Going on safari tops many vacation bucket lists. One of the top destinations is South Africa thanks to its temperate weather year-round. The country boasts an abundance of private game reserves employing expert trackers, field guides, and drivers. And because these lands aren’t open to the public, visitors are assured interactions with the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—instead of a multitude of tourists.

Many private game reserves are home to safari camps, featuring luxury lodges with 5-star service and “tents” resplendent with amenities found at the world’s top resorts. These camps also offer extraordinary access to wildlife—guests can relax in private plunge pools as giraffes and other bush animals graze within reach.

Another can’t-miss spot in South Africa is Cape Town. One of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town features mountains, beaches, and harbors with activities to fit any itinerary—hiking or taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, sunbathing with penguins on Boulders Beach, swimming with sharks, or visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

From its wild landscapes to its cities, South Africa provides travelers a memorable and exhilarating adventure guaranteed to impress any bucket-lister.

Insider tip: Cape Town’s The Test Kitchen is a dining experience not to be missed—but make a reservation early as it books up months in advance!

Fun fact: South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu.