South Africa · SAFARI & GAME DRIVES

The 15 Best Safari & Game Drive Tours in South Africa

317 tours  ·  from $24 a head

Where you land settles which park is reachable and that settles what you pay. These 15 run from a half-day in a private reserve near a city to open-vehicle mornings in the big parks, priced, timed and clear about how far the drive out really is.

From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch - Hotel pickup keeps the morning simple
Lunch Experiences, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

1.Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,409 reviews · 9 hours · from $236Our pick

Spend nine hours traveling from Cape Town to Aquila Private Nature Reserve, where an English-speaking ranger leads a two-hour open-vehicle safari. You’ll have a buffet lunch, hotel pickup, and time to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and up to 172 bird species. Guides such as Trevor, Aiden, and Kayim are praised for sharp animal spotting.

“Our driver was very friendly and his driving was top notch. When we got to the Aquila Game Reserve I was blown away by the hospitality of the staff. We were very taken care of. The complimentary drinks on arrival, great food, very clean facilities and mostly friendly staff who went above and beyond to make sure that the tourists were catered for. The service was one of the best in my travelling experience. As for the staff on the game reserve our guides were very knowledgeable about the animals and he had a good sense of humour whilst explaining about the animals. We saw all the Big Five and…”

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From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari - The early pickup and the road to the reserve
National Parks, Pilanesberg & Sun City Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

2.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186

Leave Johannesburg early for Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, where you’ll spend 4.5 to 5 hours on two open-vehicle game drives. Guides such as Petrus, Martin, and Desmond are known for sharp animal-spotting and easy humor. Expect elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and hundreds of bird species, with lions and leopards possible but never promised.

“A very enjoyable day with lunch included. Our guide Doreen was very knowledgeable. We got to see a fair few animals in their natural habitat. Around five hours on the game drive, plenty of opportunities to see the big 5 if you are lucky. Unfortunately we didn’t see any of the big cats but that’s the nature of a Safari”

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From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge - Hermanus and Betty’s Bay break up the long road
2-Day Experiences, Garden Route Tours, Garden Route Tours in Cape Town, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

3.2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 928 reviews · 2 days · from $533

Travel in a small group from Cape Town with an English-speaking guide such as Chris, Vaughan, or Benjamin. Stop at Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, and Cape Agulhas, then spend a night in a 4-star chalet at Garden Route Game Lodge. Two game drives, dinner, and breakfast are included.

“We would book this tour again anytime! Our guide Chris was extremely reliable and helpful, always attentive to the needs of the group and sharing his incredibly interesting knowledge with us. We can only give it our highest recommendation! :)”

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Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari - Pickup from Port Elizabeth, Colchester, Addo, or Bluewater Bay
Addo Elephant Park Tours, Full-Day, National Parks, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews

Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

4.Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 872 reviews · 9 hours · from $186

Explore Addo Elephant National Park for nine hours in a small group of up to 10, riding in an air-conditioned 4x4 with a window seat for every passenger. Guides such as John, Freddy, Sidwell, and King Elvis focus on animal spotting, park history, and good photo stops. Lunch, refreshments, park entry, and pickup are included.

“We can 100% recommend this tour to anyone! Our guide John was really knowledgeable and always knew the best spots to see a lot of the animals. The open safari car was spacious & comfortable and all of us were able to have a window seat. Whenever someone spotted an animal, John would immediately tell the driver to stop so we could take all the pictures we wanted. The little pre packed lunch was also delicious. All in all we felt in good hands at all times. Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime!”

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Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari - Leaving Hazyview at 5:30 am
Full-Day, Kruger National Park Safaris, National Parks, Private, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Hazyview, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hazyview

Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

5.Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · from $158Top rated

Leave Hazyview at 5:30 am for a private Kruger safari with a professional guide. Search for lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, wild dogs, and birds. Guides such as Senzo, Didi, and Patrick have led this outing. Bring a lodge breakfast pack, water, camera, and money for lunch and park fees.

“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 about the park and wildlife. I would highly recommend him.”

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Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria - The first open-vehicle safari drive
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Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

6.Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 718 reviews · from $159

Start early with door-to-door pickup, then ride into Pilanesberg National Park for morning and afternoon open-vehicle safaris. A park guide such as Clement or Sibu may lead the drives, with lunch at Pilanesberg Center overlooking a waterhole. The small-group tour costs $159.89 and includes park fees, transport, and both drives.

“Our driver showed up on time for the hotel pick up. The van accommodated 12 and the safari bus for 8. The company communicated efficiently. It took close to 3 hours to get to the national park but once we got there everything moved efficient. We stopped for restroom and food. We had the best tour guides. We saw 4 of the 5 big game and several other animals. This is one of the best adventure tours ever. Our guides went above and beyond to find every animal you can imagine and allowed us to use their binoculars. The weather was perfect - no issues with bugs. Amazing lunch where…”

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Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour - Why the Marine Big 5 idea works
Cruises & Boat Tours, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town

Gansbaai: Marine Big 5 Boat tour

7.Marine Big 5 Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 593 reviews · 2.5 - 10 hours · from $155

From Gansbaai, cruise the Dyer Island ecosystem with an English-speaking marine biologist and look for whales, seals, sharks, dolphins, and penguins. Expect a safety briefing, warm gear, muffins and coffee before boarding, soup afterward, and optional Cape Town or Hermanus transport. The sea is rough at times, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Great tour - highly Recommend. We were lucky enough to see penguins, sharks, whales & seals.”

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Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive - Three hours on rough tracks
Guided, Safari & Game Drives, Tour Reviews, Tours in Knysna

Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

8.Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 589 reviews · from $40Best value

You’ll ride an open safari vehicle through Botlierskop Private Game Reserve near Little Brak River, with an English-speaking guide such as Chris, Neil, Mandela, or Rico leading the search for rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more. Allow time afterward for lunch, the pool, and mountain views.

“Absolutely worth it! The Guides are incredibly nice and know everything about the animals. We saw all the different wild Animals just some meters away. A wonderful day with Lots to remember! Thanks again for the fantastic experience, especially to Silas 🍀”

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Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town - The Cape Town pickup and two-hour road trip
Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town, Wildlife

Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

9.Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 576 reviews · from $184

Ride from central Cape Town to Aquila Game Reserve in the Karoo, then join a three-hour open-vehicle game drive. Look for lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, and more. An English-speaking ranger leads the drive, while lunch, a welcome drink, and hotel transfers keep this first-safari day simple.

“It was a great introduction to a safari. Not far from Cape Town, lovely setting, well organised and we saw the big 5.”

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Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip - Reaching Aquila Private Game Reserve
1-Day Tours, Guided, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

10.Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 526 reviews · from $155

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve in an air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Mike, Werner, or Jamie. Enjoy Du Toitskloof scenery, optional wine tasting, a buffet lunch with champagne, and a 2 to 3 hour group safari drive. The reserve fee is extra.

“So after being picked up from our hotel we got taken to the resort where we got to see the big four nice giraffes gazelle's elephant's it was well worth the money and we were well looked after in terms of refreshments I would recommend this tRead more”

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Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive - Pickup in Cape Town and the road to Aquila
Evening Experiences, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

11.Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 508 reviews · 9 hours · from $168

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a sunset safari in a 4x4 truck. Guides such as Elda, Dona, Frank, and Josh add useful commentary on the road and in the reserve. Expect a long day, close animal sightings, welcome refreshments, and a fair chance of seeing four of the Big Five.

“The trip was really nice, got exactly what we expected if not more. Also a big shout out to our driver uncle Dona, him and also the guide were both amazing narrators.”

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Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg - Preparing for a one-hour flight
Balloons, Morning, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Johannesburg, Tour Reviews, Tours in Johannesburg

Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

12.Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 418 reviews · from $240

Meet at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris near Magaliesburg for a one-hour flight over the Magaliesbergs and Cradle of Humankind. Your pilot provides live commentary, followed by post-flight drinks, a certificate, and a sparkling wine buffet breakfast. The full experience takes about four hours, and weather can affect departure.

“The entire experience from the moment you arrive to park was so incredibly welcoming. They are so professional and organized. Our pilot, Nick was professional and funny and made the while trip something to remember for ever.....highly recommend.”

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From Cape Town: South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour - Botlierskop and the first Big Five search
2-Day Experiences, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town, Wildlife

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

13.South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 411 reviews · 2 days · from $322

Trade Cape Town for the Klein Karoo on a fast, scenic two-day safari with guides such as Nev, Denver, Dylan, or Ulrich. You get two shared 4x4 drives, one at Botlierskop and one at Buffelsdrift, plus an optional elephant observation, Oudtshoorn lodging, and a return via Route 62.

“Much more than I expected,extremely unbelievable. I highly recommend”

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From Johannesburg: Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour - Hotel pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria
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From Johannesburg: Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

14.Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 384 reviews · 5 hours · from $167

You’ll leave Johannesburg or Pretoria in an air-conditioned vehicle, then join a one-hour open safari drive at Lion and Safari Park. Expect close views of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and possibly a white lion. Guides such as Thapelo, Dusty, AJ, and Sipho have been praised for their humor and animal knowledge. Pickup and return transport are included.

“We loved spending time with the lions and the other predators. We felt safe and looked after. I heartily recommend this tour.”

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From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive - Leaving Cape Town for the Karoo
Evening Experiences, Safari & Game Drives, Safaris and Game Drives in Cape Town, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town

From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

15.Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 350 reviews · 9 hours · from $167

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a 2 to 3 hour sunset drive in an open safari truck. A ranger leads the search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and more. Your package includes transport, entry, a welcome drink, and pre-drive snacks.

“Absolutely brilliant day! We were picked up by our lovely guide Mr Yannick. He was brilliant, really responsive via messaging, picked us up in a lovely car, told us lots of information about Cape Town. The safari / game drive was brilliant! Would highly recommend. Again Yannick was fab, waiting for us post game drive to take us back to the hotel , would highly recommend Emily”

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