Safari Your Way: South Africa's Diverse Wildlife Adventures
- Di von Essen
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
South Africa stands as one of the world's premier wildlife destinations, offering an incredible diversity of experiences for animal lovers.
From the traditional ranger-led safari drive and self-drive journeys to accommodation that allows guests to live amongst wildlife roaming freely and specialised sanctuaries where conservation efforts take centre stage, South Africa delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters for every type of traveller.
Self-Drive Safari
Perhaps the most independent way to experience South Africa's wildlife is through a self-drive safari in the legendary Kruger National Park. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres (about the size of Wales), Kruger represents one of Africa's most accessible yet authentic wildlife experiences.
Established in 1898 and officially declared South Africa's first national park in 1926, Kruger boasts an extraordinary biodiversity with 147 mammal species, 507 bird species, and 114 reptile species. The park's well-maintained road network allows visitors in standard vehicles to explore its diverse habitats at their own pace.
Our two-week journey through Kruger revealed the park's remarkable ecological diversity. The southern region, encompassing areas between Phabeni Gate, Skukuza, Lower Sabie, and Crocodile Bridge, features lusher vegetation and higher wildlife densities. Here, the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) are more frequently
encountered. The central and northern regions around Olifants, Letaba, Mopani, and Shingwedzi offer a different landscape, more open savannah and mopane woodlands where elephants thrive.
Staying at one of the Kruger's rest camps provides another dimension to the safari experience. Falling asleep to the distant roar of lion and waking to the melodic dawn chorus of birds creates an immersive connection to the African wilderness. Each camp has its own character—from the riverside setting of Lower Sabie and Skukuza to the luxury accommodation of Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge - allowing visitors to experience different ecosystems throughout their journey.
Guided Game Drives
While self-drive safaris offer independence, guided game drives, particularly with a gameranger, provide enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities and educational depth. In open safari vehicles, guests sit higher above the ground with unobstructed views and benefit from the guides' expert knowledge. Professional guides at companies like Nandzani Safaris (www.nandzanisafaris.co.za) transform wildlife viewing into learning experiences, and they can often access areas closed to self-drive visitors and communicate with other guides about recent sightings.
These guided experiences occasionally yield extraordinary wildlife encounters that few humans ever witness. For us, one such remarkable event was observing an elephant "funeral" ceremony—where a procession of elephants encircled their deceased herd member, touching the body with their trunks, throwing dust over the remains, and seemingly paying respect before departing. Such powerful moments of animal behaviour will remain etched in my memory long after other travel experiences fade.
As the African sun sets, a different world emerges, and night safaris (which can only be taken with a guide) reveal nocturnal creatures rarely seen during daylight hours—bush babies, civets prowling the underbrush, and perhaps even the elusive aardvark. Companies like Nandzani Safaris offer specialised night drives with spotlight-equipped vehicles illuminating this hidden world without disturbing its inhabitants. They also include a bush dinner under the stars in a secluded area. Protected by armed rangers yet immersed in the wilderness, these experiences connect travellers to primal
Africa in ways no regular restaurant meal can match.
Wildlife Inhabited Stays
Some of South Africa's most memorable stays are those where wildlife live and roam freely throughout the property, creating magical moments when you least expect them. Many accommodation options throughout the country offer this experience, and nothing beats looking out your window to see a zebra nibbling grass peacefully right outside.
The Tsongo Sabi River Sun and Kruger Park Lodge (both in Hazyview, Mpumalanga) are two such places. Nestled along the banks of the Sabi River and only ten minutes from the nearest entry gate to the Kruger, guests of both resorts can routinely spot impala and other antelope (such as Nyala or Duiker) grazing on the hotel's lush lawns or golf courses. Both resorts have created a perfect habitat for hippos and crocodiles, which can be observed from safe viewing areas at both properties. Monkeys playfully inhabit trees around the resorts, while birdwatchers will delight in the extraordinary variety of feathered residents, with the indigenous gardens attracting dozens of bird species. Look out for the Giant Snails at
Sabi River Sun!
For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a more remote bushland retreat like Umoja Kruger, which borders the Kruger National Park in Phalaborwa. Wildlife moves freely across boundaries with fences removed between the area's private reserves and the park. Imagine relaxing by your private pool as animals visit your personal accommodation
waterhole—hyenas skulking at dusk, nyala and impala and warthogs. Elephant sightings are common in these areas, sometimes becoming unexpected poolside companions. Visit www.umoja-kruger.com
Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation Centres
For travellers interested in conservation efforts and closer encounters with specific species, South Africa boasts excellent wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres that offer educational experiences. Pumbaa Wildlife Park near Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) has pioneered innovative "zoo-fari" experiences that are particularly well-suited for families with young children. Unlike lengthy game drives that test little ones' patience, zoo-faris allow children to observe animals in naturalistic enclosures at a more manageable pace. Or book a room with windows looking directly into lion enclosures
to view these magnificent predators just metres away.
While in Mbombela, don’t miss Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, a sanctuary for chimpanzees rescued from traumatic situations worldwide. The centre provides guided tours that educate visitors about these highly intelligent primates and the conservation challenges they face. Watching the chimps' complex social interactions offers a poignant reminder of our close evolutionary relationship and the importance of protecting these endangered animals. We’ve been there twice now and will never get sick of enjoying the antics of these treasured creatures. Visit
www.chimpeden.co.za for more information.
For those unable to make the journey to South Africa, technology now offers remarkable alternatives. Africam pioneered the concept of virtual safari through strategically placed webcams at waterholes and other wildlife hotspots throughout southern Africa. These live feeds transmit real-time footage of elephants bathing, predators hunting, and the daily rhythms of African wildlife directly to viewers worldwide. Visit www.africam.com.
South Africa's diverse wildlife experiences cater to every interest, age group, and mobility level. For the most comprehensive understanding of the country's remarkable biodiversity, consider combining several different safari styles in one journey like we did.
NOTE: The author received no payment or incentives from any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
