South Africa

The best time of the year for a safari in South Africa is generally considered to be May to September. In South Africa’s Northern provinces, home to Kruger National Park (malarial) and Madikwe Game Reserve (malaria free) for example, this is the dry season.   Thanks to less vegetation and wildlife congregating around water holes, during these months you’re more likely to be able to spot South Africa’s world-renowned wildlife, including lions and elephants.  If you’re travelling November – April, we instead recommend the Reserves in Eastern Cape such as Kwandwe and Shamwari, as this time of year is their dry season.  So you can safari at any time, we will just alter your location according to time of year!

There is no golden rule but for the best safari experience, though, we recommend 3 – 7 days in general.   When staying longer than 4 nights, we recommend combining contrasting Lodges, for example a Big Five Lodge when you can spot lions from the safety of a 4 x 4 with a lodge where all ages can walk or mountain bike with plains game such as giraffe and zebra. This timetable should be long enough to see even the most elusive of South Africa’s wildlife.

South Africa is a wonderful family destination, whether you’re going on safari or not.  There are lots of day trips and activities that appeal to children as well as the stunning coastline.   Family friendly lodges typically take children on game drives from age 6 years, or if you have a younger child, you can book a private vehicle.

Traveling to South Africa is relatively affordable compared to visiting the USA or Europe. The pound, dollar, and euro all perform well compared to the rand – meaning that whether you’re going on safari with your family or taking your partner to a world-class restaurant, you’ll probably find it more than affordable.

When on safari in South Africa, you’re likely to see lions, elephants,  rhinos (white and black if you’re lucky!) and a host of plains game such as giraffe and buffalo, perhaps even leopards, cheetahs and wild dog!

You can enjoy a malaria free safari in South Africa, with no need to take malaria tablets.  For the best malaria free safari in South Africa we’d recommend either the Eastern Cape, which works well on a fly-drive holiday with Cape Town and the Garden Route in November – April, or the North West, including the Waterberg and Madikwe Game Reserve, which offers an great safari experience May – October.  For whatever reason you prefer to enjoy a malaria-free safari in South Africa, there are some excellent Lodges within Big Five Reserves.

For a South Africa malaria free safari there are a range of excellent Lodges like Shamwari Riverdene and Marataba Safari Lodge that offer either private vehicles or special game drives designed for younger children.  These vehicles may not approach dangerous game so closely, it will be dependent on the behaviour and comfort of both the guests and the animals, so yes it’s safe to take children on safari at these Lodges!