Safari in South Africa – What to Expect & How to Prepare 🐘✨

A safari really is one of the most magical travel experiences you can have. It’s hard to put into words until you’ve actually done it – the stillness of the mornings, the thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, and the memories that stay with you forever. Having just returned from my own safari in Welgevonden Game Reserve, I wanted to share a guide that blends my personal experience with practical tips to help you prepare.

⸻

Choosing Your Safari 🐆

One of the first things to check when booking is whether the reserve you’re visiting is malaria-free. Many areas in South Africa are, including Welgevonden, where we stayed, which makes it a lot easier when it comes to packing and peace of mind.

The reserve you choose will also shape the experience; some are larger and more rugged, others are private and more exclusive, with fewer vehicles around sightings. For us, being in a private game reserve with a luxury lodge meant it felt very personal, unhurried, and truly special.

⸻

What a Typical Day Looks Like 🐘

Safaris follow a rhythm that quickly becomes addictive:
• Early morning game drive: usually around 6 am, lasting 3–4 hours. The light is magical,l and the wildlife is most active.
• Breakfast back at the lodge: often outdoors, with views of the bush and at Welgevonden, a nearby watering hole.
• Relaxation time: by the pool, in your suite, or watching animals wander past the lodge, a little afternoon snooze was a treat!
• Lunch: relaxed and delicious – all included.
• Afternoon/sunset drive: usually around 3.30 pm for another 3 hours, ending with sundowners in the bush.
• Dinner under the stars: a perfect way to end the day.

It sounds like a lot of early mornings, but trust me, the excitement of what you might see makes it easy to get up.

⸻

What You’ll See 🦓

Of course, the big dream is spotting the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – and we were lucky enough to see them all (including two leopards, which is incredibly rare!). We even saw a brown hyena on our last evening, another unusual sighting.

Beyond that, every drive is different – giraffes walking gracefully across the plains, herds of zebra and wildebeest, colourful birds. The variety is what makes each outing so exciting.

⸻

Climate & What to Wear 🦏

South Africa is a true year-round destination, but the climate varies:
• Summer (Dec–April): hot, sunny days with some showers (except in Cape Town, where it’s hot and dry).
• Winter (May–Oct): warm, dry days but cooler mornings and evenings.

On safari, layers are key. You’ll often start the morning wrapped in a blanket with a hat and scarf, then be in short sleeves by midday. Thin, breathable layers work best, along with a good sun hat and sunglasses. Comfortable trainers are fine for game drives, and don’t forget swimwear if your lodge has a pool.

⸻

What to Pack 🦒

Some of my top recommendations:
• Neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours on drives).
• A warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• A good camera – but don’t forget binoculars too, they make a huge difference.
• Insect repellent and a light moisturiser (the bush can be dusty and dry).
• Personal basics like plasters, antihistamines, and Imodium – just in case.

Most lodges provide toiletries, so no need to overpack.

⸻

A safari isn’t just a holiday – it’s an experience that stays with you forever. From that first lion sighting to sipping a glass of wine at sunset while elephants wander past, it’s a kind of magic you can’t replicate anywhere else.

If you’re thinking about it, my advice is simple: just go. It’s worth every single early morning, layer of clothing, and photo you take. And if you’d like help planning your own safari, whether as part of a South Africa and Mauritius twin-centre like ours, or something tailored just to you, I’d love to help create that dream trip.