6 Spectacular Safari Destinations in South Africa (You’ve Never Heard Of)
Special thanks to Viatu for sponsoring this blog post! As always, all opinions are my own.
When I say “safaris in South Africa,” do you only think of “Kruger National Park“?
While Kruger is 100% the gold standard for safaris, there is so much more to explore. Beyond the legendary leopards of Sabi Sands lie incredible destinations with Big 5 sightings, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, no malaria, and far fewer crowds.
Sound like what you’re looking for? Here are some of the best-kept safari destinations in South Africa (and a bonus one just beyond our borders).
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Table of Contents
- 1. Madikwe Game Reserve: A Malaria-Free Big Five Safari
- 2. Samara Game Reserve: Cheetah Tracking on Foot in the Karoo
- 3. Babanango Game Reserve: A New Conservation Success Story
- 4. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: The Desert Safari Dream
- 5. Lalibela Game Reserve: Big Five Luxury in the Eastern Cape
- 6. Central Tuli Game Reserve: Botswana’s Best-Kept Secret (Just Next Door!)
- Safaris in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Any of These Safari Destinations in South Africa Grab Your Attention?
1. Madikwe Game Reserve: A Malaria-Free Big Five Safari
The North West Province doesn’t get much love.
It’s true.
When was the last time you heard someone wistfully mention, “I want to go there!” and not be referring to Sun City? I’d bet good money that unless that person is in the travel industry, you’re probably at zero.
And that’s a real shame because the North West is home to beautiful safari lodges, national parks, and private game reserves.
My personal favourite? Madikwe Game Reserve.
Spanning over 75,000 hectares, the malaria-free reserve is one of South Africa’s largest and most biodiverse. Book a safari here, and you can see the Big Five, wild African dogs, and over 300 bird species.
What makes Madikwe truly special is its exclusivity. Only guests can go on game drives, which means you’ll have that lion sighting all to yourself (with maybe 2 to 3 other vehicles).
Add in world-class lodges offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, and expert-guided excursions, and you have the perfect safari getaway.
Read More: Nkala Lodge: An Exclusive Luxury Safari Getaway in Pilanesberg
2. Samara Game Reserve: Cheetah Tracking on Foot in the Karoo
This is not a drill.
I repeat!
This is not a drill.
In the Great Karoo at Samara Game Reserve, you can walk with cheetahs. Literally.
And no, I don’t mean unethically. These cheetahs are 100% wild, not drugged, on leashes, or “tame” in any way.
In 2018, I experienced the thrill of tracking cheetahs on foot firsthand, and it’s still one of my top South Africa safari experiences. It’s not something you can do everywhere, and the experience alone is worth the price tag of staying on the reserve.
Plus, you’re contributing towards Samara’s incredible conservation success story. Over the years, the reserve has reintroduced wildlife to the area and helped restore and preserve one of South Africa’s most fragile ecosystems.
(I only wish my photography skills were better at the time. I have so many blurry photos from excitement and not shooting at a high enough shutter speed.)
3. Babanango Game Reserve: A New Conservation Success Story
One of South Africa’s newest private game reserves, Babanango Game Reserve, is redefining safaris in KwaZulu-Natal. Hidden in a valley in Zululand, the reserve is bringing back key species to an area that had been without them for over a century.
When I first visited Babanago in 2019, the reserve had only wildebeest, rhino, and a few species of plains game. Fast forward to my next visit in 2022, and Babanango has successfully reintroduced the entire Big Five, along with hippos and numerous bird species.
That’s not all.
What makes Babanango unique is its focus on community conservation. The local community is heavily involved with the reserve, and almost everyone who works there comes from the surrounding villages.
And for the history buffs, the area is rich in Zulu cultural heritage, with guided tours available to explore historical battlefields and ancient rock art sites.
…But which lodge should you stay at for your safari?
- Zulu Rock is made for honeymooners and couples.
- Valley Lodge suits everyone, but is the best choice for families.
- Madwaleni River Lodge is an ultra-lux, unfenced safari lodge experience.
4. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: The Desert Safari Dream
Straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the most breathtakingly remote safari destinations on the continent. Unlike the lush landscapes of Kruger, Kgalagadi is an arid wonderland dominated by rolling red dunes, camelthorn trees, and endless open horizons.
Then there’s the unique wildlife.
The park is home to the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions. Larger and more adapted to desert life than their cousins elsewhere in Africa, seeing one of these majestic creatures in IRL is bucket-worthy.
Wildlife sightings are often dramatic thanks to the stark, open terrain, with predators taking down prey in plain view.
Learn from my mistakes and turn that shutter speed up.
What about accommodation? There are wilderness camps with SANParks as well as lodges to meet your creature comfort levels.
5. Lalibela Game Reserve: Big Five Luxury in the Eastern Cape
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Addo Elephant National Park, Lalibela Game Reserve is an incredible malaria-free safari destination in South Africa. Covering 10,500 hectares, it’s home to the Big Five, cheetahs, hippos, and an impressive variety of bird species.
But why should you visit?
Well, it’s an all-inclusive safari experience. You’re getting expert-guided game drives, walking safaris, beautiful luxury safari lodges, and all your meals included. Plus, the reserve is famous for its dense predator population, meaning lion and cheetah sightings won’t be too hard to come by.
Who should stay where:
- Inzolo Lodge: Honeymooners, couples, or groups who want to book out the entire lodge.
- Mark’s Camp: Families on safari with children.
- Mill’s Manor: Groups who want an exclusive private safari experience.
If you’re looking for an exclusive Eastern Cape safari experience without the crowds, Lalibela is a perfect choice!
6. Central Tuli Game Reserve: Botswana’s Best-Kept Secret (Just Next Door!)
Okay, technically, this one is in Botswana, but hear me out. Located along the Limpopo River, the Central Tuli Game Reserve is a stone’s throw away from the South African border. It’s a fantastic alternative if you want to go on safari in Botswana without the higher prices of the Okavango Delta or Chobe.
Known for its dramatic landscapes (think towering sandstone cliffs, riverine forests, and open savannah), Central Tuli is a dream for families and adventurous travellers. The reserve is home to an astonishing density of elephants, and you’ll often see herds of over 100 individuals moving gracefully through the bush.
Another unique draw? The walking safaris and night drives! Explore the bush on foot with an expert guide and see a different side of the reserve in the evenings.
Where to Stay:
- Koro River Camp: Offers luxury tented accommodation overlooking the Limpopo River with incredible all-inclusive rates (especially for South Africans).
- Koro Island Camp: If the lodge is out of your budget, the nearby island camp is a super affordable alternative. You’ll have all the same wildlife and views, but your accommodation is just a little less bougie.
Safaris in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
The closest ethical safari experiences to Cape Town are the private game reserves along the Garden Route, roughly 4–5 hours away. Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay is one of the best options. It’s malaria-free, Big Five, and only about 4 hours from Cape Town. These smaller private reserves offer excellent game viewing without the long drive to Kruger or Addo. While there are game reserves closer to Cape Town, they are notorious for not looking after their animals and adhering to responsible travel guidelines.
There are plenty of malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa to choose from. Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Lalibela Game Reserve, Samara Private Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, and the Waterberg region in Limpopo, as well as the Western Cape’s Garden Route, are all malaria-free safari destinations.
The dry winter months from May to September are the best time for a safari in South Africa. With less vegetation and animals congregating around water sources, it’s much easier to spot the Big 5. But the summer months are a good option if you want to save money and you love baby animals and birdwatching. For the Kgalagadi, the dry season (March to May) is when you’ll find some of the most dramatic predator sightings.
Safari costs in South Africa vary depending on your budget and the type of experience you want. Self-drive safaris in national parks like Kruger or Addo are the most budget-friendly option, with park fees starting from around R220 per person per day, excluding accommodation. Mid-range private game reserves can cost between R3,000–R8,000 per person per night, including your meals, accommodation, and game drives. Luxury lodges like those at Madikwe, Babanango, and Lalibela can cost R10,000–R30,000+ per person per night for a fully inclusive experience.
Did Any of These Safari Destinations in South Africa Grab Your Attention?
South Africa is more than Kruger National Park. I hope this post inspires you to explore beyond well-trodden paths and discover one of these lesser-visited safari destinations in South Africa.
…But then there’s the whole trip planning part.
It can be overwhelming, especially if you want to combine one of these destinations with other places in South Africa. That’s where Viatu comes in.
As experts in bespoke safari trip ideas, Viatu can design the perfect itinerary for you. Whether you want to track cheetahs on foot, stay in luxury lodges, or go on an overland adventure, Viatu will handle all the admin so you can focus on enjoying your safari.
