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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Lynton • traveled in May, 2025
This is a budget tour.Rooms are basic clean and adequate. Meals are plain but served by happy friendly staff. Game drives are long aneans a cold dak d e park mtiring There is no reabreak to rest as the lodge is t9o far from Kruger Park to return for lunch. To get to the park is a long cold xrive though warm c
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour - L
Lauren • traveled in March
Our driver KT was amazing. His exceptional knowledge on culture, demography and even botany took away the monotony of the endless miles from Capetown. He looked after us from the beginning of the tour right until the moment we said our goodbyes. I rate him 5*The walk with the elephants 5* The safari5*. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this tour?
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town - G
Guenter • traveled in June
Best time ever. All staff was top quality. PARTICULARY Jaques ,the guide had an enormous knowledge of all wildlife and also plants. Thank you
5-Day Simbavati George Camp,(Greater Kruger) All-Inclusive
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10 best South African safari packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 5-Day Simbavati George Camp,(Greater Kruger) All-Inclusive
- Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
- 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
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Combo
- 9 Day Incredible South African Safari and Drakensberg Adventure
- 4 Day | Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Tour
- Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really enjoyed the entire experience.”
Sarah, traveled in September
FGASA guides lead wildlife tracking in Kruger's Skukuza region, with 80% Big 5 sighting success. Lodging near Phabeni Gate provides easy access to dawn and dusk game drives, plus full-day exploration of the Panorama Route's natural wonders.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Graskop Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 613 mi Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$962
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
81 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 Cape Town, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 436 mi Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$310
5-Day Simbavati George Camp,(Greater Kruger) All-Inclusive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All staff was top quality. PARTICULARY Jaques ,the guide had an enormous knowledge of all wildlife and also plants.”
Guenter, traveled in June
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger offers exceptional wildlife viewing. Dawn and dusk drives from Simbavati George Camp showcase rare white lions and Big Five. Gourmet meals, luxury accommodation, and expert guides enhance the experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome National Park Kruger National Park Physical Rating Moderate Distance 539 mi Operator Professional Safari Africa From
- US$5,400
Kruger National Park 2 Days BIG 5 Safari
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing two-day experience! We saw so much wildlife, including all of the Big 5.”
Gracie, traveled in March
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
- US$535
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
- US$1,890
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good lodge and staff. Could have one more drive in the morning of the last day.”
Nicolas, traveled in January
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, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 608 mi Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$780
An early morning game drive in a 4x4 vehicle takes you through Addo Elephant National Park, a malaria-free sanctuary in the Sundays River Valley. You'll spot Big Five wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and lions. The Cape of Good Hope sits at Africa's southwestern tip where two oceans meet. Nearby, African penguins waddle along Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Walk through the Cango Caves' limestone chambers in Oudtshoorn, where stalactites and ancient Khoikhoi paintings fill the underground spaces.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 895 mi Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$1,376
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, Kruger National Park, St Lucia, Durban, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 1051 mi Operator Endless Summer Tours From
- US$2,850
Professional guides lead premium wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize Big 5 sighting opportunities, with visits to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome National Park Kruger National Park Physical Rating Easy Distance 541 mi Operator Timeline Travel DMC From
- US$780
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, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 556 mi Operator Expat Explore Travel From
- US$915
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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