Luxury South Africa Safari Holidays – 2026/2027

Luxury South African holidays deliver thrilling wildlife encounters, rich culture, and extraordinary gastronomy. 'A world in one country' is how the southernmost country on the African continent is often described. Here you will find private safari reserves teeming with game, sun-drenched vineyards, and sophisticated coastal enclaves showcasing some of the most affordable fine-dining in the world.

Safari holidays in South Africa are outstanding. There are multiple regions and luxury safari lodges to choose from. Spot the Big Five on an exclusive Kruger safari, enjoy a malaria-free family safari in the Eastern Cape, or hide away in a fully-staffed private safari villa, watching wildlife in complete serenity and comfort.

With expert guides, exclusive lodges, and bespoke itineraries, your experience of this beautiful and accessible country is elevated to entirely new heights. We know South Africa intimately, and can organise the finest and most authentic experiences. This could be a private safari lodge set in the wildlife haven of the Sabi Sands, a tour of Robben Island guided by Nelson Mandela’s former prison warden, or a tailored wine tasting tour around Franschhoek designed around your favourite varieties. Contact our experienced specialists and allow us to share our perfect South Africa with you.

THE SEASON AHEAD

What I love about South Africa is how much it gives you across the year, and September is an especially exciting time to be there. The dry safari season is still in full swing, and sparse vegetation and dwindling water sources draw animals into the open and towards waterholes. You can simply sit and watch the bush unfold around you, as elephant, lion and other wildlife move through tawny grass in the crisp winter light.

South Africa’s whale watching season is equally special. Southern right whales gather in the warmer waters along the south coast to calve, and around Hermanus they can sometimes be seen incredibly close to shore. The season reaches a lively crescendo with the Hermanus Whale Festival in early October, when the town fills with local events and live music. As spring progresses, Namaqualand and parts of the Western Cape erupt into colour with carpets of wildflowers.

By the end of the year, attention shifts towards the Cape, where long, sunny days continue through January and February. Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route are all in their element, and I love how easy it is to spend whole days outdoors, lingering over lunch in the vineyards or exploring the coast. Safari is still very much on the cards too: summer showers tend to be short and dramatic, and calving season brings young animals – and the predators keeping a close eye on them!

Nora – September 2026

WHERE AND WHEN

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

South Africa’s diverse climate makes it a year-round destination. There are activities and regions you can enjoy in each season.

The best time of year for a South African safari is during the winter dry season, from June to August. Less dense vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot, and the dry, sunny days are perfect for game drives. At this time of year you can expect cooler conditions on the Western Cape; around 14C (57F) on average in Cape Town.

Summer in South Africa is between December and February, and this brings long, golden days to the Western Cape. Temperatures can reach 27C (81F) in the height of the summer. The warm sunshine is ideal for enjoying the beaches, outdoor activities along the Garden Route, wine tasting, and outdoor dining. South Africa’s safari regions do experience more rainfall in summer. This generally takes the form of heavy, passing showers in the afternoon, and safaris can still be enjoyed at this time. As this is calving season, this is a good time to see baby animals finding their feet, as well as the lively predator action that comes with it.

If you wish to combine safari with outdoor activities on the Western Cape, the spring and autumn seasons bring ‘the best of both worlds’. There shouldn’t be excessive rainfall in any of the key areas, and each season brings its own attractions. In spring (September to November), the landscapes of the Western and Northern Cape (particularly Namaqualand) are bursting with colour as wildflowers bloom. Hiking is wonderful at this time of year, due to the lovely fresh conditions. Whale watching around Hermanus is also excellent at this time, and the safari regions are still mostly dry.

During autumn in South Africa (March to May) you can still enjoy mild, sunny days on the Cape. The harvest season brings plenty of activity to the Winelands, as well as a literary festival in Franschhoek and the Cape Town Jazz Festival. In the safari regions, the summer rains are drying out but the occasional thunderstorm delivers some spectacular African skies.

Where are the best places to visit in South Africa?

On a classic South Africa tour we recommend spending time in and around Cape Town, the Winelands, and on safari.

• Cosmopolitan Cape Town is geographically striking, with stunning Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop, and countless beaches offering far-reaching ocean views. The bustling V&A waterfront is a place of fabulous bars and restaurants, while superb museums and galleries can be found across the city. Other highlights include Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and plentiful colourful neighbourhoods and markets to explore.
• The wider Western Cape is known not only for its Cape Dutch architecture, but also as the beginning of the glorious Garden Route. Bordered by pine forests and fragrant fynbos, punctuated with gorges, pristine sandy beaches and rocky coves, this is a place to enjoy superb outdoor activities. These range from nature walks and kayaking to golf, surfing, and oyster tasting. Hermanus is another highlight of the Western Cape, where you can enjoy some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.
• Spending time in the South African Winelands is highly rewarding. The hubs of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are home to excellent restaurants and galleries, surrounded by world-class wineries. There are South African wine tours to suit every possible interest, from exclusive tastings at boutique vineyards to relaxed days of food and wine on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

When it comes to a South African safari, the best places to visit are:

• The Eastern Cape game reserves – many of these are malaria-free, making this a great place for a family safari. You can also enjoy a wide range of activities on top of Big Five game drives, such as rhino tracking and interactive conservation projects.
• The Madikwe Reserve in the northwest is another region that offers malaria-free safaris and a more off-the-beaten-track experience. This area is vast but much less visited than other regions, giving it an exclusive feel.
• The Kruger National Park and the private reserves of the Greater Kruger are recommended for a classic South African safari. Big Five game viewing is excellent here, and areas like Sabi Sands provide the backdrop for some of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.

If you are seeking a more in-depth cultural and historical experience of South Africa, we also recommend visiting:

• KwaZulu-Natal – to explore the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu wars, and hear stories brought to life by expert guides. This is also a region of wild natural beauty, where you can go hiking in Drakensberg Mountains and enjoy a safari in the Phinda Game Reserve.
• Johannesburg – to visit the incredibly powerful Apartheid Museum, and take in guided tours of Soweto and other places that were significant in the life of Nelson Mandela.

A GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA'S WINELANDS

South Africa is undeniably one of the world leaders when it comes to wine making. If you're planning on visiting its renowned Winelands, read our guide below to find out where to stay, when to visit, and the best wine experiences in the region.

"Life moves at a gentler pace in South Africa’s Winelands, creating the perfect tempo for savouring the finer things in life. Among vine-clad hills and valleys framed by mountains, there are world-class wineries you can reach by vintage-style tram and superb restaurants whose tasting menus are a four-hour affair. Wrap yourself in rural tranquillity with a cottage on a long-established wine estate, where the farm-to-fork journey could hardly be shorter, or soak up the historic charm of Franschhoek village, with its array of fine dining (and shopping) opportunities."

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TIM — SAFARI GUIDE

“My name is Tim, and I am a passionate field guide for the Dulini lodges in the Sabi Sands. Driven to follow my passions, I found my calling in guiding – something that brings together my love for nature, wild places, photography, and people, all at the same time. Sharing the magic of the wilderness with our guests from around the world is what it is all about!

Guiding is more than a job for me, it’s a lifestyle. Every day I am drawn to the simplicity of the bush, where each day is different, and shaped by the animals and their movements. For me, it is a privilege to be able to introduce guests to the wonders of the wild, helping them understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem and interpreting what is happening around them. I strive to ignite the same excitement, passion, and respect, that I have for the wild and this incredible environment we live in.”