The African Voyager

Cape Town, South Africa

Into the wild: Cape Town’s top 5 unforgettable safari tours

Southern Africa • See & do • Into the wild: Cape Town’s top 5 unforgettable safari tours

Cape Town’s top 5 safari tours

Just beyond Cape Town’s buzzing streets and scenic coastline lies a different kind of adventure – a world of diverse wildlife and incredible safari experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore the best safari tours near Cape Town, each offering something distinct – whether it’s the chance to spot the Big 5, learn about conservation efforts or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the African bush. Get ready to explore a side of Cape Town that few take the time to discover, where every game drive and nature walk promises a new encounter and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Overview: the best 5 safaris close to Cape Town

01 Aquila Private Game Reserve

02 Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

03 Clara Anna Fontein Game Reserve

04 Melozhori Private Game Reserve

05 Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve offers an authentic safari experience without the need to venture deep into the wilderness. This Big 5 reserve spans over 10,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic Big 5 – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. The classic 4×4 game drives are led by knowledgeable rangers who provide in-depth information about the animals and their habitats. These drives typically last 2-3 hours, offering ample opportunity to spot the Big 5 and other wildlife such as giraffes and zebras. For thrill-seekers, Aquila Private Game Reserve also offers day tours from Cape Town, as well as quad bike safaris, combining the excitement of off-road driving with wildlife viewing.

Aquila Private Game Reserve
R46
Touws River
South Africa

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Aquila Private Game Reserve

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve is a hidden gem located just an hour from Cape Town, offering an accessible yet immersive safari experience, ideal for day trips or short stays. The 1,600-hectare reserve is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, blue wildebeests, elands and red hartebeests. While Buffelsfontein is not a Big 5 reserve, it’s home to some of Africa’s other iconic species, including ostriches, jackals and caracals. The reserve’s guided game drives are led by experienced rangers who provide detailed insights into the animals and the surrounding flora, these game drives typically last about two hours. For those interested in a closer encounter, Buffelsfontein also offers guided walking safaris, where you can explore the reserve on foot and learn about the smaller, often overlooked aspects of the ecosystem.

Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve
R27
West Coast
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve

Want more Cape Town hotels restaurants shops activities cafés ?

Clara Anna Fontein Game Reserve

Just a stone’s throw from Cape Town, Clara Anna Fontein Game Reserve offers an unexpected safari experience within the rolling hills of the Durbanville Wine Valley. This 685-hectare reserve is a hidden gem, where visitors can encounter a variety of wildlife, including herds of springboks, the striking bontebok and the ever-curious zebras, all set against the backdrop of the region’s distinctive fynbos vegetation. The reserve’s game drives are intimate and insightful, lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours, these drives take you through a range of landscapes, each offering a different perspective on the reserve’s diverse ecosystem. You’ll likely find yourself in close quarters with a herd of eland or catching sight of a shy caracal.

Clara Anna Fontein Game Reserve
Odendaal Road
Ferguson St
Aurora
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Clara Anna Fontein Game Reserve

Melozhori Private Game Reserve

If you’re looking to escape the usual safari crowds and experience something more intimate, Melozhori Private Game Reserve is your answer. Located in the Overberg region just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, this boutique reserve spanning 2,500 hectares, offers a unique focus on the lesser-known species of the African bush, making it perfect for nature lovers who appreciate the delicateness of the wild. The game drives here are tailored to small groups, ensuring a more personalized experience. These drives are led by knowledgeable guides who will point out the reserve’s fascinating species like the rare Cape mountain zebra, giraffes and various antelope. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 130 recorded bird species.

Melozhori Private Game Reserve
R317
Bonnievale
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Melozhori Private Game Reserve

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a safari destination that perfectly balances adventure with conservation. Located just 2.5 hours from Cape Town in the Klein Karoo, this 10,000-hectare reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the Big 5. One of the highlights of a visit to Inverdoorn is the chance to learn about their cheetah conservation project. The reserve has been actively involved in the breeding and rehabilitation of cheetahs, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Guests have the opportunity to observe the cheetahs up close and learn about the specific challenges they face, such as habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The program also includes educational sessions on the importance of cheetah conservation.