Cape Town Hospitality Guide · Safari Experiences

Safari & Game Drive Experiences

Cape Town is one of the few cities in the world where you can see the Big Five within a two-hour drive. All reserves listed here are malaria-free and accessible as day trips or overnight stays from the city.

Malaria-Free
All reserves listed
Big Five
Available at select reserves
1–2 Hours
Drive from Cape Town
Day Trips
Or overnight stays
Touws River (2hrs from Cape Town)

Aquila Private Game Reserve

The closest Big Five game reserve to Cape Town. Day safaris and overnight stays available. Malaria-free.

Big FiveMalaria-freeDay trips from Cape TownOvernight lodge
From R1,950 per person (day safari)
Type

Big Five Day Safari

Breede River Valley (2.5hrs from Cape Town)

Inverdoorn Game Reserve

Luxury Big Five safari in the Karoo. Cheetah rehabilitation programme, open vehicle game drives, and a 5-star lodge.

Big FiveCheetah programme5-star lodgeMalaria-free
From R2,500 per person (day safari)
Type

Big Five Day Safari

Garden Route (4hrs from Cape Town)

Gondwana Game Reserve

Malaria-free Big Five reserve on the Garden Route. Luxury tented camps and lodge accommodation. Ideal for a 2-night extension.

Big FiveGarden Route settingMalaria-freeLuxury tented camps
From R4,500 per person per night (all-inclusive)
Type

Overnight Reserve

Cape Peninsula

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

A 1,500-hectare reserve at the tip of the Cape Peninsula. Eland, bontebok, baboon, and 200+ bird species. No Big Five — pure Cape fynbos wildlife.

Cape Peninsula settingFynbos wildlifeHiking trailsBirdwatching
From R250 per person (day entry)
Type

Cape Peninsula Wildlife