South Africa's currency, the Rand, is steadily been losing value against the US Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. More so this past week with the latest cabinet reshuffle. South Africa has never been more affordable - if you're paying in one of these top currencies. Let's take a look at just how cheap South Africa is at the moment.
In today's digital world, booking travel online has become effortless. But when it comes to planning a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, is it still worth using a tour operator? Discover why booking with a trusted safari specialist like Wild Wings Safaris offers unmatched benefits, from expert guidance and insider rates to complete peace of mind throughout your journey.
There is a growing trend toward booking at short notice. Even in the last 10 years, we have increasingly seen people contact us at short notice (less than 3 months before travel) to arrange their trip. It's easy to do nowadays. But is it a good idea or is it still better to book in advance?
Wild Wings Safaris is celebrating its 10 year birthday! In this blog, we look back on 10 amazing years of creating unforgettable safari experiences.
Of course, we are not talking about tipping over or tipping the bottle or tipping the scale. Tipping is a contentious issue because different countries have different tipping cultures. Find out what is customary on an African safari when it comes to tipping.
If you read part one of this two-part blog post, you will know by now what the most important secret is to a great safari experience. There are other factors of course that determine the quality of a safari, but let's continue with this key ingredient and see why it makes such a difference.
There are many ingredients to a great African safari experience, but one factor, in particular, stands above the rest as the most important secret. Can you guess what it is? What is the one thing that will make or break the success of your safari?
There are several ways to experience a safari of a lifetime - without having to resort to robbing a bank. We look at ways to cut the budget, without skimping on the safari experience.
There seem to be misconceptions about being able to take children on an African safari. Some parents stress about child-minding services for their kids while they're out on game drives. There's no need to stress. Many safari lodges and tented camps in top destinations are extremely child-friendly - some even have dedicated entertainment and wildlife activity programmes to ensure your children enjoy their safari just as much as you do!
Travel insurance is often an afterthought — a grudge purchase, or worse, one you skip entirely. But without the right cover, one accident, illness, or airline hiccup can leave you stranded or thousands of dollars out of pocket. Here's your essential guide to shopping smart for travel insurance, with 11 expert tips to help you choose the right policy for your trip. UPDATED 6 May 2025
Thinking about heading out on safari alone? Wondering if it's dangerous, daunting, or downright liberating? These 12 expert tips will help you not only survive your solo safari — but thrive.
Zimbabwe ... its name conjures up images of political strife and economic instability. But it seems, since 2009, Zimbabwe has been slowly waking up again ... and is one of the safari destinations you should try to get to - before the word gets out ...
The debate rages on – which is the best African safari destination? Southern Africa – or East Africa? Another one of our team visited Tanzania to see for himself ...
When planning a safari in Africa you are faced with the potentially arduous challenge of choosing the right tour operator from the mass of companies out there. Here are some useful pointers for finding a great safari operator for your travels.
Here's a list of some excellent books to read before or on your African safari - by no means all the books that are out there, merely a good place to start your armchair journey ...
Africa is a huge, vast continent. Its sheer size isn't easy to absorb or appreciate from ground level. Getting up high over its huge plains and wilderness reserves gives you a perspective that you'd never otherwise experience ...
Kruger National Park and the famous private reserves around it – like Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule – are widely recognised as the best safari destination in South Africa. But how do some of the lesser-known Eastern Cape game reserves stack up? Are they serious contenders, or simply an alternative when you're short on time?
There are distinct differences between staying in a robust safari lodge and a tented safari camp, just as there are similarities. Is it simply a question of personal preference—or is there more to it? Here's what to know before you book.
Packing for an African safari can feel overwhelming — too much and you'll battle airline weight limits, too little and you'll miss something essential. After years of planning safaris and travelling to lodges ourselves, we've created the ultimate safari packing list: practical, expert-tested, and designed to make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
It's a question we get asked all the time — and while the answer is often personal, I was lucky enough to experience both sides. After a recent guided Kruger National Park safari, here are my thoughts on how it compares to self-drive.
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right safari camps for your Botswana safari can be tricky. These keys will help you plan a Botswana itinerary that works and choose lodges that meet your expectations.
So you've finally made it. Tickets booked, safari itinerary done and dusted. Counting the days … but how will you enjoy the actual game viewing experience?
Which is better – a safari in the Kruger National Park or the Sabi Sand Game Reserve? What are the key differences, and which option offers the best experience? Having done both many times, I'll break down the pros and cons of each. Kruger National Park offers vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and affordability, while Sabi Sand Game Reserve is known for luxury, exclusivity, and exceptional Big Five sightings. Let's take a closer look – and explore why a Kruger Combo Safari might be the ultimate way to experience the best of both worlds.
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - that you'll repeat again and again if everything goes according to plan. But not being aware of some of the common pitfalls can leave you with a very bad taste in your mouth, and an even sorrier pocket.
Why not chat to one of our safari experts who can answer all your questions and help you design your dream trip to Africa.
