The Best Organized Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa

South Africa

If you're headed to South Africa and are looking for the best options for tours for animial lovers, then you've come to the right place. We have done an extensive analysis of all available guided tour packages in South Africa based on price, guest ratings, service, amenities, activities, and value. We've done the groundwork for you, meticulously analyzing the holiday packages and organized tours based on these key criteria in order to find the best tours for animial lovers. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation filled with relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we've found the ideal journeys to make your holiday to South Africa unforgettable. We have lots of details below on what these multi-day tours and trips are like, where they visit, how much you can expect to pay, and more. So, let's dig in.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 6 Days, $825.77

  • 8 Days, $1250.00

  • 4 Days, $580.00
South Africa
The Best Tours for Animal Lovers through South Africa

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Earthstompers Adventures 6 Days Start/End in Cape Town 12 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $138

This tour visits Cape Town, Gordons Bay, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Mossel Bay.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Earthstompers Adventures
Focusing on South Africa, Earthstompers Adventures is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. Traveling with Earthstompers Adventures provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.



$826
on TourRadar

Organized by Encounters Travel 8 Days Cape Town to Port Elizabeth 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 18 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $156

This tour visits Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Port Elizabeth.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Encounters Travel
Encounters Travel is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$1,250
on TourRadar

Organized by Cape Xtreme 4 Days Start/End in Cape Town 8 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 7 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 13
Price per Day: $145

This tour visits Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Cape Xtreme
Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.



$580
on TourRadar

Organized by Cape Xtreme 10 Days Start/End in Cape Town 10 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Undersea Explorers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 10 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 13
Price per Day: $165

This tour visits Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Cape Xtreme
Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.



$1,650
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 10 Days Cape Town to Johannesburg 3 Destinations
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 12 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 18
Price per Day: $246

This tour visits Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By G Adventures
G Adventures is a popular travel company that specializes in small-group adventure tours worldwide. They focus on sustainable tourism, immersive cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.



$2,899 $2,464
on TourRadar

Organized by Explore South Africa 4 Days Start/End in George 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Undersea Explorers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 7
Price per Day: $230

This tour visits George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Dolphin watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Explore South Africa
Explore South Africa is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 8, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.



$920
on TourRadar

Organized by Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris 5 Days Start/End in Cape Town 11 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 6 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $198

This tour visits Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Albertinia, Hermanus, and Betty's Bay.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Partially Guided

By Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris
Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time. Animal lovers will appreciate the tours that let you experience the magic of the region's beautiful elephants.



$990
on TourRadar

Organized by Timeline Travel DMC 3 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 3 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $355

This tour visits Johannesburg and Pilanesberg National Park.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Wildlife & Nature Photography
  • Partially Guided

By Timeline Travel DMC
Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.



$1,065
on TourRadar

Organized by Dawn to Dusk 7 Days Sabie to Mjejane River Lodge 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 12 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $342

This tour visits Mbombela, Sabie, Graskop, Hoedspruit, Musina, Kruger National Park, and Skukuza.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Safari
  • Local Living
  • Big Five
  • Wildlife & Nature Photography
  • Fully Guided

By Dawn to Dusk



$2,397
on TourRadar

Organized by Across Africa Tours & Travel 15 Days Start/End in Cape Town 10 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Hiking Enthusiasts
  • Wine Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 12 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $252

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Wine tasting
  • Elephant
  • Partially Guided

By Across Africa Tours & Travel
Across Africa Tours & Travel is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.



$3,780
on TourRadar

Why does South Africa appeal to animal lovers?

South Africa's varied ecosystems and wildlife encounters attract plenty of nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Portugal provides unique wildlife experiences both on land and sea.

South Africa


How much do tours for animial lovers in South Africa cost?

The average daily price of Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa is $261 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$261
Average Price Per Day
22
Tours Analyzed
4.7
Average Rating
16
Tour Companies
15
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Tours for Animal Lovers?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer tours for animial lovers in South Africa. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel logo Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Intrepid Travel

Cape Xtreme

Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company that focuses on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.

See All Tours from Cape Xtreme

Timeline Travel DMC

Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.

See All Tours from Timeline Travel DMC

Earthstompers Adventures

Focusing on South Africa, Earthstompers Adventures is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Traveling with Earthstompers Adventures provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.

See All Tours from Earthstompers Adventures


Animal Lovers Destinations in South Africa

Wondering where animal lovers tours visit in South Africa? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

A few of the most popular places visited by tours in South Africa include Cape Town, Knysna, Hermanus, Johannesburg, and Oudtshoorn.


Tours for Animal Lovers vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.

Pros
  • Expert guides increase chances of sightings.
  • Guides share knowledge about the animals and environment.
  • Tours follow ethical and sustainable viewing practices.
  • Access to restricted or prime viewing areas.
  • Equipment like binoculars may be provided.
  • Safe navigation in wildlife-rich but potentially dangerous areas.
  • Group setting offers a shared experience.
  • No need to worry about permits or logistics.
Cons
  • Larger groups might scare off wildlife.
  • Fixed schedules limit flexibility.
  • Sharing with strangers may feel less personal.


Pros
  • Freedom to choose where and when to go.
  • Can focus on your favorite animals or habitats.
  • Tailor your experience to suit your interests.
  • Flexible schedule allows for spontaneous changes.
  • Opportunity to explore lesser-known spots.
  • Bond more deeply with nature on your own terms.
Cons
  • Requires research on habitats and animal behavior.
  • Risk of missing prime viewing times or spots.
  • Permits or access can be difficult to arrange.
  • Safety concerns in unfamiliar or remote areas.
  • Navigating roads or trails can be stressful.
  • You might need to invest in expensive gear.
  • Lack of expert knowledge may limit sightings.
  • Greater environmental responsibility rests on you.


Which is cheaper?

Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided tours for animial lovers? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa, The Best Historical Tours in South Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco Tours in South Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in South Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in South Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Africa, The Best Photography Tours in South Africa, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in South Africa, The Best Safaris in South Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa, The Best Walking Tours in South Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa, The Best Budget Tours to South Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to South Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Johannesburg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pretoria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best 10-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town, The Best 2-Week Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Durban, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Pretoria for more package tour options.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.