Summer is coming to South Africa. And if you’ve been thinking about finally making that South African holiday happen, this might be your sign to stop thinking about it and start planning it. Cape Town’s restaurants begin spilling outdoors. The vineyards turn green. Long evenings return. Beaches fill with life. The Garden Route becomes one enormous invitation to get in the car and explore. And international travellers are already returning to South Africa in serious numbers. Between January and July 2026, South Africa welcomed 6.58 million international tourists — an increase of 12.4% compared with the same period in 2025. There’s a reason people keep coming. South African summer is rather difficult to resist. When Is Summer in South Africa? If you’re reading this from Europe or North America, remember that our seasons are reversed. South African summer runs roughly from December through February, although Cape Town and the Western Cape can enjoy beautiful warm
Ask someone planning their first South African holiday where they’re going and there’s a good chance you’ll hear two names: Cape Town and Kruger. And we understand why. Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities. Kruger offers some of the finest wildlife experiences anywhere in Africa. But here’s the problem. If that’s all you see, you’ve barely scratched the surface. South Africa has nine provinces, thousands of kilometres of coastline, enormous mountain ranges, deserts, forests, tiny towns, subtropical beaches and wildlife reserves that many international visitors have never heard of. And heading into Tourism Month this September, South Africa is making a concerted effort to encourage travellers to discover more of it. The Department of Tourism’s message this year is essentially simple: Get off the familiar route. The government has called for provinces and cities to develop and promote experiences beyond South Africa’s traditional tourism corridors, while Limpopo has been selected as the
Something exciting is happening in South African tourism. More people are coming. Between January and June 2026, South Africa welcomed 5,584,473 international tourists — 12.3% more than during the same period in 2025. Overseas arrivals grew by 5.6%, while arrivals from elsewhere in Africa increased by 14.3%. (South African Tourism) So, why are travellers increasingly looking towards the southern tip of Africa for their next big holiday? Perhaps the rest of the world is discovering something South Africans have known for a very long time: South Africa gives you an extraordinary amount of holiday in one country. You Don’t Have to Choose Between Safari and Everything Else For many first-time visitors, the dream of travelling to Africa begins with safari. And South Africa certainly delivers. Picture an early morning game drive as the sun begins to appear over the bush. You round a corner and find elephants crossing the road ahead of you. Later, perhaps
Luxury travel in South Africa has never been more exciting. From ultra-exclusive private reserves to world-renowned conservation projects, today’s safari lodges offer far more than beautiful accommodation. They combine exceptional wildlife viewing, outstanding cuisine, personalised service and unforgettable experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, celebrating a milestone or simply looking for one of Africa’s greatest adventures, these seven luxury safari lodges deserve a place on your shortlist. South Africa’s Luxury Safari Scene South Africa remains one of the world’s premier safari destinations thanks to its exceptional wildlife, excellent infrastructure and diverse range of luxury accommodation. Many of the country’s finest lodges are located within private reserves bordering Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely while limiting vehicle numbers for a more exclusive safari experience. Premium lodges increasingly focus on conservation, personalised guiding and low guest numbers to deliver an intimate wilderness experience. 1. Singita Lebombo
10 South African Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else South Africa isn’t just another holiday destination—it’s a country where extraordinary experiences become lifelong memories. Few places on Earth allow you to stand atop a world-famous mountain in the morning, sip award-winning wines over lunch, and watch elephants roam freely before sunset. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover even more, these are ten uniquely South African experiences that deserve a place on every traveller’s bucket list. 1. Experience a True Big Five Safari No wildlife experience compares to watching a pride of lions resting beneath an acacia tree or seeing elephants cross the road just metres from your safari vehicle. South Africa is home to some of Africa’s finest game reserves, offering exceptional wildlife viewing alongside comfortable lodges, expert guides and conservation-focused tourism. Whether you choose a luxury private reserve or a self-drive adventure, spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and
South Africa is famous for its Big Five safaris, dramatic coastlines, wine estates and mountain scenery. But there is another side of the country that many travellers only discover once they arrive: its incredible birdlife. From colourful rollers in the bushveld to penguins on the Cape coast, flamingos in wetlands, raptors over open plains and sugarbirds in the fynbos, South Africa is a dream destination for bird lovers, photographers and slow travellers. With more than 850 recorded bird species and many endemic or near-endemic species, South Africa offers bird watching experiences across almost every type of landscape. Why Bird Watching Belongs on a South Africa Holiday Bird watching does not need to be a specialist holiday. It can be beautifully woven into a classic South African itinerary. You might see a Lilac-breasted Roller while on safari in Kruger, hear the call of an African Fish Eagle near a river, photograph penguins near Cape Town, or
Discover the perfect 10-day South Africa itinerary including Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route and a Big Five safari. Ideal for first-time visitors in 2026.
If you’re planning a South African safari, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between Kruger National Park or a private game reserve. Both offer incredible wildlife experiences, including the Big Five — but the style, cost, and level of exclusivity are very different. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can choose the right safari for your trip. 🦁 Overview: Two Very Different Safari Experiences At a high level: Both are excellent — but they deliver very different types of travel. 🚗 Kruger National Park: The Self-Drive Adventure Kruger is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world and ideal for travellers who want freedom and flexibility. What Kruger is like: Best for: Wildlife experience: Kruger offers excellent wildlife viewing, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos. However, sightings often require patience and time. 🐘 Private Game Reserves: Luxury & Guided Safari Experience Private game
A South African safari is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences on Earth. From watching a pride of lions basking in the morning sun to witnessing a herd of elephants crossing a river at sunset, every safari offers something magical. But when is the best time to visit? The answer depends on what you want from your safari. Are you looking for the best wildlife sightings? Lower prices? Green landscapes? Baby animals? Perfect weather? This month-by-month guide will help you choose the ideal time for your South African safari. Why South Africa is a Year-Round Safari Destination Unlike many safari destinations that have a short viewing season, South Africa offers excellent wildlife experiences throughout the year. Different seasons bring different advantages: The key is choosing the season that matches your travel style. January Best For: January falls within South Africa’s summer rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the safari regions, transforming the bush
Southern Africa is having a major moment in global travel right now — and savvy travellers are taking notice. Search trends show growing interest in: Travellers are increasingly choosing experiences over rushed tourism, and Southern Africa offers something very few destinations can match: world-class wildlife, incredible food and wine, dramatic scenery, rich culture, and genuine value for money — all in one region. Recent tourism reports also show continued international growth into South Africa, especially from Europe and North America. Cape Town’s “Winter Season” Is No Longer Quiet For years, travellers avoided South African winter. Not anymore. Experienced travellers now intentionally visit Cape Town between May and August because: This shift has helped make Cape Town one of the most searched African city destinations in 2026. Safari Travel Is Booming Again Luxury safari travel across Southern Africa continues to surge as travellers seek more meaningful and nature-focused experiences. Modern travellers are no longer satisfied with
It’s time to look out for more than the Big 5 on your Cape Town Safari. People from all over the world often flock to South Africa in order to see the “Big 5” in action, but little do they know that there is a “Small 5” waiting for them on their Cape Town Safari as well. This should be just as celebrated and perhaps even more since they are part of the ecosystem which keeps the Big 5 alive. It’s time to make an addition to your to-do list and find out what exactly constitutes the Small 5. Elephant Shrew – Cape Town Safari The Elephant Shrew or the Elephantulus Myurus, truly is a magnificent creature. it gets its name from from its long snout which resembles an elephant’s trunk and can reach a size of 25cm and weigh 60 grams. They feed on nuts, fruit, seeds and insects and are the food of larger
Know why giraffes are threatened before going on your Cape Town Safari It won’t do damage to learn about a specific subject before you encounter that specific thing. So learning about how giraffe numbers are plummeting before going on your Cape Town Safari is probably a wise thing to do. The decline of giraffes is a complex and multifaceted problem that threatens the future of an iconic and beautiful species. The combined impacts of civil unrest, habitat degradation, poaching and disease are what threaten the remaining giraffe numbers. Threats arise because of competition for resources with humans and their livestock. There are many conflicts between humans and giraffes, including crop loss, damage, disease transmission from cohabitating with domestic livestock, and being struck by vehicles and trains. Limiting Factors Since giraffes have a wide-ranging, diverse diet, they don’t need to compete for food with other wild animals, or the livestock of local farmers. Although they can be
There are certainly a lot of things that experienced Safari-goers know about the place they’re going to and about safaris. But it doesn’t mean that you have to go on 20 safaris before you know what they know. Especially not if we can help it. If you are thinking about going on a safari while on holiday in Cape Town, you should definitely consider a Cape Town Safari. Whether it’s the flora and fauna, the various geographical formations or simply the vastness of it all that appeals to you, a Cape Town Safari is a must. This article is designed to assist you with helpful tips and equip you with all the knowledge you need before going on a Cape Town Safari, ensuring your experience is as memorable as possible. 1. No shouting When visiting animals on a safari, it is important to keep in mind that we are just guests in their homes. They
Have you ever thought about going on a Safari in Cape Town before? Well, let us tell you the reasons why you should go. You’ll be amazed to know about the beautiful wildlife that hang around there, and how enjoyable your safari can be, if you just follow one or two rules. We’ve made it a point to help you out with some of the things that you should be aware of before going on a safari in Cape Town. Imagine sitting inside your car and going through a lot of animals around you while having fun with your friends and family. Just imagine how beautiful it could be! But there are some things that you should consider before going on your safari and that’s why we’ve put this blog together for you. 1. How many guests are in a vehicle The only way you can enjoy the safari is if you are there. However,
Now that you’ve decided to tick Cape Town Safari off your bucket list and go on a safari it’s important to know what to expect. This will ensure you have the best possible experience and get the best out of your trip while in Cape Town. 1. Late evenings and early wake-up calls Up with the birds and out on the road with your Cape Town safari guide. The early mornings are game viewing at its best because the days are clear. What makes this time of the day so wonderful is that there aren’t many people around. There’s a reason why you get up in the dark to set off on a Cape Town game drive. The first rays of the sun will illuminate your way and provide you with the best opportunity to spot the Big Five in all their glory. 2. Getting up close with animals on your Cape Town Safari Be
Animals play a vital role in our lives. They are our company, our entertainment and most of all, they are our friends. No matter the age, everybody has heard a rumour or myth about different animals. Safari myths are a popular subject amongst safari goers and everyone has their own favourites. But, just the same as the tale of the tortoise and the hare, some myths will outlive others. These are perhaps tested over time until they pass through the ‘test of time’ and become widely accepted as fact. The point is not to be skeptical when you hear about them, but rather to do your research so you can separate myth from reality when going on a Cape Town Safari. 1. Giraffes normally perform romantic ‘necking’ displays This is actually a spectacle of young males mock fighting. They strike each other using their horns followed by little jump. It is not unusual for animals to
If you are thinking about going on a safari while on holiday in Cape Town, you should definitely consider a Cape Town Safari. Whether its the flora and fauna, the various geographical formations or simply the vastness of it all that appeals to you, a Cape Town Safari is a must. This article is designed to assist you with helpful tips, making sure your experience is as memorable as possible. 1. No shouting When visiting animals on a safari, it is important to keep in mind that we are just guests in their home. They are not domesticated but rather free. Wildlife is inquisitive by nature and will naturally approach when curious. Being loud, waving your arms, or yelling is upsetting the animal and could throw him off his natural behaviour. 2. Dress the part Safari clothes aren’t just for fun; they actually serve a real purpose in the African bush. Safari clothing should be
Let’s say you’re heading to Cape Town for an exciting safari in one of the most diverse cities in the world. You’ve packed your swimsuits, camera gear and sunscreen, but how should you dress? What is appropriate clothing for a Cape Town Safari? How does a first-time safari goer dress? It’s only natural to want your first experience at a safari destination to be perfect. New travellers often worry about what to wear on their Cape Town Safari, and what equipment to bring. While researching the “right stuff,” it’s easy to become intimidated by insider terms (does anyone know what a “buffalo bar” is?) and cryptic misinformation (don’t believe everything you read about camouflage). To keep you from looking foolish in front of those who know better, here are some quick pointers for dressing for a safari. So, while it’s true that there are four seasons in Cape Town, you should dress up for a
Cape Town is called the “Mother City” due to its many magnificent natural attractions. It’s also a great place for tourists and offers a wide range of fun things to do. This makes it prime territory for anyone interested in going on a Cape Town safari. Cape Town Safaris allow you to see great wildlife shows The best experience to have while in Cape Town is a safari (though a wine tour is a close second). You will be able to see rhinos just laying around, hippos playing in the water, and lions eating their dinner. These animals are used to seeing vehicles driving around with people around and therefore don’t run away. There’s a reason people are still posting photos of lions eating their dinner. It’s one of the most iconic African experiences. But don’t just take my word for it: Experience it for yourself! A Cape Town Safari is an affordable experience A
Is there any better way to enjoy South Africa than by going on a safari? One thing is that the Cape Town climate will be very different form the African bush, but some prefer it this way. You’ll still be able to see the big 5 up close: the lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhino which roam around in their wonderfully large and respective game reserves, just a few hours from the city. 1. Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve – Safari If you’re looking for a game reserve which boasts the big 5 within an hour from the city, then Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve is the place to visit. It isn’t as big as most reserves but will definitely give you the full experience. With a great lodge for those who wish to stay over and a restaurant for those who get hungry during the day, this game reserve certainly doesn’t lack anything. 2.
It’s been quite a while since you first heard you’re going on a Cape Town safari, now the time is here, and you’ll have to pack. Other than your phone which is an obvious thing to take with, what else will you pack? Below is a list of 10 things to pack for your special Cape Town Safari experience: 1. If you take prescription medication Not everyone takes prescription medication, but for those who do, remember to pack it in your hand luggage instead of in your check-in bag because if your check-in bag gets lost you’re going to be in a lot of trouble. 2. Ticket, passport, itinerary, travel insurance as well as any other essential documents It would be an absolute disaster if you were to forget one of the above items. 3. Sunglasses, hat and sunblock Always be sure to pack in two pairs of sunglasses in case the one pair happens
When it comes to spotting birds of prey, you don’t have to go further than Cape Town. Birds of prey ranging from the Verreaux’s Eagle, the Jackal Buzzard, the Black Harrier, the African Goshawk, the Kite and the Rock Kestrel all inhabit Cape Town. All of these beautiful predatory birds can be found when taking your own safari drive around places like the Winelands and Cape Point. Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle / Cape Town Safari This black beauty can be found in the more mountainous regions of Cape Town with rocky cliffs. They breed between April and July and feed primarily on Rock Hyraxes. The scientific name for this raptor is ‘Aquila verrauxii’. With a wingspan of 2.3 metres, these birds of prey can be seen from below with a white Y underneath their wings. Jackal Buzzard / Cape Town Safari The Buteo rufofuscus has ominous dark red and brown eyes which can be seen if
People from all over the world often flock to South Africa in order to see the “Big 5” in action, but little do they know that there is a “Small 5” waiting for them on their Cape Town Safari as well, which should be just as celebrated and perhaps even more since they are part of the ecosystem which keeps the Big 5 alive. It’s time to make an addition to your to-do list and find out what exactly constitutes the Small 5. Elephant Shrew – Cape Town Safari The Elephant Shrew or the Elephantulus Myurus, truly is a magnificent creature. it gets its name from from its long snout which resembles an elephant’s trunk and can reach a size of 25cm and weigh 60 grams. They feed on nuts, fruit, seeds and insects and are the food of larger snakes. You can be sure that if you spot one of these little ones, you game
South Africa is well-known for its amazing safaris. You can choose to spend 4 days in the Kruger National Park or in a Private Game Reserve close to Cape Town. Whatever your choice, you will live an incredible encounter with the wildlife like the famous Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant)! Discover, in picture, 10 of the most fascinating animals you can meet during a surprising Safari in South Africa. #1: Lion The meeting with the king of the savannah is always awaited with great interest during a Safari! Sometimes, you can see just one of them free-roaming and looking for its next prey. Another time, we can come accross an entire family relaxing in the shade under a tree for instance. #2: Leopard It is always difficult to see leopards during a Safari. To have the opportunity to encounter some of them, prefer Games Viewing at sunrise or sunset. Indeed, it is
South Africa is worldwide known for the variety of animals that can be found on its soil, especially the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Sometimes, you can even have the opportunity to see the Big 7 (+ whale and shark). Whether if you are a tourist or a local person, it is always impressive and thrilling to see them free-roaming in their natural environment. Without further delay, discover 5 parks to live an unforgettable Safari in South Africa. From Cape Town Inverdoorn Game Reserve Located in the semi-arid region of the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape, the Inverdoorn Game Reserve is a 10,000ha-area hosting about 1,200 animals, rescued for the most part of them. Only about 2h30 driving from Cape Town, you can choose to spend 1 or 2 days in this remarkable reserve. During Games Viewing in an open 4×4, you will probably have the opportunity to see the Big