sven

The Safari Experience

We arrange the ultimate safari experience in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia

 

 

 

The Gourmet Treat

South Africa is celebrated for its high-quality food. Treat yourself to a wide range of award-winning cuisine

Hiking Trips

We work with the most established local hiking guides to maximize your experience and safety

Golf Travel

Enjoy the country’s fabulous links, seaside, park and championship golf courses

 

Unique Wine Tours

Meet highly regarded award-winning winemakers and be captivated by their expertise and professionalism

 

Anniversary Trips

Whatever the occasion, for yourself or your company, we can design and curate a memorable celebration

 

The Ultimate Treat

Private jet or helicopter? Spoil yourself and include an award-winning chef and butler to boot

Yoga Travel

Extraordinary yoga experiences that combine spectacular settings with nurturing and healing cuisine

 

Experience Paradise

Enjoy our meticulously selected paradise-like gems in South Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique

 

Luxury Train Travel

Rovos Rail or the Blue Train. Be instantly transported to a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury

Properties To Rent

We can offer a wide variety of quality accommodation. Enjoy your own villa, house or apartment

 

Family Travel

We take every family member into consideration to ensure an all-around fabulous family experience

 

Child-free Travel

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we’ll guide you to the top child-free accommodation and restaurants

 

Wedding Experience

Ensure a memorable day by allowing us to curate an unforgettable experience to celebrate your union

 

Exploring Tours

Our bespoke itineraries deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences

 

Conference Travel

Substitute jetlag for state-of-the-art conference venues combined with great wine tasting and superb safari

 

Tailor-made Trips

Our enthusiasm and professionalism are the hallmark of our tailor-made service offering

 

You As a Cicerone

All our trips are individually tailored. Unfamiliar guests aren’t part of what we offer. Your journey is about you

 

Special Offers

RIGHT NOW: Receive a 10 % discount when booking shark cage diving for five or more people

 

Safari Destinations

South Africa

Outstanding diversity combined with superb comfort makes South Africa a magnificent destination

 

Zambia

A nation with some of the best, most pristine and animal-dense national parks. A superb safari destination

 

Zimbabwe

Diversity and magnificently varied nature make this classic safari destination one of the absolute best

 

Botswana

A safari destination bar none! Be amazed by the abundance and outstanding quality of every safari

Namibia

Unique flora and exceptional fauna – one of the most beautiful countries in the world

Special offer

RIGHT NOW: Stay six nights at the amazing Jamala Madikwe and you receive the seventh night free

 

 

Safari Theme

Big 5 Safari

Keen to experience the Big 5? Our intimate knowledge of the many national parks makes it possible

 

 

Family Safari

Our knowledge of safari and safety is unique. Allow us to arrange your once-in-a-lifetime family safari

 

Walking Safari

We work with the most skilled safari guides to maximize your experience and safety

 

Shark Cage Diving

We work exclusively with  top local specialists in safe, eco-diving to maximize your experience and safety

 

Whale Watching

We work exclusively with the best local specialists to maximize your experience and safety

 

Destinations

South Africa

Enjoy the peacefulness of endless deserted beaches with nearby access to top-class safari experiences

 

Mozambique

Enjoy miles of deserted sun-drenched beaches and 30-degree seas

 

 

Madagascar

Paradise imagined. Enjoy the magnificent surroundings populated by the very likeable Lemurs

Start planning your trip ...

 

About South Africa

Read about the complex and fascinating history of the Republic of South Africa

 

 

Travel guidance

Please find information about Covid-19 in South Africa as well as basic yet essential information to consider before your departure

 

 

Activities

Southern Africa in general, and South Africa, offer an impressive variety of world-class, once-in-a-lifetime activities and experiences

 

 

Gallery

Be inspired by our gallery of beautiful, colourful South Africa and Southern Africa

 

About us, what we can assist with and what people think of us ...

About The Company

Keen to know more about us? Please find information about us and why we consider ourselves experts in South Africa and Southern Africa

Our Services

After 20 years on location, our service is not only to tailor the best holiday for you but to look after you every step of the way until you have returned home safely

Testimonials

What our guests are saying: about us, our efforts, our partners, South Africa and southern Africa as destinations

Follow Us

We are most certainly on social media. Please follow us here

 
 
SAFARI DESTINATION, SOUTH AFRICA
Excellent Safari For Everyone

Upplev Sydafrika can confidently guide you to the ultimate safari experience possible. We take pride in visiting every lodge we sell – hence we have site knowledge like none or few others. Click the destinations in the map and find out more

SAFARI DESTINATION, SOUTH AFRICA
Excellent Safari For Everyone

Upplev Sydafrika can confidently guide you to the ultimate safari experience possible. We take pride in visiting every lodge we sell – hence we have site knowledge like none or few others. Click the destinations in the map and find out more

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is South Africa’s fifth largest game reserve (malaria free) and is located in northwestern South Africa, about 4–5 hours by car / transfer northwest from Johannesburg. Madikwe Game Reserve is located right on the border to Botswana. You can self-drive, book a transfer or fly directly from Johannesburg or Gabarone to the reserve. Most lodges in Madikwe are five star and the safari is of a very high standard.

IS KNOWN FOR:
GOOD CHANCES TO SPOT THE BIG 5
EXCELLENT WINE CELLARS
GREAT FOOD
EXCELLENT SPA EXPERIENCES
MALARIA FREE
POSSIBLE TO ARRIVE WITH HELICOPTER
KwaZulu-Natal

In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, eastern part of South Africa, there are several spectacular safari options. As the area is warmer with a tropical climate, it is perfectly possible to combine a safari in KwaZulu-Natal with a paradise beach destination nearby. Suggest flying to to Durban and drive to one of the safari lodges or book a transfer. It is also possible to fly directly to some of the safari lodges from Durban.

IS KNOWN FOR:
GOOD CHANCES TO SPOT THE BIG 5
EXCELLENT WINE CELLARS
GREAT FOOD
EXCELLENT SPA EXPERIENCES
BUSH WALKS POSSIBLE
Greater Kruger National Park

Experience an unforgettable safari in Greater Kruger, the largest national park and one of the world’s richest in animals, located in northeastern South Africa. Depending on whether you want to start or end your trip with a safari, the international flight, as well as domestic flights, is then booked from Cape Town to Johannesburg or directly to one of the airports located close to the Greater Kruger, or vice versa if you choose to start with a safari. In Greater Kruger, there are many lodges in different price ranges that offer fantastic safari experiences.

IS KNOWN FOR:
GOOD CHANCES TO SPOT BIG 5
EXCELLENT WINE CELLARS
GREAT FOOD
EXCELLENT SPA EXPERIENCES
WALKING SAFARI
Eastern Cape

In the area around Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), in the Eastern Cape Province there are many private game reserves that offer safari experiences at a high standard (malaria free). From Cape Town you can drive, or fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or drive one way / fly back (Cape Town – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) 748 km, plus another 150 km to the nearest game reserve).

IS KNOWN FOR:
CHANCES TO SPOT THE BIG 5
GREAT FOOD
EXCELLENT SPA EXPERIENCES
MALARIA FREE
BUSH WALKS POSSIBLE
Western Cape

If it is your fist safari experience, or if you do not have the opportunity to travel around and have less time to spend on your trip, you can choose to book a safari near Cape Town or along the Garden Route. There are a few lodges to choose from in different price ranges. Book a day safari or spend one or two nights, depending on how interested you are in game viewing. This area is malaria free.

IS KNOWN FOR:
CHANCES TO SPOT THE BIG 5
GREAT FOOD
EXCELLENT SPA EXPERIENCES
MALARIA FREE
BUSH WALKS POSSIBLE

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Be captivated by the mighty Big 5, i.e. rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo

Enjoy world-class wine cellars after a day among elephants and lions

Join a walking safari in the fabulously beautiful animal-dense Greater Kruger National Park

Try to imagine the most exciting safari experience, with elephants, rhinos, wild dogs and lions among others, in one of the private nature reserves in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Madikwe Game Reserve, Eastern Cape or in the world’s oldest and largest game reserve, Greater Kruger National Park. Where you, if you are lucky, will see the mighty Big 5, i.e. rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, but also a lot of other exciting animals such as the agile cheetahs, towering giraffes, lazing hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes.

Upplev Sydafrika assist with bookings for the most spectacular safari experience in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Madikwe Game Reserve – all three malaria-free areas, Greater Kruger National Park (South Africa’s largest national park) and in the pleasant sun basking area near KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Which safari should you choose?

Upplev Sydafrika recommend a safari in a private park / reserve, with accommodation at a private lodge and where the price is usually all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In the private reserves, you are allowed to drive in more inaccessible terrain off road together with skilled guides and trackers, which makes it easier to spot the animals in its natural environment and get very close to the animals.

 
 
 

A typical 2 nights / 3 days safari itinerary

 
SAFARI ITINERARY – READ MORE

Day 1 – Arriving the lodge.

Arrive at the lodge in time for check-in, which is usually at 2 pm (if lunch is included, arrive earlier in time for lunch). After check-in, in the afternoon it’s time for “high tea” and some snacks before the afternoon game drive, which last about 3 hours. The game drive takes place in a 4X4 landrover together with a knowledgeable guide (ranger) and usually a tracker. In the private reserves, the guides are allowed to drive off road, which makes it easier to get closer to the animals. Before the sunset, there is usually a stop for sundowner and an opportunity to stretch your legs. Back to the lodge for refreshments followed by dinner before bedtime.

 

Day 2-3 – Safari.

Early morning wake up call, before the sun rise. Coffee / tea etc. before morning game drive, about 3 hours. Breakfast has to wait until after the game drive, but a coffee stop and a leg stretch is included during the game drive. Back to the lodge for breakfast. Then free time and opportunity to rest, visit the spa, relax by the pool etc. After a lunch, own time for eg reading / rest etc. unitl it is time for “high tea” and the procedure is repeated from the previous day with exciting game drives and dinner. At some lodges they offer bush walks / walking safari. Check-out time is usually after breakfast, the last day of your stay.

 

Drawing of a typical safari day:

 
 
 
 
 

The Best Time To Visit. Overview:

 

 

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

  • Wildlife gathers around waterholes and vegetation thins out making viewing much easier
  • It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads are less busy
  • Sunny skies and no rain
  • Mild daytime temperatures and low humidity
  • Very low risk of malaria

    THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • It is very dry and dirt roads become dusty
  • Early morning game drives in open vehicles are cold; warm clothing is required
 
 

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is green and lush
  • There are many baby animals, and wildlife is in good condition
  • Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present

    THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the dry season
  • It is high season, and the main camps get busy
  • Hot and humid in the middle of the day
  • It is advisable to consult with a doctor regarding antimalarial medication

 
 
 
 
 

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

  • The best time for wildlife viewing
  • It hardly rain and skies are clear
  • It is low season, and there are few tourists around

    THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Warm clothing is essential for evening and early morning activities
  • The sky can be hazy with a lot of dust in the air
 
 

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

  • Lush landscapes and scenery
  • There is a chance to see newborn animals
  • The migrating bird species are present

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Wildlife viewing is good, but the dry season is better
  • It is high season and the reserve is busier – especially during school holidays
  • The heat can become unbearable

 
 
 
 
 

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

  • Animals are easily spotted as they gather at water sources and the vegetation thins
  • Most days are sunny and clear

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Morning game drives in open vehicles are very cold
  • Dust and haze is prevalent
 
 

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

  • Abundant foliage and lush landscapes
  • Baby animals can be seen
  • Migratory birds make for prime birding

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Animals are easier to spot during the dry months
  • It is very hot and humid
  • Off-road driving may be limited after heavy rain

 
 
 
 
 

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

  • Wildlife gathers around waterholes as there is less water in the bush
  • It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads will be less busy
  • Sunny skies

    THE DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Early morning game drives and night drives in open vehicles are cold
 
 

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

  • Wildlife viewing is good throughout the year
  • There are many newborn animals
  • The vegetation is greener, and spring flowers transform the park
  • Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Elephants might disperse after rain
  • It is high season, and the park gets busy

 
 
 
 
 

This means:

MAY TO SEPTEMBER (Dry Season)

  • Great time for wildlife viewing
  • Daytime temperatures are pleasant
  • Spring flowers in August and September

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Morning and night temperatures are cold and warm clothing is necessary
  • The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air
 
 

OCTOBER TO APRIL (Wet Season)

  • Beautiful landscapes with clear skies
  • Newborn animals can be found
  • Migrant birds are present

    DRAWBACKS TO CONSIDER:
  • Daytime heat can be intolerable

 
 
 
SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA GUEST REVIEW

“… what a great trip we had! Thanks a million for helping us book great accommodations, all dining recommendations and all the other recommendations for that matter. The three of us all agreed that this is the best trip we’ve done, “nothing was bad” as the son said yesterday. And the safari was the very best !!” 

— THE ALM PARTY OCH DIGGLES

You can travel to South Africa all year round, but we recommend going September to May

Healthcare is good in South Africa. Even so we suggest obtaining a sound travel insurance before departure

As a EU and UK citizen, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in South Africa

To ponder before travelling:

The so-called “peak season” in December / January is very popular indeed and requires booking of accommodation, safaris, activities and restaurants well in advance.