South Africa Luxury Safari Tour Ideas

Of course, a Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park is at the top of everyone's list. Then there's also the country's Mother City, Cape Town, which is famed for its unique mix of mountains, vineyards, beaches, cityscapes, rich history and cultures. Plus, did you know that it's home to some of the world's top restaurants? Pair that with the fact that you only have to drive one hour from the city centre to reach the Cape Winelands, with plenty of award-winning wineries, and it's clear why it's a winner!  

If you're looking for the ultimate road trip, the verdant Garden Route coastline awaits with its adrenaline-fueled activities, seaside bliss, and malaria-free safaris. And with other must-visit destinations like Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and more, you can never get bored, and one trip is never enough.

As a year-round destination with wide-ranging scenery that changes at every turn and activities for everyone to enjoy, look no further than our favourite South Africa luxury safari tours for your next holiday. 

Tailor-made South Africa Luxury Tours

At Rhino Africa, we're well known (and loved) for our tailor-made itineraries. This means we don't just create tours and sell them to everyone and anyone.

Therefore, these South African luxury safari tours are mere guidelines for top destinations, accommodations and activities. But when planning your tour, we'll personalise it to suit your individual needs and preferences – the sky's the limit, and your wish is our command! 

Since 2004, we've been planning dream African safaris for our delighted guests, using our first-hand experience to ensure they leave with unforgettable memories of our continent. All our luxury South Africa tours are entirely customisable, so contact one of our Rhino Africa Travel Experts today to start planning yours.

Our South Africa Safari Tours FAQs 

What Destinations Should I Include in My South Africa Itinerary?

We absolutely recommend a Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park. We know all the most luxurious places to stay in private game reserves, such as Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, for the most exclusive experience.

There are also many other safari destinations throughout the country, including malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West province and private game reserves like Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve's unique red Kalahari landscape is home to rare species such as the pangolin and aardvark for a different kind of safari.

However, as incredible as a safari is, you should not miss out on experiencing Cape Town! The country's oldest city offers everything from blue flag beaches, hiking in the mountains, fine dining, wine, culture, art, and more. And the nearby Cape Winelands offer even more wines and gourmet food to indulge in! If you visit during winter and spring, the whales are in town, so don't forget to visit the Whale Route.

When is the Best Time to Plan a South Africa Safari Tour? 

The good news is that South Africa is a year-round destination. Every season has highlights that make it special, so our rainbow nation really isn't a been-there-done-that destination. You'll want to return again and again to experience it at different times of the year. 

With a Mediterranean climate, the weather is relatively moderate. Summer is generally warm, with temperatures between 19°C and 29°C (66.2-84.2°F), whereas winter ranges from 6°C to 23°C (42.8-73.4°F). 

When it comes to a luxury South African safari, the dry winter months (from May to October) are ideal for spotting wildlife due to the sparse bush making them easier to see and the limited water sources causing them to gather around the same areas. However, when you visit during the wet summer (from November to April), the bush is green and teeming with birds and newborn wildlife! 

The best seasons in Cape Town are spring, summer and autumn. You'll want to visit during spring to see the southern right whales off the Whale Coast or the flowers along the West Coast. 

Summer in Cape Town is a busy time, so if you want to skip the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons. KwaZulu-Natal can get quite hot and humid in summer, so you might want to visit in winter. 

Our Travel Experts will recommend the best time to visit South Africa for what you want to see and do here.

What Does a Luxury Safari Tour in South Africa Cost? 

All of our South Africa safari packages are tailor-made, so the cost will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the duration of the trip, destinations you'll visit, accommodation, activities, transport, and more. 

However, to give you a rough idea, a South African safari cost can usually range between $50 to $2,500 per person per night, depending on service providers, availability, and seasonality. 

How Long Should the Ideal Safari Tour in South Africa be? 

Well, how much time do you have? There's never enough time to explore everything South Africa has to offer! 

However, as a guideline, for the best South African safari tours, we usually recommend a minimum of three nights in destinations like Kruger National Park. The same goes for your city stay in Cape Town. So, if you want to combine the two, you need at least a week in South Africa to experience the best both destinations offer. 

Each destination offers plenty of attractions and activities, so you'll never regret adding a couple of days to your itinerary!  

What Wildlife Can I See on a Luxury Safari Tour in South Africa? 

Wherever you go, you'll get to see different wildlife. South Africa is home to various species, from birdlife to the Big 5, whales, and the rare pangolin. 

Kruger National Park Safaris 

When you visit Kruger National Park, you'll most likely see the Big 5 (rhino, lion, elephant, African buffalo, and leopard). But there's more to see than just the Big 5! Other animals include the zebra, giraffe, cheetah, bushbuck, and more. 

When you visit during the summer season, the bush is lush, and the migratory birds make their debut. There are also plenty of cute newborn animals during this time! On the other hand, the bush is dry in winter, with wildlife gathering around scattered water sources, making game viewing easier. 

Eastern Cape and North West Safaris

In the Eastern Cape and North West, private game reserves are home to endangered species such as African wild dogs. Or, if you want something truly unique, Tswalu Kalahari's distinctive ecosystem offers incredible game viewing, from the rare pangolin and aardvark to meerkats, desert-adapted black rhino, and plenty of antelope such as springbok, red hartebeest, sable, gemsbok, roan, tsessebe, and more. 

Whale Safaris 

On the other hand, South Africa's coastline offers excellent whale sightings from June to November every year, particularly around Hermanus, known for the best land-based whale sightings in the world. 

Why Should I Book My Luxury South Africa Safari Tour with Rhino Africa? How Do I Know a Tour Operator is Reliable? 

When you want the best, you travel with the best! And as the World's Most-Awarded Safari Company, we're the best in the biz. 

• We offer you a 100% refundable deposit to help you confidently book 
• South Africa is our home, so we know our country (and the rest of the continent) like an elephant knows its trunk
• Our Travel Experts have first-hand experience of everything we suggest to you
• We don't just copy and paste but tailor your itinerary to suit your needs and preferences for the best possible experience

Book your South Africa Luxury Safari Tour with the Best 

South Africa is truly a country filled with natural and cultural treasures, and we know exactly where you need to be for the ultimate adventure. 

Our expertise, wanderlust, and taste for luxury allow us to create the best South Africa luxury safari tours for you.

Reach out to our Travel Experts now, and let's start planning your luxury South African safari!