South Africa offers visitors unbelievable travel destinations and exceptional value for money. In addition to thrilling South Africa safaris, this affordable African country boasts diverse landscapes, amazing beaches, rich cultural attractions, fine wine and dining experiences, and much more.
Sometimes referred to as a world in one country, South Africa is characterised by diversity. From the colourful Rainbow Nation to striking natural landscapes and world-class game reserves, accommodation, and food, the biggest issue is deciding where to start.
For a Big 5 safari in South Africa, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Timbavati are the most famous and well worth exploring. But South Africa is blessed with many incredible game reserves. Hluhluwe Umfolozi, Isimangaliso, Addo Elephant Park, the rugged Eastern Cape reserves, and accessible Big 5 parks near Cape Town make a South Africa safari a wildlife enthusiast's dream.
Travellers can explore the country on excellent roads and choose from incredible road trips through the Garden Route, Whale Coast, or Flower Route while staying in accommodation that provides excellent value.
It is no wonder that South Africa is popular with families. The range of activities, great value for money, excellent food, and malaria-free safaris make this an outstanding choice.
South African safaris and tours are filled with natural wonders, rich cultural experiences, award-winning restaurants and wines, excellent museums, and buzzing cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. The sheer quality and variety of attractions in South Africa are compelling reasons for safari-goers and other travellers to visit the southern tip of Africa.
The accessibility of its top Big 5 game reserves and parks makes South Africa the best budget-friendly safari destination in Africa.
At the leading South Africa safari destinations, such as Kruger, Greater Kruger game reserves, Addo, and smaller reserves near Cape Town, it is possible to see all five of the Big 5 animals—elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard—in a single day.
While the Kruger National Park is one of the finest and most accessible Big 5 reserves in Africa, the Greater Kruger National Park offers an intimate experience with fantastic game-viewing opportunities. Private reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati are slightly more expensive, but the exclusivity and quality of guides make visiting them well worthwhile.
Renowned for its outstanding conservation efforts and pristine wilderness, other top destinations include Hluhluwe Umfolozi, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, and the Pilanesberg National Park for malaria-free safaris near Johannesburg.
South Africa boasts some of the most incredible beaches in Africa.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the sand is golden, and the water is warm. Places like Durban, Amamzintoti, and Penington offer incredible surf and sand, perfect for family fun, surfing, and relaxation.
The Eastern Cape is well off the beaten track, and the beaches here are deserted and beautiful. Kenton on Sea, Cape St. Francis, and Kariega are all located close to the Addo Elephant National Park, making them perfect for a bush and beach break.
In the Western Cape, road-trippers to the Garden Route will be rewarded with seemingly-endless beaches in Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Nature’s Valley.
Cape Town is home to some of the best urban beaches in Africa. Stylish Camps Bay, beautiful Llandudno, and bohemian Muizenberg each offer something unique and different, while at Boulders Beach, you can swim with rare African penguins.
Along the way, you can lie on the beach or get in the water to dive, snorkel, go shark cage diving, kayak, or kitesurf.
You will encounter some of the best South African beaches wherever you travel on the extensive 2,500 km / 1,550-mile coastline. Don't forget to pack your sunglasses, costume, and towel for an incredible beach experience.
South Africa’s diverse and fascinating landscapes are matched by exceptional culinary experiences.
Both Cape Town and Johannesburg are full of culinary delights. While Johannesburg, edgy as always, is fast gaining a reputation as a foodie hotspot, Cape Town’s appeal lies with trendy eateries. Both offer a lively coffee scene, quirky craft breweries, and some excellent markets.
The Cape Winelands are widely regarded as the culinary epicentre of South Africa. Delivering exquisite wine farms, award-winning wines, and world-class restaurants, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer world-class restaurants in a picturesque setting. These are fifteen fabulous wine farms that you can visit.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands meander offers gently rolling hills, quiet retreats, and gourmet secrets worth exploring on roads that lead towards the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
There is plenty of good food for budget travellers at road stalls and affordable eateries.
Even on South Africa safaris, travellers can indulge in culinary luxury at lodges, where outstanding cuisine and attentive service perfectly match thrilling Big 5 wildlife encounters.
South Africa is a giant outdoor playground with abundant sunshine, sea, rivers, mountains, and coastline.
Start with a walking safari or a guided game drive in Kruger. Then, visit Hoedspruit for hot air balloon rides, horse rides, zip lines, and bridge swings.
Head to Durban for a day at King Shaka Marine World, dive with sharks on the Aliwal Shoal, or learn to surf along KwaZulu-Natal's gorgeous beaches. Hikers will be on top of the world, exploring the Drakensberg Mountains on single or multi-day trails.
Further south, the adventurous can go bungee jumping at Bloukrans, kayaking at Tsitsikamma, taking a canopy tour on the Garden Route, sailing in Knysna, and paragliding in Wilderness. Check out more of the best adventure activities on the Garden Route.
Toward Cape Town, the world's longest zipline has recently opened, whale watching and marine tours in Gansbaai and Hermanus are a must, and cage diving with sharks will get your adrenaline pumping.
Cape Town has all the attractions of a big city, such as indoor climbing, museums, and shopping malls. For the active traveller, summit the iconic Table Mountain, abseil off the top, hit the trails in the Winelands on a mountain bike, and end your day on a sunset cruise or paragliding from the lion's head.
There is something for every traveller, making South Africa a great value destination for budget travellers and families alike.
South Africa consistently ranks as one of Africa's most affordable safari destinations.
Arrive in Johannesburg in the morning and be in Kruger National Park by the evening. Then, after spotting the Big 5 on your South Africa safari, hop on a plane to Cape Town.
Rent a car and explore the city, taking advantage of the proximity to the Cape Winelands and Hermanus. Travel further afield to the Garden Route, stopping for small towns and adventure.
Short on time? Fly directly to the Mother City and set off on a Big 5 safari near Cape Town before taking in the best of the peninsula - mountains, penguins, and fine wines.
Accommodation in South Africa ranges from camping in game reserves to budget backpackers, comfortable B&Bs, guest houses, and luxury lodges in incredible national parks or seaside resorts.
With a favourable exchange rate, eating out in South Africa means you can eat like royalty for a fraction of the cost while sampling some of the best food and wine in the world.
On an all-inclusive South African safari, there are no hidden costs. Catering for families with kids includes child-friendly programs, playgrounds, daycare if needed, and even activities designed for your child's needs. Family safaris can be stress-free and affordable with a handful of excellent malaria-free game parks in South Africa.
Excellent roads, abundant accommodation, and loads of activities -simply put- South Africa offers exceptional value for money.
South Africa has an extensive network of well-maintained roads that make getting around easy.
Self-drive or guided road trips are a great way to get a feel for the size and scale of the country and meet the people who help to make South Africa such a fascinating destination.
The Panorama Route links Johannesburg to Kruger and is famous for sweeping vistas, waterfalls, and interesting towns.
The Wine Route and Whale Coast are close enough to Cape Town for day trips. They include wine farms, historical towns, excellent restaurants, beautiful scenery, whale watching, and numerous other activities.
For those wanting to travel further afield, the adventure-packed Garden Route provides the most famous South African road trip. It offers an incredible coastline, quaint towns, and loads of rivers and forests to explore. Head up to the West Coast in spring to take in the Flower Route's budding glory.
South Africa’s two main travel hubs are Johannesburg and Cape Town. From these cities, renting a car or taking a guided tour on excellent roads is easy. Affordable accommodation and fantastic attractions complement these options.
With so much happening, planning a South Africa safari can be daunting.
African Budget Safaris, based in Cape Town, has a knowledgable team of travel consultants with years of experience in safari travel.
Speak to one of our experts and let us help find the perfect safari for your budget. We specialise in personal, bespoke safaris, tailored to your interests, budget, and timeline.
Whether you want to combine a Big 5 safari in Kruger with a beach break in Cape Town or a longer overland trip from Cape Town to Namibia and beyond, let us take you there. We will handle the details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the riches that South Africa has to offer.
The best time to visit South Africa on safari is May to October. This is the perfect season to visit Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and KwaZulu-Natal parks like Hluhluwe Umfolozi, as the vegetation has thinned out in the dry season, and animals are easier to spot.
However, South Africa is a year-round destination, boasting two separate climate zones. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate and is best enjoyed in summer from November to March. The whale season runs from June and peaks in November, while KwaZulu-Natal is more tropical and can be enjoyed year-round.
January to March are South Africa’s warm summer months.
This is the ideal time for beach vacations around Cape Town and in KwaZulu-Natal. January is particularly appealing along the coast and the bush is lush and green. This is great for photography but game viewing can be more challenging.
From February, there are fewer tourists, and many locals believe this is the best time to visit Cape Town. It can still be busy, so book early, but generally, the city has a more laid-back and relaxed feel.
March is a mild but pleasant month. As the vegetation in Kruger thins, game viewing improves.
April marks the start of winter in South Africa.
Cooler temperatures in Kruger are pleasant, and game viewing improves as winter deepens.
May starts to lean towards winter, and the weather in the Cape is less predictable. KwaZulu-Natal is mild and sunny, making it a great time for a bush and beach break.
In June, temperatures cool. Whale-watching season begins, and Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the world. Game viewing in Kruger is excellent as the bush thins and animals gather around permanent water.
Despite the onset of winter, days remain pleasant and sunny on the highveld, while nights can be bitterly cold.
From July to September, game viewing in Kruger is excellent, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and minimal malaria risk. In addition to being the best time to visit Kruger, this is an ideal time for other fantastic highlights throughout the country.
As the whale-watching season progresses, southern right whales arrive in greater numbers to calve along the coast. These massive animals can be seen around Cape Town and Gansbaai, but Hermanus is the best place to see them.
In August, wildflowers bloom along the West Coast and in the Northern Cape. These spectacular blooms transform arid landscapes into a kaleidoscope of colour.
September is the official start of spring, which occasionally gets interrupted by cold snaps. The Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga are excellent safari destinations at this time.
October sees rising temperatures and the onset of seasonal showers in the northern areas. With abundant rain and sun, the bush becomes lush and green. Game viewing becomes more challenging as the season progresses.
October is an excellent month for a bush and beach break, combining destinations like Kruger and Durban, before the peak season crowds arrive.
In November, rains become more frequent in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Visitors to the Western Cape can catch the tail-end of the whale-watching season.
December is the peak travel season. South Africans go on holiday, and international tourists arrive for the festive season, flooding into coastal areas. Durban and Cape Town get very busy, and booking well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
With so many amazing destinations, visitors are spoiled for choice in South Africa. These are a few of our many popular South Africa safari packages. Our favourite guided tours explore Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Karoo, and KwaZulu-Natal, while our top Big Five safaris visit Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Addo Elephant Park, Hluhluwe, and beyond. Options range from short and affordable lodge tours to budget camping trips and longer overland adventures.
Call us toll free from US/Canada on 1-888-414-6513, or from the UK on 0-808-189-1052. All other countries can contact us on +27 21 791 0878.
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