The Best Safaris in South Africa

Durban, South Africa Durban, South Africa

Interested in taking a safari in South Africa? Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking an exhilarating escapade, a safari is a terrific way to spend a memorable holiday in South Africa. But how should you choose one? Well, we have meticulously analyzed an extensive range of safari tours from highly esteemed and top-rated tour companies in order to find the absolute best options available. From thrilling game drives and close encounters with majestic creatures to immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes, these top safaris in South Africa offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature's grandeur up close.


The Top 3:

  • 5 Days, $964.41

  • 4 Days, $2550.00

  • 16 Days, $7609.00

What are safaris like in South Africa?

South Africa

Here are the important factors:

  • 113 trip options analyzed
  • $258 average price per day (USD)
  • 2 to 21 days in length
  • 4.72 of 5 average rating
  • 17 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of safaris in South Africa, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 17 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 9 days, with tours ranging from 2 to 21 days long. Regarding physical activity options, you'll find tours marked as easy, moderate, relaxing, and serious, with the most being easy. With our thorough analysis of 113 safaris, we've found the best. So rest assured that South Africa has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are 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.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Safaris in South Africa
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Drifters Adventure Tours



5 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 3 Destinations 17 People at Most Ages 12 to 70 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This fantastic safari adventure has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Johannesburg. This terrific trip also highights overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. Lasting 5 days, the maximum group size is 17 people, and it's good for guests from 12 to 70 years old. Organized by Drifters Adventure Tours, this is a great deal because it's only $193 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$964
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Amatungulu Tour



4 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary safari adventure is the perfect choice. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. This trip takes you on an adventure to 6 destinations, including Skukuza, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and Malelane. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Johannesburg. Spanning across 4 days, the safari adventure accommodates 8 individuals, and is suitable for travelers of all ages. Offered by Amatungulu Tour, this remarkable safari adventure is priced at just $638 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$2,550
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Globus



16 Days Cape Town to Johannesburg 6 Destinations through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana 46 People at Most Ages 5 to 80 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This exceptional trip offering by Globus has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 16-day trip, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, you can unwind while also making new memories. With 6 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park, and more. Your journey starts off in Cape Town and finishes in Johannesburg. With a group size of 46 people, it's suitable for guests from 5 to 80 years old. You'll love the emphasis on overlanding, wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, too. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $604 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
$7,609
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Viva Safaris



3 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 9 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Check out this journey that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Johannesburg. With an emphasis on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Spanning across 3 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 9 participants, and it's great for travelers of all ages. Brought to you by the renowned Viva Safaris, this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $275 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$825
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Sandy Tracks



4 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 12 to 90 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This 4-day trip is ideal for guests from 12 to 90 years old. And priced at only $204 per day, it's a great value, too. And since the priority is on wildlife and safaris, this tour is a great choice. Johannesburg will be both the start and end of your journey. It's offered by Sandy Tracks, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

  • Wildlife
  • Local Guide
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$815
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by World Expeditions



14 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations through South Africa, Swaziland 14 People at Most Ages 16 to 80 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Priced at just $178 per day, this terrific 14-day journey, visiting South Africa and Swaziland, is ideal for guests from 16 to 80 years old. You'll enjoy hiking and mountain hikes. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 6 destinations, featuring Hluhluwe, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, and Eswatini. Your adventure starts and ends in Johannesburg. Organized by the reputable World Expeditions, this is one of the best tours on this list.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Safari
  • Walking Tour
  • Mountain Hikes
$2,490
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



11 Days Windhoek to Cape Town 10 Destinations through Namibia, South Africa 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Check out this incredible safari adventure that has received a 4.9 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Namibia and South Africa. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. With a duration of 11 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests from 18 to 75 years old. Uncover the beauty of 10 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, and Namib-Naukluft Park. Your journey will begin in Windhoek and end in Cape Town. This fantastic option, organized by Acacia Adventure Holidays, presents an unbeatable value at just $229 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$2,520
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Indus Travels



15 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town 19 Destinations 35 People at Most Ages 8 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Spanning over 15 days, this trip has a maximum size of 35 individuals. Welcoming guests from 8 and up, it is organized by Indus Travels, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Traverse through 19 enchanting destinations, with Mthatha, Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Knysna among the must-see stops along the route. Begin your trip in Johannesburg and complete it with a memorable finale in Cape Town. This terrific trip also highights wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. Available at an unbeatable price of only $140 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$2,099
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



11 Days Windhoek to Cape Town 9 Destinations through Namibia, South Africa 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional safari, visiting Namibia and South Africa, that has garnered a 4.9 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 11 days, this jouney will have 16 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 18 to 75 years old. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. Expertly organized by Acacia Adventure Holidays, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $128 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$1,404
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Intrepid Travel



3 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 16 People at Most Ages 6 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

This memorable safari is offered by Intrepid Travel which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $318 per day. Johannesburg kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. You'll love the emphasis on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, too. The maximum group size is 16 people, welcoming guests from 6 and up.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$955
TourRadar

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 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 Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco 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 Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Budget Safaris 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, 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 Johannesburg, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town for more package tour options.

How much do safaris in South Africa cost?

Average Daily Price Safaris
$258

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for safaris when planning a visit to South Africa. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of safaris in South Africa based on data from 113 options is an affordable $258 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in South Africa.

And for more information on South Africa, see South Africa Travel Costs and South Africa Hotel Costs.


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