SOUTH AFRICA · SAFARIS IN CAPE TOWN
The good safaris in Cape Town fill up a season ahead, and school holidays here run over Christmas. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Spend nine hours from Cape Town at Aquila Private Nature Reserve, with an open safari drive, Big Five sightings, buffet lunch, and hotel transfers.
“Delicious food and fantastic safari. Saw 4 of the big 5 and heaps of other animals including baby giraffe, baby zebras and baby rhinos”
Review of a 2-day Cape Town safari with Garden Route Game Lodge, Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, wildlife drives, meals, and practical trip advice.
“Great way to see some of the best on offer in that area, especially if you have limited time! Vaughan was an amazing host! The Lodge was spectacular, and we loved stopping at the quaint little spots along the way.”
Review of Gansbaai’s Marine Big 5 boat tour, with whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, penguins, conservation, costs, and practical tips.
“Their focus in conservation and education is very obvious. Everyone from reception, to check in and briefing, to the crew afterwards was amazing. They truly went out of their way to ensure everyone’s experience was pleasurable.”
See the Big Five at Aquila Game Reserve on a Cape Town day trip with hotel pickup, lunch, a guided drive, and a malaria-free setting.
“Long 2 hour drive to the reserve, but driver did a comfort break both ways. On arrival, welcomed with a glass of fizz. Buffett lunch was of a good standard. Game drive was excellent, saw 4 out of the big 5, only missing the leopard, plus lotRead more”
A practical review of Cape Town’s Aquila Big Five safari, scenic Breede Valley drive, wine tasting, lunch, costs, guides, and tips.
“The perfect way to experience a safari when you have a limited visit in Cape Town! A must-do! We would highly recommend opting for the private driver ( James) to Aquila, and then a private driver (Mario) and vehicle for the safari; so rRead more”
Review of Aquila’s Cape Town sunset safari, with Big Five sightings, hotel transfers, buffet, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The trip was amazing, both the driver to Aquila and the safari tour guide were amazing. They both explained things very well. On the way from CPT to Aquila our driver explained some history about CPT, the winefarms and the wars, it kept the drive entertaining. Shoutout to Dona (our driver) (with one a)😉. The safari tour guide was also very good. The park itself is beautiful aswell, it’s not the biggest, but it was big enough to see a lot of animals. We managed to see 4 out of the big 5. The leopard was the only one we didn’t see. Apart from the animals in the big 5…”
Review of a 2-day Cape Town safari to Botlierskop and Oudtshoorn, with Big Five drives, rescued elephants, scenic Route 62, and practical tips.
“The whole Safari was one of the best experiences I’ve had in South Africa! Our tour guide (Denver) was just incredible, always providing us with insightful information and always making sure we weren’t bored during the trip (as it takes a while to get to the reserve from Cape Town). On both days we were always given time and space to make all the photos we wanted; our guides in both reserves were extremely nice and knowledgeable! The accommodation was also a plus! I would definitely recommend this tour to everyone coming to South Africa! :)”
Review of Aquila’s Cape Town sunset safari, with Big Five sightings, transport details, costs, comfort tips, and honest advice.
“Our guide Elda were extremely helpful and gave us an A+ experience. Shared tons of knowledge about Cape Town and its culture. The transportation was super good, and everything was provided to us as mentioned in the offer. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Thanks again Elda!!!”
Compare a two-day Cape Town safari with Garden Route scenery, Big Five drives, Agulhas, Hermanus whales, penguins, meals, and lodge stays.
“Frank was our driver/host - which picked us up at the hotel. He was more than a driver, he was attentive, helpful, informative, and patient. Our ride from Cape Town to Garden Route Game Lodge was very nice! We were able to stop for breakfast (The Restio - Amazing cappuccino and almond croissant) and breaks as needed. The stop in Agulhas - "The Actual Southernmost Tip of African mainland (and) Where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans Meet." If you ever get the opportunity to do this 2 day safari, ask for Frank as your driver. Once we arrived at Garden Route Game Lodge, the check-in was seemless, as well as…”
Review of the 5-day Garden Route and Addo Safari from Cape Town, covering wildlife, beaches, caves, wine, costs, driving time, and lodging.
“My wife and I enjoyed many pleasures in the course of our 5-Day Addo Safari and Garden Route tour. The game drive of Addo Elephant National Park provided by our very able tour guide was an extraordinary experience that was well worth the entire journey. A hike to the SRead more”
Review of Cape Town’s 90-minute Marine Big 5 safari, with catamaran views, wildlife chances, practical tips, price, and honest drawbacks.
“Great tour, great guys. 10/10 tour. Love the sunfish and muffins”
Review of a fast-paced 2-day safari from Cape Town, with Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift game drives, Route 62 scenery, and elephant viewing.
“Extremely well organised with a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. The location, food, and safari at Botlierskop were all amazing. 3 hour safari when we saw lots of animals including cheetahs, rhino, and elephants. The accommodation and food at Buffelsdorf were superb as was the elephant experience. All in all a great way to spend Christmas”
Race across Table Bay, scan for dolphins and seals, and enjoy Cape Town views on a thrilling one-hour small-group speedboat safari.
“10/10 experience for an adrenaline junkie. Saw so many dolphins. Definitely value for your money!”
Review of a fast-paced 3-day Garden Route tour from Cape Town with Cango Caves, canoeing, safari, lodging, and optional bungee jumping.
“An amazing, action packed and humbling experience. If you’re short on time, this garden route tour is beautiful. Our tour guide JP has a passion for the outdoors and went above and beyond to make sure there were good vibes. Every stop was unique and JP shared amazinRead more”
Review of Aquila Game Reserve from Cape Town, with Big 5 viewing, a 3-hour open vehicle safari, lunch, hotel pickup, and practical tips.
“It was awesome! Good deal for money. Excellent transportation. Knowledgeable guides onsite. I saw 4 types of Big Five (the leopard is not present in that park). The animals were very close, but it was also safe to see them and to take pictures. Djiby was a fantastic and careful driver who told a lot about African culture as well.) Thank you, guys. ❤️ Enjoyed it immensely.”
Cape sea days, bush mornings, tasting rooms and the long road east.
