Top Western Cape Nature and Wildlife Tours

Come face to face with a great white shark in Gaansbaai and Shark Alley. After pickup from central Cape Town, travel to Gaansbaai for breakfast and a safety briefing. Onboard the boat, you can slip into the cage in the water to get a close-up look at the sharks or enjoy the view from the boat. Afterwards, head back to the harbor for a light lunch and to watch a DVD of the boat trip.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales with this boat tour from Hermanus. Learn about the magnificent mammals from a whale specialist as you head out onto the water. Depending on the time of year keep an eye out for humpback, Bryde's, and southern right whales, as well as dolphins and seals.

This is the perfect tour for time-tight travelers interested in scenic nature spots and wildlife encounters near Cape Town. Save time waiting for local buses and go on a half-day small-group tour instead. Ride in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle along False Bay’s coastline and stop at St. James Beach, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, the Cape of Good Hope, and Old Cape Point Lighthouse.

The vast size of Wilderness National Park can make it time-consuming to explore on foot, so make the most of your vacation and see more with this riverboat cruise option. The route showcases a variety of landscapes in a short space of time including wetlands, forests, villages, and places where luxury homes have been built. Along the way, look out for an abundance of wildlife; including kingfishers, baboons, and otters.

Visit a penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve all in one day during this tour, including round-trip transport from Cape Town. First, catch sight of the endangered African penguins on the beach, and then travel over to Cape Point in the nature reserve. Spend ample time at Cape Point, and keep an eye out for ostrich, antelope, and whales.

Go wild in the Western Cape on this Oudtshoorn overnight safari trip from Cape Town! Travel off the beaten track to get to see South Africa's wildlife and immerse yourself in nature. Visit Botlierskop Reserve - close to the coastal Garden Route region and Buffelsdrift in the heart of the Klein Karoo region - offering the perfect backdrop for an African wildlife experience. This trip offers guided 4x4 drives at two private game reserves; as well as a chance to observe rescued elephants roaming freely in nature (optional activity with extra costs). You'll overnight at the ostrich capital of the world about 5 hours driving from Cape Town. This tour is led by a local qualified tour guide and game rangers during safaris. This introduction tour is ideal for anyone that visits the Western Cape region and have limited time to see wildlife and most of the Big 5 in natural game reserve settings.

If you’ve only got limited time to explore the highlights of Cape Town, then this guided tour is a perfect choice. Rather than being stuck on a sightseeing bus with large tourist crowds, you can benefit from the luxury of a private tour for just your personal group. Check off Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and plenty more sights, with transport included along the way.

See Cape Town’s landmarks from a new vantage point and learn more about aquatic life with this exciting boat tour. Enjoy the company of a professional guide and skipper who can teach you lesser-known facts about the local environment and the incredible creatures that live in the ocean. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins during the trip.

Embark on a close-encounter whale and dolphin watching tour with one of Knysa's only permitted close-encounter tour operators. Step aboard a boat with an experienced captain and travel to the waters just off the South African coastline. During your travels, listen to in-depth commentary about the marine animals' biology and behavior. Keep an eye out for large pods of dolphins, Brydes whales, Southern right and humpback whales.

Take a leisurely exploration of the amazing scenery and fascinating wildlife of the Cape Peninsula on this flexible-length private tour. Travel by private vehicle and call the shots on what to see and do. Among the potential sights you might pick are a wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, a visit to the penguins of Boulders Beach, or a visit to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. A private guide, private vehicle, and round-trip hotel transport are covered.

If you’re a shark enthusiast eager to see them up close, this tour is perfect for you. With all diving gear provided, you can travel light, and a guide will be with you every step of the way. After visiting a dive center, embark on a boat and enjoy an unforgettable cage diving experience, with the chance to spot Great White sharks, Bronze Whaler sharks, and Sevengill sharks.

Drive and hike around the Cape Peninsula during a full-day sightseeing tour with a focus on the region’s natural attractions and lots of fun options to choose at your own expense. Visit Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point Nature Reserve, and see a penguin colony as well as other wildlife. Private transportation and commentary from your guide ensure a comfortable and informative tour, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Spend time outdoors and explore a vast 593-acre (240-hectare) wildlife sanctuary that’s home to a diverse range of animals such as antelopes, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras. Instead of discovering the sanctuary on foot, save time and cover more ground by going on a guided horseback riding tour—a fun activity that’s suitable for all experience levels. Note that there is a strict 75kg weight limit for riders with no exceptions.

Discover the top attractions in Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope with ease on this full-day private tour. Explore Cape Town highlights such as Table Mountain and Camps Bay before driving to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, and more.

With this horseback riding safari, you can explore the West Coast of South Africa at a much faster pace than a walking tour. Enjoy beautiful coastal views on an untouched stretch of beach and look out for local wildlife at the same time, as the journey visits places where giraffes, water buffalos, and zebras have been spotted before.

Embark on a safari cruise in pursuit of the Marine Big 5: dolphins, African penguins, the Cape fur seal, the bronze whaler sharks, and several whale species. Over the course of two hours, you and your group will head out to where your guide knows these animals like to hang out, learning about the marine environment through guided commentary on the way.

Lion’s Head—located in Table Mountain National Park—is known for being a top hiking location that offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. With this guided hike, you can safely explore this landscape without the worry of getting lost. Choose from a sunrise or a sunset hike, and enjoy plenty of photo stops along the way. This hike requires a good fitness level and comfort with heights.

Cape Town is famous for its incredible whale watching, and this boat tour offers the perfect chance to embark on an exciting adventure. Set sail to spot the majestic Southern Right Whales, along with playful dolphins and seals. By booking in advance, you can ensure a date that fits your schedule and enjoy added perks like hotel pickup, plus snacks and bottled water on board. It's the ideal way to experience Cape Town’s marine life up close.

View sharks up close on this cage-diving tour from Gansbaai. Guests take turns in the 8-person cage for incredible encounters with great whites and bronze whaler sharks, as well as other marine species such as stingrays and sun fish. While not in the cage, you can enjoy on board refreshments and shark sightings from the viewing deck of the boat. Includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

An ideal way to tick off multiple nature spots and a wildlife attraction in a day—this tour includes stops at Gordon’s Bay, the Cheetah Outreach preservation center, and Strand Beach. To save you the hassle of finding a parking spot, the tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it the ultimate stress-free day with hotel pickup included.

Visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and stop at other area highlights on this half-day guided sightseeing tour from Cape Town, ideal for visitors with limited time. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, with stops at Bo Kaap, Twelve Apostles, Chapman's Peak Drive, and Muizenberg Beach. You’ll also get a chance to try local coffee and go shopping at Noordhoek Farm Village.

Dive with sharks off the coast of Cape Town on this small-group excursion that is led by an expert captain and crew to ensure an experience that is educational as well as fun. Learn about the biology and behavior of sharks getting in the water to see them up close. A small group makes for lots of personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.

See the best of South Africa’s scenic Garden Route—with visits to Addo Elephant National Park, Wilderness, Jeffreys Bay, and Oudtshoorn—during this 5-day trip from Cape Town. Join your expert guide on hikes through lush forests. Visit nature reserves to see some of Africa’s endangered species. Kick back and soak in the sun on soft, sandy beaches. This tour offers the perfect mix of guided and self-directed activities.