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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Troy • traveled in July, 2025
We had a travel package arranged by the team. Superb hotels from Cape Town to Kruger , with flights included.
Cape to Kruger: Wine, Wonders & Wildlife Fly-In Safari – 10 Days - S
Samuel • traveled in February, 2026
Everything went smoothly on this trip. All the landmarks and activities met expectations. My favourite part was seeing all the animals at Botlierskop Game Reserve BEFORE visiting the Addo Safari, so I didn't have to feel like I was "missing out" given the density of animals at Addo was lower. The overnight stay at Addo Wildlife Ranch was my favourite accommodation of the whole trip! One area of improvement could be the safari ride at Addo. It would have been better to tour the area in an open-air truck/jeep instead of our usual transport van. But I understand logistical and cost constraints.
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package - R
Rosemary • traveled in February, 2026
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 Town
Our traveler's Moments
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
- South Africa & Eswatini
- Best of South Africa
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 3 day Kruger Safari Bush Escape
- Best of South Africa
- South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
- Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days
10 best South African safari packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Cape to Kruger: Wine, Wonders & Wildlife Fly-In Safari – 10 Days
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 7-Day Kruger: North to South Expedition
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Montagu, Barrydale, CalitzdorpSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1615 mi Operator T.S TOURS From
- US$4,400
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
39 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a very Diverse itinerary, the hotels and restaurants are of high quality and we tried lots of new food.”
Joshua, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 1125 mi Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$1,210
2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip provided interesting information related to the history, climate, areas, animals, and culture of South Africa.”
Gabriela, traveled in September
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 Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a very nice tour!”
milan, traveled in December
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 516 mi Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$403
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 470 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,190
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 $2,397
20% Off- US$1,918You save $479
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The safari guides were outstanding. The itinerary included the important points of interest.”
Lorna, traveled in April
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1328 mi Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $4,599
25% Off- US$3,449You save $1,150
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."