Winter is the best time of year to go on a safari. Vegetation dies back, visibility is increased and animals congregate on perennial water sources. Here are some of the best places to see wildlife in Southern Africa, for both the luxury-orientated and the budget-conscious.
Photo by Brent Stirton
It’s official. Mornings are getting colder, darker and increasingly more depressing. It’s difficult to get out of bed, let alone spend a week away from home, trying to pretend that winter is fun. Well guess what, in Southern Africa’s game reserves, winter is fun. It’s the best time to see wildlife: the bush is thinner, the roads are accessible, and wild animals are easier to spot.
Below are some of Southern Africa’s classic game reserves – well-known and revered for their ability to produce great wildlife sightings in winter. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and head for something a little more off the radar, be sure to check out this round up of 10 secret parks and nature reserves in South Africa that are definitely worth a visit.
Kruger National Park
Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga
Photo by Adel Groenewald
Surely South Africa’s prime wildlife viewing (in photos: big cats of Kruger) destination, the Kruger National Park never fails to impress when it comes to spotting animals, especially in the dry season. Kruger has an impressive range of accommodation options, from camping to luxury lodges and they promise the best safari experience in the country. Because of its size and ample accommodation options, we’ll give you four.
Budget accommodation in Kruger
Lower Sabie Rest Camp
This relaxed rest camp is situated on the banks of the Sabie River and offers camping, caravanning and self-catering bungalows starting at R200 per person sharing.
Read a full review (and book) here
Satara Rest Camp
Situated in central Kruger, this is the best camp to start your search for lion and the other members of the big cat family. Self-catering, camping and caravan options start at R175 per person.
Read a full review (and book) here
Find full reviews on all of Kruger National Park’s main camps here
Luxury accommodation in Kruger
Imbali Lodge
This exclusive lodge is situated in the Imbali safari concession and offers spacious, private chalets overlooking the N’waswitsontso River bend.
Find out more (and book) here
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Situated in the southern region of the Kruger, this lodge combines luxury and elegance with modern African decor and beautiful river views.
Find out more (and book) here
Top travel packages and tours to the Kruger National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Northern Cape and southern Botswana
Photo by Schalk Burger
This was the first formally declared trans-border conservation area and is the amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The park is renowned for sightings of predators and the seasonal movements of blue wildebeest, springbok, eland and red hartebeest.
A first timer’s guide to the Kgalagadi
In photos: the magic of the Kgalagadi
Budget accommodation in Kgalagadi
Sitzas Rest Camp
Self-catering Rondavel overlooking Mata Mata. Campsites in the dry Auob riverbed in the shade of old camel thorn trees.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Kgalagadi
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
Situated 20km from Union’s End, where South Africa, Botswana and Namibia meet, this tented accommodation overlooks a waterhole and offers a tranquil stay.
Find out more (and book) here
Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Limpopo Province
Photographer: Tom Coetzee
Accommodation in private reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park tend to be pricey. But a clever solution to this is to find a place to stay just outside these parks and head out on daily game drives in search of wildlife. Expect to see the Big 5 and a large variety of plains game.
Budget accommodation in Thornybush
Morula Lodge
Morula Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in self-catering chalets ideal for families and groups. The lodge is located 40 km from Hoedspruit.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Thornybush
Shumbalala Game Lodge
Situated within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, you’ll enjoy an intimate stay in luxury, thatched chalets with fireplaces and air-conditioning.
Find out more (and book) here
Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda
For those who are tired of the standard South African safari, this is the ideal way to explore a different country and discover a national park where the lead characters are primates. Exploring on foot is the preferred method and chimp trekking expeditions come highly recommended.
Budget accommodation in Kibale
Kibale Forest Camp
Enjoy a classic canvassed stay in this tented camp that is surrounded by dense forest vegetation. Tents go for R376 per person sharing.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Kibale
Chimp’s Nest
Situated on the border of the reserve, this lodge enjoys views of the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains and is often visited by monkeys, chimps and forest elephants.
Find out more (and book) here
Go mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda
Etosha National Park
Namibia
Photo by Tyson Jopson
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s prime wildlife viewing destination and is situated in the north of the country. The many waterholes attract the animals living in this fairly dry region, especially during the dry winter months. Many of the waterholes are floodlit, providing excellent night time game viewing. Visit www.etoshanationalpark.org for more.
In photos: the magic of Etosha National Park
Budget accommodation in Etosha
Mamselle Nature Camp
These bungalows are shaded by Mopane and White Syringa trees and are situated just outside the park along the main road. Prices start at R70 per person to camp and R130 per person to stay in a self-catering bungalow.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Etosha
Andersson’s Camp
This luxury tented camp is situated within the private Ongava Reserve, adjacent to Etosha and looks out over a frequented waterhole.
Find out more (and book) here
Experience the best of Namibia on a 12-day adventure
Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern Cape
Photo by Liam Cornell
Contrary to what the name may suggest, you’ll get to see much more than elephants at Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape. The park is easily accessible and also hosts lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena and a variety of antelope and zebra species. It is the third largest national park in the country and incidentally hosts around 550 elephants.
Budget accommodation in Addo
Addo Main Rest Camp
Here you’ll have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, with camping and caravanning being the most affordable.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Addo
River Bend Lodge
Situated on a private concession within the Addo Elephant Park, you’ll stay in one of eight luxury suites, each with a private veranda and some with bush showers.
Find out more (and book) here
Mapungubwe National Park
Limpopo Province
Photo by Etienne Oosthuisen
Mapungubwe used to be a flourishing metropolis in the Iron Age, but today this site consists of a vast expanse of savanna at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. If you’re not admiring the elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland and gemsbok then you can visit some of the cultural sites, thereby enjoying not only game viewing, but also a history lesson or two.
Budget accommodation in Mapunbgubwe
Mazhou Camping Site
Situated in the western section of the park, this campsite caters for 10 tents or caravans and prices R185 a unit.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Mapungubwe
Vhembe Wilderness Camp
This camp is situated in the eastern section of the park and is walking distance from the Limpopo River and the historically significant Mapugubwe Hill.
Find out more (and book) here
Lake Kariba
Zimbabwe
Photo by Paul Steyn
This incredible lake in the Zambezi River is surrounded by national parks both on the Zimbabwe and Zambia side and provides some excellent water-based game viewing. Apart from boating safaris and nature walks, you might also enjoy some excellent bird watching and even a spot of fishing.
Read: Lake Kariba houseboat cruising
Budget accommodation in Kariba
Kariba Bush Club
A wide range of accommodation options are available, ranging from camping to cabins on the houseboat. Camping costs R100 a person and the grounds are on the banks of the lake.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Kariba
Karibeer House Boat
This family friendly pontoon house boat is intimate, with only three cabins and an open-air sleeping area (with mosquito nets) on the deck.
Find out more (and book) here
Spend six nights on a houseboat in Kariba with Getaway Travel
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Limpopo Province
This is the world’s only savanna biosphere reserve and offers not only game viewing, but also a strong culture injection. Habitats here are incredibly diverse and include wetlands and rivers, steep cliffs and slopes and even bushveld. The area also hosts many endangered species, like the African wild dog, black and white rhino and leopard.
Budget accommodation in Waterberg
Madikela Game Lodge
Situated on an ancient limestone plateau, you’ll stay in one of six self-catering cottages starting at R160 per person sharing.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation in Waterberg
Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa
This luxurious lodge is surrounded by greenery and mountains and offers nine, individually designed, thatched chalets.
Find out more (and book) here
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
North West Province
The Pilansberg Game Reserve park lies adjacent to Sun City in South Africa’s North West province. You’ll find a vast variety of animals, including the Big 5 and many other predators and antelope. The roads are well looked after, making self-drive game viewing easy and enjoyable. Visit www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org for more.
Budget accommodation
Makinky Manzi
This tented camp is close to a waterfall where you can swim in the rock pools and tents.
Find out more (and book) here
Luxury accommodation
Pilanesberg Private Lodge
Situated at the foot of the Pilansberg Mountains, this private lodge has five rooms and offers a luxurious and secluded stay.
Find out more (and book) here
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