Safaris / Game Drives
Western Cape
The Western Cape unfolds as a collision of ocean and mountain, where the Cape Fold Belt ripples inland in sandstone ridges that trap cool Atlantic air against warm valleys. From Cape Town the Table Mountain massif drops sheer into the sea, giving way to the crescents of the West Coast, the dunes of the Agulhas plain where two oceans meet, and eastward to the forested cliffs of the Garden Route. Inland, the Cederberg and Hex River ranges shelter the Breede River vineyards, while beyond the Outeniqua the Little Karoo opens into arid scrub, koppies and dry riverbeds under vast skies.
This mosaic breeds the Cape Floral Kingdom, dominated by fynbos, proteas, ericas and restios that cling to poor soils and fire cycles. Where fynbos meets renosterveld and succulent Karoo, wildlife persists in pockets. You will find Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and eland on reserves like De Hoop and Bontebok National Park, klipspringer and baboons on rocky slopes, caracal and Cape leopard moving at night, and dassies sunning on boulders. The coast adds African penguins at Boulders, Cape fur seals, southern right whales calving in Hermanus bays, and great white sharks patrolling False Bay, while estuaries host flamingos and fish eagles.
Below is a list of game farms and national parks available in the Western Cape.
Aquila
Our Cape Town safari has been rated as one of the Top 10 best day trip destinations by Sawubona Magazine and Time Out Magazine. Aquila’s 22- seater, traditional safari vehicles are led by experienced field guides, giving guests the best possible chance of seeing South Africa’s iconic Big 5, along with a variety of other native wildlife.
Your safari field guide will take you through Aquila’s 10,000-hectare wildlife reserve, sharing insights into the landscape, animals, and unique Karoo environment along the way.
This convergence of biomes supports a mix of wildlife. Addo Elephant National Park anchors the region with elephants, lions, leopards, black rhino, Cape buffalo, eland, and kudu, while its marine section protects southern right whales and white sharks, making the Big Seven. Mountain zebra roam the Karoo parks at Mountain Zebra and Camdeboo, alongside springbok, gemsbok, and reintroduced cheetah. Thicket shelters bushbuck, duiker, and vervet monkeys, while Wild Coast estuaries host otters and dolphins, Knysna turaco and fish eagle in forests, with blue cranes on high grasslands.
Africamps
BOUTIQUE GLAMPING IN SOUTH AFRICA
AfriCamps is all about boutique glamping at the most beautiful working farms, estates, and reserves in South Africa. Our custom-designed boutique glamping tents are fully furnished with everything you need for a comfortable self-catering stay – from kitted kitchens and spacious showers to our iconic Buitengewoon Wood-fired Hot Tubs. Guests can experience the freedom and beauty of the great outdoors without compromising on the comforts they love. Our tents and properties are suitable for close friends, couples, and families. Where will you take your glamping adventure?
Your safari field guide will take you through Aquila’s 10,000-hectare wildlife reserve, sharing insights into the landscape, animals, and unique Karoo environment along the way.
This convergence of biomes supports a mix of wildlife. Addo Elephant National Park anchors the region with elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, Cape buffalo, eland, and kudu. At the same time, its marine section protects southern right whales and white sharks, which are part of the Big Seven. Mountain zebra roam the Karoo parks at Mountain Zebra and Camdeboo, alongside springbok, gemsbok, and reintroduced cheetah. Thicket shelters bushbuck, duiker, and vervet monkeys, while Wild Coast estuaries host otters and dolphins, Knysna turaco and fish eagle in forests, with blue cranes on high grasslands.
Buffelsfontein
Situated in the heart of the West Coast, an hour away from Cape Town, you’ll find Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve. This 1600 ha family-owned reserve is home to some of Africa’s greats, such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino, and Giraffe. Visitors can either enjoy an unforgettable guided game drive, a delicious meal, a good night’s rest, or a team building/conference that will keep everyone talking for years to come.
Bushmans Kloof
A wilderness oasis
Cradled by the rugged Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers a unique South African escape. Part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, this 7,500-hectare ecological oasis pairs five-star luxury with inspired local cuisine. Days here are spent exploring wide-open plains, remarkable wildlife, and pristine mountain landscapes, with rare access to more than 130 ancient rock art sites – some over 10,000 years old.
Gondwana Game Reserve
Luxury Private Game Reserve located in the Garden Route with free-roaming Big 5 amidst colourful Fynbos vegetation.
Gondwana is Home to lion, white rhino, eland, red hartebeest, endangered Cape Mountain Zebra, springbok, kudu, hippo, and Cape buffalo, to name a few. Gondwana is also home to the southernmost elephant herds in the world.