Best Safaris in South Africa with ratings
South Africa is renowned for its world-class safaris, offering a variety of experiences in diverse landscapes. Below are some of the top safari destinations in South Africa.
To get the most out of your South African safari experience - highly recommended that you consider guided safari packages - click here to explore latest safari deals.
Here is a map showing locations of the safari parks covered in this discussion:
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest and most famous wildlife reserves, located in the northeastern part of South Africa.
The park spans nearly 20,000 square kilometers (7,700 square miles) and is home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as a wide variety of other animals and plant species.
It is a key part of the country's conservation efforts and a major tourist destination for safari enthusiasts. Rating 10/10
Location: Kruger National Park is situated in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in South Africa. The park stretches along the Limpopo River to the north, which forms the boundary with Zimbabwe, and the Sabie River to the south, which forms part of the boundary with Mozambique.
How far from South African major cities
If you're traveling by car, here’s the distance from major South African cities:
From Johannesburg (approximately 400 km, 5–6 hours) - via N12 or N4 highways eastwards toward Nelspruit.
The N4 is the main route, and it's well-maintained, making it the easiest route for most visitors.
From Pretoria (approximately 380 km, 5–6 hours) - via N4 highway through Mbombela (Nelspruit), headed eastwards.
This route also takes you through the scenic areas of the Mpumalanga Province.
From Cape Town (approximately 1,600 km, 18–20 hours) - via N1 northwards.
The drive is longer, so you may want to break it up into several days.
When you arrive - the Main Entrance Gates
There are several entrance gates to Kruger National Park, including:
Crocodile Bridge Gate (southern entrance, from the N4)
Numbi Gate (near Hazyview)
Phalaborwa Gate (near Phalaborwa town, to the north)
Malelane Gate (near the town of Malelane)
Each gate connects to various parts of the park, with some offering quicker access to specific areas known for game viewing.
What are the Pros & Cons when visiting Kruger Safari
Pros:
Variety of Wildlife: Home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), along with hundreds of other species.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by road from Johannesburg, with various entry points.
Range of Options: Offers everything from budget self-drive safaris to luxury private lodges.
Great Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, good accommodation, and plenty of facilities.
Cons:
Crowds: Kruger is one of the most visited parks, so it can feel crowded, especially at popular viewing spots.
Larger Size: At over 7,500 square miles, Kruger is vast, so game drives can sometimes take longer to find wildlife.
2. Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of South Africa's most prestigious and sought-after wildlife reserves, located in the Mpumalanga province, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park.
It is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings, particularly of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and offers luxurious accommodations and top-notch safari experiences.
The reserve is also famous for its high concentration of leopards, making it a prime location for wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts. Rating 10/10
Location: Please refer to Kruger National Park location details above as Sabi Sands is close by situated in the southwestern part of Kruger National Park, and it is located along the Sabi River.
The reserve shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger, allowing animals to roam freely between the two areas. It spans around 65,000 hectares (160,000 acres) and is a part of a larger eco-tourism area.
If you're already inside Kruger National Park (at the southern gates), you can drive to the nearest entrance into Sabi Sands. You can take routes like the Crocodile Bridge Gate or Malelane Gate to the reserve.
The road from Kruger’s gates to Sabi Sands is relatively short and straightforward, although you might encounter some gravel roads once inside the reserve.
What are the Pros & Cons when visiting Sabi Sands?
Pros:
Exclusive Experience: Located adjacent to Kruger, Sabi Sand offers private, more intimate safaris with fewer tourists.
Excellent Wildlife Sightings: Known for high chances of spotting the Big Five and other wildlife, especially leopards.
Luxury Lodging: Many high-end luxury lodges and top-notch service, providing an exceptional safari experience.
Open Vehicles & Night Drives: Private game reserves often allow off-road driving and night safaris, enhancing the experience.
Cons:
Cost: The experience can be quite expensive, especially compared to Kruger or other national parks.
Limited Budget Options: Most lodges are upscale, which might be out of reach for budget travelers.
Travel Tips to both Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands:
The roads to Sabi Sands from Johannesburg and Nelspruit are in good condition, but once inside the reserve, there are dirt roads that may require a 4x4 vehicle, especially if you are traveling to more remote areas.
If you're planning to stay at a lodge within the reserve, it's often recommended to arrange transfers with the lodge itself, as they will ensure you're directed to the correct gate and provided with transport if needed.
Check the weather and road conditions, as rain can sometimes make the dirt roads more challenging.
3. Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa's most famous wildlife reserves, located in the Eastern Cape province. It's known for its large elephant population, but the park also supports other wildlife species, including lions, buffalo, rhinos, and various bird species. It's a prime spot for safaris and nature lovers. Rating 7/10
Location: Addo Elephant Park is situated about 72 km (45 miles) northeast of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), which is a major city on the southern coast of South Africa. The park itself covers an area of about 1,640 square kilometers (633 square miles).
How far from South African major cities
If you're traveling by car, here’s the distance from major South African cities:
From Gqeberha:
Distance: 72 km (45 miles), approximately a 45-minute drive.
From Johannesburg:
Distance: About 780 km (485 miles), which will take you roughly 9-10 hours by road.
From Cape Town:
Distance: About 770 km (478 miles), approximately a 9-10 hour drive.
The roads are well-maintained, but during rainy seasons, certain routes might have temporary closures or detours. It’s always a good idea to check road conditions before you set out.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry months, from May to September, when animals gather around waterholes, making wildlife viewing easier. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
What are the Pros & Cons when visiting Addo
Pros:
Great for Elephant Lovers: Addo is home to over 600 elephants and offers one of the best elephant safari experiences.
Fewer Crowds: Compared to Kruger, Addo tends to be less crowded, allowing a more peaceful experience.
Proximity to the Coast: Located near Port Elizabeth, it's an easy addition to a beach holiday in the Eastern Cape.
Affordable: More budget-friendly than some other private reserves.
Cons:
Fewer Big Cats: While there's plenty of elephant and other wildlife, sightings of lions or leopards can be rare.
Less Luxurious: While the park is well-maintained, it lacks the luxury accommodations found in private reserves.
4. Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is located in the North West Province of South Africa, approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It lies to the northwest of Sun City, near the town of Mogwase, in the Bojanala Region. It is situated between the cities of Pretoria and Mafikeng, to the north of the Pilanesberg Mountains. Rating 7/10
How far from South African major cities
By Car: The most common way to reach Pilanesberg is by driving from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
From Johannesburg: Take the N4 highway toward Rustenburg, then follow the signs for Pilanesberg and Sun City. The park is around 200 km (about 2.5-3 hours) from Johannesburg.
From Pretoria: It's about 150 km (2-2.5 hours) drive via the N4 highway.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Pilanesberg International Airport (NTY), about 15 minutes' drive from the park's main gate. You can fly directly to Pilanesberg from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Shuttle or Transfer Services: Many private tour operators provide shuttle services from Johannesburg or Sun City to the park.
What are the Pros & Cons when visiting Pilanesberg Park
Pros:
Close to Johannesburg: A great option for those with limited time as it's just a few hours' drive from Johannesburg.
Diverse Terrain: Offers a mix of bush, grassland, and mountains, providing diverse habitats and wildlife.
Good Value for Money: Offers a more affordable safari experience without compromising on quality.
Cons:
Limited Big Five Sightings: While it’s home to the Big Five, sightings of some animals can be less predictable than in more renowned parks.
Smaller Park: Compared to Kruger, Pilanesberg is smaller, which may mean fewer opportunities to spot wildlife in comparison.
5. Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province of South Africa, near the Botswana border. It is situated approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) from Johannesburg and lies to the west of the Pilanesberg National Park.
The reserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species.
Covering an area of approximately 75,000 hectares (185,000 acres), it is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Rating 7/10
Here are some interesting facts about Madikwe Game Reserve
Wildlife
Big Five: The reserve is home to the Big Five, along with a range of other species such as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species.
Birdwatching: Madikwe is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 350 bird species, including vultures, eagles, and waterfowl.
Conservation Efforts
Madikwe was established in the mid-1990s as part of a successful conservation initiative to restore and protect wildlife and biodiversity.
It was created by relocating animals from other reserves to this region and is regarded as a model for conservation and eco-tourism.
Activities
Game Drives: Guests can enjoy morning and evening game drives led by experienced rangers. These drives provide opportunities to see wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
Bush Walks: Guided walks with rangers allow visitors to explore the bush on foot, providing a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Luxury Lodges: The reserve is home to a variety of luxury lodges and accommodations, which offer exclusive, comfortable stays with excellent views and dining options.
Climate and Terrain
Madikwe has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
The terrain is varied, featuring savannah, acacia forests, and open plains, which offer a diverse experience for wildlife and visitors alike.
Access
Madikwe is accessible by road from Johannesburg (about a 4-hour drive) or by air, with a small airport offering charter flights to and from the reserve.
The park offers a fantastic wildlife experience in a relatively untouched, peaceful setting, making it an ideal destination for safari enthusiasts.
What are the Pros & Cons when visiting Madikwe Reserve
Pros:
Malaria-Free: A great option for families or those concerned about malaria, as it’s located in a malaria-free zone.
Exclusive & Remote: Not as crowded as Kruger or Sabi Sand, providing a more private and secluded safari experience.
Big Five & Wild Dog: Excellent sightings of the Big Five, with a strong chance of spotting the endangered African wild dog.
Cons:
Cost: Like Sabi Sand, it can be expensive, particularly in the high-end lodges.
More Travel Time: Though it’s in a remote location, it's further from major cities, which can mean longer travel times.
Conclusion
South Africa offers a wide range of safari experiences, from the bustling Kruger National Park to the exclusive and luxurious Sabi Sand.
If you want a more private and intimate experience, Sabi Sand or Madikwe might be ideal.
For budget travelers, Kruger and Pilanesberg are great options, while Addo offers an excellent elephant experience.
Each destination has its unique offerings, so choosing the best one depends on your preferences for wildlife, luxury, location, and budget.
Contact us:
visit@africamyworld.com
© 2025. All rights reserved.