The top 10 safari day trips and weekend getaways in Cape Town
Is it possible to go on a safari from Cape Town? This is a common question among travellers planning a visit to the Mother City. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’
While the Western Cape may not offer the same experience as a bushveld escape to Kruger National Park, you can still enjoy a taste of safari close to Cape Town.
A short drive from the city allows you to see the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo) roaming the veld, learn about conservation efforts, and even spot whales breaching offshore.
For those eager to experience wildlife, here are the top lodges and reserves for a safari day trip from Cape Town.
1. Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila Private Game Reserve, located just over a two-hour drive from Cape Town, is renowned for offering an exceptional safari experience. Whether you opt for a day trip or an extended stay, you can embark on a traditional safari in an off-road vehicle or seek out the Big Five on a quad bike. Sightings of lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo are almost guaranteed, though spotting the elusive Cape mountain leopard is a rare treat. After a day filled with wildlife adventures, you can unwind in the infinity pool, savor traditional South African cuisine, or indulge in a spa afternoon. Accommodation options range from rustic lodgings to luxurious cottages.
Details:
- Location: 2 Highfield Rd, Green Point
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 6pm
- Contact: 021 430 7260
2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve
Inverdoorn Game Reserve, a Big Five game reserve located about two and a half hours from Cape Town, offers a wild escape into the arid plains of the vast, desert-like Karoo region. Home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests, Inverdoorn also features a cheetah rescue and rehabilitation center.
This conservation-focused destination allows you to disconnect in the wilderness while seeking out some of South Africa’s most fascinating wildlife. You can stay in cozy tented camps and relax in a pool with views over the veld and golden mountains on the horizon.
Details:
- Location: R356, Sutherland road, Breede River
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 6pm
- Contact: 021 422 0013
3. Melozhori Private Game Reserve
Located two hours from Cape Town, just off the highway to the popular Garden Route, this 2 300-hectare predator-free wilderness offers various exclusive accommodation options. Choose from contemporary pod houses to luxurious treehouses, perfect for romantic getaways. For a more opulent experience, The Lodge provides four expansive suites and a fully-catered service.
At Melozhori Private Game Reserve, you can explore at your leisure. Since it’s predator-free, though elusive Cape leopards have been spotted by camera traps, you can safely hike, bike, and walk while observing the 129 bird species and 38 game species residing in the reserve. In the evenings, you might spot black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes. If you prefer guided experiences, nature drives are also available.
Details:
- Location: R317, Bonnievale, Stormsvlei
- Times: Open 24/7 for bookings
- Contact: 066 595 7823
4. !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre
Less than an hour from Cape Town along the R27 ‘West Coast’ road, the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre provides a captivating glimpse into the history and culture of the San people of southern Africa. Recently, the addition of luxury cottages and cabins has transformed it into an ideal weekend getaway.
In addition to cultural insights, visitors can enjoy a ‘safari-lite’ experience here. The 850-hectare reserve is home to herds of eland, springbok, zebra, wildebeest, and other small game. Abundant birdlife, including Yellow-billed kites and Jackal buzzards, enhances the experience. With no predators on the reserve, guests can hike, bike, and run without concern, though they should remain vigilant for snakes. Alternatively, guests can join 90-minute nature drives led by local guides, who provide entertaining narratives about the reserve’s history while offering stunning views of the wild west coast.
Details:
- Location: West Coast Road, R27, Yzerfontein
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm | Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm
- Contact: 022 492 2998
5. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Covering 58 000 hectares, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers an unspoiled and exceptional adventure in the South African wilderness. A scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town along the R62 tourist route leads to Sanbona, nestled in the rugged and picturesque valley of the Little Karoo near Montagu. Immerse yourself in a weekend of wildlife encounters focused on conservation, while relaxing in luxurious safari tents or manor houses amidst serene plains. On nature walks or safari drives through rolling hills and striking rock formations, you can encounter elephants, lions, and giraffes. For those interested in easier visual delights, the stargazing opportunities here are also remarkably impressive.
Details:
- Location: R62, Montagu
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm
- Contact: 021 010 0028
6. Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Located along the Garden Route in Mossel Bay, Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a bit farther from Cape Town (a four-and-a-half-hour drive), but well worth the trip if you have the time. Eco-friendly camps and villas exude a luxurious safari ambiance, seamlessly blending into the fynbos-covered hills. Whether you’re observing elephants roaming the reserve and lions basking in the sun or discovering native fynbos species and searching for sunbirds, falcons, and cranes on a bird-focused safari, a weekend at Gondwana guarantees an exhilarating adventure.
Details:
- Location: R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale
- Times: Open for 24/7 bookings
- Contact: 044 333 0200
7. Nuwejaars Wetlands
No trip to the Western Cape is complete without a visit to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. In the Agulhas Plains, resilient winemakers leverage ancient soils and refreshing sea breezes to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Following a tasting at Black Oystercatcher Wines, don’t miss the opportunity to join a guided nature drive through the nearby Nuwejaars Wetlands.
This impressive conservation initiative has united 25 landowners and the historic mission village of Elim to preserve over 46 000 hectares of fragile wetlands in the area. Guided morning and afternoon nature drives offer travellers a chance to explore this unique conservation area, where sightings of eland, buffalo, bontebok, and hartebeest are possible, while the deeper wetlands are home to thriving hippopotamus pods. Are you a bird enthusiast? The Nuwejaars wetlands host over 200 species, including rare Southern black korhaan and Secretary birds.
Details:
- Location: Bredasdorp Rd, Bredasdorp
- Times: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
- Contact: 076 833 6341
8. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve epitomizes the concept of ‘where the mountains embrace the sea,’ complemented by lush forests, creating a stunning eco-reserve. Located just over two hours from Cape Town, Grootbos immerses visitors in nature, offering an experience distinct from the typical safari weekend. From its elegant accommodations, embark on a botanical walk to discover endangered plants, observe over 20 mammal species (including various antelope), and keep watch for whales along the coastline.
Details:
- Location: R43, Gansbaai
- Times: Open 24/7 for bookings
- Contact: 028 384 8053