South Africa Wildlife Safari Tours
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10 best South Africa wildlife tour packages
Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 3-day Durban, Culture and Wildlife (Accommodated)
- 4-day Kruger Wildlife Adventure (Accommodated)
- 2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- Geluxe: South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards
- South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- Sanbona Wildlife Safari & Garden Route 5Days/4Nights
- Cape Town, Kruger, & Victoria Falls Wildlife Safari
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Tailor-Made Best South Africa Tours, Daily Departure & Private Trip
3-day Durban, Culture and Wildlife (Accommodated)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The St Lucia boat tour was a disappointment being mid day when too bright and animals not active and estuary is 'dead' on one side.”
Derek, traveled in May
Dawn and afternoon game drives in Hluhluwe Reserve reveal the Big 5. Hippo pods surface during St Lucia estuary cruises, while palm nut vultures soar above Mtunzini. Professional guides maintain perfect 5/5 wildlife expertise ratings.
Duration 3 days Destinations Durban, St Lucia, Hluhluwe Age Range up to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From
- NZ$1,450
Kruger National Park houses 148 mammal species and 505 bird varieties. Dawn and dusk game drives seek the Big Five, while riverside camps offer optional night safaris.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range up to 75 year olds Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From
- NZ$2,180
Morning safaris track the Big 5 at private South African reserves. Close encounters await at Indalu sanctuary's elephant bush walk, while Cango Wildlife Ranch houses endangered species. Rangers ensure optimal wildlife viewing.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
- NZ$480
Rangers teach tracking skills at Pridelands Conservancy, watching elephants and buffalo at dawn. Walking safaris and nighttime game drives in Kruger National Park reveal wildlife behavior through knowledgeable guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $11,119
25% Off- NZ$8,339You save $2,779
Wildlife conservation comes alive at Greater Kruger Park. Monitor leopards with Ingwe Research Project, assist anti-poaching K-9 units, and visit Moholoholo rehabilitation center. Daily game drives showcase 147 large mammal species.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Discover Corps From
25% Off- NZ$7,409
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vehicle was very comfortable, and we saw three out of five of the big fives. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Bruno, traveled in March
Big Five thrive in Pilanesberg's malaria-free reserve, roaming 580 km of bushveld. Over 300 bird species nest near specialized hides. Rangers track animals through diverse volcanic terrain.
Duration 1 day Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park Age Range up to 89 year olds Operator Amatungulu Tour From
25% Off- NZ$202
Big Five roam freely at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, while Southern Right whales breach in Hermanus Bay and African penguins waddle at Stony Point. Rangers guide visitors through 58,000 hectares of wilderness with unique boat safaris.
Duration 5 days Destinations Durban, Oudtshoorn, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,502
Duration 12 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$5,539
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
81 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a very nice tour!”
milan, traveled in December
Big 5 thrive at malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Rangers track white rhino, lion, elephant, and numerous antelope species during open 4x4 drives. Bush walks provide intimate wildlife encounters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- NZ$582
Morning and evening game drives at Balule Nature Reserve reveal Big Five wildlife. The Panorama Route leads to God's Window and Blyde River Canyon, while Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge offers guided bush walks with expert trackers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
25% Off- NZ$8,697
What people love about Wildlife Tours in South Africa
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
I loved my tour with Hotspots. We had a smaller group, 4 people, but they still ran the tour and it was awesome. I know the groups they usually get are larger. I was travelling alone so it was a great way to meet people, plus our guide (Andrew) was such a cool, informative and fun guy to be around. I've done quite a few tours around the world and Hotspots2c have their tours nailed down to a tee. The transport is super comfy and safe. The accommodation choices were unique, clean and social - exactly what you wanted. We did so much on the 3 days from bungy jumping, walking with lion cubs, getting hugged by elephants, seeing the big 5 on safari, kayaking, swimming and so much more. I really liked the variation of activities so there was something for everyone. The trip was also very reasonably priced considering your probably travelling with one of the best tour operators in the country. Highly recommend these guys and Andrew is the best guide you could ask for! Can't wait to come back...thinking of the wine tasting tours!
- 2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Everything was perfect.
- Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
Paul was very friendly and professional. He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window.
What our customers ask about South Africa Wildlife Safari Tours
When is the best time to go on a Wildlife tour in South Africa?
South Africa's wildlife viewing peaks during the dry winter months from May to September. During this period national parks like Kruger and Addo Elephant offer clear visibility as animals gather near water sources. The weather stays mild and vegetation thins out making it easier to spot wildlife. For those interested in birds the summer months from November to February bring migrating species and greener landscapes. A recent TourRadar visitor noted "The game drives in Addo were amazing we saw so many elephants lions and other wildlife."
What types of accommodation is available on Wildlife tours in South Africa?
South African safari accommodations span from basic camping to high-end lodges. Places like Buffelsdrift Game Lodge feature waterhole-facing luxury tents while Hlangana Lodge provides 4-star rooms with modern amenities. Addo area stays include options at Addo Wildlife Lodge and the family-run Gerald's Gift Guesthouse. A TourRadar guest commented: "The accommodation ranged from very good to excellent especially at Addo where we had stunning views of the wildlife from our lodge."
What wildlife can I expect to see on a South African safari tour?
South African safaris regularly encounter the Big 5 (lion leopard elephant rhino and buffalo) alongside zebras giraffes and various antelope species. Addo Elephant National Park houses around 600 elephants plus numerous other animals. One TourRadar visitor reported: "We were extremely fortunate to experience South Africa's Kruger Park's Big 5 along with other wildlife including antelopes baboons crocs giraffes hippos hyenas impalas monkeys zebras and a variety of birds."
What's included in the meal plan during Wildlife tours?
Most tours cover daily breakfast with some extending to full board. Luxury spots like Buffelsdrift often serve traditional South African dinners. The 5-day Garden Route tour provides 4 breakfasts while longer trips like the 11-day Kruger tour include 10 breakfasts 7 lunches and 8 dinners. A guest shared: "The food at the game lodges was excellent especially the traditional braai (barbecue) dinners under the stars at Buffelsdrift Lodge."
How many days should I plan for a Wildlife tour in South Africa?
For a solid wildlife experience plan at least 4-5 days. Popular choices include the 5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari or extended 10-day tours combining Kruger and Addo Elephant National Park experiences. A recent visitor shared: "5 days were very ideal for this package including the transfer from Johannesburg. We loved the safaris Michael and Lucky really knew where to go."
What's the difference between private game reserves and national parks?
Private reserves like Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift provide intimate wildlife encounters with controlled vehicle numbers. National parks such as Kruger and Addo offer expansive natural territories where animals roam freely. A TourRadar guest observed: "At private reserves we could get quite close to the animals and even do walking safaris while Addo National Park offered amazing opportunities to see large herds in their natural environment. Both experiences were unique and worthwhile."
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