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Your next drive should be to these best safaris near Cape Town!

| Last Updated: August 2024

Going on a safari near Cape Town is one of those things I never knew I needed until I tried it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to swap city traffic for a herd of elephants crossing your path? 

Kidding aside, seeing lions, giraffes, and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat is an incredible experience.

If you’ve never been on a safari before, this is your chance to dive into something truly exciting and see wildlife up close.

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre

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Website: https://www.khwattu.org/ 

Address: West Coast Road, R27, Yzerfontein

Distance from city centre: 1-hour drive

Phone: +27 22 492 2998

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is an interesting spot where you can learn all about the history and culture of the San people of southern Africa. Besides learning about the culture, you can also have a ‘safari-lite’ experience.

We spotted eland, springbok, zebra, and wildebeest across the 850-hectare reserve. We even saw yellow-billed kites and jackal buzzards soaring above!

Since there aren’t any predators, it feels totally safe to go hiking and biking around, although we kept an eye out for snakes.

Pro Tip:
Sign up for the 90-minute nature drives led by local guides. They will take you on an entertaining ramble that offers superb views of the wild west coast while sharing the history of the reserve.

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

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Website: https://buffelsfontein.co.za/ 

Address: R27, West Coast

Distance from city centre: 1-hour-and-6-minute drive

Phone: +27 22 451 2824

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve, once a cattle ranch, has transformed into a sprawling 1,600-hectare game reserve since 2002. 

We opted for the three-hour game drive, which was thoroughly enjoyable and allowed ample time to spot various animals. We were thrilled to see four of the Big Five—lions, buffaloes, white rhinos, and giraffes.

For those looking to stay overnight, the bush camps and chalets offer a cosy experience right in the heart of nature. Plus, the on-site restaurant and bar add to the comfort after their adventurous game drives.

Pro Tip:
Try the Bike & Saddle game drive, which offers a 2–3 hour bike tour starting at 8 AM. To book or inquire, email [email protected]. 

Fairy Glen Nature Reserve

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Address: 56 Brandwacht Rd, Worcester West, Worcester

Distance from city centre: 1-hour-and-21-minute drive

Phone: +27 79 277 3685

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM

Fairy Glen Nature Reserve is nestled at the foot of the Brandwacht Mountains and offers a rugged, natural setting for wildlife viewing.

When we visited, we opted for a half-day safari by vehicle and were lucky enough to see animals like donkeys, zebras, lions, and elephants. While they do have the Big 5, spotting a leopard is rare, so it’s best not to expect too much on that front.

The birdlife was impressive, and we particularly enjoyed spotting the Cape sugarbird, which added a nice touch to the experience. 

Pro Tips:
For those with more time, the reserve also offers overnight safaris, including a nature walk to the Brandwacht Dam.If you’re up for a more immersive experience, the overnight stay is worth considering.

Hermanus

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Distance from city centre: 1-hour-and-39-minute drive

Hermanus is a charming town in the Western Cape’s Overberg region, renowned for its seafront restaurants and picturesque clifftop walk.

The highlight here was whale watching, with southern right whales coming to mate and calve from June to November. You can see these magnificent creatures from the clifftop paths or get even closer on a boat tour.

We opted for a walking tour, which allowed us to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery while spotting whales from the shore. It’s an ideal choice, especially on days when large swells prevent the boats from going out.

Pro Tip:
Book your Hermanus whale-watching trip well in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Arriving without a reservation might leave you disappointed.

Aquila Private Game Reserve

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Website: https://www.aquilasafari.com/ 

Address: 2 HighField Road, Greenpoint

Distance from city centre: 2-hour drive

Phone: +27 (0) 21 430 7260 

Aquila Private Game Reserve covers 10,000 hectares and is famous for its commitment to conservation and top-notch customer service. 

I went on the early morning safari, and it was an incredible experience seeing the Big 5 in their natural habitat. Aside from the iconic Big 5, you can also catch sight of giraffes, hippos, antelope, and a fascinating array of 170 bird species.

They even have a centre for animal rescue and facilities for leopard research. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, they offer half-day, full-day, and overnight packages to suit your schedule.

Pro Tip:
After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, unwind in the lodge’s infinity pool to reflect on the day’s experiences.

Goudkop Bush Camp

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Website: https://www.goudkop.co.za/ 

Address: Unit 42, Skrik Van Rondom Farm, Redelinghuys

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-4-minute drive

Phone: +27 72 617 9984 

Goudkop Bush Camp is a serene retreat located near the renowned beaches of Elands Bay. It’s a quiet cattle and sheep farm nestled in the Sandveld Nature Reserve.

We stayed in a charming thatched-roof hut on the valley slopes, giving us a stunning view of the surrounding nature. We spent our days hiking along rocky trails, spotting kudu, eland, and zebra on game drives, which was an unforgettable experience.

The on-site restaurant and farm shop provided delicious meals and local produce, adding to the homely feel of the camp.

Pro Tip:
Enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant and don’t miss visiting the farm shop for local treats like freshly baked roosterkoek (grilled cake), biltong (cured meat), and homemade jams.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

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Website: https://www.grootbos.com/en  

Address: R43, Gansbaai

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-11-minute drive

Phone: +27 28 384 8053

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a stunning 2,500-hectare eco-tourism gem, overlooking Walker Bay’s pristine beaches. It’s an ideal spot if you’re looking to blend a beach getaway with a bush experience.

When I visited, I was struck by the vast landscapes and the variety of wildlife, including 118 bird species and 29 mammal species. One of the highlights was the marine safari, where I saw whales, sharks, and dolphins up close, which was a thrilling experience. 

The ancient forests here are filled with rare and endangered plants, adding a unique touch to the visit. It’s worth noting that the guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the environment, making the tours educational as well as exciting.

Pro Tip:
Book a private suite in one of the lodges or indulge in a stay at a luxury villa. Each option features exclusive amenities like private decks, fireplaces, and outdoor showers for a truly memorable stay.

Melozhori Private Game Reserve

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Website: https://www.melozhori.co.za/  

Address: R317, Bonnievale, Stormsvlei

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-12-minute drive

Phone: +27 66 595 7823 

Melozhori Private Game Reserve is a beautiful 2,300-hectare area just off the Garden Route highway.

We stayed in one of their luxurious treehouses, which was ideal for a romantic escape. We loved having the freedom to hike and bike around, spotting various animals and over 129 bird species.

The reserve is predator-free, so we felt completely safe exploring, although we did see camera trap images of Cape leopards. In the evenings, we caught glimpses of black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes. 

Pro Tip:
Gaze upwards when night falls to enjoy a stunning view of the stars without the glare of city lights. Set your alarm for the darkest hours, typically between midnight and the very early morning, to catch the majestic Milky Way at its brightest.

Nuwejaars Wetlands

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Website: https://nuwejaars.com/  

Address: Bredasdorp Rd, Bredasdorp

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-35-minute drive

Phone: +27 76 833 6341

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM

Nuwejaars Wetlands is a large conservation area, covering over 46,000 hectares. It’s a joint effort by 25 landowners and the village of Elim.

We went on a guided nature drive and saw a variety of animals, including eland and bontebok. We even spotted a pod of hippos in the deeper parts of the wetlands.

Bird lovers will enjoy the 200+ bird species here, such as the rare Southern black korhaan. 

Pro Tip:
Support the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA by donating to help fund critical wildlife road safety measures. Your contribution will aid in placing signage to protect both drivers and wildlife from road accidents.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve

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Website: https://inverdoorn.com/ 

Address: R356, Sutherland Road, Breede River

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-37-minute drive

Phone: +27 21 422 0013

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve offers a luxurious safari experience set across 10,000 hectares of land. During my visit, I was struck by how well the place is run and how close you get to the Big 5, plus giraffes, zebras, and hippos. 

One highlight was the Cheetah Sanctuary, where you can watch these amazing animals sprint and train for their release into the wild. They also have a serious RhinoProtect program to keep rhinos safe from poachers.

While it’s a bit pricey, the comfort and service make it worth the splurge.

Pro Tip:
Indulge in an in-room spa treatment like the African Rungu massage, hot stone massage, or Swedish massage to unwind after a day of wildlife viewing. 

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

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Website: https://www.sanbona.com/ 

Address: R62, Montagu

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-47-minute drive

Phone: +27 21 010 0028

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is an expansive and stunning destination covering 58,000 hectares at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains. When I went there, I was struck by how varied the landscapes were, from open plains to thick bush.

The safaris take place at sunrise and sunset and typically last around three hours. They offer a great opportunity to spot the Big 5, white lions, cheetahs, and even rare riverine rabbits.

I also had the chance to admire the ancient rock art, dating back around 3,500 years, depicting the rituals of the San and Khoi-Khoi people. Additionally, they offer boat safaris, which provide a fun and unique way to explore the reserve.

Pro Tip:
Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing to avoid startling wildlife, and don’t forget a warm jersey or jacket for chilly evenings. Include sturdy hiking shoes for the trails, and keep your camera and binoculars handy for wildlife spotting.

Bushmans Kloof

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Website: https://bushmanskloof.co.za/ 

Address: Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Distance from city centre: 2-hour-and-57-minute drive

Phone: +27 87 743 2399

Bushmans Kloof in the northern Cederberg Mountains offers a peaceful safari experience with 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites. During our visit, we had a chance to see zebras and antelopes roaming around.

At the lodge, guests can enjoy top-notch spa treatments, delightful afternoon teas, and gourmet meals. For a special occasion, you have the option to book a private dinner at the Kadoro cottage, which provides a wonderful setting for a romantic evening.

Pro Tip:
Consider purchasing a gift voucher for an overnight stay combined with dining and spa experiences. Vouchers are valid for two years and can be personalised and emailed for last-minute gifts.

Garden Route Game Lodge

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Website: https://grgamelodge.co.za/  

Distance from city centre: 3-hour-and-53-minute drive

Address: N2, Albertinia

Phone: +27 28 735 1200

Garden Route Game Lodge offers two safari tours each day, one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon, to catch the animals at their most active. 

During our safari, we encountered four of the Big Five, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. We also spotted giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, and even free-roaming cheetahs.

If you stay overnight, you can join both a sunrise and sunset safari, plus visit their reptile centre. The centre houses an array of snakes, Nile crocodiles, and tortoises, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Pro Tips:
Take advantage of the ‘Kids on Safari’ program to enrich your children’s experience with educational and exciting activities led by knowledgeable rangers.

Don’t miss the opportunity to observe the diverse avian life. Bring binoculars and a bird guidebook to make the most of the over 50 species present.

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

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Website: https://gondwanagr.co.za/ 

Address: R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale

Distance from city centre: 4-hour-and-27-minute drive

Phone: +27 44 333 0200

Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a bit of a drive from Cape Town but worth the trip if you have the time. The eco-friendly lodges and villas offer a luxurious yet authentic safari experience, blending nicely with the surrounding fynbos-covered hills. 

During our visit, we enjoyed spotting elephants roaming freely and lions relaxing under the sun, which made for some memorable wildlife sightings. The reserve also has a focus on bird-watching, where we could observe sunbirds, falcons, and cranes. 

Pro Tip:
Try golfing safari at Pinnacle Point, just 20 minutes from Gondwana, and enjoy a morning round on a clifftop course with breathtaking ocean views.
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