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
Stacy • traveled in April
I had such an amazing experience seeing the animals. The tour was very well organized. I received plenty of communication before the tour. The tour operator for the game drives was one of the best I've had in Africa. I felt safe and well taken care of. The hotel was nice, especially the dinner. The staff at the hotel were very friendly, but the rooms could use some upgrades. It was clean, though. My only complaint is with the Safarilink transfer from Johannesburg. The van is very small and cramped for a 5 hour drive, and they really pack it. As if that wasn't uncomfortable enough, people were vaping throughout the ride making it very difficult for me to breathe. I decided to mention it to the driver on my return in hopes the ride home would be better, but when I told him about it, he seemed instantly irritated and uninterested in addressing the issue. I went to the van to see if I could get a better seat to find it reeked of vape from the drive up that morning. When I asked the driver if he could air out the van before we leave, he brushed me off again and said he would deal with it later. Having asthma and other allergic reactions to it, I took it upon myself to air out the van myself. I sat in the front and upon him entering the drivers seat, I finally noticed that he was the one who reeked of vape and continued to reek of it after every stop we made, so I see why he was protecting the people who were causing the problem, which could have also been him, rather than the person being affected by it. When I told him someone was vaping in the van later on in the drive, instead of addressing it, he said, "no one is vaping." What kind of idiots do these people think we are? We can smell it, and with me, it affects my breathing, and my ears pop very painfully. I would highly suggest you find another transfer company or require Safarilink drivers to assure the safety of the riders by making sure vaping is not happening. The driver was very concerned about people's comfort when it came to air conditioning, but when it came to someone breaking the law and causing someone health problems, he was totally apathetic and even a bit hostile. I gave this four starts because without the Safarilink experience, it would have been 5.
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari - D
Darren • traveled in November, 2024
Everything with booking and with Endless Summer tours went great. The tour was excellent!
9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
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
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- 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 Safari from Kruger Mpumalanga Int. Airport (KMI/MQP) and Panorama Route
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 5-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
- South Africa: The Garden Route
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The animal experience was very up close in the natural environment. The tent experience was very high end and my ideal of camping.”
Myriam, traveled in December
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
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was great. We saw 4 of the big 5 and the guides were brilliant.”
Jeffreys, traveled in October
Safaris through Kruger's central region depart from Hazyview base near Phabeni Gate. Big Five tracking yields 80% spotting success rate, while comfortable lodge accommodation and authentic African dining enhance the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 589 mi Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$734
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
- US$1,376
Duration 7 days Destinations Sabie, Graskop, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park, Mjejane River Lodge Age Range Ages 12+ National Park Kruger National Park Physical Rating Easy Distance 195 mi Operator Dawn to Dusk From
- US$2,397
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
- US$2,850
Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well planned and we got to see so many animals every day. Busy days but well worth it to see the animals at Kruger National Park.”
Shawna, 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 Safari from Kruger Mpumalanga Int. Airport (KMI/MQP) and Panorama Route
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation at Hazyview was of a high standard. Safaris and panorama tour was excellent.”
Paul, traveled in August
Open vehicle safaris roam Kruger's prime wildlife areas, seeking Big Five encounters. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize viewing opportunities, with traditional boma dinners completing the authentic safari experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations Mbombela, Skukuza, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome National Park Kruger National Park Physical Rating Easy Distance 287 mi Operator Amatungulu Tour From
7% Off- US$1,890
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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