Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

South Africa

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

Vibrant cities and exceptional safaris

Called "the rainbow nation" and a "world in one country," South Africa is as dynamic socially as it is naturally diverse.

South Africa has something to delight every taste, from the Cape Coast's picturesque mountains and pristine beaches to Mpumalanga and Limpopo province's wild bushveld. Africa's southern tip offers sophisticated infrastructure and unparalleled service and hospitality, making it one of the world's top eco-luxury destinations.

Whether you wine and dine, get active or get off-the-grid, explorers with a flair for sustainable travel will not be disappointed by the myriad of ethical voluntourism opportunities well suited to family travelers and romantic couples alike.

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Sample Itineraries

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What our travelers are saying

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • “Our trip to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia was simply amazing. We really experienced what Africa is all about. For our girls, who are still relatively young, an experience like this can and likely is life changing. Overall the trip was everything we could have dreamed and doing this together as a family made it that much more special.”

    –Sophie Beraznik and family, Malawi

  • “I can't recommend Dominique and Elevate Destinations enough. Her passion and compassion is what stands out the most about her. She put together what I think is the perfect trip to Africa (S. Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls/Zambia side). Every step of the way we were met and I never had to lift my luggage the entire trip — now that's a vacation!”

    –Nancy Symonds, Botswana

  • “I was so pleased with the planning and execution of this trip for fourteen women.  We were treated with courtesy and respect by everyone we met.  Our guides added immensely to our understanding of the culture of the country.”

    –Susan Downs, South Africa

  • “Every place we stayed was wonderful. The food and drink in all the places was so good and abundant there was not one bad thing. It was the perfect honeymoon! Dominique got it all together for us. Everything was right on mark. We were met and expected everywhere we went, and everyone knew it was our honeymoon. Perfect job!”

    –Heather Wainer and Lou Weidt, South Africa

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

Your Questions Answered

What to know about South Africa

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa for wildlife viewing and safaris is from June to August. If whale watching is your priority, plan your trip between July and November, when you can spot humpback and southern right whales along the coast. To experience the stunning wildflower blooms on the West Coast, the ideal time to visit is from August to October. Summer in South Africa takes place from December to February, making it a good time to escape winter at home. Shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) are also wonderful times to visit.

What makes a safari in South Africa unique?

A safari in South Africa is unique due to its combination of exceptional wildlife viewing, luxurious and exclusive lodges, and a strong emphasis on conservation and community engagement. Private game reserves, such as Sabi Sands and Marataba, are renowned for their highly trained guides and have low vehicle density, which enhances the intimacy of wildlife encounters. Many safari experiences also include opportunities to participate in conservation activities, such as tracking cheetahs or monitoring rhinos, which provides a deeper connection to the land and its preservation. South Africa’s safari lodges are renowned for their world-class cuisine, stunning design, and personalized service, making each visit both adventurous and indulgent. Additionally, the country has malaria-free reserves, such as those in the Eastern Cape, which are ideal for families and first-time safari-goers.

What are the best things to do in South Africa?

The best things to do in South Africa include visiting Cape Town, touring the scenic Cape Peninsula, and enjoying wine tasting in the renowned Western Cape wine region. For adventure seekers, you’ll love hiking Table Mountain, going shark cage diving, or riding horses along the beach. The Whale Coast offers excellent whale-watching opportunities, while the Cederberg region is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and viewing ancient rock art. Wildlife can be spotted on safari in private game reserves, and the coastlines and offshore islands provide world-class snorkeling and diving experiences.

What does a typical South Africa itinerary look like?

A typical South African itinerary begins with arrival in Cape Town, where you can enjoy guided tours, cultural experiences, and excursions to the Cape Peninsula and wine country. From Cape Town, the journey often continues with a flight to a private game reserve such as Sabi Sands or Marataba, where you can spend several days enjoying safari adventures that focus on wildlife viewing and conservation activities. Some itineraries may also include visits to other regions, such as the Whale Coast, Cederberg, or even neighboring Mozambique, for a beach getaway.

What kind of wildlife is in South Africa?

South Africa is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of wildlife. The famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—are just the beginning. On safari, you can also spot cheetah, hippo, giraffe, springbok, antelope, and a variety of birdlife. The coastal areas offer opportunities to see dolphins, whales, penguins, and marine birds, while the offshore islands are teeming with marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my South Africa travel guide?

When you choose Elevate Destinations as your South Africa travel guide, you're not just planning a trip, you're making a difference. For the past 20 years, we've been a leader in ethical and sustainable travel, offering customized itineraries that blend luxury with opportunities to give back. Our partnerships with local organizations enable you to engage in authentic experiences during your journey to South Africa, such as visiting community projects and supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.

Where are the best places to visit in South Africa?

The best places to visit in South Africa include Cape Town, renowned for its vibrant city life, historic sites, and proximity to natural wonders like Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. The Western Cape wine region, featuring Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, offers world-class wine tasting and gourmet dining experiences. The Whale Coast, including Hermanus and Betty’s Bay, is highlighted for its scenic drives, seaside villages, and opportunities to see whales and penguins. For wildlife and safari enthusiasts, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and Marataba Conservation Camps provide exclusive safari experiences with exceptional game viewing, including the Big Five. The Cederberg region is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient rock art, and outdoor adventures, including hiking and swimming in rock pools. Additionally, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is celebrated for its conservation efforts and diverse wildlife.
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