Vacationers will find that there are many options when it comes to selecting safaris in South Africa. While some might think observing wildlife while making your way carefully through the bush is all there is to do during a South Africa safari, there are in fact an array of options that combine multiple forms of entertainment to ensure you get the most out of your South Africa vacation.

Traditional South Africa safari tours are available at the numerous game reserves and national parks located throughout the area. When choosing the best safari in South Africa to observe the Big Five game animals—which are elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos—Kruger National Park is at the top of the list. Kruger offers family, romantic, and luxury-themed safaris in South Africa, so whether you're on a honeymoon or a family vacation here, you're sure to find something that will suit you.

Safaris feature guided day and evening game viewing tours in open or air-conditioned vehicles, guided walks through the bush with knowledgeable guides, and, in some cases, children's activities. Accommodations for a South Africa safari include child-friendly lodging, luxury suites at lodges and chalets located on the game reserves within the park, and luxury tent camping. It's also possible to combine a traditional South Africa safari with a second interest such as golfing, diving with great white sharks, visiting the casinos in Johannesburg, or skiing at Tiffendel Ski resort.

South Africa Map

One of the best South Africa safari tours is by train. For vacationers who are not in a hurry, touring the region by rail in a luxury coach might be the best safari in South Africa. With luxury accommodations aboard refurbished classic coaches reminiscent of the Orient Express, guests leisurely travel through the countryside and observe the landscape, scenery, and wildlife through large glass windows in each suite. Other activities are available as well; for instance, rail safaris that combine a visit to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and stops at Swazi Golf Club, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Beach Club, and Hans Merensky estate are all part of the nine-day golf tour available through Rovos Rails.

Scuba cage diving with great white sharks is one of the most adventurous options for wildlife encounters and safaris in South Africa. The diving expeditions are available for a single day or as an extended safari package ranging from five to fourteen days that provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodations and the opportunity to visit game reserves and local attractions along with diving.

South Africa safari tours allow vacationers to experience different aspects of the country, and escorted coach tours are an excellent option for seeing the country without having to drive. Expert operators offer tours to townships and locations including Soweto, Zululand and the Phinda Game Reserve, Congo Caves, wildflower tours through Namaqualand in the Northern Cape, whale watching at Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, exploring Blyde River Canyon, and the Premier Diamond Mines. Escorted safari tours also include the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape and the Constantia Route through wine country

Guided walking and hiking tours are available for day trips or overnight camping in tents or caves along the mountain trails at Table Mountain in Cape Town, as well as along the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains. Tours can include bird viewing or game viewing on horseback. With such an array of options for safaris in South Africa, travelers are sure to find something to create the perfect trip.