South Africa - Just Cats!

Tour Code: ZAF06

A 12-day tour of South Africa focusing on cats - including Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Serval and African Wild Cat - and other wildlife, visiting the Kruger National Park and the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

12 days from
£6,595 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£5,795

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Highlights

Summary

This wildlife holiday focuses on South Africa’s feline world and offers the very best chance of seeing Africa’s cats – both big and small – in the wild. We begin with 4 nights in Kruger National Park, stopping en route to admire the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Kruger is home to Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, plus Serval, African Wild Cat and Caracal. Elephant, Giraffe, White Rhino and African Wild Dog make up the supporting cast along with a colourful birdlife. Moving to Sabi Sand Game Reserve we split our remaining 4 nights between 2 exclusive lodges. Sabi Sands is especially famous for Leopards, but Lion, Cheetah and other cats are also frequently observed. Night drives open up another world of nocturnal possibilities.

A tour designed to maximise cat sightings
30+ cat sightings enjoyed on past tours!
4 nights in Kruger National Park
4 nights in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Game walks & night drives in Sabi Sand
Visit Blyde River Canyon, third largest canyon in the world
Elephant, Giraffe, African Wild Dog & other African mammals
Abundant & colourful birdlife
Learn from our expert South African naturalist leader

Grading

Grade A - A traditional African safari mostly by vehicle but including some short walks.

Africa is blessed with an unrivalled abundance of mammals and other wildlife. Huge herds of game still roam vast national parks which they share with an equally impressive array of birds, reptiles and other fauna and flora. However, there is one family of animals without which no visit to Africa would be complete: the cats. The ‘Big Cats’, and their smaller relatives, hold a special appeal for many of us. Not only are they beautiful, sleek and powerful animals, but they are also elusive and superb masters of camouflage, able to shun the limelight and only reveal themselves to the fortunate few. Cats are always a challenge to find, but knowing where to go is half the battle, and although nothing is guaranteed in the world of wildlife-watching, this exciting tour has been specially designed with cats in mind and offers the very best opportunity of seeing Africa’s cats, both big and small, in the wild.

Our tour begins with a flight to Johannesburg, where we meet our guide and begin the long drive to the world famous Kruger National Park. We will break the journey with a night at the Blyde River Canyon, a spectacular cleft in the mountains and the third largest canyon in the world. The endangered Cape Vulture is occasionally seen here, soaring high above the rocky escarpments, whilst other wildlife to look out for includes Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Greater Double-collared Sunbird and the delightful Rock Hyrax, an unlikely cousin of the Elephant!

Completing our drive to the Kruger National Park, we enter this world famous reserve at the Phabeni Gate in the south and drive on to Lower Sabie, where we stay for two nights. Here begins our quest for wild cats. The southern region of the park is fairly densely vegetated, with two large river systems and numerous rocky outcrops. We will concentrate our activities along the Sabi River, where the permanent water attracts large numbers of Impala. These form the prey-base for the predators of the area and this is one of the top spots in the Kruger for finding the ever-elusive Leopard.

We next drive north to the Satara region, in the central Kruger, where we stay for a further two nights. Satara holds the highest density of Lions in the national park, due to the large numbers of Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra attracted here by the lush grazing and open country. Leopards also occur in the area, as do Cheetah, Spotted Hyena and African Wild Dog. We will spend our time here looking for these magnificent animals, and will undoubtedly encounter other species such as Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Common Waterbuck, Greater Kudu and Southern Giraffe as well as an incredible array of savannah birds. An evening/night drive from the camp will provide our best chance of finding one or two of the smaller, and more elusive, cat species, notably African Wildcat and Serval.

We now leave Kruger, via the Orpen Gate, and drive into the adjacent Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This 65,000-hectare private reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, offers some of the finest predator-viewing in the world, and the chances of seeing Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs simply cannot get any higher! The reserve was established as far back as the 1960s and, by the early 1980s, the very first private lodges were in operation. This long history of conservation, the large size of the reserve, and the ideal habitat it offers are some of the factors making Sabi Sand so special when it comes to cat-viewing. It was in this reserve that a few individual Leopards first became habituated to safari vehicles, a slow process that took over 10 years, and the result of this hard work is daily close-up encounters with these beautiful creatures. Cheetahs are also seen regularly and we hope that time and patience will be rewarded with sightings of the smaller cat species such as Serval.

We will spend four nights in the reserve, staying at two different lodges. This will give us both ample time in the field, as well as time to relax in the beautiful surroundings of our accommodation. Furthermore, all game drives in Sabi Sand are conducted in open vehicles, the perfect vantage place from which to view the reserve’s abundant mammals, birds and other wildlife, and ideal for those keen on photography too. Sadly, after four nights at Sabi Sand and, we hope, a variety of memorable encounters with cats and other wildlife, we must leave the peace and tranquillity of the ‘African Bush’ for the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg from where we catch our return flight home.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London

Day 2

Blyde River Canyon

Day 3/6

Kruger National Park

Day 7/10

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Day 11

Depart Johannesburg

Day 12

Arrive London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
We stay in comfortable national park lodges in Kruger and private game lodges in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. All rooms have private facilities.
Food:
All meals are included in the price, except for lunches on Days 2 to 7. Allow £70.

Reviews

Carol-Anne Gillespie who was with us for the entire trip was outstanding. She worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best trip possible, nothing was too much trouble for her. Casper Bardenhorst, who was with us for the Kruger part of the tour was also brilliant, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Flora and Fauna of Kruger. John, the chef who provided our meals at Kruger did an amazing job, providing tasty food with very limited resources. Obviously the animal encounters were the highlight - Wild dogs interacting with Hyena, a leopard cub playing with its mother - outstanding sights that will stay with us forever. I really could not fault this trip - the leaders were excellent - the accommodation, especially at Sabi Sands, was excellent. A truly outstanding trip - we saw everything we had hoped to see and more
D.A. Norfolk, Oct 19
Flagged as a Just Cats safari in South Africa it became so much more. Thanks to the expertise of our tour leader and local guides and trackers we saw virtually everything there was to see in terms of animals and birds. To see the big five virtually every day as well as all the other animals resting, hunting, feeding, mating etc was a real privilege. And they were all so close so views were spectacular. A never to be repeated experience I feel.
B.J. Hampshire
We spent many hours viewing lions, leopards and cheetahs at very close quarters admiring their looks and learning much about their behaviour. We also viewed elephants, rhinos, hippos and many smaller animals who live together with the cats in the Kruger. We were also fascinated by the variety and beauty of the bird life. All of this was made so very enjoyable by the skills enthusiasm and knowledge of the excellent guides and trackers who accompanied our trip.
K.N. West Midlands

It was a two week safari trip to South Africa. The main objective was to view the various big cats and mammals of the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands. It involved morning and evening drives in the bush. We moved to several lodges over the area. Each lodge was fantastic. The guides were exceptional and very informative and I would thoroughly recommend this holiday to anyone.
P.E.H. Cheshire

Naturetrek fulfilled my wish for a holiday of a lifetime! It was the most wonderful experience and the wildlife seen was beyond my wildest dreams. We were a small group of 7 with our 2 guides, the perfect mix. Our guides were so knowledgeable and were so happy to share their expertise with us. The tour was perfectly paced, all accommodation very comfortable with a selection of basic camps to more high end when we were at Sabi Sand. Each day got better and better and the bird and wildlife was plentiful. This tour focused on the big cats and we weren’t disappointed, lions, cheetahs, magnificent leopards as well as all you would expect to see on a safari. I can’t fault anything on this trip and it was a privilege to see nature at its finest.
M.J. Isle of Wight

This was a truly superb holiday, we just didn’t want to leave! The local guides (Leon and Rob) were just excellent, the wildlife viewing was exceptional (certainly in Sabi sands – at least one good leopard sighting every day!) and the lodges, particularly Nkoro, were fantastic. We’re thinking seriously about going back – and soon!! Thank you to Naturetrek.
A.F. Warwickshire

This was a truly amazing holiday. I realised an ambition of 20 years to photograph leopards up close. The guides were superb and professional. Couldn’t have asked for better.
S.D. Powys

The two sightings of leopards in Sabi Sands, were the highlight of my trip, also the wild dogs with kill and herds of elephants. Sabi Sands, lovely setting, everyone so friendly and professional, great to end the holiday on a high.
E.L. Liverpool

The local agents were excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble and they made our first visit to South Africa memorable and we would certainly like to return.
P.N. Suffolk

A fantastic wildlife experience, amazing to get so close to totally wild large (and small!) mammals, and to watch them interacting and leading their lives. Great to see that the reserves (both Kruger and Sabi) are being so well managed and that the wildlife is flourishing there. Particularly exciting were the leopards, the lions eating a kudu, the hyena den with cute cubs, and the jackal family. The game drives in Sabi are superbly well organised. Our drives in Kruger led by Leon and Rob were superb, they were both excellent leaders. Birds were wonderful and also the lizards, invertebrates, etc, so a lot more to this holiday than just the mammals.
S.W. Nottinghamshire

This was a wonderful holiday with fantastic wildlife sightings. The guiding from Toby and John was great - they are both so knowledgeable and caring.
L.G. Hertfordshire

This is a well organised and well thought out tour and one which I enjoyed very much. Lions were the stars of the holiday and we witnessed some great interactions between pride members as well as other animals including a (successful) hunt of a buffalo. Another major highlight were the Leopards we encountered, including a female with 2 cubs (aah!). The variation of locations within both the Kruger and Sabi Sands helped achieve this.
V.K. Worcestershire

We really appreciate the effort made to make this a special trip for us and to tailor each day to take most advantage of the available opportunities to sight wildlife. It was an exceptionally well organised, friendly and memorable holiday.
Mr & Mrs B. Cumbria

The itinerary was in the right order, climaxing in wonderful, intimate wildlife viewing in Sabi Sands. The ability to go off-road and to witness animal behaviour at close quarters was a privilege.
Mr & Mrs P. West Sussex

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 20th Oct – Fri 31st Oct 4 £6,595

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£5,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,495

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Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:

India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears 
A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert

Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.

Our specialist recommends...




"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

  
All Mammal Watching Tours
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            [description] => Safari Holidays – Experience Earth’s Greatest Continent for Wildlife
Why choose Africa for wildlife safaris?
When people think of visiting Africa, safari holidays are regularly at the top of the list. Riding in an open-top jeep along dusty tracks and looking out across sun-baked savannahs teeming with big game is arguably one of life’s best experiences.
For the nature enthusiast, Naturetrek’s African safari holidays offer unparalleled opportunities. Africa is the world’s greatest continent for wildlife, being home to many of the planet’s most iconic mammals and birds.
Many of these animals are relatively easy to observe and exist in scarcely believable abundance, guaranteeing that our African safari tours are always full of amazing sightings.
From the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to Namibia’s Etosha National Park and the superb Kruger National Park in South Africa, our African wildlife safaris will take you to all the continent’s most unmissable destinations.
Classic African safari holidays
We offer classic safari-style packages to Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia.
On these African safari tours you will stay in or very near the prime game-rich areas such as national parks and reserves, heading out daily for wildlife watching in vehicles. There will usually be additional chances to join night drives and look for nocturnal species.
On the majority of our African wildlife safaris, even those in our bargain range, we are able to use superb accommodation, including in remote locations. Tented, fully serviced camps with private facilities are the norm.
Expert naturalist guides
All of our African safari tours are led by expert naturalist guides. Most of our tours are led by superb local guides (the quality of guiding in many parts of Africa is second to none), while some of our longer tours are joined by a UK leader.
What wildlife might I see?
Africa is the best place in the world for seeing large concentrations of big game such as African Bush Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe and Blue Wildebeest. On Naturetrek’s African safari tours we visit some of the world’s most famous national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti, Kruger and Okavango Delta, as well as some less well known regions, in search of a full range of the continent’s most spectacular mammals, from Hippos, Wild Dogs and White Rhinos to Leopards, bushbabies and African Wildcats.
The birdlife is equally staggering, with an enormous variety of charismatic species found across the continent, from bee-eaters and hornbills to finches, weavers and a stunning diversity of birds of prey. Naturetrek’s African wildlife safaris offer a chance to search for a superb variety of species and avian spectacles, such as flamingo-lined lakes in the Rift Valley, bizarre Shoebills in Uganda’s swamps, and giant Ostriches strutting across endless savannahs.
See our list of the best African Safari Holidays
 

Our specialist recommends...



"We offer a superb choice of expert-led African safari holidays ranging from 9-day bargain tours in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to a 17-day birdwatching and mammal-viewing safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. For those who have previously enjoyed a traditional safari, I would recommend our ‘South Africa’s Rare Mammals’ tour, which targets some of the continent’s most rarely seen creatures, such as Aardwolf, Black-footed Cat, Cape Porcupine, African Wildcat, Brown Hyaena and the iconic Aardvark



Paul Stanbury – Operations Manager
 



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            [description] => Big Cat Safari Holidays
Big cats are among the most admired and sought-after mammals on the planet, and we are proud to offer a broad and comprehensive range of big cat safari holidays. We offer inspiring and truly memorable wildlife tours to enjoy sightings of all of the world’s iconic species in their natural habitats, including Tigers in India and Nepal, Jaguars in the Pantanal, Pumas in Chile and Snow Leopards in India and Mongolia and we certainly do not neglect the smaller cats either.
We offer a range of itineraries around Africa and encounter the continent’s high-profile species like Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards and also the lesser known species such as Caracal, Sand Cat, Black-footed Cat, Serval and African Wild Cat. We also have wildlife holidays that catch sightings of the Asiatic Lion in India and the elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka.
We also offer a pioneering tour to try to see the most difficult of all big cats the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo with Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat and Flat-headed Cat all having being seen on our Borneo holidays. Closer to home, we offer holidays in Europe to go in search of Wildcat and both Eurasian and Iberian Lynx.
We have run these holidays for many years with great success, working with the best local contacts and guides and staying at the very best locations with carefully crafted itineraries which allow the optimum amount of time to achieve sightings.  

Our specialist recommends...


"Naturetrek has been instrumental in designing, researching and pioneering many of the big cat safari tours on the market. Our dedicated Tiger-watching trips have an unparalleled 100% success record with sightings, while if you want an experience dedicated to looking for Jaguars (also with a 100% success rate), you can’t do any better than our 'Brazil – Just Jaguars!' holiday. Additionally, our 'South Africa – Just Cats!' holiday offers a chance to see a wide variety of species in stunning scenery and for a real adventure, well off the beaten track, our 'Borneo's Mammals - Deramakot Forest Reserve' holiday is hard to beat for sheer excitement as we go in search of Sunda Clouded Leopard with extensive night time spotlighting outings encountering a wonderful number of mammals as we search for this elusive cat. Finally, if you wish to combine two holidays in one, our 'South America's Big Cats' holiday, first goes in search of Pumas in Chile followed by Jaguars in Brazil with a wonderful chance now for Ocelot in the Pantanal. "

Tom Mabbett - Operations Manager
 

ALL BIG CAT TOURS
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Tour Reports

Tour report - October 2016

Tour report - October 2015

Tour report - September 2015

Tour report - October 2014

Tour report - October 2012

Tour report - November 2011

Tour report - October 2011

Tour report - October 2010

Tour report - November 2009

Tour report - October 2009

Tour report - October 2008

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!