Booking choice: The Big Five day trip, from $185 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Every option below includes hotel pickup in Cape Town. They differ in where they go, whether the park charge is included, and how much of the day you spend driving.
Ratings and prices are live Viator figures at the last update; most tours cancel free up to 24 hours before.
The quick answer
For a guided day with a winery stop: the Big Five day trip to Aquila. For one price with nothing to pay on the day: the all-inclusive Aquila safari. For a family or group: a private tour. For a shorter drive with tastings: Buffelsfontein (not sold as a Big Five safari). For dusk and dawn drives: the 2-day Inverdoorn trip. For wild animals: the Marine Big 5.
How do the options compare?
Aquila tours lead on the Big Five; Buffelsfontein, Inverdoorn and the Marine Big 5 each trade something for something else.
| Tour | Where | Park fee | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Five day trip | Aquila | Extra | 4.8 (637) | $185 |
| Aquila safari with lunch | Aquila | Included | 4.2 (644) | $234 |
| All-inclusive Aquila safari | Aquila | Included | 4.4 (181) | $305 |
| Private full-day safari | Aquila | Included | 4.2 (33) | $278 |
| Buffelsfontein safari | West Coast | Drive included | 5.0 (43) | $265 |
| 2-day Inverdoorn | Tankwa Karoo | Included | 4.9 (13) | $689 |
| Marine Big 5 | Gansbaai | Boat included | 4.4 (199) | $215 |
The Big Five day trip: guide and winery stop
Rated 4.8 from 637 reviews, with a winery stop and the scenic Breede River Valley route; the park charge is paid on top.
From $185 plus R2,365 to R2,785 per adult for lunch and the drive. Guests single out the guides by name in review after review. See Aquila prices and park fees.
Want the guide guests praise? Check dates for the Big Five day trip.
Check dates for the Big Five day tripAll-inclusive Aquila tours: one price
Two tours put the park charge, lunch and the game drive into the price: from $234 and from $305.
The Aquila safari with lunch is the most reviewed safari day trip here (644 reviews) with morning, afternoon and sunset departures, but takes children from 8 and needs 3 days' notice to cancel. The all-inclusive tour adds a three-hour drive and takes children from 4.
Choose your departure: morning, afternoon or sunset, with the drive and a meal included.
Explore the Aquila safari with lunchPrivate tours: your own pace
From $179 plus the park charge with a wine and cheese stop, or $278 with lunch and the drive included.
A private car means no other pickups, flexible stops and room for the family. Good for families and groups of friends.
Buffelsfontein: shorter drive, tastings, not sold as Big Five
A small-group day up the West Coast with a game drive at Buffelsfontein and olive, toffee and craft beer stops around Darling.
Rated 5.0 from 43 reviews, capped at nine guests. It is a nature reserve with zebra, giraffe and other game; the listing does not sell it as a Big Five safari, and lunch is not included.
Prefer a relaxed day with tastings? A small-group game drive near Darling with olive and beer stops.
Explore the Buffelsfontein safariInverdoorn overnight: dusk and dawn
The 2-day trip adds a night in the Tankwa Karoo, all meals, several game drives and the cheetah centre.
From $689, non-refundable. Best if you can spare a night. Compare it in Aquila vs Inverdoorn.
The Marine Big 5: wild animals at sea
A boat trip from Gansbaai around Dyer Island looking for whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and penguins.
Rated 4.4 from 199 reviews, from $215 with pickup. Nothing is fenced, so sightings vary, and the sea can be rough. Southern right whales are the highlight in the cooler months.
Rather see wild animals? Check dates for the Marine Big 5.
Check dates for the Marine Big 5 tripWhich should you choose?
Match the tour to your priority: guiding, one price, privacy, a shorter day, a night out, or wild animals.
- Guide and winery stop: the Big Five day trip.
- No surprises: the all-inclusive Aquila safari.
- Families and groups: a private tour.
- Tastings over the Big Five: Buffelsfontein.
- A night in the bush: 2-day Inverdoorn.
- Wild animals: the Marine Big 5.
Decided? Check dates for the Big Five day trip with free cancellation.
Check dates for the Big Five day tripFrequently asked questions
What is the best safari day trip from Cape Town?
For most visitors, the Big Five day trip to Aquila, the most reviewed of the guided day trips with a 4.8 rating. If you want everything in one price, choose the all-inclusive Aquila tour.
Is there a safari closer to Cape Town than Aquila?
Buffelsfontein on the West Coast is a shorter drive, but the listing does not sell it as a Big Five safari.
Do all safari tours include hotel pickup?
Every tour listed here includes pickup in Cape Town; check the pickup zone if you are staying outside the centre.
Ready to book
Choose your safari
Most options cancel free up to 24 hours before; check each listing. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Big Five Safari & Breede River Valley Day Trip
- Professional guide and an upmarket vehicle
- Hotel pickup within 10 km of central Cape Town, 8:30 AM start
- Stop at Du Toitskloof Wines and views over the Breede River Valley
Aquila Safari with Buffet Lunch, Fees Included
- Round-trip hotel pickup within 10 km of the city centre, 9 AM start
- Three-hour group safari in an open 4x4 with a guide
- Buffet lunch, welcome drink, bottled water, park fees and taxes
