SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's standouts.
A shortlist of the 10 safari most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.
Full-day Big Five safari from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg, with two open-vehicle game drives, great guides, and lunch near a water hole.
“Fantastic day out! Highly recommend, Petros our guide was fun, caring and had us great knowledge of the beautiful wildlife!”
2-day Cape Town safari with overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge: sunset and morning open-air drives, plus Hermanus and Cape Agulhas.
“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 !!!!!”
All-inclusive full-day safari in Addo Elephant National Park with an expert guide, lunch, and two game drives.
“What a lovely experience! We were a bit unlucky with the weather, but John really made our day! He is a truly amazing guide and it feels how genuinely enthusiastic he is about his job. He managed to spot so many animals we wouldn’t have even noticed and showed extremely positive energy and attitude. Totally…”
Full-day private Kruger safari from Hazyview with a pro guide, Big Five chances, photo stops, and breakfast and lunch breaks.
“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…”
Big Five chances in Pilanesberg with two open-vehicle drives, waterhole lunch, and door-to-door pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
“Picked up at 5.15am. Arrived 9.30 am !! Good drive - saw elephants, rhinos. Finished 3.30pm. Back at Airport 7pm. While distance is only 212 km the road is full of pot holes and speed bumps. Given the time to drive there it is not worth it. Krueger is only marginally longer and a far…”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve with pickup, 3-hour open-vehicle drive, and lunch.
“The Aquila Game Reserve was a wonderful experience! We saw so many animals. Our tour guide was very knowledgable. We wish we had more time to drive around the reserve. Our main reason for lowering the rating is that we had to wait 1 hr Read more”
Express Big Five safari from Cape Town with Breede and Hex winelands stops, buffet lunch and champagne at Aquila.
“The perfect way to experience a safari when you have a limited visit in Cape Town! A must-do! We would highly recommend opting for the private driver ( James) to Aquila, and then a private driver (Mario) and vehicle for the safari; so reasonably priced and a wonderful way to avoid the the crowds. What…”
Soar over the Magaliesbergs in a hot air balloon, hear live commentary, then celebrate with a sparkling wine breakfast.
“The ambience in the reception area was so relaxed and peaceful. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Captain Eugene was so supportive and helpful during the ride. Champagne toast after we landed was amazing, followed by the 5Read more”
Two-day Big Five safari from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn: Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift 4x4 drives, plus optional rescued-elephant observation.
“Ulrich was fantastic, making everyone comfortable by being super friendly, clear and informative. The safaris were fab and we saw so much. Food at the backpackers was amazing.”
Johannesburg and Pretoria pickup for a half-day Lion Park safari with a 1-hour open-vehicle drive, lions, and other predators up close.
“Excellent trip! Everything went well. Visit park early in the morning was good idea.”
