Cape Town Safari Tours
Across the undulating landscapes of Southern Africa, the majestic Big 5 await your discovery on a truly African safari. And what could be better than a safari in cape town!
Know before you book:
- Pack sunscreen as the African sun is harsh
- Crowded during peak season
- Being a tourist destination, it can get quite pricey
Highlights:
- Get the opportunity to spot the Big 5 in their natural habitat
- Enjoy the unique African landscape
- Drive in an open top 4×4 safari vehicle
On the hunt to meet the world-renowned lion, leopard, rhino, African elephant and Cape Buffalo on a Big 5 Safari? Your African dream begins here.
Best Time to Go on Safari in Cape Town
There is no best time of year to go on a South African safari, however, there are times of year to suit everyone’s preferences. Cape Town summer takes place between November and February. During this time it gets very hot during the day – this often means that the animals sleep during the sweltering days. During winter it tends to be cold but it’s easy enough to keep warm during the day.
When going on safari tours, we always recommend going in the early morning or in the evening. This is when you can expect to see most animal activity.
Price of Safari Tours near Cape Town
The price of safaris generally ranges from $50 USD to $1400 USD depending on the length of your stay and the varying tiers of luxury on offer. Take a look at the list below to compare the prices of the best safaris near Cape Town.
Safari Options And Prices
South African Safaris Near Cape Town
With a wide array of tours available, you are sure to pin down the best safari near cape town for your upcoming trip to the Mother City. It’s time to enjoy your moment under the beautiful African sun.
Cape Town Safari Tours By Day
As the first sign of the African sun as it starts to streak across the sky, your daytime safari itinerary options begin. You set the pace with a choice of a morning, afternoon or sunset tours.
Morning Safari Tour:
Early Morning Safari and Breakfast at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: This short but sweet Cape Town safari tour gets you up bright and early to enjoy the best part of the day, and the African sunrise.
If time is of the essence, then a short but sweet five-hour trip to Aquila Private Game Reserve in the Southern Karoo is just what you need.
Wake with the wildlife and begin your early morning safari around 7 am with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a firm South African favorite in hand – the Ouma rusk.
Keep a watchful eye for the ever elusive Big 5, as you are guided by an experienced ranger on a 2-3 hour game drive. A pre-packed continental breakfast warms the belly before heading back.
- Welcome drinks
- 2-3 Hour game drive
- Pre-packed breakfast
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Return transfers to reserve
- Quad bike safari
- Horseback safari
Afternoon Safari Tour:
Late Morning Safari and Lunch at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: This late morning start allows you to have a lazy morning before heading out on your Cape Town day safari tour.
Who says that only the early bird gets to catch the worm? For the late-risers, kick off starts from 12 pm for seven blissful hours at Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before setting out on a 2-3 hour game drive at the hands of an experienced ranger at Aquila. Let their knowledge and stories about your surrounds excite and enthrall you as you spot the abundant local wildlife.
Perhaps the Aquila labyrinth, a game of giant chess, or a little rest and relaxation poolside is the perfect way to close off the day? Otherwise, be sure to catch the scheduled departure tour back to Cape Town at 4 pm.
- Welcome drinks
- 2-3 hour game drive
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Return transfers to reserve
- Quad bike safari
- Horseback safari
Sunset Safari Tour:
Sunset Safari drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: Enjoy an incredible Aquila sunset safari and see the animals at their most active.
As the blazing African sun starts to subside, the animals begin to venture out from their shady hiding spots at Aquila Private Game Reserve, in seek of nearby watering holes. That’s where this drive takes the cake…
After a refreshing beverage and snack, hop aboard an open 4×4 safari vehicle where an experienced ranger will guide and beguile you with stories of your surrounds over a 2-3 hour game drive.
Why not arrive earlier and reserve your spot at the spa to enjoy the sauna, steam room or heated pool before your 3 pm meet and greet?
- Welcome drinks
- 2-3 hour game drive
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Return transfers to reserve
- Quad bike safari
- Horseback safari
Full-Day Safari (Self Drive from Cape Town)
Full-day tour with lunch at Inverdoorn Nature Reserve
What we liked: The opportunity to walk beside gentle giraffes during your one-day safari from Cape Town makes this a truly unique experience.
Just a scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town, meet at Inverdoorn Nature Reserve at 10 am for a full day immersed in nature.
Savor a welcome drink before settling into a game drive aboard a purpose-built open-air 4WD game viewing vehicle where your knowledgeable and experienced ranger will take care of the rest.
Watch the arid Karoo horizon for the spotting of one of the 1200 species on the reserve and if time allows, you may even get to walk with gentle giraffes before settling in for lunch!
- Welcome drinks
- 4WD game drive
- Lunch
- Leisure time
- Return transfers to reserve
- Additional drinks
Full-Day Safaris (Return Pick-Up From Cape Town)
Full-day tour from Cape Town at Inverdoorn Nature Reserve
What we liked: Enjoy a full-day safari experience near Cape Town.
Get transported to an otherworldly landscape as you head towards the Klein Karoo. Enjoy the natural environment of the Big 5 in all its arid, African glory with this full-day tour just two hours from Cape Town.
Upon arrival, you can enjoy a welcome drink before heading out for a 2-hour game drive aboard an open 4×4 safari vehicle. On board, you will have the chance to spot elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and the African buffalo.
The added bonus? Stop along the way to experience walking with the giraffes, all before returning for lunch in the Boma-style restaurant.
- Return transfers in air conditioned vehicle
- Welcome drinks
- 4WD game drive
- Lunch
- Leisure time
- Additional drinks
Full-day tour from Cape Town at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: Live in the lap of luxury for a day while enjoying extravagant meals and taking in spectacular views of African wildlife.
After a 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town, breakfast awaits at the impressive Aquila safari park near Cape Town, for a full-day of spotting the Big 5 and soaking up the African sun.
An experienced ranger will guide you over a 2-3 hour game drive aboard an open 4×4 safari vehicle. Here you will have the opportunity to spot not only lion, leopard, rhino, elephants and the African buffalo but also the bountiful species of birdlife and other game.
A buffet lunch greets you on arrival back to the lodge, after which you have until 4 pm to enjoy the facilities. Squeeze in a relaxing massage before the shuttle departs at 4 pm, returning to Cape Town in the early evening.
- Return transfers
- Welcome drinks
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- 2-3 hour game drive
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Quad bike safari
- Horseback safari
Cape Town Safari Tours, Overnight Stay
Slow it down to a more comfortable pace and extend your safari to an overnight stay. Gaze up at the African night sky in prime stargazing territory, far from the interference of the bright city lights. Here are our recommendations for the best overnight safari near Cape Town.
2-Day Safari Experience, stay at Garden Route Game Lodge
What we liked: On this 2-day safari from Cape Town, you’ll get the chance to experience not only an incredible safari but also visit many other tourist attractions in the area.
Departing from Cape Town, your two-day safari experience will lead you on a scenic journey to the southernmost tip of Africa.
The picturesque coastal road winds you through Betty’s Bay and on to the most famous whale watching spot in the world, Hermanus, before reaching the Cape Agulhas lighthouse. A stop at the lighthouse draws the dividing line between the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans. This stop also marks the continuation of the journey on to the Garden Route Game Lodge, where a Big 5 open-air sunset safari drive and buffet dinner awaits you.
Rest easy after an adventurous day in one of the 4-star wooden chalets, before waking for an early morning game drive to see the animals begin to stir for the day. Breakfast and a visit to the reptile park complete this short-yet-sweet getaway, before returning to the Mother City around 7 pm.
- Return transfers
- Guide
- 2 Game drives
- 4-star accommodation for one evening
- Breakfast
- >Dinner
- Reptile Park
- Visit Betty’s Bay, Hermanus and Cape Agulhas
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Lighthouse entry fee
Check Price & Book
Addo Safari Tours
3-Day Addo safari tour (One way)
Looking for spontaneity? An incredible experience awaits on this customizable 3-day tour from Cape Town to Jeffrey’s Bay.
What we liked: On this great 3-day safari from Cape Town, you’ll get the chance to see far more than just the big 5!
Day 1
The first stop in your journey is to the ‘Ostrich capital of the world’, Oudtshoorn. Choose between an afternoon at the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for a guided tour and a dip with a crocodile (in a cage of course!) or head to the Cango Caves to experience a once in a lifetime guided tour of the ancient cave system.
Extend the one hour tour by another thirty minutes and enjoy the novelty of squeezing yourself through the myriad of nooks and crannies the cave system has to offer. With names like ‘The Coffin’ and the ‘Devil’s Post Box’, you are in for a thrill.
Settle in at the laid-back coastal town of Sedgefield for the night.
Day 2
After a drive to the Crags in Plettenberg Bay, pay a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary for an interactive experience with mighty African elephants, or get up to some monkey business at the Monkey Sanctuary, the world’s first free roaming primate sanctuary.
Not enough? Perhaps a plummet of 216 meters from the world’s highest commercial bungee jump will get the heart pumping, before winding down for a tranquil forest walk through the Tsitsikamma National Park.
On the other side awaits the Storms river swing bridge, where you can pause and take in the view before moving on to the well-known surfer’s town of Jeffrey’s Bay for the evening.
Day 3
Make the most of your morning in one of the world’s most renowned surf spots and take up a lesson on the waves, or perhaps a retail fix at the many surf factory shops in the area is more to your liking. Another more inland adventure may be on the cards, with a trip to the Addo Elephant National park, where you can enjoy a morning game drive amongst majestic African elephants.
- Transport
- Guide
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Tsitsikamma National Park entry
- Cango Caves OR Cango Wildlife ranch entry fee
- Addo Entrance
- Game drive with a guide
- Optional extras
Check Price & Book
5-Day Garden Route and Addo safari tour (One way)
Enjoy some of the highlights of the Western Cape on this action-packed, customizable five-day tour from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
What we liked: The fact that you can choose your own adventure makes this a great Cape Town touring experience.
Day 1
From a collection in Cape Town, day one puts you on route to the southernmost tip of Africa. A visit to the endangered African penguins in Betty’s Bay is followed by a scenic drive to Hermanus, where an array of shops, artworks, and restaurants will entertain you for the afternoon.
Whale watching is also on the cards between the months of July to November, as is the opportunity for an optional half day of shark cage diving. The day concludes at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the Cape Agulhas, to settle in for the evening at Struisbaai.
Day 2
Take in the sights of Route 62 on track to the Klein Karoo, where the day kicks off and ends in Oudtshoorn. The ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’ is a great place to purchase beautiful handcrafted ostrich leather goods and is in close proximity to the Cango Caves.
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the ancient cave system with an experienced guide, or simply kick back and indulge in a sampling of local wines from the region.
Day 3
After breakfast travel over the Outeniqua Mountain Pass on route to the Wilderness National Park. An action-packed day begins with canoeing up the Touw River, surrounded by lush indigenous forest and abundant birdlife.
From there a 2-kilometer boardwalk hike reveals a cascading waterfall and rockpool where you can kick off your shoes and enjoy a dip.
The next stop is lunch and shopping in the heart of the garden route, Knysna. Travel up to the Knysna Heads to take in the views to either side, the Knysna River estuary to one side and the Indian Ocean to the other.
Wind down for the day at the coastal town of Sedgefield, perhaps with a little sand between your toes at one of its beaches before settling in for the night.
Day 4
After breakfast, Tsitsikamma National Park awaits, with a stop at Bloukrans Bridge where you can tap into your adventurous side with a 216-meter high bungee jump along the way. Hike, swim or take a wander across the suspension bridge upon reaching Tsitsikamma for the afternoon.
Leave the Garden Route behind and turn in for the night at the beautiful Avoca River Cabins, located in citrus and rose growing region within the Sundays River Valley.
Day 5
Get ready to visit the densest population of African elephants on earth, and home to the Big 5, at Addo Elephant National Park.
The 28,000 hectare reserve is teeming with life and offers plenty of opportunities to spot the many animals that call it home, while taking an optional 2-3 hour drive. The tour concludes with a drop off in Port Elizabeth at a location of your choice.
- Transport
- Guide
- Accommodation (backpacker or guesthouse options)
- Breakfast and dinner daily (excluding day 5)
- Local wine tasting
- Cango Caves adventure tour
- Canoeing and hiking in the Wilderness National Park
- Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park
- Lunches
- Bungee jump
- Game drive at Addo
6-Day Garden Route and Addo Safari (Return)
A little bit daring and a whole lot more relaxing, this popular return tour from Cape Town covers all the highlights of the garden route and beyond.
What we liked: On this 6-day tour you’ll experience not only a wildlife safari but also all the highlights that the beautiful garden route has to offer.
Day 1
Leave Cape Town in the rearview mirror and head towards Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. A stop at Betty’s Bay is a welcomed opportunity to meet the colony of endangered African penguins in their cozy seaside habitat.
Pass through Hermanus for a spot of lunch and shopping, perhaps even a lucky whale sighting between the months of July to November. Continue onward to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, to witness the meeting point of the cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans.
Day 2
Head to the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’, Oudtshoorn, where an afternoon lies in wait for exploring the ancient cave system at Cango Caves, or simply spend some time sampling local wines.
Day 3
With breakfast out the way, a trip over Outeniqua Mountain Pass leads to an afternoon of canoeing between the lush indigenous vegetation along the Touw River at Wilderness National Park. Explore the surrounds a little more on a 2-kilometer boardwalk hike that opens up to a cascading waterfall, where you can enjoy a dip in the inviting rock pool below.
Next stop, Knysna. Lunch and leisurely shopping lead on to a trip up to the Knysna Heads, where a remarkable viewpoint parts the Indian Ocean and Knysna River estuary to either side. Relish in the sun, sand and ‘vitamin sea’ while relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches nearby in Sedgefield for the remainder of the day.
Day 4
No garden route trip is complete without visiting the Tsitsikamma National Park for a hike, swim or walk across the suspension bridge. A quick stop on route at the world’s highest bungee jump bridge, Bloukrans, is an opportunity to tick off an item on your bucket list. But this one may just be for the daring few.
Day 5
With 2-3 hours at Addo Elephant National Park, there is plenty to do on this 28,000-hectare reserve, including the option of a game drive. Head back to the heart of the garden route to settle in for the evening in either Wilderness or Mossel Bay.
Day 6
After breakfast, stretch out on one of the beaches at Mossel Bay and soak up the sun or get your heart rate up on a hike along St. Blaize trail, contouring along the cliffs from the St. Blaize Lighthouse. If you aren’t quite ready for the tour to end, you could indulge in an optional tandem skydive or sandboarding adventure before returning to Cape Town.
- Transport
- Guide
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily (excluding day 6)
- Local wine tasting
- Cango Caves adventure tour
- Canoeing and hiking in the Wilderness National Park
- Wilderness viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park
- Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Lunches
- Bungee jump
- Game drive at Addo
- Tandem skydiving
- Sandboarding
Unique Safaris In Cape Town
Horseback Safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: This could be considered one of the best one-day safari tours from Cape Town. Spend the afternoon riding a majestic animal through the African landscape.
Saddle up and get ready for a half-day safari with a difference. Keep a watch for the iconic Big 5 as you stalk game through the exquisite Aquila Private Game Reserve by horseback.
Make the 2.5-hour drive there from Cape Town, or pre-book a seat on the scheduled shuttle to begin the day bright and early at 9 am, with a welcome drink and breakfast.
After your 1.5 hour horseback safari with an experienced guide, the afternoon is yours for a spot of lunch and leisure time. Why not make the most of the time available and add on a spa treatment to unwind and reflect on the activities from the day.
If you want a little more fun in the sun, relax beside the pool, explore the Aquila Labyrinth or play a game of giant chess. No horse riding experience is necessary but age and weight limitations do apply.
- Welcome drinks
- Guided horseback safari
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Transfers
Check Price & Book
Quad Bike Safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve
What we liked: A unique way to experience the African bush. Feel closer to nature and to the wildlife that surrounds you during your tour.
Embrace your wild side and venture out into 10,000 hectares at Aquila Private Game Reserve on a quad bike safari, led by two qualified rangers to guide and enlighten you on the journey.
Make the 2.5 hour drive yourself from Cape Town or pre-book a seat on the scheduled transport, to meet for a welcome drink and breakfast at 9 am. Spend 1-2 hours cruising around the conservancy before meeting back for lunch and some leisure time. Some age and weight limitations may apply.
Perhaps a dip in the pool or a visit to the Aquila Labyrinth are just what you need before heading back to Cape Town.
- Welcome drinks
- Guided quad bike safari
- Breakfast and lunch buffet
- Leisure time
- Aquila labyrinth access
- Swimming pool access
- Spa treatments
- Transfers
Cycling Safari at !Khwa ttu and West Coast National Park
What we liked: See the wildlife around you behaving naturally as you silently glide through the African bush unnoticed.
A short one hour meander from Cape Town along the picturesque West Coast brings you to the Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve, where you will spot four of the famous Big 5 over some 1600 hectares of reserve.
Ease into a 1.5 hour guided game drive on board a safari vehicle to kick off the day, before getting up close and personal with the giraffe, zebra, oryx and of course the members of the Big 5 by bicycle at the neighboring San-!Khwa ttu. Two well-marked routes on the cycling trail offer adventure for all levels of experience.
Conclude the afternoon with a leisurely lunch and another cycle through the West Coast National Park before returning to Cape Town.
- Bikes, equipment and helmets
- Return transfers from Cape Town (V&A Waterfront)
- Lunch and refreshments
- Professional Guides
- Admission fees to reserves, parks and attractions
- Morning cycle safari in private game reserve
- Afternoon ride through West Coast National Park
- Special customized equipment
Check Price & Book
2-Day Safari and Wildlife Glamping at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
What we liked: On this 2-day safari from Cape Town, you’ll get the opportunity to live in luxury while still enjoying the African bush.
Hit the Route 62 departing from Cape Town and gear up for a glamping experience in Oudtshoorn.
A 4.5-hour drive brings you to the Botlierskop private game reserve, with the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop. A safari game drive on board a 4×4 safari vehicle places you in prime position to spot the Big 5, before continuing on to Oudtshoorn.
The understated elegance of Buffelsdrift Game Lodge lies in wait for a relaxing evening, cocooned inside a luxury canvas tent at the heart of the magical Klein Karoo. Set close to the nearby watering hole and surrounded by African fynbos, enjoy a soak in a claw foot tub before easing into your king size bed.
Set off after breakfast the next morning into the Klein Karoo bushveld on a 4×4 safari. You can also choose to take a stroll with the gentle giants Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, three orphaned elephants who now call the reserve home. A drive along the Route 62 takes you back to the Mother City.
- Return transfers
- Accommodation
- Guide
- 2-hour 4×4 Garden Route Game Drive
- 2-hour 4×4 Klein Karoo Bush Safari
- 30-minute Bush Walking Safari
- 1 x Breakfast
- Lunch, dinner and drinks
- Elephant Bush Walk
Return Full-Day Sea Safari from Cape Town to Gansbaai
What we liked: On this full-day safari you’ll be able to indulge in a truly unique experience that allows you to see the most beautiful marine wildlife.
Escape the city for a one-day adventure safari of a different kind.
Take in the beautiful natural scenery while heading along the coastline to Gansbaai. Watch the African penguins waddling around at Stony Point or pay a visit to Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.
Set between the mountain and sea, the Botanical Garden boasts waterfalls, amber pools, nature trails, and exquisite cultivated natural fynbos.
Onward to Gansbaai, enjoy taking in the majestic beauty of De Kelders and the lengths of pristine beaches before arriving in Walkers Bay for a 2-hour marine Big 5 sea safari aboard a purpose built sea safari boat.
After working up an appetite, lunch in Hermanus concludes the afternoon with the opportunity to browse the many market stalls and boutique shops to pick up a special memento.
The drive back presents the perfect excuse to make a pit stop at the well loved Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw, with a wide selection of quality local produce and the most delicious sweet and savoury pies to enjoy on the hour long ride home.
- Return transfers
- Guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
If you’re looking for other half-day tours or full-day tours in Cape Town, be sure to check out our other tours!
Last updated on October 31st, 2024 at 02:48 pm
nice guide!!!
Awesome! Really good experience. A bit of a trek to get to, as google has an pin location in the town of Ceres, which is incorrect. But even though we arrived late, we managed to join the rest of the tour. Rangers worked really hard to show all the animals. Lunch was poor, vegetarian options were limited. Also note drinks are additional costs and not included in the lunch! Overall great value for money!
We book our trip for Thursday and they send an email for changing the date because of the weather, which it's ok because we now about the wind and stuff you can have in Cape Town. Today was supposed to be they day, and we called because they didn't came to pick us up, and they say they changed the activity time from 7 to 11!!! We woke up at six for nothing and without advice. Today we are having the trip and I hope it's very good and nice for writing a new and better review. The good thing is that the tour operator answered the phone and explained us the situation.
Super Mit dieser Tour waren wir sehr zufrieden. Eigentlich haben wir um diese Jahreszeit nicht damit gerechnet noch welche Wale zu sehen, nicht so wir hatten tatsächlich Glück und haben 2 Wale beobachten dürfen. Die Boots-Crew der Firma war vorbildlich. Sehr um uns 6 Teilnehmer besorgt. Wir wurden gut informiert und betreut. Sehr zu empfehlen. Besten Dank.