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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 IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Scenic Western Cape
The Scenic Western Cape

Explore the beautiful and scenic Western Cape and experience an adventure safari in the area around Cape Town

HIGHLIGHTS

Be captivated by the majestic Big 5 in the Western Cape

Enjoy a walking safari among giraffes and antelopes at the unique Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Experience the spectacular and beautiful environments around Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

As a first-time safari visiter and / or if you do not have the opportunity to travel around the country and have less time available, you can choose to book a safari near Cape Town or along the Garden Route. Near Cape Town and along the Garden Route there is only one game reserve, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, as well as some private reserves / lodges that offer safari experiences. Some of the private reserves can be visited during the day on a day-safari, or depending on how interested you are to expeience the wild animals, you can spend one or two nights at a private lodge. This area is malaria free.

Upplev Sydafrika recommends a safari in one of the private reserves and accommodation at a nice private lodge, where usually the price is all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In private reserves, skilled guides and trackers are often allowed to drive off road to get close to the animals. Some lodges offer bush walks with specially trained guides and where during the walk you focus on smaller animals and get to learn more about plants and nature.

 
LODGES WE HAVE VISITED – READ MORE
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Sanbona Tiney Manor
Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge
Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge
Sanbona Explorer Camp
Morukoru Beach Lodge
Morukoru Ocean House
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
 
 
 

Extra ordinary Safari Lodges of different characters

 

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, an oasis in the wilderness, located in the rugged Cederbergs, offers a completely unique wilderness experience in South Africa. This family-run lodge is set in a 7,500 hectare private reserve with impressive wildlife and pristine mountain landscape. The accommodatioin is 5-star and offer South African-inspired cuisine, where indigenous herbs and vegetables are picked daily from the organic garden and incorporated into a special fynbos menu. Visiting Bushman’s Kloof during the flowering period, August to September is special, when the landscape is in bloom. Explore the unique access to more than 130 ancient mountain art sites, ancient San culture, some dating back to 10,000, along with experienced local guides.

Accommodation: Bushmans Kloof consists of 14 spacious rooms, two suites and two villas, surrounded by a garden. All are individually decorated with a beautiful collection of hand-picked art, antiques and furniture that together are reminiscent of the region’s history and culture. The private terraces have panoramic views of the wilderness. Children of all ages welcome.

Price indication: R8250 per person sharing/night all inclusive. Prices are for high season and other prices may apply during low and peak season.  

 

Grootbos Forest Lodge

Near the southern tip of Africa, between mountains, forests and the sea lies the beautiful Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. In the 2500 hectares of untouched wilderness lies the luxurious Grootbos reserve, whose fresh air, sea waves and unique fragrant fynbos (small shrub vegetation) are Grootbo’s hallmarks. Beautifully located on the hill with magical sea views, this unique environment gives a feeling of peace and quiet and recovery. In contrast to the tranquility, there are many exciting activities and excursion destinations available from Grootbos.

Accommodation: The modern and minimalist Forest Lodge consists of 16 romantic suites. A little separated from the main building, they are all beautifully placed, each with a veranda with a magical panoramic view of the sea. The suites have all the luxury facilities you could wish for and depending on the season there is access to both underfloor heating and air conditioning, fireplace and minibar etc.

Price indication: from R12,500 per person sharing/night full board and includes some activities. Prices are for high season and other prices may apply during low and peak season.

 

Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge & Tilney Manor

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a three hour drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Little Karoo, along Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boastes 54,000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, Wide open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3500 years. Whilst the free roaming Big 5 call Sanbona home, it is the vastness of the landscape, the alluring atmosphere of stillness, an air of isolation amid the raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Sanbona offers accommodation in three diffrent 5-star lodges and one 4-star mobile camp.

Accommodation: Dwyka Tented Lodge with 9 luxury tents, each with its own veranda and private plunge pool. The luxury tents offer various facilities that enable a comfortable stay, such as air conditioning, private mini-bar, outdoor shower etc. Children over the age of 16 are welcome at Dwyka Tented Lodge. Luxurious Tilney Manor consists of 6 spacious open-plan suites, each with its own veranda and beautiful mountain and landscape views. The suites have all the amenities you could wish for, such as air conditioning, fireplace, outdoor shower, etc. Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Tilney Manor.

Price indication: Dwyka Tented Lodge cost from R13,500 per person sharing/night and Tilney Manor cost R12,880 full board during high season. Other rates may apply during low and peak season.

SANBONA GUEST REVIEW – READ MORE

Wonderful Sanbona
A world-class experience that gave us fantastic close encounters with animals and nature under the professional guidance of our extremely knowledgeable and super nice guide Michael.
Wonderful Lodge with luxury feeling, superb food and excellent service by all staff.
So grateful that we got to experience these days and the memories we will carry with us all our lives”


– THE RETTIG FAMILY

 

Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a three hour drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Little Karoo, along Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boastes 54,000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, Wide open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3500 years. Whilst the free roaming Big 5 call Sanbona home, it is the vastness of the landscape, the alluring atmosphere of stillness, an air of isolation amid the raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Sanbona offers accommodation in three diffrent 5-star lodges and one 4-star mobile camp. Gondwana Lodge is the perfect sancturary for family, friends and groups with a child friendly pool, kids on safari programme, outdoor and indoor play areas for kids.

Accommodation: Gondwana Family Lodge consist of 12 contemporarry suits, 6 on the ground floor with private deck and 6 on the upstaris with private balcony. The suits consist of air conditioning, private mini bar etc. Children all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from R12,880 per person sharing/night full board during high season. Other rates may apply during low and peak season.

 

Sanbona Explorer Camp

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a three hour drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Little Karoo, along Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boastes 54 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, Wide open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3500 years. Whilst the free roaming Big 5 call Sanbona home, it is the vastness of the landscape, the alluring atmosphere of stillness, an air of isolation amid the raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Sanbona offers accommodation in three diffrent 5-star lodges and one 4-star mobile camp. The 4-star mobile Explorer Camp offers adventurrous guests an authentic walking experience while sleeping in mobile tents around a camp fire. Explorer Camp is open on weekends from October to April and accepts only 6 guests. The camp specializes in walking safari.

Accommodation: The Explorer Camp offers 3 canvas tents that can sleep a maximum of two people each. The tents are placed in fairly close proximity to one another, without encroaching on the privacy of the other tents. Children over the age of 16 are welcome at Explorer Camp.

Price indication: Contact Upplev Sydafrika for more informaiton and rates.

 

Botlierskop Tented Lodge

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve with its 3500 hectares, is located along the Garden Route, about 4,5 hours from Cape Town and 3 hours from George Airport. The malaria-free family-owned reserve is home to the big 5, among other things, and many rare antelopes. There is also a unique bird life. Visit Botlierskop during the day or spend a few nights. Botlierskop offers accommodation in four different lodges; The Tented lodge, The Manor House, The Village Lodge and Self-catering Bush Villas. In addition to a nice spa, the lodge offers activities that include horseback riding safaris, guided safaris, etc.

Accommodation: Botlierskop Tented Lodge consists of 21 spacious and elegantly furnished tents in different sizes, all with wooden decks and desirable facilities. The tents are a bit secluded with beautiful views of the river and with the mountains in the background. Children over the age of 6 are welcome at Botlierskop Tented Lodge.

Price indication: Contact Upplev Sydafrika for more information and rates.

BOTLIERSKOP GUEST REVIEW – READ MORE

“Botlierskop was fantastic! The accommodation was great, awesome guide, Marco and fantastic food! We have never been on safari before and could have stayed another day..

– MIA HAMRIN

 

Garden Route Game Lodge

Garden Route Game Lodge, with its 1500 hectares, is located along the Garden Route, about 3,5 hours from Cape Town. In the malaria-free area you can experience the Big 5 and during a two-night stay there is a great opportunity to spot 4/5 Big 5. Other common animals found in the area are zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala and other antelopes. A perfect family lodge with various accommodation in chalets and suites.

Accommodation: The lodge consists of 8 Sunset Ridge Luxury Suites, 16 Lodge rooms and 18 private chalets. All suites, rooms and chalets have air conditioning, a mini-bar and the Sunset Ridge suites have their own private pool.

Price indication: Contact Upplev Sydafrika for more information and rates.

GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE GUEST REVIEW – READ MORE

We really enjoyed Garden Route Game Lodge. We stayed in a cozy chalet where we had coffee at 6.45 am before the game drive between 7-9 am followed by an incredible breakfast (high above expectations). Then we chilled by the pool and had a spa treatment before we could either have lunch in the restaurant or by the pool. At 4 pm it was time for game drive again which included a sundowner around 6 pm with some snacks and optional drinks before coming back to the lodge for dinner at 7 pm. Because dinner was included we did not have high expectations so we got very positive suprised by the three course dinner with several different options for starter, main course and dessert. We were very happy with the staff and the guides. We got to see all the animals which majority of them had come from rescued conditions. We were very happy and a 2 nights stay were perfect. “

– FABIAN OCH ELSA

 
 
 
 
 

De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve, a 34 000-hectare conservancy, often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Western Cape’. Located little more than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, this remarkable coastal reserve is particularly famous for offering some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. During winter and spring (July to November) Southern Right whales migrate here from Antarctica to calve and breed in the warm seas offshore. Since 1985 these waters have been designated as a Marine Protected Area, and sea life has flourished. While whales are the stars of the show, guests may also look forward to sighting dolphins, seals and myriad sea birds. De Hoop Nature Reserve’s is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, wealth of biodiversity. Alongside the remarkable fynbos vegetation, more than 260 bird species have been recorded in the reserve – including the Western Cape’s only breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Morukuru Beach Lodge is located in the spectacular De Hoop Nature Reserve. A luxurious private beach villa in a pristine environment, right on the beach and the white dunes. Morukuru is the perfect destination for couples (honeymooners) as well as small families. During the whale season, you can experience whales playing and breaching right outside the window from your suite. Morukuru Beach Lodge can be booked exclusively.

Accommodation: Beach Lodge consists of 5 luxury suites, of which 2 are family suites and 2 standard suites, all with panoramic sea views and a Honeymoon suite with partial sea views that is placed secluded. All suites overlook the white dunes and the beautiful fynbos vegetation (small shrub vegetation).

Price indication: from R10,000 per person sharing/night all inclusive during high season. Other rates may apply during low and peak season.

 

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge enjoys an enviable position perched between land and sea atop the ancient dunes of De Hoop. Lekkerwater – meaning ‘good water’ in the Afrikaans language – offers a comfortable beach-safari experience in a truly magical setting. With a rich history, incredible fauna and flora, pristine beaches, rolling hills and abundant sea life, the focus at Lekkerwater is on an exceptional nature-based experience. Here we offer a new kind of luxury. The indulgence of wide open spaces, peacefulness and privacy, gorgeous sea views, the smell of the ocean, barefoot beach walks and incredible sunsets. At the main lodge the focus is on offering a home from home hospitality and dining experience.

Accommodation: With 7 intimate and individual off-grid suites (1 family and 6 standard), simply decorated in a bright and breezy coastal feel, each boasts a private deck overlooking the breath taking five-kilometre stretch of secluded beach.

Price indication: from R9500 per person sharing/night all inclusive during high season. Other rates may apply during low and peak season.

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.