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The drives worth getting up at dawn for.
The 15 safaris travellers rate highest in South Africa, from Kruger and the private reserves to the Big Five day drives out of Cape Town and Johannesburg. Where the game is densest, who runs the best drives, and what each one costs.
Cape Town day trip to Aquila Big Five reserve with an open-vehicle safari, lodge lunch, and birding for up to 172 species.
Most Popular“The whole visit from. start to finish was excellent. Our guide, with the unpronouncable name, was very good, spotting the animals and getting us good views.”
Full-day safari from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg with two open-vehicle drives, expert guides, Big 5 chances, and a waterhole-view lunch.
“both drivers to the park (Sibul) & in the park (Solly) were exceptional. we were late arriving for organised lunch with all other vehicles because Solly was giving us the best animal encounter experiences. would absolutely recommend.”
2-day safari from Cape Town with overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge, sunset and morning drives, and Cape Agulhas stops.
“This safari tour was an absolutely fantastic experience and truly one of the highlights of our trip. Above all, our guide Chris was exceptional — he was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the tour. He took the time to explain many things in detail and was always thoughtful and caring, making sure everyone was…”
Full-day Addo Elephant National Park safari from Port Elizabeth with an expert guide, two 3-hour game drives, lunch, and elephant-rich sightings.
“King Elvis was a fantastic guide , he always made sure we were at the right place at the right time, we managed to see 4 of the big five which was beyond our expectations for the day. As a bonus the lunch was tasty. Highly recommend”
Private Kruger safari from Hazyview with a pro guide, Big Five chances, early pickup, and breakfast and lunch stops in 11 hours.
“Didi proved to be quite an awesome guide—he was very knowledgeable about so many things in the park, and was able to answer all of our questions. He also got us up close and personal with white rhinos, elephants, leapards, zebras, giraffes, and countless other small gaRead more”
Dawn-to-dusk Pilanesberg safari from Johannesburg with two open-vehicle game drives, waterhole lunch, and Big Five chances.
“Safari experience is a must if visiting South Africa. If one is short on time, Pilnesberg safari can be an answer from Johannesburg.”
3-hour guided safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve near Little Brak River. Ride an open vehicle to spot 26 wildlife species and 200 birds.
“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…”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve with hotel pickup, open-air drive, and buffet lunch.
“Long drive there and back however our driver Denver provided notes of interest and drove with real care and attention. Delicious and varied buffet lunch was provided. Our safari guide Abriel was knowledgeable and passionate about his subject of animal welfare and conservation. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Saw plenty of animals, lots of time…”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town with Aquila game drive, Breede and Hex wine valleys, Du Toitskloof tasting, buffet lunch and transport.
“We had a wonderful day with our guide, Werner. Our ship was delayed by two hours due to fog, but Werner rearranged our schedule and saved the day. We had an excellent buffet lunch at Aquila and did the safari drive. Werner gave an excellent narrative of all the sights and history background if South…”
Cape Town pickup to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a sunset Big Five game drive with welcome drinks, snacks, and an open 4x4 ride.
“We had a fantastic day! We came knowing the limitations of what a private game reserve in the Western Cape like Aquila would offer compared to, say, places like Kruger NP. With that in mind, we had a lovely first day-safari experience and were able to see 4/5 of the Big Five (no nocturnal leopards…”
Early hot air balloon safari over the Magaliesbergs and Cradle of Humankind with live commentary, certificate, and sparkling breakfast near Skeerpoort.
“Loved this experience..surreal with an amazing breakfast at the end of it!! The views were breathtaking!”
Two-day safari from Cape Town with 4x4 drives at Botlierskop & Buffelsdrift, Oudtshoorn stay, optional elephant visit.
“This was money well spent. We met amazing people, and we did some amazing things on the way to the Safari. Our guide, Denver, made sure that everyone he had in the van with him was very comfortable. He was very nice, sweet, and genuine. He was very knowledgeable about Cape Town and gave us…”
Half-day Lion Park safari from Johannesburg: open-vehicle lions and more, rare white lions possible, plus pickup in a small group.
“We loved spending time with the lions and the other predators. We felt safe and looked after. I heartily recommend this tour.”
Cape Town to Aquila for a sunset game drive with snacks, drinks, open 4x4 viewing, and Big Five chances in 9 hours.
“We had tue most amazing day, our driver Dona was absolutely amazing , told us so much about South Africa in our drive qas very friendly and made us all very comfortable was also a fantastic driver felt very safe. We saw 4 of the big 5 the Aquila Game reserve was absolutely magnificent we…”
Private 10-hour Kruger safari from Hazyview with a full-attention guide, game drives at Pabeni Gate, and photo-friendly comfort.
“Gerri Smith is an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, gave me all the information that I needed to enjoy the experience and was extra kind and considerate. He was on time and took amazing pictures with his camera and sent them to me. What a bonus as I am hopeless with the camera.”
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