Luxury South Africa Safaris & Vacations 2025/2026

Intrepid safaris, gorgeous vineyards, and stunning beaches – a luxury vacation to South Africa with Scott Dunn has it all…

  • Personalized South Africa safaris and vacations crafted by experts
  • 24/7 seamless support from Scott Dunn specialists
  • Private Big Five game drives and Cape Town city tours
  • Handpicked luxury safari lodges and coastal resorts
South Africa

Luxury Safaris in South Africa 

Discover the best of South Africa’s wilderness on private, expert-led safaris across its most celebrated reserves, including:

  • Kruger National Park – The country’s largest park, with ecosystems ranging from open savannah to tropical forest and outstanding Big Five sightings.
  • Madikwe Game Reserve – A conservation success story, known for Big Five encounters and sightings of cheetahs and endangered African wild dogs.

Custom Garden Route Journeys

Uncover the hidden wonders of the Garden Route, where coastal beauty, distinctive cuisine, and wildlife come together in one unforgettable journey. Make stops to:

  • Whale watch in Hermanus – See humpback whales breach just offshore, along with pods of dolphins that gather in these rich coastal waters.
  • Explore De Hoop Nature Reserve – Stay in private beach lodges and explore miles of sand dunes and unspoiled coastline in this marine sanctuary.
  • Have a taste of Plettenberg Bay – Dine on the day’s freshest seafood paired with South African wines, or set out on coastal trails by horse, bike, or foot to explore the bay’s natural beauty.

Experience Culture, Cuisine, and More in Cape Town

Discover the vibrant spirit of Cape Town, where world-class dining, vineyards, and culturally significant sites reveal the city’s rich and complex history.

  • Cape Town history-makers –Take a ferry to Robben Island, where anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela were imprisoned, and learn about the important legacy of the anti-apartheid movement.
  • Art comes alive – Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) to see bold contemporary works that celebrate creativity across the continent.
  • Food and wine in Cape Town – From Michelin-quality dining inspired by local flavors to tours of the Winelands and bustling cafés, Cape Town is a true culinary capital.
  • Cape Town outdoor adventures – Trek up the iconic Table Mountain on a hike or by cable car or paraglide over the city for unforgettable views.

Meet our South Africa Experts

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your personalized trip.

Example Tours of South Africa

From awe-inspiring Big Five safaris in Kruger National Park to journeys that combine South Africa with destinations such as Mauritius or even Antarctica, our personalized itineraries are designed entirely around you. Whether you want to sip fine wines in the Winelands, explore the Garden Route, or unwind on the coast, our travel experts will craft a luxury vacation that lets you experience South Africa at your own pace.

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Top Luxury Lodges and Hotels in South Africa

At Scott Dunn, our travel experts have tried and tested countless luxury hotels in South Africa, ready to help you find the perfect accommodation for your trip. From relaxing spa hotels for serene moments to luxury safari lodges that let you sleep under the stars – explore our handpicked selection of hotels for your South Africa vacation.

Top Experiences in South Africa

Sip fine wines, adventure on safari, watch whales breach offshore and taste Cape Town’s creative cuisine. South Africa is alive with experiences that stay with you long after you leave. Find endless inspiration on what’s possible for your vacation with Scott Dunn.

What Our Guests Have Said

South Africa vacation FAQs

  • Where is the best place for a family vacation in South Africa?

    When it comes to family vacations, South Africa is all about the safaris.

    Madikwe and the Waterberg region are best as access is easy from Johannesburg, it’s a malaria-free area, and it offers excellent game viewing. One of our most popular lodges for families is the Marataba Safari Lodge, but for larger families or those with a higher budget, the Morokuru private houses are a fantastic option.

    Please note that many places do not allow very young children on game drives due to the nature of the safaris. However, there are still many activities available for young children in these areas.

  • Where should we go on honeymoon in South Africa?

    Our number one destination for a honeymoon in South Africa is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The oldest private game reserve in South Africa, Sabi Sands borders Kruger National Park and offers lots of choice activities, incredible game viewing, and world-class service for its guests.

    It’s also ideally situated to be paired with a trip to Cape Town and Winelands, Victoria Falls, and even the beach. Sabi Sands poses as the perfect experience to start building your South Africa honeymoon from.

  • When is the best time to go on vacation to South Africa?

    Depending on where you want to go in South Africa will determine the best time to go on vacation.

    For first-time visitors, we recommend April or October. The climate varies widely across South Africa, but in April and October, the weather in Cape Town and Kruger (two must-visit places for new travelers) is favorable in both places. October is hot in Kruger, so excellent for game viewing, and Cape Town’s weather starts to improve. In April, Cape Town is at its peak whilst the rains are starting to end in Kruger.

    If you’ve been to South Africa before or prefer not to travel during those months, you can visit South Africa year-round. There are amazing things to do across the country, so no matter what time of year there’s a perfect vacation waiting for you.

  • What are the best tours and safaris in South Africa?

    For our South African tours, we always recommend experiencing one of the country’s breathtaking safaris. South Africa’s private game reserves are renowned for a reason and truly one of the most memorable things you’ll ever do on holiday.

    There are loads of things you can do on a South Africa tour, however. From checking out the city sights in Cape Town and whale watching in Hermanus to visiting the gorgeous vineyards and towns in Winelands. Explore our suggested itineraries to start getting an idea of our South Africa tours.

  • What safari experiences can I do in South Africa?

    Absolutely! South Africa safari and wildlife holidays are our speciality, whether it’s for a family holiday, a couple’s adventure or a solo trip. Choose from private game reserves or national parks, walking safaris or game drives – we handle it all.

  • What are the best safari destinations in South Africa?

    Top safari destinations in South Africa include Kruger National Park, the largest and most popular park with excellent Big Five sightings. Sabi Sand Game Reserve sits next to Kruger and is known for its private lodges and frequent leopard sightings. Madikwe Game Reserve is a great choice for a more private safari experience and is home to both the Big Five and African wild dogs.

  • What is the best way to get around on vacation in South Africa?

    There are self-driving and road-tripping routes throughout South Africa, like the Garden Route, however, depending on how far apart your destinations are in South Africa, we recommend flying.

    Typically, our South Africa tours utilize a combination of flying and private transfers.

  • Do I need a visa to go on vacation to South Africa?

    No, US passport holders can travel in South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa.

    For more information visit the Government website for foreign travel advice.

  • How do I get to South Africa?

    The easiest way to travel to South Africa is through the East Coast via Newark, Atlanta, or Dulles. However, depending on where you live in the US will determine your route and flight time. Other routes do include connecting in Europe (London Heathrow) or even the Middle East and are often cheaper.

  • How do I book my South Africa vacation?

    To book a South Africa vacation with Scott Dunn, start by filling out our online inquiry form or calling us at the number listed below.

    From there, one of our travel specialists will be in contact to start planning your dream South Africa trip.

Explore Our Expert Travel Guides

Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning

 Plan your South Africa trip today
Plan your South Africa trip today

Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure.

Plan your trip

Why Scott Dunn for South Africa Vacations?

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Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

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Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

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Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

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Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 13 years in a row.