A luxury safari in South Africa is an experience like no other – it’s no surprise that going on a luxury safari getaway in the vast and gloriously diverse country of South Africa has fast become one of the most highly sought-after travel experiences amongst avid travellers, tourists, globe-trotting adventurers, and nature & wildlife enthusiasts across the globe. If you’re looking to combine adventure, romance, luxury, and exclusivity with phenomenal game viewing, unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the South African bushveld, bucket-list worthy safari experiences, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and so much more, South Africa will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations as a luxury safari holiday destination. It’s safe to say that safaris come in many shapes and sizes, and while you never want to settle for a ‘cookie cutter’ safari, there are certain experiences that characterize the luxury South African safari. A South African luxury safari should be filled with extraordinary moments that are meticulously curated around your personal tastes, and expectations to help you connect more deeply with nature and your surroundings. A safari is SO MUCH MORE than simply being able to tick a certain destination, animal, activity or experience off your bucket list. Instead, it has the potential to be a truly fulfilling and even transformative experience, one that will live with you long after you’ve left the bush. These five experiences are what luxury safaris in South Africa are all about!
Rhino poaching has been a problem in Africa for decades, fueled by black market demand for rhino horn. However, recent developments indicate a turning point. Authorities are stepping up operations, obtaining convictions, and implementing measures that are beneficial in reducing poaching.
Major arrests and legal crackdowns.
In a historic case, a 51-year-old Congolese man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for rhino poaching and money laundering in January 2025. This heavy sentence demonstrates the rising commitment to implementing animal conservation legislation and dismantling illegal networks.
The Skukuza Regional Court has also imposed hefty penalties on people involved in illicit rhino hunting. These prosecutions demonstrate a growing determination to hold offenders accountable and eliminate poaching syndicates.
A decline in poaching numbers.
On a brighter note, conservation initiatives are yielding results. South Africa saw a 24% decline in rhino poaching in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decrease can be ascribed to increased security measures, enhanced surveillance technologies, and closer collaboration with local populations. (rhinos.org)
Even more encouraging, worldwide rhino numbers are exhibiting indications of recovery. The white rhino population increased from 15,942 to 17,464 between 2022 and 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of specific conservation efforts and anti-poaching initiatives.
The Importance of Community-led Conservation
Community-driven conservation is one of the most important forces working to combat poaching. Akashinga, Zimbabwe’s all-female anti-poaching force, has made over 1,100 arrests since 2017. Their initiatives show how empowering local communities can have a significant impact on wildlife conservation.
Recognising the hazards that rangers confront, innovative programs such as the Wildlife Ranger Insurance Fund, established by Prince William, are offering financial protection for those who risk their lives to protect Africa’s wildlife.
Looking Ahead: A Future Free from Poaching
Recent arrests, reducing poaching rates, and conservation victories provide some hope. While the fight is far from over, these achievements show that with ongoing monitoring, community engagement, and robust legal action, Africa’s rhinos have a better chance of survival!
The tide is turning—one arrest, one protected rhino, and one empowered community at a time.
The glorious ‘Rainbow Nation’ – South Africa – has been deemed one of the most highly sought-after destination wedding locations among couples looking to tie the knot. Getting married in stunning South Africa is a truly magical experience. There really is nowhere quite like it in the world – Trust us – that’s a tried, tested, and proven fact! Whether you’re looking to throw the grandest, glorious, gigantic, sweep-you-off-your-feet, fairytale-esque, all-the-trimmings, not-a-cent-spared South African destination wedding of the century, an intimate and romantic affair & celebration of true love with only your closest friends and family, or opt to skip all the wedding-related hassles & fuss entirely by eloping – the possibilities are beyond endless when it comes to planning and celebrating a destination wedding in South Africa.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve and its nearby private reserves have been abuzz with excitement as three iconic leopard mothers give birth to their new offspring. Makhomsava, the Stone Drift female, and Mahetelelo are rearing the next generation of leopards, drawing in both rangers and visitors.
Makhomsava and Her Cubs – Northern Sabi Sands
Makhomsava, known for her fearless demeanour and unrivalled hunting abilities, has become a symbol of resilience in the Northern Sabi Sands. She recently introduced her two cubs to the world along a rocky outcrop, creating a tranquil and secure environment for their early days.
Photo by Jordan Delvecchio (@jordan_delveccs)
Makhomsava, ever vigilant, guarantees her cubs’ protection as they curiously explore their environment, revealing glimpses of their mother’s courageous personality. Rangers are hopeful that these cubs will carry on Makhomsava’s exceptional legacy, adding new chapters to her lineage’s rich history.
The Stone Drift Female’s Cubs – MalaMala Game Reserve
In MalaMala Game Reserve, the mysterious Stone Drift female has tucked her two cubs in a dense thicket beside the Sand River. This leopard, known for her stealth and resourcefulness, has picked an ideal position that provides plenty of prey and cover to defend her young.
Guests and rangers have been treated to charming glimpses of the cubs’ playful behaviours. Tumbling over each other in imaginary conflicts, they demonstrate the early stages of gaining the abilities required for survival. Their mother’s continual alertness serves as a reminder of the perils she encounters while guaranteeing her cubs’ survival, demonstrating her incredible maternal strength.
Mahetelelo and Her Cubs – Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Mahetelelo, a lioness with a stunning golden coat and a calm demeanour, has welcomed two pups into her family. Observers were privileged to watch her transferring her cubs between dens, including a heartwarming moment when she carefully cradled one in her jaws, demonstrating the mother-cub relationship.
The Ulusaba habitat, rich in prey and shelter, makes a perfect nursery for Mahetelelo’s cubs. These cubs are prepared to thrive in a setting as breathtaking as their mother’s majestic presence, adding to the region’s thriving leopard population.
A Hopeful Future for Leopards
The birth of these cubs in the Sabi Sands and surrounding reserves demonstrates the leopard population’s vitality and adaptability. Each mother, with her distinct characteristics and techniques, secures the survival of her lineage in an ever-changing wilderness.
For visitors and environmentalists, these encounters are not only a luxury, but also a reminder of the need of protecting these unique environments. Makhomsava, the Stone Drift female, and Mahetelelo rear their pups, embodying the tenacity and beauty of the African environment and providing hope for future generations.
The 2024 reigning KING of African Safaris has officially been crowned, and it is none other than the one and only BOTSWANA! Every year a review is done to ultimately decide which country should wear the crown as Africa’s best safari country of the year. Safari-goers and experts from all over the globe were at the heart of these results. More than 4,000 of their reviews were analyzed in this detailed and comprehensive study. The analysis included reviews from expert travel journalists who have extensive safari experience across all of the countries covered by this survey. All that to say, this year’s coveted winner, claiming the number 1 spot as ‘Africa’s Best Safari Country of 2024’ is Southern Africa’s Premier Wildlife & Safari Destination and one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth – Botswana! Botswana is not only regarded as Africa’s premier wildlife-watching wilderness gems & widely acclaimed safari destinations on the African continent, but one of the most remarkable wilderness areas on earth.
Its safari time! While South Africa has no shortage of beautiful destinations to explore, going on an authentic safari in the unspoiled African bushveld should undoubtedly be at the top of every traveler’s bucket-list. A South African safari ticks all the right boxes if you’re looking to venture off the beaten track, explore the great outdoors, and experience the many thrills that only safari life can deliver.
A luxury safari in Africa is an experience like no other – its no surprise that going on a luxury safari getaway in the vast and gloriously diverse continent of Africa has fast become one of the most highly sought-after travel experiences amongst avid travellers, tourists, globe-trotting adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts across the globe. If you’re looking to combine adventure, romance, luxury, and exclusivity with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the African bushveld, beautiful beaches, bucket-list worthy safari experiences, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and so much more, Africa will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations as a luxury safari holiday destination. In a world where we can travel anywhere and do anything our heart desires, Africa steps up its game and offers us luxury we could only ever dream of.
A luxury safari isn’t just about the wildlife – it’s also about the opulent accommodations and personalised service that make your trip truly unforgettable. Here is just some of what you can expect from a luxury safari in Africa.
Newlyweds looking to combine adventure, romance, breathtaking natural beaty, thrill, luxury, and exclusivity with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the African bushveld, beautiful beaches, bucket-list worthy experiences, and so much more, look no further than AFRICA!
We’re often asked, which is the best country to visit for a honeymoon. We can firmly say, without a single once of doubt, that a honeymoon safari in East, Southern or South Africa should be high up on any newlywed couple’s list of honeymoon destinations.
While there is no shortage of romantic places and destinations around the world, very few can offer an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience like an African safari honeymoon – it is simply unmatched! Not to mention it will surpass and exceed your EVERY expectation! Regarded as one of the most highly sought-after honeymoon and top safari destinations in the world, Africa offers some of the most astonishing safari, wildlife, travel opportunities, and adventures on the planet. With more luxury, privacy, world-class wildlife sightings, and once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences than anywhere else on earth, you’re bound to fall head-over-heels in love with not only the sheer unmatched natural beauty of Africa in its purest form, but the wild, vivid, and untamed African bushveld and everything it has to offer.
We’re sure you’re wondering ‘Well, WHERE in Africa should I go on honeymoon?’. Lucky for you, we’ve tailor-made Africa honeymoons for thousands of newly-weds from across the globe! Here is our expert advice on what some of the top honeymoon destinations in Africa are.
It’s time to live out your very own African wildlife documentary! If you think “wildlife documentary” the soothing voice of Sir David Attenborough is bound to come to mind. Ever since his debut series Zoo Quest hit the screen back in ‘54, this staunch conservationist has influenced a generation of documentary filmmakers and intrepid travellers.
Today Attenborough is hailed as the “father of the modern nature documentary”. His wildlife adventures have taken the world from the icy tips of the Arctic to Malaysia, Australia, and beyond. But there’s one place he holds dearest: AFRICA! His critically acclaimed series, Africa spent four years in the making and takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through the continent’s most diverse destinations & vast contrasting landscapes.
Now in his 90s, his love of the natural world shows no sign of abating. So, if in more than a half-century of broadcasting, he has inspired you to live out your own wildlife documentary then here are the top 5 destinations to go on safari in Africa to follow in his footsteps.