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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“Great trip. Nice game reserve. 100% chance to see animals. Good lunch. Some welcome and intermediate sparkling drinks are great.”
Full-day safari from Johannesburg to Pilanesberg with two open-vehicle drives, expert guides, Big 5 chances, and a waterhole-view lunch.
“Well beyond my expectations. If you have one free day to do something, this is it!”
2-day safari from Cape Town with overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge, sunset and morning drives, and Cape Agulhas stops.
“What an amazing experience! Our guide Chris was very knowledgeable and passionate about his role and ensured everyone was happy throughout. It is such good value for money, not only experiencing a 2 day safari with an overnight stay including dinner and breakfast but also stopping off at amazing places such as Cape Agulhas, Hermanus…”
Full-day Addo Elephant National Park safari from Port Elizabeth with an expert guide, two 3-hour game drives, lunch, and elephant-rich sightings.
“Our Driver, guide was absolutely excellent, he made a very memorable day and experience, would highly recommend Sidwell and tour.”
Private Kruger safari from Hazyview with a pro guide, Big Five chances, early pickup, and breakfast and lunch stops in 11 hours.
“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…”
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.
“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 🍀”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve with hotel pickup, open-air drive, and buffet lunch.
“This is a relatively small reserve but has a great team behind it. The driver was called Max and really brought fun to the experience”
Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town with Aquila game drive, Breede and Hex wine valleys, Du Toitskloof tasting, buffet lunch and transport.
“Great day with our guide, Werner. Traffic was bad so Werner swapped the wine tasting to the afternoon. I’m amazed that we were able to see so many animals in a 2 hour period. Werner advised us to sit up front and it worked out perfectly. We saw lions, elephants, hippos, rhinos, elands, zebras, Cape…”
Cape Town pickup to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a sunset Big Five game drive with welcome drinks, snacks, and an open 4x4 ride.
“Massive shoutout to both Elda and Frank for delivering a fantastic tour and experience; highly recommended and may even do again”
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.
“It was very organized & well guided tour. Our guide Mr. Gerald was very professional & shared alot of insights & knowledge of areas we traveled to. Enjoyed the safari at garden route, it was quite scenic. Totally recommended!”
Half-day Lion Park safari from Johannesburg: open-vehicle lions and more, rare white lions possible, plus pickup in a small group.
“Our tour guide for the safari park (Dusty) was absolutely amazing! She was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Our transportation guide was also great! He so so polite, and professional!!! Would highly recommend for everyone!”
Cape Town to Aquila for a sunset game drive with snacks, drinks, open 4x4 viewing, and Big Five chances in 9 hours.
“We had the best day! Although it’s a fairly long drive it was totally worth it! Uncle Dona was an amazing driver and told us all about South African history on the journey there and back! The safari was simply just unbelievable! The animals were so close and the park was set up beautifully! Would…”
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.”
Every wild place worth the trip, country by country.
