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South Africa Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Plan a Trip to South Africa with Local Tour Guides, and Cape Town, Johannesburg, Western Cape and More.
Popular South Africa Tour Destinations
Popular South Africa Tour Guides
Nathan N.
Hello! I’m Nathan, a passionate and experienced tourist guide proudly based in the vibrant heart of Soweto Township. With deep roots in this iconic community, I’ve spent years sharing its rich history, dynamic culture, and inspiring stories with visitors from around the world. My tours are designed to immerse you in the spirit of Soweto—from its legendary landmarks like Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum to its lively markets, spirited music, and the warmth of its people. Whether you’re exploring the struggle for freedom, savoring local cuisine, or connecting with grassroots artists, I’ll ensure your experience is authentic, engaging, and unforgettable. Let’s discover the soul of Soweto together!
Thomas G.
Hi my name is Thomas but my friends and family call me Tommy. As a Cape Town and Western Cape qualified tour guide i’m very passionate in what i do and love showing tourist my beautiful city all the way from Cape Town to Gqeberha on the Garden Route
Djamel B.
Experienced Language cultural guide with bespoke and detailed private itinerary cape town tours specially designed for your needs An ex -five star concierge at your disposal as well for restaurant , other tours bookings and general advice
Elizabeth D.
I love what I do. I love my part of the country and live in one of the most beautiful countries and cities. I can say this after travelling too. I am not a fan of wasting your time (or mine) standing in long queues. We have about 4 places where you may need to do so. Otherwise I take you to the little known but beautiful spots to enjoy. Let me know what your favourite things are to do, and I can design a tour around this (eg art, museums, nature, animals, wine). I will design anything from one day trips to 5 day trips. I also know a fair amount about the Xhosa population and can show you a lot in this regard. I am fully vaccinated and have received my booster. If you need an airport transfer - please ask. If you want buy a wooden item - please ask.
New South Africa Tour Guides
Simon T.
I am a passionate National Culture and Bushveld Biome Nature Guide based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Focusing on South African Culture and Wildlife Conservation with a keen interest in hiking and other outdoor activities.
George B.
My name is George B and I specialise in private personalised Wine Tours, where we discuss your likes & wants, and curate a highly targeted tour - just for you. I have been interested in wine since the very early days of the Cape Wine Routes. Influenced by the forward-thinking maverick estates I built up a great love of wine and its culture as well as a significant wine cellars. With a Cape Wine Academy Certificate as well as the required cultural & historical qualifications, I have a superb knowledge of the Cape and all its components – from history through geography, geology, sociology and anthropology.
Matteo P.
Are you ready for Cape Town? /\/¯¯¯¯¯\/\ Sei pronto per Città del Capo? Enjoy breathtaking cycling routes, embark on a magnificent ascent up Table Mountain, or simply meander through the vibrant streets. Just relax during the scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope or enjoy a leisurely e-bike ride. Our experience blends captivating culture with serene natural surroundings - take a leisurely stroll through botanical gardens, partake in exquisite wine tastings, go whale watching, indulge in gourmet dining, explore beautiful beaches, and savor the finest craft beers. Discover Cape Town in your own way!
Sydney M.
As an experience guide for last 12 years. I will take you around our beautiful Mother city Cape Town as well as the Spectacular Cape Peninsula tour best known as the best of Cape town. After that I show you our South African most glamorous garden route Mossel bay to Port Elizabeth
Popular South Africa Private Tours
Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap and City Centre
Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap and City Centre
Half Day Soweto Tour
Half Day Soweto Tour
City sight seeing and orientation tour
City sight seeing and orientation tour
Cape Town Wildlife and Nature Day Tour
Cape Town Wildlife and Nature Day Tour
New South Africa Private Tours
Pilanesburg full day Safari tour
Pilanesburg full day Safari tour
Johannesburg Half Day tour
Johannesburg Half Day tour
Pilansberg Game Park and Sun City
Pilansberg Game Park and Sun City
Kruger National Park @The BIG 5
Kruger National Park @The BIG 5
Popular South Africa Private Cars
Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township Day Private Tour With A Local
Apartheid Museum & Soweto Township Day Private Tour With A Local
Garden Route Tour
Garden Route Tour
Wine tour / Family Nature & outdoors
Wine tour / Family Nature & outdoors
Hermanus and animals
Hermanus and animals
South Africa Tour Reviews
Jacqueline N.
“Walking tour to V & A Waterfront”
We booked the tour to V & A Waterfront with Elizabeth. She was absolutely amazing. She picked up at our hotel and drove to the V & A Waterfront, where we spent the whole day. It was a beautiful day. She is knowledgeable and introduced us to the landmarks that make up the area’s history, including the Clock Tower, , the Clock Tower District, the Robinson Dry Dock, the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, the yellow frame, the sculptured animals, the Swing Bridge, the gateway to Robben Island, the Two Oceans Aquarium. She was not in a hurry, she let us take our time. We had wonderful photos, specially on that very day when Table Mountain was visible in the background. She advised us the restaurant where to eat, we had our lunch at the V & A Food Market , which is near the Nobel Square. She even came to shop with us at the Watershed, which specializes in South African arts and crafts. I firmly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a tour in Cape Town. If ever, I go back to Cape Town, I will certainly book my tours with her
Warren W.
“she gives her all!!!”
Elizabeth was absolutely amazing. she is socwarm and friendly. We booked her tour to Hermanas. It was the most enjoyable day! She picked us up promptly at our hotel we drove along the scenic coast. it was so beautiful. Elizabeth pointed out everything along the way-sites, birds, flowers, monuments…. she told history of the area. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her country. We spend the day driving and stopping along the way to see a cool little things, did some whalewatching from the shore, did a little bit of shopping had lunch at a great little restaurant overlooking the water, saw the Penguins. We were in no hurry and Elizabeth was very flexible, didn’t rush us or hurry us, let us take our time, and we actually got back to our hotel like two hours late. And it didn’t cost anything more. We enjoyed her so much that we hired her for another day and had her take us around Cape Town, a tour where we pretty much custom picked what we wanted to do. There’s a great little sites in the city and she took us to a restaurant where we had some amazing authentic South African food. Elizabeth grew up in the area so she knows everything about everything. She even gave us advice about where to eat that was close to our restaurant, how much to pay for things, what things to buy that were worth it, prices that were not worth it etc. she even told us that we could text her at any time for any advice on anything that we were doing on our own . We can’t recommend her highly enough!!! she gives it her all! We more than got our moneys worth, and if we ever go back to South Africa again we will definitely take advantage of her services.
Elizabeth D.
Thank you Warren. You were both such a pleasure you made my job even easier.
South Africa Private Tour Guide
South Africa Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tour guides in South Africa charge on average?
Most day tours range between $150 - $200 USD. There are of course both cheaper and more expensive tour options available as well depending on the length of time you want to tour for as well as the activities you partake in.
Here are a few of our recommendations that should cover all budget options.
- Hermanus Animal Tour: A scenic drive and lunch by the sea along with a visit to a cheetah rehabilitation center where you can interact with these and other animals. You also get to see wild penguins up close at the Stoney Point Penguin Colony.
- Sand Boarding and Quad Biking Tour: Experience the exhilarating fun of Sandboarding and Quad Biking down the Atlantis Dunes up the beautiful West Coast of South Africa.
- Johannesburg Half Day Tour: Visit historic places and discover how the “City of Gold” was founded and evolved over the years.
- Kruger National Park Big 5 Tour: For the ultimate African safari experience, this multi-day (and customizable) tour takes you to the country’s largest national park for a chance to glimpse the legendary ‘Big 5’ as well as many other African animals.
- 5-Day Cape Town Tour: This 5-day tour focuses on the highlights of Cape Town like the winelands, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and much more.
Most day tours range between $150 - $200 USD. There are of course both cheaper and more expensive tour options available as well depending on the length of time you want to tour for as well as the activities you partake in.
Here are a few of our recommendations that should cover all budget options.
- Hermanus Animal Tour: A scenic drive and lunch by the sea along with a visit to a cheetah rehabilitation center where you can interact with these and other animals. You also get to see wild penguins up close at the Stoney Point Penguin Colony.
- Sand Boarding and Quad Biking Tour: Experience the exhilarating fun of Sandboarding and Quad Biking down the Atlantis Dunes up the beautiful West Coast of South Africa.
- Johannesburg Half Day Tour: Visit historic places and discover how the “City of Gold” was founded and evolved over the years.
- Kruger National Park Big 5 Tour: For the ultimate African safari experience, this multi-day (and customizable) tour takes you to the country’s largest national park for a chance to glimpse the legendary ‘Big 5’ as well as many other African animals.
- 5-Day Cape Town Tour: This 5-day tour focuses on the highlights of Cape Town like the winelands, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and much more.
How many days are enough to visit South Africa?
The average length of stay for international travelers is 11 nights. We would recommend spending at least a week at your destination of choice, be that the coast or a highveld safari. If you’re planning to visit multiple regions of the country, it’s best to plan for a 2-3 week adventure.
The average length of stay for international travelers is 11 nights. We would recommend spending at least a week at your destination of choice, be that the coast or a highveld safari. If you’re planning to visit multiple regions of the country, it’s best to plan for a 2-3 week adventure.
What is the best way to travel in South Africa?
We would recommend exploring by car, whether you use your private guide’s vehicle or rent one yourself is up to you. You can also use ride-share services such as Uber which is very popular in South Africa. If you’re looking for something different, you can also enjoy a luxury train journey across the country courtesy of the Blue Train.
We would recommend exploring by car, whether you use your private guide’s vehicle or rent one yourself is up to you. You can also use ride-share services such as Uber which is very popular in South Africa. If you’re looking for something different, you can also enjoy a luxury train journey across the country courtesy of the Blue Train.
Do’s and don'ts in South Africa?
DO’s
- Drive on the left side of the road!
- Speak English to the locals (though learning a few new phrases is always good).
- Approach people, most South Africans are friendly and will gladly share travel tips and advice with tourists.
- Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in larger cities.
- Be respectful when visiting traditional rural communities.
DON’TS
- Don’t use public transport without making sure you understand the routes.
- Don’t carry your valuables around in an exposed manner.
- Don’t drink in public – there are tons of bars and restaurants around.
- Don’t litter or harass local wildlife (not even for a great selfie).
- Don’t enter impoverished urban areas such as townships or slums without a trusted guide.
DO’s
- Drive on the left side of the road!
- Speak English to the locals (though learning a few new phrases is always good).
- Approach people, most South Africans are friendly and will gladly share travel tips and advice with tourists.
- Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in larger cities.
- Be respectful when visiting traditional rural communities.
DON’TS
- Don’t use public transport without making sure you understand the routes.
- Don’t carry your valuables around in an exposed manner.
- Don’t drink in public – there are tons of bars and restaurants around.
- Don’t litter or harass local wildlife (not even for a great selfie).
- Don’t enter impoverished urban areas such as townships or slums without a trusted guide.
Which is better to visit, Cape Town or Johannesburg?
Cape Town is the most popular as it combines beautiful nature, the ocean, and modern city amenities. Johannesburg also has many sights to enjoy, but it is more popular with business travelers. If you’re a first time visitor, we would recommend checking out Cape Town. The city has a plethora of attractions to enjoy, and many of our guides also hail from this region.
Cape Town is the most popular as it combines beautiful nature, the ocean, and modern city amenities. Johannesburg also has many sights to enjoy, but it is more popular with business travelers. If you’re a first time visitor, we would recommend checking out Cape Town. The city has a plethora of attractions to enjoy, and many of our guides also hail from this region.
What is considered taboo in South Africa?
Pointing at people while talking about them may be considered rude by some. Otherwise, there aren’t many particular taboos that will get you in trouble. The most important thing to stress is to not litter and to not disturb any wild animals you may encounter on your journey.
Pointing at people while talking about them may be considered rude by some. Otherwise, there aren’t many particular taboos that will get you in trouble. The most important thing to stress is to not litter and to not disturb any wild animals you may encounter on your journey.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is during the summer and festive season (November - February), though coastal parts of the country such as Kwa-Zulu Natal enjoy warm subtropical weather all year round.
The best time to visit South Africa is during the summer and festive season (November - February), though coastal parts of the country such as Kwa-Zulu Natal enjoy warm subtropical weather all year round.
Why are private tours better?
Having a private tour guide accompany you will help ensure you get the most out of your South African tour experience while also staying safe. This is a large and expansive country, and not knowing your way around can make things challenging. Our guides can not only take you to the best spots, but also use their experience as locals to ensure your security. Having access to a car is essential if you plan to roam around, and our guides can help you with this crucial aspect as well.
For a more in-depth preview of what traveling in South Africa might be like, take a look at our detailed rundown by following the link below.
Full Article: South Africa Tourism Statistics 2023
Having a private tour guide accompany you will help ensure you get the most out of your South African tour experience while also staying safe. This is a large and expansive country, and not knowing your way around can make things challenging. Our guides can not only take you to the best spots, but also use their experience as locals to ensure your security. Having access to a car is essential if you plan to roam around, and our guides can help you with this crucial aspect as well.
For a more in-depth preview of what traveling in South Africa might be like, take a look at our detailed rundown by following the link below.
Full Article: South Africa Tourism Statistics 2023
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