Safaris · WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN CAPE TOWN
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 wildlife safaris in Cape Town worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Leave Cape Town by air-conditioned minibus for Aquila Private Nature Reserve, crossing the Hex River Valley. After a buffet lunch, join an English-speaking ranger for a two-hour open-vehicle safari. You may see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and up to 172 bird species.
“It was great! Our guide Kayim was fantastic, great ride”
Head from Gansbaai’s Great White House to the Dyer Island ecosystem for a two-hour marine safari. A marine biologist explains the wildlife, while the crew searches for whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Cape Town transfers and a penguin sanctuary visit are optional.
“Their focus in conservation and education is very obvious. Everyone from reception, to check in and briefing, to the crew afterwards was amazing. They truly went out of their way to ensure everyone’s experience was pleasurable.”
Spend about nine hours traveling from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve, where an English-speaking ranger leads a three-hour open-vehicle drive. Expect lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, birds, a buffet lunch, and scenic Karoo views. Guides such as Denver, Max, Josh, and Abriel have earned particular praise.
“We are not really animal friendly but the whole experience of this safari was amazing, from the friendly and helpful driver/tour guide to the guide on the safari bus. Had an amazing day”
Travel from Cape Town through Du Toitskloof and the Breede River Valley to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Your guide, often Mike, Werner, Jamie, or another Born in Africa professional, handles the drive while a reserve ranger leads the safari. Lunch and champagne are included in the reserve fee.
“Werner my tour guide and driver was super! Fun, courteous, knowledgeable about the area and country. The winery was lovely and a good tasting. Aquila was great. I lucked out and had Jana as my guide. She is the conservationist for the reseRead more”
Travel from Cape Town or Stellenbosch to Oudtshoorn for two shared 4x4 safaris at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift. Expect long scenic drives, a night in accommodation ranging from backpacker to luxury, and an optional elephant observation. Guides such as Nev, Denver, Ulrich, and Dylan are known for keeping the journey informative and friendly.
“I have no words to describe what this experience meant to me. I only encountered amazing people who made me feel safe and loved! I could see all the animals I admire from up close, I had the time of my life. Thank you everybody for everything!”
Join an English-speaking crew at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a 90-minute catamaran search along the Atlantic coast. Look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish, with Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles as your backdrop. Muffins, hot chocolate, water, and binoculars are included.
“The crew were constantly on the lookout for marine animals. And when we saw them, they were very knowledgeable. Didn’t see sharks or whales on this occasion. But delighted to see penguins, seals, dolphins, and sunfish. It was only a small group, so we all got an opportunity to move around the boat, and sit outside. Really enjoyable trip.”
Leave Cape Town early for Botlierskop’s 4x4 safari, sleep in Oudtshoorn, then explore Buffelsdrift by open vehicle. You may see lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and more. Guides such as Neville, TK, Denver, and Uriel add local stories, while the optional elephant walk costs about R700.
“Fantastic safari and an excellent driver/guide. I would thoroughly recommend this trip if you want to experience a great safari and see the animals close up”
Travel from Cape Town to Addo with a small group of up to 12, staying in backpackers or guesthouses. Your English-speaking guide leads wine tasting, Cango Caves, canoeing, hikes, an Addo safari, and coastal stops, with optional bungee jumping, skydiving, and sandboarding.
“Great experience, great guide, great value for money! That's about it Thanks guys”
Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for a 2 to 2.5-hour boat search for whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and African penguins. An onboard biologist explains the animals and conservation work. Tea, muffins, soup, wet-weather gear, hotel transfers, and an APSS visit are included.
“If you want see sharks take this tour operators 99 percent chance you can see sharks Really I remember this trip”
Leave Cape Town at 6:30 am for a private two-hour drive to Aquila Game Reserve. Enjoy breakfast, a shared 2 to 3-hour safari truck ride, lunch, pool time, and a Fairview wine and cheese tasting. Guides such as Ray, Tambo, Pedro, and Wilson have earned praise for friendly, informative service.
“A brilliant way to see the big 5! Close by and inexpensive, good food, cordial hosts, and just fun. The day was wonderfully entertaining and educational about the animals. The ranger-guides-drivers are well informed and knowledgable. If you have limited time and a limited budget, this is a great way to see the South African wildlife.”
Leave Cape Town or Stellenbosch early for two safari drives, one night near Oudtshoorn, and a long return along Route 62. You may spot rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, and smaller wildlife. Guides such as Maudi, Dylan, and Denver have earned praise, but expect about 900 km of road travel.
“Résultat mitigé. Dylan, le guide était top. Je le recommande vivement. Le programme est intense sur les 2 jours avec de longs trajets de 6h. Mais vous n’avez pas le choix si vous venez de Captown. Les van ne sont pas confortables. Concernant les 2 safari, cela me paraissait plus être un grand zoo sans enclos plutôt qu’un safari. J’ai moins apprécié le 1er safari Bufflesdrift car plus petit et beaucoups moins d’animaux. En revanche les lodges surplace et l’environnement étaient magnifiques. Il n’y avait pas de lions dans les 2 réserves. Suppléments éléphant cher, mais sympa car nous avons pu les approcher de très près et de les toucher.…”
Spend about nine hours with Ian of African Moon Adventures, traveling from central Cape Town in a comfortable seven-seat minivan to Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve, Darling Olives, Darling Brew, and more. Expect a guided game drive, tastings, Table Mountain views, and free time for lunch and drinks.
“Great trip . We saw 97pct of the animals during the game drive. Then beautiful stops in Darling for olive,wine and toffee tasting! The host/driver and guide is very gentle and has a beatiful car with wide space for everybody.worth every ran!”
Travel from Cape Town to a private game reserve for a buffet lunch and a 2.5 to 3-hour wildlife drive. Guides such as Collen and Dudu add useful local insight, while the reserve offers a quick way to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, zebras, and more.
“Erst mal zum Positiven:Collin war ein super Fahrer und Guide. Leider war die Organisation im Voraus sehr schlecht. Die Tour konnte am gebuchten Tag wegen zu weniger Teilnehmer nicht stattfinden und ich wurde gefragt, ob ich den Tag wechseln könnte. Das war für mich kein Problem, nur habe ich lange keine Antwort erhalten und musste mir somit einige Tage freihalten, so dass ich nichts anderes buchen konnte und es z.T. dann ausgebucht war. Die Abholzeit wurde mir nach 22 Uhr am Vortag mitgeteilt, zudem ein Link mit dem ich den Eintritt bezahlen sollte. Das fand ich sehr unseriös. Hätte man die Tour mit Eintritt gebucht, wäre es zudem viel teurer…”
Travel privately from Cape Town with guides such as Mike, Jamie, or Dave, then spend 2 to 3 hours on a whale-watching boat near Hermanus. The day may include whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, penguins, and coastal stops at Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, and Stoney Point. Boat fees and lunch cost extra.
“Dave and his team are superb! The care, the companionship and the information they provide is top notch. Further to that, they gave us the space to explore the town around and was nothing but friendly and supportive all through our journey. Best tour guides in CT.”
Travel from Cape Town to a private Big 5 reserve for an evening 4x4 drive timed for golden hour. Your guide explains local wildlife and plants while you look for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, and zebra. French-speaking guide Enoch Mukidi Lokwa is available on some departures.
“The safari itself was good but the price for it was not included. This is just for the transfer and light snacks. You do not get the value for your money as you still have to pay for the actual safari upon arrival. The duration of the whole thing exceeds 3 hours so please bear this in mind. Communication with the host was very bad also.”
Dunes, game drives, camps or snow.
