South Africa Wildlife Safari Tours
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10 best South Africa wildlife tour packages
Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Geluxe: South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards
- 3-day Durban, Culture and Wildlife (Accommodated)
- 4-day Kruger Wildlife Adventure (Accommodated)
- Sanbona Wildlife Safari & Garden Route 5Days/4Nights
- 2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- Cape Town, Kruger, & Victoria Falls Wildlife Safari
- Cape Town & the Garden Route
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Rangers teach tracking skills at Pridelands Conservancy, watching elephants and buffalo at dawn. Walking safaris and nighttime game drives in Kruger National Park reveal wildlife behavior through knowledgeable guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $6,599
25% Off- US$4,949You save $1,649
3-day Durban, Culture and Wildlife (Accommodated)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The St Lucia boat tour was a disappointment being mid day when too bright and animals not active and estuary is 'dead' on one side.”
Derek, traveled in May
Dawn and afternoon game drives in Hluhluwe Reserve reveal the Big 5. Hippo pods surface during St Lucia estuary cruises, while palm nut vultures soar above Mtunzini. Professional guides maintain perfect 5/5 wildlife expertise ratings.
Duration 3 days Destinations Durban, St Lucia, Hluhluwe Age Range up to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From
25% Off- US$910
Kruger National Park houses 148 mammal species and 505 bird varieties. Dawn and dusk game drives seek the Big Five, while riverside camps offer optional night safaris.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range up to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From
25% Off- US$1,310
Big Five roam freely at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, while Southern Right whales breach in Hermanus Bay and African penguins waddle at Stony Point. Rangers guide visitors through 58,000 hectares of wilderness with unique boat safaris.
Duration 5 days Destinations Durban, Oudtshoorn, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
25% Off- US$3,857
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 7 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- US$285
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, Kruger National Park Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Discover Corps From
25% Off- US$4,395
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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 up to 89 year olds Operator Amatungulu Tour From
25% Off- US$150
Duration 12 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
25% Off- US$3,299
Cape Town & the Garden Route
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I would recommend it as a good overview of South Africa. I loved the Addo Elephant park, the Birds of Prey at Nature's Valley near Plettenberg Bay, Kirstenbosch Gardens, the penguins at Boulders Bay and of course Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.”
Margaret, traveled in April
Addo Elephant National Park shelters 550 elephants, lions and rhinos. Southern right whales breach near Hermanus' cliffs (June-November) while African penguins waddle at Boulders Beach. Cape Point Nature Reserve teems with diverse wildlife.
Duration 12 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Hermanus, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay, Cape TownSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,692
11% Off- US$2,395You save $297
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“做越野車探險很過癮!”
Ching, traveled in July
Big 5 thrive at malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Rangers track white rhino, lion, elephant, and numerous antelope species during open 4x4 drives. Bush walks provide intimate wildlife encounters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From $345
4% Off- US$331You save $13
What people love about Wildlife Tours in South Africa
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
I loved my tour with Hotspots. We had a smaller group, 4 people, but they still ran the tour and it was awesome. I know the groups they usually get are larger. I was travelling alone so it was a great way to meet people, plus our guide (Andrew) was such a cool, informative and fun guy to be around. I've done quite a few tours around the world and Hotspots2c have their tours nailed down to a tee. The transport is super comfy and safe. The accommodation choices were unique, clean and social - exactly what you wanted. We did so much on the 3 days from bungy jumping, walking with lion cubs, getting hugged by elephants, seeing the big 5 on safari, kayaking, swimming and so much more. I really liked the variation of activities so there was something for everyone. The trip was also very reasonably priced considering your probably travelling with one of the best tour operators in the country. Highly recommend these guys and Andrew is the best guide you could ask for! Can't wait to come back...thinking of the wine tasting tours!
- Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
Paul was very friendly and professional. He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window.
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Everything was perfect.
What our customers ask about South Africa 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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