Is there a perfect African safari? With so many possible experiences, no. But my trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana was a trip of a lifetime. There’s nothing more captivating than watching exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of waking up to elephants, baboons, and impalas, enjoying game drives to see the Big Five and much more, but aren’t sure how to make it happen, read on.
Visiting Independently, as Part of a Tour, or ?
I’d never been to Africa before. I almost always plan and book everything on my own as it’s all part of the fun. But this seemed like more of an unachievable dream than something I could turn into reality as a female solo traveler. So, I turned to one of my own clients for help, booking with Unforgettable Travel. Having an expert like Gemma, from South Africa herself, made it all infinitely easier not to mention there was no need to worry about renting a car or navigating public transport. Now that I’ve gotten a good taste, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit independently.
If you’d feel more comfortable having a reputable company take care of everything when visiting the first time, I highly recommend Unforgettable Travel. But the perfect African safari can easily be done on your own by following my experiences, perhaps doing a bit of creative twisting to suit your own interests.
The Flights: The Long-Haul to Your Perfect African Safari is Worth the Trek
It was well over a year before I finally boarded my flight. The anxiety I had over the 15.5 hours in the sky from D.C. to Cape Town, South Africa quickly turned to excitement, making it difficult to sleep. Surprisingly, the time seemed to fly by and before I knew it, I was looking down at Table Mountain. Jet-lagged and bleary-eyed upon arrival, I was relieved to see that welcome sign with my name on it.
For a first-time visitor to Africa, starting in Cape Town, South Africa makes sense. And, there are direct, non-stop flights on United from Dulles International Airport in the Washington, DC area.
Of course, the best option for you may differ depending on your location with multiple different routes to consider. You can also fly direct from Newark International Airport on United or from Atlanta on Delta. Check for the best airfares by date and various departure cities via Google Flights, then book with the airline directly.
Best Time for the Perfect African Safari
It’s possible to enjoy an African safari all year-round but there are better times to go depending on your particular interests. Unforgettable Travel offers some excellent advice on the topic here.
I chose to take my trip in September for multiple reasons. It falls at the end of the dry season with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures were mild in Cape Town, in the 70s Fahrenheit. It was a bit warmer in Sabi Sands, and in both Zimbabwe and Botswana. The opportunities for spotting the animals are excellent as they can be harder to see when the grasses are longer. Without the rain, they also tend to gather around the water holes.
September is also the peak of the whale-watching season in Hermanus, South Africa which can be visited on a day trip from Cape Town. And, as school is back in session, it’s not as busy while prices are a bit lower too.
I have no regrets in regard to the timing of my trip. The only real downside is that Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe isn’t at its most powerful this time of year, although still impressive.
Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula
One of the many reasons not to miss Cape Town (at least for me anyway) is Boulders Beach., home to a famous colony of penguins. But there are many others. Let’s back up a bit.
It took almost no time to get through immigration and customs at Cape Town International Airport, and my driver was there waiting for me. I was in a fog at that point after multiple flights – from Cabo San Lucas to San Francisco, DC, and finally, South Africa. We’re talking around 24 hours in the sky plus all the other airport time. I was grateful to have a driver meet me at the airport for transfer to Victoria & Alfred Hotel Cape Town. Right on the famous V&A Waterfront, it was perfect in every way.
Of course, I didn’t plan on spending much time in my hotel room other than the first day. I enjoyed a fabulous view of the harbor and Table Mountain with a meal of prawns and a Guinness at the on-site restaurant. That was soon followed by a long bath and a good night’s sleep. I needed to recover from jet lag quickly with an early morning tour.
While definitely not at 100 percent, I think I faked my way through, although you’d have to ask my guide Karen with @CapeFusionTours as she may have a different opinion. The adorable waddling penguins, on the other hand, probably wondered why that crazy person with the red hair couldn’t take her eyes off them.
Boulders Beach Penguins & Southern Right Whales
Located in Simons Town, Boulders Beach is home to an endangered land-based colony of African penguins. If it sounds (or looks) familiar, that might be because of the 2021 documentary “Penguin Town” which follows them as they search for mates and raise their young. Visiting is the perfect complement to your perfect African safari.
There are boardwalks that wind through the area for viewing the penguins. While they look super cuddly and cute, they are wild animals and have beaks that are sharp as razors, so you’ll have to resist the urge to reach out.
The penguins were the definite highlight of my Cape Peninsula tour (as was Karin), but the scenery was also stunning. We saw a southern right whale and her calf right off the coast and ventured over to the Cape Point lighthouse. A ride on the funicular to the viewing platform provided breathtaking views of the peninsula, and there was quite a bit of wildlife, including bushbuck, a type of antelope.
Hermanus
Hermanus is South Africa’s famous whale-watching town. While watching whales may not be something you think about when planning your perfect African safari, it’s easy to combine the experience. And, with September part of the peak season, I had to go. Anyone who knows me at all will tell you that I am obsessed with whales – the close encounters with gray whales in Baja are one of the reasons I moved to Mexico!
But back to Hermanus. It’s a 90-minute drive from Cape Town but there are tours that will bring you there. I chose Rene with Rene’s Tours and enjoyed yet another positive experience.
Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, Dolphins, & Much More!
Southern right whales are the star of the show, here in the area between June and November, with July through October the peak time. Humpbacks, Bryde’s whales, orcas, and a variety of dolphin species can be seen too. Common dolphins are known to form large groups of hundreds or even thousands.
Being surrounded by a thousand or more common dolphins was absolutely surreal. Where to point my camera? They were in every direction, some popping up right next to the vessel. And, minutes later, the southern right whales made their appearance!
Southern right whales are curious, playful, and one of the largest species of whale, weighing around 40 tons and anywhere from about 43 to 52 feet in length.
After the tour, Rene was waiting for me as it was time to return to Cape Town. Returning via a different route the scenery reminded me of Northern California’s wine country. It was endless vineyards covering lush hills. We stopped at an organic market in the heart of it all. Country music played through the speakers as I browsed the unique items. Beyond the usual fresh produce I found homemade “Mallow Men,” crafted out of marshmallows and various candies to look like a candy man. I had to bring some home to the grandkids. And for me, the biltong, similar to beef jerky but even better.
Sabi Sands Nature Reserve: The Perfect African Safari Begins!
I caught a flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to embark on the highlight of my trip: a stay at Savanna Lodge/Private Game Reserve, part of the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve. It lies adjacent to Kruger National Park, sharing a roughly 31-mile unfenced border. This is where my African safari really began. Greeted by my smiling driver who introduced himself as Sonny Boy, I couldn’t stop smiling myself. This is what I came for!
I’ve stayed at many incredible places, but this 5-star lodge is truly an experience of a lifetime. There was a watering hole in view of my chalet-style accommodation which meant I could wake up and watch the elephants, impalas, monkeys, and other creatures enjoying a drink.
We had two game drives each day, one of which was a very early morning start followed by breakfast, while the other departed in the late afternoon. We returned after sunset each evening, bringing the opportunity to see nocturnal animals in addition to the wildlife during the day.
The Wildlife on an African Safari in Sabi Sands
If you’re wondering what type of wildlife you’ll see on a perfect African safari in Sabi Sands, the list is long. These are just some of the highlights you can watch for –
- The Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, African Buffalo and Rhino
- Cheetah
- Hippo
- Hyena
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Painted Dog (African Wild Dog)
- Wildebeest
- African Wild Cat
- Baboon
- Honey Badger
- Impala
- Kudu
- Vervet monkey
- Warthog
- Waterbuck
The Game Drives
Cheetahs, Rhinos, & Hyenas, Oh my!
Just minutes after we embarked on our first game drive we were treated to a sighting of a cheetah and her cubs. Our guide said it was the first time spotting a cheetah family in at least four years, so we considered ourselves quite lucky. Mom had scored an impala – we watched her let the cubs eat their fill before feeding her own hungry belly.
A baby rhino wallowing in the mud along the banks of a pond and hyenas feasting after dark was another other memorable scene on this first trip out.
And, that was just a little taste of what was to come! The only animal we didn’t see was a lion. Some of the sightings were so rare that it more than made up for it, and I did get a glimpse of a lion later on.
The Beautiful Painted Dogs
One of my favorite experiences was watching the pack of African wild dogs. They’re now referred to as “painted dogs,” which I think describes them better. Each coat pattern is unique, similar to fingerprints.
All the pack members care for the pups, sick, and elderly members. We counted 10 pups in this pack, with the dogs known for their large litters, birthing as many as 20 at a time.
Leopards & Monkeys
Watching the leopards in the trees was another highlight. After a feast, they often head to higher branches, keeping their leftovers safe. One kept trying to nap in a tree filled with monkeys. Chattering away, they were doing their best to tell her to get out but she did a good job ignoring them!
Elephants Right Outside My Door
One of the animals I was really hoping to see was an elephant. Surprisingly, they were everywhere so I didn’t have to wait long. In fact, some strolled right by my chalet at the lodge!
In between the game drives, I enjoyed relaxing in my plunge pool while watching for the animals that visited the waterhole outfront. The meals were surprisingly fantastic, with my favorite by far the ostrich. Cultural performances and other unique local experiences were also hosted in the evening.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Chobe National Park, Botswana
It wasn’t easy to leave Sabi Sands. I could have spent months there just watching all the animals! But it was time to move on with a flight to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe – and another African safari. With Chobe National Park in Botswana only a little over an hour’s drive away, many attractions and activities are available in this area.
The main reason for my visit? The elephants. Chobe is home to the largest population of elephants in all of Africa, with estimates ranging from 50,000 to 120,000.
Not surprisingly, the highlight of my time here was a full day in Chobe. The first half was a river cruise while the other was a typical African safari game drive. And, the elephants were everywhere!
A Perfect African Safari Cruise on the Chobe River
A must-do in Chobe National Park, the three-hour trips on the Chobe River offer the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife along the banks and in the water. That includes Cape buffalo, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birds.
Off-Road Game Drive in Chobe National Park
In the afternoon, a small group of us hopped into a Jeep for an off-road game drive in the park. This excursion did not disappoint either.
The Grand Finale: A Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls
There are many things to do in the town of Victoria Falls. Just a few of the possibilities include whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, visiting the 2,000-year-old Baobab tree, and flightseeing excursions.
For my grand finale, I chose to take the helicopter flight over the falls. I was a bit nervous having never been in a helicopter but it wasn’t anything like I’d expected. The anxiety quickly turned to excitement as it rose up into the sky.
The panoramic aerial perspective was incredible. Marveling at the stunning natural beauty sheer power from above is omsething I’ll never forget. Gazing down at the mist-filled gorge and cascading water was the perfect conclusion to my African safari adventure.
All in all, exploring Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, Hermanus, Sabi Sands, and the Victoria Falls/Chobe National Park region turned out to be the perfect African safari trip. In fact, it may be the best trip I’ve ever taken in my life!
If you’re interested, you can easily follow my itinerary or contact me for assistance in creating your own.
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