Africa · WILDLIFE SAFARIS

The 15 Best Safaris in Africa

144 tours  ·  from $28

The spread here runs from a $36 half-day outside Nairobi to a week under canvas in the Serengeti. These 15 are ranked with the price and the drive time in plain sight, because on a cheap safari day the road is most of the day.

Serengeti Balloon Safari and authentic bush breakfast - What wildlife viewing is really like from the air
Hot Air Balloon Rides, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Tours, Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours with a Local, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania

Serengeti Balloon Safari and authentic bush breakfast

1.Serengeti Balloon Safari and authentic bush breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,480 reviews · from $550Our pick

Start before dawn and rise over the Serengeti for about an hour of quiet sunrise flying. Pilots such as Paul, Kevin, Jeff, Mohamed, and Derek explain the flight and point out wildlife when conditions allow. After landing, celebrate with bubbly and a full English breakfast beneath an acacia tree. Pickup is included.

“It's amazing to be drifting silently over the Serengeti! This was a wonderful experience and so well organized from take off through the fabulous bush breakfast.”

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From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch - Arriving at Aquila Private Nature Reserve
Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Cape Town, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

2.Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

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

Leave Cape Town for Aquila Private Nature Reserve in an air-conditioned minibus. After the 2.5-hour drive, enjoy a buffet lunch, then join an open vehicle safari with an English-speaking ranger. You may see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and up to 172 bird species.

“Pickup was slightly late, but honestly nothing unexpected and everything ran smoothly afterwards. We were welcomed with drinks, had some good buffet food and a bit of time to relax before the safari started. The reserve itself is huge, with free-roaming animals, and even though I get the “big zoo” comparison some people make, I was genuinely fascinated the whole time. We saw so many animals and learned a lot - the guide explained everything in detail, made sure everyone could take photos, and was overall excellent. For anyone with limited time who still wants to see animals in a well-organized, stress-free way, this is a great tour. Everything was…”

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Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast in Serengeti - Miracle Experience - Sunrise takeoff over the national park
Hot Air Balloon Rides, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Tours, Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania

Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast in Serengeti – Miracle Experience

3.Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast in Serengeti – Miracle Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,646 reviews · from $599

Meet before dawn at a Serengeti launch site, watch the balloon inflate, and fly for about an hour over plains where lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests may be active. Your pilot provides safety guidance and wildlife spotting help. After landing, celebrate with bubbly and enjoy a full bush breakfast before your onward transfer.

“The best way to describe this trip is unforgettable, everything was so great, I had an amazing time, crew was excellent and on point, I really enjoyed this trip, I recommend it to anyone visiting. This will always be a trip to remember.”

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From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal - Entering Mikumi by air and meeting your safari guide
Day Trips, Day Trips in Tanzania, Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania, Wildlife Safaris in Zanzibar, Zanzibar Tours

From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

4.From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,470 reviews · from $451

You fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park, then spend the day in a shared 4WD with guides such as Salim, Amos, Elias, or Asenga. Expect elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and more, plus a hot bush lunch and water. The early start and flight schedule make this a long but efficient safari day.

“Both the guide, I believe he's name was Elias, and the driver were amazing. so welcoming, funny and professional. We've seen lots of animals and had really nice bush lunch. would recommend it to everyone, it was a highlight of our trip.”

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From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari - The early pickup and two-hour road journey
Johannesburg & Pretoria Tours, National Parks, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Johannesburg & Pretoria, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

5.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,327 reviews · 12 hours · from $186

Leave Johannesburg before sunrise for Pilanesberg, where guides such as Petrus, Martin, and Desmond lead two open vehicle drives through a reserve holding more than 7,000 animals. You get 4.5 to 5 hours in the park, lunch at a rest camp, and hotel pickup. The long road journey is the tradeoff for a convenient one-day safari.

“Our guide Petros was a perfect and energetic tour guide. We really enjoyed it”

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Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront - The first minutes on Table Bay
Cape Town Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Cape Town, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

Cape Town: Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

6.Marine Wildlife Tour from the V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,118 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61

Set out from the V&A Waterfront on a fast 90-minute marine wildlife cruise. Your English-speaking captain and guide search Table Bay for dolphins, Cape fur seals, penguins, sunfish, seabirds, and seasonal whales. The small boat gives you close views, though boarding, low rear seats, wind, and spray can be challenging.

“The tour guide was very friendly and his service was exceptional!! He even took some extra time outside of our tour time frame to show us some dolphins and whales! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Would highly recommend it for everyone!”

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4 Days Group Camping Safari - Day two: entering Serengeti through Karatu
4-Day Experiences, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Tours, Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania

4 Days Group Camping Safari

7.4 Days Group Camping Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,101 reviews · from $900

Spend four days crossing Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater in a 4x4 safari vehicle, with camping, meals, and game drives included. A group of up to six keeps the experience personal. Guides such as Amir and Mandela have helped guests find the Big Five, while chef Tito has earned praise for the camp meals.

“I booked 4 days camping safari with Suricata. Before we start our safari a nice guy visited me in my hotel and he told me everything about this tour what l need to take with me like towels ,suncream etc..and what is he's recommendations and Read more”

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From Zanzibar: Day Selous Game Reserve Safari with Flights - What the early morning pickup is really like
Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania, Wildlife Safaris in Zanzibar, Zanzibar Tours

From Zanzibar: Day Selous Game Reserve Safari with Flights

8.From Zanzibar: Day Selous Game Reserve Safari with Flights

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,025 reviews · from $470

Leave Zanzibar early, fly about 30 to 40 minutes to Nyerere National Park, and spend the day in a shared safari jeep. Guides such as Eli, Herman, Dennis, and Songoro are praised for spotting wildlife and explaining the bush. Expect lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and a warm bush lunch before flying home.

“Everything was utterly amazing and outstanding. Eli our guide was unbelievably knowledgeable and entertaining too which was a wonderful bonus . The whole experience from start to finish was incredibly well organised and everyone was so kind and caring . We felt completely safe and do not visit Zanzibar without doing this day trip . It was run like clockwork . We did have a private Brand new jeep and we highly recommend doing the little extra if you can .. very very well worth the money .”

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Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour - Oyster farms and the approach to Pelican Point
Boat Trips & Cruises, Luxury Tours, Namibia Tours, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife Safaris

Walvis Bay: Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

9.Marine Big 5 Luxury Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,012 reviews · 3h 30m · from $76

Set out from Walvis Bay Waterfront on a luxury catamaran with guides such as Bertie, Steve, or Raymond. Cruise past oyster farms and Pelican Point, home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals, then search for dolphins, whales, mola mola, turtles, and seabirds. Coffee, oysters, sparkling wine, beer, snacks, and lunch are included.

“A superb day out with a lot of attention to detail Guide was knowledgeable and informative without over selling the concept he was explaining”

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From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge - Betty’s Bay adds a wildlife stop before the reserve
2-Day Experiences, Garden Route Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Garden Route, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

10.2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 928 reviews · 2 days · from $533

Travel from Cape Town in a small group of up to 12 with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, and Cape Agulhas before an overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge. Expect two game drives, a three-course dinner, breakfast, and a long but scenic return journey.

“We had the absolute best few days! This was mainly down to Franks attentive personality and he could not do enough for us! He was a great driver and very informative. I actually learnt so much about South Africa. He was very caring and also great with the kids. Frank stopped at some amazing parts of the coast. The lodge is stunning and our safari guide was great also. We saw all the main animals and had a great stay. It was such value for money. Thanks Frank for making this a memory for life!”

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Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection - The early drive from your hotel to the park
Day Trips, Day Trips in Kenya, Day Trips in Nairobi, Half-Day, Kenya Tours, Nairobi Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Kenya, Wildlife Safaris in Nairobi

Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection

11.Nairobi National Park Half-Day Tour; Free Wi-Fi connection

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 878 reviews · from $45

Spend about five hours on a Nairobi National Park game drive in an open-roof tour van, with hotel pickup, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and a stop at Maasai Market Collections Karen. Guides such as Edwin, Lawrence, Peter, and William are praised for spotting wildlife. Park admission costs extra, and vehicle quality and timing can vary.

“The tour operator is very good. Even though I had not heard from few hours before the excursion, when I reached out to them they were very responsive. We had Lawrence as a guide, and he was awesome! Super nice, good vibe and flexible. The issue I had was more with Viator, who offers options that do not exist (French guide, tour at 5:30).”

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Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari - Pickup from Port Elizabeth and the ride into the park
Full-Day, Garden Route Tours, National Parks, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Garden Route, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

12.Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 872 reviews · 9 hours · from $186

Spend a full day in Addo Elephant National Park in a shared, air-conditioned 4x4 Jeep with a maximum of 10 people. Guides such as Freddy, John, Sidwell, and King Elvis are praised for sharp animal spotting and lively park knowledge. Expect two game drives, lunch, hotel pickup, and close elephant encounters.

“Sidwell was an amazing Guide! I had so much fun, he showed us the best spots and made sure we got enough time for the pictures. Thank you so much Sidwell.”

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Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari - Leaving Hazyview Before Sunrise
Full-Day, Kruger & Mpumalanga Tours, National Parks, Private Tours, South Africa Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Kruger & Mpumalanga, Wildlife Safaris in South Africa

Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

13.Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · from $158

Leave Hazyview at 5:30 am for a private, full-day Kruger safari with a professional guide. Your guide may be Senzo, Didi, or Patrick, all praised for clear explanations and friendly service. Look for the Big Five, cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elephants, and hundreds of bird species.

“Didi proved to be quite an awesome guide—he was very knowledgeable about so many things in the park, and was able to answer all of our questions. He also got us up close and personal with white rhinos, elephants, leapards, zebras, giraffes, and countless other small gaRead more”

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Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive - Pickup, timing, and the ride into the park
Half-Day, Kenya Tours, Nairobi Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Kenya, Wildlife Safaris in Nairobi

Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive

14.Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 738 reviews · 5 hours · from $36Best value

Spend about five hours on a Nairobi National Park game drive in an open-roof van or upgraded private jeep. Guides such as Edwin, William, Francis, and David are praised for finding lions, rhinos, giraffes, and birds. Hotel pickup, water, Wi-Fi, and a Maasai market stop are included, but the $80 park fee is extra.

“My tour was amazing. The guide was patient and I had a fantastic experience”

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5 Days Group Camping Safari - Day 2: Lake Manyara’s birds, forest, and hippo pond
5-Day Experiences, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Tours, Tanzania Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Safaris, Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania

5 Days Group Camping Safari

15.5 Days Group Camping Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 730 reviews · from $1,100

Join Suricata Safaris for five days across Tanzania’s top parks, with a private guide, 4x4, camping, and all meals. Look for elephants in Tarangire, flamingos at Manyara, big cats in the Serengeti, and crater wildlife at Ngorongoro. Guides including Max and Amiri have earned praise for sharp animal spotting and smooth organization.

“Safari meraviglioso con la compagnia Suricati. La nostra guida Max e il nostro cuoco Salim meravigliosi. Cibo abbondante e ottimo, tende molto comode. Ovviamente è un campeggio in Africa quindi non un resort ma l’esperienza è indimenticabile. Grazie di tutto. Compagnia super consigliata.”

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