South Africa is one of the most formidable Bush Breaks destinations in Africa and the world. We unpack the top safari advice and share a curated list of top reserves across the country.
As locals, we have access to no fewer than 20 national parks and a host of natural reserves and resorts across our world-renowned safari destination.
EXPLORE: Latest Secret Getaway Bush Breaks
This includes two world-famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest national reserve and stretches 350km from north to south and is 60km in breadth.
As a country with a vast system of natural reserves established as far back as 1926, South Africa also leads in conservation and scientific research to protect and preserve indigenous plants, animals, landscapes and associated cultural heritage.
READ: Incredible nature and wildlife reserves not too far from Johannesburg
When to go:
The bushveld is a year-round destination, offering a unique and memorable experience, whatever the season.
Most of South Africa is a summer rainfall area, November to March, while the Western Cape receives most of its rain during winter, from May to August.
- Summer - December to February
- Winter - June to August
- Spring - September to November
- Autumn - March to May
- Rainy season in Cape Town - May to September
- Rainy season in Kruger - November to April
- High season in Kruger - July to October
- Whale season in Overberg - August to September
Budget:
With so much choice when it comes to unique bush break experiences, you'll have to plan carefully to ensure you experience as much of it as often as possible. While a peak-season bush break is a spoil for sure, affordability comes down to these three factors:
Travel During the Low Season
Demand is usually high during summer, so it makes sense to plan your safari trips around the low season. Pricing is also most affordable during this time, with lodges offering lower rates or group offers.
Other benefits to the low-season bush break include fewer crowds, which can significantly change the atmosphere of your experience, making it feel less rushed.
Focus on a Single Game Reserve
Choose your destination carefully and plan your whole bush break around it. Then, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about moving to another reserve or lodge. In this case, less is more, reducing your travelling costs and conservation fees.
Join the Secret Getaway community
Secret Getaway features a shortlist of Voucher Sales, searchable according to location and theme. In addition, you'll receive weekly updates about new partners and flash voucher sales ending soon.
These vouchers allow you, as a spontaneous local, to save today and book your bush break when ready.
It's more than just saving money. You save time with access to some of the best value offers for exceptional establishments curated per category & area each week.
What to pack:
South Africans have extensive Bush Break accommodation options, from luxury 5-stay lodges to charming character stays that include tented camps and glamping experiences.
What you pack depends on where your home away from home will be in the bushveld. There certainly are a few essentials to pack no matter where you'll be staying, such as:
- Sunblock and sun hat
- Good walking shoes
- Warm windbreaker or rain jacket (Layering is the rule when headed out on a game drive)
- Mosquito repellent
- Binoculars for the birdwatchers
- Power supply for your phone or camera (Bush drives can be three to five hours long)
- Swimming costume (perfect for lodges with private plunge pools)
Safety Tips
The excitement of being in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings across the globe should never distract you from safety and security during your trip. You must adhere strictly to the regulations and safety guidelines of the reserve or park you're visiting
- Always check whether your park is malaria-free or not and plan accordingly.
- The rule of thumb during a game drive is to remain in your vehicle when travelling unless you're parked in a designated area.
- SANParks strictly advises that no body part may protrude from a window, sunroof, or any other part of the vehicle. In addition, vehicle doors should be closed at all times.
- There will always be a speed limit for the area, so stick to it if you're on a self-drive.
- Generally, the speed limit is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads.
- Always keep to the gate times. No travelling before or after these times are allowed for your safety.
- You cannot drive "off-road" or do not ignore the "no entry" signs.
- Don't litter in the park; animals can mistake this for food.
- Also, feeding or disturbing animals is a serious offence and can be subject to a hefty fine.
- Parks and reserves also have strict noise level codes, so stick to them. Certain areas also inhibit cellphone usage unless it's an emergency, so be aware of this.
- It's a good idea to programme the contact details of the gates or lodge you're visiting into your mobile phone in case of an emergency.
- Pets are usually not allowed in parks and reserves. Always double-check beforehand.
SA's Best Bush Breaks:
From the northern reserves bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to the unique coastal national parks in the east and south of the country, we've curated your must-see list according to province.
Celebrated for its malaria-free bush break options, the province gives travellers access to the northern part of the Kruger National Park, with the lower regions are in the province of Mpumalanga.
Here's why you should check these Top 5 Limpopo Reserves off your bush breaks bucket list.
Top 5 Reserves in Limpopo
South Africa's northernmost province Limpopo, has a few special wildlife reserves and parks to visit. When it comes to Limpopo, South Africa's province bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, you are able to check at least three major national parks off your must-see list. Start with these top five to create some lasting bush breaks memories.
- Kruger National Park
- Marakele National Park
- Mapungubwe National Park
- Welgevonden Game Reserve
- Kololo Game Reserve
Top 5 Reserves in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is known as the province where the sun rises. Bordering the nations of Swaziland and Mozambique, it shares SA's flagship national park, Kruger, with Limpopo.
There are many top attractions to check off your bucket list, from Blyde River Canyon and Emgwenya's Elands Falls to staying in some of South Africa's most luxurious safari accommodation.
Let these amazing Mpumalanga reserves and parks inspire your next bush break.
- Kruger National Park
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Songimvelo Game Reserve
- Dullstroom Nature Reserve
- Emgwena, Waterval Boven
Top 5 North West Game Reserves
The North West Province is a premier wildlife destination in its own right. These are the top five game reserves you should visit for a memorable Bush Break.
Grasslands and savannahs characterise this province, and its beautiful panoramas and vibrant colours make it a safari and wildlife photographer's delight. Plan your next North West Bush Break, with by exploring one of these picture perfect reserves
- Pilanesberg National Park
- Madikwe Game Reserve
- Kalahari Conservation Reserve
- The Black Rhino Game Reserve
- Molopo Game Reserve
Top 5 KZN Game Reserves
KwaZulu-Natal offers the best beach and bush reserves scattered throughout the province. It is also blessed with superb weather all year round.
When it comes to the province fondly known as South Africa's playground, enjoying a heritage bush break is not only accessible but can also be affordable too.
KZN's reserves and parks are outstanding, but a few are in a class all their own. So start with this must-visit list of KZN Game Reserves.
- Nambiti Private Game Reserve
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
- The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Phinda Private Game Reserve
Top 6 Reserves in the Western Cape
The Western Cape has its own unique version of a bush break to offer nature-loving travellers.
It is a totally different experience to the likes of Limpopo or North West for example.
Blessed with a beautiful coastline to include experiences with South Africa's Big 7 - this means you can spot the southern right whale and great white shark, in addition to your traditional Big 5.
READ: Bucketlist Beach Break | Whale Watching from bed
From the Cederberg Mountains to the unspoilt beauty of Walker Bay, start with these top reserves in the Western Cape, when planning your next Bush Break
- De Hoop Nature Reserve
- Inverdoorn (and Aquila) Game Reserve
- Gondwana Game Reserve
- Grootbos Game Reserve
- Kagga Kamma
- Sanbona Game Reserve
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