The Best Safari In South Africa
Internationally renowned Kruger National Park is South Africas number one wildlife reserve. It encompasses nearly two million hectares and fourteen different ecosystems, Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and boasts the Big Five, the lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros plus of coursed a myriad of other wildlife species and birds. One can choose on South African safaris to stay at a private game lodge of which there are many located within the park itself or stay at one of the hotels just outside the parks perimeter.
Especially beautiful is the scenery along the picturesque Garden Route on South Africa travel which stretches several hundred kilometers/miles from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The name comes from the abundance of flora and fauna. However it also offers lakes, lagoons lush forests and amazing rugged coastal scenery. Some of the major towns are Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and The Wilderness. While the Garden Route road is extremely scenic, the hidden destinations on its side roads are worthwhile visiting. These include Oudtshoorn with its Ostrich farms, Cango Caves with their limestone formations, the Tsitsikama National Park, a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests and dramatic coastline and Plettenburg Bay to catch sight of humpback whales, bottlenose and common dolphins and even killer whales that frolic close to shore.
The Worlds Largest Travel Site Know Better Book Better Go Better
At Tripadvisor, we believe in the power of travel and in helping you make the most of every trip. With over 500 million candid traveler reviews, we can help you make the right choice when you shop for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You’ll also find low airfares, free travel guides, worldwide vacation rental listings, popular forums with advice about virtually every destination, and more. When its time to book, we can help you save up to 30% on hotels, checking 200+ sites to find you todays lowest prices. And when youre on your trip, our free mobile app is your ultimate travel companion.
African Safari Vacation Package
Now that weve gotten that out of the way, lets talk about the different types of African safaris before booking your African safari vacation package. You can customise your safari to fit your specific budget. You may benefit from early-bird hotel reservations and spontaneously plan a vacation at the last minute to get ready for a memorable expedition.
The most cost-effective type of organised tour is an overland safari, also known as a mobile safari. An overland safari will most likely include camping, and you travel in a group. However, a luxury safari provides travellers with the comforts of home in the wilderness.
While spotting wildlife along riverbanks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a safari, it can actually be a fantastic experience. For example, Southern Africas Chobe and Zambezi Rivers are home to the continents largest elephant populations. In addition, you can actually sail on these rivers, so be sure to look into your options.
Walking safaris or biking tours led by a professional game ranger or field guide are available for those energetic travellers who want to get their feet wet. In addition, many camps and lodges offer a walking safari as part of your safari itinerary in private reserves and concessions. Yet, you wont find these types of safari in most national parks.
Recommended Reading: Forgot My Birth Control On Vacation
Africa Tours Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Africa Tours?
Africa tours are the perfect adventure for travelers who don’t want to worry about the little things. All of your itinerary will be figured out for you, including your transportation, meals, and more. You’ll even have a tour director who will be with you every step of the way in case you ever need help.
- Whatâs included on an Africa Tour?
Africa tours include access to a tour guide who will keep you on track during your trip. You’ll also most likely have some local tour guides throughout the way, giving you a more local perspective on some of the places you visit. Accommodation, meals, and transportation will also mostly be taken care of for you throughout the trip as well. Of course, this varies from tour to tour, so make sure you do your research.
- Whatâs the best Africa Tour?
Every Africa tour is entirely different, so there isn’t one that is better than another. It’s essential to do your research to see what one is best for you. There are different tour operators, various itinerary stops, different prices, and different lengths, so you’ll have to consider all of this when booking your tour.
- How much do Africa Tours cost?
Africa tours vary in price. Some cost as little as $90 per day, while others will cost a lot more than that. It depends on a lot of factors. Luckily, by booking through Affordable Tours, you can rest assured that you’re saving up to 40% more than you would by booking the same tour elsewhere.
South Africa Tour Packages
Boasting of diverse landscapes, prominent structures, and exotic wildlife, South Africa undoubtedly appears on every traveller’s bucket list, with something for every kind of traveller. For the adventurers, there are stunning cities to explore, and breathtaking beaches. History buffs will enjoy diving deep into the history of the Apartheid regime, with museums spread across cities. Lovers of nature will savour the endless views, be it table mountains, savannahs, or hot air balloon rides over Pilanesberg National Park. And of course, South Africa tour packages will blow animal lovers away with options to go whale watching, kayaking with crocodiles, or the many wildlife safaris that Africa is best known for.
Read Also: Insight Vacations Country Roads Of Ireland
All Inclusive African Safari Vacations
Africa, filled with breathtaking wildlife, scenery, and rich culture, offers unforgettable experiences. From following a pride of hunting lions to dancing to the beat of an African drum, African safaris provide both leisure and adventurous activities for all.
However, we know that an African safari experience may seem costly at first glance. So, how do you enjoy the wildlife adventure without breaking the bank? An all-inclusive African safari vacation offers value for money experiences with excellent value and luxurious options.
Fortunately, an all-inclusive safari means you pay a set daily rate per person which helps to steer clear of those additional expenses. So, whats included? Generally, it includes your accommodation, three meals per day, standard drinks and snacks, as well as tours and game-viewing activities.
To make your trip to Africa even better, weve highlighted the best African safari destinations and resorts below. Wondering whats the best time to visit Africa? Why not read our tips on the Best Time to Go on an African Safari.
An All Inclusive African Safari
When you take an all inclusive trip to Africa with us, you dont have to worry about a single thing. Our safari specialists take care of every minute detail from your moment of arrival to your final departure. Each custom-tailored safari itinerary is designed to ensure a seamless and memorable travel experience from beginning to end. We offer VIP Visa services, meals, accommodations and internal air fare on our 100% escorted safaris. Our guests enjoy their own private vehicle and expert safari guide for maximum flexibility, comfort, and wildlife viewing. Let us be your host to Tanzania a place of breathtaking beauty and humbling majesty. Without a care in the world, youll be free to lose yourself in its sweeping vistas, endless blue skies and timeless rhythms.
You May Like: How To Cancel Hilton Grand Vacation Club Contract
Whats Not Included On Safari
This can vary from lodge to lodge, but you should expect to pay extra for the following:
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Special excursions like airplane or hot air balloon safaris, village visits, private dinners, etc.
- Spa treatments
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- We recommend tipping $15/day for your guide and $15/day for lodge staff.
- You can leave your tips as a lump sum at the end of your stay in cash or on your card. If you wish to tip in cash and your guide and/or tracker is out, you can leave an envelope for them at the front desk. Most lodges will have a separate gratuities box for the staff where you can leave your tip, which will be split among the staff members.
Special excursions like hot air balloons are an additional cost. Image: & Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
Your South Africa Vacation Itinerary
-
Day 1-3: Touchdown at Cape Town International Airport and get busy exploring one of the worlds most beautiful cities. Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and take in the sweeping views below. Stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and head to Cape Point Nature Reserve while youre here.
-
Day 4-5: Fly to Johannesburg and learn about its history at the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. Browse fantastic arts and crafts from across the continent at Art Africa, a popular market.
-
Day 6-8: Rent a car and drive to Kruger National Park. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax at a ritzy lodge. When youre feeling rested, head out on a safari adventure and see some of the parks famous wildlife.
Also Check: How To Finance Vacation Rental Property
Where Should I Go On My South Africa Trip
A good starting point on South Africa tours is Cape Town, a cosmopolitan and modern city surrounded by incredible natural landscapes like Table Mountain and a multitude of beautiful beaches. Table Mountain dominates the city and hovers over not only the downtown core but also the near lying suburbs. It can be reached by cable car and offers amazing views of the surrounding area. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a bustling shopping, dining and entertainment neighbourhood and a pleasant place to simply stroll around or enjoy a meal or a drink. Robben Island, a short ferry ride from the city, is where Nelson Mandela spent many years incarcerated and is now UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens have some of the most beautiful unique flora anywhere and around 2000 plant species are grown here. One of the most interesting cultural attractions in Cape Town is the District Six Museum, a memorial to the forced movement of inhabitants of various races in District Six during Apartheid in the seventies shown in photographs, recordings and testimonials. A must visit from Cape Town on South Africa travel is the Cape of Good Hope which offers awesome breathtaking scenery, great walks and some 250 different species of birds. Its rocky promontory is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet with sheer cliffs plunging into the pounding ocean. Make sure to see the fascinating penguins at Boulders Beach en route.
Nature In South Africa
With so many unbelievably beautiful natural wonders, South Africa packs a punch when it comes to adventure travel. Whilst the rugged coastline of the Cape Peninsula is home to delights as varied as the penguins of Boulders Beach and great white sharks, the interior of the country is mostly flat and home to the immense landscapes of the Great Karoo, characterized by its unique flat-topped mountains and sparse grasslands.
You May Like: How To Turn Your House Into A Vacation Rental
Namib Desert Camping Safari
Namibia, found in Southern Africa, is a country like no other. It has one of the sparsest human populations in the world in an arid landscape of dunes.
Even the smell of the country is unique and wonderful. The kind of smell where, when you randomly experience it while in a hallway halfway across the world, will mentally transport you back to this adventure.
On this safari, you wont just see animals in their natural habitat. Youll also climb the famous Dune 45 and look out over endless dunes on one side and the sea on your other. From there, youll take an excursion out to Sesriem Canyon and see the desert in the early light of dawn.
While the heat can be intense in the summers, the tour is well organized to avoid the worst of it and keep you comfortable. You can find out more about this and other safari options in Namibia.
Final Thoughts On All Inclusive African Vacations For Safari
The wonderful thing about all-inclusive Africa vacations is that it takes all the stress off your shoulders. You dont have to do a thing and yet youll have some of the best experiences of your life. You can just sit back, relax and know that youre well taken care of.
That is particularly the case when you grab one of the Africa safari vacations & deals that we have explored here.
When you join in on any of the above all-inclusive safaris, youll step into the unknown safely with your every need attended to!
Read Also: Sandals Royal Caribbean Vacation Packages
African Safari Vacations All Inclusive
You may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the likely combinations. All-inclusive African safari vacations, in other words, hassle-free safaris, come to the rescue to make your life easier.
Many of the hotels provide all-inclusive African safari packages, ranging from luxurious bungalows to romantic honeymoon suites. Most all-inclusive packages include three meals per day, snacks, sundowners in the bush, and two privately guided game drives with experienced guides and trackers.
There are various all-inclusive safari lodges and all-around hospitality and service in Kruger Park. Also, you can expect to find such all-inclusive luxury safari packages in Botswanas Moremi Game Reserve. Its in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site.
All Inclusive Holiday Packages
If you enjoy hassle-free holidays, then all-inclusive holiday packages are for you. With your accommodation, dining and entertainment paid for upfront, all you need to do is kick back and relax. Enjoy a fabulous beach break at an all-inclusive resort, or go on safari to a game lodge where everything is included. You could take the kids to the Wild Coast or Garden Route and stay at an all-inclusive hotel, or you could go overseas and enjoy a stress-free holiday on a tropical beach or island!
All-inclusive holiday packages for every kind of traveller
- Enjoy the ultimate family holiday at an all-inclusive resort in Mauritius.
- No need to worry about your wallet on an all-inclusive luxury safari.
The luxury of an all-inclusive holiday is that everything is paid for upfront, accommodation, drinks, meals and including flights on some packages, making your holiday completely hassle-free. Wherever you want to go and whatever type of holiday youre after, Thompsons Holidays has an all-inclusive holiday package for you. We’ve got a great range of packages ranging from luxury to cheap to suit everyone’s budget.
Recommended Reading: Selling Shell Vacation Club Timeshare
Culture In South Africa
Sometimes referred to as the rainbow nation, this nickname is a testament to South Africas diversity. A total of eleven official languages, including Zulu, Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa, show just how intricate and multi-faceted modern South African culture can be.
Traditional African culture exists mostly in rural areas, whilst the cities have fused westernized and traditional culture to create a vibrant tapestry of urban life, represented in an energetic music and arts scene. If you can incorporate both the modern urban centers and the rural communities into a tour of South Africa, youll be rewarded with a more complete picture of the national culture.
Indigenous communities such as the San and Khoikhoi are known for their artistic heritage. Ancient rock drawings deemed the oldest pieces of art in the world can be linked to these communities. Zulu ethnic groups, who live mainly in the KwaZulu-Natal region, are known for their colorful beadwork, basketry, and beehive-shaped huts. On the other hand, the architecture of major cities such as Pretoria and the towns of the Cape Peninsula exhibit the remnants of European influence in South Africa.
Embrace the vast open spaces, exceptional wildlife and multi-faceted culture of the rainbow nation on a trip to South Africa. From the laid-back surfing beaches of Cape Town to the wilds of Kruger and trend-setting Johannesburg, South Africa needs to be on your bucket list!
African Safari Vacation Cost
A well-executed safari can be costly but know that its also the type of vacation where you definitely get what you pay for.
Many local factors can influence the cost of your safari. For example, visiting Africa during the school holidays will cost more. However, assume you want to save money. In that instance, you may want to visit national parks during their off-season, from October to April. While you may see less wildlife due to the long grasses, it comes with some perks considering the significantly lower prices and fewer tourists. In addition, its the most lovely time of year for birds and newborn animals.
Safari essentials can also add to the cost of your trip. For example, clothes made of breathable fabric in chambray or earth tones, a wide brim hat with a chin strap, comfortable shoes, a waterproof dry bag, moisturiser, sunscreen, insect repellent, a good pair of binoculars, and plug adapters must be in your luggage. You may also consider investing in a high-quality camera and telephoto zoom lens, such as 100-400mm or 200-500mm, for documenting your trip.
Moreover, dont forget that tipping is customary in Sub-Saharan Africa! Therefore, it is best to have some cash on hand to tip your tour guides and service staff.
Don’t Miss: Best Place To Buy A Vacation Home In Virginia
Things To Know Before Travelling To South Africa
Ensure that you plan for your holiday packages in South Africa with a month designated for visa applications, as the processing time can take anywhere from 15 to 30 working days. And if you are taking up South Africa honeymoon packages, be sure to plan well in advance to have a hassle-free time amidst all the wedding planning.
You will need: