Going on a safari adventure is one of the most exciting things to do on vacation. South Africa remains one of the best places to fulfill this dream. The country offers a number of opportunities to let you see wild animals in their natural habitat. This gives you a chance to come close to them like you never imagined. All you have to do is get your cameras charged so you can click away all you want. Any one of the adventures listed below will be a memorable one. All you have to do is to choose from our comprehensive list of the best safari tours in South Africa below.
1. Take a tour of Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park provides an epic adventure on its hallowed grounds. It does not get any better than this. On this journey, you will have a chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos. These are considered Africa’s big five animals. Aside from these, you might come across other unique wildlife that you can only see in South Africa. The classic four-day tour takes you to Kruger’s Orpen, Nwanedzi, and Satara regions where you will experience all-day sightings of these amazing animals. With its vast landscape, there is so much to see in the beautiful and majestic Kruger National Park.
Tip from tour guide
A 2004 survey estimated there were around 412 cheetahs in Kruger National Park. A later study indicated only 150 left. The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal. They can run 70 mph (112 kph) and can reach their top speed in just three seconds! Aside from the cheetahs, you can witness the majestic Asiatic lions, elephants, and spotted hyenas in this park.Visited this place?Book Tours : 4 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
2. Venture to Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is located along the crater of a non-active volcano. This makes the soil in the reserve perfect for flora to flourish. The wildlife here is exceptional and the scenery is nothing short of amazing. You can get up close to Africa’s big five and learn more about their behavior. It also serves as home to an impressive number of birds. This park holds every mammal known in the continent. This tour takes you on an all-day open-top ride on a truck where, aside from the big five, you also get to see antelopes, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and zebras.
Visited this place?3. Enjoy a safari in Western Cape Game
Western Cape Game Reserve concentrates a lot of its effort on the conservation and breeding of rare wildlife. A safari tour from Cape Town Central will take you on a ride along a scenic road and gives you an idea of the beauty that lies ahead. The ride includes viewing several waterholes. If you are lucky enough, you might see a few of the wildlife nourishing themselves. This glamping tour from Cape Town Central will set you up on an overnight stay with four-star amenities within your reach. This kind of accommodation allows you to enjoy the safari with your loved ones.
Visited this place?4. Learn about the local culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and Safari Park
The cultural village is where you will witness several activities hinged on the traditions of South Africa. This is one of the places that has painstakingly tried to retain the traditions of the people of the country. The famous beehive-shaped Zulu huts showcase traditional practices that they long to pass on to future generations. The Safari Park is home to some of the amazing wildlife you will ever see. Grazing animals are the ones that dominate the landscape. The list includes wildebeests, impalas, and zebras. This tour is perfect for those coming from Durban, which is just a 30- to 45-minute drive away.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Safari & PheZulu Village Day Tour from Durban
South Africa Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
5. Marvel at the animals at Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila Private Game Reserve is a two-hour scenic drive from Cape Town. You get a chance to come close to the big five animals of the African continent. A myriad of emotions will overcome you as you set foot near these animals. The sight of a pride of lions and herd of elephants will surely take your breath away. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to wildlife. The tour will have you spending a whole day and gives you a chance to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife. The best thing about this is that you can do this as a day trip then go back to Cape Town.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town
6. Explore the Western Cape
The Western Cape Province does not need any introduction as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. What takes this place to another level is its wildlife. About 220 species of birds fly in the air of this picturesque place. Aside from that, you might experience sightings of land animals like bush pigs, grysboks, and bushbucks. You will learn a lot about the local wildlife from a professional guide during this tour. If you are coming from Cape Town, this tour is just a short ride away. Western Cape offers the most diverse wildlife you will ever see in South Africa.
Visited this place?7. Take a boat safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park has the distinction of being South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from that, it is the country’s third-largest protected area. Stand witness to an abundance of birdlife that number to 526 known species. You get to see the giants of animal life like elephants, rhinos, and hippopotamuses running all over the plains. You will rarely find elephants and rhinos share a habitat but here they do. Estuaries have eagles, flamingos, and kingfishers dotting the air and waters. The boat safari covers a huge area. Visitors coming in from Durban can easily find this place as it is just a short distance from here.
Visited this place?8. Tour the fascinating Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s oldest of its kind. It is better than ever today, with more greens and wildlife for you to witness. It covers a huge area in Durban and has diverse wildlife that you will love. With South Africa’s big five within your reach, you will get the opportunity to learn more about these majestic animals and how they lead their lives. There is also the natural scenery you will be taking in. The tour allows you to take in all these while you ride on a durable 4x4 vehicle. Hyenas, giraffes, and cheetahs are also known to stroll along in the reserve.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Hluhluwe Game Reserve Safari from Durban
9. View the king of the jungle at Lion Park & Safari
Source: www.viator.comJust a cool one-hour drive from Johannesburg lies the Lion Park & Safari. The king of the jungle rules this place. One of the popular activities you can do at the park is to pet cute lion cubs. If you are not out petting the young ones, you can hop onto your car and drive where the grown-ups are located. An impressive number of cheetahs can be seen running around. You can also pet these beautiful cats with the help of a guide. The tour only lasts for half-a-day but you will get a better understanding of how these beasts behave in their environment.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Half-Day Lion Park Safari from Johannesburg
10. Explore Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a place where you can witness the biodiversity of life in the region. That means that this area is teeming with wildlife that you can see through tours. Because this is set within Klein Karoo, a semi-arid region, you get to see animals grazing around deserts and waterholes. The most significant thing Inverdoorn has contributed to nature is the conservation of cheetahs. Cape Cheetah, as the program is called, focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating these wonderful animals. The tour takes you on a whole day trip where you get to ride a 4 by 4 vehicle. A game ranger will guide you through the trip.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Full Day Guided Safari from Cape Town
Witness South Africa’s amazing wildlife
Nothing comes close to the beauty and diversity of South Africa’s wildlife. With Africa’s big five among the abundant animals in this country, it would be a wise decision to go on a safari tour in South Africa. These places and tours are there to help you immerse yourself in South Africa’s wildlife environment.
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Introducing Gabriel, affectionately known as Gabby, a dedicated enthusiast of writing, travel, and gastronomy. With these three passions as guiding stars, life takes on new heights of fulfillment....Read more
