South Africa is a land of great diversity, and it's all waiting to be explored by you. The culture, wildlife, and landscapes transform as you cross the sun-kissed horizons of this country. Your cruise will acquaint you with some of South Africa's most intriguing sites, like:

• Cape Town & Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and major political events formed part of the country's dim period of Apartheid.
• Kruger National Park & Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, for a safari to see the big five game animals (rhinos, lions, elephant, buffalo, & leopards). 
• An authentic Zulu homestead, where this indigenous lifestyle is not only preserved but still in use today.
• The vineyards of wine country where you can sip world class South African wines.
• Johannesburg, which was originally a small gold mining community in the 1800's and has since grown into South Africa's biggest city.
• Along the Rivers & Rails of Africa, including stops in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls)

As the southernmost country in Africa, this is a great place to base an Antarctic Expedition or a trans-Atlantic journey from the capes of South America all the way to those of Africa.

Best Time to Travel to South Africa on Safari

Overall, South Africa is an excellent destination to visit year-round. Since it comprises the entire southern cone of Africa, there are significant differences in weather depending on where you are planning to visit.

If you are heading to the coast, September through May are the best months to travel, and June, July, and August can be avoided.

The opposite is true for expeditions in Kruger National Park – the best months to visit are from April – November.

If you are planning a trip to both destinations, consider April, May, September, October, or November.


 

The Best Safari Lodges & Tent Camps of South Africa

While we feature over 30 safari lodges & camps in South Africa, here are a few of our favorites:

• Singita Boulder's Lodge 
• The Royal Malewane 
• Thornybush Game Lodge  
• Hoyo Hoyo Lodge
• Simbambili Game Lodge
• Rhino Post & Rhino Ridge Safari Lodges

See all safari lodges & camps in Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves.

The Wildlife to Watch for in South Africa

When you set off on your South Africa safari, you never quite know what you'll encounter along the way, but no matter when you go, you're sure to come across some fantastic wildlife, especially in areas like Kruger National Park, including:

• Black rhino & White Rhino
• Buffalo
• Cheetah, Lion, Leopard
• Elephant
• Kudu, Eland
• Hippo
• Wildebeest
• Gemsbock
• Wild Dog

Stunning South African Cruises

Both ocean cruises and river cruises are accessible via South Africa and a fascinating way to see the African continent.

River Cruises + Safari
After spending a day exploring Johannesburg, take a flight to the town of Kasane, Botswana and board a luxurious river cruise boat like the Zambezi Queen where you'll float through Chobe National Park spotting from your luxury suite complemented with traditional jeep safari excursions. Finish your safari cruise in breathtaking Victoria Falls.

Ocean Cruises
The ports of Cape Town and Durban host an exclusive set of nature-focused expedition cruises along the South African coast and to far off destinations such as the tropical Seychelles, and even the white continent of Antarctica.  

Top South African Private Game Reserves & Safari Lodges

Land-based safari expeditions in South Africa immerse you in the heart of the wildlife when you stay at one of these exclusive and unique game reserves or safari lodges.

• Sabi Sand
• Phinda
• Thornybush 
• Timbavati
• Tswalu
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi 
• Kapama
• Moditlo

How Much Does a Tour to South Africa Cost?

Prices to visit South Africa on a tour can start as low as $1,200 for a 3-day experience, but what is recommended, so you don't leave South Africa wanting more, is a trip of between 9 and 15 days; these can range from $8,000 to $15,000.

The South Africa travel experts at Adventure Life can help you choose the right option for you.

South Africa at a Glance

• Population: 54.3 million
• Language: IsiZulu (official) 22.7%, IsiXhosa (official) 16%, Afrikaans (official) 13.5%, English (official) 9.6%, Sepedi (official) 9.1%, Setswana (official) 8%, Sesotho (official) 7.6%, Xitsonga (official) 4.5%, siSwati (official) 2.5%, Tshivenda (official) 2.4%, isiNdebele (official) 2.1%
• Land Area: 470,900 mi²
• Religion: Protestant 36.6% (Zionist Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%), Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census).
• President: Cyril Ramaphosa
• Currency: South African rand