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.
90-minute hydrofoil eco-cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, sunfish, and sea birds.
“Loved it - didn’t have the best weather as was a bit bumpy! But got to see dolphins, seels and our guide was super knowledgable!”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve with pickup, 3-hour open-vehicle drive, and lunch.
“It was very interesting. The guide was very knowledgeable. It was worth the money.. That's all I'm going to write! If you want 100 characters see the following: xxxzz'xxxxx'xzxxx”
Two-day Big Five safari from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn: Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift 4x4 drives, plus optional rescued-elephant observation.
“I have no words to describe what this experience meant to me. I only encountered amazing people who made me feel safe and loved! I could see all the animals I admire from up close, I had the time of my life. Thank you everybody for everything!”
Speed-boat ocean wildlife watching in Cape Town. Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins with a guide, plus epic views of Table Mountain.
“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”
Cape Town to Klein Karoo in 2 days for 4x4 safari drives at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift, plus an optional elephant walk.
“Had a great time Denver was great lots of driving but worth it both safaris where a lot of fun and the food was amazing at both reserves”
Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation in Plettenberg Bay: a guided 1-hour wild cat walk with white lion photos, conservation facts, and $27 value.
“Guide really took time (20 mins more than booked) explained everything so well, we loved it!”
6-hour 4x4 open-safari from Port Elizabeth to Schotia Private Game Reserve. Spot lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes.
“No alcohol beer at rest stop”
Kayak Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard for 2 hours to look for dolphins, penguins, seals and whales, plus Table Mountain views and garden drinks.
“Shanti and Co were very friendly, relaxed but super knowledgeable. We had a fantastic time and will recommend to all of colleagues visiting Cape Town. We saw lots of dolphins, seals and penguins!”
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.”
Guided walk at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa with a small-group guide, included entrance, and close big-cat viewing.
“Wow what an amazing way to view these jungle cats. It was a particularly hot day, so many of them were resting, which is ok. That being said, we still saw SO many animals.”
