South Africa · WILDLIFE
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 wildlife experiences worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
A 90-minute marine wildlife eco-cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, sailing Table Bay on a hydrofoil to spot whales, dolphins, penguins.
“love the small boat experience....you get more interaction with the crew who were friendly and very informative...saw lots of marine life too”
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”
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…”
Two hours on a Cape Town powerboat hunting for dolphins, seals, and penguins, with Table Mountain and Robben Island views.
“My airline cancelled the flight and I had to spend 2 days more in Cape Town. What a pity ;-) Now asking the difficult question how to make the best out of it. Easy answer: Going on a tour with Paul again. And I was lucky as there was one sRead more”
Two days from Cape Town to Klein Karoo game reserves, with open 4x4 safaris, an Oudtshoorn overnight, and optional rescued-elephant walk.
“We had a great trip from the moment we were picked up at our accommodation. We had a lovely guide/driver (Isaac) during the trip who was happy to answer any questions we had during the trip. Was very helpful. The guides we had during our Safari were all very good too. Would recommend!”
One-hour walking tour at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation, with close cat views, photo stops, and conservation facts in Plettenberg Bay.
“The guides were very good and gave a detailed explanation of the sanctuary’s noble mission as well as the animals on view.”
Join a small-group 6-hour shore safari from Port Elizabeth to Schotia Private Game Reserve in an open 4x4, with snacks and guides.
“Mir ist klar, dass es in einem Reservat keine "normalen" Straßen gibt, dass es eben einfache Wege sind. Aber in diesem Reservat sind die Wege dermaßen stark ausgefahren, dass riesige Löcher und Fahrrillen entstanden sind. OK - das kommt vor. Aber wenn dann der Fahrer mit Vollgas in diese reinfährt, damit er auf der anderen Seite auch wieder rauskommt, dann passiert es leider mehrfach, dass es einen aus dem Sitz katapultiert und man mit dem Kopf gegen das Dach des Fahrzeuges knallt. Das hätte ich nun wirklich nicht gebraucht. Wir haben mit anderen Besuchern gesprochen, die die Safari in diesem Reservat über einen anderen Veranstalter gebucht hatten - die hatten…”
Kayak Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard in 2 hours, spot dolphins, penguins, seals and possible whales, then unwind in the garden with smoothies.
“An absolute vibe from start to finish! The guides were absolute legends, kept the energy high, had us laughing the whole time and ended up hanging out afterwards with a matcha and bagel. Obviously the views of Cape town from the water are unreal but getting to see dolphins and even some whales on this particular outing was extra special. Honestly, couldn't recommend it enough.”
Luxury 4x4 safari from Cape Town with Big Five chances, Buffelsdrift tents, optional elephant viewing, and Route 62 return.
“Sehr gut organisierte Safari Tour in einem Sprinter Bus. Gute Unterkünfte und Game Drives. Ein besonderes Lob an unseren Guide Maudi,freundlich , gut organisiert ,hat uns alle Fragen beantwortet und war immer für uns da, jederzeit wieder würde ich mit diesem Veranstalter buchen.”
A private wildlife photography tour at Tenikwa in Plettenberg Bay, with close views of big cats, expert conservation chat, and photo-focused pacing.
“This is a working conservation establishment so what you see depends on what they are caring for at the time. We saw more animals than anticipated. All looked well cared for & our guide clearly has a love of animals. He was knowledgeable and informative.”
Port Elizabeth highlights: Donkin Reserve, Cape Recife Lighthouse, SANCCOB penguins, plus a 2-hour 4x4 safari and pickup in 7 hours.
“This female tour guide was very dedicated and responsible, leaving us with a deep and wonderful impression of the trip. We are truly grateful.”
Tenikwa’s guided wildlife tour plus Tsitsikamma forest walk with lunch platter in the Western Cape. See wild cats and the white lion.
“We loved both these activities! The guides were informative and generous with their time, and seemed very happy to answer our questions. It was especially great to learn about the medicinal uses of some of the indigenous plants and to be shown the hardwood forest trees of the area.”
Johannesburg to Pilanesberg safari with small groups, Big Five chances, open jeep viewing, included lunch, and easy round trip transport.
“Nosso transporte feito pelo sr. Jason foi tranquilo e pontual, ida e vinda. Muito atencioso e solícito. Nosso tour pelo parque foi muito legal, não vimos os Big Five, apenas w deles, mas vimos muitos outros animais. E o mais divertido foi a briga de girafas e os elefantes invadindo a rua, passando ao lado do carro e até indo atrás. O motorista Peter foi muito bem nas explicações.”
3 days of wildlife drives, Cape Peninsula highlights, and Cango Caves, with small-group comfort and included lodging from Cape Town.
“We were lucky that we had a wonderful tour guide to help us. He was very energetic, jovial and took the time to explain everything in detail. He answered questions that we didn’t even know to ask. It was an excellent tour. Thank you, aviator.”
Tenikwa EcoKidz 90-minute wildlife tour for kids, spotting meerkats, owls, wild cats, and earning a booklet and certificate.
“Absolutely brilliant! Sandile made the experience extra special. His knowledge is brilliant and he was really good with our 7 yr old. He’s and asset to Tenikwa”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
