Tales from our travels

Read stories that inform and inspire, shaped by travel notes our team collected on the road.

An elevated dining deck wraps around a bare tree at dusk, with a set table overlooking green bush and pink sky.
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The top luxury safari lodges in South Africa

Ranging from three to 12 suites, each of these intimate properties offers joyfully secluded retreats into the South African veld. The only challenge is deciding where to lay your head.

19 minutes

A leopard cub crouches in a tree at Sabi Sand, its spotted coat half hidden by green leaves in the fading light.
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Timbavati vs. Sabi Sands: Which is better?

Should you stay in Sabi Sands or Timbavati? Use this Kruger safari guide to decide.

9 minutes

A safari guide high-fives a child seated in an open vehicle, with golden grassland and soft evening light behind.
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The 10 best malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa

Experience big game viewing in South Africa’s most scenic, malaria-free game reserves.

17 minutes

A low lodge glows in a broad valley as a winding road leads toward snowcapped mountains under a pink sky.
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The 14 most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world

Our favorite spots for connection, spontaneity, and romance.

14 minutes

Aerial view of Okavango Spirit surrounded by winding channels, trees, and vivid green wetlands in Botswana.
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What is a secret season safari in Africa?

Discover why our safari specialists consider Africa’s “green season” one of its best-kept secrets—offering unrivaled wildlife moments, fewer crowds, and exceptional value for those who know when to go.

8 minutes

A pangolin walking across red earth at Tswalu in South Africa's Southern Kalahari, under expansive skies.
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Ask the experts: What you need to know about photography on safari

Want to make the most of photography on your African safari? Our photo-expert clients weigh in on where to go, what to pack, and how to improve your photography experience on safari.

7 minutes

A lush rooftop lounge filled with plants and seating at Gigi Rooftop in Cape Town.
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The best bars and lounges in Cape Town, South Africa

From elegant cocktail lounges and vibey rooftop bars to lively taprooms and unassuming speakeasies, Cape Town opens up a whole new world of mixology.

8 minutes

Camps Bay beach stretches beneath the Twelve Apostles near Cape Town, with pale sand and waves in the foreground.
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The best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination but some months shine brighter than others depending on the region.

7 minutes

A child stands in tall Okavango grass, holding a branch high while a guide watches nearby under open sky.
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What a day on safari with kids really looks like

From early meal times and flexible game drives to family activities and daily schedules, here’s what a day on safari looks like with kids.

7 minutes

An open safari vehicle watches elephants drinking at a waterhole, with rippled reflections and green hills beyond.
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How much does a South African safari cost?

Learn more about how much a safari costs and the factors that determine pricing. Plus, tips for stretching your dollar.

8 minutes

Riders on horseback move among zebra on open grassland in the Serengeti, backed by a stormy evening sky at dusk.
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Our top 8 horseback safari properties

Saddle up for a different kind of safari. Our experts reveal the most exceptional horseback properties where wildlife encounters unfold at a thrilling, ground-level pace.

9 minutes

Zebras stand on a dirt track in Greater Kruger, with green grassland, scrub, and acacia trees behind them.
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Kenya vs. South Africa: Which is better for safari?

Should you go to Kenya or South Africa for a safari? Our experts compare the two destinations so you can decide which is best for you.

8 minutes