A guide to South African safaris

A South African safari can take as many forms as the multitude of wild creatures you will encounter. From a remote bush camp escape to a luxurious private reserve, there is a range of experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. And like a giraffe picking among the canopy of leaves for the perfect snack, you will be well rewarded for taking the time to create the safari that is perfect for you. Winter (June to September) is ideal, as many trees and shrubs are leafless which aids wildlife spotting. Limited food and water means that animals are often out foraging, hunting or drinking at waterholes. South Africa's summer (December to February) sees the countryside at its most lush, but it can be hard to see animals in the dense shadows. This time of year also means a lot of European holiday makers, who come in herds for the hot temperatures. Choosing a national park South Africa has more than 600 parks and reserves, ranging from utter desolation to verdant savannah. You can join guided safaris, set out on your own or find serenity at remote campsites. The parks cater to travellers on all budgets, meaning they are affordable but also often crowded. For a first safari, two parks stand out: Kruger National Park is the national park for safaris. Every iconic – and not-so-iconic – African animal is found here. It can get crowded, but given that it is the size of Wales, it is easy to escape to a remote corner. Accommodation ranges from isolated campsites to bungalows and cottages in busy compounds, and the towns surrounding the park have hotels, hostels and resorts for every budget. However, if you stay outside the park, early morning safaris will become very early, as commuting in can take an hour or more. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, located in the heart of Zululand, combines lush scenery with all the expected wildlife. The park is especially noted for its network of hiking trails, which include multi-day itineraries and camping deep in the bush. Make sure you pay a visit to the beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast; they are among South Africa's finest. Choosing a private reserve There are two reasons not to choose a private wildlife reserve: cost and too much comfort. But for people who want the ultimate luxury safari experience, a lodge in a private reserve does have its perks. It offers incredibly close proximity to wildlife. Not only do you avoid long drives before your safari starts, but that bump you hear in the night may well be an elephant looking in your window. Sabi Sand, which adjoins Kruger National Park, is widely considered to be the best place in Africa for spotting animals. There are also fewer crowds. Safari jeeps on a private reserve may hold only six people compared to a dozen or more in big parks, guides will be able to give you individual attention and when, say, a pride with lion cubs is spotted, there will not be a feeding frenzy of jeeps. At a private reserve, you can easily create your own menu of activities, such as guided walks through the bush or tours that focus on particular species. At Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, you can track cheetahs on foot. Plus, some of the private reserve lodges, such as Ulusaba, which is owned by Richard Branson, are the retreats of the famous and feature every amenity. One way to save on the costs of a private reserve is to spend just a few nights at one at the start of your trip. Take advantage of the talented guides and an abundance of wildlife to see a lot of animals quickly. Then, with your wildlife urges somewhat sated, head to a national park for a completely different experience. Use a guide The first time a guide shows you leopard tracks crossing your path, you will be glad you are not wandering on your own. Although guides can keep you safe from marauding lions, their real value is in explaining the vast complexities and subtleties of the African bush. In private reserves, guides are usually part of the price, but in a national park you may be tempted to explore by yourself. Though you may get lucky, as a novice, it is more likely you will miss most things on your own.