The Closest Safari Options to Cape Town

Let’s face it, Cape town is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a Safari in South Africa, but you’ll be pleased to know that we have some of the finest reserves within driving distance of the Mother City with magnificent game viewing.  

Why Choose a Cape Town Safari

It is fairly easy to combine your visit to Cape Town with a safari if you’re strapped for time or to head out from the suburbs for a short overnight stay when you don’t have the luxury of travelling to Kruger. Travelling time is less and it is easier on the budget when you don’t have to include flights to Johannesburg and the Northern parts of South Africa.  

Head out early in the morning and you’ll still have the whole day at your disposal to enjoy the reserve and join on your choice of full or half-day game drives before settling down for laid-back sundowners.  

Accommodation

The reserves offer a range of accommodations from romantic self-catering cottages nestled against the hillsides to beautiful luxury tents and lodges boasting spectacular views and three-star plus living.  

Game Reserves under 2 hours from Cape Town 

Thali Thali Game Lodge borders the West Coast National Park and offers a wide range of game from buffalo, blue wildebeest, springbok to ostrich as well as many different bird species.  

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve is one of the few game farms open during the lockdown for a self-drive safari and being only about an hour’s drive from Cape Town makes for a great day trip.  Follow the game rangers in your 4×4 vehicle or book a limited spot on one of their viewing trucks.  It is home to some of Africa’s greats including Buffalo, White Rhino, Lion, and giraffe. 

Aquila Private Game Reserve lies nestled between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains and is home to the Big Five – elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhine as well as many other species. You also have the option of experiencing a guided safari on horseback or with a quad bike. 

Game Reserves two to three hours from Cape Town

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is home to a successful Cheetah Rehabilitation Center and offers an abundance of wildlife that includes the Big Five as well as hippo, giraffe, zebras, and more to make for an unforgettable experience.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve lies at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo and probably one of the best game reserves. Not only do they offer exceptional game viewing but they also have a huge variety of flora and fauna and some rare examples of San rock art. Try something different and embark on a water safari to view the Big Five, hippos, and a variety of birdlife. 

Summary

Some of my best memories have been from safari trips, sipping on a flask of hot chocolate or coffee, and setting out for some game viewing just as the sun is making its appearance. You don’t have to take a lengthy holiday for a safari although this is sure to whet your appetite for a longer safari vacation. With Drive South Africa all of these options are just a click away, so make sure that you book your car rental or 4×4 rental with us and make your holiday the best yet.

Cape Town is great if you need any more things to do in Cape Town there are plenty of amazing spots in Cape Town that need to be discovered.

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