South African Safari in Winter
A Journey into Luxury and Wilderness
At the heart of South Africa’s safari experience are its world-class luxury camps, each offering exclusive encounters with the Big Five and other fascinating wildlife. In Kruger National Park, Singita Lebombo Lodge is a standout, offering modern, open-plan suites with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that immerse guests in the surrounding landscape. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, renowned for its leopard sightings, is home to the legendary Londolozi Tree Camp, where treehouse-like suites offer unrivaled views of the bush. For an even more secluded experience, Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve provides an intimate, colonial-style retreat with personalized service and private plunge pools overlooking the African plains.
No luxury South African safari would be complete without a visit to Cape Town, a city that perfectly complements the wild beauty of the bush with its cosmopolitan charm. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers world-class dining, vibrant culture, and access to the renowned Cape Winelands. After the excitement of your safari adventure, unwind at luxurious stays like One&Only Cape Town or The Silo Hotel, where you can indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax in lavish accommodations, and take in stunning views of the city and sea.
Whether you’re tracking wildlife through the bush or sipping fine wines at the edge of the Atlantic, a South African winter safari promises a journey filled with unparalleled luxury, adventure, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Cape Town – A City of Beauty and Culture
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town or The Silo Hotel
Arrive in Cape Town and settle into one of its premier luxury hotels. Spend your days exploring the city’s highlights: take a cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views, visit the historic Robben Island, or wander through the V&A Waterfront’s upscale boutiques and dining spots. Don’t miss a day trip to the Cape Winelands, where you can savor some of the region’s finest wines at estates like Delaire Graff and La Motte.
- Highlights: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Cape Winelands tour, gourmet dining experiences.
Day 4-6: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – Londolozi Tree Camp
Accommodation: Londolozi Tree Camp
Fly from Cape Town to Sabi Sands, known for some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa, especially leopards. Londolozi Tree Camp offers an intimate, luxurious safari experience. Here, you’ll enjoy daily game drives with expert rangers, and the camp’s elevated suites provide stunning views over the riverbed. Relax in the comfort of your suite’s private deck between drives, and perhaps indulge in a wellness treatment in the bush spa.
Highlights:
- Daily game drives,
- Big Five sightings (particularly leopards),
- bush spa experiences.
Day 7-9: Kruger National Park – Singita Lebombo Lodge
Accommodation: Singita Lebombo Lodge
Next, head to the eastern reaches of Kruger National Park for a stay at Singita Lebombo Lodge. This modern, architectural masterpiece offers sleek, glass-walled suites perched above the N’wanetsi River. With private game drives and the highest level of personalized service, you’ll witness the park’s incredible biodiversity, from lions to elephants, all while returning to an opulent sanctuary in the heart of the wilderness.
Highlights:
- Game drives in private Kruger concessions,
- walking safaris,
- wine tastings from Singita’s renowned cellar.
Day 10-12: Thornybush Game Reserve – Royal Malewane
Accommodation: Royal Malewane
For the final leg of your journey, travel to Thornybush Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, and stay at the ultra-exclusive Royal Malewane. Known for its colonial elegance and unparalleled service, this safari lodge provides unforgettable wildlife encounters. Relax in your luxurious suite with its private plunge pool, and enjoy gourmet meals tailored to your tastes. Each day, experienced guides will lead you on private game drives, tracking the Big Five across the savannah.
Highlights:
- Private game drives,
- personalized experiences,
- royal-style luxury, bush dining.
Day 12: Departure
After your morning game drive and a final breakfast overlooking the bush, transfer to the airport for your departure. Reflect on 12 days of unparalleled luxury and adventure as you bid farewell to South Africa.
