What is the best time of year for a private safari in South Africa?
There isn't really a bad time for a private safari in South Africa, but the best time depends on what you want to experience. If wildlife viewing is your priority, the winter months from May to September are when the bush thins out, animals congregate around water sources and game viewing becomes more predictable. These months also coincide with the prime safari season in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the Okavango Delta water levels at their peak for mokoro and boat safaris and Hwange, Mana Pools and Kafue camps all fully open, making for a great multi-country safari.
However, if you’re also keen to spend extended time in Cape Town, the city really shines during the southern hemisphere summer, from November to March, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best. This is when safari destinations further north enter their green season, a quieter safari time characterised by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and lush landscapes, when birdlife is exceptional and many animals are giving birth, making for fantastic predator action and photography.
Which Wilderness camps combine best with South Africa for a private safari?
South Africa serves as a natural gateway to some of Africa’s best safari destinations and with quick flights out of Cape Town and Johannesburg, building a cross-country itinerary is pretty easy. Botswana is perhaps the most natural extension of a South African tour, with many choosing to safari at one of our luxury camps in the Okavango Delta. For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, Wilderness Mombo delivers a luxury safari reminiscent of a bygone era with extraordinary wildlife viewing, while a camp like Wilderness Little Vumbura, with just six tents, lends itself to a particularly personalised experience.
For travellers wanting exceptional game viewing with fewer crowds, Zimbabwe is also a great option for a combination safari with South Africa. Wilderness Little Makalolo in Hwange National Park and Wilderness Little Ruckomechi in Mana Pools both offering a remote and secluded experience. Continue north to Zambia and Wilderness Shumba and Busanga Bush Camp in Kafue National Park provide an even more off the beaten track experience. You can also choose to add a private tour of the Victoria Falls before or after your safari in either of these countries, or venture instead to the famed desert of Namibia to explore some of Southern Africa’s most remote, private lodges.
What activities can families do on a private South Africa tour?
A private tour of South Africa offers a mix of wildlife, city, coast and culture. Cape Town and surrounds, in particular, add a huge amount of variety, making it feel like several holidays in one, and Wilderness’ Cape Town Touring offering is designed for optimal flexibility, so families can balance iconic sights with more relaxed, child-friendly experiences.
Some of the must-do activities include a visit to Table Mountain, either by cable car or a private guided hike and a drive along the Cape Peninsula with stops at scenic beaches. Also be sure to visit the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, book a harbour or Table Bay boat trip from the V&A Waterfront, or enjoy some swimming, surfing and beach time around Camps Bay and Muizenberg.
The Cape Winelands are also very family-friendly. While adults enjoy wine tastings, many estates offer expansive gardens, jungle gyms, farm-to-table dining and even special private tastings for children. Families can also enjoy cultural excursions, from township experiences to museum visits, all privately guided by a trusted local expert.
