South Africa guides and blog

Lion pride, Tanzania national park safari

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

A Big Five safari in Africa offers the chance to encounter some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife. In this guide, our safari experts introduce each of the Big Five and offer guidance on some of the best places to see them on safari.

By Andrew | 06 February 2026

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.

04 February 2026

RGP Trish shoulder Bath bubbles ellies Granite

Michelin Key Safaris in South Africa: Where Luxury Meets Wilderness

The esteemed Michelin Key has revealed its inaugural selection in Africa, setting new standards for hotel excellence.

By Aidan Dunlop | 31 October 2025

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Yellow Zebra’s Favourite Photographic Hides in Africa

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

By Emma | 17 October 2025

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.

By Jo Kanellopoulou | 12 May 2025

wilddog, how much does a safari cost, your first safari

How much does an African Safari Cost?

For a 6-night/7-day safari, prices vary. Value safaris start from £4,000 pp in low season (up to £6,000 in Botswana). In high season, up to £7500–8,000. Classic safaris range from £5,000 - £10,500 pp. Luxury trips start at £7,000 pp in low season and can climb upwards of £12,000 in peak periods.

18 March 2025

Starbed, Lion Sands Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa

Top most romantic sleep-outs and star beds

With all the creature comforts, including gloriously comfortable beds draped with mosquito nets, you can experience a night under the stars without sacrificing any of your favourite luxuries. Read on for our top star bed and sleepout experiences in Africa.

By Kirsten | 04 February 2025

A safari guide and tracker educating young children about animal tracks within a dry river bed. Surrounded by lush, green vegetation with golden sunrays shining through the branches.

Things For Kids To Do On Safari

Of course young children need to be kept busy, so many camps/lodges have come up with some novel ways of breaking up the regular safari routine.

By Julian | 13 December 2024

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

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

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

best places to rhino africa yellow zebra safaris

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

best places to see lion africa yellow zebra safaris

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

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

best places to see buffalo africa yellow zebra safaris

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

37 imvelo safari lodges bomani tented lodge dust bathing at stoffies pan

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

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

the great migration, serians serengeti north, tanzania

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