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Luxury Safaris in South Africa, Made Just For You.

Explore Kruger, Sabi Sands, the Kalahari and the Garden Route with a personalised luxury safari in South Africa customised entirely around your interests.

gamedrive vehicle with guests in the background, obersving an elephant in the foreground. Photo credit Rock Fig Safari Lodge.
Deck & plunge pool at Simbambili Lodge.

Luxury accommodation, all‑inclusive comfort.

Stay in South Africa’s finest game lodges, exclusive private reserves and elegant Cape Winelands retreats. Think private suites, plunge pools, exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality after a day spent watching lions, elephants and rhinos in the wild.

Three cheetahs sit and stand on a fallen tree in a grassy savannah with shrubs in the background.

Experience South Africa’s most iconic safari regions.

From the Big Five plains of Kruger and Sabi Sands to the rugged Kalahari and the family-friendly reserves of the Eastern Cape, we’ll help you choose the best areas for the season, the wildlife you want to see, and the pace you prefer.

Ariel view of Cape Town in South Africa

Safaris from Johannesburg & Cape Town made simple.

You’ll be met at the airport and take care of with every detail taken care of, including internal flights, transfers, park fees, accommodation and activities.  So you can relax and immerse yourself in South Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and culture.

Couple walking hand in hand along a white sandy beach with turquoise water and a blue sky. Photo credit Santorini Mozambique

Make it a multi-centre trip, no problem.

Wherever it is you want to go, we can make it happen. Popular non-South African add-ons include trips to Victoria Falls and Namibia, or a beach holiday in Mozambique or Mauritius.

Deck & plunge pool at Simbambili Lodge.

Luxury accommodation, all‑inclusive comfort.

Stay in South Africa’s finest game lodges, exclusive private reserves and elegant Cape Winelands retreats. Think private suites, plunge pools, exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality after a day spent watching lions, elephants and rhinos in the wild.

Three cheetahs sit and stand on a fallen tree in a grassy savannah with shrubs in the background.

Experience South Africa’s most iconic safari regions.

From the Big Five plains of Kruger and Sabi Sands to the rugged Kalahari and the family-friendly reserves of the Eastern Cape, we’ll help you choose the best areas for the season, the wildlife you want to see, and the pace you prefer.

Ariel view of Cape Town in South Africa

Safaris from Johannesburg & Cape Town made simple.

You’ll be met at the airport and take care of with every detail taken care of, including internal flights, transfers, park fees, accommodation and activities.  So you can relax and immerse yourself in South Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and culture.

Couple walking hand in hand along a white sandy beach with turquoise water and a blue sky. Photo credit Santorini Mozambique

Make it a multi-centre trip, no problem.

Wherever it is you want to go, we can make it happen. Popular non-South African add-ons include trips to Victoria Falls and Namibia, or a beach holiday in Mozambique or Mauritius.

Gamewatchers Safari gave me the Adventure of a Lifetime!
Deborah D
I had been waiting 30 years to make a trip to South Africa. I’ve traveled all over the world and typically do my own trip planning. But this adventure was so important to me that I wanted it to go perfectly and felt that getting expertise in this area was the way to go. I had researched many Safari companies but when a friend of mine referred Gamewatchers to me I thought I would give them a try. I reached out a year before my trip and worked with Rick McIntyre who started asking me a lot of questions about my expectations. I was going to be traveling with a friend who lived in another state, and Rick coordinated everything with us. After many emails and a zoom call, we nailed down all of the details. Over the next 8 months, Rick stayed in touch with us and was immediate in his responses when new questions came up. The trip was absolutely perfect! Not one single issue arose. From CapeTown to Franschhoek to the Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati to the Dulini Moya Lodge in Sabi Sands every single accommodation, private transfers, and guides were just downright excellent. Thanks to Rick and Gamewatchers I fulfilled my dream of having the adventure of a lifetime. I cannot recommend this company enough. I am already trying to figure out how and when to plan my next trip with them!
South Africa in 14 Days
Steady Gal
The 14 day trip was amazing. It was an excellent balance of scheduled events/tours and free time for us to explore on our own. All our hotels were outstanding-- exactly the kinds of places we like to stay-- planes and cars all perfectly coordinated, day trips well mapped out. When we needed some flexibility, there was not pressure to "stick to the schedule." Gamewatchers Safaris are an A+ operation. We saw most of South Africa and our only complaint is we needed one more day…

Choose a local safari expert and start planning.

We make planning a luxury safari in South Africa exciting, not overwhelming.

There’s so much to see and do in South Africa, and so much diversity, it’s like a continent all by itself. So it’s understandable that you won’t want to miss out on the very best the country has to offer, or what aligns with your interests.

And while you can see our favourite South African luxury safari tours here, we highly recommend arranging a free call with our specialists.

We have genuine experts with decades of safari experience in South Africa. And they will be able to help you plan your dream trip at a pace that’s suitable for you and designed to make the most out of your sojourn on the Continent.

Our favourite South Africa luxury safari tours for honeymoons, families and once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventures.

We can arrange virtually any type of luxury safari in South Africa that you can think of. Here are some popular safari types amongst our customers:

– Adventure Safaris in the Kalahari: featuring desert drives, cheetah tracking, and dune walks.

– Big Five Safaris (Kruger & Sabi Sands): These national parks represent the premier choice for iconic wildlife encounters. Here you can stay in private game reserves or luxury lodges featuring private villas and plunge pools, where expert-led game drives, bush walks, and wildlife research activities all bring you closer to nature.

Combined Safari & Beach Holidays: Fancy relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean for snorkelling and relaxation while you’re here? We offer all-inclusive package add-ons along the East African coast and for destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Family-Friendly Safaris: Stress-free travel featuring private vehicles, child-friendly guides, and lodges with educational conservation and community projects.

Garden Route & Cape Town Self-Drives: A popular circuit blending the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town with the Winelands and whale watching. These signature experiences often include wine tasting and a safari finish.

Honeymoon Safaris: Romantic, luxury safaris designed with intimacy in mind. We can put together bespoke itineraries that feature the best of South Africa, while featuring spa treatments, hot-air balloon rides, or helicopter safaris, topped off with private dinners, sundowners and romantic bush breakfasts.

Malaria-Free Safaris: Perfect for families or cautious travellers, these safaris in the Waterberg, Mabula Game Reserve, and Madikwe Game Reserve offer a luxury pace with high tea, sundowners, and stargazing under vast, unpolluted skies.

South Africa Camps & Lodges

Our handpicked selection of safari camps and lodges across South Africa offers the perfect blend of wild adventure and refined comfort. Stay in exclusive private reserves bordering Kruger, unwind in elegant Cape Winelands retreats, or enjoy coastal charm along the Garden Route. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five or relaxing with a glass of South African wine, each property is chosen for its unique setting, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.

To create your bespoke safari holiday please contact one of our safari experts who will be able to aid you in planning your African adventure.

As Seen In

Celebrated by global publications for our commitment to wildlife and communities.

What Our Clients Say About Us...

What Our Clients Say About Us...

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monicasteinolson
20 August 2026
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An Unforgettable Maasai Mara Safari with Gamewatchers We had an absolutely incredible safari experience in the Maasai Mara with Gamewatchers. From beginning to end, the whole trip was beautifully organized, and the team made our time in Kenya truly unforgettable. A huge thank you to Wycliffe, Wayne, Sammy, James, Stanley, Joseph and Anthony. Everyone was warm, knowledgeable, professional and genuinely passionate about the Mara and its wildlife. The game viewing was spectacular. We saw so many cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — and every drive seemed to bring another amazing encounter. One of the biggest highlights was witnessing the wildebeest crossing, an experience we will never forget. What really made the safari special, though, were the people. Their knowledge, patience and enthusiasm added so much to every sighting and every day. Thank you, Gamewatchers, for an extraordinary Maasai Mara adventure. We came hoping for a great safari and left with memories that will stay with us forever. Highly recommended!
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Mandy M
13 August 2026
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Seamless We had an absolutely seamless trip. Every single member of staff we met from Gamewatchers Safaris were superb. I would highly recommend using Gamewatchers to plan your trip.
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Dr V A
8 August 2026
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Best family safari experience we’ve had From the very beginning, Gamewatchers exceeded our expectations. Rick McIntyre listened to exactly what I wanted for this trip with my children and built an itinerary that balanced adventure, wildlife, comfort, and authentic experiences. Every camp—Nairobi Tented Camp, Elewana Tortilis in Amboseli, Porini Rhino Camp, and Porini Mara Camp—was excellent in its own way. What impressed me most was the logistics. Transfers, flights, guides, luggage, arrivals, departures—everything was handled for us. I could completely let go, stop managing details, and simply enjoy Kenya with my kids. Even when plans changed unexpectedly, the team immediately found solutions and made sure we were taken care of. Every guide, driver, and staff member was warm, professional, and genuinely kind. My son said it best: “This is the best vacation we’ve ever had.” We travel a lot, so that says everything. I would absolutely recommend Gamewatchers and would travel with them again.
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FarAway42686665765
28 July 2026
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Second trip as a great as the first! This is the second time we have used Gamewatchers on a visit to Kenya. Both times we were very pleased. Everyone who planned our trips were patient and kind and even changed our itinerary when asked. Both time we stayed at the Porini Camps as well as other hotels that were recommended by Gamewatchers The drivers we had on excursions were professional and always flexible. We had wonderful guides and drivers at the Porini Camps who are very knowledgeable and friendly. The food at the camp is delicious and the camp managers and staff did a great job of making sure we were comfortable. If we are lucky enough to return, we will be using Gamewatchers for our travel needs. I highly recommend them!
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Linae D profile picture
Linae D
27 July 2026
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Amazing Safari experience with Gamewatchers Safaris It was an amazing experience that words just cannot justify. The staff was amazing at both Porini Rhino Camp and Porini Mara Camp. Our guides at Rhino Camp, Fred and Alfred, were excellent. So full of knowledge and information. The food was excellent as was the accommodations. I highly recommend using Gamewatchers to book a safari as they were excellent in all ways.
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David J
26 July 2026
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Extremely professional company We have travelled with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps a number of times and the fact that we keep going back speaks for itself I think. Using one of their dedicated booking agents makes the whole process very easy as you are able to plan your safari and are not restricted to a set itinerary . This safari we stayed at Porini Amboseli and Porini Cheetah.
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familytraveler318
26 July 2026
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Amazing experience - Big 5 and wild dogs so much more!! Our 10 day trip with Gamewatchers was amazing! Our travel consultant, Rick, was super helpful and knowledgeable in planning our two safari camp experience (Porini Rhino and Porini Mara) followed by a few days at Diani Beach. The family tent worked out great for us. The staffs at both camps were friendly and very accommodating to dietary restrictions. We felt very special having Porini Mara camps to ourselves, with no other guests. Likewise, Porini Rhino had only one other family. What an absolute wonderful vacation! The guides (Alfred and Fred) at Porini Rhino were excellent. They were very knowledgeable about animals, flora and fauna and went above and beyond. We were very fortunate to see the wild dogs at Porini Rhino camp. We knew it was a special event to see the wild dogs when the guides pulled out their phones to take pictures! We would highly recommend GameWatchers Safaris! They took excellent care of us from our arrival flight to departure flight!
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Evelyn H
26 July 2026
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A wonderful safari in Tanzania We thoroughly enjoyed our safari at two Asanja camps in Tanzania…Asanja Moru and Asanja Grumeti. Our driver, Mubarak, was extremely knowledgeable and provided an exceptional experience. We were so fortunate to see everything except the Black Rhino. The staff at both camps looked after us very well with their great service. We particularly loved their singing and dancing. Esther is a great masseuse at Grumeti camp … I would highly recommend booking one when you are there. A safari with Gamewatchers is very well organised and runs so smoothly. Hopefully we can do another safari with them in the future.
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Monica B
25 July 2026
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fabulous safari company I can't say enough good things about our safari with Gamewatchers! The guides were experts on the wildlife. They knew where to find the animals and where their territories are. They spotted an owl you would never find on your own and a gazelle giving birth, not to mention cheetahs and a leopard with her cub, and lions sleeping and eating. They were very friendly and professional and accommodated all our requests, and helped us get the best photos. The staff in the camps were also excellent. They met every need and request - such as extra hot water bottles. The jeeps were open for the best viewing. While it was chilly in the early morning and evening, they had flannel lined ponchos in the jeeps. The afternoon drive usually left the camp around 4 pm, and they provided a "sundowner" stop with the drink of your choice and snacks to watch the sundown. The Cheetah camp doesn't do laundry because the water is too brackish, but in the Lion camp they hand washed whatever we gave them, apart from underthings, but there is laundry detergent in the room to do those yourself. The camps are in the conservancy and we had monkeys in the camp, zebras right in front and we had a close encounter with an elephant not far from our tent. The tents were large, and the beds and bedding very comfortable. While there isn't running hot water, you just notify them when you want a shower and they bring it in buckets. They also provide an early morning wake up call, and bring coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a couple of cookies, at your request, to your tent. The meals were communal and delicious. They also picked us up at the airport, and brought us to the hotel in Nairobi at the end. And for an extra fee, they took us to the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, to feed the giraffes, an amazing introduction!
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Linda G
8 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Best ever From start to finish, Gamewatchers provides an incredible experience. The service and meals at the camps are wonderful and the guides are personable and very knowledgeable.

Our effortless 5-step, magical, luxury safari in South Africa plan:

You focus on the adventure, we’ll take care of the rest. Booking a luxury South Africa safaris is easy with us:

From internal flights and private transfers to game reserve choices, malaria-free options, lodge selection and multi-centre routes, every detail is planned around your dates, interests and preferred pace.

Step 1:

Contact our safari experts for a tailored consultation.

Step 2:

Receive a bespoke safari package designed for you.

Step 3:

Refine your itinerary based on your preferences.

Step 4:

Book your safari with confidence.

Step 5:

Travel with full support before and during your trip.

Step 1:

Contact our safari experts for a tailored consultation.

Step 2:

Receive a bespoke safari package designed for you.

Step 3:

Refine your itinerary based on your preferences.

Step 4:

Book your safari with confidence.

Step 5:

Travel with full support before and during your trip.

Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

Get essential details about getting there, Visas, what to pack, and travel tips to make your safari seamless.

Places to visit in South Africa

Elephant Next to pool of water with fallen tree inside - Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
Lions on a game drive at Narina Lodge in Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands
penguins on beach
Cape Town
Elephant Next to pool of water with fallen tree inside - Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
Lions on a game drive at Narina Lodge in Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands
penguins on beach
Cape Town

FAQs - South Africa Luxury Safaris

Not if we plan it carefully. Some of the best-known areas can feel busy at peak times, but that doesn’t mean your safari has to. We will recommend private reserves, smaller lodges and quieter safari areas where the experience feels more intimate, relaxed and authentic, rather than rushed or overcrowded.
Yes, many South African safari areas offer strong chances of seeing the Big Five. Kruger, Sabi Sands and several private reserves are particularly well known for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo sightings, although please note exact wildlife appearances can never be guaranteed.
No, a luxury safari can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be. You can enjoy classic game drives, beautiful lodges, spa treatments and slow afternoons by the pool, or add bush walks, self-drives and more active experiences if that suits you.
What if I have dietary requirements or mobility needs?
Yes, we can factor those into your planning. Let us know what you need before you travel, and we’ll recommend suitable lodges, check practical details and help make sure your itinerary is comfortable from the start.
Yes, luxury doesn’t have to mean losing the magic of the bush. The right lodge will provide comfort after each game drive. But you’ll still be very close to the wildlife, the expert guides and the atmosphere that all makes a safari feel so special.
Yes, the main safari routes and lodges we recommend are well established for tourism. Read more in our South Africa travel guide.
Yes, private game drives can often be arranged, depending on the lodge and reserve. They’re a great option for families, photographers, honeymooners, or anyone who wants more flexibility during their safari.
Yes, and private reserves are often one of the best ways to elevate a luxury safari in South Africa. They can offer fewer vehicles, excellent guiding, off-road wildlife viewing where permitted, night drives and a more exclusive atmosphere than busier public areas.
Yes, South Africa works brilliantly as part of a multi-centre itinerary. We can combine your safari with Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, Victoria Falls, Mozambique, and even far flung sandy beaches in Mauritius or the Seychelles, depending on your travel dates and style.
Yes, South Africa has some beautiful luxury lodges with private suites, plunge pools and exclusive-use villas. These are ideal for honeymoons, multi-generational families, special birthdays, or travellers who simply want more space and privacy.
Yes. Conservation is important to many of our guests and we can help you choose an itinerary of lodges and reserves that all contribute significantly to conservation, employment and community projects.
Yes. Everything is included, from us meeting you at the airport, internal flights, food and drink. Everything. However this can be flexible depending on the style and type of trip you are taking.

Talk to a Specialist

Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to South Africa.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years