Safari around Cape Town - Experience the Big 5 up close

Looking for a safari around Cape Town? A trip to South Africa is just begging for a safari to see the Big 5 and picturesque sunrises on the savannah. Even if your trip primarily takes you to Cape Town and the Garden Route, you definitely don’t have to miss out on a truly special wildlife experience.

The Addo Elephant Park and the world-famous Kruger National Park are far away, but you don’t need to worry about missing out. Because a safari around Cape Town is possible and offers you unique opportunities to experience the Big 5 and other wild animals up close. In today’s report, I’ll show you what the Big 5 are all about, which animals belong to it, and where you can go on safari around Cape Town.

According to my research, there are several recommended game reserves that offer day trips with and without overnight stays. But don’t forget that these are not national parks, but small, private reserves. You’ll get the real safari feeling in the large national parks.

What else you should know

What else you should know
The Big 5 in South Africa
1. Aquila Game Reserve
2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve
3. Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve
4. Garden Route Game Lodge
5. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Other Game Reserves
Conclusion on the safari around Cape Town
Travel reading

The Big 5 in South Africa

Anyone on safari in South Africa always talks about the goal of seeing the Big 5. But who exactly are these Big 5 and why are they called that? Africa’s Big Five are: the African elephant, the lion, the African leopard, the buffalo, and the rhinoceros, and are also among the most popular photo subjects on any safari.

But why were these five animal species chosen to be part of the famous Big 5? This goes back to the 19th century, when big game hunters from Europe and the USA sought out the five most dangerous animal species that could be hunted on foot with a weapon. Anyone who killed one of the Big 5 and used it to decorate their house was held in high esteem.

Fortunately, this is quite different today. The Big 5 are protected species in the national parks. The hunters are simply us, with cameras on the hunt for the most impressive safari photo.

1. Aquila Game Reserve

The Aquila Game Reserve is located about two hours from Cape Town, near the small town of Touwsrivier, and is one of the most popular destinations for safari enthusiasts. You can reach this reserve either independently with your rental car* via the N1, or you can book a transfer offered by the reserve. Prices start at approx. €57 per person..

Hyena Kruger National Park

This beautiful reserve, which has been involved in species conservation for years and is home to the Big 5, awaits you with a stunningly beautiful lodge and mountain views. You can also use the outdoor pool and the in-house spa area (indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, etc.).

In addition to the Big 5 (lions, rhinos, etc.), you can also observe many different species of antelope and birds in the Aquila Game Reserve, as well as zebras, giraffes, foxes, jackals, baboons, hippos, and hyenas. The good thing is that the private game reserve offers half-day tours, full-day tours, overnight stays, and other tours.

Accommodation at Aquila Game Reserve

You can also book your overnight stay at Booking.com*. One night in the Standard Lodge with full board and two safaris starts at just €136 per person. You can also book cottages and other room options there. Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve

The Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is located just 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town. On approximately 10,000 hectares, you can expect to see the Big 5, countless antelope species, and a very special predator: the cheetah. The reserve specializes in cheetah conservation and even has its own rescue center. Here you can learn all about these delicate big cats and watch them accelerate up to 120 km/h.

The protection of the animals is a top priority here, which is why, fortunately, petting the cheetahs is not permitted. But admiring the animals in their natural habitat, learning more about them, and observing them is incredibly worthwhile in itself!

You can either book a day trip to the Indoor Game Reserve, arriving early in the morning and returning to Cape Town in the evening, or you can book a package with two safaris including overnight accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve

The Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve is just 90 minutes by car from Cape Town. Here, too, you have the opportunity to marvel at the Big 5. Here, amidst the beautiful mountain landscape around Worcester, a highly trained team welcomes you with various safari tours. This game park is also the largest private reserve, but has fewer wild animals. You can book the following packages on the reserve’s website.

Overnight at Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve

The Morning Safari includes breakfast, a 3-hour game drive, and lunch. You can book this package from just €102 per person (if you’re traveling by car). The afternoon safari includes lunch and the 3-hour safari. If you decide to spend the night in the lodge or a chalet, you’ll get a room including a guided nature walk, dinner, breakfast, a 3-hour game drive, and lunch from just €136 per person if you’re traveling by car.

4. Garden Route Game Lodge

You’ll experience an unforgettable and unique African experience, the kind you can only dream of, in what is arguably the most beautiful game reserve on the Garden Route. Just under 3.5 hours from Cape Town, the family-run Garden Route Game Lodge is located in a stunning landscape. Here, luxury for the whole family is paramount! The nearly 2,000 hectares are home to the Big 5, giraffes and zebras, as well as smaller wild animals.

The lodge offers a wide range of activities. Game drives, night drives, bush walks, a children’s program, bird watching, and a private picnic in the bush. While parents relax with a massage in the luxurious spa, children can learn all about African wildlife and enjoy their very own little safari on foot through the wilderness.

Accommodation at the Garden Route Game Lodge

You can stay overnight on site in one of the standard double rooms, in lovely chalets, and luxurious suites. Depending on the package, the price includes all meals, game drives, bush walks, other activities, a spa, and much more. The Garden Route Game Lodge is a great adventure for all ages, offering plenty of space to relax and explore. You can book here: Garden Route Game Lodge*.

5. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

58,000 hectares of African wilderness, 3 different lodges, an Explorer Camp, and adventurous activities await you about 3 hours from Cape Town at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest private game reserves in the Western Cape and is home to the Big 5, antelopes, cheetahs, and smaller nocturnal predators.

Let one of our experienced guides explain all about the Big 5 on a game drive, explore the exciting wilderness on foot, and learn more about the nature and animals of the Western Cape. Go on a photo safari or enjoy the magical African sky while stargazing at night. Watch the birds of this region, go on a safari with your kids, or enjoy a wellness break.

Overnight stay at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

You can stay in various accommodations at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve*. The Dwyka Tended Lodge is surrounded by rocks and consists of 9 luxurious tents with private jacuzzis. The Gondwana Family Lodge is the perfect accommodation for families. With views of the mountains, even the little ones can enjoy their very own safari. A pool, playground, and indoor play areas for children make the lodge a great experience for the whole family. The Tinley Manor Lodge offers 6 suites with terraces, from where you can enjoy fabulous views of the mountains and the landscape below. A pool is also available here. If you need something a little more adventurous, you can also check into the Explorer Camp. In these cool tents, you’ll sleep directly under the starry South African sky.

Other Game Reserves

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve*
Gondwana Game Reserve*
Indalu Game Reserve*
Chandelier Game Lodge*
Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve
Melozhori Game Reserve

Summary of the Safari Around Cape Town

As you can see, the Western Cape around Cape Town has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife and adventurous safaris. The private game reserves are all designed to give you an exciting, close-to-nature African experience. The lodges are usually very luxuriously equipped and serve you a delicious menu or buffet up to three times a day. Of course, the reserves are smaller and cannot be compared to the Kruger National Park, Addo Park, or Hluhluwe National Park.

However, these reserves offer a family-friendly atmosphere, and you don’t have to drive to the end of the country to enjoy a relaxing safari from Cape Town. I think it’s worth it to enjoy the luxury of a private game reserve with fantastic food, great guides, and adventurous game drives. What are you waiting for? South Africa is calling you!

Travel Reading

We highly recommend the travel guide by Stefan Loose* as well as the guide from Dumont Verlag*. We’ve been extremely satisfied with both guides for years and always enjoy browsing through them.