In the southern periphery of Africa is a country so beautiful that it’s almost impossible not to take a photo or hundreds of them for that matter. Few other countries are as colourful as South Africa. From sun-soaked beaches, spectacular savannah and wildlife, to delightful cities. South Africa is the perfect definition of urban meets wild and is an excellent destination for an adventurous photographic safari.
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What You Need To Know
South Africa is a large country with so much to offer avid travellers. But one of the most loved tourist attractions are the safari experiences. From budget options to the more luxurious, South African game reserves offer a bird’s eye view of some of the world’s most prolific animal life.
Being the third most diverse country in the world makes the options to explore a wide array of natural landscapes, wildlife and climate that much more accessible. The top game reserves in the country are equipped for the most discerning of tastes and in most instances no expense has been spared to ensure an authentic luxury safari in South Africa.
For starters, it is important to note that most game animals are active during the night or very early in the morning. If you want the best wildlife experience, you should consider waking up very early for the first game drives around the parks which start at around 5:30 or 6:00. Also, remember a park is a natural setting, and therefore game drives are unpredictable and vary from one drive to another. Seeing all your favourite animals is therefore not guaranteed for all drives. However, this makes the safari drives all the more exciting, with plenty of surprises and twists.
The dry winter months between May and August are best for game viewing. It largely depends on what you want to photograph or what your interest of photography is.
Warm clothing for the cold afternoons and evenings.
High powered optics like binoculars or spotting lenses for better viewing of the wildlife.
Mosquito jacket or insect repellent.
Sunscreen lotion to prevent you from getting sun burns.
Trainers or good hiking boots.
A great camera for the perfect shots.
A book – preferably on South African wildlife.
South Africa’s winter months mark periods of hot,sunny mornings and mid-mornings with afternoons of little rain and thunderstorms that clear quickly. The nights are usually cold and windy, with occasional instances of rain. This weather is perfect for morning drives when most animals tend to be most active.
A safari holiday with loads of photographic opportunities.
Kruger National Park
Madikwe
Waterberg
Karoo National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Tankwa National Park
Pilanseberg National Park
Popular Photographic Safaris in South Africa
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm are all good options for UV protection
Walking shoes that are both comfortable and stylish
Binoculars, camera, lenses, extra batteries, and memory card
A medical kit for personal use
If you are planning on visiting South Africa, you may hear that South Africa is a beautiful country and that it is the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is big and if you stick to the main cities of South Africa it is safe to travel.
A Safari in South Africa is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts. All major safari animals can easily be seen at any of South Africa's National Parks.
The scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best for seeing rhino
Kruger National Park offers excellent general wildlife viewing
The main attraction in Sabi Sand is seeing the Big Five and it is well-known for its habituated leopards
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere.
Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit cards, but always have a small amount of cash on you for tips etc. Numerous ATMs can be found in all the big towns.
Augrabies Falls National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and September. When the popular three-day Klipspringer Trail is open.
However, the waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood - usually in February to April.
You will be able to do self-guided game drives or guided night drives with park officials, as well as expect to sight springbok, gemsbok, kudu, African wild cat, spotted genet, giraffe, leopards and birds such as Black eagles.
You may visit Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve all year around - winter (during the months of June and August) are chilly, and summer (during the months of November and January) are hot. Enjoy horse rides, mountain bike and game drive.
The best time to visit Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is during the dry months of May through September.
The best time to visit Royal Natal National Park is during the summer rainfall season of March to April.
Wi-Fi is the best option when planning on using your smartphone during your African safari. Using apps such as Skype for Android and iOS, Viber for Android and iOS as well as Google Hangouts for Android is the best way to stay in touch with your loved ones. Most camps and lodges have free Wi-Fi for guests to make free calls and texts messages.
The best time to visit the Thornybush Game Reserve is during the dry winter months of May to September in South Africa. The vegetation in the area will thin out and the wildlife will congregate around water sources as this becomes a scarce commodity, making game viewing possibilities ideal.
It's important to take activities into account instead of weather when planning a South African holiday. If you're planning on going on safari, it's best to visit during the dry winter months of May to October. Game viewing is outstanding during this period as the foliage is much less and wildlife will congregate around waterholes in order to stay hydrated. If you want to spend some time relaxing on one of South Africa's sun-kissed beaches, then a visit during the hot summer months of November to March is ideal.