The Trip of a Lifetime

Custom safari packages

Enjoy the unspoilt wilderness on custom, intimate safaris from Mpfuvu Manor.

100% exclusive

Knowledgeable guide

Tailored experiences

Family friendly

Eco-Conscious

Open-sided vehicle

an unforgettable experience

South African Safari

We have over 75 years of collective experience organising and leading safaris in Africa. Through our sister companies Hlatini and Wild Insight Safaris, we build and deliver bespoke tailored packages for you focussed on exclusivity, privacy and your interests.

With our personalised South Africa safari packages, led by legendary private guide Graham Cooke, you can appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the bush.

Our 6-seater, open-sided vehicle provides the best seat in the house and immerses you in the wildlife. If it’s safe to do so, we’ll set out walking to follow animal trails in a quiet and considerate manner.

You’ll be sure to feel at one with South African nature.

safari south africa

Wildlife on the doorstep

The perfect base

Mpfuvu Manor is the perfect base for a South African Safari. Pridelands, Umfula, Greater Kruger and Kruger Park are accessible from the lodge and the exclusive nature of your stay with us means it’s all about you. We can focus on birds, leopards, whatever you want. At your pace.

A bespoke safari often involves using Mpfuvu Manor as our main base but exploring regions further afield and staying in other luxury retreats along the way. We organise absolutely everything so all you have to do is arrive at Mpfuvu Manor.

Custom safaris must be booked in advance of your stay at Mpfuvu Manor.

WE Can’t wait to come again!

Steve and Graham’s knowledge, passion and respect for the animals, their behaviour and natural habitat gave us amazing viewing opportunities. They taught us so much every day and ensured that we had the best possible experience whilst keeping us safe in the unpredictable environment.
These guys really know their stuff and I would not hesitate to recommend them highly to couples, families and groups of friends alike.
Their ability to create a fully bespoke experience aligned to the customer needs alongside the magic they personally add is totally unique.

Lorraine A - Trip Advisor

Designed and delivered with passion

Our South African safari packages

True safari adventures for those who dream. We will immerse you deeper into the natural world that surrounds the lodge and further afield. Graham Cooke, a highly distinguished and internationally renowned guide, and author of “My Life with Leopards”, will provide an unparalleled level of insight and understanding of South African wildlife.

After a day on safari or bushwalking, you can return to Mpfuvu Manor to relax in the pool or enjoy a drink on the viewing terrace while reminiscing on the day’s adventure and the animals you encountered in their natural habitat. If we’ve travelled further afield, all our chosen retreats will have everything you need to unwind.

Comprehensive safari Packages

Below is an example safari itinerary with Mpfuvu Manor as our starting point before we head further afield.

All our safari packages are personalised depending on the wildlife you’d like to see and the time of year of your visit. A full safari itinerary can be built following discussions with you.

We are also able to organise wider trips including into Botswana, Victoria falls, Cape Town and the winelands.

Let the seasons guide you

Best time to go on a South Africa safari?

Our South Africa safari packages are built with you in mind. The whole experience can be tailored to you, the wildlife you want to see and the time you want to spend on safari.

Mpfuvu Manor and the main safari parks are in eastern South Africa. The dry season is between May and September in this region. This is often considered the best time to go on a South Africa safari.

We operate safaris all year round. Depending on the wildlife you’re keen to see, we can recommend the best time of year to visit. Below is a simple guide, for more information, please contact us.

best time to safari in south africa

Spring

September to November is Spring in South Africa. The heat is building, and rain is starting to replenish the vegetation.

Many animals give birth in early spring (September) and the warmer mornings will be welcome on morning safaris and excursions. By November, vegetation is becoming denser making wildlife a bit harder to spot.

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Summer

December to February is summer in South Africa and this is the best time for bird watching. January and February can be wet with frequent downpours in the afternoons. The height of the rainy season means vegetarian is blooming.

In January many birds rear their young which makes this a prime time for birdwatching.

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best time to safari in south africa

Autumn

Between March and May is autumn in South Africa and the hot, rainy weather has cleared. Cooler temperatures present the opportunity for bush walking and longer safari trips.

Animals are more active during this time and the change of season means the vegetation is thinning making the animals easier to spot. We cannot guarantee you will see leopards when on safari with us but if they’re on your list to see, this is the best time of year to try.

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best time to safari in south africa

Winter

Winter happens between June and August in South Africa. This is a great time to do some serious wildlife watching. The days are dry and temperatures in the mid to low twenties. A dry climate means the wildlife reserves provide a good opportunity to watch a range of wildlife.

Animals gather around waterholes which, when you know their favourite spots to go to, increases your chances of seeing them.

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Experience the safari of a lifetime

Enjoy the unspoilt wilderness on our intimate safaris from Mpfuvu Manor.