SOUTH AFRICA · REGION
South Africa's standouts.
A shortlist of the 10 safari & game reserves most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.
Big Five safari from Cape Town to Aquila Reserve with an open-vehicle game drive, birding for black eagles, and a buffet lunch.
“Excellent day out. The host was really friendly, the safari itself was a fun experience - and was longer than we expected. Saw a lot of animals while we were in the truck too”
Full-day Big Five safari from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg, with two open-vehicle game drives, great guides, and lunch near a water hole.
“Our guide expertly took us to where animals the animals were and shared many fascinating details. He positioned the Land Cruiser each time for the best and closest (yet safe) views. My wife and I were on 14 different safaris, over 31 days in Africa, covering 5 countries, and this was the best tour to…”
2-day Cape Town safari with overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge: sunset and morning open-air drives, plus Hermanus and Cape Agulhas.
“This was one of the best things i've ever seen so far. Our „Driver Guide“ Mawande was very kind and tried to interact with everyone. He has had a very big knowledge about the history. Luckily on our way we've seen a whale in the ocean and some other animals. At the Garden Lodge Everything…”
All-inclusive full-day safari in Addo Elephant National Park with an expert guide, lunch, and two game drives.
“Great safari in Addo! Our guide was excellent, we saw many animals, and learned a lot about the area. Highly recommended!”
Full-day private Kruger safari from Hazyview with a pro guide, Big Five chances, photo stops, and breakfast and lunch breaks.
“Didi proved to be quite an awesome guide—he was very knowledgeable about so many things in the park, and was able to answer all of our questions. He also got us up close and personal with white rhinos, elephants, leapards, zebras, giraffes, and countless other small gaRead more”
Big Five chances in Pilanesberg with two open-vehicle drives, waterhole lunch, and door-to-door pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
“The guider is very patient and experienced to share his ideas with us. It is said that it depends on lucky to see lions and leopards😅. Quite a pity we did not see them.”
3 hours in an open game drive vehicle at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, with big wildlife odds and 200 bird species.
“Botlierskop is a wonderful, upmarket place for a game drive. Despite not seeing any lions (there had been lots the day before, we were told!), we had a great time and saw numerous other animals and birds, from giraffe to zebra to rhinos. We were confident that our driver/ranger wanted us to see as much…”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve with 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”
Express Big Five safari from Cape Town with Breede and Hex winelands stops, buffet lunch and champagne at Aquila.
“We had a wonderful day with our guide, Werner. Our ship was delayed by two hours due to fog, but Werner rearranged our schedule and saved the day. We had an excellent buffet lunch at Aquila and did the safari drive. Werner gave an excellent narrative of all the sights and history background if South…”
Sunset Big Five safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve from Cape Town, with pickup, Cape Winelands wine tasting, snacks, and open-4x4 drive.
“Was only in town for 36 hours and booked this lovely Safari and I had the time of my life. Josh was the best tour guide hands-down! We saw so many animals, most of them up close, had an amazing experience with elephants right in front of the Jeep. Josh was very knowledgeable and made…”
