Tailormade Holidays in South Africa

Tour Code: TZAF

Enquire Now Saved Tours

Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to South Africa with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

South Africa's Essential Wildlife

10 Days

More Info

When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

January to March, June to December

Speak to a South Africa expert

Paul Stanbury

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Kruger National Park
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Western Cape & Namaqualand
The Kalahari & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
+3 more

View all

Summary

The ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa is blessed with an astonishing biological diversity and a wealth of dramatic landscapes. These are a result of such factors as the country’s position at the southern tip of the continent and the influence of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as its varied geology and dynamic climate. Consequently, a mouthwatering but baffling choice of wildlife itineraries is available – whether to suit birders, mammal enthusiasts, botanists or all-round naturalists – and all in a land that affords easy travel and a wealth of superb lodges to suit all tastes and budgets! Kruger National Park, and such surrounding private reserves as Sabi Sand, invariably feature in many South African itineraries, and for good reason! This area is one of Africa’s most rewarding, offering an unrivalled combination of ease-of-access, superb lodge options and, crucially, a huge diversity of wildlife including such iconic African species as White Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog, plus outstanding birding opportunities throughout. However, there are many other incredible wildlife locations to consider, amongst them the endemic-rich Western Cape, the spring floral displays of Namaqualand and the unforgiving, but beautiful, Kalahari Desert. Mammal enthusiasts might also consider exploring the little-visited Kimberley region and nearby Mokala National Park, home to such rarely seen species as Aardvark and Black-footed Cat. Suffice to say that, whatever your preference, we can tailor a South African itinerary that will surely delight and surprise at every turn!

Our Locations

Talamati Waterhole, Kruger National Park Shutterstock 780476683

The Kruger National Park is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Even in Africa, a continent blessed with our planet’s most spectacular creatures and wild places, this vast and beautiful reserve stands out from the crowd. Its nearly 20,000 square kilometres of wilderness are home to almost 150 species of mammal and over 600 species of bird, along with innumerable other animals and plants. Many of these are large, colourful, and easily viewed in a variety of open and stunning habitats, making the Kruger an intensely rewarding place for naturalists. Few other reserves can offer such diversity, which includes essentially all of Africa’s most iconic savannah mammals and birds.

The park’s early history began in 1898 with the proclamation of the Sabi Game Reserve. Today’s national park stretches nearly 400km north to south, from the fever-tree-lined banks of the Limpopo down to the winding Crocodile River. Wildlife is abundant throughout this vast area, with the large mammals especially popular amongst visitors. Many safari-goers, particularly those visiting Africa for the first time, come in search of the ‘Big Five’ – Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, African Elephant, and both Black and White Rhinoceroses – and few leave the park disappointed.

Satara Rest Camp

Details

Lukimbi

Details

Southern Right Whale shutterstock_154929767.jpg

The rich coastal waters surrounding the coastal town of Hermanus are worthy of attention. Here, Southern Right Whales congregate between June and October, and Great White Shark cage diving (and viewing from the boat for the less adventurous) offers face-to-face encounters with this mighty marine predator. Pelagic birding cruises can also be arranged, with the waters off South Africa providing some of the most exciting seabird watching the world has to offer. The nutrient-rich Benguela current attracts Black-browed, Yellow-nosed and Shy Albatrosses, which glide effortlessly over the waves, whilst a variety of their smaller cousins – petrels, prions and shearwaters – will test even the most knowledgeable seabirders’ skills to the limit. If fortunate, an encounter with the magnificent Wandering Albatross is not out of the question!

African Penguins, Boulders Beach shutterstock_149573036.jpg

Not far south of Cape Town lies Simon’s Town – a charming coastal settlement on the eastern Cape Peninsula. This is a wonderfully convenient base to explore two of the Cape’s most famous wildlife hotspots: Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. Boulders Beach is home to one of only two mainland colonies of the African Penguin. Despite the encroaching development, the penguins are thriving with nearly 1,000 pairs; a remarkable achievement considering that the first pioneering pair only arrived in 1985. Out to sea, Southern Right Whales are also regularly seen between June and October. At the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland and Cape Grysbok stride through the fynbos, as do Bontebok, perhaps one of Africa's rarest and most beautiful antelopes. Among a range of birds, such species as Cape Francolin, African Black Oystercatcher, Cape Grassbird, Bokmakierie, Southern Boubou, Southern Double-collared Sunbird and Yellow Bishop are all possibilities. Cape Point itself is home to numerous Rock Hyrax, Red-winged Starlings and Cape Cormorants, backed by the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean.

Accommodation in Simon’s Town

Whale View Manor

Details

Simon’s Town Guest House

Details

Black-footed Cat shutterstock_477311872.jpg

Kimberley and the nearby Mokala National Park are excellent places in which to search out some of Africa’s more elusive mammal species, many of which are nocturnal. So, if you’re eager to see Aardvark, Bat-eared Fox, Springhare, Aardwolf and Black-footed Cat, then a visit to the Kimberley region is recommended. Diurnal mammals such as Roan Antelope, Tsessebe and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest may also be seen, while birders will appreciate such denizens of the desert as Northern Black Korhaan, Fawn-coloured Lark, Rufous-eared Warbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Black-chested Prinia, Chat Flycatcher and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. Kimberley works brilliantly in combination with Karoo Gariep and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – each region offering a rewarding safari experience well off the beaten track!

Augrabies Falls, South Africa, shutterstock_2150587335.jpg

Augrabies Falls National Park, located in the Northern Cape, spans an impressive 820 square kilometres of dramatic landscape. The park’s centrepiece is the awe-inspiring Augrabies Falls, where the Orange River plunges down a series of rugged granite cliffs in a spectacular cascading display. Reaching a height of around 56 metres, these falls are well worth a visit year-round, although they are particularly impressive during the wet season. In addition to the endemic Augrabies Flat Lizard, famously featured in Sir David Attenborough’s 'Life in Cold Blood' BBC series, the park offers an abundance of mammals and birds. Grazers may include Giraffe, Steenbok, Springbok, Gemsbok, Kudu and Eland, while Black-backed Jackal, Caracal, Bat-eared Fox and African Wildcat make up the possible predators. Notable birds include Karoo Bustard, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Pale Chanting Goshawk and the near-endemic Cinnamon-breasted and Namaqua Warblers.

Gemsbok, Namaqualand South Africa shutterstock_96690244.jpg

West Coast National Park is a spectacular 270-square-kilometre reserve located approximately 100 kilometres north of Cape Town, just south of the coastal town of Langebaan. The reserve protects a large tidal lagoon, shoreline and the rocky Postberg peninsula. Life here is dominated by the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela current, which accounts not only for the huge kelp beds and abundance of sea-life, but also for the arid climate and cool sea breezes. Birding highlights include Ostrich, Black-shouldered Kite, Southern Black Korhaan, Common Fiscal, Chestnut-vented Titbabbler, Karoo Scrub Robin, Bokmakierie, Cape Sparrow, White-throated Canary, Cape Bunting, a variety of larks and the rare and beautiful Black Harrier. The Postberg section of the park is only open from August through September, when the flower carpets of southern Namaqualand are at their best. The meadows and rocky hills are painted in the yellows, reds and purples of a wide variety of daisies and other flowers, making for a spectacular sight. Through this kaleidoscope of colour stride a variety of mammals including Bontebok, Eland, Cape Mountain Zebra and Springbok. The Langebaan Lagoon, a wetland of international importance, harbours thousands of migratory waders including Little Stint, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Marsh Sandpiper, alongside resident species such as Black-winged Stilt, Three-banded Plover, White-fronted Plover and Kittlitz’s Plover.

Cape Sugarbird shutterstock_86356780.jpg

Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city and the legislative capital of South Africa. Set against the stunningly iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, it is an excellent base from which to begin wildlife exploration. A wealth of ecological reserves lie within easy reach of the city, including the Rondevlei Wetlands, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Silvermine Nature Reserve. The latter two reserves protect swathes of fynbos, a collective term used to describe the shrubby, heath-like plants that dominate the Cape Floral Kingdom. Over 8,500 different plant species can be found here, many of which are endemic to the Cape and have adapted over the millennia to tolerate regular bushfires and sandy infertile soils. Not surprisingly, the fynbos supports many endemic bird species found nowhere else in the world, including Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted and Malachite Sunbirds, and Cape Siskin. Other species to look out for include Karoo Prinia, Ground Woodpecker and Bokmakierie, a beautiful yellow, grey, and black shrike. A visit to the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for so many years, is another popular, if rather sobering, excursion. To the north-east, the Cape Winelands also boast some of the finest wines in the world.

Accommodation in Cape Town

Portswood Hotel

Details

Blue Crane, South Africa Shutterstock 495495082

Situated in the highlands of eastern Mpumalanga Province, the small town of Dullstroom is an integral stop on any birding journey in the northeastern region of the country. Altitudes here reach well over 2,000 metres and the high altitude grassland of the Veloren Valei (‘Lost Valley’) Nature Reserve is a prime birding location, holding species such as Blue Crane, Long-tailed Widowbird, Denham’s Bustard, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Buff-streaked Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Southern Bald Ibis and many others. Dullstroom’s location (roughly three hours’ drive east of Johannesburg) makes it a great first stop on the typical ‘Escarpment and Kruger route’, adding to the incredible diversity to be found in this part of the country.

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa shutterstock_517125232.jpg

Situated on the northern ‘arm’ of the Drakensberg Escarpment, the Blyde River has carved out the third largest canyon in the world and is set in a breathtaking region of deep gorges, rocky escarpments and montane grassland dotted with patches of woodland and indigenous scrub. On account of its dramatic altitudinal variation, this area is home to a wide range of bird species including Red-capped Robin-chat, Mocking Cliff-chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Bar-throated Apalis, Narina Trogon and many others. Spectacular viewpoints also offer outstanding raptor-watching and Jackal Buzzard, Cape Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Crowned Eagle and African Goshawk may all be seen. The rare Taita Falcon is also possible, although you will need a slice of luck so see this elusive little falcon. A night or two at Blyde River, staying at one of the area’s comfortable lodges, will suit keen birders as well as anyone interested in outstanding natural beauty.

Accommodation in Blyde River Canyon

Forever Resorts Blyde Canyon

Details

African Lion, Kalahari Desert, South Africa.jpg

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park protects over 3.3 million hectares of the vast Kalahari Desert and supports a remarkably diverse range of wildlife. This is a harsh but beautiful environment of sweeping vistas and distant horizons, and of majestic brick-red sand dunes and some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Africa. Here the black-maned Lions of the Kalahari, as well as Cheetah, Springbok, Gemsbok and Southern Giraffe may be seen, together with a number of more elusive mammals such as Meerkat (Suricate), Bat-eared Fox, Springhare, Aardwolf and the secretive Brown Hyena. Raptors are common and include Bataleur, Tawny Eagle, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Pygmy Falcon. The huge Kori Bustard is frequently seen pacing through the grasslands, whilst some of the more unobtrusive species include the beautiful Violet-eared and Blackfaced Waxbills, Rufous-eared Warbler, Redheaded Finch and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. The Kalahari works particularly well in combination with the Western Cape, but to get the best of both regions one must travel in the Austral spring between late August and October.

Accommodation in The Kalahari & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

!Xaus Lodge

Details

Kgalagadi Lodge

Details

African Leopard, Sabi Sands, South Africa (Daleen Loest)

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a private reserve of some 65,000 hectares that seamlessly adjoin the western boundary of the Kruger; together they form part of the Greater Kruger National Park. However, Sabi Sand’s small private lodges offer a more exclusive and intimate bush experience than the more ‘public’ Kruger, and the opportunities they offer for viewing Africa’s largest predators – notably Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog – are special. Game drives (including night drives) are the norm here, although it is also possible to join guided bush walks at some of the lodges. However, whilst the reserve is a great option for families and wildlife photographers, keen birders are not as well catered for since it is not possible to spend the entire day exploring (whereas this is possible in the Kruger); reserve excursions mainly being limited to morning and evening game drives focusing chiefly on the larger mammals.

Accommodation in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Garden Route, a breathtaking stretch of South African coastline, extends from Cape Town in the country's southernmost tip to Port Elizabeth, some 450 kilometres to the east. For a country blessed with such an abundance of wonderful scenery and varied wildlife, this region of South Africa is especially beautiful; characterised by its numerous hiking trails, quaint towns, beaches, fine wine and, of course, abundant flora. Within this narrow corridor, sandwiched between rugged mountains and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, flourishes a wonderful diversity of plant-life. From the coastal flora of the fynbos to the montane flora and desert plants of the Little Karoo, the Garden Route encapsulates a botanical wonderland. Indeed, the mountain passes around Calitzdorp hold more species of succulent than anywhere else on Earth. The Garden Route National Park itself, established in 2009, epitomises the region’s natural beauty. Spanning a vast 1,200 square kilometres, it amalgamates the Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks, the Knysna Lakes region, as well as newly protected land. More than 370 species of birds and 85 species of mammals can be found in the region, while out to sea, cetaceans such as Long-beaked Common and Humpback Dolphins are regularly sighted.

View Map

View key locations on the map.

Sample Itineraries

This itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to South Africa’s wildlife, with plentiful birds and exciting mammals.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Dullstroom

Day

Blyde River Canyon

Days

5 - 8

Kruger National Park

Day

Depart Johannesburg

Day

Arrive UK

10 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – more big game and predators in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Days

9 - 11

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Day

Depart Johannesburg

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – endemic birds, wild flowers and the marine megafauna of the Cape

Days

9 - 12

Western Cape

Day

Depart Cape Town

Day

Arrive UK

Combine two contrasting regions for a wildlife holiday with maximum diversity!

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Kimberley and Mokala National Park

Day

Augrabies Falls National Park

Days

5 - 8

The Kalahari and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Days

9 - 12

Cape Town and the Western Cape

Day

Depart Cape Town

13 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1 – Kruger National Park or Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Days

13 - 15

Kruger or Sabi Sand

Day

Depart Johannesburg

Day

Arrive UK

Option 2 – extend your stay in the Cape Peninsula with visits to Langebaan and West Coast National Park and Ceres - both excellent birding locations.

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

We work with some of the most exceptional naturalist guides in South Africa, many of whom are leading experts in their specialist field, be it birding, botany, mammals or all-round natural history. Some lodges, particularly in Sabi Sand, also have excellent in-house guides.

When to Visit

This will largely depend on the areas you wish to visit and also the focus of your itinerary. The Western Cape is best between late August and October, when the flora is spectacular and Southern Right Whales congregate along the coast en masse. For the rest of the country, keen birders are best advised to visit between October and March, when northern migrants bolster resident populations. Mammal enthusiasts might consider a visit between June and November when sightings are at their best. For the best of both, we would suggest visiting between September and November! However, areas such as the Kruger and Sabi Sand offer excellent year-round wildlife!

Getting Around

Roads are generally good and travel by road is the norm, mostly using a car, minibus or 4WD, depending on your itinerary and the number of travellers. Excellent domestic flight services mean that distant reserves can be combined within the same itinerary.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!