Wildlife

SOUTH AFRICA

10 Best Wildlife Tours In South Africa

South Africa's standouts.

A shortlist of the 10 wildlife tours most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.

10 Best Wildlife Tours In South Africa

Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront - Getting to the water: van transfer and the marine kiosk meeting point

1.Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

Most Popular★ 4.6

90-minute hydrofoil eco-cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, sunfish, and sea birds.

“Our guide was super knowledgeable and, apart from our initial concerns about the size of the boat, it was a really good trip! We even saw whales in February. It could be a bit tricky for some to board the boat and the seats were not very comfortable, but the experience was really good.”

1,118 reviews1.5 hoursFrom $61by African Eagle Daytours

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Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town - The 3-Hour Open-Vehicle Game Drive (Where the Day Hits)

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

From Cape Town: South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour - The early morning drive to Botlierskop: 450 km toward the Garden Route region

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

★ 4.7

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.”

411 reviews2 daysFrom $322by Hotspots2c Tours

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Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town

Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town - What you might see: dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and surprise life

4.Ocean Wildlife Encounter in Cape Town

★ 5.0

Speed-boat ocean wildlife watching in Cape Town. Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins with a guide, plus epic views of Table Mountain.

“It was a wonderful experience. Paul is an excellent guide and great at spotting birds and animals of interest. The sunfish was probably the highlight for me.”

307 reviewsFrom $80.52by Ocean Wonder

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2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4×4 Safari from Cape Town

2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4x4 Safari from Cape Town - Buffelsdrift bush drive plus the optional elephant observation walk

5.2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4×4 Safari from Cape Town

★ 5.0

Cape Town to Klein Karoo in 2 days for 4x4 safari drives at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift, plus an optional elephant walk.

“This was a great experience - our tour guide Neville was attentive and great story teller! Gave great history about South Africa and pointed out sights during our drive to and from the game reserves. Overall very accommodating and open to all of our questions!”

251 reviewsFrom $279.50by Hotspots2c Tours

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Plettenberg Bay: Wild Cat and Wildlife Guided Tour

Plettenberg Bay: Wild Cat and Wildlife Guided Tour - Getting There and Meeting at Tenikwa (Simple, But Don’t Ignore Signs)

Schotia Safaris: Best Wildlife Encounters in Port Elizabeth

Schotia Safaris: Best Wildlife Encounters in Port Elizabeth - Schotia Private Game Reserve: The 4-Hour Open-Vehicle Game Drive

7.Schotia Safaris: Best Wildlife Encounters in Port Elizabeth

★ 4.6

6-hour 4x4 open-safari from Port Elizabeth to Schotia Private Game Reserve. Spot lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes.

“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…”

89 reviews6 hoursFrom $227by RAWSON TOURING PTY LTD

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Cape Town: Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

Cape Town: Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️ - The 2-hour rhythm: safety talk, launch, and wildlife search

8.Cape Town: Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★ 5.0

Kayak Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard for 2 hours to look for dolphins, penguins, seals and whales, plus Table Mountain views and garden drinks.

“I had an amazing time kayaking! The guides we so attentive and had great vibes! Thank you to Vincent especially and the whole team at Truth 💖. I would definitely do it again, we spotted dolphins, seals, all with the beautiful views of Cape Town!”

57 reviews2 hoursFrom $37by Truth Kayaking

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Cape Town: 2-Day Wildlife Tour with Safaris and Luxury Stay

Cape Town: 2-Day Wildlife Tour with Safaris and Luxury Stay - Botlierskop 4x4 safari: what Big Five searching really feels like

9.Cape Town: 2-Day Wildlife Tour with Safaris and Luxury Stay

★ 4.8

Two-day Big Five safari from Cape Town with luxury tented lodging near Oudtshoorn, optional elephant time, and Route 62 road-trip scenery.

“The trip, itinerary and guide were excellent. The 2 safari park locations we visited were a very special experience. 2 of our group had sickness the day after visiting Buffelsdrift and both ate the same thing (the venison burger) Our guide made extra toilet stops throughout day 2 to help us through the day.”

51 reviews2 daysFrom $534by Hotspots2c Tours

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Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary Admission with Guided Tour

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary Admission with Guided Tour - The guided walking safari: what happens during your 90 minutes

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