINERARIES