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This is where to go for the best second safari in South Africa
If you’re coming back to explore more of this rich and diverse land then the question is where in South Africa you should go for the best second-time safari. Even if you're planning your first trip and want to see more of the country, these destination tips are for you.
For those planning a first-time safari in South Africa be sure to add the must-see destinations of Cape Town (and the Cape Winelands) and/or Kruger National Park to your itinerary.
Why go on Safari in South Africa, again?
South Africa is one of the most popular countries for African safaris for manifold reasons. Firstly, it is renowned for its phenomenal wildlife destinations which offer exceptional wildlife safari experiences. Secondly, South Africa boasts spectacular beaches and thirdly, it features an abundance of stunning scenery. You'll find many gobsmackingly beautiful places across the country and plenty of sunshine.
Wild coast hike
Another reason many travelers choose South Africa is because of its incredible diversity. This massive country incorporates a wide range of landscapes offering all kinds of travel experiences. It's not just the terrain and vegetation that are remarkably diverse but also the cultures. The country is known for its warm hospitality and friendly people, not to mention its excellent food and fine wines.
Lastly, it's a budget-friendly destination. South Africa is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa. For most travelers, the exchange rate definitely tips in your favor which helps make South Africa more affordable.
Where to go on safari in South Africa the second time around?
1. The Garden Route & Little Karoo
2. Addo Park, Eastern Cape Game Reserves & the Wild Coast
4. Greater Kruger Park Game Reserves
7. Add: Lesotho & Swaziland (Eswatini)
1. The Garden Route & Little Karoo
If Cape Town features in your travel plans, then the Garden Route is one of the best add-on destinations. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storm's River and Tsitsikamma, the Garden Route region incorporates much of the spectacular southern coast of South Africa and borders the mesmerizing Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo in Afrikaans).
My top four favorite places on the Garden Route are Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Nature's Valley and Tsitsikamma National Park.
Wilderness
Wilderness has long been a popular destination with in-the-know locals. Situated just east of Knysna, this stunning holiday destination is famous for its long stretches of pristine beach and mild temperatures. Dolphin Point, the last bend as you arrive in Wilderness from George, rewards you with a jaw-dropping vista and promises endless sun, sea and sand.
Wilderness beach view by Crystian Cruz
The area is dotted with lagoons and estuaries which, once you get used to the coca-cola-cloured water, are a paradise for kayakers and nature lovers alike. One of the best-kept secrets of Wilderness is the Wilderness National Park. This tucked-away reserve offers easy hiking trails into pristine Afromontane forest and rewards the adventurous with a beautiful waterfall.
But Wilderness is full of little gems like this and it is the perfect place to explore beaches, dusty roads and rambling rivers.
Wilderness canoeing
To get the most out of Wilderness, I recommend staying at Fairy Knowe Backpackers (they didn't pay me to say this). Over the years, Fairy Knowe has become a bit of an institution. Nestled on the banks of the Touw River Estuary (which runs alongside the Wilderness National Park), Fairy Knowe Backpackers offers an idyllic backdrop and the local knowledge necessary to help you maximize your stay. They can organize trips and guides or just give you advice but, whatever you fancy, this backpackers is the perfect springboard to soak up and explore the surrounding areas.
Wilderness beach by Bernard Du Pont
Plettenberg Bay & Robberg Nature Reserve
Moving on through the Garden Route, east on the N2, passing through the much-famed town of Knysna, you arrive at another low-key spot. Plettenberg Bay sits in a gentle curve of coastline. On the eastern side, a long sandbank divides the ocean from a still lagoon and on the eastern border sits the stunning Robberg Peninsula.
Robberg Nature Reserve by Dania Petrik
Besides the picturesque setting, Plettenberg Bay has a veritable smorgasbord of activities both in and around the town. Too numerous to mention all of them here, they include penguins, whale watching, bungee jumping, surfing, kayaking, biking, birding and a host of wildlife sanctuaries too. When you get tired of all the activities on offer, head to Robberg Nature Reserve for some easy or challenging nature trails and stunning views.
Robberg Nature Reserve by Kent Wang
Robberg is poised on the western end of Plettenberg Bay. It holds the unique distinction of being a nature reserve, a world heritage site, and a national monument. These accolades aside, however, Robberg is simply spectacular! Well-maintained pathways, sheer cliffs, ocean vistas, 120 million-year-old rocks, archaeological sites dating back to the stone age, pristine beaches, churning breakers, seal colonies and even the occasional cruising great white shark. Robberg caters for everyone with walks that range from 30 minutes to 4 hours, there is even a remote, totally off-grid accommodation option called the Fountain Shack – accessible only on foot and not in inclement weather – where you can spend the night soaking up this remote and splendid atmosphere.
Fountain Shack, Robberg by Carmen Claire
Nature's Valley
Half an hour, further east along the N2 is Nature’s Valley. This quiet cul-de-sac has some of the most stunning and remote-feeling beaches on the Garden Route.
Natures valley
For those who fancy slowing right down to the pace of the incoming and outgoing tides, Nature’s Valley is the place for you. Barefoot strolls along golden sands, exploring rock pools and meandering into indigenous forests are the order of the day. It really is a dream seaside destination.
Wild Spirit Backpackers (also not paid promotion) is gaining fame and popularity. A family-run, eco-tourism enterprise, they pride themselves on their sustainable lifestyle which effortlessly blends a home-style type stay with a thriving tourism hub. Wild Spirit is situated at the heart of the Garden Route and is another excellent destination to use as a base to explore the surrounding area.
Tsitsikamma & Storms River
Tsitsikamma & Storms River are a dynamic duo. Jam-packed with beautiful scenery, from ocean vistas to forests and deep gorges, this Garden Route destination is a major activity hub. Canopy tours in the forests, kayaking in the river canyons and ocean adventures spotting whales and dolphins to name a few. Tsitsikamma is probably most famous for the 5-day Otter Trail, one of South Africa’s premier hikes. This is a busy one and booking is recommended well in advance. The Otter Trail hugs the coastline, crosses rivers and moves in and out of the mysterious indigenous forest giving you a front-row seat for the splendour of the Garden Route.
Otter trail view of huts
If a five-day trail sounds like a bit too much, Tsitsikama has plenty of smaller trails that are richly rewarding, take your pick or stay a few days and do them all!
Bridge in tsitsikamma
Hidden Gems of the Garden Route
Noetzie Beach
This one is a bit of a splurge if you book a castle, but totally worth it.
Noetzie is one of the best-kept secrets of the Garden Route. Situated just outside of Knysna, at the end of a bumpy gravel road, the beach is bleached white and flanked on either side by towering hills. A river runs into the ocean on one side and up against the foot of the hills, a series of castles stand guard. These castles are not the hundreds-of-year-old variety but much more recent additions that nevertheless hold their own unique charm.
Noetzie beach castle by AJ Hofmeyr
Noetzie was a favorite holiday destination in the 1800s when farming families would arrive for their holidays in their ox wagons. Today, you can park at the top of the hill and walk down to the beach to spend a very worthwhile day basking in the sun and swimming in the surf or treat yourself and a group of friends to a night or two in one of the stone castles. It's not the cheapest but an experience that you will not soon forget! See Getting Medieval on the Garden Route for more about staying there.
Diepwalle at Knysna
In the good old days, Knysna was a forestry station surrounded by impenetrable forests. The sheltered river mouth that enters between the heads, allowed ships to dock and load up with the riches of the forest, trees were cut and elephants or ‘oupoote’ were hunted for ivory and these treasures were carried away by ship. Today, Knysna is a tourist town that services a bustling industry. There are pockets of the forest that gives the Garden Route its name and one of the best-preserved areas is Diepwalle. Diepwalle is part of SANParks Garden Route National Park which groups Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna. Staying at the old forest station in permanent tents pitched on wooden decks within the forest is rather special but the true beauty of this experience is the forest itself.
Knysna Forest, Garden Route by South African Tourism
On the Elephant Trails of Diepwalle, it is easy to get lost in a world of clear streams and forest giants as you weave your way through the woods, startled occasionally by duiker or the flash of red from the wings of the Knysna Turaco. It’s a wonderland of trees and birdlife and a special place to visit. On the way in, or out, don’t forget to stop at the King Edward VII Big Tree which is thought to be well over 1000 years old!
Recommended Activities:
- The Otter Trail and the Outeniqua Hiking Trail.
- Camping at Diepwalle.
Travel Tip:
If you opt to do a self-drive tour of the Garden Route from Cape Town, good destinations en route to the Garden Route include the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, and Hermanus, the top whale-watching hotspot in the country. The De Hoop Nature Reserve near Cape Agulhas is well worth visiting for its stunning coastal scenery. De Hoop is also an excellent place for land-based whale watching with its dramatic cliffs and white-sand dunes offering sweeping views over the ocean.
De Hoop Nature Reserve by Winniepix
The Little Karoo
If you're traveling between Cape Town and the Garden Route take the chance to venture inland into the Little Karoo. This uniquely South African region is known for its hearty food, warm hospitality and quirky charm. The Little Karoo gives you open roads through seemingly endless flat landscapes dotted with low hills (koppies). It offers a sense of space and solitude, peace and quiet. The night skies are dazzling.
From the southern coast, head to Montagu or arty Barrydale on Route 62. If you're visiting De Hoop Nature Reserve, the historic town of Swellendam makes a good budget stopover. In the Little Karoo region, Oudtshoorn is the place to be. The Cango Caves, ostrich farms, Meerkat Adventures and Karoo culture make this inland detour worthwhile.
Oudtshoorn meerkat by Willem van Valkenburg
Hidden Gem of the Klein Karoo
The charming small town of Prince Albert dating back to 1762 is a delightful and interesting place to visit. A great stop for foodies, wanting to taste famous Karoo lamb dishes. While in Prince Albert take a drive along the nearby Swartberg Pass - one of the most beautiful passes in South Africa.
2. Addo Park, Eastern Cape Game Parks & the Wild Coast
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is one of the best national parks in the country for seeing big game, especially (you guessed it) elephants. The good news is that the national park offers a range of accommodation options including budget self-catering chalets, huts and camping. Plus, there are a number of affordable lodges near the park. Another positive about Addo is that it is a malaria-free area, making it an attractive destination for those not wanting to risk a trip to Kruger in the late summer months.
Addo Park elephants
Note that during the peak South African holiday seasons (especially school holidays: Christmas and Easter) the park can get super busy and accommodation gets booked up quickly, so book in advance. The same applies across the board because the Garden Route is a popular destination.
Eastern Cape Game Parks
Budget-friendly private game reserves of the Eastern Cape. The eastern cape is awash with private game reserves. in addition to the well-known (and popular)Tsitsikamma and Addo, the Eastern Cape has other private nature reserves to suit ANY budget. From the prestigious and ludicrously expensive to affordable budget options like Kariega and Amakhala Game Reserve. These two game reserves are both malaria-free and are great places to see the big five. In the case of Kariega, it is also just a 15-minute drive away from the warm waters of the Indian ocean.
Amakhala giraffes by Giorgio Montersino
The Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is, as the name suggests, wild. This former homeland, during the apartheid era, has kept its aura of impenetrability and remoteness largely intact. Port St John is the biggest centre but most travellers looking for a truly unique experience head for Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall.
Wild Coast by Klim Levene
These areas really do feel like the real deal with choices of accommodation limited and a real rural feel. Backpackers and adventurers love the Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall as they say it has a magic and freedom found in very few places in the world.
Coffee bay by Klim Levene
Travel Tip:
If you do head to the Wild Coast, be prepared to take your time. Poor road conditions, roaming livestock and big distances can get you a bit hot under the collar. A big smile and an easy attitude will take you a long way.
Recommended Activities:
Stopover in J'Bay if you are into surfing. Home to the J-Bay Open, or Billabong Pro, Jeffrey's Bay is one of the best surfing destinations in Africa.
3. KwaZulu-Natal
Known for its golden beaches, rolling hills, surfing and warm all-year-round weather, KwaZulu-Natal also has some world-class safari action too. My top recommendations for KwaZulu-Natal are Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Isimangaliso (St Lucia) and the Drakensberg Mountains. KwaZulu-Natal is steeped in history and littered with battlefields from the Anglo-Zulu wars. If you're a history buff then add the Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal to your itinerary and learn all about Islandwana, Rorkes Drift and the Seige of Eshowe.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe, established in 1885, is South Africa's oldest national park and one of the oldest in Africa. They have set the benchmark for conservation internationally and are known for the success of their rhino conservation efforts. Covering over 90 000 hectares of diverse bush, the big five game viewing is hard to beat.
White rhino in Hluhluwe
In addition to the large numbers of rhino that roam the park, Hluhluwe also has giraffes, African painted dogs, cheetah and Nyala.
Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park
Isimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly St Lucia) has an astounding array of habitats from beaches and coral reefs to ancient dunes, mangroves, forests, grasslands and mountains. It is no wonder that this national treasure, which stretches from Maphalelane in the south to the border of Mozambique at Kosi Bay in the north, has been declared a world heritage site. Isimangaliso is an eco-tourists dream. Rhino, elephant, whale and coelacanth are all residents in this diverse habitat that spans over 220 km of coastline.
Lake st lucia zululand
Drakensberg Mountains
Known in Zulu as uKhahlamba, The Barrier of Spears, the Drakensberg is South Africa's highest mountain range. In KwaZulu-Natal, the 3000m-plus peaks, border with Lesotho and form a majestic backdrop to the grass-covered sandstone hills and crystal clear rivers. Split into four sections, the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg will keep you coming back for more, endless hiking for all abilities, waterfalls, flyfishing, rock climbing and mountain biking before we even get to the rock art sites and the fauna and flora of the region.
Drakensberg South Africa
Travel Tip:
Pick your time carefully. Best weather for hiking the Drakensberg are the cooler months from April to May, I'd avoid the almost daily thunderstorms that occur November to March. For Isimangaliso and Hluhluwe, the dry winter months are better, May to September. Both are considered a low-malaria risk area but it is always good to be prepared.
Recommended Activities:
Hike to the top of the Drakensberg mountains. If you are fit enough, the rewards - think flying with the eagles kind of beauty - far outweigh the exertions. There are numerous opportunities to go horse-back riding in the little berg and it is an amazing way to experience the grasslands and undulating hills of this very special place. Lastly, if you do visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, take a walk on the wild side with their Big 5 wilderness walking trails. The rush of encountering the Big 5 on foot with only a guide between you and them is not to be missed.
Drakensberg hike
4. Greater Kruger Game Reserves
The Greater Kruger National Park consists of the renowned private game reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park. These over twenty private game reserves add an additional 180 000 hectares to Kruger National Park proper, creating a massive wilderness area of about 20 000 000 hectares. Many of the Greater Kruger Park reserves share unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and often each other, allowing wildlife to move freely between them.
Leopard in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
The three Greater Kruger Park reserves that we highly recommend (especially for budget safaris) are Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve and Thornybush Private Game Reserve. Greater Kruger Safaris can be quite expensive, but these three reserves also cater to budget travellers.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Sabi Sands is renowned for its fantastic leopard sightings and top-notch wildlife viewing. It is one of the best reserves for getting up close to Africa's Big Five. Another highlight of Sabi Sands is that you'll encounter fewer safari vehicles and tourists than in the national park proper.
Female leopard and cub, Sabi Sands
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Timbavati is one of the most famous reserves of Greater Kruger, known for its rare white lions and outstanding Big Five game viewing.
Timbavati buffalo by nick farnhill
Thornybush Game Reserve
The acclaimed Thornybush Game Reserve offers exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing and has an excellent reputation. This private reserve is relatively compact at 14000 hectares which improves your chances of seeing animals.
Thornybush rhino by Joost Rooijmans
Safari Travel Tip:
Even if you have already visited Kruger National Park, we still highly recommend going on safari in Greater Kruger Park. They offer superb Big Five wildlife viewing, especially leopard sightings, and give you a more exclusive safari experience with fewer crowds and other vehicles. Plus, in the private reserves of Greater Kruger, you can go on walking safaris, night game drives and sometimes off-road game drives, which are not permitted inside the national park. For more, see Greater Kruger explained or Kruger vs Greater Kruger Park.
Recommended Activities:
Do the scenic drive along the Panorama Route, stopping at the viewpoints of Blyde River Canyon and God's Window, en route to Greater Kruger Park.
Night game drives in the private reserves - ideal for spotting nocturnal wildlife like leopards. Also, walking safaris and bush walks, which are both exhilarating and enlightening.
5. The West Coast & Cederberg
The West Coast is dry and rugged with a coastline that seems to go on forever. Powder-fine white sand beaches, isolated and remote shores, flowers and landscapes that will haunt your soul, the West Coast is worth a trip all on its own.
West Coast National Park
Only 1.5 hours from Cape Town, the azure waters of the West Coast National Park beckon. This accessible reserve is an amazing spot to escape the rigorous pace of Cape Town. Those in the know seek out the comfortable calm of treasures like Church Haven and Tsaarsbank, while birders flock to the lagoon for wetland and migratory birds. For those keen to experience the famous west coast flower spectacular, the Potsberg erupts into bloom every year during August and September.
Potsberg West Coast
Langebaan Lagoon
The Langebaan lagoon, which stretches from the Atlantic ocean and into the heart of the West Coast National Park is a mecca for kitesurfers, kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts. The turquoise waters and white sands of the Lagoon are well managed with designated areas for water sports and nature lovers alike. Drink in the scenery or get your fill of sun-kissed action-packed days. Whether its adrenaline or quiet calm, Langebaan Lagoon is an excellent destination.
Langebaan lagoon
Paternoster
Paternoster is a bit further north along the coast. Its claim to fame is being the West Coasts oldest fishing village and while this adds charm to the white houses and beautiful beaches, what really brings people to Paternoster is the food. It is a gourmets delight, from local cuisine to fine dining all with a natural seafood accent. When you've had your fill, check out the panty Bar at Paternoster Hotel, The Jewel Shell Shop and Paternoster se Padstal all working together to give this village a special charm.
Paternoster, western cape by South African Tourism
The Cederberg
Unspoilt nature, hiking trails, other-worldly rock formations, bouldering and cape leopards... there are so many things that make the Cederberg a playground for visitors young and old. Only two hours from Cape Town, visiting the Cederberg is like stepping into another world.
Wolfberg Arch, Cederberg by South African Tourism
In the spring the air is thick with the smell of orange blossoms and you can visit the cool waters of Algeria. Enjoy san rock art and exploring epic rock formations in the Cederberg Wilderness area or visit Lambertsbaai and Elandsbaai for perfect surfing. If it's climbing you like then Rocklands is the only place you want to be.
Tankwa Karoo National Park
Heading inland and over the Cederberg Mountains, you will find the Tankwa Karoo National Park. This is one of the aridest regions in South Africa which receives less than 100mm of rain a year. So why visit? The open spaces and flat-pans of this prehistoric sea bead are well worth a visit. If you need more than this to persuade you to venture into this intimidating landscape, head for Tankwa in April when AfrikaBurn transforms the desert-scape into an unparalleled party experience.
Afikaburn by Ovidiu Pacuraru
Travel Tip:
The best time to visit the West Coast is when the wildflowers are blooming in spring. The exact timing of the flowering varies from year to year. Call the West Coast Flower Hotline on 063 724 6204 to check when the flower season has started, closer to your time of travel.
Recommended Activities:
If you like a good festival and new experiences then go to the AfrikaBurn festival at the end of April. Let your hair down and immerse yourself in art, performance, costumes, music and a gift economy.
For some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in South Africa, head to Langebaan Lagoon. If you're doing a weekend getaway you can rent a houseboat in Kraalbaai to experience something different.
6. Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province. The desert landscape of Namaqualand, the Kalahari and the Richtersveld share borders with Namibia and Botswana. It is a land of stark beauty and perfect for unique experiences beyond the crowds. The ultimate places to experience the Northern Cape's stark beauty are Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Namaqua National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park and the Orange River.
Namaqualand flowers by Malcolm Manners
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, Kgalagadi is remote by any standards. The red dunes, blonde grass and imposing buffalo-thorn trees of this semi-desert are filled with a timeless mystery. Look out for herds of gemsbok, springbok and a plethora of reptiles and raptors and at night, soak in the splendor of a star-studded sky free from any light pollution. If you're very lucky you may see the endangered pangolin after dark or the fearless honey badger.
Kgalagadi honey badger by Derek Keats
In Kgalagadi, chances of seeing cheetahs, hyenas and the rare black-maned lions of the Kalahari are very good. Chances of sighting leopards are also good and you're almost sure to see curious meerkat (suricate) scurrying about.
Kalahari lion by Daniel De Lapelin Dumont
Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Ai-Ais Richtersveld is not an easy destination. The Orange (now Gariep) River is the seam that joins South Africa to the south and Namibia to the north. The desert scenery is spectacular and jam-packed with an incredible variety of desert-adapted plant life. On the Namibian side of the park is the Fish River Canyon. At 100 km in length and 27 km wide, it is the largest canyon in Africa, second largest in the world and, after Etosha National Park, the most frequently visited attraction in Namibia.
Ai-Ais Richtersveld by Joggie van Staden00
Kokerboom & Flower Spectacular
In early spring, this dry, usually barren landscape erupts into one of the greatest natural phenomena on earth. Centered around the sleepy Karoo town of Nieuwoudtville - from March to October but peaking in August and September - flowers explode from the earth carpeting the landscape in lush purples and lavish yellows. On account of the diverse and unique geology of the region, Nieuwoudtville has become known as the bulb capital of the world. Every spring tourists and botanists flock to this area as the winter cold recedes and the life-giving rains soak the earth. While you are there, make sure you get to the Kokerboom Forest and the Windmill Museum in Loeriesontein.
Kokerboom forest Nieuwoudtville
Augrabies Falls National Park & the Orange River
Augrabies, known as 'Aukoerebis' to the Khoi people of the region, is a popular stopover for travellers moving along the long, open roads of the Northern Cape. Situated 120 km west of Upington, the thundering waters as they cascade down a 60m drop are quite breath-taking. The 18km stretch of the Orange River Gorge is dotted with interesting rocky outcrops such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner.
Orange River, Northern Cape by South African Tourism
Speaking of the Orange River, this is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of this stark region. You can do a fully catered 4-day canoe trip along the Orange River all year round. Warm water, spectacular scenery and campfires beneath the stars, it's an unforgettable experience that keeps people coming back year after year.
Travel Tip:
To get your timing right for the wildflowers of Namaqualand call the Namaqualand Flower Line: 072 760 6019.
When traveling to the Northern Cape region, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the long drives. It's a vast and sparsely populated region. Let the journey be the destination.
Recommended Activities:
Canoeing trips on the Orange, now Gariep, River are a go-to activity for young adventure-seekers and nature lovers, as well as families. What's not to love with the sunshine, easy paddling, wild setting and camping out under the stars?
Orange River Canoeing
Go on a guided 4x4 safari in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It is a truly unique and consistently underrated safari destination offering surprisingly rich wildlife viewing and striking scenery.
7. Lesotho & Swaziland (Eswatini) - SA safari add-ons
These two small landlocked countries are easy to visit from South Africa - given that they are pretty much located within the latter. Culturally distinct and geographically beautiful, both are underrated and definitely worth a visit.
Lesotho
Lesotho, known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a small mountainous country lying entirely above an altitude of 1000 meters. Surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is about the size of Belgium. It's famous for its mountain scenery and unique Basotho culture. Lesotho is beautiful, culturally unique, budget-friendly and easy to reach from either Johannesburg or Durban. The legendary Basotho ponies make pony trekking one of the most popular and immersive activities in Lesotho.
Lesotho
Lesotho is also a haven for hikers who head to the Maluti Mountain Range where peaks tower over 3400 meters, including Thabana Ntlenyana, the tallest mountain in Southern Africa. For Lesotho-in-a-nutshell, visit Malealea Lodge. Malealea is a small, remote village that does well to offer all the best that Lesotho has to offer; incredible views, friendly locals, choirs and tourism partnerships that see the community benefit directly from your patronage through tourism revenue and donations.
Lesotho culture
Lesotho is a fantastic add-on to a longer safari through Southern Africa with numerous Lesotho tours on offer.
Swaziland, now Eswatini
Backpackers have long raved about the Kingdom of Eswatini and its easy-going and unpretentious atmosphere. It is a tiny landlocked country sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique and one of only three monarchies in Africa. The Reed Dance is Eswatinis' most famous festival but the country is unexpectedly rich in a diverse array of activities including rafting, mountain biking and Big 5 safari destinations. Hlane Royal National Park is home to the Big 5 and has an excellent network of roads for self-drive safaris. In addition to this, you can also join guided safari walks, do a mountain bike trail or visit Hlane Cultural Village.
Swaziland culture by Terrence Franck
Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a private conservancy that stretches along the foothills of the Lubombo Mountains. Discover an array of diverse habitats - from dense forest and marshy riverbanks to rocky outcrops - along excellent hiking trails, keeping your eyes peeled for some of the over 300 species of birds and abundant herds of antelope. Swaziland's last unspoilt mountain wilderness can be found at Malolotja Nature Reserve. One of the best highland reserves in Southern Africa, Malolotja is 18000ha of rolling hills and forested gorges. It offers hikers and adventurers a genuine wilderness experience with quality game viewing in a pristine setting that boasts the 95m Malolotja Falls.
Swaziland mountains by Bernard DUPONT
Budget Safaris visiting Lesotho and Eswatini
Both of Eswatini and Lesotho have a lot to offer visitors and because of their location within South Africa's borders and their (comparatively) small size, are easy to add-on to other Southern African destinations. Easily accessible from either Johannesburg or Durban, Swaziland pairs well with Big Five Kruger Safaris while Lesotho is close enough to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and the Drakensberg to combine nicely. Check out these Budget safaris that incorporate Eswatini and Lesotho.
There you have it - an overview of where to go in South Africa second time around. These are just a few of the most enticing destinations to visit in SA. There are many, many more! A quick look at our budget safaris to South Africa will give you a good overview of the budget-friendly options out there.
If you're thinking of going to East Africa on safari instead take a look at Where to go on Safari in East Africa the second time around for ideas.
Talk to one of our South African travel experts based in Cape Town for help planning your in-depth trip to South Africa. We have all traveled in South Africa extensively on a budget ourselves and almost every one of the team members is South African born and raised. We know the country inside out so we can match you with the right safari or tailor-make a trip that is perfect for you.
Wild Coast by Klim Levene
If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…
- Best of South Africa Safari Tour - Johannesburg to Cape Town
- South Africa Holiday - Self Drive Tour from Durban to PE
- 8 Day South Africa Safari - Garden Route to Cape Town Tour
- 4 Day Private Garden Route Tour from Cape Town (return)
- 7 Day Lesotho & South Africa Safari: Durban to Addo (Camping)
- 13 Day South Africa Safari & Eswatini Tour
- Greater Kruger Tented Camp Safari
- Greater Kruger Lodge Safari to Timbavati Game Reserve
- 5 Day Greater Kruger Budget Lodge Safari to Thornybush
- 4 Day Budget Kruger Safari to Klaserie Reserve Lodge
- 3 Day Northern Sabi Sands Safari in South Africa
- Great White Shark Diving & Whale Watching Tour
Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds seeking out quiet places. She has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!
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