Western Cape Safari Holidays
The Western Cape makes a fantastic safari destination. Many reserves are easily accessible from Cape Town, and there are a huge range of experiences on offer, from classic ‘Big 5’ game drives to marine safaris. You are sure to find an option that suits you, from short, budget-friendly safaris, to all-inclusive stays at luxury lodges.
What is the best safari from Cape Town?
Choosing the best safari from Cape Town depends on what you’d like to do.
If you’ve not got much time, then Aquila Game Reserve is your best bet. Situated just over two hours’ drive from Cape Town, this 10,000 hectare private reserve is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards. You can visit the reserve as a day trip from Cape Town, or stay a few nights.
If you’re looking for luxury, then Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a fantastic option. It’s around three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Cape Town, in the Karoo Desert. You can similarly see all of the ‘Big 5’ safari animals, staying at one of three elegant and completely immersive safari lodges.
If you’d like to see marine life, then Grootbos Nature Reservei is the perfect place. It’s two hours’ drive from Cape Town and you can go on ‘Marine Big 5’ safaris to see whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals. There are plenty of other activities on offer too, like horse riding or botanical 4×4 tours.
When is the best time of year for an Western Cape safari?
For a classic ‘Big 5’ safari, November to March is a great time. The days are warm and dry, meaning there is great visibility for spotting wildlife. This is also a great time for combining a safari with the Western Cape’s beaches or wine region.
For a marine safari, June to December is the best time, as this is prime whale watching season. Dolphins are active all year round, but you can see particularly large pods during the annual Sardine Run, that typically takes place between May and July. Great White Sharks are most active during April to October.
Are all Western Cape safaris malaria free?
Yes, the Western Cape is malaria free, making it an accessible region for a safari, and a great option for young families.
What wildlife can you see on a Western Cape safari?
Several reserves within the Western Cape house all of the ‘Big 5’ safari animals: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. These typically live alongside animals including zebra, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs and antelopes.
The region is also rich with marine life, both on and off shore. At Grootbos Nature Reserve, for example, you can see the ‘Marine Big 5’ animals. This is comprised of whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals.
There is also an incredible number of bird species that can be spotted in the Western Cape.
Next steps…
If you have any further questions about Western Cape safaris or would like to book one of our safari holidays, please get in touch.
Our Africa Experts have first-hand knowledge of South Africa’s National Parks, game reserves, and safari lodges and would love to help you plan your next adventure.
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