Try to imagine the most exciting safari experience, with elephants, rhinos, wild dogs and lions among others, in one of the private nature reserves in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Madikwe Game Reserve, Eastern Cape or in the world’s oldest and largest game reserve, Greater Kruger National Park. Where you, if you are lucky, will see the mighty Big 5, i.e. rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, but also a lot of other exciting animals such as the agile cheetahs, towering giraffes, lazing hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes.

Upplev Sydafrika assist with bookings for the most spectacular safari experience in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Madikwe Game Reserve – all three malaria-free areas, Greater Kruger National Park (South Africa’s largest national park) and in the pleasant sun basking area near KwaZulu-Natal.

Which safari should you choose?

Upplev Sydafrika recommend a safari in a private park / reserve, with accommodation at a private lodge and where the price is usually all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In the private reserves, you are allowed to drive in more inaccessible terrain off road together with skilled guides and trackers, which makes it easier to spot the animals in its natural environment and get very close to the animals.

A typical 2 nights / 3 days safari itinerary

The Best Time To Visit. Overview:

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

• Wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation thins out making viewing much easier
• It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads are less busy
• Sunny skies and no rain
• Mild daytime temperatures and low humidity
• Very low risk of malaria
  
  THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• It is very dry and dirt roads become dusty
• Early morning game drives in open vehicles are cold; warm clothing is required

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

• The scenery is green and lush
• There are many baby animals, and wildlife is in good condition
• Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present
  
  THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the dry season
• It is high season, and the main camps get busy
• Hot and humid in the middle of the day
• It is advisable to consult with a doctor regarding antimalarial medication

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

• The best time for wildlife viewing
• It hardly rain and skies are clear
• It is low season, and there are few tourists around
  
  THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Warm clothing is essential for evening and early morning activities
• The sky can be hazy with a lot of dust in the air

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

• Lush landscapes and scenery
• There is a chance to see newborn animals
• The migrating bird species are present
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Wildlife viewing is good, but the dry season is better
• It is high season and the reserve is busier – especially during school holidays
• The heat can become unbearable

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

• Animals are easily spotted as they gather at water sources and the vegetation thins
• Most days are sunny and clear
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Morning game drives in open vehicles are very cold
• Dust and haze is prevalent

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

• Abundant foliage and lush landscapes
• Baby animals can be seen
• Migratory birds make for prime birding
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Animals are easier to spot during the dry months
• It is very hot and humid
• Off-road driving may be limited after heavy rain

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

• Wildlife gathers around waterholes as there is less water in the bush
• It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads will be less busy
• Sunny skies
  
  THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Early morning game drives and night drives in open vehicles are cold

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

• Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year
• There are many newborn animals
• The vegetation is greener, and spring flowers transform the park
• Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Elephants might disperse after rain
• It is high season, and the park gets busy

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

• Great time for wildlife viewing
• Daytime temperatures are pleasant
• Spring flowers in August and September
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Morning and night temperatures are cold and warm clothing is necessary
• The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

• Beautiful landscapes with clear skies
• Newborn animals can be found
• Migrant birds are present
  
  DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
• Daytime heat can be intolerable