South Africa · BIG FIVE GAME DRIVES
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, on land where all five actually range. The 15 below compare private reserves against national parks on price, how many drives you get, and how far you travel before the first one.
Review of a Cape Town Big Five safari at Aquila Reserve, with open-vehicle game drive, buffet lunch, hotel pickup, and practical tips.
“Amazing day. Everything was timed very well - pickup on time, drop off on time and everything in between, from the views to the wildlife and the information provided was excellent.”
Review of a 2-day Cape Town safari with Garden Route Game Lodge, coastal stops, Big Five viewing, dinner, breakfast, and practical tips.
“Chris had so much knowledge and was an excellent guide over the 2 days. The Lodge accommodation was lovely and the safari tours were a lot of fun. We got a chance to see all the animals at the reserve. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Review of Gansbaai’s Marine Big 5 boat tour, with whales, seals, sharks, dolphins and penguins, plus practical tips on timing, value and sea conditions.
“Quality of pickup bus and driver was amazing, Cameron was amazing. Soup and bread at the end and coffee at the beginning was really good. Highly caring staff onboard: they ask you for blankets if cold, they get you towels when wet, they offer ginger candies for your cold, and show you every marine view correctly. They make sure you are safe. Amazing services. I am sooooo impressed.”
Review of Botlierskop’s 3-hour game drive near Mossel Bay, with rhinos, lions, elephants, birds, guides, value, comfort, and practical tips.
“Botlierskop is a wonderful, upmarket place for a game drive. Despite not seeing any lions (there had been lots the day before, we were told!), we had a great time and saw numerous other animals and birds, from giraffe to zebra to rhinos. We were confident that our driver/ranger wanted us to see as much as possible. And boy, did he work that bone-shaker four wheel drive to the max! Lunch was great too. Highly recommened and excellent value for three hours. Thank you.”
Review of Aquila Game Reserve from Cape Town, with Big Five sightings, lunch, transport, costs, comfort tips, and honest drawbacks.
“The paths upon which the vehicles drive are very, very, very bumpy. Do not take this safari if you are pregnant, have back issues, or have headaches! The animals were great to see, and we are glad we took the tour. However, it did not begin to Read more”
Review of Cape Town’s Big Five safari day trip, with Breede Valley scenery, Aquila game drive, lunch, costs, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“So after being picked up from our hotel we got taken to the resort where we got to see the big four nice giraffes gazelle's elephant's it was well worth the money and we were well looked after in terms of refreshments I would recommend this tRead more”
Review of Aquila’s sunset safari from Cape Town, with Big Five wildlife, transport, wine tasting, costs, timing, and practical booking advice.
“The driver was excellent . It was a very safe journey . The guide gave us lots of information .”
Review of Aquila’s Cape Town sunset safari, with Big Five viewing, transport, costs, timing, food, comfort, and practical booking advice.
“Stunning not to be missed, sunset drive was a bliss and seeing so many animals so up close was an experience I’ll never forget”
Review of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big 5 safari from St Lucia, with early pickup, ranger-led drives, meals, pricing, and practical tips.
“It was a fantastic day! Without going into the animals we saw, as that depends on luck, let me share the good and bad points of this tour. Arnaud, our guide, always had a smile on his face, answered every question, and provided a lot of inforRead more”
Review of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big 5 safari from St Lucia, with expert guides, sunrise wildlife drives, breakfast, braai, and practical tips.
“Kyle was a perfekt Guide- it was a wonderful Trip!”
Review of Cape Town’s 90-minute Marine Big 5 ocean safari, with catamaran views, wildlife tips, price advice, and practical details.
“The boat, crew and event were all great but out of the big five we unfortunately only saw one. Luck of the draw perhaps but still felt short changed.”
Review of the 2-hour Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve safari, with Big 5 sightings, practical tips, price advice, and family details.
“Excellent, saw lots of animals, elephants, giraffe, lion, buffalo, springbok, rhino & baby, crocs, tortoise, ostrich and more. Our guide was very good, very informative”
Review of Schotia Game Reserve safari from Port Elizabeth Harbor, with Big Five viewing, open vehicles, guides, snacks, and practical tips.
“The transfer from the cruiseterminal to the park was smooth. Tim the guide and the 4x4 vehicle were great. We spotted lots of animals compared to our next day excursion at Addo Elphant Park, I recommend Schotia over Addo.”
Review Botlierskop’s 3.5-hour sunset game drive near Mossel Bay, with rhinos, lions, elephants, birds, snacks, guides, pricing, and practical tips.
“We had a tour with Madeline and she was really great. We were able to see buffalos, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, one elephant and one lion. Would recommend to arrive early enough to have lunch at the restaurant at the same location. The food was great.”
Review the 3-hour Pilanesberg game drive from Sun City, with Big Five sightings, guide tips, costs, timing, and practical advice.
“The activity was fantastic and the guide, Jeremy, was outstanding. the only unpleasant thing was the poor road conditions that caused a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. otherwise, the activity was worth every penny.”
Pick a mountain, a reserve or a cellar.
