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South Africa truly is a world in one country. It's home to some of the best private game reserves where Big 5 sightings are almost as regular as clockwork, phenomenal beaches and coastline, and award-winning wines from picture-perfect valleys. With bucketloads of natural beauty and wildlife experiences, the best South African tours offer great safari experiences for first-time visitors, honeymooners, families with children, and solo travellers.
Choosing the best tours of South Africa is like planning a trip around the world – there’s just so much to see and do in this beautiful country! And with so many prospects at your fingertips, it can be difficult to know where to start. Not to mention other influential factors, such as safari costs, time of year, and who you're travelling with. To make it a little easier, we've rounded up our best South African tours to help you decide.
And remember, these are trip ideas only – if you're inspired, we can tailor-make a special version just for you.
Luxury Trips
Top Luxury Safaris in South Africa
1. Five-Star Service in Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 3
This luxury South African safari tour starts in Cape Town's trendy Silo District, an architectural marvel in the V&A Waterfront. Your striking hotel was built in an old elevator portion of a historic grain silo complex and sits above the celebrated Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Then you'll move to a gorgeous valley within the Cape Winelands for a couple of nights at a sophisticated guesthouse situated on a wine and olive estate. For the last few days on this top safari in South Africa, you'll be in the more than capable hands of Royal Malewane's expert guides and trackers as you search for the Big 5 deep in the game-rich heart of the Kruger National Park.
Highlights:
- Stay in private villas throughout
- Views of Table Mountain from The Silo
- Direct access to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- Tailored service at La Residence Vineyard Suites
- Wine tasting in the popular Cape Winelands
- Africa House at Royal Malewane, a private villa set in the heart of the Kruger
- Game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
Best Suited For:
- Multi-generational families
2. Ultra-Luxe Sojourn in Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls
Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 4
Explore four of Southern Africa's most popular destinations from the lap of luxury during this 10-day trip. Start in the ‘Mother City', with a stay at one of Cape Town's beloved hotels, the Cape Grace. Ideally located in the V&A Waterfront, you'll have easy access to the city's top attractions, from Table Mountain and Robben Island to the beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Forty-five minutes from the city lies your next stop – the Cape Winelands – where you'll be wined and dined in charming Franschhoek, South Africa's culinary capital.
The safari portion of your trip begins when you touchdown in Kruger National Park – home to the best Big 5 sightings on the continent. Londolozi, a private concession within Sabi Sands Game Reserve, is your home for the next two days. Your last stop on this incredible safari itinerary is the iconic Victoria Falls. The world's largest waterfall is also known as ‘Africa's Adventure Capital', providing an array of exciting activities and experiences – including sunset cruises and white water rafting on the Zambezi River, as well as bungee jumping, ziplining and scenic helicopter flights over the Falls.
Highlights:
- Stay at luxurious, romantic and private accommodation throughout
- Explore Cape Town with the V&A Waterfront as your base
- Enjoy fine dining & top vintages in South Africa's top food and wine region
- Incredible game viewing, including the Big 5, in Kruger's Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Wide range of adventure activities available in Victoria Falls
- Game drives, guided walks, night drives and river cruises get you close to the wildlife
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Group of friends
3. Exclusive Luxury in Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 3
Explore the beauty of the Mother City and its scenic wine valleys on this top luxury tour of South Africa. Visit Cape Town's sites and gorgeous beaches, catch the cable car up Table Mountain, then spend three nights in the quaint town of Franschhoek, harboured in a scenic valley within the famed Cape Winelands.
Highlights:
- Ocean views from the award-winning O on Kloof Boutique Hotel
- Easy access to Camps Bay and Clifton, Cape Town's best beaches
- World-class cuisine at Le Quartier Francais's acclaimed restaurant, The Tasting Room
- Franschhoek's fine boutiques and art galleries
- Private cinema at Le Quartier Français
Best Suited For:
- Couples
Food & Wine Tours
Food & Wine Tours + Safaris in South Africa
4. Bush and Beach Combo in South Africa’s Kruger & Mozambique
Duration: 9 Days | Locations: 2
Why choose between a wildlife safari in the bush or a beachside getaway when you can have both? This 9-day escapade takes you from a classic Big 5 safari in the famous Kruger National Park to the sunny shores of an island paradise off Mozambique's coast. From guided nature walks and night drives in search of big game in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve to diving and snorkelling in the Bazaruto Archipelago, bush-and-beach combos don't get much better than this. And to top it all off, you'll be treated to delectable cuisine paired with flavourful wines in the Kruger, and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood followed by refreshing cocktails in Mozambique.
Highlights:
- Enjoy both bush and beach in this ideal honeymoon trip
- Indulge in gourmet meals, fine wine, refreshing cocktails, and fresh seafood
- Classic big game viewing in one of the Kruger's private concessions
- Barefoot beach luxury at an idyllic resort in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago
- Game drives, night drives, guided nature walks, and water-based activities
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
5. The Ultimate Tour of South Africa
Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 4
This is one of the best South African tours if you want to indulge in gourmet delights and sample some of the finest wines in the world. It kicks off in a trendy nook of Cape Town, before heading into the breathtaking Cape Winelands for a stay in the historic town of Franschhoek, South Africa's fine dining capital.
Continue east along the Garden Route, arguably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Africa. Culminate your safari in South Africa with superb Big 5 game viewing at a luxury, exclusive-use villa located in a private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape – one of the best South African safari destinations for families.
Highlights:
- Exploring Cape Town, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront
- Fine dining and award-winning wine estates in Stellenbosch
- Sunset boat cruises on the Knysna Lagoon
- Stay in an exclusive-use villa, Kwandwe Fort House, boasting a private chef, butler, guide & vehicle
- See the Big 5 in a malaria-free private game reserve
Best Suited For:
- Small groups
- Families
Family Vacations
Top Family Safaris in South Africa
6. Cape Town & South Africa’s Best-Kept Secret
Duration: 6 Days | Locations: 2
This South African safari tour starts in the fabulous Madikwe Game Reserve, a private wildlife sanctuary located in the malaria-free north of South Africa. Madikwe Safari Lodge is ideal for a family safari in South Africa, offering babysitting services and kids' game drives. The Mother City will be your last stop on this safari in South Africa, staying in the heart of Cape Town just off its vibrant Kloof Street.
Highlights:
- One of the best South Africa tours for families with young kids
- Stay in the heart of Madikwe, South Africa's biggest malaria-free reserve
- Separate wing at Madikwe Safari Lodge for families with children
- Age-appropriate activities like kids' game drives and guided bush walks
- See the Big 5, predators and over 350 bird species
- Enjoy Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town's beaches
Best Suited For:
- Families with young children
7. Family Fun in Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 3
Set yourself up with self-catering comfort in Cape Town's fashionable Gardens neighbourhood. Enjoy the ‘Mother City's' incredible natural beauty and explore her famous sights like Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and Cape Point. Then travel to the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley to sample some of the region's finest vintages.
Bring your South African safari tour to a close at Thornybush Game Reserve, adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Enjoy twice-daily game drives, interpretive bush walks and moonlit dinners served under the stars – the perfect end to one of the best tours of South Africa for families.
Highlights:
- Visit Table Mountain, Cape Point and other sites at your own pace
- Gourmet cuisine in the Cape Winelands
- Unrivalled Big 5 game viewing in Kruger
- Kids activities like tailored walks with rangers, baking, and arts and crafts
Best Suited For:
- Families with children
Solo Trips
Top Safaris in South Africa for Solo Travellers
8. From Bush to Beach in Style
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 3
This sensational solo tour combines a safari in South Africa's Kruger National Park with a pristine tropical island hideaway – making it one of the best South African safari tours if you want to combine bush and beach. Begin your adventure tracking the Big 5 from a sophisticated, Afro-chic retreat in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains. Before travelling to paradise, spend a night at a chic boutique hotel in Johannesburg for an urban reprieve. Finally, be whisked away to a beautiful tropical island within Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago.
Highlights:
- Stay at Singita Lebombo Lodge, a sophisticated retreat overlooking an active waterhole
- Game drives and guided nature walks in wildlife-rich Kruger
- Spa treatments at Lebombo Lodge
- Lush gardens, poolside relaxation and art collection at iconic Saxon Boutique Hotel
- Azura Benguerra, an exclusive resort on a tropical island
- Snorkelling and diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Best Suited For:
- Seclusion seekers
9. The Best of Cape Town, Kruger & Seychelles
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 3
Forming part of our Trips With A Purpose collection, this 11-day itinerary not only promises an unforgettable experience in South Africa but also contributes to the preservation of the wilderness and wildlife you'll come to love.
This itinerary takes you through the game-rich regions of Marakele National Park in the Waterberg Mountains and Eastern Cape's Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Both destinations are malaria-free, making them perfect for those travelling with young children. While the accommodation, Marataba Mountain Lodge and Great Fish River Lodge, respectively, provide a luxurious yet comfortable stay without compromising on the safari experience.
In addition to exciting game drives, incredible scenic views and superb service, both lodges share a strong conservation ethos to protect the country's vulnerable wildlife and support local communities. During your stay, you have the unique opportunity to take part in the various projects run by the passionate conservation teams – most notably, their rhino conservation efforts.
After 9 days in South Africa's wilderness, it's time to recoup and unwind in a charming French nook of the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek is known as the country's culinary capital, thanks to its exquisite gourmet delights and award-winning wines. Your stay is made all the more comfortable by the superb service and incredible amenities of La Clé, a lodge that sponsors and supports local communities.
Highlights:
- Make a Positive Impact with your travel spend
- Support conservation & community initiatives by enjoying a luxury safari holiday
- Thrilling wildlife viewing in two malaria-free regions
- Encounter endangered rhino species & assist with vital conservation experts
- Lend a hand in the local community with a visit to the rural village, Obakeng in the Eastern Cape
- Re-plant spekboom at Kwandwe
- Feast on culinary delights & world-class wines in the Cape Winelands
Best Suited For:
- Travellers who are passionate about making a difference
10. Luxury Rovos Rail Ride from Cape Town Through South Africa
Duration: 5 Days | Locations: 2
Rovos Rails offers some of the most luxurious safari tours from Cape Town through South Africa's picturesque landscape. Start in the ‘Mother City', where elegant Ellerman House serves as your base from which to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. From here, you'll travel cross-country through the ever-changing vistas of South Africa in one of the world's most luxurious long-distance trains. Your voyage ends in Pretoria, after which a transfer to Johannesburg sees you spending a night in the comfort of the Saxon Hotel.
Highlights:
- Enjoy an opulent yet comfortable voyage on an ultra-luxury train
- Be mesmerised by South Africa's diverse, scenic landscapes between Cape Town & Johannesburg
- Enter the old-world luxury of Rovos Rail
- Explore popular attractions and landmarks in South Africa's most popular cities
- Stay in two top luxury hotels
Best Suited For:
- Solo travellers
- Senior travellers
Honeymoons
Best South African Honeymoon Tours
11. The Best of Cape Town, Kruger & Seychelles
Duration: 14 Days | Locations: 4
This is one of the best South African tours for honeymooners. Start your trip in the continent's most-awarded city, Cape Town, exploring its rich tapestry of beaches, leafy vineyards and iconic Table Mountain. Then catch a flight to Londolozi Private Granite Suites in the illustrious Sabi Sands Game Reserve, an untouched and private slice of wilderness alongside the iconic Kruger National Park.
Stopover in Johannesburg at the quaint Fairlawns Boutique Hotel for a quick reprieve after a thrilling Big 5 safari in South Africa. As no honeymoon is complete without a beachside getaway, escape to the boulder-strewn white sands of Félicité, a private island in the Seychelles.
Highlights:
- Stay in the heart of Cape Town's V&A Waterfront at the award-winning Cape Grace
- Sensational leopard sightings in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
- Enjoy a luxurious private suite and villa in Kruger and the Seychelles, respectively
- Plunge pool, fine dining & exceptional wine cellar
- Unwind with spa treatments and massages while in Joburg
- Exclusive setting on a private island when staying at Six Senses Zil Pasyon
- Diving, snorkelling, private beaches, golf, walking trail, water sports & scenic helicopter flights
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
12. The Best of Kruger, Kalahari & Cape Town
Duration: 15 Days | Locations: 4
Discover two of South Africa's best private game reserves: Sabi Sands, which borders the Kruger National Park, and Tswalu, sitting on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. Sabi offers you some of the best Big 5 sightings in Africa, while Tswalu will shine a spotlight on the more unique and lesser-known African animals like meerkat, aardvark and even the ultra-rare pangolin. A stopover in Johannesburg between the 2 reserves provides the perfect respite to relax and freshen up. Conclude your tour of South Africa in the magnificent Cape Town, drinking in the Mother City's natural beauty and gourmet experiences.
Highlights:
- Stay in Dulini River Lodge, bordering the Kruger National Park
- Fantastic Big 5 game viewing in Sabi Sands
- Stay at The Saxon, a luxury boutique hotel in Johannesburg
- Explore the great Kalahari Desert from the comfort of The Motse at Tswalu
- Interact with habituated meerkats in Tswalu Private Game Reserve
- Game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris, animal tracking & star beds
- Experience Cape Town's attractions from the elegant Cape Grace Hotel
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
13. Romantic Getaway in Cape Town & Kruger
Duration: 8 Days | Locations: 2
Eight days of romance get underway in the enchanting city of Cape Town. Fall deeper in love with your partner as you make memories exploring the ‘Mother City's' attractions, from its Blue Flag beaches and iconic Table Mountain to retail therapy in V&A Waterfront and culinary delights on the vibrant restaurant scene.
After your lively urban getaway, it's off to the Kruger's Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve for a classic Big 5 safari. Experience the wildlife and untamed nature of the Kruger from the lap of luxury at Lion Sands River Lodge – an opulent accommodation known for its incredible amenities, fine dining, and fantastic service.
Highlights:
- Stay in the stylish & central Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, located at the foot of Table Mountain
- Explore Table Mountain, Blue Flag beaches, V&A Waterfront and more
- Spend a day in the Cape Winelands, sampling award-winning vintages
- Enjoy superb Big 5 game viewing in one of the Kruger's top private reserves
- Fine dining, spa treatments, picnics, star gazing & wine tasting in Sabi Sands
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
Self-Drive Holidays
Top Self-Drive Tours + Safaris in South Africa
14. Bush & Beach Vacation in KwaZulu-Natal
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 4
Begin your self-drive tour of South Africa at the base of the iconic Drakensberg Mountain Range. Continue north into the historic and culturally rich Battlefields region and learn all about the famous colonial battles of the area. Explore the Buffalo River and spot giraffes and zebras in the local game reserve. Then head to the sub-tropical coast of KwaZulu-Natal for a few days of relaxation on white-sand beaches and snorkelling in the clear Indian Ocean. Complete your South African safari tour with fantastic Big 5 game viewing in Phinda Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa's most exclusive and diverse conservation areas.
Highlights:
- Prepare meals with an award-winning chef at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
- Hiking and horse riding in the Drakensberg
- Visit the historical Battlefields region
- Dive with turtles and manta rays in the Indian Ocean
- Stay at an award-winning safari lodge in a private Big 5 game reserve
Best Suited For:
- Solo travellers
- Adventurous travellers
Private Tours
Best Private Tours of South Africa
15. From Cape Town to the Kruger
Duration: 9 Days | Locations: 2
Your 9-day trip in South Africa kicks off in one of the continent's most beautiful cities – Cape Town. Affectionately known as the ‘Mother City', you'll stay in Ellerman House – a gorgeous, exclusive-use villa in one of Cape Town's most affluent neighbourhoods, located just a stone's throw away from the beach. The 3-storey Ellerman House is an award-winning villa offering jaw-dropping views of the azure Atlantic Ocean. Conclude one of the top private safaris in South Africa at the superlative Singita Lebombo Lodge, where your private suite is perfectly positioned in one of Africa's most iconic Big 5 reserves.
Highlights:
- Fantastic art gallery at the award-winning Ellerman House
- Tennis courts, swimming pools and cinemas
- 5-star cuisine and service
- Game drives and walking safaris in Sabi Sands
- Private chef, tracker and guide
Best Suited For:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
Ready to Plan Your Tour of South Africa?
South Africa is our home and Go2Africa's African Safari Experts have explored nearly every inch of the country. Get in touch and let our first-hand experience and knowledge guide you in crafting the perfect tailor-made safari itinerary:
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