SOUTH AFRICA · SAFARI TOURS
A game drive here costs less than a theatre ticket at home and starts a couple of hours from either big city. These 15 span the malaria-free Cape reserves, Pilanesberg out of Johannesburg and the full Kruger days, priced, timed and clear about how much driving comes first.
Spend nine hours from Cape Town at Aquila Private Nature Reserve, with an open safari drive, Big Five sightings, buffet lunch, and hotel transfers.
“Delicious food and fantastic safari. Saw 4 of the big 5 and heaps of other animals including baby giraffe, baby zebras and baby rhinos”
Review of the Pilanesberg day safari from Johannesburg, with Big Five sightings, open-vehicle drives, lunch, costs, and practical tips.
“From Johannesburg it’s a really long journey there and back. But I felt it was worth every minute and every penny. The day in the park was brilliant and we saw three of the top five. We saw lots of other animals which certainly made up for it, we only comment is that at the back of the Jeep It is very windy and sometimes quite cold. I bought a souvenir hat at the first stop and was okay after that. If you get the chance, do go on this day trip. Worth every penny.”
Review of a 2-day Cape Town safari with Garden Route Game Lodge, Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, wildlife drives, meals, and practical trip advice.
“Great way to see some of the best on offer in that area, especially if you have limited time! Vaughan was an amazing host! The Lodge was spectacular, and we loved stopping at the quaint little spots along the way.”
Review of Addo Elephant National Park’s 9-hour small-group safari, with elephants, Big 5 wildlife, lunch, hotel pickup, and expert guiding.
“We had a lovely day at Addo Park. We didn't see a lot of elephants due to strong winds, but our guide John made sure we saw as many animals as we could. We even saw 3 lions. John also explained a lot about the park and the animals.”
Review of a private Kruger safari from Hazyview, with Big Five viewing, guide tips, costs, timing, meals, and booking advice.
“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.”
Review of MoAfrika’s full-day Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg, with two game drives, lunch at a waterhole, transport, value, and practical tips.
“My very first Safari experience. The initial drive takes a while but once at the Safari it’s a magical place. Would 100 percent recommend this tour.”
Review of Gansbaai’s Marine Big 5 boat tour, with whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, penguins, conservation, costs, and practical tips.
“Their focus in conservation and education is very obvious. Everyone from reception, to check in and briefing, to the crew afterwards was amazing. They truly went out of their way to ensure everyone’s experience was pleasurable.”
Review Botlierskop’s 3-hour game drive near Mossel Bay, with rhinos, lions, elephants, birds, mountain scenery, tips, and honest value advice.
“Although we were a bit unlucky with the weather (rain + fog) we were offered to be booked for a later tour - which we declined - we still got to see a lot. Our guide shared lots of information and answered all our questions with us. In general all the staff is very friendly and the entire reserve and estate is great. Highly recommend ! We had a great time :)”
See the Big Five at Aquila Game Reserve on a Cape Town day trip with hotel pickup, lunch, a guided drive, and a malaria-free setting.
“Long 2 hour drive to the reserve, but driver did a comfort break both ways. On arrival, welcomed with a glass of fizz. Buffett lunch was of a good standard. Game drive was excellent, saw 4 out of the big 5, only missing the leopard, plus lotRead more”
A practical review of Cape Town’s Aquila Big Five safari, scenic Breede Valley drive, wine tasting, lunch, costs, guides, and tips.
“The perfect way to experience a safari when you have a limited visit in Cape Town! A must-do! We would highly recommend opting for the private driver ( James) to Aquila, and then a private driver (Mario) and vehicle for the safari; so rRead more”
Review of Aquila’s Cape Town sunset safari, with Big Five sightings, hotel transfers, buffet, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The trip was amazing, both the driver to Aquila and the safari tour guide were amazing. They both explained things very well. On the way from CPT to Aquila our driver explained some history about CPT, the winefarms and the wars, it kept the drive entertaining. Shoutout to Dona (our driver) (with one a)😉. The safari tour guide was also very good. The park itself is beautiful aswell, it’s not the biggest, but it was big enough to see a lot of animals. We managed to see 4 out of the big 5. The leopard was the only one we didn’t see. Apart from the animals in the big 5…”
Review of the Magaliesburg balloon safari, with mountain views, a one-hour flight, sparkling wine breakfast, costs, and practical tips.
“The flight felt safe and relaxed. The pilot, Nic, was very knowledgeable and shared Aron of interesting insight about ballooning and his career. He also had a sense of humour and made the experience pleasant”
Review of a 2-day Cape Town safari to Botlierskop and Oudtshoorn, with Big Five drives, rescued elephants, scenic Route 62, and practical tips.
“The whole Safari was one of the best experiences I’ve had in South Africa! Our tour guide (Denver) was just incredible, always providing us with insightful information and always making sure we weren’t bored during the trip (as it takes a while to get to the reserve from Cape Town). On both days we were always given time and space to make all the photos we wanted; our guides in both reserves were extremely nice and knowledgeable! The accommodation was also a plus! I would definitely recommend this tour to everyone coming to South Africa! :)”
See lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs on a five-hour Johannesburg tour with hotel pickup and a guided open-vehicle safari.
“The Tour was very well managed. Our Tour guide and Driver Mr Ntsieni gave us all information. It's a perfect half day Safari Tour. Tour vehicle was very good and spacious. Overall I'd a very good experience and I'd definitely recommend others to try this Tour.”
Review of Aquila’s Cape Town sunset safari, with Big Five sightings, transport details, costs, comfort tips, and honest advice.
“Our guide Elda were extremely helpful and gave us an A+ experience. Shared tons of knowledge about Cape Town and its culture. The transportation was super good, and everything was provided to us as mentioned in the offer. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Thanks again Elda!!!”
Cape sea days, bush mornings, tasting rooms and the long road east.
