South Africa Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best South Africa tour packages
- What people love about South Africa Tours
- Most popular destinations in South Africa
- Travel South Africa your way
- Top operators in South Africa
- Best places to start your South Africa tour
- Discover South Africa tours for every budget
- South Africa tours for every group
- Top South Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit South Africa
- South Africa travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our South Africa travel experts
The best South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
Kruger in Depth
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw the big five and much more. Accommodations were very nice and the food was good.”
Richard, traveled in September 2024
An 8-day safari immerses you in Kruger National Park with full-day drives seeking the Big Five. Comfortable lodges serve as base camps, featuring traditional South African braai dinners. Visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden and alternate between guided walks and 4x4 safaris with expert local guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $1,699
17% Off- US$1,410You save $288
The Big 5 in South Africa
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything is fantastical and well planned. Itinerary is good. Rest all is simply perfect.”
Pravin, traveled in August 2024
South Africa unfolds through game drives at Mabula Game Lodge, wine sips aboard Franschhoek's vintage tram, and Cape Point's rugged coastline. Luxuriate in 4-star hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town, plus a traditional French chateau in Franschhoek, with daily breakfast included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 89 year olds Operated in English Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,534
10% Off- US$3,181You save $353
5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
169 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself took us to some wonderful places. All the accommodation was very good and the activities were well chosen.”
David, traveled in February 2024
South Africa's landscapes range from Route 62's wine country to Addo Elephant Park's wildlife sanctuaries. Distinctive stays at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and Hlangana Lodge complement adventures through Cango Caves and sunset views at Knysna Heads.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Hotspots2c From
10% Off- US$645
Predator encounters and Zulu traditions at Lesedi Village kick off your Johannesburg stay. Kruger National Park offers Big 5 game drives before flying to Cape Town for Table Mountain panoramas, Boulders Beach penguins, and Constantia wine tasting. 4-star lodges host you throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,047
10% Off- US$2,743You save $304
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
33 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 2024
South African adventures blend wine tasting at Route 62, wildlife viewing at Addo Elephant Park, and coastal thrills in Jeffrey's Bay. Rest at boutique guesthouses and 4-star properties like Hlangana Lodge. Cango Caves exploration and ostrich farm visits round out Oudtshoorn's offerings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Hotspots2c From
10% Off- US$1,030
What people love about South Africa Tours
- Kruger in Depth
The tour, operated by G Adventures, completed surpassed expectations by our party of three, with our total tour group minus the guide and driver numbering eleven. Transportation, accommodations, and meals were all above expectations. The guide "Hardy", and driver "Bennet" deserve special acknowledgement for an outstanding job with timely information, excellent communication skills, and knowledge that well exceeded any reasonable expectations. The tour involves a lot of travel due to the sheer size of the area being covered and is probably noy the best choice for a "downtime" or just relaxing trip. The ages in our party were 26, 58, and 63 and the tour was an excellent choice for us. Plan on meeting for breakfast around 5:30 am and dinner around 6:30 pm we a whole lot of experiences between the two. We combined this tour on our first week in South Africa with two down days in Jo-burg, and then a week of plains game hunting the following week. We are all a bit worn down but with memories, photos, and experiences that will last a lifetime.
- Kruger in Depth
Fantastic itinerary, great guide and met some amazing people
- Kruger in Depth
Successful safari in Kruger national park , great itinerary, driver , ceo, guides and accommodations . Only let down was the commuter bus for long dayys of travel , TOTALLY UNSUITABLE FOR 18 ADULTS, MORE SUITABLE TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ON A SHORT SCHOOL EXCURTION .
Most popular destinations in South Africa
The Garden Route shows off South Africa's finest coastal experiences, and you'll love watching southern right whales breach near the shore in Hermanus. The limestone caves at Oudtshoorn impress with their formations and ancient San rock art, while Route 62 takes you through mountain passes and wine country. Wildlife viewing really shines here - you can see African penguins at Stony Point Reserve and track elephants, lions and rhinos during game drives at Addo Elephant National Park. Our customers often tell us the traditional South African braai (barbecue) evenings turned out to be unexpected favorites, giving them a real taste of local culture. They particularly enjoy mixing wildlife spotting with forest hikes, where unique fynbos plants and diverse birds create a special natural experience. What makes the route special is how varied it is - you might spot dolphins in Plettenberg Bay in the morning and explore Knysna's historic waterfront that same afternoon.
See all Garden Route toursThe wildlife viewing at Kruger National Park delivers some of South Africa's most remarkable safari experiences. Our travelers get wonderfully close to the Big Five - you'll spot lions stretched out in tall grass, elephant families moving together across the plains, leopards resting in trees and rhinos grazing as the sun comes up. The park's mix of open savanna and thick woodland creates perfect conditions for different animals to thrive in their preferred habitats. Each season brings something special - winter's dry months draw animals to the waterholes, while summer paints the landscape green and welcomes baby animals plus migrating birds. The early morning game drives are particularly good, with predators active and soft light that photographers love. For the best animal sightings, plan your visit during the dry season from May through September when thinner vegetation and limited water sources make wildlife easier to spot.
See all Kruger National Park toursThe wildlife viewing in Limpopo's safaris consistently delivers those special Big Five moments - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and also buffalo, all in their natural setting. Our guides really shine here, combining deep bush knowledge with a warm approach that helps visitors understand animal behavior and track wildlife effectively. Some lucky travelers have even spotted rare black mambas during their trips. The lodges hit the right notes with quality food and rooms that fit naturally into the wilderness - nothing feels out of place. The early morning and late afternoon drives tend to be when you'll see the most action, and the light at these times makes for excellent photos. For bird lovers, there are over 500 species throughout the year, though you'll see the most variety during the wet season from November through March.
See all Limpopo toursTable Mountain dominates the skyline of Cape Town, making a hike, bus ride, or cable car to the top a must-do when visiting. Explore Bo-Kaap, Cape Town’s vibrant neighborhood known for its colorful houses, and go on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park.
See all Table Mountain tours
More exciting destinations:
Travel South Africa your way
Venture through Kruger National Park, spotting the legendary Big Five. Enjoy striking sunsets in the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, witness the unique flora in the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and experience birdwatching in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.
See all Safari toursSouth Africa's active tours pack quite a punch, especially when it comes to getting up close with wildlife. You can spend 2-3 hours face-to-face with great whites during cage diving sessions in Gansbaai - it's actually one of our most booked experiences. The game drives at Aquila Safari Reserve let you track the Big Five in open 4x4s, and when conditions are right, you can walk right alongside giraffes. The variety keeps things interesting: imagine swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach in the morning, taking on the 114 bends of Chapman's Peak Drive and finally winding down at a wine estate. Our guide Zaahid gets constant praise from travelers for his local knowledge and ability to adapt tours on the fly. The mix of city and wild is spot on - one day you're soaring above Cape Town in a helicopter, and the next you're hand-feeding elephants at a sanctuary.
See all Active toursTake in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of South Africa. There are 13 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 18 days. The most popular month for these tours is April.
See all Coach / Bus toursOur most complete South African tours link Johannesburg's urban energy with close-up wildlife viewing at Mabula Game Reserve. The Big Five tracking happens on multiple daily game drives before heading to Knysna where sandstone meets the Indian Ocean. Our guests really connect with how the tour mixes nature and culture - you'll explore the Cango Caves, meet the ostriches of Oudtshoorn and ride through historic vineyards on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Popular explorer routes take you to walk with penguins at Boulders Beach and soak in ocean views from Cape Point. While our travelers love how well these circuits flow, some suggest tweaking overnight stops to cut down on driving time.
See all Explorer tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in South Africa
Looking at Garden Route tour operators, HotSpots2C and Earthstompers come out as clear favorites among our travelers. HotSpots2C gets loads of positive feedback for running really organized trips along the route, and their guides Zaahid and Maudi keep coming up in reviews for being both knowledgeable and genuinely friendly with groups. They've got the logistics down while keeping things personal. Earthstompers is right up there too, especially when it comes to combining Garden Route scenery with Addo wildlife experiences. Their guides Ferne and Christine seem to have a knack for reading their groups well - they'll adjust the pace and focus based on what interests people most, whether that's photography, wildlife or local culture. Plus they really know their stuff about the areas they cover and share that knowledge in an engaging way. What's nice about both companies is how they've managed to nail that sweet spot between being super professional with the planning and scheduling, while still keeping tours relaxed and sociable. It's something our travelers consistently point out in their feedback.
- 5.0 (22,794 South Africa reviews)
"What a great trip and great tour
- Tours
- 14 South Africa tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Overland Truck
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $467
- 4.5 (30 South Africa reviews)
"Just returned after the " the big 5 in South Africa" tour. Well organized and good itinerary. The support was excellent when needed .Thanks to Penny, Rose, Amanda for the excellent arrangements, professional support and daily updates which helped us to enjoy the tour. The guide and driver Abdella was very professional and made the 1000 km drive comfortable and safe.The vehicle provided was comfortable. The hotels were good, clean and comfortable . Suggest the second night stay at Knysna can be changed to Oudtshoorn or George to avoid 2hour drive. Definitely recommand this tour. Antony Thoppil
- Tours
- 2 South Africa tours
- Age range
- 2 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $515
- 4.5 (510 South Africa reviews)
"I highly recommend this tour for everyone who likes to get the highlights of SA. Very well organized, great accommodations, full of activities and of course great food options. Grateful to the TourRadar, which always has options for travelers like me (preferred dates and great tour operators) and make things easy and flexible, makes me safe and comfortable. Grateful to our tour guide Mr. Denver for his continued service, from safe driving, sharing SA history and culture, taking care of guests needs. Thank you!
- Tours
- 7 South Africa tours
- Age range
- 12 to 100 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 19h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $301
Best places to start your South Africa tour
Cape Town makes sense as your first stop - 50 of our travelers chose it as their starting point last year. Johannesburg comes in second with 29 departures, while Port Elizabeth, Hermanus and also Durban offer different ways to begin your trip. Looking at our booking data, you'll want to lock in your plans about 110 days before traveling. This timing really helps, especially during busy seasons when spots fill up quickly. Winter months from June through August work particularly well for seeing wildlife, and our travelers find that mixing Cape Town's cultural side with safari experiences creates a solid trip. If you like having control over your schedule, self-drive tours along the Garden Route let you take your time and find those little spots that aren't in the guidebooks.
Discover South Africa tours for every budget
The 3-day Garden Route tour hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers, taking you through Cango Caves and into wildlife territory. You'll head out with local rangers tracking elephants and paddle through the peaceful lagoons of Wilderness National Park. Our guests tell us they really appreciate having choices - you can go all-in with activities like bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge or take it easy with forest walks in Tsitsikamma. The 5-day option gives you quality time at Addo Elephant Park where the Big Five sightings are reliable and frequent. These longer routes weave in wine tasting along Route 62 and also nights at laid-back backpacker lodges in historic Oudtshoorn.
Our 10-day luxury tours connect Johannesburg to Cape Point, starting with private game drives at Mabula Game Lodge where you'll track the Big Five in open vehicles. The elegant lodges overlook active waterholes, perfect for wildlife watching before your flight to the Garden Route region. Our guests particularly love the private Knysna lagoon cruises, exclusive tastings in Franschhoek's estates and also candle-lit dinners at historic Cape wineries. For a deeper safari experience, the 14-day option includes three full days in Kruger National Park, with elegant tented camps and evening drinks watching elephants gather at the lodge waterhole.
- South Africa budget tours
- South Africa luxury tours
South Africa tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
334 tours in South AfricaExplore South Africa on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
225 tours in South AfricaVisit South Africa with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
115 tours in South AfricaPrivate tours blend Cape Town's heritage with wildlife encounters and wine country at your own pace. You'll have a dedicated guide and vehicle while exploring the Cango Caves, meeting rescued elephants at Buffelsdrift and discovering marine life around Knysna. Our travelers often tell us how much they value the flexibility - they can spend extra time watching penguins at Boulder's Beach, linger over wine tastings in Constantia and also adjust the schedule as they go. Multi-day private tours can include whale watching in Hermanus, paragliding along Cape Town's coast and also food tours through local neighborhoods.
Top South Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in South Africa lets you properly combine Cape Town with Garden Route exploration and also safari time. Popular week-long routes kick off with Stellenbosch wine tasting before heading to Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms and remarkable cave networks. At Addo Elephant National Park, multiple game drives give you solid chances to spot the Big Five - our travelers often tell us about getting incredibly close to large elephant herds. The trip includes proper adventure at Tsitsikamma National Park where you're kayaking or crossing suspension bridges high above river gorges. Many routes add time in Knysna for lagoon cruises and include township visits to meet local families. Our guests really appreciate how these 7-day journeys mix scheduled activities with free time to explore independently.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe
See all toursTen-day South African circuits create a proper journey through the country's best bits, starting from either Johannesburg or Cape Town. You get quality time in Kruger National Park with multiple game drives at different times of day - this really maximizes your wildlife viewing chances. The Cape Winelands portion takes its time, letting you ride the historic Franschhoek Wine Tram between estates and chat with wine makers. Along the Garden Route, you'll combine marine safaris searching for whales and dolphins with land-based game viewing. Our travelers love the cultural elements too - like exploring Soweto by tuk-tuk and learning about penguin conservation at Boulders Beach. The pace works well, mixing organized activities with enough downtime to really take in South Africa's diverse landscapes.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Cape Town, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn
See all toursTwo weeks in South Africa gives you time to properly dive into the country's wildlife, landscapes and also culture. These full journeys typically start in Johannesburg with Soweto cultural tours before dedicating three full days to Kruger safari drives - this really ups your chances of spotting all the Big Five. The Garden Route section includes multiple nights in key spots like Knysna and Hermanus, where our travelers often spot whales from coastal paths between June and November. You'll have special experiences like meeting meerkats at dawn in the Karoo and learning about penguin conservation at Stony Point Nature Reserve. Our guests tell us they love how these longer trips let them properly explore Cape Town while keeping a comfortable pace throughout.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
See all toursDemographics
Our 5-day Garden Route tours work really well for solo travelers, with a nice mix of backpacker spots and guesthouses where people quickly make friends. You can do your own thing - maybe bungy jumping at Bloukrans Bridge or joining others for wine tasting along Route 62. Nothing brings the group together quite like spotting wildlife in Addo, and those evening braais under the stars tend to turn strangers into friends. The guides make sure everyone feels included, often setting up group dinners in places like Jeffrey's Bay and also Wilderness.
Couples love our luxury tented lodges near Addo, where private decks look out over elephant-visited waterholes. Many book tours mixing Cape Town's boutique wineries with quiet Garden Route beaches. The Tsitsikamma suspension bridges and Knysna lagoon sunset cruises make for perfect together moments. Our guests appreciate those free evenings to explore local restaurants, especially in food-focused spots like Franschhoek and also Oudtshoorn. Active pairs often share experiences like whale watching in Hermanus or zip-lining through Tsitsikamma's forest canopy.
The 5-day Garden Route tours attract young adults looking for action and good company. Backpacker accommodations create instant friendships, with many guests tackling the world's highest bridge bungy together. You'll find yourself surfing Jeffrey's Bay, kayaking the coast and zip-lining over waterfalls. Our travelers love how the tour balances planned activities with free time, letting groups connect over braais, beers and beach sunsets. Morning game drives in Addo add wild encounters that younger guests particularly enjoy, especially with lazy beach afternoons to follow.
Our 10-day tours suit seniors perfectly with their relaxed pace and comfortable lodgings in welcoming guesthouses, including two-night stays to avoid rushing. Guests particularly connect with the cultural elements - exploring Cape Dutch buildings in Franschhoek and learning wine-making processes in Constantia. The Big Five viewing in Mabula Game Reserve moves at an easy pace, while Chapman's Peak drives and penguin colony visits offer plenty of photo stops. Travelers often mention how much they value our guides' local history knowledge and their attention to different mobility needs when planning daily activities.
The Garden Route 6-day family tours really shine with those treehouse stays where kids wake up to birdsong. Parents tell us how well it mixes learning with pure fun - watching their little ones light up at elephant and lion sightings in Addo National Park while picking up conservation knowledge. Families love kayaking together near Knysna, often spotting dolphins and seals along the coast. The Cango Caves and ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn keep children busy with hands-on activities, while Wilderness National Park offers gentle canoe trips and easy walks to waterfalls. The penguin colonies at Boulders Beach turn into perfect family photo sessions that kids just can't get enough of.
- Solo Travelers384 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples180 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)26 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)138 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family295 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit South Africa
- Spring 2025
Spring brings just the right weather for both coastal and inland exploration. Our most-booked spring tours mix Cape Town's heritage sites with Garden Route outings - you'll paddle through Wilderness National Park's waterways rich with birdlife, cross suspension bridges in Tsitsikamma's forest canopy and also follow elephant tracks in Addo National Park. The botanical gardens show off their indigenous blooms, making it prime time for nature photography. Many guests book tours combining Mabula Game Reserve's wildlife experiences with relaxed time in Knysna, taking lagoon cruises to spot sea birds.
- 372 tours
- popular 374 tours
- 359 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer tours blend beach activities with cultural discoveries. Long daylight hours mean fuller schedules - morning wildlife drives at private reserves, afternoon wine sampling in historic cellars and also evening walks through Cape Town's lively streets. Our customers particularly like summer trips including Jeffrey's Bay where you can take surfing lessons, watch dolphins from the beach and also browse local artisan markets. Route 62 summer journeys include visits to small towns, fruit orchards and family wineries where cellar tours offer a cool escape from the heat.
- 362 tours
- 381 tours
- popular 390 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings cool and pleasant weather, perfect for wine tasting in Stellenbosch and road trips along the panoramic Mpumalanga route.
- 388 tours
- popular 391 tours
- 364 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours between June and August offer excellent wildlife viewing in South Africa. Taking multi-day safaris in Kruger National Park puts you right there with the Big Five during dry season when animals cluster near waterholes. Our clients really enjoy those early morning game drives before heading back to comfortable lodges for quality meals. The Garden Route works perfectly in winter too - you'll spot southern right whales from Hermanus cliffs, venture into the Cango Caves' limestone formations and also join rangers tracking rehabilitated elephants at Buffelsdrift. Winter wine tours through Constantia and Franschhoek let you enjoy peaceful tasting rooms and intimate cellar visits with local wine-making families.
- January 2025 278 tours
- February 2025 popular 343 tours
- December 2025 295 tours
South Africa travel guides - curated by our experts
South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by South Africa while learning everything you need to know to travel this impressive landscape like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
Best Time to Visit South Africa 2025
Use our guide to discover the very best time to visit South Africa and make the most out of your time on holiday.
10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2025
Thinking of taking the kids on a family safari to Africa? From packing lists to the best family-friendly destinations, start planning the adventure of a lifetime with these tips from TourRadar.
Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)
Looking to spend 10 days in South Africa? We have some seriously amazing itineraries to show you. From Kruger National Park to Cape Town and beyond, these incredible tours with top-rated operators are sure to impress.
Contact our South Africa travel experts
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Expert in South Africa at TourRadar
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