Unique South African Safari Experiences to See the Big Five and Beyond

Across the Waterberg region of Limpopo – easily reachable from Johannesburg – lies a lesser-known treasure for safari enthusiasts, offering a blended scenery of lush landscapes, rugged mountainscapes and, of course, a chance to see the Big Five.

If a peaceful safari experience is what you’re after, the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve is the one. Offering up 89,000 acres (36,000ha) of private land nestled in the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Welgevonden is renowned for its sustainable conservation practices and provides a more “intimate bushveld experience”. With over 65 mammal species, 100 reptile/fish species and 320 bird species to spot alongside the Big Five on your three-day safari, you’re in for a wild ride here – just don’t forget to say howzit to baby Simba.

With the Big Five ready and waiting to be spotted, as well as an abundance of stunning flora, fauna and birdlife, Marakele National Park is an outstanding game park to visit. Translated as ‘Place of Sanctuary’ in the local language of Tswana, Marakele offers guests a range of luxury bush lodge accommodation in the heart of the Waterberg mountain range. If tranquil retreat-meets-adventure safari is your vibe, Marakele is the place to be.

South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province is well known for its unique safari experiences, as well as breathtaking scenery and unbelievable wildlife sightings.

A great alternative to Kruger, Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers up a more exclusive safari experience to its guests. With over 23,000 malaria-free acres (9,300ha) to roam, this five-star game reserve has it all. Not to mention the bountiful wildlife which, you guessed it, has the Big Five, as well as its celebrated biodiversity efforts – with all-encompassing grassland, savannah, thornveld and riverine bush. And if that’s not enough, the wide range of bird species will delight any avid birdspotter – especially if you spot one perched on a rhino, which is often the case.

Hailed as “one of the oldest game reserves in Africa”, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is known for its valiant efforts in wildlife conservation and rhino protection. Aside from the majestic scenes surrounding its Big Five and other amazing wildlife, the views are pretty spectacular – especially from one of the many hides overlooking the elephants’ watering holes. A stay here is a very special experience for anyone who has the chance to visit – think bush camp-style, complete with dinner under the stars and some South African delicacies. Time to tick this one off your bucket list.

Home to four national parks and an impressive selection of Big Five game reserves, the Eastern Cape is a haven for wildlife seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Potentially one of the most beautifully designed game reserves in South Africa, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is world-renowned for its combination of plentiful wildlife, stunning landscapes and state-of-the-art, five-star game lodge accommodation – where you’ll fall asleep to the wild sounds of the bush around you. With over 61,000 acres (25,000ha) nestled along the Bushman’s River, your time here exceeds the standard safari: there is also a fantastic range of activities that includes bush walks, birding and the chance to learn more about sustainable conservation.

While luxury is the name of the game at Kariega Game Reserve, their message goes far beyond its 28,400 acres (11,500ha) of five-star lodge accommodation and private game reserve. Coming into the spotlight in 2012 when one of its female rhinos was poached – who became the first rhino to survive a poaching attack – Kariega has made and continues to make an extraordinary effort in rhino conservation. Today, its rhino survivor, Thandi, is the mother to three beautiful rhino calves and continues to keep her horn-free face held high, albeit as a stark reminder of the ongoing poaching crisis.

When it comes to safari in South Africa, the Western Cape isn’t usually top of mind compared to its other provincial siblings, but you’d be surprised by what you may discover here.

Offering up a safari experience with a difference, Samara Karoo Reserve is a semi-desert game reserve in the heart of the Karoo. Founded in 1997 and spanning over 67,000 acres (27,100ha) of regenerated South African wilderness, Samara demonstrates its pioneering spirit through an impressively biodiverse landscape. Home to the Big Five (surprising in the Western Cape) as well as 60 mammal species and over 225 bird species, this incredibly diverse reserve has one unique offering. Oh, and top marks if you can spot a leopard.

Explore the semi-arid landscapes of the Northern Cape’s Kalahari Desert and beyond – you may just spot the likes of meerkat and cheetah on your next safari here.

Famous for its South Africa-Botswana border share, rusty-red sandy dunes and seemingly endless herds of springbok (not the rugby team), eland, gemsbok and blue wildebeest, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a safari experience like no other. Offering up thrilling game drives and the chance to catch predators in action as the sun sets over its rich red-sand backdrop, this vast wildlife park is a photographer’s dream. Snap photos of cheetahs, hyenas and leopards, before resting up for the night in a rest camp, wilderness camp or luxury game lodge.

One of the most remarkable things about safari experiences in South Africa is that the large majority of private game reserves are extremely conscious about conservation, which means your support genuinely makes a difference. A few worthy mentions to consider on your next low-key safari adventure include the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with a water safari on the St Lucia estuary, ideal for birdwatchers and hippo spotters; Lapalala Wilderness – in the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere and big on conservation and community projects; and Madikwe Safari Lodge – in the North West and centered on empowering communities in wildlife conservation. It’s also worth checking if the park you’re visiting offers self-drive safaris, perfect for those who love to take the lead.

Despite South Africa being a country you can visit all year-round, sometimes seasonal travel just makes sense – especially when you’re factoring in prime game-viewing season, which is during the ‘shoulder season’ from May to October. However, if you’re looking for more beach-related activities and would prefer to avoid the crowds, you’re better off coming later in the year between October and November. For marine-viewing, it depends on which animals you’re looking for – whale watching season is from June until early November, the sardine run occurs from May to July, and turtle tracking can be enjoyed from November to February. Check out this ‘know before you go’ guide for further insight and advice.