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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Jugejit • traveled in April, 2026
It really good and worth as amount of money I paid. The start or host was nice guy.
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town - S
Sarah • traveled in July, 2025
Loved every moment of this tour ! Kruger was absolutely amazing !! Loved where we stayed ! Food was really good
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour - S
Shawna • traveled in September
Excellent trip. Well planned and we got to see so many animals every day. Matthew was an excellent guide and kept things organized and moving. Busy days but well worth it to see the animals at Kruger National Park.
Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
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
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 7-Day Kruger: North to South Expedition
- 9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
- Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
- Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- Kruger National Park Safari from Kruger Mpumalanga Int. Airport (KMI/MQP) and Panorama Route
- 5-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 From
- US$310
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Kruger was absolutely amazing!! Loved where we stayed.”
Sarah, traveled in May
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
- US$780
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 Mbombela, Sabie, Graskop, Hoedspruit, Musina, Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa, Skukuza, Mjejane River Lodge Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 521 mi Operator Dawn to Dusk From $2,397
15% Off- US$2,037You save $360
9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 9-day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure was perfect for our family.”
Karri, traveled in June
Five national parks showcase South Africa's diverse wildlife. The Big 5 roam Kruger, rare rhinos inhabit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and iSimangaliso's varied ecosystems thrive. Park bungalows provide immediate wildlife access and traditional braais under African stars.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, St Lucia, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Durban, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 1157 mi Operator Endless Summer Tours From
15% Off- US$2,850
Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip.”
Karen, traveled in September
The Kruger National Park Region unfolds over four days of intensive safari activities, with multiple game drive options. Big 5 tracking with expert rangers reveals prime wildlife viewing areas, while comfortable lodges serve traditional South African cuisine.
Duration 6 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Soweto Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 557 mi Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,010
7% Off- US$935You save $75
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This 2-day Kruger safari was an unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to see several of the Big 5.”
Andre, traveled in October
Game drives at dawn and dusk in Kruger National Park maximize chances for Big Five sightings. Evening waterhole visits and morning predator tracking offer diverse wildlife encounters. Tembo Guest Lodge in Hazyview serves as your comfortable base.
Duration 2 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 564 mi Operator Africa Moja Tours And Safaris From
7% Off- US$535
Table Mountain's cable car ascends above Cape Town, while safari drives through Addo Elephant National Park bring you close to the Big Five. The Cape of Good Hope marks Africa's southwestern point, and Boulders Beach hosts an African penguin colony you can walk among. Cango Caves' limestone chambers stretch underground, Chapman's Peak's 114 curves wind along Atlantic cliffs, and Jeffreys Bay's surf beaches draw wave riders worldwide.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 963 mi Operator Hotspots2c From $1,420
3% Off- US$1,377You save $43
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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