There’s a moment on safari when the engine cuts, the dust settles, and the bush goes quiet. Everyone holds their breath as we scan the tree for our spotted target. I have an advantage – wedged into the back row, my tripod-mounted camera is braced unceremoniously between my knees.
My hands twist the telephoto zoom as I finally focus on a leopard, draped lazily over a branch, barely noticing our existence. Click. Moments later, we get a shock when a second leopard, a juvenile, stands up. Melting so thoroughly into the shadows, it had initially gone unnoticed in my photos.
It’s the kind of scene people imagine when they think of Africa. On a recent journey through South Africa with TripADeal, it plays out again and again – from the mighty elephant to the humble dung beetle.
What makes this experience especially compelling for Australian travellers is how accessible it feels. South Africa delivers big wildlife across diverse landscapes, making it harder to plan a trip. But a holiday package removes the usual friction of organising a safari experience from the other side of the world.
We embarked on a teaser journey across two of TripADeal’s most popular packages and lodges to see how effortless it would be.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
- Sign-up Bonus:
- Up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Rewards Earn Rate:
- 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
- Annual Fee:
- $450 p.a.
- Offer expires
- 5 May 2026
- Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 30,000 Qantas Points when you spend a minimum of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card Fee¹. (Offer ends 5 May 2026. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.) This card includes an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations after eligible Qantas spend each year, complimentary international travel insurance, and Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99). Earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on everyday spend, 2.25 on Qantas purchases, and 0.5 on government payments. The annual fee is $450.
Two stays, two sides of safari
A luxury retreat with a view
At Ndula Luxury Tented Lodge, featured in the ‘Highlights of South Africa’ itinerary, the experience feels like an elegant introduction to the bush. Think ‘glamping,’ but take it up a notch with proper beds, air conditioning, and blissfully refreshing warm showers.
In truth, the only real nod to camping is the canvas walls. And unlike any outback camping trip you might have endured, hunger is never on the agenda here, with generous buffet breakfasts and thoughtfully prepared dinners included as part of the stay.
Sunrise and afternoon game drives are the best way to pass the time, of course. But if you prefer a lazy morning, there’s a lovely pool to soak in while gazing over the Lowveld.
Or for a change of scenery, hit the road on an optional full-day Panorama Route tour to see dramatic escarpments and sights such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Thrill-seekers will also enjoy the stop at Graskop Gorge Lift Centre, where the signature Big Swing – a 68m freefall – awaits. Only one of our group is brave enough to face the 3-second drop, but I still enjoy the ziplining, which is comparatively tame.
Comfort in the heart of the Kruger
Wanting a more rugged experience? Buffalo Rock Safari Camp, included in the Grand Kruger Safari & Cape Town itinerary, is a different proposition altogether. Unfenced and within Kruger National Park, it delivers a more primal connection to the landscape. Case in point: one of our group spots fresh elephant droppings near her cabin overnight.
Despite the very real possibility of wildlife wandering close by, it never feels unsafe. The cabins are clustered together, and rangers patrol throughout the night. We’re reassured that most animals in the area are well aware of our presence – and generally have no interest in coming any closer.
Buffalo Rock also shines as a safari base, particularly in the evenings. While public visitors must exit Kruger by a fixed time, that restriction doesn’t apply to those staying at this private concession.
The result is a longer, quieter game drive while the light softens. As the sun dips below the horizon, we linger by a nearby watering hole, glasses raised, sharing the space with the hippos nearby.
Safari without the stress, or the huge pricetag
Safaris can feel intimidating to organise. There are lodges, transfers, game drives, guides, and meals. South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular, are not the easiest places to get around on your own.
TripADeal’s itineraries simplify it all. From the moment you arrive in Johannesburg, the journey unfolds with a reassuring rhythm. All packages come with at least 3 Qantas Points per dollar spent – and more when there’s a bonus on. It’s a rare opportunity where a bucket-list holiday also helps build towards your next one.
TripADeal is currently offering a bonus 20,000 Qantas Points on eligible bookings made by 31 January 2026. For example, the ‘Highlights of South Africa’ trip would earn at least 46,097 Qantas Points.
There’s also genuine value. The Highlights of South Africa itinerary starts from A$8,699 for two people, including return international flights, all accommodation, internal transfers, major activities and many meals. Apart from the safari experiences, the package also includes a side-trip to Cape Town.
Meanwhile, the Grand Kruger Safari & Cape Town starts from A$5,999 per person. It’s pricier, but it’s a longer trip by a few days and also includes the stay at Buffalo Rock Safari Camp with six game drives.
South Africa feels distant on a map, but the journey is more straightforward than many expect. Qantas flights from Perth or Sydney to Johannesburg provide a seamless link, making it possible to pair non-stop flights with an escorted itinerary that takes care of everything on the ground.
Browse my favourite safari wildlife photos below!
Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled as a guest of TripADeal and Qantas.
I love reading articles like this, much better than the usual ‘review’ of these trips in mainstream media. More of these types of first-hand experience travel articles please!