The words South Africa safaris prickle the imagination, associating with images of enormous herds of Elephants, Buffalo, Wildebeest (Gnu) and Zebra thundering across vast sweeping savannas, hunted by Lion, Leopard and Hyena.

Pure magic and joy in the ever present glorious African sunshine for those who love the wilderness of Africa.

For those who have never been to South Africa or the African continent, the image of a safari lies somewhere between the 19th century classic type of scene and the extraordinary graphic pictures of the many African wildlife and travel documentaries on television.

For those fortunate enough to have been on South Africa safaris, the word "safari" calls to mind great memories of grandiose scenery and thrilling wildlife encounters.

Learn more about South African safaris, click on the subject of your choice in the menu below,...

• YESTERDAY AND TODAY
• WHAT IT'S LIKE
• DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAFARIS
• MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Sunrise on a walking safari
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South Africa safaris,...Yesterday and Today

When you read or hear the word “safari”, wonderful images come to life in one’s mind. For some those images might picture the classic scene of khaki dressed discoverers and hunters, accompanied by large numbers of bearers carrying loads of equipment and supplies, trekking across the bushveld savannahs of Africa.

The one in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and other exotic animals, driven by the dream of a fierce trophy hanging on a wall, the other pursuing a burning ambition to research and uncover the natural wonders of the African wilderness.


Black Rhino and baby -
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One thing was certain however, whether collecting butterflies or tracking down elephants, they developed a love affair with Africa and its wildlife and wide-open spaces, that was to lay a firm foundation for the popularity of the African safari as it exists today.


Kings of the African bushveld
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Some elements of the century old safari scenario still apply today. People on safari continue to wear the traditional type of safari clothing and there are good practical reasons why they do. They also continue to use local guides to help them find the wildlife and they still camp out at night. The difference is of course that Africa safaris as we know them today, have become far more high-tech, sophisticated and comfortable.

The modern meaning of the word “safari” has expanded from a dream adventure of viewing and photographing wildlife in South Africa’s beautiful national parks and game reserves, to also include journeys and expeditions not necessarily related to the search for wildlife. Like for instance Steam Train safaris, Adventure safaris, Flower safaris, Balloon safaris, to name but a few.

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On safari in South Africa,...What it's like

South African safaris have always been and will remain a love affair with the wild and nature of Africa. For the vast majority of people, the motivation is to venture into unspoilt wilderness and experience nature and wildlife up close.


Giraffe in sunset
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Just imagine yourself on a South Africa safari,...

Sitting in an open four wheel drive safari vehicle in the midst of a thickly covered African savannah landscape, miles from anywhere.

Staring down a roaring Lion, the vehicle shuddering from the awesome noise that erupts from the King of the jungle’s gut.

Holing up in your room while a leopard gnaws away its dinner outside your door.

Taking an outdoor bush shower and all of a sudden you are startled by the shattering noise of a trumpeting elephant only meters away.


Elephant family
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Tracking white Rhino on foot on one of the bushveld trails in the Kruger National Park.

Gliding along in a canoe on the mighty Zambesi river and all of a sudden the huge body of a Hippo surfacing in front of you.

Sitting in a Boma under the sparkling stars of a clear African night sky, enjoying a sumptuous outdoor barbeque bushveld dinner.

Getting in your comfortable mosquito netted bed, falling asleep to the accompaniment of the bush orchestra, which may include the powerful roar of a lion, the laughter of the hyenas, the shrill call of a jackal and the ever present sound of chirping crickets.


Humpback whale off the South African coast
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Swimming with penguins at Boulders beach in the Cape Peninsula.

Descending in a steel cage beneath the surface of False Bay and stare into the awesome gaping jaws of a massive great white shark.

Watching rare leatherback and loggerhead hatchling turtles scramble out of their nests on northern KwaZulu-Natal beaches and see them make a run for the sea.

Standing on a rolling boat, staring at the blue sea and there it is, a plume of water blown into the air, the shiny black body of a giant whale breaking the surface of the water, leaving you breathless and awed by the sheer size of the magnificent creature.


Giraffe and Impala in the South African bushveld
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And so we could go on for a while, but this will give you a fair idea what South Africa safaris are like. It’s the dream vacation of a lifetime, combining adventure with total comfort. You will feel an exciting and unique closeness with nature.

Everyday is a new revelation as you visit South Africa’s most beautiful national parks and game reserves, seeing an extraordinary variety of wildlife from your chauffeur driven (or self drive) safari vehicle.






Read more about the types and variety of South African safaris that you can choose from.

Learn how to choose from the range of safaris in South Africa the one that will suit your taste and preferences.

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