South Africa
Best South African safari routes
If you’re planning a classic road trip, start with a loop from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park via the Panorama Route and return through the Lowveld for waterfalls, canyons, and sunrise game drives. Travellers flying into Cape Town can stitch together coastal scenery, wine country, and wildlife by pairing the Garden Route with a detour to Addo Elephant National Park. Short on time? Combine a weekend in Pilanesberg National Park with Sun City and the Magaliesberg mountains for a quick, malaria-free escape. Each route offers tar and gravel roads, reliable fuel stops, and well-marked picnic spots so you can balance long drives with unhurried sightings.
Kruger vs Pilanesberg vs Addo
Choosing between the big parks comes down to time, budget, and travel style. Kruger National Park is the flagship Big Five destination with vast networks of tar and gravel roads, multiple camps, and guided activities for serious safari-goers. Closer to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park fits a weekend and delivers Big Five sightings in a dramatic volcanic crater setting without the malaria risk. On the Eastern Cape coast, Addo Elephant National Park is famous for large elephant herds, marine Big Seven potential, and easy pairing with beach breaks. All three parks support self-drive safaris, guided drives, and a mix of affordable and luxury lodges, so you can tailor your South African tourism itinerary to your pace.
Malaria-free parks near Johannesburg
For travellers seeking a malaria-free safari close to the cities, Pilanesberg National Park is the top pick—about two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria with good roads and wide-open plains for spotting the Big Five. Combine it with the Madikwe or Marakele reserves for a longer circuit without changing your malaria risk profile. These parks have well-maintained tar and gravel roads, hides for bird watching, and family-friendly camps. Because you can drive in for the day or book a weekend, Pilanesberg is perfect for quick getaways, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants wildlife without long transfers.
