Best South Africa Safari Tours
Ever thought about watching lions move through Kruger National Park or elephants gathering at dusk? Take a safari through South Africa's wild heart, from Kruger's Big Five to the Panorama Route's stunning views, Blyde River Canyon to the Garden Route's coastline. Feel Africa's raw beauty close up. The wild is calling.
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This was an excellent tour with value for money. Our guide, Denver was very informative and caring and inclusive of all in the tour group. A wonderful ambassador for his company and his country.
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape TownOur rating of the 5 day Cape Scenic Safari tour is 4.5. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable tour guide, and an excellent driver. The accommodation was very good, and the lunch stops were perfect. We were able to 'tick our boxes' and see all of the highlights of the Garden Route, Route 62, and Oudtshoorn areas. We also enjoyed the wine tasting. It's important to note that the drive is long......approximately 1400 kms. Thank you Paul.
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 DaysExcellent guide, itinerary and bus.
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic
Our traveler's Moments
10 best South African safari packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 7-Day Kruger: North to South Expedition
- Big Five and The Mighty Falls: South Africa & Zimbabwe
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic
- 5-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 3-Day Safari and Wine Tour – Cape Town
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Kruger Safari & The Panorama Route
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
“Great trip, well worth it. Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days.”
Bal29, traveled in November
The wildlife-rich reserves of Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift offer two distinct safari environments. Track Big Five animals in open 4x4 vehicles, join ranger-led bush walks, and watch rescued elephants in their natural habitat. The varied landscapes span from plains to mountain terrain, home to diverse wildlife.
Duration 2 days Destinations Oudtshoorn, Cape Town Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 654 mi Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
- US$355
7-Day Kruger: North to South Expedition
“We saw leopard, eagles, wildebesst, zebra, buffalo, bucks, giraffe and hippo.”
Open vehicle safaris cross central Kruger's Big Cat country from Olifants to Crocodile Bridge, tracking lion, leopard, and cheetah with expert guides. A 2-hour bush walk at Mjejane teaches animal tracking and medicinal plant uses, while late-night drives reveal nocturnal hunters. Remote Pafuri's fever tree forests shelter elephant herds along the rivers, with wildlife throughout Shingwedzi to Skukuza areas.
Duration 7 days Destinations Sabie, Graskop, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park, Mjejane River Lodge Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 195 mi Operator Dawn to Dusk From
- US$2,397
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Seal Island, Chapman's Peak Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 2228 mi Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,699
13% off- US$4,088
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Buffelsdrif, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Seal IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 921 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
13% off- US$1,195
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic
“The animal interactions were even more exciting than anticipated. The accommodations and food were excellent.”
Kim, traveled in July
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Johannesburg, Soweto, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1429 mi Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $4,599
25% off- US$3,449
Luxury Forest Rooms serve as your base for tracking wildlife in Kruger's Skukuza region, with an 80% Big 5 sighting success rate. Open 4x4s transport you through the wilderness, while visits to the dramatic Blyde River Canyon and God's Window complete the adventure.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mbombela, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 970 mi Operator The Mzansi Experience From
25% off- US$1,254
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
“The lodge was beautiful, the room/hut was just lovely and so big, the bed so comfy, the bathroom lovely.”
Kassy, traveled in August
FGASA guides boast 80% Big 5 sighting success across Kruger's 2-million hectare wilderness. Open 4x4s provide elevated viewing in Skukuza area, with bush breakfasts at prime wildlife locations.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Graskop, Pilgrimsrest Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1004 mi Operator The Mzansi Experience From
25% off- US$957
What our customers ask about Best South Africa Safari Tours
How long should I plan for a safari tour in South Africa to see the main highlights?
Most travelers need 4-5 days to experience South Africa's key safari destinations. The 5-Day Kruger National Park tour includes 3 days of game drives and exploration of the Panorama Route. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Five days were very ideal for this package including the transfer from Johannesburg. We loved the safaris and saw the Big 5!" For those seeking a broader wildlife experience 9-day tours through Endless Summer's South African Safari cover multiple parks like Kruger Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and iSimangaliso Wetlands.
What are the best times of year for a South Africa safari to maximize wildlife viewing?
The dry winter months from May to September offer prime wildlife viewing conditions especially in Kruger National Park. Animals concentrate around water sources during this period when thinned vegetation makes them easier to spot. A TourRadar traveler notes: "We got to see so many animals every day thanks to the perfect timing." Endless Summer Tours guides report consistent Big 5 sightings during winter safaris at Kruger National Park where guests stay at properties like Braai Safari Lodge.
What types of accommodation options are available on South African safaris?
South African safari lodgings range from upscale lodges to authentic tented camps. Braai Safari Lodge near Kruger offers 4-star rooms with air conditioning and private decks while more rustic options include tented accommodations in Marloth Park along the Crocodile River. A TourRadar guest reports: "The lodge was nice with pretty decent food and the staff amazingly friendly. So lucky to have had a private jeep to ourselves." Standard amenities at most properties include private bathrooms dining facilities and wildlife viewing areas.
What's the typical day like on a South African safari?
Safari days begin around 5:30 AM with morning game drives accompanied by coffee tea and rusks. Guests return for breakfast near 9 AM followed by free time at the lodge for swimming or wildlife watching from observation decks. Afternoon drives start around 3:30 PM concluding with drinks in the bush. A TourRadar participant shares: "Wake up bright and early for the morning drive then enjoyed relaxing at the lodge pool during midday before another exciting evening safari - it was the perfect balance."
How much does a South African safari typically cost?
Daily rates for South African safaris run between USD 185-563 based on accommodations and activities. A basic 3-day Kruger experience starts at USD 555 while premium 5-day packages can reach USD 2814. Most tours cover lodging meals game drives and park entrance fees. According to a TourRadar guest: "The price was very reasonable for all that was included - accommodation three meals daily and multiple game drives with expert guides."
Are children allowed on South African safaris?
South African safari operators generally welcome families though age policies differ. Standard lodges accept children ages 6-12 while select properties like Braai Safari Lodge accommodate children as young as 2. A TourRadar family reports: "Rhys was great with my two kids aged 11 and 12. Great knowledge about animal behaviour and made the experience fun and educational for them."
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