South Africa: A New Safari for Those Who Seek Silence, Care, and Purpose
This is not just a trip to the wild. It’s a return to something real.
In one of South Africa’s most breathtaking regions—once affected by conflict, poaching, and neglect – a group of conservationists, private investors, and local visionaries set out on a mission: to restore the land and give it back to nature.
That’s how Manyeleti and Marataba were born – two exceptional safari reserves where the focus is not just on spotting animals, but on reviving entire ecosystems with care and dignity. These are places built by people who invested not only capital, but decades of passion – bringing elephants and leopards back to life in places where they had once disappeared.
Where to Go?
- Manyeleti Game Reserve
Once a forgotten stretch of bush, today a 23,000-hectare private reserve bordering Kruger National Park. The difference? No crowds, no tourist buses, and only 6 luxury lodges – offering total privacy and exclusive access to wildlife sightings. Your guide? Not a tour operator, but a professional tracker with deep knowledge of the land. - Marataba
A private section of the Marakele National Park, located within a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Here you’ll find rewilded rhinos, river-based safaris, and intimate lodges blending sustainable design with architectural elegance. Guests are not just observers – they’re direct supporters of conservation projects.
Getting There from the UAE
Direct flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg: approx. 8h 15m (Emirates or FlySafair). Continue with a domestic flight or private 4×4 transfer to the lodge (we recommend charter options for comfort and time savings).
Why Luxury Travelers Choose It
- True silence – no traffic, no groups, just you and the wild.
- Custom-tailored experiences – from sunrise tracking to private dinners under the stars.
- Luxury with purpose – every stay supports anti-poaching units and reforestation.
- Extreme privacy – on average, just 10 guests per 10,000 hectares.
- 5-star comfort – private plunge pools, bathtubs overlooking elephants, curated wine lists, and fine dining under acacia trees.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the dry season: ideal for game viewing as animals gather near waterholes.
Daytime temperatures: 22-26°C, nights: 8-12°C.
July to September is peak predator activity season – ideal for photography and dramatic encounters.
Green season (November to February) brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer tourists.
Sample Budget for 2 People (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Service Average Price
- Business-class flights (DXB–JNB) from 15,000 AED
- Private transfers / charters from 1,300 AED
- 5★ Lodge (Manyeleti or Marataba) from 2,200 AED/night
- Private guide & twice-daily safari included
- Private dinner in the bush from 450 AED
- Spa treatments / wine pairings from 600 AED
- Total 5-day trip from 24,000 AED
What to Pack?
- Lightweight, earth-toned clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera with zoom lens
- Light evening wear for fireside dinners
- A sense of awe and a light suitcase
Planning a Trip to South Africa?
We do not offer full safari packages – but we specialize in securing your South Africa visa.
Our team carefully reviews every document and handles even the most complex cases – including rare passports, prior refusals, or sensitive travel histories.
We also support large families, clients traveling with nannies, private chefs, or drivers, and those requiring discreet handling.
Contact us today – we’ll help you get your visa for South Africa smoothly, securely, and with complete attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling from the UAE to South Africa
What if I had a visa refusal before?
We can still help. Many rejections are due to incomplete or weak documentation. We analyze your situation and help build a strong application, even if you’ve had previous visa denials for South Africa or other countries
How do I get from Dubai to a safari lodge in South Africa?
There are direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg (approx. 8 hours). From there, take a domestic flight or private transfer to your safari lodge. We’ll help you arrange the visa in advance
Can you help if we’re traveling as a large family or with staff?
Absolutely. We specialize in working with high-profile families traveling with children, nannies, private chefs, or drivers. We prepare visa applications for each person, ensuring smooth approval and coordination
What documents are required for a South Africa visa?
You typically need:
- A passport valid at least 30 days after your departure,
- A recent photo,
- Flight and hotel bookings,
- A job or salary certificate,
- A bank statement.
We review every document in advance to reduce the risk of rejection.
Do UAE residents need a visa to visit South Africa?
Yes. Most UAE residents, especially those holding Russian, Ukrainian, Indian, or other non-Emirati passports, need a tourist visa for South Africa. We assist with the full visa process – including for rare passports or applicants with previous refusals.
