Safari in South Africa

A South Africa safari is one of the best ways to experience nature up close. From lush landscapes to rare wildlife, every trip into the wild brings a sense of wonder. MakeMyTrip offers 4096 safari options in South Africa for 2026, designed for families, couples and adventure seekers. Guided experts take you across trails where you may spot native species, unique birds or even big game. Comfortable vehicles, safety protocols and informative guides ensure you enjoy the ride without worry. Each safari offers a balance of thrill and discovery. With South Africa safari ticket prices starting from INR 336, exploring the outdoors is easy. Choose the best safari in South Africa this February with MakeMyTrip and step into the wild without any worries.

Into the Wild: Your Journey on a South Africa Safari

South Africa is celebrated for its striking coastlines, vibrant cities, and expansive vineyards, yet its true essence is found in the wilderness. In fact, A South Africa safari offers an encounter with landscapes that shift from open savannahs to dense bushveld, where lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses still roam freely. It is not merely about observing wildlife but about entering a world where the rhythm of nature defines each moment.

Throughout the country, diverse reserves and national parks present their own distinctive character. Some safari places in South Africa are renowned for the Big Five, while others reveal desert scenery, prolific birdlife, or rare species seldom seen elsewhere. Your journey may be shaped by the intimacy of a secluded bush camp or the refinement of a South Africa luxury safari tour, each offering a different way to balance immersion in the wild with the comfort you prefer.

A South Africa safari also allows you to design your experience around seasons and natural cycles. You may plan according to migration patterns or select the best time for safari in South Africa to witness the wilderness at its most vibrant. Whether you choose the simplicity of a South Africa safari budget option or the elegance of high-end lodges, the experience leaves more than memories of travel.

Top Safaris in South Africa

Kruger Safari with Panorama Tour

A 3-day Kruger Safari combined with the Panorama Route gives you the best of both worlds. You move between dramatic natural landmarks like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon before stepping into the wilds of Kruger National Park. This union of striking scenery and abundant wildlife makes a South Africa safari one of the most rewarding travel experiences, offering a balance of landscapes, cultural depth, and encounters with the Big Five. It is well suited to both shorter itineraries that highlight key reserves and longer journeys that include diverse elements beyond traditional game drives.

• Location: Begins from Johannesburg with stops across Mpumalanga before entering Kruger National Park.
• Availability & Timings: Runs year-round; departures usually start in the early morning, around 6:00 AM from Johannesburg.
• Tickets: It starts from INR 94,000 and may reach up to INR 97,500 per adult, simply depending on all the inclusions such as meals, stays, and park fees.
• Group Size: This tour is surely suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers, with amazing options for both small groups and shared tours.
• Weather Recommendations: The dry winter months (May to September) are the best time for safari in South Africa, with animals gathering around waterholes. Summer months bring lush greenery and birdwatching opportunities, and though occasional rains are common.
• What to Bring: Light layers for changing weather, walking shoes, a water bottle, binoculars, and sunscreen.

Features and Activities

• Safari Journey: A South Africa safari often begins with game drives across the legendary Kruger National Park. Travelling in open vehicles, you have the rare opportunity to encounter the Big Five, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard, in their natural environment. Morning drives reveal animals at their most active, while afternoon excursions present a different rhythm, with predators resting and grazers gathering at waterholes, and each outing offers a striking perspective on the dynamics of the wild.
• Themed Shows/Cultural Shows: Stops along the Panorama Route, including geological wonders and local cultural viewpoints, add depth to the trip beyond wildlife.
• Diverse Animal Exhibits: From the Big Five to antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, the park provides variety throughout your journey.
• Dining & Accommodation: Two nights of stay included, usually in lodges around Hazyview or near park gates, with meals served on-site after safari activities.

Pilanesberg National Park Day Safari

If you are short on time yet still want the thrill of a South Africa safari, Pilanesberg National Park is one of the best alternatives. Just a couple of hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, this park places you in a malaria-free zone with the Big Five and hundreds of bird species.

Formed within the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, Pilanesberg presents one of the most distinctive settings for a South Africa safari. Here, you surely encounter sweeping landscapes that feel both dramatic and intimate, and this offers an accessible way to experience the wild without venturing deep into remote regions.

• Location: About two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, within the North West Province of South Africa.
• Availability & Timings: Day trips usually depart early in the morning, around 6:15 AM and they return in the evening between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Tickets: It starts from INR 11,900 and may go up to INR 12,300 per adult, depending on inclusions such as meals and transfers.
• Group Size: Suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers, with space for children and infants.
• Weather Recommendations: Comfortable year-round, though the dry months from May to September give you clearer animal sightings around waterholes. The warmer summer months bring lush greenery and excellent birdwatching.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes. Carrying water is always useful, especially during hot afternoons.

Features and Activities

• Safari Journey: A full-day game drive takes you across 58,000 hectares of wilderness, with chances to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, along with over 365 bird species.
• Diverse Animal Exhibits: Beyond the Big Five, the park is also home to giraffes, zebras, hippos, and cheetahs, adding variety to your sightings.
• Dining & Accommodation: A light lunch is usually part of the day trip, with a variety of options to extend your stay in nearby lodges if you prefer an overnight experience.

Photography & Observation Tips

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

When you plan your South Africa safari, timing plays a huge role in what you see, and the dry months from May to September are definitely considered the best time for safari in South Africa, since animals gather around waterholes and visibility is clearer. During the day, the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset are the most rewarding. The softer light creates a warm backdrop for your photos, while the wildlife is more active compared to the heat of midday.

Ethical Photography

The beauty of a South Africa safari tour is in capturing real, undisturbed behaviour. So, simply avoid using flash, as it can startle animals, and always give them space to move freely. If you are patient and wait quietly, you will come away with photographs that feel more authentic and respectful of the environment.

Ideal Gear

You don’t need overly complex equipment for a rewarding experience. A mid-range zoom lens will let you frame lions on the move or a herd of elephants in the distance. If you’re relying on a phone, keep it steady, clean the lens often, and use natural light whenever possible. A spare battery, a light tripod, and a protective cover for dust or rain can make your day more practical.

Respectful Approach

Good photography is about more than equipment. On a South Africa safari, it’s also about being mindful of the setting, and you must stay quiet, let the animals adjust to your presence, and avoid blocking the view for other visitors.

Local Flavours & Cultural Touchpoints

After a day on your South Africa safari, you can explore the flavours that give the country its rich character. When In Cape Town and Johannesburg, dishes such as bobotie, braai (traditional barbecue), and bunny chow are easy to find in local restaurants.

Street food also plays an important role in connecting you to the culture beyond the safari places in South Africa. In Durban’s markets, you’ll find samoosas, grilled corn, and spicy chutneys, while in Johannesburg, vetkoek (fried dough stuffed with savoury fillings) is a common favourite. Exploring these stalls after your South Africa safari tour lets you experience how food brings people together in a way that is as authentic as the landscapes you see on your trip.

Who It’s For

• Families with kids: A South Africa safari is designed to keep children engaged while remaining safe. The mix of wildlife encounters, short guided drives, and cultural insights makes it both entertaining and educational for young travellers.
• Wildlife photographers: For those seeking to capture dramatic scenes, the best safari in South Africa presents unrivalled opportunities. From lions moving stealthily across the plains to elephants gathering at waterholes, every encounter feels like a composition waiting for the lens.
• Eco-conscious travellers: Many South Africa safari packages emphasise conservation and sustainability. Of course, gain the satisfaction of supporting wildlife protection while also learning about ongoing efforts that keep habitats intact.
• Students/school groups: For learners, this is surely more than just a trip; and in fact, safaris here serve as outdoor classrooms where biology, geography, and cultural studies actually come together. You see lessons come alive in the wild, making it a memorable part of any educational journey.
• Locals: Even if you live within the region, exploring the diverse safari places in South Africa provides a fresh perspective. Each visit holds a new discovery, perhaps the fleeting glimpse of a leopard or the chance to experience a different landscape, ensuring that the experience retains its sense of wonder.

How to Book a South Africa Safari

Booking a South Africa safari is surely simple when you know the steps. And you can simply start by heading to the MakeMyTrip homepage and selecting the section marked Tours & Attractions. And once there, type in South Africa as your destination and add the date when you’d like to travel. In fact, this will bring up a list of available experiences, from day trips to longer stays.

And when the list appears, surely filter your search under Nature and Wildlife to focus on safari options. And you will surely see each listing clearly laid out, with details on inclusions, duration, and available South Africa safari packages. Also, check carefully to ensure the activity matches your interests, whether that’s spotting the Big Five, enjoying guided drives, or choosing a tour suited for families.

Then, after selecting your preferred option, you can surely confirm the number of people in your group and proceed to the booking page. And here, you’ll find the South Africa safari cost, what’s included in the package, and the timings for each day. Fill in your details to secure the booking.

For payment, you can choose from UPI, net banking, or debit and credit cards. In fact, coupons may also be applied at this stage if you have one, which can reduce your total. Once your booking is complete, a confirmation is issued instantly, making it easier for you to plan ahead.