Safaris Close To Cape Town

4 South African Safari Destinations You Can Get to from Cape Town

The Big 5 are only a short drive away!

Previously, a trip to Cape Town usually involved a layover in Johannesburg, which meant travelers to South Africa would often split their time between Cape Town in the southwest & a safari in the Kruger National Park in the northeast. But just because you can now fly straight to Cape Town doesn’t mean you have to pick between a safari experience &  a waterfront one – especially when you can have them BOTH! Travelers who are tight on time & vacation days can find great game-watching near Cape Town, where a number of EXCEPTIONAL wildlife & nature reserves offer excellent excursions & bucket-list worthy wilderness experiences!

Here are 4 South African Safari Destinations you can get to from Cape Town!

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Aquila Private Game Reserve

Located under 2 hours from Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve captures the magic of a South African safari close to the city. Aquila offers visitors both half- or full-day safaris.

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Aquila Private Game Reserve
Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Aquila Private Game Reserve

For a better chance of seeing the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants & Cape buffalos), checking in overnight at the unfussy thatched Aquila Lodge is recommended. Visitors can also spend time with rehabilitated animals at the Animal Rescue Centre on the reserve.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, about two hours south along the coast, you won’t see lions or cheetahs, instead, you’ll be immersed in flora & marine life. Located on 6,200 acres of flawless wilderness that runs along the coast towards Gansbaai, you’ll want to spend a day or two here, as opposed to the quick Aquila trip.

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Guests staying at the reserve’s modern Forest Lodge can spot over 800 types of plant species (like proteas & other fynbos that can be found nowhere else on earth), as well as antelope & whales calving in the nearby bay (whale season in Cape Town / Western Cape typically takes place from June to November).

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
  • Location: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Route 62 Between Barrydale & Montagu, 6720, Western Cape
  • Contact details: 021 010 0028 | [email protected]
  • Website: www.sanbona.com

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, about 3.5 hours from Cape Town, is one of the ONLY reserves in the world where free-roaming white lions can be spotted in the wild (HOW SPECTACULAR IS THAT?!), alongside cheetahs, elephants, zebras & a plethora of other wildlife species.

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Located in the arid Little Karoo at the base of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, the 143,000-acre reserve has four lodges to choose from (we recommend Dwyka Tented Lodge, a chic tented camp set in a rock amphitheater). With so much open space and so few lodges, Sanbona is the perfect place to disconnect.

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Gondwana Private Game Reserve

While Gondwana Private Game Reserve might be further afield (around four hours away from Cape Town), the picturesque drive along the coastal Garden Route is certainly part of the journey. Once there, guests can check into Kwena Lodge, a collection of modern huts, or the solar-powered tented camp, where you can glamp among the fynbos.

Safaris Close To Cape Town
Photo credit: Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Safari drives to see the Big Five are a definite NOT-TO-BE-MISSED highlight, however, Gondwana Private Game Reserve also boasts a vast & incredible array of other fun & exhilarating activities & adventures, including mountain biking & hiking & so much more!