Een man kijkt met zijn gezicht van de camera weg naar de rand van de Tafelberg in Kaapstad vanaf een hooggelegen positie | Go2Africa

15 Beste Zuid-Afrikaanse safari's en tours

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. 9 Day Good Value Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger

Duur: 9 Dagen | Locaties: 3

Een Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Suite kijkt uit op zijn eigen privézwembad met uitzicht op de wilde natuur.
Plunge into the wild with peace of mind | Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Enjoy South Africa's top destinations on a perfectly paced nine day itinerary, combining vibrant city life, world-class wine regions, and unforgettable Big 5 safari experiences. Begin at the heart of Cape Town's V&A Waterfront with a stay at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel. Over the next few days, explore the city's highlights: hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, relax on pristine beaches, or visit the iconic Robben Island for an educational cultural experience.

Escape to the scenic Kaapse Wijnlanden with a stay at The Spier Hotel, set on a charming wine estate outside Stellenbosch. You'll find out just why this region is renowned for gourmet food and award-winning wines, with farm-to-table meals, wine tastings, and chocolate and cheese experiences. The estate's family-friendly atmosphere, gardens, and village-style charm make it ideal for both adults and children, offering opportunities for independent exploration or guided activities.

Finally, fly directly to the Kruger National Park’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve for three nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, a private reserve famed for exceptional wildlife sightings, including the Big 5; everything one demands from a top safari in South Africa. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, night drives, and guided bush walks. Whether you're travelling as a couple or a family, the lodge provides beautiful, luxury chalets with en-suite bathrooms as well as a dedicated kids' club.

Hoogtepunten:

  • Stay at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, close to top sights and restaurants.
  • Relax on a wine estate in Stellenbosch with gourmet dining, art, and family-friendly activities.
  • Experience a private Big 5 safari at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with off-road drives and luxury chalets.
  • Enjoy a seamless journey with direct flights, transfers, and family-friendly accommodations throughout.

Geschikt voor:

  • Multi-generational families and couples

2. Ultra-Luxe Sojourn in Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

Duur: 10 Dagen | Locaties: 4

Elephant sightings while soaking in a bubble bath | Londolozi Private Granite Suites

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 Tafelberg 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 Watervallen. 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • Honeymooners
  • Group of friends

3.Exclusive Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger Luxury

Duur: 12 Dagen | Locaties: 3

Unwind and relax in the famous Cape Winelands | Le Quartier Français.

Thisa 12-day South African journey blends cosmopolitan charm with gourmet indulgence and thrilling safari adventures. Begin with four nights at Cape Grace on Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront, where elegant comfort meets breathtaking views. Explore the city's iconic highlights -Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Cape Point- or simply enjoy world-class dining and shopping at your doorstep. For the adventurous, try shark-cage diving, hiking, or a day of sun-soaked relaxation on Clifton's golden sands.

Continue into the Cape Winelands for three nights at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek, South Africa's culinary heart. Sample award-winning wines, savour fine cuisine, and wander through art-filled streets framed by mountains. Conclude your journey with four unforgettable nights at Dulini River Lodge in the Kruger National Park’s private Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Here, expert guides lead you on intimate Big 5 safaris, evening drives, and starlit dinners beside the river. This itinerary perfectly balances coastal living, wine-country elegance, and wild African adventure.

Hoogtepunten:

  • Stay in hand-picked luxury lodges & boutique hotels
  • Ride the Table Mountain cable car & explore Cape Point
  • Enjoy wine tastings and gourmet dining in Franschhoek
  • Experience Big 5 safaris in the Kruger

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
Food & Wine Tours

Food & Wine Tours + Safaris in South Africa

4. Bush and Beach Combo in South Africa’s Kruger & Mozambique

Duur: 9 Dagen | Locaties: 2

A game vehicles stops to look at one of the big cats on a game drive | Go2Africa
Spotting a member of the Big 5 | Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

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 archipel, 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • Honeymooners

5. Luxurious Cape, Wine, Whales & Garden Route

Duration: 16 Days | Locations: 5

Uitzicht vanuit de Kwandwe Fort House lounge op het zwembad en verder | Go2Africa
De perfecte plek voor een kopje koffie of een cocktail | Kwandwe Fort House

This journey takes the whole family through South Africa's Western Cape, exploring Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Coast, and the Tuinroute before ending with a malaria-free Big 5 safari in the Oost-Kaap. Your adventure begins in Cape Town at the stylish Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, perfectly located near the V&A Waterfront. Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, relax on the city's beautiful beaches, or visit iconic sites like Robben Island. Kids will love Boulders Beach, spotting penguins, and treasure hunts in the Company's Gardens.

Next, head to the Cape Winelands for a stay at La Cle Lodge in Franschhoek, where rolling vineyards and mountain scenery provide a stunning backdrop. Sample world-class wines, enjoy exquisite local cuisine, and explore the charming town on foot. Then it's on to the Whale Coast at Grootbos Forest Lodge, where guided nature walks, bug-hunting adventures for the kids, plus seasonal whale- and dolphin-spotting combine with luxury accommodation set amid spectacular natural scenery.

Your journey continues along the Garden Route to The Plettenberg, a seaside escape with adventure parks, whale watching, and family-friendly activities, before concluding with a Big 5 safari at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge in the Eastern Cape. Here, game drives, guided walks, and child-focused safaris provide intimate encounters with rhinos, cheetahs, and other iconic wildlife. Along the way, every stay is luxurious and family-oriented, combining adventure, wildlife, and comfort for a memorable South African holiday.

Hoogtepunten:

  • Explore Cape Town's top sights from the luxury Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront.
  • Enjoy wine tasting and fine dining in Franschhoek at Le Quartier Français.
  • Experience family-friendly tours with wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings.
  • End with a malaria-free Big 5 safari at the exclusive Kwandwe Private Reserve.

Geschikt voor:

  • Gezinnen
Family Vacations

Top Family Safaris in South Africa

6. Cape Town & South Africa’s Best-Kept Secret

Duration: 6 Days | Locations: 2

Kinderen brengen tijd door met rangers en leren over hun omgeving | Madikwe Safari Lodge

This South African safari tour starts in the fabulous Madikwe wildreservaat, 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Gezinnen met jonge kinderen

7. Family Fun in Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger

Duur: 11 Dagen | Locaties: 3

Wildritten in Zuid-Afrika, Thornybush Game Lodge | Go2Africa
Breng samen tijd door op gamedrives | Thornybush Game Lodge

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 wildreservaat, 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Gezinnen met kinderen
Solo Trips

Top Safaris in South Africa for Solo Travellers

8. From Bush to Beach in Style

Duur: 12 Dagen | Locaties: 3

Singita Lebombo Lodge dagbed in luxe suite in het Kruger National Park, Zuid-Afrika.
Sleep under the African night sky in an outdoor star bed | Singita Lebombo Lodge

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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • Verblijf bij 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Seclusion seekers

9. The Best of Cape Town, Kruger & Seychelles

Duur: 11 Dagen | Locaties: 3

MaratabaMountainLodge-Exterior-CommunalArea
Take in the beauty of the Waterberg Mountains | Marataba Mountain Lodge

Forming part of our Reizen met een Doel 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Travellers who are passionate about making a difference

10. Luxury Rovos Rail Ride from Cape Town Through South Africa

Duur: 5 Dagen | Locaties: 2

Geniet van de luxe van een vervlogen tijdperk | Rovos Rail
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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Alleenreizenden
  • Senior travellers
Huwelijksreizen

Best South African Honeymoon Tours

11. The Best of Cape Town, Kruger & Seychelles

Duration: 14 Days | Locations: 4

Experience all that Cape Town has to offer on this tour | Go2Africa

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 Seychellen.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • Honeymooners

12. The Best of Kruger, Kalahari & Cape Town

Duration: 15 Days | Locations: 4

Sundowners in the wilderness | Dulini Moya Lodge

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-woestijn. 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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • Blijf binnen 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • Honeymooners

13. Romantic Getaway in Cape Town & Kruger

Duration: 8 Days | Locations: 2

Fall deeper in love with the untamed African plains as your backdrop | Lion Sands River Lodge

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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • Honeymooners
Self-Drive Holidays

Top Self-Drive Tours + Safaris in South Africa

14. Bush & Beach Vacation in KwaZulu-Natal

Duur: 11 Dagen | Locaties: 4

Stay at the award-winning Phinda Forest Lodge on your trip | Phinda Forest Lodge

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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Alleenreizenden
  • Avontuurlijke reizigers
Private Tours

Best Private Tours of South Africa

15. From Cape Town to the Kruger

Duur: 9 Dagen | Locaties: 2

Ellerman-Huis-Suite-Balkon
Ontdek alles wat Kaapstad te bieden heeft | Ellerman House

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.

Hoogtepunten:

  • 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

Geschikt voor:

  • Paren
  • 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:

Louis Nel
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