South Africa Safari Tours

What animals do you see on a South African safari?

You can see a wide variety of species when on a South Africa safari including (to mention just a few): elephant, African leopard, black and southern white rhino, buffalo, hyena, lion, and more. If you go to the coast in search of marine wildlife you will find whales, dolphins, and marine turtles. Some parks are also home to thousands of Nile crocodiles and hippopotamus.

For those traveling with children or going on Safari for the first time, the so-called Big 5 (Lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) tend to be the main attraction!

What are the big 5 in South African Safaris?

When people talk about the "big 5" on Safari, they are referring to the following five animals: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. The phrase was used historically by big-game hunters to refer to the five most difficult species to hunt on foot, it then later became used by Safari-goers.

You can find the Big 5 in the following parks:

• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania


• Kruger National Park in South Africa


• The Mara in Kenya


• South Luangwa National Park in Zambia


• Moremi game reserve in Botswana

When is the best time to go on safari in South Africa?

The best time to go on safari in South Africa is between May to October since this is the dry season. Due to the dry conditions, the grass is shorter and there are fewer watering holes, meaning you have a better chance of actually seeing wildlife.

Something to note - if you are going on safari in the Cape Town area, the dry season there is during the summer months of November to May. The best thing to do is connect with a local private guide who can advise you all about the best times to go in your desired area.

What clothes should you bring on Safari in South Africa?

When going on Safari you will want to look for a combination of comfort and functionality. While most African Safari regions can get hot during the day, being on Safari at night can get chilly. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow plenty of movement and comfort but also cover your legs and arms to protect from bugs. Think long sleeved T Shirts and light jackets or button up shirts. If you have room its good to pack a sweater/jumper for those potentially cooler evenings.

In terms of footwear, again comfort is the key. While heavy hiking boots are not necessary, try to pick footwear that is rugged and made for the outdoors. Pro tip - while on Safari be sure to shake your footwear every morning before putting them on. Remember you are in the African bush and you don't want any unwanted surprises in there!

How much does a South African safari cost?

The price of an African safari can of course vary depending on your tour guide or company, but in general it can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,500 per person per night. At ToursByLocals you can find private tour guides that will help you plan your perfect safari. You can create custom tours and discuss pricing with your guide, all through our site.

Keep in mind also that prices can vary depending on when you do them. Be sure to research high, low and shoulder season so you know what kind of prices to expect.