Van Bommel Safaris is pleased to tailor an individual custom tour in South Africa for you, regardless of your budget. Self-drive is a good way to explore the country. We utilize small-scale accommodations tailored to your preferences, whether you opt for a safari experience or not.
South Africa offers a diverse landscape with forests, coastal areas, deserts, and mountains. The country hosts some of the most impressive wildlife safari areas, especially the private game reserves that are a must for your tailor-made safari trip. Unlike other African countries, safari doesn’t necessarily have to be the core of your vacation; there are plenty of other activities possible. Think of diving, golfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, culinary delights, relaxing on the beach, and experiencing history and culture.
Special areas in South Africa
Sabi Sand: a “must” for every safari lover
In your tailor-made tour of South Africa, the Sabi Sand area is a must-visit.
This area ranks among the best private game reserves in South Africa, renowned for the abundance of leopards, as well as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and other wildlife. On safari in an open Land Rover, guided by your ranger and a tracker, you’ll follow the big cats through the thickets. You’ve never experienced them so up close. This part of your journey promises truly unforgettable experiences.
With various lodges in Sabi Sands, each with its own grounds, camps, and unique approach, we know from firsthand experience which lodge best suits your tour.
Kruger National Park
Kruger Park is an affordable choice for your tailor-made tour of South Africa.
Experience encounters with elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and various other wildlife. During a self-drive in Kruger Park, you can discover many species on your own. However, lions, leopards, and cheetahs are a bit trickier to spot; a bit of luck is needed to see these big cats at a reasonable distance. Since off-road driving is not allowed, and the vegetation is quite dense, we always recommend spending a few days in a private game reserve as well to ensure the best safari experience. The roads in Kruger Park are well-maintained, so a 4×4 is absolutely not necessary to explore the park
Waterberg: where tailor made safari opportunities go hand in hand with a fantastic landscape.
As a starting point for your tailor-made tour in South Africa, the Waterberg is an excellent choice. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and includes beautiful safari areas such as Marakele and Welgevonden. Here, you will not only find abundant wildlife but also breathtaking landscapes with mountains and stunning water features.
If you enjoy a challenge, embark on a multi-day walking safari led by highly experienced guides and feel at one with nature.
Madikwe Game Reserve
This safari area is characterized by vast expanses of red desert sand, interspersed with trees, shrubs, and grassy areas. Here, you’ll discover various species not found in Kruger Park, including gemsboks, springboks, and brown hyenas.
Madikwe is particularly renowned for its population of African wild dogs. These animals are critically endangered, and every safari enthusiast understands how extraordinary it is to see these creatures.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: discover the tranquillity of the Kalahari in a 4 x 4 self-drive.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is part of the Kalahari, where red sand dunes and two mostly dry riverbeds define the impressive landscape. This park is the ideal destination for the adventurous self-drive safari enthusiast. Mass tourism has not yet firmly established itself here, making it an excellent location to explore during your tour of South Africa.
If you prefer to explore the park with a guide and get to know the Khomani San and Mier populations, we can also customize this as part of your South Africa tour.
KwaZulu-Natal: combine safari, culture, and a visit to the beach in your tailor made journey
KwaZulu-Natal offers unparalleled opportunities for your tailor-made tour of South Africa. Let yourself be transported to bygone times as you listen to storytellers who bring history to life. Experience the rich Zulu culture. Go horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Discover safari adventures in Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, the birthplace of rhinos, or explore a private game reserve. Enjoy Africa’s most pristine wild beaches along the warm Indian Ocean, where relaxation, diving, and snorkeling take center stage. In the right season, you can admire whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and egg-laying sea turtles.
Cape Town and Garden Route
Do you want to explore the city actively on your own, or do you prefer experienced guides showing you the most beautiful places? The choice is yours during your tour of South Africa. A few days in Cape Town and its surroundings are well worth it, especially in the right season. There are countless activities and attractions in and around Cape Town: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, the penguin colony, whale watching, the wine regions, and of course, the Garden Route.
South Africa offers unique safari tailor made opportunities
Private Game Reserves: an absolute “must”
On safari in an open Land Rover, accompanied by your guide and his tracker, you follow the leopard through the thickets. She marks her territory. You’ve never been this close.
A private game reserve is a lodge in a private area, free from hordes of tourists. The animals can migrate freely, for example, to Kruger Park. Safari vehicles (open Land Rovers) are allowed to go off-road, and you are guaranteed the best guides and trackers. An absolute must for your tailor-made safari trip in South Africa!
Learn about South Africa’s different cultures and history
Discover the deep-rooted Zulu culture, learn about the history of the Boer War, and delve into the meaningful role of Nelson Mandela.
South Africa is infused with a rich culture and history, making it a captivating destination for tourists. Let yourself be transported to bygone times.
Listen to historians who narrate the turbulent history of the English, Boers, and Zulus in the most fascinating way. Explore historical battlefields, admire traditional Zulu dances, and visit museums that highlight South Africa’s past.
Interested in eco training or a wildlife research project?
Learn more about nature conservation, wildlife and the African bush.
We offer you the opportunity to take a course where you can gain insights into the flora and fauna of Africa. Although these training programs were originally designed for those aspiring to a career in ecotourism, we’ve noticed an increasing interest from tourists in the African bush. I personally underwent a similar eco-training in the year 2000, and to this day, I continue to enjoy the knowledge and the perspective on nature it has provided me.
Experience the different National Parks first hand
In the National Parks, you can leisurely drive around on your own and try to spot wildlife.
You can fully enjoy nature at your own pace. Get up early in the morning and head straight into the park. Come back later for a delightful breakfast or bring some food for the road. Early mornings are often the most beautiful and tranquil. In the afternoon, you frequently see animals near waterholes.
Catch your breath at the coast or……
… go diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, on a whale-watching safari, or something truly unique: experience the sardine run.
Numerous water activities are possible and can be included in your tailor-made safari trip if planned in the right season. Whether you enjoy relaxation or adventure, it’s all possible.
Inland flights: a comfortable way to travel in such a large country
South Africa is larger than Germany and France combined.
The road network in South Africa is generally good. However, if you prefer not to drive too much or have limited time, you can also opt for a fly-in safari: almost all lodges have an airstrip.
A tailor-made safari trip around Kruger Park can also be seamlessly combined with a visit to Cape Town via a domestic flight.
Discover the secrets of night photography and book an affordable photo safari.
South Africa offers fantastic opportunities for nature photography. On safari in Private Game Reserves, you get closest to the animals with open safari vehicles. Additionally, there are many hides from which you can photograph. Our photo safaris can be seamlessly integrated into your South Africa tailor-made safari trip.”
The best time for a tailor made safari in South Africa:
South Africa enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year with many sunny and dry days.
Winter spans from June to September. Daytime temperatures are very comfortable, often exceeding 20°C, but nights can be cold. It is dry, making this period ideal for a safari as the vegetation is not dense, and animals gather around waterholes. However, for Cape Town and its surroundings, this is actually the least favorable time as it can be very wet and cold there.
Summer, the wetter season, extends from late November to March. Temperatures can soar (>40°C), and humidity is higher. However, for Cape Town and its surroundings, this is the most beautiful time: dry and sunny. Keep in mind that around Christmas, peak prices apply for accommodations and tickets, and everywhere is very crowded.
Spring, from September to November, and autumn, April and May, are particularly suitable for a tailor-made safari trip in South Africa. It is sunny, dry, and not too hot.
