Step away from the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Western Cape safari destinations.
Picture the serene warmth emanating from a buffalo herd, silhouetted against a vibrant Karoo sunrise, or witness a stealthy cheetah enjoying its evening run – just glimpses of the multifaceted safari experience awaiting.
Trade the cityscape for vast open landscapes, where life adopts a more unhurried rhythm. These destinations invite you to disconnect, providing an opportunity to savour the beauty of the wilderness:
Aquila Game Reserve
You can discover the allure of the Big 5 safari experience a mere two-hour drive from Cape Town at Aquila. You can tailor your adventure, choosing from half-day trips that seamlessly integrate the safari with delectable meals.
Alternatively, opt for a full-day expedition for an extended exploration, indulging in both the immersive safari encounter and memorable dining experiences.
The overnight safari package offers a comprehensive escape, featuring accommodation inclusive of all meals and the chance to partake in both afternoon and morning safaris.
- Location: 2 HighField Road, Greenpoint (head office) | Aquila Private Game Reserve, R46, Touws River
- Contact: 021 430 7260 | [email protected]
Picture: Aquila Private Game Reserve / Facebook
Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve
This wildlife sanctuary nestled near Worcester is revered for its rich biodiversity. From rhinos and giraffes to zebras and buffalo, visitors can engage in immersive game drives, offering moments to observe and capture these creatures in their native habitat.
Beyond the drives, Fairy Glen elevates the experience with additional activities such as nature walks, which offer an intimate encounter with the subtleties of the natural surroundings, or bird watching.
- Location: Brandwacht Road, Worcester
- Contact: 082 220 2415 | [email protected]
Image credit: Fairy Glen Nature Reserve / Facebook
Grootbos Nature Reserve
By 1994, the Lutzeyer family had transformed a serene farm overlooking Walker Bay into a local bed and breakfast, inadvertently attracting global visitors. Now, the foremost luxury tourism destination preservers 3 500 hectares of natural treasures.
Grootbos is home to 907 plant species, 118 bird species, 29 mammals, and 21 amphibians – some facing extinction. Here, luxury coexists with conservation, offering an unparalleled retreat where every moment invites you to connect with the natural world.
- Location: R43 between Stanford and Gansbaai
- Contact: 028 384 8008 (general) | 028 384 8053 (reservations) | [email protected]
Image credit: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve / Facebook
Goudkop Bush Camp
Nestled along the R366 in the heart of the Sandveld area, Skrik van Rondom Farm stands as a tranquil escape in the Western Cape. The Goudkop Bush Lodge was built in 2010 so that guests could enjoy the picturesque views, where a variety of game such as Eland, Kudu, Springbuck, Blue Wildebeest, and Zebras roam freely.
Visitors can explore the scenery on game drives or walking trails, or enjoy some bird watching.
- Location: Redelinghuys, Western Cape | Skrik van Rondom Farm, Unit 42, R366
- Contact: 072 617 9984 | [email protected]
Image credit: Goudkop Bush Lodge
Inverdoorn Game Reserve
Inverdoorn lies in the malaria-free Ceres Karoo, just a short 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town, spanning a vast 10 000 hectares. The site is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos, and the elusive leopard, and also houses a Cheetah Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
Inverdoorn received its luxury destination status in 2012 when elephants were introduced to the site.
- Location: R356, Sutherland Road, Breede River
- Contact: 021 422 0013 | [email protected]
Image credit: Inverdoorn / Facebook
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Feature image: Unsplash
Originally published in Cape{town} ETC.
