South Africa Big 5 Safaris

The Big 5 are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The name comes from old hunting days, but today it is the list most people hope to tick off on safari, and South Africa is one of the easiest places to do it.

Safaris here range from guided tours in Kruger National Park, staying in camps or lodges just outside the park, to all-inclusive private lodges where rangers can drive off-road to follow animals. Below are the main areas, how a safari day runs and how to choose.

Where to go

Kruger National Park

Nearly two million hectares of bushveld on the border with Mozambique. Guided tours drive the park roads in open or closed vehicles, with good chances of the Big 5 over two or three days. See Kruger National Park.

Sabi Sand and the private reserves

Private reserves such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Klaserie share open borders with Kruger. Rangers can leave the road to follow animals, night drives are allowed, and Sabi Sand is known for leopard sightings.

Madikwe

A malaria-free reserve in North West Province near the Botswana border, reached by a short flight or a drive of about four to five hours from Johannesburg. See Madikwe.

Pilanesberg

A malaria-free park set in an old volcanic crater, about two and a half hours from Johannesburg and next to Sun City. Good for a short safari or a day trip. See Pilanesberg.

KwaZulu-Natal

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, proclaimed in 1895, is one of the oldest game reserves in Africa and played a big part in saving the white rhino. Combine it with Phinda and the beaches of iSimangaliso, about three hours from Durban.

Eastern and Western Cape

Malaria-free reserves near Addo and Cape Town. See Garden Route tours and safaris from Cape Town.

A day on safari

• Dawn. Coffee, then a morning game drive of about three hours, when animals are most active.
• Midday. Brunch and time to rest by the pool or watch the waterhole from the lodge.
• Afternoon. A second drive that runs into sunset, with a drinks stop, and in private reserves a spotlight drive back after dark.
• Evening. Dinner, often outdoors around a fire.

On guided Kruger tours you usually spend longer in the vehicle, with a packed or rest-camp lunch inside the park.

Getting there

Kruger is about five to six hours' drive from Johannesburg. Many tours drive one way along the Panorama Route, stopping at Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. To save time, fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International (Mbombela), Hoedspruit or Skukuza, each about an hour from Johannesburg.

Best time to go

• May to September. The dry winter. The bush is thin and animals gather at water, so game viewing is at its best. Mornings are close to freezing in open vehicles.
• November to March. The green summer. Hot, with afternoon storms, plenty of birds and newborn animals, and lower lodge prices.

How long and how to choose

• 2 to 3 days. Enough for a guided Kruger tour from Johannesburg, or a fly-in break at a private lodge.
• 4 to 5 days. Time for two lodges, or Kruger plus the Panorama Route.
• Combined trips. Add Cape Town, Victoria Falls or a beach in Mozambique.

Guided park tours cost less and suit travellers who want plenty of driving time. Private lodges cost more but include meals, two drives a day and off-road tracking.

Good to know

• Malaria. Kruger and the Lowveld are malaria areas, with the highest risk in the rainy season. Ask a travel clinic for advice, or choose Madikwe, Pilanesberg or the Eastern Cape.
• Children. Many private lodges set a minimum age for game drives, often 6 and sometimes older. Guided Kruger tours are more flexible.
• What to wear. Neutral colours, layers for cold mornings, a hat and sunscreen. Bring binoculars.
• Luggage. Light aircraft transfers usually allow about 20 kg in a soft bag.