South Africa

South Africa has 21 national parks and hundreds of other protected areas, many of which are located in private game reserves. Each region and reserve has its own special attractions, which makes South Africa ideal not only for first-time visitors intent on seeing the famed Big Five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo — but also for seasoned safari-goers looking for something a little different such as birdwatching, a romantic retreat, or specialist photo safaris.

But such astonishing diversity and choice can be both a blessing and a curse. Where do you start? How do you begin to choose between dozens of equally fantastic safari locations?

That’s where this guide comes in. Start here for an accessible overview to South Africa’s main safari regions and a summary of each area’s top reserves and parks. You’ll find an introduction to the main wildlife highlights in each place, along with accommodations, price ranges and other essential information. In the vastness of South Africa we can’t tell you where to go, but we can help you make a good decision.

Your South Africa safari starts here. Buckle in, it’s going to be wild!