To many, South Africa’s wealth is synonymous with its diamonds and gold. But we think its greatest riches lie in another of its natural treasures: its wildlife. Sabi Sand, Marataba, Madikwe and other vast bushveld reserves protect an astounding diversity of big game. From massive-tusked African elephants to sleek leopards, from squat rhinos to regal lions and Cape buffalo, the Big Five are all here to provide one of Africa’s greatest safari experiences—and with our focus on secluded private reserves in the Greater Kruger region and remote realms beyond, the only crowds you'll encounter are crowds of animals. At every turn, our Expedition Leader reveals the intricate wonders of the bush ecosystem, sharing interpretive insights and conservation success stories. When your safari is over, one thing is certain: you’ll go home far richer than when you arrived.
Trip Highlights
Smallest Groups, Closest Encounters
With just six travelers, get close to the Big Five on a diverse sampler of South Africa’s top private wildlife enclaves, including legendary MalaMala
Uncrowded Private Reserves
Guided by top safari Expedition Leaders, explore a diverse range of habitats in Sabi Sand, Marataba and Madikwe, where animals abound and visitors are few
Remote Luxury Camps & Lodges
Surrounded by solitude in wild nature, stay in intimate and distinctive accommodations where sustainability and conservation are integral values
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Outstanding Wildlife Viewing Away from the Crowds
South Africa has long been among the continent's most popular safari destinations, and for good reason: its scenic grandeur and prolific wildlife (including the famous Big Five) have few parallels. But popular can mean crowded and standardized, especially in South Africa, and that’s not the kind of safari-of-a-lifetime experience we provide. Take a look at these crucial features that set our South Africa safari apart:
Maximum Group Size Just Six Travelers!
An authentic encounter with nature is tough to achieve in a big group. While South Africa’s tarmac road system and established network of lodges encourages a more bus-based safari approach, often with 15-20 guests aboard, we limit our groups to six, lessening our impact and granting us access to smaller camps and remote spots larger groups can't get to. We promise the most personalized safari experience available!Private Reserves Offer Seclusion & Superior Wildlife Viewing
Private reserves are essential to the best African safari, especially in South Africa. In the exclusive wilderness areas of Sabi Sand, Marataba and Madikwe, we explore exceptionally varied habitats in solitude, viewing abundant wildlife away from crowds of other visitors (who are mostly traveling on paved roads inside the public parks).An Unusually Diverse Itinerary
Most South Africa safaris concentrate on Kruger National Park, and rightfully so, as its wildlife is legendary. Naturally, our itinerary includes the Greater Kruger ecosystem, but from a private reserve, where visitor numbers are strictly limited. MalaMala has an unfenced border with the park, so wildlife can wander back and forth freely. Our itinerary also includes the less-visited Marataba and Madikwe reserves, adding yet more elements of diversity with completely different ecosystems and landscapes.Remote & Intimate Luxury Accommodations
Most visitors to South Africa are relegated to larger, impersonal safari lodges that dominate in the national parks. Since our focus is private reserves, our guests enjoy exclusive boutique lodgings. Our isolated luxury camps and lodges are highlights in their own right. Each blends seamlessly with the natural environment, and tents and chalets have private verandas to maximize personal wildlife viewing opportunities.Flights Maximize Your Time on Safari
While we enjoy watching the countryside unfold on the drive between Madikwe and Marataba, we put a big focus on flights, arranging air transfers where possible to maximize your time with wildlife, rather than spending too much of it negotiating rough roads on long drives. And from the air, you'll gain a whole different perspective on South Africa’s dramatic landscapes and roaming wildlife.The Very Best Vehicles—with a Window Seat for All
Standard safaris often utilize cramped mini buses. In contrast, we charter top-quality custom safari vehicles that optimize comfort. Our 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers have a suspension system designed for rugged terrain, and an open-top, open-sided, tiered seating arrangement maximizes game-viewing opportunities. Each vehicle has 10 cushioned passenger seats, but since we don't fill them to capacity, everyone has an unimpeded side view. Each row is raised slightly higher than the one in front of it, allowing for unobstructed views of scenery and wildlife.Exclusive Opportunities to Explore via Bush Walks and Night Drives
Guided bush walks and night drives are available on the private reserves we visit, though not in national parks, where most safaris go. You'll appreciate the rare opportunity to stretch your legs while on safari as we get close-up views of interesting smaller species, which most safari-goers confined to vehicles miss. And drives after dark reveal fascinating nocturnal wildlife that's rarely seen by the typical traveler.South Africa's Most Outstanding Safari Guides
We are proud to provide the personalized service of some of South Africa’s premier naturalist guides. We employ only the most highly trained and experienced Safari Expedition Leaders. Rather than relying on less-qualified local camp guides at each stop, our Expedition Leaders accompany our guests from start to finish. Our guides average 15 years' experience each, with additional resources provided by WWF’s leading scientists. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior South Africa Safari
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise for yourself!Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
