Private Tours & African Safaris

For most travelers, vacation is a break from routine — a time to be inspired by new surroundings, cultures, and landscapes. If that’s what you want from your vacation, the cities, coastline, and conservation areas of Southern Africa are an ideal choice.

A luxury African safari will take you to pristine landscapes roamed by abundant animal species. In this wilderness, you will be enveloped in luxurious accommodations with incredible settings, enjoy personal service, and sumptuous meals. Picture sunrise over Namibia’s dune sea, guided walks along Botswana’s Chobe River as elephant herds cross the floodplains, or quiet evenings beside the fire in Kruger National Park — wine in hand, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Whether you travel on one of our private tours through South Africa or Namibia accompanied by an expert African Sky guide, or prefer a self-paced itinerary, you will find experiences are varied — from the energy of Cape Town to Etosha’s endless pans, from Mozambique’s beaches to tracking lions on foot in the Sabi Sand. Every journey can be customized to your exact preferences.

Southern Africa offers a diverse range of travel experiences to suit every interest. Some of the most popular include:

• Big Five Safaris
• Tailor-Made Journeys
• Private Tours
• Luxury Safaris
• Family Vacations
• Golf Safaris
• Luxury Train Journeys

First-time visitors to Southern Africa often favor a trip that combines a visit to Cape Town and the Kruger National Park (or one of the private reserves that form part of it) in South Africa with a visit to the Victoria Falls, either from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River. An ideal duration is between 10 and 14 days.

South Africa — Those who wish to explore South Africa typically visit Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and the wilderness of Kruger National Park with short stops in off-the-beaten-track areas. These regions can be explored on a combination private tour and fly-in safari package with a duration of 12 to 15 days.

Botswana — Two or three of Botswana’s primary safari areas, which include Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pans, are ideally visited in 7 to 10 days.

Namibia — The country is vast and wonderful. Typical itinerary: 7–14 days, depending on the number of attractions you wish to include in your journey.

Zimbabwe or Zambia (Victoria Falls) — Best enjoyed as a 2–3-night extension to any Southern African adventure.

A two-week journey generally offers the ideal balance of variety and relaxation. Every tailor-made itinerary is designed around your interests, pace, and preferred level of comfort. For a more in-depth exploration, it is not uncommon for our clients to spend three or more weeks on an extensive journey.

Absolutely. While traveling with a private guide may cost more than an unaccompanied trip, the insight they provide — from local history to wildlife behavior — transforms your journey. A skilled guide turns sightseeing into a story: immersive, informative, and stress-free. Their intimate knowledge of the areas ensures avoiding places with a high crime rate. Your safety and enjoyment are their primary concerns.

In Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves, there’s an excellent chance of seeing all of the Big Five on a safari of three or more nights. In Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe, you’re likely to see four. Rhino are rare and occur only on Chief’s Island in the northern reaches of the country. Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier national park, offers the opportunity to spot four of the imposing animals; buffalo do not occur here.

Yes, family safaris are popular and a great bonding experience. Many lodges offer programs designed to teach children about nature and conservation in fun, interactive ways. For families with younger children (under six), we recommend avoiding malaria areas. The Eastern Cape offers excellent alternatives, such as Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Private Game Reserve. In the northern part of South Africa, Madikwe Private Game Reserve offers a selection of luxury lodges in a malaria-free reserve that is home to the Big Five.

Southern Africa is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique highlights.

• May to October — The dry winter and spring months are ideal for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Wildlife is concentrated near available water sources, and days are mild and clear, although October can be hot. Depending on the area, the first rains may fall by then.
• November to March — The warm summer season suits beach escapes, wine tours, golfing, and coastal exploration, especially in Cape Town, Mozambique, and along the Garden Route.
• February to May — Victoria Falls is at its most dramatic as the Zambezi River peaks in flow.
• August to September — Witness the breathtaking wildflower bloom across Namaqualand and parts of Namibia.

Every season reveals a different side of the region. Please discuss your requirements with one of our team members and receive advice on the best time of year to visit, tailored to your trip needs.

Booking directly with African Sky Safaris & Tours means working with an experienced local operator who has decades of firsthand knowledge and expertise. Many overseas agents rely on third-party information, whereas our team is on the ground, offering current insights and flexible arrangements.

Yes, we provide detailed Travel Tips & Advice covering every aspect of your journey — from medical guidance (malaria prevention, vaccinations, prescriptions) to visa & passport requirements, packing suggestions (soft bags, weight limits, layering), money matters (currency, cards, tipping), electricity & adapters, mobile & internet access, and helpful notes on arrivals, vehicles, and itinerary flexibility. We ensure you’re well-prepared, comfortable, and confident throughout your Southern African adventure.