The Best Organized Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa

South Africa

If you're headed to South Africa and are looking for the best options for tours for animial lovers, then you've come to the right place. We have done an extensive analysis of all available guided tour packages in South Africa based on price, guest ratings, service, amenities, activities, and value. We've done the groundwork for you, meticulously analyzing the holiday packages and organized tours based on these key criteria in order to find the best tours for animial lovers. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation filled with relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we've found the ideal journeys to make your holiday to South Africa unforgettable. We have lots of details below on what these multi-day tours and trips are like, where they visit, how much you can expect to pay, and more. So, let's dig in.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 4 Days, $580.00

  • 6 Days, $807.03

  • 4 Days, $850.00
South Africa
The Best Tours for Animal Lovers through South 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 Cape Xtreme 4 Days Start/End in Cape Town 8 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 7 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 13
Price per Day: $145

This tour visits Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Cape Xtreme
Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.



$580
on TourRadar

Organized by Earthstompers Adventures 6 Days Start/End in Cape Town 14 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $135

This tour visits Cape Town, Gordons Bay, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Mossel Bay.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Earthstompers Adventures
Focusing on South Africa, Earthstompers Adventures is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. Traveling with Earthstompers Adventures provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.



$807
on TourRadar

Organized by Explore South Africa 4 Days Start/End in George 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 7
Price per Day: $213

This tour visits George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Dolphin watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Explore South Africa
Explore South Africa is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 8, make for a very personal experience. 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.



$850
on TourRadar

Organized by Encounters Travel 8 Days Cape Town to Port Elizabeth 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 18 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $134

This tour visits Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Port Elizabeth.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Encounters Travel
Encounters Travel is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$1,075
on TourRadar

Organized by Timeline Travel DMC 3 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 3 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $283

This tour visits Johannesburg and Pilanesberg National Park.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Wildlife & Nature Photography
  • Partially Guided

By Timeline Travel DMC
Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.



$850
on TourRadar

Organized by Cape Xtreme 10 Days Start/End in Cape Town 11 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 12 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 13
Price per Day: $131

This tour visits Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife
  • Fully Guided

By Cape Xtreme
Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.



$1,310
on TourRadar

Organized by Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris 5 Days Start/End in Cape Town 11 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 6 to 65
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $150

This tour visits Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Albertinia, Hermanus, and Betty's Bay.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Elephant
  • Partially Guided

By Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris
Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. 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. Animal lovers will appreciate the tours that let you experience the magic of the region's beautiful elephants.



$749
on TourRadar

Organized by Explore South Africa 6 Days Port Elizabeth to Cape Town 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for animial lovers in South Africa.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Wine Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 1 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 7
Price per Day: $182

This tour visits Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Wine tasting
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Explore South Africa
Explore South Africa is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 8, make for a very personal experience. 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.



$1,090
on TourRadar

Organized by Across Africa Tours & Travel 15 Days Start/End in Cape Town 10 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

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

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $258

This tour visits Cape Town, Montagu, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Swellendam, Hermanus, and Table Mountain.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Wine tasting
  • Elephant
  • Partially Guided

By Across Africa Tours & Travel
Across Africa Tours & Travel is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.



$3,870
on TourRadar

Organized by Hotspots2c 4 Days Start/End in Cape Town 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 8 to 70
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $361

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Fully Guided

By Hotspots2c
Focusing on South Africa, Hotspots2c is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. Customers of Hotspots2c often have a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. 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.



$1,443
on TourRadar

Why does South Africa appeal to animal lovers?

South Africa's varied ecosystems and wildlife encounters attract plenty of nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Portugal provides unique wildlife experiences both on land and sea.

South Africa


How much do tours for animial lovers in South Africa cost?

The average daily price of Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa is $237 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 Tours for Animal Lovers in South 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.




$237
Average Price Per Day
17
Tours Analyzed
4.7
Average Rating
13
Tour Companies
12
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Tours for Animal Lovers?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer tours for animial lovers in South 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.

Cape Xtreme

Cape Xtreme is a smaller tour company that focuses on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience.

See All Tours from Cape Xtreme

Timeline Travel DMC

Timeline Travel DMC offers local safari tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Timeline Travel DMC are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.

See All Tours from Timeline Travel DMC

Explore South Africa

Explore South Africa is a smaller tour company that focuses on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 8, make for a very personal experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. 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. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, dolphin watching, and whale watching.

See All Tours from Explore South Africa

Earthstompers Adventures

Focusing on South Africa, Earthstompers Adventures is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Traveling with Earthstompers Adventures provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.

See All Tours from Earthstompers Adventures


Animal Lovers Destinations in South Africa

Wondering where animal lovers tours visit in South 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 South Africa include Cape Town, Knysna, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, and Tsitsikamma National Park.


Tours for Animal Lovers vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

If you're debating whether to plan your trip solo or join a guided tour, take some time to reflect on the pros and cons of both options.

Pros
  • Expert guides increase chances of sightings.
  • Guides share knowledge about the animals and environment.
  • Tours follow ethical and sustainable viewing practices.
  • Access to restricted or prime viewing areas.
  • Equipment like binoculars may be provided.
  • Safe navigation in wildlife-rich but potentially dangerous areas.
  • Group setting offers a shared experience.
  • No need to worry about permits or logistics.
Cons
  • Larger groups might scare off wildlife.
  • Fixed schedules limit flexibility.
  • Sharing with strangers may feel less personal.


Pros
  • Freedom to choose where and when to go.
  • Can focus on your favorite animals or habitats.
  • Tailor your experience to suit your interests.
  • Flexible schedule allows for spontaneous changes.
  • Opportunity to explore lesser-known spots.
  • Bond more deeply with nature on your own terms.
Cons
  • Requires research on habitats and animal behavior.
  • Risk of missing prime viewing times or spots.
  • Permits or access can be difficult to arrange.
  • Safety concerns in unfamiliar or remote areas.
  • Navigating roads or trails can be stressful.
  • You might need to invest in expensive gear.
  • Lack of expert knowledge may limit sightings.
  • Greater environmental responsibility rests on you.


Which is cheaper?

Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided tours for animial lovers? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.

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 South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa, The Best Historical Tours in South Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco Tours in South Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in South Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in South Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Africa, The Best Photography Tours in South Africa, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in South Africa, The Best Safaris in South Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa, The Best Budget Tours to South Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to South Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Johannesburg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pretoria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best 10-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Pretoria for more package tour options.

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