First-Timer’s Guide to a South African Safari

Many people never experience a safari because they think it's too expensive, they don’t have enough time off work, or they can't imagine traveling that far to an unfamiliar destination. I was one of those people — until I wasn’t.

Recently, my husband was invited to a wedding in South Africa, and after much discussion, we said yes! “Once in a lifetime” doesn’t begin to describe the life-changing experiences we had while trekking across the country. From the breathtaking views of Cape Town to the rolling vineyards of wine country and finally, to the wild heart of Sabi Sands for safari, we maximized every moment.

Yes, the trip was expensive — but splurging on extraordinary experiences like this is worth it. Could you do it for less? Absolutely. We opted for private transportation, guided tours and multiple five-star accommodations, but South Africa is actually an affordable place to stay and eat outside of safari lodges. The biggest cost factor is the safari experience itself, as accommodations include game drives, meals, luxurious amenities and top-tier hospitality.

Why you should consider a destination management company (DMC)

One major thing I learned: using a Destination Management Company (DMC) is a game-changer. Many of the exclusive guided tours we took were only available through select DMCs, meaning if you book independently, you might miss out on higher-quality experiences.

Another important factor? Safety. While we felt completely secure throughout our trip, we also took precautions. If you're a solo traveler or visiting multiple destinations, consult a travel agent about DMCs to see if this option is within your budget.

Why we chose Sabi Sands for safari

For our safari, I chose Sabi Sands, an area renowned for its big cats. I wanted the best chance to see the most wildlife within a three-night stay, and this region delivered. Staying at the same camp for three nights meant six game drives — maximizing our chances of spotting the elusive animals.
And wow, did we see them all: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and more. In just two days, we spotted seven different leopards, some with cubs! The guides and trackers worked tirelessly, communicating with other properties and even tracking animals on foot, which was fascinating to witness.
Bonus: When you fly into Skukuza Airport in Sabi Sands, you actually drive through Kruger National Park to reach Savanna and nearby private reserves. Within just 20 minutes of landing, we had already spotted five different animal species — an amazing kickoff to our safari adventure! Our drivers, who were also trained guides, had a keen eye for spotting wildlife that others missed.

Reserves within Sabi Sands and why we chose Savanna

Savanna Lodge - Executive Suite

Some of the well-known private reserves within the Sabi Sand area include Londolozi, Singita, Lion Sands, MalaMala and Sabi Sabi. The Sabi Sand area spans an impressive 153,668 acres. We had friends staying at Londolozi and also had a five-star plus experience. It was great to compare notes, and it really showcased the variety of top-notch accommodations and safari experiences available within Sabi Sands.
Whether you choose Singita, with its 12 luxurious suites offering grand luxury, Londolozi, where 36 suites across 5 unique lodges create a family-like atmosphere or Savanna, with nine intimate suites providing a boutique safari vibe, each offers a distinctive and unforgettable experience in the Sabi Sand. You can select the vibe that best suits your style.
We chose Savanna Private Game Reserve due to its larger accommodations and complete privacy, as our suites were not attached to a lodge or any other building. We had our own bungalow-style suite, which offered an incredibly intimate and secluded experience. Our executive suite at Savanna was stunning, complete with a canopied bed, private plunge pool and deep soaking tub — a welcome retreat after bumpy game drives.

Packing smart for safari

I came prepared with safari-appropriate outfits in neutral colors — beige, brown and green — but I wasn’t ready for the go-go-go pace of our stay at Savanna Private Game Reserve. I packed way too much. Less is more, ladies. What I did wear every day was a lightweight travel scarf that I draped over my shoulders when it was chilly in the mornings and evenings. A baseball cap was essential for sun protection — some days, the sun was intense! We got very lucky with the weather, as every day was temperate, which is typical at the end of the rainy season. I also wore a really good pair of leather boots — versatile enough for exploring town and walking through dirt paths. I didn’t own a pair before the trip, but I’m so glad I invested in them.

Jamie & Ronald - the best guide & tracker

The safari experience: more than just wildlife

While we were on the younger side of the guests, the small-group setting allowed us to bond with our safari mates from all over the world — Canada, Australia, the US and Britain. Our tracker was incredible, spotting animals in the dark during evening drives (I still don’t understand how!).
The food? Amazing — but almost too much! If you prefer smaller portions, just ask. Service was impeccable, and at our lodge, we weren’t allowed to walk alone at night for safety reasons — security escorts were required, though no one was eager to leave after indulging in the delicious meals.
A nightly ritual? A deep soak in the tub after an evening drive — the perfect way to ease sore muscles and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Female lion pride captured by Marc Silver — fellow safari guest, talented photographer and new friend met on the trail.

Photography tips

Bring a camera! If you can, invest in a longer lens for incredible close-up shots. However, don’t stress — your phone’s video mode works surprisingly well. I even found myself becoming a birder after admiring a fellow traveler’s stunning shots of colorful species.
Binoculars were provided by the property, so we didn’t end up using our sub-par pair. The binoculars at Savanna were high-quality, which made a big difference during the game drives. It was a great bonus to have everything we needed provided for us!

Lilac-breasted roller captured by Marc Silver

Final thoughts

A safari isn’t just a vacation — it’s an experience that changes you. Whether you go all-out or budget wisely, the magic of the African wilderness is something you’ll never forget. If you’re considering it, take the leap. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Yes, that's a termite hill

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our South Africa page.