Top 15 Tours in South Africa for 2025

In this article, I will explore the finest tours available in South Africa. My insights are drawn from extensive travel across the nation, allowing me to share local knowledge and experiences.

Few destinations offer the unique combination of natural splendor and captivating history that South Africa provides. One of the country’s principal attractions, Kruger National Park, is renowned as one of the continent’s most frequented wildlife reserves. Encompassing an expansive 7,800 square miles, it is home to iconic African wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Indeed, Kruger National Park stands out as the prime location for encountering the Big Five in South Africa. In contrast, Cape Town’s Table Mountain represents just one of the nation’s magnificent landscapes. Furthermore, South Africa is rich in historical landmarks, including the prison island associated with Nelson Mandela, an emblematic figure recognized globally for his enduring struggle for racial justice.

With an abundance of attractions and activities, crafting an engaging itinerary in South Africa is effortless.

1. Cape Point and Penguin Full-Day Tour

The breathtaking ocean vistas from Cape Town’s peninsula are unrivaled. This comprehensive full-day tour departs from Cape Town in the morning and includes stops at Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Boulders Beach hosts the only mainland penguin colony in Africa, while Cape Point is recognized as the southwesternmost point on the continent.

For those who appreciate wildlife and nature, this tour is a remarkable option. Visitors to the reserve are likely to spot various animals, including ostriches and gazelles. If your visit occurs from July to November, you may even be fortunate enough to witness whales. While lunch is not included in the tour price, ample time is provided for a meal, so plan accordingly.

2. 4-Day Camping Trip in Kruger National Park

Very few locations in Africa teem with wildlife as much as South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Taking adequate time to experience this park is highly recommended. This extensive tour begins at the airport or at your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria, should you already be in South Africa. Once settled at the tour’s base, most of your time will be spent amid the bush, observing wildlife from an open-air vehicle.

Spending nights beneath the African night sky and witnessing lions, hyenas, and elephants up close will be an unforgettable experience. Due to the popularity of these tours, early planning is advisable.

3. Addo Elephant National Park Full-Day Tour from Port Elizabeth

While Addo Elephant National Park may not be as familiar as Kruger, it stands as one of the largest reserves in South Africa. Initially established with a focus on elephant conservation, it is undoubtedly the premier spot for guaranteed interactions with the world’s largest terrestrial mammal.

Traveling from your hotel in Port Elizabeth, the park, created in the early 1930s, is highlighted by the remarkable recovery of elephant populations from near extinction.

This all-encompassing tour offers opportunities to view other African wildlife, such as leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffaloes, the latter recognized as one of the most formidable large species on the continent. A visit to Algoa Bay, reached by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, may also be included based on timing.

4. Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket at Two Oceans Aquarium

Featuring millions of gallons of aquatic habitat and over 3,000 species on display, it is no surprise that the Two Oceans Aquarium is a cherished destination. During peak periods, this Cape Town landmark can become quite congested. Thus, this skip-the-line ticket will facilitate smooth entry even on busy days.

The majority of species showcased in the aquarium hail from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, while other exhibits include marine life from around the globe. Some species are exclusive to this aquarium. Numerous interactive displays engage children, complemented by an onsite café and gift shop.

5. Robben Island Ticket with Hotel Pick-Up

Robben Island is among the most significant historical sites to visit in South Africa. This former prison island was used to detain political prisoners during the oppressive apartheid era. Largely staffed by former inmates, it features numerous engaging exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts that reflect its somber history.

Noteworthy points of interest include the cell where Nelson Mandela spent nearly two decades imprisoned for advocating for democracy and majority rule. Since Mandela’s passing in 2013, the island’s significance has grown tremendously.

Robben Island is situated less than an hour away from Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront via ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway terminal. Following your visit, transportation back to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is provided, offering stunning views of Table Mountain and ample shopping opportunities.

6. Sailing Trip around Cape Town Waterfront and Bay

This sailboat excursion will navigate along prevailing winds and may include sights of Table Bay, Milnerton Lighthouse, and Robben Island. Regardless of the route taken by the captain, participants will enjoy impressive vistas and unique photo opportunities. Ensure your camera is well-charged as the crew will highlight significant landmarks throughout the journey.

It is wise to dress in layers and have sunglasses and hats available, as weather conditions can shift rapidly on the water. Tours last approximately one hour and depart from Quay 5 of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

7. Cape Town: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The sunsets along the South African coastline are among the most enchanting globally. Observing one from the serene deck of a catamaran presents an ideal way to appreciate it. Departing from Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this journey travels down the Atlantic coastline toward the Cape Peninsula, offering unobstructed vistas of Table Mountain dominating the backdrop.

Additionally, views of Robben Island enrich the experience, with shifting shadows creating a dramatic and otherworldly ambiance. The tour spans 90 minutes and includes opportunities to see dolphins, Cape fur seals, and abundant birdlife, enhancing the allure of this outing.

8. Champagne Sunset and 3-Course Dinner Cruise from Cape Town

For many, trips to remarkable places like Cape Town are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you wish to indulge and view the city from a unique perspective, a dinner sunset cruise should certainly be on your agenda.

The picturesque Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain serve as the idyllic backdrops for this sunset itinerary. Depending on prevailing conditions, glimpses of Granger Bay and Milnerton Lighthouse may also be visible.

Guests will savor South African wine on the deck before returning to shore after sunset to partake in a gourmet three-course meal crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

9. Pilanesberg Full-Day Safari Tour from Johannesburg

Even if a four-day journey through Kruger National Park is already in your plans, adding a full-day Pilanesberg National Park tour is worthwhile.

This tour commences from Johannesburg and encompasses round-trip transportation alongside a minimum of 2.5 hours within the park. This duration allows ample opportunity to search for the park’s majestic game while aboard an open-air vehicle.

Guided by experienced professionals, visitors are likely to encounter numerous iconic animals such as lions, zebras, hyenas, and hippos. With a stroke of luck, elusive leopards, crocodiles, and giraffes may also be spotted.

Moreover, the total price for this tour incorporates both park entry fees and lunch. Overall, this safari spans approximately 12 hours, making it less suitable for young children with shorter attention spans. Nonetheless, visiting Pilanesberg National Park is highly recommended for those seeking wildlife encounters.

10. Museum of Contemporary African Art Fast-Track

The Zeitz MOCAA represents South Africa’s foremost modern art institution, conveniently located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. As the largest of its kind globally, it dedicates extensive space to preserving and promoting contemporary African art from all regions of the continent.

The museum hosts galleries featuring a diverse range of artistic mediums, alongside numerous interactive activities catered to children. A top-floor dining venue offers stunning views, while the gift shop caters to souvenir enthusiasts. The fast-track entry ticket allows guests to bypass lengthy queues that can form during busy periods. Additionally, audio guides in multiple languages are available for those wishing to delve deeper into the collections.

11. Marine Wildlife Kayak Tour from the V&A Waterfront

South African waters are recognized as a global hotspot for great white sharks, which may lead some to consider a kayak tour as an unconventional choice. However, this two-hour experience is perfectly safe and enables close encounters with the area’s less dangerous marine animals.

Visitors can expect to observe dolphins, seals, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. In the right season, potential whale sightings are also an exciting possibility. From your kayak, you will enjoy views of Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the Twelve Apostles Mountains, which are among the region’s most iconic natural landmarks.

12. African Dinner and Drumming Experience

Traditional African drums produce some of the most impactful and memorable rhythms imaginable. This dinner and drumming event occurs in one of the city’s distinctive restaurants, featuring a local drumming lesson before showcasing the skills of seasoned performers.

The accompanying multi-course menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, many of which highlight the international influences shaping South Africa’s culinary history. Arrive with an appetite and prepare for a truly extraordinary experience, which may emerge as one of the standout moments of your visit.

13. 1-Day Soweto, Apartheid Museum & City Tour from Johannesburg

The long-lasting impact of apartheid on South African society is profound. The uprising in the black township of Soweto in 1976 initiated a series of events that ultimately dismantled apartheid. This tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s former residence, alongside a stop at the site where two schoolboys were tragically killed by police, an event that symbolized the resistance against oppression.

This tour entails several stark and poignant locations, so be prepared for the emotional weight of the experience. Spanning eight hours, the itinerary allows for visits to multiple museums; the Apartheid Museum is particularly recommended for its educational significance.

14. South African Full-Day Wine Tour

In recent years, South Africa’s wine industry has received international recognition. This tour exposes participants to beautiful landscapes, historical insights, and the winemaking process. Over the course of 8.5 hours, attendees will visit some of the most esteemed wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Only a short drive from Cape Town, this experience allows ample time to learn about and sample wines from varieties such as shiraz and pinotage. Additionally, a sparkling wine with a dry yet refreshing character is typically available for tasting. This tour is truly essential for any wine enthusiast.

15. Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off

The hop-on hop-off tram and bus tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the picturesque Franschhoek Valley from Cape Town. Departing at either 8:30 AM or 9 AM, depending on the selected tram line, participants can choose from various routes such as the Navy and Burgundy Line or the Pink and Grey Line (available from December 26th to January 2nd), allowing visits to any of the eight wine estates along the circular paths. Each line presents a unique perspective on the Franschhoek wine experience, ranging from boutique to high-profile estates.

The tram or tram bus operates every 60 minutes, allowing you to hop on and off at your favored wine estates. Nevertheless, please note that wine-tasting fees are not included and are payable at the time of the visit. Concluding by 4:45 PM, the tour returns you to Cape Town by bus, making it a delightful way to appreciate the lush landscapes of the Franschhoek Valley and sample some of South Africa’s finest wines.