Custom Safaris in South Africa

South African safaris are ideal for first-time visitors, families, couples, and honeymooners looking for Big Five wildlife, scenic coastlines, and world-class private reserves. The best months for game viewing are May to September, with trips typically ranging from 7 to 14 nights. 

Truly exceptional wildlife viewing, a fascinating history, and a wide variety of travel options make South Africa a prime destination for custom safaris, whether it's your first visit or a long-awaited return. As one of the most rewarding African safari destinations, South Africa custom safaris combine scenic national parks, beautiful coastlines, and world-class game reserves across a country with stable infrastructure and year-round appeal.

South African Safari Overview

When it comes to wildlife and scenery, South Africa has a wealth of wonderful places to see, including a number of World Heritage Sites and incredible game reserves. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is built amongst an entire, unique Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only six plant kingdoms found on the Earth. There are more naturally occurring different species of flowers just around Cape Town than there are in the whole of North America or the whole of Europe! On the other side of the spectrum are the deserts and arid areas, including the world’s first national park that traverses the borders of two countries, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The coastline of South Africa is enormous, offering superb scenery, such as sandy beaches and sheer, fynbos-covered cliffs of the Garden Route, as well as amazing wildlife opportunities, from southern right whales breaching off Cape Town to pristine coral reefs on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, another fascinating and often-overlooked part of the country.

The pride of South Africa’s natural heritage is the Kruger National Park, the largest and best-known wildlife park in South Africa. At 2 million hectares and over 300 km long, this enormous area encompasses a savannah landscape with 147 mammal species, over 400 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Much of the best wildlife viewing for a first-time safari is done in private reserves along the western border of the Kruger in the Sabi Sands or Timbavati, which are easily accessed from Johannesburg or Cape Town. Add in a few nights in Vic Falls and Cape Town, and you’ve got an itinerary that can exceed anyone’s expectations.  Next Adventure has been designing custom South Africa safaris for over 30 years, with deep relationships across the Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and beyond. 

The South African dry season from May to September offers the best game viewing, with animals gathering around water sources in the Kruger and private reserves. For whale watching along the Cape coast, visit between June and November. Green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and lower rates.

Start Planning Your Custom South Africa Safari

Whether you're drawn to the Big Five in the Sabi Sands, the coastline of the Garden Route, or the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, Next Adventure can design a South Africa custom safari around your interests, timeline, and budget. With over 30 years of experience and trusted partnerships across the country, we'll help you plan a trip that's personal, seamless, and unforgettable.