South Africa · SAFARI TOURS IN CAPE TOWN

Safari Tours in Cape Town: 15 Ranked for a Real Itinerary

61 tours  ·  from $26

The good safari tours in Cape Town in South Africa go early, and in season they go very early. Here are 15 to lock in, what each one includes, and where they differ.

From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch - The Hex River Valley road trip
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From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

1.Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,409 reviews · 9 hours · from $236Our pick

Travel from Cape Town through the Hex River Valley to Aquila Private Nature Reserve. After a welcome drink and buffet lunch, join a two-hour open-vehicle safari with an English-speaking ranger. Expect close views of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and many bird species.

“5 stars all the way!! Habibi and Max were amazing, very social and made sure we were all comfortable. The logistics was the very smooth and everything was incredibly on time. The park is amazing and we managed to see animals from very close distances while still feeling very safe. I 100% recommend!”

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Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town - Leaving Cape Town in an air-conditioned coach
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Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

2.Big Five Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 576 reviews · from $184

Travel from central Cape Town to Aquila Game Reserve in the Karoo for a guided open-vehicle safari, buffet lunch, and welcome drink. You may see elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and more than 170 bird species. Guides such as Denver, Mike, Josh, and Abriel are known for careful driving, animal facts, and warm service.

“Beautiful road from Cape Town in a comfortable vehicle. Timely pick up. Great lunch at the lodge. Amazing safari experience”

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Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip - Wine, coffee, and a 40-minute stop at Du Toitskloof Wines
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Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

3.Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 526 reviews · from $155Top rated

Travel from Cape Town through Du Toitskloof Pass, the Breede River Valley, and Hex River Valley to Aquila Private Game Reserve. You’ll join a 2 to 3-hour safari drive, enjoy a buffet lunch with champagne, and return with hotel drop-off. Guides such as Mike, Werner, and Jamie are known for strong local commentary.

“Wow! What an amazing experience! Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend highly! If you’re in Cape Town put this experience at the top of your list!”

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Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive - A wine-country stop before the reserve
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Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

4.Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 508 reviews · 9 hours · from $168

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a sunset 4x4 drive across 10,000 hectares. Expect a long but scenic road trip, welcome refreshments, a buffet-style meal, and a ranger-led search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and more. Guides such as Elda, Dona, Frank, and Josh have helped make this a smooth first safari.

“Our experience began with the trip to the reserve. Frank and Ben made the journey enjoyable and informative. They told us about the history of the area through architecture and the landscape. They were very knowledgeable and well prepared. They took care of our needs and did a great job. Once we arrived at the reserve, we were welcomed with drinks and food, and the place was beautiful. The safari was wonderful, as we were able to see the Big Five and more. My experience was very satisfying. Five stars!”

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From Cape Town: South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour - Leaving Cape Town for Botlierskop
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From Cape Town: South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour

5.South African Wildlife and Safari 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 411 reviews · 2 days · from $322

Ride open 4x4s through Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift, looking for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, lions, and smaller wildlife. Your English-speaking guide, perhaps Neville, Denver, Ulrich, or Maudi, handles the long drives, stops, and local tips. You sleep one night near Oudtshoorn, with several accommodation levels and an optional rescued-elephant observation.

“I had a wonderful time on this trip! Our driver, Maudi, made sure we were always comfortable and shared his local knowledge, which made the experience even more engaging. The safaris were fantastic, and we were lucky to have Enrico as our safari driver—he went above and beyond his duties to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. The accommodation was spotless, truly one of the best I’ve stayed in. The small, family-run hotel added a personal and charming touch. As a solo traveler, I felt very welcomed and easily connected with the rest of the group. Highly recommend!”

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From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive - Arrival at Aquila: welcome drink, snacks, and downtime
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From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

6.Aquila Game Reserve Sunset Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 350 reviews · 9 hours · from $167

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a 2 to 3 hour sunset drive in an open safari truck. Your package includes transport, entry, a welcome drink, tea, coffee, snacks, and a ranger. Guides such as Elda, Yannick, Dona, and Lucadel have helped make the long road trip part of the experience.

“It was super great. The drive there was very comfortable. Isidore was such a nice driver. He kept us entertained and was very nice. The safari itself was absolutely great. The Aquila resort offers great food and a great view. The workers are also friendly. The safari guide talent was also a great choice. We had an awesome day. I can recommend it to every single person.”

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2 Day Safari Experience from Cape Town - Day 1: Cape Town to Cape Agulhas
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2 Day Safari Experience from Cape Town

7.2 Day Safari Experience from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 326 reviews · from $447

Leave Cape Town at 6am for Cape Agulhas and the Garden Route Game Lodge. Enjoy sunset and early-morning game drives, a three-course dinner, breakfast, and lodge accommodation. Guides such as Benjamin, Chris, Vaughan, and Frank are praised for informative, caring service. Return via Hermanus and Betty’s Bay.

“Frank was our driver/host - which picked us up at the hotel. He was more than a driver, he was attentive, helpful, informative, and patient. Our ride from Cape Town to Garden Route Game Lodge was very nice! We were able to stop for breakfast (The Restio - Amazing cappuccino and almond croissant) and breaks as needed. The stop in Agulhas - "The Actual Southernmost Tip of African mainland (and) Where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans Meet." If you ever get the opportunity to do this 2 day safari, ask for Frank as your driver. Once we arrived at Garden Route Game Lodge, the check-in was seemless, as well as…”

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Cape Town: Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari from V&A Waterfront - The Atlantic coast from Sea Point to Oudekraal
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Cape Town: Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari from V&A Waterfront

8.Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari from V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 278 reviews · 1h 30m · from $68

From the V&A Waterfront, you’ll cruise for 90 minutes along Cape Town’s Atlantic coast on a luxury catamaran. Your English-speaking crew searches for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish while you enjoy views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles. Wildlife sightings depend on season and sea conditions.

“Unfortunately we didn’t see any whales, but we had a very fun time, and for that price it was absolutely worth it.”

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2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4x4 Safari from Cape Town - Overnight in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital
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2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4×4 Safari from Cape Town

9.2 Day South African Wildlife Tour with 4×4 Safari from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 251 reviews · from $279

Leave Cape Town early with a local guide such as Neville, TK, Denver, or Isaac for two 4x4 safaris at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift. You will travel about 900 km, sleep one night near Oudtshoorn, and may add a paid elephant observation walk. Expect long drives, open-air vehicles, flexible guides, and a fast look at Western Cape wildlife.

“Excellent add on to a Cape Town adventure. The drive is long but our driver was informative and accommodating. The landscape is unforgettable. And the animals so wonderful to see.”

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Cape Town Ocean Safari: Speed Boat Adventure in Table Bay - Searching Table Bay for wildlife
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Cape Town Ocean Safari: Speed Boat Adventure in Table Bay

10.Cape Town Ocean Safari: Speed Boat Adventure in Table Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 242 reviews · 1 hour · from $31Best value

From Quay 5 at the V&A Waterfront, you’ll speed across Table Bay in a small boat limited to eight people. Your English-speaking skipper searches for seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, and sunfish while sharing views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Clifton, and Camps Bay. Expect spray, sharp turns, and a real chance of getting wet.

“10/10 experience for an adrenaline junkie. Saw so many dolphins. Definitely value for your money!”

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From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Safari Tour with Lunch - Arrival at Aquila Game Reserve
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From Cape Town: Aquila Game Reserve Safari Tour with Lunch

11.Aquila Game Reserve Safari Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 183 reviews · 8 hours · from $342

Travel from Cape Town to Aquila Game Reserve for a welcome drink, buffet lunch, and three-hour open-vehicle game drive. You’ll search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and other wildlife with an English-speaking ranger. The reserve is a controlled wildlife setting, so expect close animal encounters rather than a fully wild safari.

“The small vehicle for seven people was a problem for the long ride to the preserve. The driver Dgiby was very good and was a safe driver. The Safari tour guide (Tina) was also very good.”

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Aquila Game Reserve: Afternoon Safari - The 1:30 PM game drive
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Aquila Game Reserve: Afternoon Safari

12.Aquila Game Reserve: Afternoon Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 166 reviews · from $109

Meet your English-speaking game ranger at Aquila Private Game Reserve for a welcome drink, four-star buffet lunch, and a 2 to 2.5-hour safari across a 10,000-hectare Karoo reserve. You may spot the Big Five, enjoy the infinity pool, and join a complimentary Eco Synergy Tour before departing at 4 PM.

“Our guide was super nice, taking time and giving opportunities for pictures. He had a great knowledge. The reserve is nice and for sure does a good thing for animals!”

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Aquila Private Game Reserve: Sunset Safari with Entry Fee - The Open 4x4 Drive and Its Wildlife
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Aquila Private Game Reserve: Sunset Safari with Entry Fee

13.Aquila Private Game Reserve: Sunset Safari with Entry Fee

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 158 reviews · from $63

Meet at Aquila Private Game Reserve by 3:00 PM for a welcome drink, tea, coffee, and snacks before a 4:00 PM open 4x4 sunset safari. Your ranger shares animal facts and bush stories as the reserve’s wildlife becomes active. Allow time for the pool, labyrinth, giant chess, and curio shop. Self-drive only.

“The all experience, from the reception from the stuff members, the food and most of all the excitement of the big 5 reserve.”

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Marine Big 5 Safari with transport from Cape Town - The Dyer Island boat ride
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Marine Big 5 Safari with transport from Cape Town

14.Marine Big 5 Safari with transport from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 158 reviews · from $181

Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for a 2 to 2.5-hour boat search around Dyer Island. An onboard marine biologist, possibly Kelly, explains the animals and conservation work. Tea, muffins, soup, transport, safety gear, and a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary are included.

“This was easily the highlight of my trip to Cape Town. We have a baby Southern Right Whale swim right up to the boat.. once in a lifetime experience. We saw a total of 6 whales, penguins, seals and sharks. 10/10”

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Cape Town: Marine Biologist Led Safari Tour - V&A Waterfront - What the ride feels like on a small RIB
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Cape Town: Marine Biologist Led Safari Tour – V&A Waterfront

15.Marine Biologist Led Safari Tour – V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 130 reviews · 1h 30m · from $84

From the V&A Waterfront, you’ll ride a small RIB into Table Bay with a marine biologist such as Amir, Ismail, or Benji. Expect views of Table Mountain and Robben Island, plus possible sightings of dolphins, seals, penguins, sunfish, whales, and seabirds. Every ticket also funds a marine education experience for an underprivileged child.

“Amir was an excellent guide. I learned so much because he explained a lot of the ocean life in detail. He made sure that we got to see as many wildlife as possible. I highly recommend this activity for all! Thank you for a truly enjoyable and memorable experience!”

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New in Safari Tours in Cape Town

★ 5.0Cape Town Aquila Private Game Reserve Big Five Safari AdventureFrom $3194 reviews
★ 4.5Cape Town Aquila Afternoon Safari with transport and lunchFrom $2623 reviews
★ 4.0Big Five Safari Experience Near Cape Town ,South AfricaFrom $12711 reviews
★ 4.0Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape TownFrom $27427 reviews
★ 5.0Aquila Game Reserve Safari with wine tasting, Transport & LunchFrom $1697 reviews
★ 4.5Aquila Game Reserve Safari with wine tasting, Transport & LunchFrom $15823 reviews
★ 4.5Big 5 Aquila Safari Full Day Tour and LunchFrom $16717 reviews
★ 5.0Aquila Safari Game Drive Lunch & Transfers from Cape TownFrom $2394 reviews
★ 4.5Aquila Reserve Safari with Lunch and Wine TastingFrom $579 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Town Full Day Aquila reserve safariFrom $31311 reviews
★ 4.5Aquila Game Reserve Cape Town SafariFrom $2868 reviews
★ 5.0Aquila Game Reserve Sunset SafariFrom $16513 reviews
★ 4.5Half day Horse back safariFrom $6015 reviews
★ 5.0SAFARI Aquila Game Reserve – Round trip + Lunch incl. (Cape Town)From $2765 reviews
★ 5.03 Day Safari and Coastal Tour from Cape TownFrom $6049 reviews

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