Get ready to see South Africa's big five in their natural state through the many South African tours and safaris available to tourists and animal lovers! There are some awe-inducing itineraries where you can get up close and personal with wildlife, stay in luxurious accommodation, and live like the locals.
Thankfully, there are options for many budgets depending on the season. There's even the option of driving yourself through game reserves for a thrilling experience at your own pace. From breathtaking views to intriguing culture to wild encounters, adventure is waiting for you!
When it comes to planning South African tours and safaris, Micato Safaris is ideal for those who enjoy a lavish trip. As a small tour operator from New York, they specialize in safaris based on luxury and sophistication! They even have small planes that take you from one destination to another to save time and give you a bird's-eye view of the amazing savannas. The top tour that Micato offers is called The Travel+Leisure World's Best Safari, and it starts from $16,950 for a 13-day trip filled with peaceful nights at the best hotels in the world.
The wildlife you'll come across on South African tours and safaris will be best seen in small groups, so be sure to find a tour that has a reasonable cap on the number of people it takes. Small group tours exploring the marvels of South Africa with Globus Journeys start at $3,666 for a 12-day journey filled with safaris, cultural experiences and even a visit to the famous Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The South Africa Ultimate Adventure Safari with REI has something for every thrillseeker. This 11-day REI Adventures tour starts from $7,199 and takes you on wild adventures on the road, through the savanna and on the sea with cycling, safaris and kayaking. One of National Geographic's best tours in Africa of 2015, guests enjoy exploring the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and hiking Table Mountain with stops at famous wineries along the way.
Safari guides are always on the lookout for the five animals South Africa is known for. This honeymoon-themed tour with Go2Africa helps bring a bit of romance to the vacation with impeccable South African cuisine and stays at amazing resorts such as the Singita Lebombo Lodge. Adventurous couples will enjoy the excitement of day and night safaris through Kruger National Park. A nine-day tour starts at $10,145 per person.
A safari tour to South Africa doesn't have to be a long, expensive trip. For example, a four-day tour including stops in Johannesburg and Kruger National Park can start from $475 a person if you don't mind losing a few lavish amenities! This short tour with Intrepid Travel has you camping in tents and includes safari trips to spot all the animals of South Africa.
With the Lands of the Serendip tour by Capture Africa Tours, guests will be encouraged to get in touch with their inner photographer. The tour will spend time in the Klaserie Nature Reserve with a professional guide who will help you work on your photography skills to get the perfect shot and be inspired by the amazing flora and fauna. Pricing depends on the month and tour, and a deposit of $1,600 is required.
The popular Illinois-based tour company Abercrombie & Kent know how to do South African tours and safaris. Named as one of the top ten safari tour operators by Fodor’s, they have excursions to philanthropic projects that better the communities and wildlife, giving guests an amazing experience they wouldn't find on their own. Their popular trip to Kruger National Park starts from $6,795 for an exciting nine-day trip.
This long trip with Southern Destinations has a little bit of everything. Starting from $11,010 per person, get ready to spend 17 fun-filled days exploring Kruger National Park, Cape Town and even the Okavango Delta in nearby Botswana. Look out for big cats and other animals at the watering hole during evening game drives in Sabi Sands.
This California-based tour company has excellent, affordable options for your South African vacation. Great Safaris has an amazing 12-day safari starting from $3,795 that includes many meals and amazing adventures. The Good Earth South Africa Safari Tour strives to be environmentally responsible by lowering the carbon footprint of each guest while giving back to the locals. With stops in Cape Town, Johannesburg and the Grootbos Nature Reserve, this tour has it all.
If you're looking for South African tours and safaris for the whole family, Journeys Discovering Africa has you covered with an 11-day South Africa Family tour starting at $5,348. This tour has plenty of safari trips through Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve and Timbavati Nature Reserve. Join your guide in searching for big cats, including white lions!
A Tanzania safari is an exciting vacation idea for your next travels - in fact, CNN states that Tanzania is the best country in Africa for a safari! Home to the famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this Eastern African country has plenty of places to visit if you choose to go on a fun-filled Tanzania safari.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a famous destination in Tanzania, with adventure seekers all clamoring to climb up Africa's highest mountain. With beautiful game reserves for safaris, amazing cuisine, spectacular wild animals at every turn and even a dormant volcano, Tanzania is the perfect place for adventure seekers. Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing addition to a Tanzania safari, keeping it in the running with South Africa as a highly memorable vacation destination.
