The Best Wildlife Organized Tours to Southern Africa

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

Southern Africa

Get ready for an absolutely wild adventure in the gorgeous destination of Southern Africa! Brace yourself because we've scoured every nook and cranny to find the most epic wildlife-themed organized tours, holiday packages, and guided trips imaginable. We've done the nitty-gritty work of analyzing tours based on price, guest ratings, amenities, activities, and overall value, and have rounded up the top organized wildlife tours that will make your trip to Southern Africa something you remember forever. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife fanatic, or simply craving an unforgettable escapade, Southern Africa is an amazing destination for nature-seekers like you. Let's do this!


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 76 Days, $4455.10

  • 20 Days, $2795.00

  • 58 Days, $4739.03
Southern Africa
The Best Wildlife Tours through Southern 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 Absolute Africa 76 Days Kigali to Cape Town 44 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $70

This tour visits Kigali, Kisoro, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Marangu, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Divundu, Grootfontein, Etosha National Park, Kamanjab, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Bethanien, Fish River Canyon National Park, Vioolsdrif, Citrusdal, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$4,455
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 20 Days Victoria Falls to Stonetown 14 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $112

This tour visits Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Lower Zambezi National Park, Harare, Lusaka, Chipata, Petauke, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Chitimba, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam, Stonetown, Zanzibar, and Nungwi.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$2,236
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 58 Days Johannesburg to Nairobi 32 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $98

This tour visits Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Lusaka, Chipata, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Mwanza, Grumeti Game Reserve, Kigali, Musanze, Kisoro, Kabale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Eldoret, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Nairobi.

  • Overland Truck
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$4,739
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 45 Days Jinja to Victoria Falls 21 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $90

This tour visits Jinja, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kigali, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Morogoro, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • White water rafting
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$3,213
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 73 Days Cape Town to Nairobi 37 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $86

This tour visits Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Addo Elephant National Park, Mkhomazi Wilderness Area, Malealea, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Kande, Chitimba, Iringa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Ikoma, Mwanza, Kigali, Kisoro, Kabale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Nairobi.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Beach
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$5,169
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 77 Days Nairobi to Cape Town 40 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $82

This tour visits Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Jinja, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro, Musanze, Kigali, Grumeti Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Rundu, Etosha National Park, Cape Cross, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon National Park, Vioolsdrif, Citrusdal, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$5,076
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 39 Days Nairobi to Victoria Falls 19 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $100

This tour visits Nairobi, Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Marangu, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$3,280
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 22 Days Victoria Falls to Cape Town 19 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $106

This tour visits Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Bagani, Kasane, Okavango Delta, Grootfontein, Etosha National Park, Otavi, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Okaukuejo, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon National Park, Noordoewer, Cape Cross, Klawer, Cape Town, Bethanien, and Orange River.

  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$2,324
on TourRadar

Organized by Oasis Overland 56 Days Nairobi to Cape Town 26 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 18 to 69
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $91

This tour visits Nairobi, Arusha, Ngorongoro, Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe, Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park, Maun, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Brandberg Mountain, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Cape Cross, Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Oasis Overland
Oasis Overland is a large company with a focus on overland truck tours through Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Argentina. Overland truck tours are their primary specialty, offering travelers the chance to visit remote destinations. 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.



$3,801
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 22 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls 17 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for wildlife tours in Southern Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $130

This tour visits Cape Town, Table Mountain, Orange River, Fish River Canyon National Park, Namaqualand, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Grootfontein, Cape Cross, Bagani, Okavango Delta, Okaukuejo, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$2,862
on TourRadar

Why does Southern Africa appeal to wildlife enthusiasts?

Southern Africa is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats. Southern Africa's diverse landscapes support a rich variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for those seeking up-close encounters with nature.

Southern Africa


How much do wildlife tours to Southern Africa cost?

The average daily price of Wildlife Tours in Southern Africa is $230 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 Wildlife Tours in Southern 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.




$230
Average Price Per Day
243
Tours Analyzed
4.5
Average Rating
42
Tour Companies
20
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Wildlife Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer wildlife tours in Southern 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.

Acacia Adventure Holidays

Acacia Adventure Holidays offers local overland truck tours through South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 8 weeks. Their expertise is in organizing fantastic overland truck adventures to exciting destinations. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, and whale watching.

See All Tours from Acacia Adventure Holidays

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

G Adventures

G Adventures logo G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.

See All Tours from G Adventures

Globus

Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.

See All Tours from Globus


Wildlife Destinations in Southern Africa

Wondering where wildlife tours visit in Southern 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 Southern Africa include Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, and Etosha National Park.


Wildlife Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.

Pros
  • Many guided tours include local wildlife experts, so you can learn about the regional ecosystems.
  • Guided tours often know the best spots where your chances of seeing rare animals may increase.
  • Groups have more eyes, so someone is more likely to spot that elusive species that might be hiding.
  • Some guided tours offer specialized off-road vehicles that can give you access to areas you might not otherwise see.
Cons
  • Groups might be loud, which can scare of the animals.
  • Guided tours usually have set itineraries, so there's less flexibility, making your chance of seeing some animals less.
  • Some natural areas are difficult to access with larger vehicles, so you may be limited in where you can go.


Pros
  • Local wildlife may be scared off by larger, louder groups.
  • Independent travelers can move at their own pace and wildlife spotting often requires a lot of patience.
  • Many group tours avoid the longest and most strenuous hikes, but these often offer the best chances of seeing local widlife.
  • Off-the-beaten-path destinations often have the best wildlife, but these are sometimes skipped over with group tours.
Cons
  • It can be difficult to know where to see the best local wildlife.
  • For wildlife viewing, many independent travelers end up booking day tours.
  • Local wildlife is usually concentrated in natural areas, which can be difficult to access if you're relying on public transportation or even your own vehicle.
  • Some wildlife parks have additional entrance fees which may be discounted through a guided tour.


Which is cheaper?

Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided wildlife tours? 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 Southern Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Historical Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Southern Africa, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Southern Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in Southern Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in Southern Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Bird Watching Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Eco Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Southern Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Photography Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Camping Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Southern Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Walking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Southern Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Budget Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to Southern Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to Southern Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Southern Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

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.

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