Best South African
safari areas

rankings you can trust

 

Best 2 safari areas
in South Africa

 

Kruger

This is one of the world's top five safari destinations. Click links to learn about the Kruger National Park.

How the 4 Kruger areas differ
Luxury lodge and camps

 

Phinda

In centuries past, the area was rich in wildlife, then agricultural pursuits nearly denuded it. Today, after a massive restocking program, Phinda is once again a thriving haven for many animals, including the Big 5. Birding is also great here.

Phinda Game Reserve

Other leading
South Africa safari areas

Addo elephant

Besides elephants, this national park on the Indian Ocean coast has the other Big 5 members: lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, and rhinos. It even has great white sharks.

iSimangaliso

This national park also lies along the Indian Ocean. It offers a variety of eco-systems, from forest to coral reef. You will need to use both boats and land vehicles to explore iSimangaliso.

Kgalagadi

Combine the adjoining former national parks of Gemsbok in South Africa Kalahari Gemsbok in Botswana and you have the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It's a significant two-country wildlife conservation endeavor.

Madikwe

It's a relatively new national park situated on the Botswana border. All the Big 5 animals now live in Madikwe, thanks to a relocation program. Much of the arid landscape is bush and open grass lands.

My Kruger advice

Kruger safari tips and insights
Best lodges
Best side trips
South Africa safari guide

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safari tips & insights

Top 5 safaris
Top 10 safari mistakes
Kenya vs Tanzania

Botswana
Kenya
Kruger
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti
Tanzania

Big 5 safari animal list
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What it's like on a luxury safari
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