Safari near Cape Town
Cape Town Safari Day Trips 2025
Just a short drive from Cape Town, thrilling safari adventures await!. To make your choice easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive overview of 8 incredible game reserves near Cape Town, each offering unique safari experiences. From day trips to luxury stays, our guide helps you find the perfect wild escape. Swap city views for roaring lions and sunset game drives—it’s the ultimate adventure just outside Cape Town!
Safari near Cape Town – dreaming of a Big Five adventure but don’t have time to venture all the way to Kruger? No worries—Safari Trips from Cape Town in 2025 offer incredible wildlife experiences just a short drive from the city! Whether you’re after a quick day trip or a luxury safari near Cape Town, there’s a game reserve to match your style.
From the ever-popular Aquila Game Reserve, perfect for first-time safari-goers, to exclusive lodges hidden in the vast landscapes of the Klein Karoo, we’ve rounded up the best options for you. At LugiDesign Travels, we don’t just list safaris—we help you find the one that fits your adventure dreams. So, grab your binoculars, charge your camera, and let’s find the perfect safari for you!
Fly Directly from Cape Town to Kruger National Park
South Africa’s top-notch infrastructure makes it a breeze to fly directly between Cape Town and Kruger National Park, connecting two of the country’s most iconic destinations with ease. Spanning approximately 1,690 kilometers (1,050 miles), the journey from Cape Town to Kruger National Park takes about two and a half hours by direct flight. There are daily flights. Contact us for more information!
Embarking on a safari adventure near Cape Town? We’ve curated a lively comparison of nearby game reserves to help you choose the perfect wild escape!
Best Safari near Cape Town – a Comprehensive Overview
All game reserves (except Melozhori Lifestyle Game Reserve) accommodate the Big 5!
Luxury Game Reserve for Families and Couples
GONDWANA GAME RESERVE, OVERBERG | GARDEN ROUTE
Gondwana Game Reserve is a versatile safari destination that caters to both families and couples seeking an unforgettable African adventure. For families, Gondwana offers the Bokkie Drives, specially crafted for young children, allowing them to experience the thrill of a safari in a safe and engaging manner. Additionally, the Lehele Lodge Villas provide spacious accommodations ideal for families, ensuring comfort and convenience during your stay. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find the Kwena Suites perfect, offering luxury amenities and breathtaking views, creating an intimate setting amidst the wild. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic retreat, Gondwana Game Reserve delivers a tailored safari experience that suits your needs.
4 hours from Cape Town
Class: Luxury
Style: Family friendly
Size: 11,000 hectares
Aquila Safari Cape Town – a splendid Big 5 experience
AQUILA GAME RESERVE
Welcome to Aquila Game Reserve, where the wild heart of South Africa beats just two hours from Cape Town! This malaria-free paradise is your ticket to an unforgettable Big 5 safari adventure—think lions lounging in the sun, elephants splashing at watering holes, and rhinos roaming freely across 10,000 hectares of breathtaking Karoo landscapes. Whether you’re a family with little explorers or a couple seeking a romantic escape, Aquila has it all: kid-friendly activities like the Junior Ranger Program, luxurious lodges, and even spa treatments for those who want to unwind after a day of wildlife spotting. With game drives, horseback safaris, and quad bike adventures, Aquila is a wild playground for all ages and group sizes. So, pack your safari hat and get ready for an African adventure that’s as thrilling as it is family-friendly!
2.5 hours from Cape Town
Class: Standard
Style: Family friendly and Couples
Size: 10,000 hectares
A True South Africa Holidays Safari
INVERDOORN PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Welcome to Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, where the wild heart of South Africa beats just two hours from Cape Town! This 10,000-hectare slice of paradise is your front-row seat to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) and a whole cast of other incredible creatures. Think of it as nature’s greatest show, complete with luxury lodges, gourmet meals, and starry nights that’ll make you forget city life ever existed. Whether you’re tracking cheetahs on a game drive or chilling by the pool with a giraffe decorating your selfie, Inverdoorn delivers adventure and relaxation in equal measure. As for who it’s best for? Families, couples, and groups alike will find their groove here—kids will love the cheetah conservation program, while couples can swoon over romantic sundowners. It’s a win-win for everyone, as long as you’re ready to fall in love with the wild side of life!
2.5 hours from Cape Town
Class: Standard
Style: Family friendly and Couples
Size: 10,000 hectares
Luxury Safari near Cape Town in a vast Game Reserve
SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a slice of wild paradise nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Little Karoo! Imagine vast, open landscapes where lions roam free, elephants wander ancient riverbeds, and iconic mountains echoe in the distance. This 58,000-hectare reserve is a dream for safari enthusiasts, offering luxurious lodges, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re tracking the elusive lions or stargazing under the clearest African skies, Sanbona delivers a truly magical experience. As for who it’s best for? While couples and groups will love the romantic and adventurous vibe, families with older kids (think teens) can also enjoy the thrill—just keep in mind it’s more about quiet luxury than kiddie chaos. So, pack your binoculars and get ready for a wild ride!
3 hours from Cape Town
Class: Luxury
Style: Couples and groups, families with teen kids
Size: 58,000 hectares
A new Gem – Luxury Safari near Cape Town
MONT ECO PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Nestled within the ancient geological basin of the Klein Karoo, Mont Eco Private Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari experience just a two-hour drive from Cape Town. With only seven suites, this intimate retreat is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway amidst breathtaking landscapes. Families are also welcome, with activities like game drives and hiking to engage all ages. Whether you’re looking to rekindle romance or create lasting family memories, Mont Eco provides a tailored adventure in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness.
2 hours from Cape Town
Class: Luxury
Style: Couples, groups and families
Size: 6,500 hectares
Lifestyle Safari near Cape Town – Fantastic Wellness
MELOZHORI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Looking for a safari experience that’s as wild as it is welcoming? Just under two hours from Cape Town, Melozhori Private Game Reserve offers a predator-free, malaria-free environment, making it a haven for lifestyle lovers eager to explore the African bush without a worry. With over 2,300 hectares of rolling hills and 38 game species, including zebra, giraffe, and sable antelope, there’s plenty to marvel at. Accommodation options range from a spacious, pet-friendly cottage perfect for family getaways to romantic eco-pods designed for couples seeking seclusion. Whether you’re embarking on a guided game drive, mountain biking through hilly terrains, or stargazing under the unpolluted night sky, Melozhori ensures an unforgettable adventure tailored for couples and groups alike. If you are looking for a lifestyle safare, you found the right place. Melozhori, a very intimate Safari near Cape Town.
2.5 hours from Cape Town
Class: Luxury
Style: Couples and groups
Size: 2,300 hectares
Ultimate Safari Experience – Family Friendly
BOTLIERSKOP GAME RESERVE
Nestled along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve offers a malaria-free safari adventure teeming with wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and cheetahs. Families will find the Village Lodge particularly accommodating, with its child-friendly amenities and a variety of activities designed for younger explorers. For couples or groups seeking a more intimate experience, the Tented Lodge provides luxurious suites with stunning views of the river and mountains, perfect for a romantic escape. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a getaway with friends, Botlierskop caters to all, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
4 hours from Cape Town
Class: Luxury
Style: Family friendly and couples
Size: 4,500 hectares
Great Safari Experience – near Cape Town
GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE
Looking for a safari that thrills both the young and the young-at-heart? Just along South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, the Garden Route Game Lodge offers an adventure-packed, malaria-free experience that’s perfect for families, groups, and couples alike. Families will appreciate the Family Lodge Rooms, equipped with microwaves and other appliances, and the Kids’ Bushwise Activity Program, which includes guided game drives, themed play areas, and a special kids’ menu. Couples and groups can indulge in luxury accommodations and enjoy serene moments amidst the wild. Whether you’re spotting the Big Five on a guided game drive or unwinding at the spa, this lodge ensures an unforgettable safari experience for all.
3.5 hours from Cape Town
Class: Standard
Style: Family friendly and Couples
Size: 3,300 hectares
All Safari near Cape Town on a Map
Safari near Cape Town – Distances and Travel Time
| Aquila Private Game Reserve | 176 km | 2h 13m | Inverdoorn Private Nature Reserve | 203 km | 2h 45m | |
| Botlierskop Game Reserve | 406 km | 4h 41m | Melozhori Private Game Reserve | 189 km | 2h 25m | |
| Garden Route Game Lodge | 347 km | 4h 04m | Mont Eco Private Game Reserve | 225 km | 3h 35m | |
| Gondwana Private Game Reserve | 381 km | 4h 27m | Sanbona Wildlife Reserve | 248 km | 3h 25m |