Itinerary
South Africa and Zambia Safari
Wild adventures for families traveling with teenagers
12 days
$15,000 per person
Situated at the dramatic confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa beckons travelers to the furthest reaches of the mother continent.
Situated at the dramatic confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa beckons travelers to the furthest reaches of the mother continent.
Your adventure begins
Big Five safaris, polished lodges, winelands, and captivating cities woven into a single trip
Why visit South Africa?
Situated at the dramatic confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa beckons travelers to the furthest reaches of the mother continent. Cradled within 1,700 miles of coast are wonderous places. In Greater Kruger’s bushveld, a leopard hangs on the branch of an acacia tree; tucked into a lush valley in the Cape Winelands, a picnic lunch is served between rows of grapes; in the arid savannah of the southern Kalahari, a black-mane lion guards a kill; and in radiant Cape Town, the sunset paints the sky in fiery hues.
A premier destination for luxury safaris, South Africa threads thrilling wildlife sightings together with equally tantalizing non-safari activities and experiences. Let the Rainbow Nation set the stage for a memorable trip that won’t ask you to sacrifice an ounce of comfort.
South Africa, your way
South African safaris are differentiated by the variety of experiences that can be woven together on a single trip. In neighboring countries and East Africa, safaris are almost exclusively defined by wildlife and wilderness in remote bush settings.
By contrast, South Africa offers travelers a tableau of activities, landscapes (both urban and wild), and a myriad of luxury lodges. From families to honeymooners, there truly is something for everyone; safari can be the focus of your trip, or an accessory to it.
Other reasons to choose South Africa include options for malaria-free safaris and overall ease of travel. English is one of the official languages, so you won’t experience language barriers or culture shock. Great roads and a robust network of commercial flights mean that bush planes aren’t a prerequisite for safari.
Whatever draws you to South Africa, your bespoke itinerary will be thoughtfully designed, beautifully paced, seamlessly delivered, and deeply personal.
Why visit South Africa?
Situated at the dramatic confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa beckons travelers to the furthest reaches of the mother continent. Cradled within 1,700 miles of coast are wonderous places. In Greater Kruger’s bushveld, a leopard hangs on the branch of an acacia tree; tucked into a lush valley in the Cape Winelands, a picnic lunch is served between rows of grapes; in the arid savannah of the southern Kalahari, a black-mane lion guards a kill; and in radiant Cape Town, the sunset paints the sky in fiery hues.
A premier destination for luxury safaris, South Africa threads thrilling wildlife sightings together with equally tantalizing non-safari activities and experiences. Let the Rainbow Nation set the stage for a memorable trip that won’t ask you to sacrifice an ounce of comfort.
South Africa, your way
South African safaris are differentiated by the variety of experiences that can be woven together on a single trip. In neighboring countries and East Africa, safaris are almost exclusively defined by wildlife and wilderness in remote bush settings.
By contrast, South Africa offers travelers a tableau of activities, landscapes (both urban and wild), and a myriad of luxury lodges. From families to honeymooners, there truly is something for everyone; safari can be the focus of your trip, or an accessory to it.
Other reasons to choose South Africa include options for malaria-free safaris and overall ease of travel. English is one of the official languages, so you won’t experience language barriers or culture shock. Great roads and a robust network of commercial flights mean that bush planes aren’t a prerequisite for safari.
Whatever draws you to South Africa, your bespoke itinerary will be thoughtfully designed, beautifully paced, seamlessly delivered, and deeply personal.
Everything from the initial planning to the Extraordinary Journeys team that checked in with us constantly to make sure all was going well....it was all perfect in every way imaginable. This was the trip of a lifetime, organized by professional travel planners that gave us everything we asked for and more. I can't say enough.
Bob Rogers, 2025 Traveler
Is South Africa right for you?
If you’re hesitant about going on safari, prefer added comforts like air conditioning and modern conveniences, or enjoy the outdoors best at arm's-length, South Africa is an excellent choice. It offers the thrill of safari without the need to go fully off-grid. And if you’d like your experience to feel more like a polished vacation than a rugged expedition, nowhere blends wildlife, luxury, and indulgent hospitality quite like South Africa.
When is the best time to go on safari in South Africa?
Although it is a year-round destination, most agree that the dry season (May to September) is the best time to go to South Africa. However, the country’s opposing geographies—a Mediterranean Atlantic coast versus a subtropical Indian Ocean—mean that the best time to visit is not uniform across the country.
Greater Kruger, KwaZulu-Natal, Madikwe & Limpopo:
Visit between May and September for drier weather. Low grass and thinner, trampled bushveld offer better visibility for wildlife spotting. It also means animals tend to congregate at reliable water sources.
Cape Town, Western Cape & Eastern Cape:
Tour Cape Town, the nearby Winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape’s private game reserves between September and April.
The Southern Kalahari:
Tswalu can be visited year-round, but May through September “winter” temperatures are the most pleasant.
Best
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Oct
Nov
April - June
September - November
Good
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
January - December
Where to go in South Africa
Track the Big Five in private reserves, then contrast the bush with Cape Town, Winelands, and coastlines
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship safari destination. Spanning nearly the size of Israel, it is home to the Big Five, abundant plains game, rare African wild dogs, and prolific birdlife. A true leopard stronghold, Kruger is one of the best places in Africa to spot these elusive, elegant cats. With such healthy populations of diverse species, every game drive holds thrilling potential.
For the most exclusive experience, we prefer staying in a private reserve bordering the park. Favorites such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, and Thornybush share unfenced boundaries with Kruger. Enjoy the same extraordinary wildlife, but with fewer vehicles and a more intimate, unhurried sense of wilderness.
South Africa travel FAQs
Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?
We go deep
We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.
We keep it honest
Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.
We’ve got it covered
Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.
We know it’s personal
There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.