Luxury safaris and private adventures

South Africa

South Africa

Cape Town, the Kruger and so much more

Bounded by two oceans and five countries (while completely enveloping a sixth), with a landscape ranging from desert and savannah to mountains and temperate vineyards, and 11 official languages, South Africa is a huge and stunningly diverse country.

Find the beautiful ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town draped between the iconic Table Mountain and sandy beaches, a great introduction to the culture and people of South Africa with her buzzing restaurants, celebrated galleries and museums. From here, follow the coast to whale watching sanctuaries and nature reserves blanketed in wildflowers, or head inland to the Winelands, a foodie paradise.

To the northeast, the Kruger National Park, along with neighbouring reserves such as the Sabi Sands, are another must-explore. With a selection of fabulous lodges and great numbers of elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and more, it is a prime area for luxury safaris in South Africa and one of our favourite areas in Africa for first-timers.

Other great spots for wildlife, especially for those travelling with a young family or those after something more active, can be found in the KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces. And for a different experience, the Kalahari offers epic desert landscapes and a chance to see some fascinating species.

What's the weather like?

When to visit South Africa

Thanks to its size and diversity of landscapes, South Africa is a year-round destination. The cooler, dry winter period from July to September is great for safari, while the southern hemisphere’s summer is when Cape Town is at its sunniest. July to November is when whales gather off the coast and October to November sees the Northern Cape’s wildflowers in full bloom.
  • 25
    °C
    20
    MM
    Cape Town summer
    October - April
  • 18
    °C
    75
    MM
    Cape Town winter
    May - September
  • 31
    °C
    85
    MM
    Kruger green season
    November - March
  • 28
    °C
    16
    MM
    Kruger dry season
    April - October

Example trips

Get inspired

Browse our South Africa example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.

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What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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