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.

“This activity exceeded all our expectations. We arrived late, but the guide and his team were so kind and patient — they even turned back to pick us up. Such a thoughtful gesture that truly touched us! Once on board, the experience was absolutely magical. We had the chance to see whales up close —…”

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)

2.Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

★ 4.0

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”

576 reviewsFrom $184.62by Cullinan Guided Journeys

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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.

“Incredible. You will read it is a lot of driving - but its worth it. Even the routes to drive are stunning. The safari was great - do the added elephant walk, you will not regret it. The accommodation was great, the food in Oudtshoorn was delicious and the guide…well Mr Nev helped make this…”

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.

“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”

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

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)

6.Plettenberg Bay: Wild Cat and Wildlife Guided Tour

★ 4.7

Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation in Plettenberg Bay: a guided 1-hour wild cat walk with white lion photos, conservation facts, and $27 value.

“Our tour actually got upgraded so this was brilliant - the children really enjoyed themselves. The guide made wonderful efforts to help them learn about the animals, and went above and beyond what he needed to do. Definitely recommend!”

206 reviews1 hourFrom $27by Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

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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

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.

“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.”

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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