South Africa Safari Reviews: Is It Worth It? An Honest Assessment

Before I booked a safari in South Africa, I always assumed that every safari was the same and there was really only one place to go. But South Africa is actually one of the top safari destinations due to its diverse wildlife, national parks, and well-developed infrastructure.

This makes it an appealing and accessible experience for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers.

Planning Your South Africa Safari

Planning a South African safari can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you can craft an unforgettable adventure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the essentials of planning your South African safari.

When to Go

South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. The country boasts a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:

• Summer (December to February): Expect warm weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
• Autumn (March to May): Enjoy mild temperatures, ideal for wildlife viewing and scenic drives.
• Winter (June to August): Cooler temperatures make it the best time for game viewing and outdoor activities.
• Spring (September to November): Mild temperatures are perfect for whale watching and scenic drives.

For the ultimate South African safari experience, plan your trip during the dry season (May to September). The cooler, drier weather is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Getting to South Africa

Reaching South Africa is relatively straightforward, thanks to its well-developed transportation network and several international airports. Here are some tips to help you get there:

• Flights: Major international airports include OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport. Both offer numerous flights from around the world.
• Visa Requirements: Check with the South African Department of Home Affairs to determine if you need a visa to enter the country. Requirements vary depending on your nationality. United States Citizens do NOT need a Visa to travel to South Africa.
• Transportation: Once you arrive, you can rent a car or book a shuttle service to reach your destination. Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially if you plan to drive along the scenic Garden Route.

What South African Safari to Choose

While there are several you can choose from (and I wish I could try them all!) I ultimately chose the Garden Route Game Lodge in Albertinia, located just 3 hours away from Cape Town.

I was planning on arriving in Cape Town and spending several days exploring that area, but I only had so much time to visit a safari and not enough time to fly all the way to Kruger. Visiting South Africa offers a range of safari experiences, from luxurious lodges to self-drive adventures, making it accessible for all types of travelers.

The Garden Route Game Lodge was an easy drive (you can rent a car or take a tour bus) and one hundred percent worth it! This is a little about my experience at the Garden Route Lodge and my time on a South African safari.

So is a South African Safari Worth It? Follow along and find out!

Choosing the Right National Park

South Africa is home to a plethora of national parks, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right national park for your South African safari.

South African National Parks

With 19 national parks to choose from, each with its own distinct features, you’re spoiled for choice. Here are some of the most popular national parks:

• Kruger National Park: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger is renowned for its high density of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). It’s a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast.
• Addo Elephant National Park: Located in the Eastern Cape, this park is home to over 600 elephants, as well as lions, leopards, and Cape buffalo. It’s a fantastic destination for elephant lovers.
• Isimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Isimangaliso is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, beaches, and forests. It’s a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
• Table Mountain National Park: Situated in Cape Town, this park offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s perfect for hiking and exploring the iconic Table Mountain.
• Garden Route National Park: Stretching along the scenic Garden Route, this park is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It’s ideal for those looking to combine a safari with coastal adventures.

When choosing a national park, consider the following factors:

• Wildlife Viewing: For a park with a high concentration of wildlife, Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park are top choices.
• Scenic Beauty: If you’re after breathtaking scenery, Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Garden Route National Park won’t disappoint.
• Activities: For a variety of activities, such as hiking or shark cage diving, consider Table Mountain National Park or Gansbaai.

Remember to plan your trip according to the park’s opening hours and book your accommodations and activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for an amazing trip, South Africa’s national parks offer something for everyone.

The Scenic Garden Route Game Lodge

From the moment I arrived, I was awestruck. This place was pretty affordable and you would never guess it. Every inch screamed luxury.

When you first arrive, you walk to their main lodge to the reception area. From the front door, you can see clearly onto the back patio and game reserve beyond. There was literally an elephant walking along right outside! The lodge also offers walking safaris that allow guests to explore animal habitats on foot for a more immersive experience.

There is a small gift shop to the right and the main dining room to the left. Which again, was incredibly luxurious. The decor was so beautiful and they had the biggest fireplace to keep you warm on cold and rainy days.

But what stood out to me were the huts I stayed in. And I say huts because ‘room’ would not accurately describe them. These were standing huts set apart from each other and off a private path.

When staying in these huts, you felt like you were in a world of your own.

Garden Route Game Lodge Amenities and Grounds

I won’t spend too much time gushing over what the Garden Route Game Lodge looks like, because I want to get on to the main topic.

But just go onto their website and browse around. There are several different kinds of rooms and huts you can stay at. And the pool and hot tub area are gorgeous!

The lodge also attracts wildlife photographers who capture stunning images of the diverse wildlife and landscapes.

Just walking around this lodge was so peaceful and beautiful, I would have happily stayed here even if they didn’t have a safari on site!

Going on a South African Safari

One reason to book a lodge on a private game reserve is because they take care of everything. And I mean everything! As soon as you check in, they tell you what time your safari is and where to meet. South Africa’s national parks and reserves offer a variety of safari experiences, from luxurious lodges to self-drive adventures, making it convenient and accessible for all types of travelers.

Even if you just stay one night at the lodge, you get both a nighttime safari and another one in the morning, both about 2 hours long.

You can take longer safaris and opt for more days depending on your length of stay at the lodge.

The Safari Jeep

The jeeps used for your South African safari were very comfortable! They consist of 3 rows that hold about 4 people in each row. So you can go in groups of up to 12 people. 

The rows are also staggered so each row gets a really good view! They are also padded which makes the bumpy rides very tolerable! Each seat has a small compartment in front of it (much like an airline seat) where you can stow small valuables.

When it rained, the lodge provided us with fleece-lined ponchos to keep us dry and warm. They were heavenly!

Our driver was also our tour guide and he was amazing! You have the same tour guide for both your nightly safari and your morning safari. This is perfect because then they know exactly what you saw one night and where to bring you to see different animals the next day.

Our tour guide had been working there for over 17 years and knew most of the animals and where they lived, slept, and hunted. His knowledge helped make our safari memorable!

The Safari Experience

Onto the fun stuff! 

Is a South Africa Safari Worth It? Oh my gosh yes yes yes. 

We easily got to see the big 5 (African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros). Again, this was largely in part to our guide knowing these animals well and knowing exactly where to go to see them.

On our night safari, we entered the big gates into the game reserve that looked a little like we were entering Jurassic Park.

We immediately saw zebras and springboks walking around. Like dozens and dozens of them! 

We continued on and right away came across a leopard who was stalking some prey. It was really exciting to watch! We sat for about 20 minutes watching her quietly move from bush to bush, silently hunting a young antelope. But the adult antelopes got the scent of her and scared her away. It was like watching an episode of Animal Planet but actually getting to be right there! 

As we left the leopard, we went to a big water hole and saw 2 hippopotamuses playing in the water. It was like being at Disney World on a ride. They jumped around the water, opened their mouths wide, swam around, and played with each other. It was an amazing site to sit and watch.

We saw a lot of other not-so-exciting animals that were still fun to see like some Ostriches, buffalo, lots of exotic birds, and more zebras (they are everywhere!).

Halfway through our nighttime safari, our guide stopped for a quick break for snacks and drinks… we got to choose between a cigar and a beer. So that was a nice surprise!

Garden Lodge Game Reserve Safari Day 2 at Addo Elephant National Park

The lodge provided us with a nice breakfast on day 2 before heading out on our jeep. They try to keep you together in the same jeep as the night before because each jeep goes out on its own and sees different things. 

Some times we would see other jeeps and a lot of the time our jeep was driving around on its own. 

Since our guide knew what we saw the day before and what we didn’t, he made sure to take us to the spots to see the rest of the animals. 

The guides also use walkie-talkies to communicate with each other when they see an animal that normally can be hard to find like the leopard. 

Our first stop was to see the Lions! The Lions are kept in a separate private area, as they have been known to kill all the other animals on the game reserve. So we had to take a little drive to their area.

When we got there, it was magical! At first, we say a pride of lions just lying around enjoying the sun. But then one of the females saw us and started walking directly to your jeep to come to check us out.

She circled us and then started roaring to the other lions. I’ve never seen anything like it and to be right there and see it in person made this safari worth it for that alone.

After leaving the lions, we were notified that some elephants were playing in the water so we took off to find them. When we got there these 2 (brothers) were having so much fun jumping around the little lake, pushing each other underwater, and just generally having fun.

Until one of them decided to get out and walk mere feet from our jeep. Again, seeing them up close like that in the wild… made this a trip of a lifetime for me.

If you haven’t guessed by now, the answer is an enthusiastic YES. The nice thing about South Africa is that lodges and activities like these are not super expensive. 

And with places like the Garden Route Game Lodge, you can choose to stay for just one night and still get two different safaris if you are on a budget. 

I would have traveled to South Africa for the safari alone because it was that incredible of an experience. But getting to visit Cape Town and explore a lot more of the Garden Route made the vacation even better.

A trip to Cape Town and a South African Safari should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Do you have any questions about going on a South African Safari? Drop them in the comments below!

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