20 Best Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

South Africa is a place of primitive charm and wilderness. The entire region is rich in biodiversity consisting of different flora and fauna. Therefore, tourists can enjoy watching the incredible species richness and get a great experience exploring its wildlife in a natural setting.

Only the best wildlife safaris in South Africa can deliver a comprehensive experience of sighting the ‘Big-Five’ animals of Africa – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Read on to know more.

1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

This large national park is another famous place to watch different migratory animals in the African safari. The park was originally built to give migratory animals a safe place to live. Thus, visitors can explore a plethora of wildlife, such as springboks, lions, hartebeest, wild dogs and many more. Further, if you want to make your trip a little longer and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding places, staying in the upmarket lodges will be perfect.

• Area Covered: 38,000 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 251.6 km from Upington Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 27.50 per adult
  

2. Kruger National Park

With a breath-taking natural view, Kruger National Park is one of the most incredible national parks in South Africa. The place is home to many wild animals, and its primitive approach attracts tourists from every part of the world. Here you can enjoy exciting jeep safaris and adventure gaming sessions. Further, tourists can also enjoy watching various birds on this wildlife safari.

• Area Covered: 19,485 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 5:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 4.3 km from Skukuza Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 26.50 per adult $ 13.20 per child

3. Mala Mala Game Reserve

Mala Mala Game reserve is another famous private wildlife safari in South Africa which is attached to Kruger National Park. Here, people can enjoy magnificent sightseeing and can also explore the life of the big five of Africa; leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Besides, they can also enjoy thrilling off-road driving and close encounter with a variety of other animals.

• Area Covered: 130 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Average Time to Spend: 2 days
• Operational Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm
• Distance from Airport: 18.7 km from Skukuza Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 8.20 per adult

4. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve shares unfenced territory with Kruger National Park and is home to different authentic African wildlife. Here you can see a number of varying animals as well as 300+ bird species. In addition, this game reserve offers luxurious lodgings to tourists. Further, you will get efficient guides so that you can explore the wildlife sanctuary properly.

•  Area Covered: 623.08 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Average Time to Spend: 2 days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 32.7 km from Skukuza Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 10 per adult

5. Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve is one of the most popular private wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa. The park is completely fenced thus, it has not mingled with the larger ecosystem. Tourists can watch Africa's 'big five' in this park by taking open vehicle rides. Besides, they can also explore over 400 species of birds and do boating on the river.

• Area Covered: 170 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 days
• Operational Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 12 pm, Closed on Sunday
• Distance from Airport: 140.5 km from Richards Bay Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 8.70 per adult

6. Timbavati Nature Reserve

Timbavati Nature Reserve is a great wildlife safari in South Africa which shares an open border with Kruger National Park. One of the most famous aspects of this wildlife sanctuary is the white lions. Apart from this, you can also enjoy watching several other animals, birds and the gorgeous scenery of this wildlife sanctuary. In addition, you can also enjoy that primitive charm by taking walking safaris and day-night drives.

• Area Covered: 533.9 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 84.3 km from Hoedspruit Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 19.53 per adult $ 9.66 per child

7. Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park is a place full of natural abundance and floral beauty. Apart from this, the place is an ideal habitat for a plethora of flora and fauna. People can explore a number of plant species in this national park, such as quiver trees, quartz patches etc. Some of the popular wildlife you can see here are baboons, jackals, leopards, porcupines, etc.

• Area Covered: 1,368 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to August
• Average Time to Spend: 3-4 Days
• Operational Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
• Distance from Airport: 533.8 km from Cape Town International Airport
• Entree Fee: $ 5.42 per adult

8. Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve can give you a great overall experience of South African wildlife safari under an affordable range. There are various private lodgings inside this wildlife sanctuary which are well-known for their great services towards tourists. In this place, you can also watch brown hyena which is a very rare species. Apart from exploring a wide variety of wildlife, you can also enjoy the adventurous rocky surrounding of this wildlife sanctuary.

• Area Covered: 680 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2-4 days
• Operational Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 116.5 km from Zeerust Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 10.60 per adult

9. Garden Route National Park

With a marvellous coastline, dense woods, and beautiful landscape, Garden Route National Park is another most beautiful wildlife destination in South Africa. The area is famous for its spectacular environmental views and adrenaline-boosting adventure sports. Apart from these, you can also visit the surrounding mountains for a wine-tasting tour. In addition, whale-watching tours, bird watching, etc., are some other perks of this wildlife park.

• Area Covered: 1,210 km2
• Best Time to Visit: February to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 30.7 km from Plettenberg Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 9 per adult $ 5 per child

10. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park is one of the oldest African nature reserves and is famous for a wild variety of animals. Apart from this, the place also has more than 1200 plant species. So, nature lovers can explore a variety of flora and fauna in this place. Besides, the tranquil atmosphere is perfect for visitors willing to spend some alone time here.

• Area Covered: 960 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 211.1 km from Durban King Shaka International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 14.13 per adult $ 7.06 per child

11. Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park is one of the most attractive wildlife safaris in South Africa, with its varying wildlife and serene waterfall. Thus, here one can not only enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris but also can enjoy the pristine beauty of the waterfalls and several adventurous activities. Besides, visitors can also stay overnight in the Canyon House and enjoy the unique wilderness.

• Area Covered: 820 km2
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7 pm to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 124.3 km from Upington Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 14.13 per adult $ 7.06 per child

12. Marakele National Park

Situated in the centre part of Waterberg Hills, Marakele National Park is another excellent wildlife destination in South Africa. This national park is famous for the great variety of wildlife and the authenticity of the Southwestern African environment. Further, the picturesque landscape of this valley also has a lot to offer to nature-photography lovers. However, visitors can also explore uncommon species such as reedbuck, eland, antelope etc.

• Area Covered: 670 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 223.8 km from Lanseria Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 14.13 per adult $ 7.06 per child

13. Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in South Africa, where you can enjoy watching a large herd of elephants. Apart from elephants, you can enjoy the lifestyle of several other animals, such as zebras, lions, rhinos etc. You can also stay overnight in various plush lodges inside this national park and enjoy its beauty more.

• Area Covered: 540 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 737.3 km from Cape Town International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 21 per adult $ 11 per child

14. West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park is another famous tourist destination in South Africa. The place is quite popular among wildlife lovers with its picturesque natural landscape. Besides watching different African wildlife, visitors can also watch over 250 bird species. In addition, visitors can also enjoy whale-watching and visit Postberg to experience the beauty of colourful flowers.

• Area Covered: 362.59 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to September
• Average Time to Spend: 1-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7 am to 6 pm in Winter and 7 am 7 pm in Summer
• Distance from Airport: 114.7 km from Hokitika Sea View
• Entry Fee: $ 6.48 per adult $ 3.24 per child

15. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated at the foothill of the Maluti Mountains and is a charming tourist attraction for wildlife and nature lovers. The place is home to different types of mammals such as wildebeest, oribi, blesbok etc. At the topmost peak of this national park is a general shop, where from you can enjoy the mesmerising view of the whole valley.

• Area Covered: 340 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 Days
• Operational Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 311 km from Tambo International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 14.84 per adult $ 7.42 per child

16. Mount Zebra National Park

If you want to spot endangered mountain zebras, then this national park is the perfect place. Apart from watching wildlife, you can also enjoy an adrenaline-boosting driving experience on the 4X4 driving trails. In addition, the park also has a lot of caves which have ancient rock paintings. Thus, altogether, the place is a must-include in your South African wildlife itinerary.

• Area Covered: 284 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 7 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 805 km from Cape Town International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 24.73 per adult

17. Mapungubwe National Park

Mapungubwe is a famous place to get a thrilling experience of South Africa jungle safari. South Africa jungle safari, Mapungubwe can be the perfect place. Here you will be enthralled by the marvellous natural view and Limpopo riverside beauty. The place is home to a huge variety of animals, such as giraffes, elephants, buffalos etc. In addition, the serene atmosphere of this world heritage site is also noteworthy.

• Area Covered: 280 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to May
• Average Time to Spend: 2-3 Days
• Operational Hours: 6 am to 6:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 215 km from Polokwane International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 14.91 per adult and $ 7.45 per child

18. Table Mountain National Park

If you want to visit a unique national park in South Africa, then Table Mountain National Park can be the ideal destination. The place is full of natural bounty, and the most popular attraction is the Cape Floral Kingdom, where you can watch the best sight scenes. Apart from these, you can also explore different wildlife and lions.

• Area Covered: 221 km2
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Average Time to Spend: 1 Day
• Operational Hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 25.2 km from Capetown International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 10.41 per adult and $ 5.21 per child

19. Agulhas National Park

Agulhas National Park is situated at the convergence point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This serene park is one of the most beautiful wildlife safaris in South Africa. In addition, visitors can also stay in various accommodations in this national park, such as cottages, camps, and chalets, to enjoy the park more closely. The park also has a wetland which is home to different flora and fauna.

• Area Covered: 209.59 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Average Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Operational Hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm
• Distance from Airport: 207 km from Capetown International Airport
• Other Activities: Whale watching, swimming, boat trips, 4X4 trail driving, fynbos walking, bird watching

20. Camdeboo National Park

A great South Africa wildlife safari must include Camdeboo National Park because of its gorgeous landscape and wide range of wild animals. South Africa wildlife safari. The area is also famous for its ecosystem and million year old natural wonders. Besides watching wildlife, night safaris, camping and bonfires in Camdeboo National Park are also highly popular. Further, the silence and peaceful natural phenomenon of the park will soothe your body and soul.

• Area Covered: 194 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 Days
• Operational Hours: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Distance from Airport: 666.7 km from Capetown International Airport
• Entry Fee: $ 6.69 per adult and $ 3.37 per child

Thus, if you are planning your next trip to visit adventurous national parks, consider this guide on wildlife safaris in South Africa. These wildlife safaris have much to offer to tourists with their surreal and primitive beauty and unique wildlife. So, plan the itinerary for your next wildlife tour accordingly.