The 15 Best Safaris in South Africa

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari - The open-vehicle game drives: where guides like Martin and Petros make the day

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186Our pick

Full-day Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg with two open-vehicle drives, Big Five chances, a lunch stop by water, and expert guides.

“It was great. We were wandering the vast bush land in complete sync with nature. It was a beautiful experience. We spotted a Baboon, hippos, impalas, Rhinos, Herds of elephants, Giraffes, leopard (not so clearly), Zebras & wildebeests. The ride was comfortable to & fro Jburg and the guide in Pilanesburg was good and witty. The whole trip was on time.”

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2-Day Experiences, Cape Town Tours, Garden Route Tours, Safari, Safaris in Cape Town, Safaris in the Garden Route, Tour Reviews

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

2.2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 928 reviews · 2 days · from $533

Two days from Cape Town to a 4-star lodge for sunset and morning safaris, plus Cape Agulhas and Hermanus sights.

“The Safari was Beautiful. Food was great. But the highlight was Chris our Guide. So much experience, knowledge and interest in telling us more about his home. Thank you Chris !!!!!”

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Full-Day, National Parks, Port Elizabeth & Addo Tours, Safari, Safaris in Port Elizabeth & Addo, Tour Reviews

Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

3.Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 872 reviews · 9 hours · from $186

Full-day Addo safari from Port Elizabeth. Small group, guided Big 7 park drive, lunch included, and expert elephant viewing.

“We can 100% recommend this tour to anyone! Our guide John was really knowledgeable and always knew the best spots to see a lot of the animals. The open safari car was spacious & comfortable and all of us were able to have a window seat. Whenever someone spotted an animal, John would immediately tell the driver to stop so we could take all the pictures we wanted. The little pre packed lunch was also delicious. All in all we felt in good hands at all times. Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime!”

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Full-Day, Kruger & Mpumalanga Tours, Kruger Park Safaris, National Parks, Private, Safari, Safaris in Kruger & Mpumalanga, Tour Reviews

Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

4.Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · from $158Top rated

Private full-day Kruger safari from Hazyview with a guide, Big Five focus, photo stops, and rest-camp breaks, starting at 5:30 am.

“Very happy with the service provided. Good communication right from when the booking was made. Senzo, our guide was knowledgable and jolly. He picked us up right from our chalet on time and explained the details on the way to the park. Throughout the day, he catered to our needs and kept explaining various details about the park and wildlife. I would highly recommend him.”

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Full-Day, Johannesburg Tours, National Parks, Safari, Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews

Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

5.Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 718 reviews · from $159

Full-day Pilanesberg Big Five safari with two open-vehicle drives, waterhole lunch, and hotel pickup from Johannesburg. Worth the long day.

“My very first Safari experience. The initial drive takes a while but once at the Safari it’s a magical place. Would 100 percent recommend this tour.”

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Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

6.Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 576 reviews · from $184

Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve, with hotel pickup, 3-hour open vehicle drive, and lunch.

“We are not really animal friendly but the whole experience of this safari was amazing, from the friendly and helpful driver/tour guide to the guide on the safari bus. Had an amazing day”

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1-Day Tours, Big 5 Safaris, Big 5 Safaris in Cape Town, Cape Town Tours, Guided, Safari, Safaris in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

7.Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 526 reviews · from $155

Big Five day trip from Cape Town with guided safari at Aquila, Breede and Hex winelands stops, buffet lunch and champagne included.

“Amazing Tour! Our tour guide was fantastic! You won’t be disappointed. Viator for the win! Thank you”

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Balloons, Johannesburg Tours, Morning, Safari, Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews

Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

8.Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 418 reviews · from $240

Early morning hot air balloon over the Magaliesbergs and Cradle of Humankind, with guided commentary, a certificate, and breakfast.

“Wow ! Gorgeous flight absolutely must go here ! Gourmet breakfast after ! Highly highly recommend ! Very professional team”

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2-Day Experiences, Cape Town Tours, Safari, Safaris in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

From Cape Town: South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour

9.South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 411 reviews · 2 days · from $322

Two days from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn with 4x4 safaris at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift, Route 62 drive, optional elephant viewing.

“This tour was so much more than we expected. All the guides (I.e. Memory and Hailey - sadly I forgot the name of the elephant guides) were very open and friendly and shared lots of detailed information on the animals, as well as Cape Town and some fun personal facts. Especially our overall guide for the two days Nev (Siabulela) was incredibly funny, with details about his own life and interesting facts on Cape Town. The accommodation was comfortable and clean as well and the food was very delicious and not too expensive. There were also enough pit stops to get water/ coffee, without it being too much. Overall I…”

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Half-Day, Johannesburg Tours, Safari, Safaris in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Johannesburg: Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

10.Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 384 reviews · 5 hours · from $167

Half-day lion safari from Johannesburg with an open-vehicle drive, chance of white lions, and easy pickup and drop-off.

“Amazing. Sello was a great guide and driver and at the park handed over to Big Boy who did a wondeful job. 5 stars for both of them and the tour.”

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Full-Day, Kruger & Mpumalanga Tours, Kruger Park Safaris, National Parks, Private, Safari, Safaris in Kruger & Mpumalanga, Tour Reviews

Kruger National Park – Private full day Safari trip.

11.Private full day Safari trip.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · from $166

Private Kruger full-day safari from Hazyview with early gate entry, nine hours inside the park, pickup options, and expert guide service.

“Kruger National Park is a world wonder and this brings out the best of it. My guide, Gerrie was awesome, explaining and giving history as we went to the remotest parts of the park. This is absolutely top level!”

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Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Port Elizabeth & Addo Tours, Safari, Safaris in Port Elizabeth & Addo, Tour Reviews

Full-Day All Inclusive Safari with Traditional Braai Lunch

12.Full-Day All Inclusive Safari with Traditional Braai Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 345 reviews · 9 hours · from $186

All-inclusive 9-hour Addo safari in Eastern Cape with two game drives and a traditional braai lunch, from $186.

“Trip was really good. Steven has a lot of knowledge about animals and he was trying to show us as much as possible! We were really pleased. Lunch served was brilliant!!”

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2-Day Experiences, Cape Town Tours, Safari, Safaris in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

2 Day Safari Experience from Cape Town

13.2 Day Safari Experience from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 326 reviews · from $447

Two days from Cape Town to the Garden Route game lodge for sunset and sunrise Big Five drives, plus Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, and penguins.

“Amazing trip! Road trip with some nice stops to get local food. On the road we already saw some bonobo's, falcons, blue cranes and many more. The safari was just marvelous, seen the big 5, with a short stop to get a drink in nature at sunset. Next morning waking up with elephants in the middle of nowhere. The lodge was superb, and there was even an infinity pool. Very friendly and funny guide on our way there, and the rangers were very friendly and had tons of expertise. A 5* experience for me!”

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Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Full Day Big 5 Safari Tour

14.Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Full Day Big 5 Safari Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 310 reviews · from $96

Sunrise Big Five safari from St Lucia into Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, with ranger spotting, breakfast, braai lunch, transport, and conservation levies.

“It was a fantastic day! Without going into the animals we saw, as that depends on luck, let me share the good and bad points of this tour. Arnaud, our guide, always had a smile on his face, answered every question, and provided a lot of inforRead more”

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5-Day Experiences, Cape Town Tours, Garden Route Tours, Safari, Safaris in Cape Town, Safaris in the Garden Route, Tour Reviews, Tours

5 Day Garden Route and Addo Safari – Best of South Africa Small Group Tour

15.5 Day Garden Route and Addo Safari – Best of South Africa Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · from $575

Pack 5 days of elephants, forests, beaches, and safaris. Small-group pace, scenic drives, and key inclusions from Cape Town.

“If you’re looking for a real adventure with plenty of activities (optional), breathtaking view, an expert and friendly guide, click on this roundtrip. Excellent choice. Good value for money.”

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