SOUTH AFRICA · WILDLIFE
The shortlist a Capetonian would send you: 15 wildlife encounters, each with its price in dollars, its traveller verdict and the one thing worth knowing before the deposit goes down.
Cruise Table Bay from Cape Town’s waterfront to see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, birds, and sunfish beneath Table Mountain.
“It was more than I imagined. Loved the bonus of the constitutional court. John is an exceptional guide.”
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”
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! :)”
Cape Town’s Ocean Wildlife Encounter pairs a fast boat ride with dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sweeping Table Mountain views.
“It was a wonderful experience. Paul is an excellent guide and great at spotting birds and animals of interest. The sunfish was probably the highlight for me.”
Review of a fast-paced 2-day safari from Cape Town, with Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift game drives, Route 62 scenery, and elephant viewing.
“Extremely well organised with a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. The location, food, and safari at Botlierskop were all amazing. 3 hour safari when we saw lots of animals including cheetahs, rhino, and elephants. The accommodation and food at Buffelsdorf were superb as was the elephant experience. All in all a great way to spend Christmas”
Meet South Africa’s wild cats at Tenikwa near Plettenberg Bay, with a guide-led tour, close viewing, conservation insight, and photo time.
“It was incredible. We absolutely loved Bongiwe as our guide! She is amazing!”
Review of Schotia Safaris from Port Elizabeth, with 4x4 game drives, local guides, wildlife, transport, snacks, price, and booking advice.
“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 Seite auch wieder rauskommt, dann passiert es leider mehrfach, dass es einen aus dem Sitz katapultiert und man mit dem Kopf gegen das Dach des Fahrzeuges knallt. Das hätte ich nun wirklich nicht gebraucht. Wir haben mit anderen Besuchern gesprochen, die die Safari in diesem Reservat über einen anderen Veranstalter gebucht hatten - die hatten…”
Paddle Cape Town’s Atlantic coast for dolphins, penguins, seals, and mountain views on a friendly two-hour kayaking trip from Mouille Point.
“Amazing experience with a kind and knowledgeable guide, we had the best time. Thanks so much Vincent!”
Review of Cape Town’s 2-day safari to Oudtshoorn, with Big Five game drives, Route 62, luxury camping, costs, and practical tips.
“The trip, itinerary and guide were excellent. The 2 safari park locations we visited were a very special experience. 2 of our group had sickness the day after visiting Buffelsdrift and both ate the same thing (the venison burger) Our guide made extra toilet stops throughout day 2 to help us through the day.”
Review of Tenikwa’s private wildlife photography tour near Plettenberg Bay, with wild cats, conservation lessons, photo tips, costs, and practical advice.
“This is a working conservation establishment so what you see depends on what they are caring for at the time. We saw more animals than anticipated. All looked well cared for & our guide clearly has a love of animals. He was knowledgeable and informative.”
Explore Port Elizabeth’s lighthouse, penguin rescue center, local crafts, and a 2-hour safari with elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
“Nina made our day, everything was so perfect. We saw the Hotspots of Port Elizabeth, Had an exiting Safari, nice wines to try, and the beautyful Beach at the Lighthouse. We had so many awesome impressions and a lot of fun.”
Explore Tsitsikamma forest, South Africa’s wild cats, a white lion, and a lunch platter on this four-hour Tenikwa tour.
“Was a good tour of the facilities viewing the birds animals and cats very informative followed by a forest walk with information on the trees and plants finished off with a nice picnic thank you”
Review of Cape Town’s small-group safari, olive, beer, wine, and toffee tour, with practical costs, timing, wildlife, food, and booking advice.
“We had a great experience with this tour. Our driver Ian was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the tour. We definitely recommend it!!!”
Review of the Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg, with Big Five viewing, open-jeep options, lunch, transport, costs, and practical tips.
“Nosso transporte feito pelo sr. Jason foi tranquilo e pontual, ida e vinda. Muito atencioso e solícito. Nosso tour pelo parque foi muito legal, não vimos os Big Five, apenas w deles, mas vimos muitos outros animais. E o mais divertido foi a briga de girafas e os elefantes invadindo a rua, passando ao lado do carro e até indo atrás. O motorista Peter foi muito bem nas explicações.”
Review this 3-day Cape Town safari and Garden Route tour, with Big Five viewing, elephant walks, Cape Point, Cango Caves, transport, and value tips.
“We were lucky that we had a wonderful tour guide to help us. He was very energetic, jovial and took the time to explain everything in detail. He answered questions that we didn’t even know to ask. It was an excellent tour. Thank you, aviator.”
Cape sea days, bush mornings, tasting rooms and the long road east.
