South Africa Safari and Cape
Big Five plus Cape Town in one journey
Core destinations
Is this right for you?
Best for
Travelers wanting a multi-experience South Africa trip combining wildlife with urban culture and wine country.
Trade-offs
- •Safari portion is shorter, limiting wildlife depth
- •Requires internal flights, adding complexity and cost
- •Cape weather can be unpredictable in winter months
Not for you if
- You only have a week or less for safari
- You want an action-packed itinerary with multiple activities daily
These are filters, not judgments. The right trip exists for every traveler. Browse other options
Looks like a fit?
We'll customize this around your dates and preferences
What your days look like
A typical day on safari in South Africa
5:00am wake-up knock, rusks and coffee before departure
5:30am game drive, typically 4 hours, tracking Big Five
Full brunch, leisure time, spa, or game-viewing from the deck
3:30pm high tea, then afternoon game drive
Sundowner in the bush, night drive return, boma dinner
Star-gazing from your private deck, sounds of the bush
Big Five in Malaria-Free Reserves
South Africa uniquely offers malaria-free safari options with excellent Big Five sighting rates. Reserves like Madikwe and the Eastern Cape provide family-friendly wildlife experiences without prophylaxis concerns.
📷 Leopard in tree with safari vehicle below in classic South African bushveld setting
Activities available in South Africa
Where you'll stay
All accommodation typesAccommodation styles available in South Africa for this trip type
Classic Safari Lodge
Permanent structure with individual rooms or suites, typically stone or thatch construction. Common areas include dining room, lounge, pool. Full service with staff.
First-time safari visitors; those wanting reliable comfort; families; couples
📷 Stone and thatch safari lodge with swimming pool overlooking African savanna at sunset
Permanent Tented Camp
Canvas tents on raised platforms or concrete bases, with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and often verandas. Combines outdoor immersion with comfort.
Those wanting bush atmosphere with comfort; second-time safari visitors; photographers
📷 Luxury canvas tent on wooden platform with private deck overlooking river at dawn
Treehouse / Star Bed
Elevated sleeping platform, either in actual tree or raised structure. Often used as special one-night experience. Combines sleep-out adventure with some structure.
Couples seeking romance; adventurous families with older kids; those marking occasions
📷 Elevated star bed platform with white linens and mosquito net under acacia tree at twilight
Note: Vurara Safaris doesn't list specific lodges or camps. We select properties based on your preferences, timing, and availability during trip planning.
Typical cost range
Per person, land costs
Excluding international flights, includes internal flights
- +Peak season (Jul-Oct) adds 20-40% to accommodation rates
- −Larger groups (4-6 people) reduce per-person costs significantly
- −Shoulder season (Apr-May, Nov) offers 15-30% savings
These are cost bands, not quotes. Vurara Safaris provides custom pricing based on your specific dates, group size, and accommodation preferences. Ranges reflect 2024-2025 operator rates and are updated periodically.
Before you book
Variants
The same route can work at different comfort levels
Balanced Approach
10–14 days covering Greater Kruger, Cape Town, Winelands. Quality lodges with experienced guides.
Quality lodges, small groups
Budget Alternative
Same destinations with simpler accommodation and shared transfers.
Lower cost, basic comfort
Luxury Upgrade
Same route with premium camps and private guiding throughout.
Exclusive access, personalized service