Safari in South Africa
One of the world's great long-haul cricket destinations also happens to sit beside some of the finest wildlife reserves on the planet. Combine your World Cup journey with an African safari you will never forget.
The case for extending your trip
Travelling from Europe, Asia, or Australia to South Africa for the Cricket World Cup represents a significant journey. The matches alone justify the trip — but the opportunity to combine world-class cricket with a genuine African safari is one that very few sporting tournaments in the world can offer.
Johannesburg, the tournament's primary hub, sits within a four-hour drive of both Pilanesberg and the Kruger National Park. Cricket fans attending matches at the Wanderers — one of the most iconic grounds in world cricket — can be watching lions on a game drive by the following morning.
The Big Five
The term "Big Five" originates from big-game hunting and refers to the five most difficult African animals to hunt on foot. Today it describes the five most sought-after species on a safari. South Africa is one of the few countries where all five can be seen in a single reserve.
Lion
Africa's apex predator and the most sought-after Big Five sighting. Kruger National Park hosts one of Africa's largest free-roaming lion populations, with prides frequently seen on morning game drives along the southern rivers.
Leopard
The most elusive of the Big Five. Sabi Sand Game Reserve is internationally renowned for habituated leopards that allow game drives to follow them closely. Sightings are near-daily for guests at private lodges.
Elephant
Kruger National Park hosts Africa's largest elephant population outside of Botswana, with over 20,000 individuals. Encounters with breeding herds at waterholes are among the most dramatic wildlife experiences on the continent.
Rhino
South Africa holds the world's largest white rhino population. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal was the site of Operation Rhino, the conservation programme that saved the species from extinction in the 20th century.
Buffalo
Cape buffalo are found throughout Kruger in herds numbering in the hundreds. Known as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, watching a large herd move across the plains is an unforgettable spectacle.
Best Safari Regions
South Africa has multiple world-class game reserves within reach of the tournament's host cities. Each offers a distinct experience and suits different schedules and budgets.
Kruger National Park
South Africa's flagship conservation area and one of the world's great safari destinations. The southern Kruger — accessible via the Paul Kruger Gate — offers the highest density of wildlife and is the preferred region for first-time visitors.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The private reserve that defined luxury safari. Sabi Sand shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger, allowing wildlife to roam freely. Its leopards are world-famous — habituated to vehicles over decades and reliably spotted. Lodges such as Singita Sabi Sand and andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp set the global standard for safari hospitality.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is malaria-free, making it an excellent choice for families and those sensitive to prophylactics. Established in 1991 as a conservation and community project, it has become one of South Africa's premier private reserves. Wild dog sightings are exceptional here.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
The closest malaria-free Big Five reserve to Johannesburg. Set in an ancient volcanic crater, Pilanesberg offers accessible game viewing with a well-maintained road network for self-drive visitors. An ideal option for Cricket World Cup fans based in Johannesburg with a single rest day.
Private reserves and what to expect
A luxury safari at a private South African lodge follows a rhythm refined over decades. Each day begins before sunrise with coffee and rusks, followed by a two-to-three hour morning game drive in an open vehicle guided by a professional ranger and tracker.
Midday is spent at the lodge — eating, reading, swimming. A late afternoon drive departs around 16:00, culminating in a sundowner stop on the reserve as the sky turns amber and then violet. Dinner is served around a fire under a sky unspoiled by light pollution.
Safari tours from Johannesburg
From day trips to week-long adventures, choose the safari experience that fits your World Cup schedule.
Pilanesberg Day Safari
Malaria-free Big Five reserve, 2 hours from Johannesburg. Ideal for a single rest day with a guided open-vehicle game drive.
Kruger National Park
South Africa's premier wildlife destination. Multi-day tours depart from Johannesburg with luxury or mid-range lodge options.
Private Game Reserve
Exclusive lodges adjacent to Kruger. All-inclusive game drives, gourmet dining, and intimate wildlife encounters.
Planning a Cricket World Cup 2027 Safari Experience?
We are building premium safari and travel partnerships across Southern Africa. Contact us to discuss your ideal Cricket World Cup journey — from match tickets and Johannesburg hotels to private game reserve stays and Kruger fly-in safaris.