South Africa guides and blog

Visa requirements for UK and USA passport holders

We've outlined the visa requirements for UK & USA passport holders travelling to Africa. Other nationalities should check the current entry requirements.

16 May 2024

Travel Insurance - Don't travel without it!

Travel insurance is often viewed by clients as an extra cost that can be avoided. At Yellow Zebra however we insist that all travellers are fully insured for their trip. This blog covers the major reasons why travel insurance is essential.

29 April 2024

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YZ’s Favourite Photographic Hides in Africa

A photographic hide gives you the unique opportunity to view wildlife, unbeknown to the animals, at an angle you don’t get from bumping around in a vehicle or trying to approach on foot.

By Emma | 16 April 2024

Where to Stay in Cape Town

If you are looking at visiting Cape Town for the first time, you will need to decide on which area you want to be in. All of the areas have their own pros and cons and there is no right or wrong place to stay!

09 April 2024

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The Wildlife of South Africa

Boasting some of the best wildlife in all of Africa, South Africa is a favourite destination for first-time safaris. Here, we outline the mammals and birds you can expect to see on a South Africa safari:

03 April 2024

Lion pride, Tanzania national park safari

Africa’s Big Five and where to see them on your Safari Holiday

A Big Five safari holiday to Africa will include sightings of lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhino! Here’s our guide to where you can see Africa’s Big Five on a safari:

29 March 2024

The Marine Big Five

Once you’ve spent a few days scouring the bush for them in a safari vehicle, how about an alternative safari experience, searching for Africa’s Marine Big Five? This is: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and penguins!

27 March 2024

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Best Places to see Rhinos in Africa

Below, we’ve selected our top places in Africa to see rhinos, from walking safaris in remote Zimbabwe to conservation excursions with the ‘Save the Rhino’ trackers in Namibia.

25 March 2024

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The Best Places to See Lions in Africa

A member of the Big Five, for good reason is the lion considered King of Beasts! Here’s the YZ guide to the best places to see lions in the wild in Africa.

20 March 2024

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How much does an African Safari Cost?

The most common question we get asked at Yellow Zebra is, ‘How much does a safari cost?’ Here we explain what factors go into determining the cost of your ideal safari, and how we can help make your budget go further:

08 March 2024

The 5 Best Places to See Leopard in Africa

The most elusive of the Big Five members, leopards can be tricky to spot. Here’s our guide to the best places to observe leopards, to increase your chances of encountering all the Big Five during your Africa safari.

17 January 2024

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The Best Places to See Buffalo in Africa

Seeing buffalo on an African safari is probably the easiest of the Big Five members to spot. However, just because they are prevalent and move in large, obvious herds, doesn’t make them any less fascinating. Here’s our favourite places to spot them:

16 January 2024

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Some Like It Hot: How Animals Deal With the October Heat

With possibly one more month to go until the welcoming relief of the African rains, the question is, how do animals deal with the dry heat? Below, we highlight some of the sophisticated ways in which they cope:

12 October 2023

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Unforgettable Camp Dining Experiences in Africa

Here we share some of the best dining experiences safari Africa has to offer, from private candle-lit dinners to surprise bush breakfasts in unforgettable destinations.

14 February 2023

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Africa’s Most Instagramable Tubs: The YZ Top 27 Open-Air Baths

You might think it ludicrous to travel all the way to Africa for a bath but just take a look at these amazing outdoor tubs!

13 February 2023

What's hot for 2023

Here’s our guide to Safari Africa’s most exciting developments in 2023.

By Julian | 13 January 2023

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Our Safaris

We categorise our types of safari into three budgets: best-value safaris, classic safaris, and luxury safaris.

09 August 2022

Luggage weight limits when travelling to Africa

Here, we answer your questions on luggage limits and bag sizes when travelling to Africa. Airlines can be very strict on baggage limits, so it’s important to double-check your limit before you travel.

24 February 2022

Starbed, Lion Sands Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa

Top most romantic sleep-outs and star beds

Here's our top best star beds and sleep-outs in Africa. With large beds and mosquito nets, you can experience a night under the stars without sacrificing any of your favourite luxuries.

By Kirsten | 14 February 2022

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Animal Migration in Africa

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in nature is large numbers of animals moving together with a collective purpose.

03 November 2021

A guide on where to stay in Kruger

Kruger is one of Africa’s most popular wildlife reserves. This first-class game-viewing region is home to one of the highest concentrations of big game across the continent. YZ co-founder Julian gives his thoughts on the park and where to stay:

11 October 2021

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Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town

Here we round up the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa - from mountain biking to going on a culinary tour:

07 August 2021

What to Consider When Planning Your Trip..

Planning a safari can be very hard and it is difficult to get your head around everything you need to do. These 10 points should help you get the exact trip that you want, at a price that you like and with the best itinerary!

08 March 2021

The 5 best luxury lodges in Madikwe, South Africa

Here, we’ve picked a few of our favourite luxury properties in Madikwe Game Reserve.

18 February 2021

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Madikwe or Sabi Sands… which one is right for you?

Here we compare the renowned Sabi Sands with malaria-free Madikwe to give you advice as to which game reserve you should visit during your luxury South Africa safari.

11 January 2021

The YZ 'Top 5' safaris in Africa

Choosing where to go on safari can be somewhat daunting! With so many first-class countries to consider, and so many different environments, species, sights, and activities to choose from, planning a trip can leave you feeling completely confused!

17 November 2020

Hot air ballooning, The Serengeti, Tanzania

East Africa or Southern Africa – where to safari?

Can’t decide whether you should go to East Africa or Southern Africa for your safari? Here we take a look at both areas, so you can work out which is the right destination for you:

14 April 2020

Questions to ask before you go on a safari

So you've booked your safari, you're very excited, you’re looking forward to the adventure of a lifetime… however, you have some questions! We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions plus answers!

By Julian | 12 March 2020

South Africa vs Botswana: how to choose the right safari destination

This blog was written by Antonina, an ex-safari specialist who was an invaluable member of our team for 5 years. Here, Antonina writes about what you should take into consideration when planning a safari to Southern Africa’s leading safari destinations, South Africa and Botswana.

11 February 2020