South Africa Nature & Wildlife Safari Tours
What if you drove through KwaDukuza's sugar cane fields, joined a boat cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, then enjoyed an afternoon safari? Durban's culture and wildlife combination is brilliant. Experience tribal dancing in a Zulu village, and spot birds of prey in Mtunzini. Durban shows you KwaZulu-Natal's Zulu heritage and private game reserves without the massive crowds you'd find at Kruger.
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Very good tour - lots of driving but you can see the country and its people (Zimbabwe-side) and nice landscape (South Africa-side). The Matopos park in Zimbabwe is just amazing with the local guides - THE highlight of the tour!
Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National ParksA great tour with lots of variety. A lot of travelling, but if you want to see lots in a short period of time this can’t be avoided. Our guide was kind, highly considerate and knowledgeable. Accomodation was really good and comfortable.
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 DaysThis 5-day tour with Matadi Africa was breathtaking! Whale watching was magical, and the Cape Peninsula drive with paragliding made every day exciting. Wine tasting and the Aquila Safari offered amazing wildlife encounters. The trip was perfectly organized with a friendly guide.
South Africa Cape Town 5-Days Attraction Tours: Whale Watching & Cape Peninsula & Wine Tasting & Aquila safari & Paraglading Tour
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10 best South Africa wildlife tour packages
Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- South Africa - Wildlife Conservation Experience
- South Africa: Safari, Scenic Views & Wildlife – 7-Day Journey
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 2 Day Garden Route Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- Cape Town, Kruger, & Victoria Falls Wildlife Safari
- Wildlife, Culture & Mountains of Southern Africa
- Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks
- South Africa Cape Town 5-Days Attraction Tours: Whale Watching & Cape Peninsula & Wine Tasting & Aquila safari & Paraglading Tour
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
Wildlife conservation comes alive at Greater Kruger Park. Monitor leopards with Ingwe Research Project, assist anti-poaching K-9 units, and visit Moholoholo rehabilitation center. Daily game drives showcase 147 large mammal species.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Discover Corps From
- US$4,395
Track the Big 5—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino—during open-vehicle game drives through Kruger National Park, leaving from White River and Hoedspruit. Stop by Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to see conservation work with cheetah, wild dog and rhino up close.
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Soweto, Sandton, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Graskop, Hoedspruit, Dullstroom Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Highline Tours & Travel From
- US$3,080
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
“The vehicle was very comfortable, and we saw three out of five of the big fives. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Bruno, traveled in March
Big Five thrive in Pilanesberg's malaria-free reserve, roaming 580 km of bushveld. Over 300 bird species nest near specialized hides. Rangers track animals through diverse volcanic terrain.
Duration 1 day Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tours From
- US$140
Morning safaris track the Big 5 at private South African reserves. Close encounters await at Indalu sanctuary's elephant bush walk, while Cango Wildlife Ranch houses endangered species. Rangers ensure optimal wildlife viewing.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Cape Xtreme From
- US$315
Duration 12 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,499
20% off- US$2,799
Track the Big 5 across Kruger National Park with a full-day open-vehicle safari and do game drives through Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, home to Africa's largest white rhino population. Hippos and Nile crocodiles appear during an afternoon boat cruise along St Lucia Estuary.
Duration 11 days Destinations Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Mpumalanga, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, St LuciaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Highline Tours & Travel From
20% off- US$3,945
Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks
“The Matopos park in Zimbabwe is just amazing with the local guides - THE highlight of the tour!”
Mathieu, traveled in January
Premier wildlife viewing spans from Kruger's Big Five territory to Matobo's rhino sanctuaries. Full-day game drives complement visits to Hippo Pool and Red Rocks, while on-foot tracking reveals conservation efforts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,099
20% off- US$879
What our customers ask about South Africa Nature & Wildlife Safari Tours
When is the best time to go on a Wildlife tour in South Africa?
South Africa's wildlife viewing peaks during the dry winter months from May to September. During this period national parks like Kruger and Addo Elephant offer clear visibility as animals gather near water sources. The weather stays mild and vegetation thins out making it easier to spot wildlife. For those interested in birds the summer months from November to February bring migrating species and greener landscapes. A recent TourRadar visitor noted "The game drives in Addo were amazing we saw so many elephants lions and other wildlife."
What types of accommodation is available on Wildlife tours in South Africa?
South African safari accommodations span from basic camping to high-end lodges. Places like Buffelsdrift Game Lodge feature waterhole-facing luxury tents while Hlangana Lodge provides 4-star rooms with modern amenities. Addo area stays include options at Addo Wildlife Lodge and the family-run Gerald's Gift Guesthouse. A TourRadar guest commented: "The accommodation ranged from very good to excellent especially at Addo where we had stunning views of the wildlife from our lodge."
What wildlife can I expect to see on a South African safari tour?
South African safaris regularly encounter the Big 5 (lion leopard elephant rhino and buffalo) alongside zebras giraffes and various antelope species. Addo Elephant National Park houses around 600 elephants plus numerous other animals. One TourRadar visitor reported: "We were extremely fortunate to experience South Africa's Kruger Park's Big 5 along with other wildlife including antelopes baboons crocs giraffes hippos hyenas impalas monkeys zebras and a variety of birds."
What's included in the meal plan during Wildlife tours?
Most tours cover daily breakfast with some extending to full board. Luxury spots like Buffelsdrift often serve traditional South African dinners. The 5-day Garden Route tour provides 4 breakfasts while longer trips like the 11-day Kruger tour include 10 breakfasts 7 lunches and 8 dinners. A guest shared: "The food at the game lodges was excellent especially the traditional braai (barbecue) dinners under the stars at Buffelsdrift Lodge."
How many days should I plan for a Wildlife tour in South Africa?
For a solid wildlife experience plan at least 4-5 days. Popular choices include the 5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari or extended 10-day tours combining Kruger and Addo Elephant National Park experiences. A recent visitor shared: "5 days were very ideal for this package including the transfer from Johannesburg. We loved the safaris Michael and Lucky really knew where to go."
What's the difference between private game reserves and national parks?
Private reserves like Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift provide intimate wildlife encounters with controlled vehicle numbers. National parks such as Kruger and Addo offer expansive natural territories where animals roam freely. A TourRadar guest observed: "At private reserves we could get quite close to the animals and even do walking safaris while Addo National Park offered amazing opportunities to see large herds in their natural environment. Both experiences were unique and worthwhile."
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