Beppus Best: African Safari and Beppu Hells Private Tour

Beppus Best: African Safari and Beppu Hells Private Tour

Taking a break in Beppu? This private tour offers a rare chance to combine a wildlife safari in Japan with the region’s famous geothermal attractions—all guided by enthusiastic local experts. While it’s ideal for travelers eager for a mix of adventure and relaxation, it’s especially suited for those who enjoy personalized experiences and authentic local insights.

What we love about this tour is the intimate connection with local guides, the chance to see animals up close in a natural setting, and the opportunity to relax in Beppu’s tranquil hot springs afterward. The flexible itinerary allows some customization, which is great if you want to tailor your day’s highlights. One potential drawback? The safari experience involves driving in your own car, which might not suit everyone. Still, for those seeking a unique combination of wildlife and geothermal sights, this is a solid choice, especially for cruise travelers or short-stay visitors.

Key Points

• Local-Led Experience: Guided by Beppu residents, offering authentic insights.
• Flexible and Customizable: Tours can be tailored to your preferences.
• Unique Wildlife Encounter: Drive through spacious habitats to see lions, giraffes, and more.
• Combines Adventure with Relaxation: Visit both safari and hot springs.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Includes transportation, guide, and safari admission.
• Ideal for Short Stays: Perfect for cruise passengers or quick visits.

An In-Depth Look at the Beppus Best Tour

Why Choose a Community-Led Tour?

What makes this experience stand out from standard tours in Beppu is its community-led approach. The tour is designed and guided by locals, so you’ll get a more authentic, friendly vibe than a generic group trip. The guide, known simply as Gin in reviews, is praised for being among the best guides travelers have encountered. This personal touch makes the entire day feel more engaging, relaxed, and tailored to your interests.

The Safari Experience in Oita

The core of this tour is the African Safari in the Ajimu Kogen Highlands. Unlike typical safaris in Africa, this one is unique because you drive your own vehicle through spacious enclosures where animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras roam freely. The admission fee is included in the price, which offers peace of mind on the day of your visit.

Travelers consistently mention the close-up views of animals and how the safari zone is thoughtfully designed for a natural feel. One reviewer found Gin’s narration particularly enjoyable, saying, “Gin was an excellent Tour Guide, one of the best I’ve ever had.” The safari lasts about four hours, providing enough time to see a wide variety of animals and take plenty of photos.

Interacting with Small Animals and Shopping

Beyond the main safari, there’s a petting zone where kids and adults alike can interact with small animals—an aspect that adds a family-friendly appeal. The on-site restaurant caters to hungry visitors, and souvenirs are available for purchase, giving a chance to remember your adventure with keepsakes.

Exploring Beppu and Yufuin

After the safari, the tour makes a scenic one-hour drive to the nearby Yufuin area. This tranquil town is famous for its hot springs and picturesque streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Here, you’ll experience a stark contrast to the safari’s wild energy—Yufuin’s peaceful, scenic environment offers a perfect way to unwind.

Beppu itself is renowned as the Onsen Capital of Japan, famous for its geothermal activity—steam rising from the ground, bubbling mud pools, and the Seven Hells of Beppu. While the tour doesn’t include entrance to the Hells (each costs ¥500), you’ll still enjoy soaking in the region’s bubbling hot springs and observing its volcanic landscapes.

What the Tour Includes and What to Consider

The package covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, bottled water, WiFi onboard, and fuel—making it a convenient all-in-one experience. The admission fee for the safari is included, but you’ll need to budget separately if you want to visit the Beppu Hells or dine at local restaurants.

The tour’s duration is about 5 to 6 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. It’s geared towards travelers who want an intimate, flexible experience and appreciate the chance to explore both wildlife and geothermal wonders in one go.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One guest reflected, “This was a very fun tour; Gin is an excellent guide,” emphasizing the importance of a knowledgeable and friendly guide. The ability to customize the itinerary also resonates well—if you have specific interests, just ask in advance.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price point: At $231 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions—especially the safari experience and private guiding.
• Best suited for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, cruise passengers, or anyone wanting an offbeat experience in Beppu.
• Transportation: Comfortably provided with WiFi and bottled water, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Timing: Since most travelers book about 11 days in advance, it’s wise to plan early, especially if you have specific customization requests.
• Group size: As a private tour, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re craving a blend of nature, wildlife, and geothermal sights, this tour delivers with its flexible, community-led approach. It’s perfect if you want to steer your day based on your interests—whether that’s getting close to animals or exploring tranquil hot springs.

For families or travelers who enjoy informal, friendly guides and a mix of adventure with serene moments, this is a smart choice. Conversely, if you prefer guided group tours with fixed schedules or don’t want to drive yourself during the safari, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Beppu offers something quite special: a chance to see animals in a spacious, naturalistic setting in Japan, combined with the region’s famous geothermal attractions. Guided by passionate locals, you’ll experience the thrill of close-up wildlife sightings and the soothing calm of Yufuin’s hot springs—all in one day.

The fact that it’s customizable, with friendly guides who genuinely connect with visitors, makes it a standout. The price reflects the value of this personalized experience, especially for those who appreciate a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

This tour is a great pick for travelers looking for an authentic, flexible, and memorable day in Beppu. It’s particularly well-suited for cruise passengers or those with limited time who want a deeply local experience that blends outdoor fun with tranquil hot spring bliss.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, bottled water, WiFi on board, fuel surcharge, and the African Safari admission fee.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with about four hours dedicated to the safari and an additional hour for exploring Yufuin.

Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the petting zone and flexible itinerary, making it ideal for kids and adults alike.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be tailored based on your interests or special requests—just let the guides know in advance.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, a camera, and any personal items you might need during the day.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, if you want to visit the Beppu Hells or dine at local restaurants, those are separate costs. Each Hell visit costs around ¥500.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 11 days in advance, so it’s best to reserve early to ensure availability and customization options.

What is the guide like?
Guests often praise Gin, the guide, for being engaging, friendly, and highly knowledgeable—making the day even more enjoyable.

Is the safari experience similar to African safaris?
While not in Africa, the safari zone in Japan provides a thrilling opportunity to see animals like lions and giraffes up close in spacious enclosures, driven in your own vehicle.

This tour beautifully combines nature, wildlife, and local culture, offering a balanced, memorable experience that’s perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the usual hot springs.