Our ultimate South Africa safari bucket list for wildlife lovers

Brought to you by South African Tourism

This list is going to get longer before it gets shorter...

When you look at a massive country like South Africa (you could fit Ireland in there around 14 times), it's hard to know where to begin. It has an absolutely stunning coastline, three different capital cities with their own culture and history, and some of the most impressive landscapes you'll ever see. One thing that truly sets South Africa apart is its wildlife. Not only is it packed full of native species that you won't find anywhere else, but the country's many national parks are dedicated to protecting them for future generations. Everyone is different, and the sheer variety of wildlife you'll find in South Africa will keep them all happy. That means doing anything from tracking lions across the open plains to chilling with penguins on a beach. To make your South Africa safari bucket list a reality, book your trip today.

Meeting elephants in Addo Elephant National Park

It's only right that Addo is the third largest national park in Africa. After all, they need space to fit over 600 African elephants... On a hot day when the legendary mammals congregate by water holes, it's not uncommon to see massive herds of them by the water. It's one thing seeing an elephant calf play around in a TV documentary, but it's quite another being able to see it for yourself.

Safari in the sky

Without doubt, the best way to appreciate South Africa's landscapes is by viewing them from above. If you get to do it whilst sipping in a cool glass of champagne in the comfort of a hot air balloon, all the better. The only sounds that will break the peaceful silence will come from the occasional blast of the hot air burners. Well, there may also be a few instances of "oh my god look over there," as well. You'll be doing that a lot.

Chill with hippos & crocs in Hluhuwe

Hluhuwe Game Reserve was the first of its kind in Africa, and the people that run it have learned a thing or two over that time. The park itself is absolutely stunning, and lets you experience everything from the local wildlife to traditional Zulu culture. One truly unique experience is going their half-day "Bush & Boat" safari trip. Starting off tracking wildlife in the bush, the day wraps us with a trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park to track hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Compare the meerkats of the Kalahari Desert

In case you haven't heard, meerkats are brilliant little creatures. They might just be one small part of what makes the mighty Kalahari Desert so impressive, but they're worth making an effort to see in the wild. The Kalahari Desert is the second largest in Africa, and spans across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. You might be surprised just how much wildlife you'll find in this harsh landscape, as visitors to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are sure to find out.

See how it's done in Kruger

There is a reason why Kruger National Park is renowned the world over; it's the best. For well over 100 years, it has been a place for some of Africa's most incredible wildlife to thrive in their natural habitat. The place is absolutely huge to boot. You could probably centre an entire trip around the park and still leave with a strong desire to come back. Make your South Africa dream a reality. Talk to the experts at GoHop to find out how to make it happen, or have a look at some of their latest South Africa safari packages. Brought to you by South African Tourism