10 Best Safaris in South Africa That You Shouldn’t Miss

Planning a safari in South Africa is a decision you will never regret. With diverse ecosystems, an abundance of wildlife, and stunning landscapes, the options are endless when it comes to choosing where to go on safari. 

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in the bush or want to see as many different animals as possible, we’ve got you covered

10 Best Safaris in South Africa

1. Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari

Kruger Park sits on the throne as the best in Africa. With almost 2 million hectares, the park offers historical diversity seen in many archeological sites. Enjoy magnificent sceneries while driving around to see their best big five – the buffalos, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinoceros!

Knowledgeable tour guides will walk you through. It’s an opportunity to learn and identify animal tracks and interesting facts on the African bush. Upon exploring the area, you will also get the chance to look at plants, which the previous generations depended on for survival.

2. Cape Town Ocean Safari: Table Bay’s Speed Boat Adventure

Table Bay comes to mind if glorious mountains and vibrant waterfront harbor views thrill you. Generally, the fast ride out of the harbor follows a slow marine life exploration. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to witness Cape fur seals, dolphins, penguins, sunfish, and whales in their comfort zones. 

So, pack your cameras and capture memories as the speedboat stops at the bewildering landmarks from the waters from time to time. These landmarks include Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and Table Mountain. 

Children are allowed on board under the supervision of adults. However, the trips and routes may change depending on the weather.

3. Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari/Pilanesberg National Park

Take a phenomenal aerial viewpoint over the evergreen Savannas. The balloon flight lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

Celebrate the flight by enjoying a glass of orange juice and sparkling wine upon landing. You will also receive a first flight certificate granted and signed by the pilot. How cool is that?

4. St. Lucia Wetlands and Estuary

Want to see exotic crocodiles, majestic hippos, fluvial forests, and mangrove swamps? Traveling from Durban to St. Lucia is only a 3-hour drive. Depending on availability, you can ride in the comfort of a Ford Everest 6/7 seater or Ford Tourneo 8-seater minivan.

Upon arriving in St. Lucia, the tour guide will fill you in about the history of Durban and St. Lucia. You’ll start with ISimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in St. Lucia until you reach the BoardWalk.

The route along the BoardWalk usually starts from the estuary to the Indian Ocean, eventually reaching a crocodile farm. There, you get to learn more about the nature of these extraordinary reptiles.

5. Addo National Park

Addo National Park, South Africa’s Eden, is home to exquisite elephants and other wildlife. Enjoy spotting wildlife and learning the local culture, history, stories, and vegetation in this Safari. 

There’s also bungee jumping for the brave souls, wine tasting,  and exploring the legendary Cango Caves to name a few. Enjoy touring around in the comfort of custom-designed Toyota Land Cruiser Safari cars featuring high ground clearance and big retractable windows.

6. Cape Peninsula and Boulders Beach

Home to a vibrant community known as Bo-kaap, the heart of Cape Town city center has prosperous suburbs, the best beaches, and enormous mountains. You can also opt for an impressive 40-minute round-trip boat ride to Seal Island.

While Chapman’s Peak Drive’s road engineering may not be for the faint-hearted, the scenic drive will sweep you off your feet. With luck, you’ll enter the Cape of Goodhope Nature Reserve right after midday. Learn here about the Cape’s rich plant life in early human and maritime history.

A 20-minute walk to Cape Point leads you to a historic lighthouse and a luxurious seafood restaurant with excellent sea views. And if you’re not in the mood for walking, you can choose to take a funicular as you please.

7. Hout Bay: Seal Snorkeling Experience

Complete your trip by experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime Cape Town escapade to swim and snorkel with the Cape fur seal! Never miss out on this adrenaline-inducing excursion on your itinerary.  Complete the briefing and short training session before the trip begins.

An expert crew will take you to a close-up interaction with the ocean’s friendliest animal for an hour. Tasty snacks and hot drinks on board will add to your satisfaction on your way back.

8. Robben Island Tickets and Penguins

The private Cape Town tour starts at 6:00 A.M with a pickup from your hotel to the Atlantic Seaboard, where you can appreciate the awe-inspiring mountains on one side surrounded by the ocean. The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range is a photo opportunity you shouldn’t miss when you stop at the Maiden’s Cover.

At your next stop, you’ll visit the enchanting Boulders penguin colony as they play and scamper in the ocean. You will then proceed to a guided tour and a photo stop at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a famous landmark. From there, you can hike or take the funicular for a lighthouse sightseeing.

Right after having fun with the penguins, you’ll visit the Nelson Mandela Gateway and take a prison tour at Robben Island. Find out more about Nelson Mandela’s cell, where he spent so many years after fighting for equality, with the help of an ex-prisoner guide. 

9. Helicopter Flight Over Cape Peninsula

Get an unparalleled aerial view of the Cape Peninsula on a breathtaking helicopter flight from Cape Town. Then explore the Cape of Good Hope and witness the 12 Apostles mountain range. Fly over the Hout Bay as you head for Karbonkelberg Mountain to reach the Cape Nature Reserve. 

10. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari, known as South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Suite (UNESCO) and considered as South Africa’s third-largest safari, boasts of nearly 280 kilometers of near-mint coastline and 328 000 hectares of breathtaking scenery. It is home to one of the largest populations of hippopotami in South Africa, approximately 1,000 crocodiles, and a vast abundance of greens, birds, and other animal life.

You can enjoy watching African elephants, black and southern white rhinos, buffalo, lions, and leopards as they frolic around their haven. At the same time, immerse yourself with the rich marine life home to dolphins, marine turtles (leatherhead and loggerhead turtle), and whales.

The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest park in South Africa, with nearly 98 000 hectares of fauna and flora diversity. Moreso, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is esteemed worldwide for its white rhino conservation efforts. 

Witness the Splendid Beauty and Culture In South Africa

Indeed, the best safaris in South Africa have a long list of sightseeing tours and adrenaline-induced activities waiting for you. Don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime adventure to visit one of the most diverse cultures worldwide. From diverse wildlife to exceptional marine life, South Africa has it all. 

Immerse yourself with the exceptional scenery as you start your visit from Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa to Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Robben Island, and Hout Bay, to name a few. Aside from the natural splendor South Africa has to offer, the country’s wealthy history will also blow your mind.

---

Support the Team!

If we helped you plan your travels in any way and you want to support us, here are several companies we’re affiliated with. We receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you click on the links below so feel free to click away! 🙂