South Africa private reserve safari

You’ll spend the next three nights on a luxury safari in South Africa’s most well-known private game reserve.

Bordering Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is famous for the most reliable leopard sightings in Africa, as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including the Big 5 and so much more.

If you’re here for a South Africa family safari, older children may be able to join you on the game drives. Younger children will leave with their horizons broadened and their definition of fun redefined.

Animal track moulding, bush survival skills, bracelet beading and even dung spitting might feature. One thing we guarantee – screen time will be at an all-time low!

Phinda Private Game Reserve sits unobtrusively in a quiet corner of South Africa’s north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal province.

Comprising seven distinct habitats, including rare, dry sand forest, Phinda offers a safari of almost unequalled diversity.

Game drives with passionate local guides explore the grasslands, wetlands and differing forest ecosystems. Being located on a private reserve, afternoon game drives continue after sunset, revealing the reserve’s many nocturnal residents.

Specialist walking, photographic and bird watching safaris can be arranged, alongside participatory conservation experiences. Phinda Private Game Reserve’s proximity to the coast means you might spend the afternoon getting to know the colourful inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.

The KwaZulu-Natal coast is where South Africa meets the tropics. Relatively unknown to most outside of South Africa, it’s a region of startling beauty and variety.

Here the limpid waters of the Indian Ocean are refuge to myriad types of marine life including spectacular corals. Subtropical coastal forests, alive with the chattering of monkeys, spill out over golden beaches favoured by endangered turtles.

The temptation may well be to just flop with a good book and listen to the waves lapping the shore.

Then you would be missing out on South Africa’s finest diving and snorkelling, as well as the opportunity to witness endangered turtles on your doorstep. Guided forest walks and visiting local communities are also wonderful ways to get to know all the residents of this quiet corner of the country.

The iconic andBeyond Kirman’s Kamp has some of the best game viewing in the region, and overall a very comprehensive offering when it comes to safari.

We don’t know too many other lodges that can cater so seamlessly for families on safari. The guides at Kirkman’s Kamp are masters at not only bringing the bush to life, but in doing so for little ones too. Aside from the twice-daily game drives, children 3-12 will be taking part in the WILDchild program that &Beyond runs.

At Kirkman’s Kamp these activities are seasonal, and can include bug collecting, helping the chefs in the kitchen, croquet on the lawn and frog safaris.

There is also a wonderful pool on the property to keep everyone cool and entertained between game drives. For the more active, the on-site tennis court will help stretch the legs and get the blood flowing after game drives.

A stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge is an excellent choice if you are after world-class safari, in a location particularly welcoming to families, offering lots of flexibility.

Phinda Mountain Lodge is one of six incredible lodges in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, 67,000 acres of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal . They are all run and managed by andBeyond, a leader in conservation and hospitality.

Those members of the family aged 5-12 can look forward to enjoying the spectacular rim-flow pool, the Kid’s Lounge, not to mention all the activities on offer as part of andBeyond’s WildChild program.

The Oyster Box is one of the grand hotels of South Africa, and is run by Red Carnation Hotels – a South African group famed for their traditional hospitality.

The red and white ‘candy cane’ decor catches the eye from the moment of arrival, and is as iconic as the Umhlanga lighthouse that the property overlooks. The heritage of the hotel shines through in the attentive service and exceptional food; served across eight different venues.

Accommodation is provided in various, well thought-out room categories, offering plenty of flexibility for couples, groups and families.

Children are made to feel particularly welcome at The Oyster Box. Under 12s stay free (subject to room category booked)  and there is an extensive program of kid activities. Little ones will be delighted when they find out they’re entitled to a bonanza of free goodies during their stay, including toffee apples, milkshakes and ice cream. The matching kiddies robes and slippers are sure to have parents reaching for their cameras.

Sabi Sands is celebrated for the reliability of sightings of the much prized Big Five. The normally elusive leopard is seen here with staggering frequency, alongside a host of lesser-known protagonists that will delight in equal measure.

If you’re here for a South Africa family safari, older children may be able to join you on the game drives. Younger children will leave with their horizons broadened and their definition of fun redefined.

Animal track moulding, bush survival skills, bracelet beading and even dung spitting might feature. One thing we guarantee – screen time will be at an all-time low!

Walking safaris in Phinda Private Game Reserve offer an intimate exploration of South Africa’s rich biodiversity.

Led by expert guides, these safaris bring you up close to wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and the smaller wonders of the bush.

Visitors can also learn about Phinda’s renowned rhino conservation efforts, gaining insight into the critical work being done to protect these endangered animals. As you explore diverse ecosystems, from savannahs to forests, you’ll connect deeply with nature while witnessing impactful conservation in action.

Snorkeling and diving along the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer an unforgettable marine adventure in one of South Africa’s most vibrant underwater ecosystems.

The warm Indian Ocean waters are teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and larger marine life like rays, turtles, and even sharks.

Popular spots like Sodwana Bay provide world-class diving opportunities, while snorkelers can enjoy exploring rock pools and reefs close to shore.

With crystal-clear waters and diverse marine species, KwaZulu-Natal’s coast is a paradise for ocean enthusiasts.