How much daily driving time should I expect on safari tours starting from Cape Town?

You'll spend about 4-6 hours per day on the road during safari tours from Cape Town. The first stretch from Cape Town to Cederberg takes around 4 hours to cover 180 miles, while getting to Kruger National Park means longer 6-7 hour drives covering 280 miles. You'll get to rest at nice places like Wedgeview Country House and Ndhula Lodge between drives.

What's the typical duration of safari tours when starting from Cape Town?

Most people choose tours that last 10-14 days, though options range from 9-49 days. The popular Cape Town to Kruger safari packs South Africa's highlights into 9 days, while trips like Cape Town to Namibia take 14 days to explore multiple parks. You'll stay at comfortable spots like Protea Hotel Knysna Quays and Royal Malewane along the way.

What's the recommended time of year for starting a safari tour from Cape Town?

Plan your trip during the dry winter months from May to September when temperatures stay around 65°F (18°C). Animals are easy to spot then since they gather near water sources. Summer (December-February) gets hot at 82°F (28°C) but it's perfect for enjoying Cape Town's beaches and wine regions. Places like Hollow on the Square in Cape Town and Royal Malewane keep you comfortable any time of year.

What are the best wildlife viewing opportunities on safari tours starting from Cape Town?

You'll have great chances to see the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) in Kruger National Park and Manyeleti Game Reserve. The Garden Route Game Lodge and Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, about 240 miles from Cape Town, offer malaria-free safaris. The best viewing times are during morning and evening game drives when temperatures are around 68°F (20°C).

How many different parks and reserves can I visit on safari tours from Cape Town?

Depending on how long your trip is, you can explore between 3-8 parks and reserves. Most tours visit Table Mountain National Park, Garden Route Game Lodge, and Kruger National Park. You'll stay at comfortable spots like Protea Hotel Knysna Quays and Royal Malewane along the way.

What unique experiences can I add to my safari tour from Cape Town?

Beyond wildlife watching, you can try wine tasting in Stellenbosch, whale watching in Hermanus (July-November), and hiking Table Mountain. Many travelers enjoy visiting local communities, sleeping in bush camps, and joining special photo safaris. Luxury lodges like Royal Malewane can arrange extras like spa treatments and gourmet dining experiences.

How much time should I spend in Cape Town before starting the safari portion?

Take 3-4 days to explore Cape Town before heading out on safari. This gives you enough time to visit Table Mountain, see the Cape Peninsula, explore the wine regions, and check out places like Bo-Kaap and Robben Island. As one TourRadar traveler said: "Having multiple days in Cape Town was perfect - we could explore the V&A Waterfront, take the cable car up Table Mountain, and still have time to relax before beginning our Safari adventure."

10 Best Safari Tours & Trips from Cape Town

10 best Safari tour packages from Cape Town

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Safari
2 Days Best Ever Kruger National Park Safari from Cape Town
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"This 2-day Kruger safari delivered a true African wildlife experience in a short time."
Ruth, traveled in November
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
From
US$1,190per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
1-Day Cape Town Big Five Adventure with All Meals
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Cape Town, Worcester
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
From
US$362per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3 Day Big Five & Cheetah Run Safari – Inverdoorn
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
From
US$1,313per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Best of South Africa
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $2,899
US$2,319per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Luxury African Safari - Honeymoon Tour Package
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek,Gansbaai,Hermanus,Betty's Bay,Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Kruger National Park,Johannesburg+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
20% Off
From
US$14,078per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
13-Days: Cape Town, Kruger Park. Victoria Falls & Botswana Tour.
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Mpumalanga, Okavango Delta
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Moremi Game ReserveOkavango+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
20% Off
From
US$13,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
4-Day Safari & Scenic Tour – Cape Town to Garden Route
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve, Hout Bay,Stellenbosch+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
20% Off
From
US$2,163per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
4 day Kruger Safari from Cape Town
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
20% Off
From
US$1,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
12-Days: Cape Town, Joburg, Kruger & Panorama Route Tour.
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Mpumalanga, Johannesburg
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
20% Off
From
US$9,561per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Icons of Southern Africa (End With Victoria Falls, Intra Tour Air Tax Victoria Falls To Johannesburg)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Mabula, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Victoria Falls
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $2,821
US$2,539per person
+$974 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
4.7 (81 traveler reviews)
"The tent camping at Buffelsdrift game reserve was top notch. If I could give 10 stars I would."
Scott, traveled in February
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c
10% Off
From
US$310per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
3 Days Best Ever Kruger National Park Safari from Cape Town
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"They provided timely, comprehensive and caring service at all steps."
Wanda, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
10% Off
From
US$1,338per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Southern Africa Safari Adventure
Duration
11 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana Zambia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Tours of Distinction
4% Off
From $5,199
US$4,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Combo
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Hout Bay, Oudtshoorn,Addo Elephant National Park,Jeffreys Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Wilderness National Park,Sedgefield+6 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c
4% Off
From
US$1,376per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Affordable South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana - 11 Days Unforgettable Expeditions
Duration
11 days
Destinations
South Africa Zimbabwe Botswana
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Professional Safari Africa
4% Off
From
US$13,500per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari Tours from Cape Town

10 best Safari tour packages from Cape Town