Best Cape Town Safari: Big 5 game reserves near the city (on a budget)
The best Cape Town Safari to a Big 5 game reserve near the city, on a budget? An ideal spot for a short and affordable Big 5 safari near Cape Town, South Africa, is...
3 Best Cape Town Safari Parks: Aquila Game Reserve, Inverdoorn, and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
These are the three top game reserves for an affordable Big 5 safari near Cape Town city. They are not the only options. As you will see below, there are other budget-friendly game reserves worth visiting (skip to the top five Cape Town safari destinations).
Why are Aquila, Inverdoorn & Sanbona the best for Big 5 Cape Town Safaris on a budget?
Aquila is the closest Big 5 game reserve to Cape Town that offers an authentic African safari experience. Aquila is also the most affordable Big 5 Cape Town Safari destination worth exploring. So, it's no surprise that our budget-friendly Cape Town Safaris to Aquila Game Reserve are the most popular.
Inverdoorn Game Reserve has some notable advantages over Aquila, but it is slightly further from Cape Town and a bit more expensive. The advantages may however be worth the little extra distance and spend for you, so don't overlook Inverdoorn Game Reserve Safaris!
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is much bigger and more exclusive than the first two Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town. It is however more expensive than both Aquila and Inverdoorn and a little further still from Cape Town. The greater sense of space and tranquillity this more spacious game reserve provides is worth it though if you can stretch your budget. Add to this their focus on conservation and you have a real winner in Sanbona Safaris.
Understand the Big 5 Cape Town Safari in South Africa
Travellers often ask us if there are budget-friendly Big 5 Safaris in Cape Town. And, who wouldn't want to hop straight off a beautiful sun-kissed beach onto a thrilling Big 5 game drive?
The excellent news is...
Yes, there are affordable game reserves for Big 5 safaris near Cape Town!
Although you can't do a Big 5 Safari in Cape Town itself (there are no Big 5 game reserves in the Greater Cape Town area), there are some worthwhile options nearby. Better yet, there are fantastic budget safaris from Cape Town to these Big 5 game reserves and back to the city again.
Better news still...
The Big 5 game reserves in the Western Cape (near Cape Town) are all malaria-free!
There is no risk of getting malaria on safari in the game reserves near Cape Town. Unlike Kruger National Park and many of the more famous African safari destinations which have high-risk malaria seasons, the Western Cape game reserves are all malaria-free. This makes them ideal safari destinations for travellers with health concerns and families travelling with young children.
The not-so-awesome news...
Cape Town isn't located in classical African safari territory with mindboggling masses of wildlife teeming on endless open plains.
The private game reserves near Cape Town are generally smaller with less spectacular game viewing than the most renowned game reserves of Africa. In terms of sheer wildlife diversity and numbers, the Cape Town safari parks cannot compete with massive African parks like Kruger, Masai Mara, and Serengeti.
Nevertheless, there are fantastic Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town. These Cape Town safari destinations offer an amazing introduction (especially for first-time safari-goers) to the African bush and wildlife including the Big 5 African animals - rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and lion. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in particular offers a high-quality African safari experience comparable to the best, due to its emphasis on conservation and its impressive 58,000-hectare size.
Best Big 5 Cape Town Safari Destinations
- Aquila Game Reserve - 2 hours from Cape Town
- Inverdoorn Game Reserve - 3 hours from Cape Town
- Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - 3.5 hours from Cape Town
- Garden Route Game Lodge - 4 hours from Cape Town
- Gondwana Game Reserve - 4.5 hours from Cape Town
These are all malaria-free private game reserves in the Western Cape of South Africa. They are all Big 5 game reserves, although leopards are notoriously difficult to spot in the wild (even in Kruger).
For other Big 5 Safaris that combine well with Cape Town, skip to more safari options from Cape Town in South Africa.
1. Aquila Game Reserve - cheapest Big 5 safari, closest to Cape Town
Under 2 hours from Cape Town - this is the closest game reserve for a Big 5 safari near Cape Town city. The prices are relatively good and if you are not expecting the rolling grasslands of East African safari country then Aquila Game Reserve should more than meet your expectations.
Aquila Game Reserve Highlights
- Home to the Big 5 animals, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and over 170 bird species.
- About 4,500 hectares (11,120 acres) of southern Karoo wilderness, between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains.
- A 4-star safari lodge with accommodation options ranging from standard and family to premier lodge rooms and cottages.
- Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Conservation Centre (ARC) at the game reserve.
- Horseback riding, fly-in safaris, quad biking safaris, and family-friendly safaris.
- Eco-Synergy Project - renewable energy initiative to reduce Aquila's carbon footprint.
Aquila Safari Activities
Activities at Aquila Game Reserve include 4x4 game drives (20-seater safari vehicles), sunset champagne drives, horseback safaris, quad bike drives, 4x4 trails, and fishing. Aquila also offers a Junior Rangers Program for kids and other facilities and activities for children. Kids of all ages are permitted on game drives, under adult supervision.
Big 5 Aquila Safaris near Cape Town
Aquila is the only Big 5 game reserve (on our list) that's viable for day safaris from Cape Town. It is open to day visitors and just close enough to the city for a day trip.
The game reserve offers half-day and full-day safari options, as well as longer overnight safaris, and daily transfers between Cape Town and Aquila at extra cost.
Half-Day & Full-Day Aquila Safaris from Cape Town
- Afternoon safari costs about R1,400 per adult - includes welcome drinks, a buffet lunch, and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
- Early morning safari costs about R1,200 per adult - includes welcome drinks, a continental breakfast (prepacked or sit down), and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
- Sunset safari costs about R900 per adult - includes welcome drinks, snacks, and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
These half-day safaris exclude transfers between Cape Town and Aquila Game Reserve, which cost about R950 per person extra for day trips.
- A Full-Day Aquila Safari with transfers to and from Cape Town costs under R3,000 per adult - includes welcome drinks, a buffet breakfast, one 2-3 hour game drive, a buffet lunch, and transfers between Aquila Game Reserve and Cape Town.
Aquila Safari Reviews
Aquila Private Game Reserve has a 3.5-star rating on Tripadvisor with over 350 excellent reviews and over 200 very good reviews out of 900 reviews.
Even though Aquila is lauded for its excellent service and sustainability (in terms of social responsibility, wildlife conservation, and energy efficiency) some visitors rate it poorly. Many of the visitors who rate Aquila poorly say the game reserve is too much like a zoo. It is important to note that this is a relatively new and small game reserve. If you expect the quintessential rolling grasslands of Africa when you visit Aquila, you are likely to be disappointed. The game reserve is ideal for first-time safari-goers and budget travellers who want to see African animals in the bush, instead of in zoo cages.
To get a better sense of what Aquila is like, visit Aquila on Facebook and Aquila on Instagram.
Aquila Safari Lodge Accommodation
The most affordable rooms at the lodge cost about R2,300 per person sharing per night and the cottages about R2,800 to R3,800 per person sharing per night (depending on the season). Again, the rates exclude single supplements, so expect to pay more if you are travelling solo. The rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with two game drives.
Lodge facilities at Aquila include two swimming pools, a restaurant, a mezzanine bar-and-lounge area, a gift shop, and children's play areas. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included.
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve
We feature three excellent-value safari packages to Aquila Game Reserve. These budget Cape Town Safari Tours include return transfers (between your accommodation in Cape Town and Aquila), game drives, meals while on safari, and accommodation on the overnight itineraries.
- 3 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve
- 2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve
- 1 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari - Budget Day Tour to Aquila
Another excellent-value option is our Big 5 Cape Town Safari & City Stay Tour which combines a full-day Big 5 Aquila Safari with a full-day Cape Peninsula and Cape Winelands Tour. This 4-Day Cape Town Safari Package includes comfortable B&B accommodation in Cape Town.
2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve - best well-priced Big 5 safari near Cape Town
This is an excellent Big 5 Cape Town Safari option for two reasons: the proximity of the game reserve to Cape Town and the relatively large size of Inverdoorn Game Reserve. The 2.5-to-3-hour drive from Cape Town makes Inverdoorn Game Reserve easily accessible for an overnight safari or weekend getaway.
Inverdoorn is not the very cheapest Cape Town Safari option, but the quality of the Big 5 safari experience in Inverdoorn Game Reserve is worth the little extra spend.
Inverdoorn Game Reserve Highlights
- Home to the Big 5 African animals, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, various antelopes, and about 165 bird species.
- About 10,000 hectares (24 711 acres) of semi-arid wilderness in the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo), near Ceres.
- Hosts the renowned Western Cape Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre.
- Early morning walking safaris to encounter giraffes (for overnight guests only).
- 4-Star & 5-Star lodges including standard and family rooms, 4-star chalets, luxury options, and a 5-star tented camp.
- Stargazing in the sparsely-populated Klein Karoo of South Africa.
Inverdoorn Safari Activities
Safari activities at Inverdoorn include morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives (10-seater safari vehicles), guided bush walks with giraffes (depending on conditions), visits to the Cheetah Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (no animal interactions allowed), and stargazing in the Klein Karoo. Inverdoorn offers babysitting services and welcomes guests with kids at their 4-star lodges. Kids over the age of 4 years are allowed on game drives.
Big 5 Inverdoorn Safaris near Cape Town
Inverdoorn Game Reserve is not open to day visitors and self-drive safaris are not permitted. This limits your options somewhat but it also makes the safari experience in Inverdoorn more exclusive and crowd-free.
They offer overnight Big 5 safari options starting at about R2,660 per person sharing in the low season (May to October) and R3,830 per person sharing in the high season (mid-December to mid-January). The cost of these overnight safari packages in Inverdoorn excludes transfers between the game reserve and Cape Town.
For Inverdoorn Safaris from Cape Town see below or talk to one of our expert travel advisors.
Inverdoorn Safari Reviews
Inverdoorn Game Reserve has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor based on 689 reviews. See the Inverdoorn Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Its rating is based on fewer reviews than Aquila because it does not offer day safaris and therefore receives fewer visitors. The lodges at Inverdoorn also accommodate fewer guests. Due to the lower visitor numbers and larger size of the game reserve, Inverdoorn doesn't get as busy as Aquila. This extra space and the wilder feeling of Inverdoorn earn it better reviews.
For more insight visit Inverdoorn on Facebook or Inverdoorn on Instagram.
Inverdoorn Safari Lodge Accommodation
In Inverdoorn Game Reserve guests can stay at the Inverdoorn Safari Lodges or the luxurious Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa. The safari lodges cater to various budgets, from mid-range to high-end, offering different accommodation styles.
The most affordable option is a twin room at one of the three safari lodges which costs about R3,500 per person (for two adults sharing) per night and the 4-star chalets at about R4,500 per person for two people sharing per night.
These rates exclude single supplements for solo travellers, so expect to pay more if you are travelling alone. The rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, two safari activities a day, and welcome drinks. The chalets are air-conditioned (the guesthouse rooms only have fans) and en-suite. Facilities include swimming pools, a restaurant, a lounge, a boma, and a gift shop. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included.
If you plan on visiting Inverdoorn, you need to make a reservation well in advance.
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve
We feature two well-priced Cape Town Safaris to Inverdoorn Game Reserve on African Budget Safaris. These Big 5 safaris include transfers from your accommodation in Cape Town to Inverdoorn and back again, as well as accommodation and meals at Inverdoorn Safari Lodge.
For longer safari programs talk to one of our safari experts who can tailor-make a budget safari near Cape Town just for you.
3. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - biggest Big 5 game reserve for the best safari from Cape Town
The largest of the Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town, Sanbona covers an impressive 58,000 hectares of wilderness. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is about a 3.5-hour drive from Cape Town city which makes it a fantastic choice for a short Big 5 safari getaway of a few days.
The Sanbona game reserve is more expensive than Inverdoorn and Aquila, but if you can stretch your travel budget it is your best choice.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Highlights
- Home to Big 5 animals, cheetahs, antelopes, small animals, zebras, and over 200 bird species.
- 58,000 hectares (143 321 acres) of semi-arid wilderness at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo.
- Hosts a healthy population of endangered riverine rabbits (one of the world's most endangered mammals).
- Diverse plant life with 600 types of flora including wildflower species that bloom between August and September.
- Rare San rock art with specimens dating back to over 3,500 years ago.
- Guided bush walks, birdwatching safaris, family-friendly safaris, and boat safaris.
Sanbona Safari Activities
Safari activities at Sanbona include 4x4 game drives, rock art tours, stargazing, guided nature walks, boat safaris, and activities for children.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve features a family lodge with child-friendly facilities and offers indoor and outdoor activities for kids, as well as childminding services. Children over the age of 4 years are allowed on game drives. Game walks are reserved for guests over the age of 14 years.
Conservation is the top priority of this game reserve and all visits to Sanbona contribute directly to their conservation efforts. On safaris in Sanbona, you get to see the positive impact of your stay first-hand and gain insight into successful eco-tourism practices. You'll explore the reserve on guided walks and game drives conducted by qualified game rangers who are passionate about conservation. While out in the field with the Sanbona guides you'll get to learn all about the conservation work they do to protect the local fauna, flora, and habitats.
The Sanbona lodges also feature luxuriant spa facilities where you can unwind with indulgent spa treatments and rejuvenating massages while soaking up the tranquil natural environment.
Big 5 Sanbona Safaris from Cape Town
The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve does not offer day safari trips or self-drive safari options. Sanbona safaris typically entail two-night stays (or longer). They do not offer their own transfers between the Sanbona game reserve and Cape Town.
Until recently you couldn't simply book a Sanbona safari package starting and ending in Cape Town. Fortunately, you now can. African Budget Safaris features excellent-value Sanbona Safaris on our website. These well-designed (and reasonably priced) itineraries include all meals and safari activities as well as the option of adding transfers from Cape Town to Sanbona and back.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve runs various early bird and long-stay discounts and deals on specific safari packages, which we pass on to our clients. Their SA Residents Special (minimum two nights stay) costs from about R4,600 per person sharing at their luxury tented lodge. Other safari deals at Sanbona include honeymoon and anniversary freebies and extras, long-stay discounts, early booking discounts, and other specials. To find out more about the discounts Sanbona offers, talk to one of our safari experts.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on 356 traveller reviews. Of these 356 reviews over 330 visitors rated their Sanbona safari experience as excellent and very good. View the Sanbona Reviews on Tripadvisor for more details.
Get a better sense of what Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is all about by visiting the Sanbona Facebook Page and Sanbona on Instagram.
Sanbona Safari Lodge Accommodation
At Sanbona Wildlife Reserve guests have four accommodation options.
The seasonal option is their Explorer Camp (Wilderness Trail) where you camp in spacious canvas tents fitted with beds and camping furniture. This costs about R6,000 per person sharing per night (minimum two nights stay) and includes a guided walking safari. It also includes all meals, drinks, and tourism levies. The wilderness trail option is only available to guests over the age of 16 years.
Two of the most affordable lodge options at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are their family lodge and their manor house, both costing about R7,300 per adult per night (sharing) for accommodation. These rates exclude single supplements for solo travellers, so expect to pay more if you are travelling alone. The full-board options cost more.
If you plan on going to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, you need to make a reservation well in advance as this is one of the leading eco-tourism destinations in South Africa.
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
We feature three excellent-value Cape Town Safaris to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on African Budget Safaris. These Big 5 Sanbona safari tours can be booked with transfers from your accommodation in Cape Town to Sanbona and back again. Your tour price includes the luxury lodge accommodation of your choice - at one of three Sanbona lodges. The Sanbona safari packages we feature also include two safari activities per full day on safari (either a game drive or guided bush walk), all meals, a selection of local wines and beers, snacks and drinks on your game drives, and more.
- 4-Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
- 3-Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
- 2-Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
For longer Sanbona Safari programs talk to one of our African Budget Safaris experts who can tailor-make an affordable safari near Cape Town just for you.
4. Garden Route Game Lodge - best Big 5 Garden Route Safari on a budget
This small game reserve is more budget-friendly than Sanbona. It has loads of great reviews but it is further away. As the name suggests, it is located on the Garden Route of South Africa, between Swellendam and George (near the small town of Albertina).
The Garden Route Game Lodge is 2 hours further away from Cape Town than Aquila Private Game Reserve. At a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Cape Town, this game reserve is just too far for a comfortable overnight safari from Cape Town. It is however a great choice for travelers visiting the Garden Route from Cape Town.
Garden Route Game Lodge Highlights
- Home to the Big 5 animals, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, small mammals, and rich birdlife.
- 2,000 hectares of bush (fynbos, aloes, shrubland, grassland, and woodland) for close-up wildlife sightings.
- Transfers between the Garden Route Game Lodge and Cape Town International Airport or George Airport can be arranged.
- Family-friendly safari destination with facilities for families with children.
Garden Route Game Lodge Activities
Safari activities at the Garden Route Game Lodge include morning and sundowner game drives, guided walking safaris, and kids' activities (cheetah tracking, fishing, guided walks). A mountain biking trail (own mountain bikes required). It also has an on-site spa with treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a manicure and pedicure salon.
Big 5 Garden Route Game Lodge Safaris
The Garden Route Game Lodge offers overnight safaris ranging from 2 to 5-day safaris, or longer. At about 2,000 hectares in size, a weekend stay should allow plenty of time to explore this compact game reserve.
Day visitors are also allowed into the game reserve free of charge. For day safaris, visitors can join the daily game drives at 11 am. The daily game drive option is ideal for travellers on self-drive trips on the Garden Route and costs R495 per person per game drive.
Garden Route Game Lodge Reviews
The Garden Route Game Lodge has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on 1,745 reviews. See the Garden Route Game Lodge on TripAdvisor.
For more insight check out the Garden Route Game Lodge on Facebook or Garden Route Game Lodge on Instagram.
Garden Route Safari Lodge Accommodation:
Overnight guests stay at the 3-star safari lodge on the game reserve which is located in a scenic spot along the Langeberg Mountain Range.
Accommodation rates start at about R5,200 per twin room per night. There are a variety of lodge rooms, chalets, and suites, including family units. The rooms are en suite, and air-conditioned with modern amenities. Facilities include two swimming pools, a restaurant, a lounge, a spa, and a feature garden.
The Garden Route Game Lodge also runs various special offers, such as family discounts and discounted three-night stays.
5. Gondwana Game Reserve - affordable luxury safari from Cape Town
The furthest of the Big 5 Cape Town Safari options, Gondwana Game Reserve is about 4.5 to 5 hours from the city. It is however the second biggest game reserve on our list, after Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. In Gondwana, the wildlife roams freely and the animals are not fed so they are completely wild.
Gondwana is more expensive than Inverdoorn, Aquila, and the Garden Route Game Lodge. The cheapest Gondwana safari options cost slightly less than Sanbona's best safari deals. So, if you are booking in the low season or you catch a safari special Gondwana could be cheaper than Sanbona or similar in price.
Gondwana Private Game Reserve Highlights
- Home to Big 5 African animals, giraffes, hippos, various antelopes, and rich birdlife (many endemic species)
- 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of diverse wilderness - hills, valleys, grasslands, and fynbos.
- Hosts the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and the world's southernmost elephant herds.
- Luxury safari lodge and private villa accommodation with half-board and full-board options to suit different budgets.
- Guided bush walks, birdwatching safaris, horseback safaris, stargazing, family-friendly safaris, and private guided hiking trails.
Gondwana Safari Activities
Safari activities at Gondwana Game Reserve include 4x4 game drives, mountain biking, guided bush walks, private guided walking safaris, fishing trips, and conservation activities. They also offer spa treatments, bush dining experiences, and a Junior Ranger Program for kids. Children over the age of 2 years are permitted on game drives and kids under 2 years can be taken on shorter game drives with the dedicated Junior Ranger Guide.
Big 5 Gondwana Safaris in South Africa
The Gondwana Private Game Reserve does not offer day safaris or self-drive safari options. They do permit one-night stay safaris at some of their lodges but Gondwana safaris typically require a two or three-night stay.
Transfers between Gondwana and Cape Town or the international airport in George (under an hour from the game reserve) can be arranged. They do offer accommodation specials and seasonal discounts for SA Residents. For more about these contact Gondwana directly.
Gondwana Safari Reviews
Gondwana Game Reserve has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on 1,594 reviews. Over 1,220 visitors rated their Gondwana safari experience as excellent and more than 240 very good. View the Gondwana Reviews on Tripadvisor for more details.
Check out the Gondwana Game Reserve Facebook and Gondwana Instagram profiles for more insight.
Gondwana Safari Accommodation
Gondwana Game Reserve is a luxury safari destination with upmarket private villas, lodges, and tented camps. They also feature a few affordable luxury options at their Kwena Lodge and their Bush and Fynbos Villas.
Expect to pay between R3,500 and R9,000 per person per night for a Fynbos or Bush villa. There are cheaper bed & breakfast (half-board) safari packages and more expensive full-board options. These are ideal for families with children and private groups.
At Kwena Lodge a twin or double room costs from about R5,500 per person per night (half-board) and about R7,000 per person per night (full-board). The rates vary according to the high and low seasons, with peak times becoming more expensive.
For a safari in Gondwana Game Reserve, you need to make a reservation well in advance.
Other Big 5 Game Reserves near Cape Town, South Africa
Other affordable game reserves near Cape Town host plenty of large mammals, including members of Africa's Big 5 animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). But none of these other Western Cape game parks hosts all of Africa's Big 5 animals.
And, there are also other reputable Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town, but these cater to the ultra-luxury travel market. What this means is it would be cheaper to fly from Cape Town to the Kruger safari region for a budget safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park or one of the private game reserves in Greater Kruger, like Sabi Sands Game Reserve (more about this later).
The Cape Town Safari Experience
Cape Town is situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean along the western shoreline and the Indian Ocean to the east. The climate is distinctly Mediterranean and the region is home to the unique fynbos biome which boasts incredible biodiversity found nowhere else in the world.
Whilst spectacular in its own right, the Cape Peninsula is very different from the typical African savannah that your average lion would generally call home. The Western Cape of South Africa is better known for its rich marine life and fynbos. This coastal region (in and around Cape Town) is a global hotspot for viewing the Marine Big 5 animals (whale, shark, seal, penguin, and dolphin) in the wild. The Western Cape is also home to over 500 species of birds, including 42 of South Africa's 53 endemic bird species.
Nevertheless, if your time is limited and you are unable to travel to the bigger game reserves outside of the Western Cape Province, then there are a few excellent, affordable game reserves offering authentic Big 5 safaris near Cape Town, as we've shown above.
Other Safari Options from Cape Town: Kruger & More
For the ultimate Big 5 Safari in South Africa, you can catch a cheap domestic flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, or to one of the three airports servicing Kruger National Park directly and do a Budget Kruger Safari.
Flying to Johannesburg or Kruger will, of course, take more time than doing a safari closer to Cape Town in the Western Cape and cost you a local air ticket, but there are plenty of affordable Kruger Park Safaris that offer excellent cost savings which make this a very attractive option.
Other very affordable South Africa safari options include taking an overland Africa tour from Cape Town to Kruger National Park or doing a self-drive safari. For alternatives to Kruger Safaris from Cape Town, there are fantastic Garden Route safari options and well-priced safaris to the remote Eastern Cape game reserves.
Simply ask our team of travel experts and we'll design the best South Africa safari (to and/or from Cape Town) for your budget, and preferences.
Ready to book an affordable Big 5 Cape Town Safari?
Book one of our excellently-priced Big 5 Cape Town Safaris! Browse our Inverdoorn Safaris, our Aquila Safaris, or our Sanbona Safaris.
Still not sure which the best Cape Town safari park is for you? Chat with one of our travel advisors to get a Cape Town safari tailor-made for you and your budget.
If you're looking for something slightly different, check out our Big 5 Cape Town Safari & City Tour, which combines the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula with Aquila Game Reserve. And for more trip options–Cape Winelands, Cape Whale Coast, Shark Cage Diving, Cape Peninsula and Cape Town City–view all of our Cape Town Tours.
To broaden your search compare our budget-friendly South Africa Safaris, to see what is doable and play around with ideas. Or, for help with your search - contact us and we'll help you to keep it simple and create your ideal Big 5 safari near Cape Town and beyond.
[Last updated in March 2023 / first posted in 2018]
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