Best Cape Town Safari: Big 5 game reserves near the city (on a budget)
Cape Town is an amazing stand-alone travel destination. From the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain, and penguins on Boulders Beach, to the Zeitz Mocca Museum, fabulous restaurants and dramatic beaches, the Mother City has it all...
But did you know that Cape Town even has Big 5 safari destinations where you can see Africa’s wildlife? The 3 best Big 5 safari destinations near Cape Town are Aquila, Inverdoorn, and Sanbona. These game reserves lie within a 3-hour drive of Cape Town, are malaria-free (perfect for young families), and offer a Big 5 safari experience.
Beyond Aquila, Inverdoorn, and Sanbona, there are 2 more budget-friendly Big 5 safari destinations on the Garden Route. In addition to the Garden Route parks, you can now fly directly from Cape Town International Airport to Kruger National Park in a breezy 2 and a half hours.
Let's unpack your Big 5 safari options when visiting Cape Town in South Africa.
3 Best Cape Town Safari Parks: Aquila Game Reserve, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
These are the three top game reserves for an affordable Big 5 safari near Cape Town. All 3 offer an authentic Big 5 safari experience.
Aquila is the closest to Cape Town, the most affordable, and therefore also the most popular of the three. Inverdoorn Game Reserve is a little further away, and a little more expensive, but still a budget safari option. Last but not least, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is further from Cape Town, bigger, more exclusive, and more expensive.
All 3 of these Big 5 safari destinations are worth considering. Malaria-free, budget-smart, and close to Cape Town, these game reserves offer a genuine Big 5 safari option that is an excellent add-on to any South African adventure.
Rhinos at Inverdoorn Game Reserve, near Cape Town by Inverdoorn Game Reserve
| Is there a Big 5 safari in Cape Town? |
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Travellers often ask us if there are budget-friendly Big 5 Safaris in Cape Town. While Cape Town does have some impressive national parks, the last lion was shot in 1802, and the last leopard in about 1820. However, a Big 5 safari near Cape Town is with accessible and easy-to-reach game reserves nearby! |
Aquila family safaris, Cape Town
Best Big 5 Cape Town Safari Destinations
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Aquila Game Reserve: 177 km / 110 miles and just over 2 hours from Cape Town
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Inverdoorn Game Reserve: 203 km / 126 miles, just under a 3-hour drive from Cape Town
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: 232 km / 144 miles, around 3 hours drive from Cape Town
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Garden Route Game Lodge: 345 km / 214 miles, just over 4 hours drive from Cape Town
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Gondwana Game Reserve: 384 km / 238 miles, around a 4.5-hour drive from Cape Town
Leopard on Aquila Safari in Cape Town
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1. Aquila Game Reserve
Under 2 hours from Cape Town, 177 km / 110 miles, Aquila Game Reserve is the closest Big 5 game reserve near Cape Town. 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.
Big 5 Cape Town Safari - Aquila lions
Aquila is the only Big 5 game reserve (on our list) that offers 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.
Big 5 Cape Town Safari - Aquila elephants
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.
Famous safari guests to Aquila include Vin Diesel, Paris Hilton, Maria Carey, and Rihanna. So you never know who you might run into!
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Aquila Game Reserve Highlights |
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Aquila Safari Lodge near Cape Town by Aquila Game Reserve
How much does a Big 5 safari to Aquila cost?*
Aquila Game Reserve is the only Big 5 safari destination near Cape Town that allows day visitors, and their rates are broken down accordingly.
Aquila is considered an affordable safari destination.A Full-Day Aquila Safari with transfers to and from Cape Town costs about R3,000 / US$ 158 per adult. The itinerary runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm and includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, a 3-hour guided safari, and welcome drinks. Transfers are excluded.
Afternoon safari costs about R1,690 / US$ 89 per adult – The itinerary runs from 12:00 to 4:30 pm and includes welcome drinks, a buffet lunch, and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
Early morning safari costs about R1,440 / US$ 76 per adult - The itinerary runs from 7 am to 11:45 am and includes welcome drinks, a continental breakfast (prepacked or sit down), and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
A Sunset safari costs about R995 / US$ 52 per adult - The itinerary includes welcome drinks, snacks, and one 2-3 hour game drive / excludes transfers.
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Accommodation at Aquila is in comfortable lodges or cottages which range in price from R 2750 / US$ 145 pps to R 5450 / US$ 287 pps. These rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with two game drives. However transport to and from the reserve is excluded.
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 also included.
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to a safari expert.
Aquila Game Reserve, 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 from a total of over 950 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 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, travellers with limited time, 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.
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve
African Budget Safaris features 4 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.
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Cape Town safari - Inverdoorn cheetahs
2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve
Inverdoorn is an excellent Big 5 safari option for two reasons: the proximity of the game reserve to Cape Town and its relatively large size. The 2.5-to-3-hour drive from Cape Town makes Inverdoorn Game Reserve easily accessible for an overnight safari or weekend getaway.
Safari activities at Inverdoorn include morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives, 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.
For families with young children, Inverdoorn offers babysitting services and welcomes guests with kids at their 4-star lodges. Children over the age of 4 years are allowed on game drives.
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.
For this reason, Inverdoorn is not the cheapest Cape Town safari destination, but the quality of the Big 5 safari experience in Inverdoorn Game Reserve is worth the little extra spend.
Cape Town safari Big 5 - Inverdoorn lion
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Inverdoorn Game Reserve Highlights |
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Inverdoorn buffalos, Cape Town safaris by Inverdoorn Game Reserve
How much does an Inverdoorn Big 5 safari cost?*
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve offers overnight Big 5 safari options starting at around R2990 / US$ 157 per person sharing in the low season (May to October) and rising to around R7490 / US$ 394 per person sharing in the high season (mid-December to mid-January).
Guests at Inverdoorn Game Reserve can book 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.
Overnight safaris to Inverdoorn include welcome drinks, breakfast, lunch, a 3-course dinner, stargazing and cheetah run (weather permitting), a sunrise safari, free wifi, and a swimming pool.
Additional activities at Inverdoorn include Horse trails R650 pp / 35 US$, private picnic trails R950 / US$ 50 pp, cheetah educational R850 / US$ 45 pp, E-bike tours R350 / US$ 19 pp, spa treatments poolside or in your room, high tea R 300 / US$ 16 pp, and birdwatching R1000 / US$ 53 pp.
The cost of these overnight safari packages to Inverdoorn excludes transfers between the game reserve and Cape Town.
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to a safari expert.
Inverdoorn Safari Lodge, South Africa
Inverdoorn Safari Reviews
Inverdoorn Game Reserve has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor based on over 700 reviews. See the Inverdoorn Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Inverdoorn gets fewer guests than Aquila and therefore has fewer reviews. The lower numbers and larger reserve size can provide a more intimate and rewarding experience.
For more insight visit Inverdoorn on Facebook or Inverdoorn on Instagram.
Inverdoorn Safari Lodge near Cape Town
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve
African Budget Safaris feature two well-priced Cape Town Safaris to Inverdoorn Game Reserve. These Big 5 adventures are inclusive of 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.
Inverdoorn giraffes, Cape Town Safari by Inverdoorn Game Reserve
3. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Sanbona safari Big 5 rhinos
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 232 km / 144 miles, and just over a 3-hour drive from Cape Town city which makes it a fantastic choice for a short Big 5 safari getaway of a few days.
Sanbona is all about conservation, and visits to Sanbona contribute directly to their conservation efforts. On safari in Sanbona, you get to see the positive impact of your stay first-hand and gain insight into successful eco-tourism practices. Explore the reserve on guided walks and game drives conducted by qualified game rangers who are passionate about conservation and the animals and environment that they protect.
Safari activities at Sanbona include 4x4 game drives, rock art tours, stargazing, guided nature walks, boat safaris, luxurious spa facilities, 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.
The Sanbona game reserve is more expensive than Inverdoorn and Aquila, but it is your best choice if you can stretch your travel budget.
Big 5 African animals, Sanbona Safari lions
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How much does a Big 5 safari to Sanbona cost?*
The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve does not offer day safari trips or self-drive safari options. Sanbona Big 5 safaris typically entail two-night stays (or longer). While it is more expensive, the overall experience is worth the stretch.
Accommodation at Sanbona could be at the Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tinley Manor. These accommodation options range in price from R 7245 / US$ 380 pps to R14255 / US$ 800 pps. Rates include wifi, plunge pools, private decks, two daily nature drives, guided wilderness walks, all meals, snacks, and internal transfers between lodges. Some local beverages are complimentary. Rates exclude discretionary tips, nightly conservation levy, and additional alcoholic beverages.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve runs various early bird and long-stay discounts and deals on specific safari packages, which we pass on to our clients. Other safari deals at Sanbona include honeymoon and anniversary freebies and extras, long-stay discounts, early booking discounts, and other specials.
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to a safari expert.
Big 5 Sanbona safari elephants
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Reviews
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on over 350 traveller reviews. The majority of visitors rated their Sanbona safari experience as excellent and very good. View the Sanbona Reviews on Tripadvisor for more details.
You can better understand what Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is all about by visiting their Facebook Page and the Sanbona Instagram feed.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Explorer Camp
Book a Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
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.
African Budget Safaris features three excellent-value safaris to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. These Big 5 Sanbona safari tours can be booked with transfers from your accommodation in Cape Town to Sanbona and back again.
Sanbona safari manor
The tour price includes the luxury lodge accommodation of your choice, 2 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.
For longer Sanbona Safari programs talk to one of our African Budget Safari experts who can tailor-make an affordable safari near Cape Town just for you.
Big 5 safari Garden Route Game Reserve buffalo
4. Garden Route Game Lodge
The Garden Route Game Lodge is a small, budget-friendly game park located on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. This budget safari destination features the Big 5: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, though leopards are rarely seen. They also have cheetahs which are a real treat.
Located around a 4-hour drive from Cape Town, between Swellendam and George near the small town of Albertina, the Garden Route Game Lodge is an excellent family stopover.
Safari activities at the Garden Route Game Lodge include morning and sundowner game drives, guided walking safaris, kids' activities like cheetah tracking, fishing, and guided walks, as well as mountain biking for those with their bikes. For those who want a little pampering, there is an on-site spa offering steam rooms, saunas, and several luxurious treatments.
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.
While day visitors are welcome and can join the daily game drives, the Garden Route Game Lodge also 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.
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How much does the Garden Route Game Farm cost?*
The Garden Route Game Lodge has numerous safari options from day visits to overnight stays in luxury chalets or family units.
Accommodation rates start at about R5,200 per twin room per night but range from around R 1500 / US$ 80 to over R5000 / US$ 265 pps.
The Garden Route Game Lodge also runs various special offers, such as family discounts and discounted three-night stays.
Daily game drives cost around R495 / US$ 24 per person per game drive. Accommodation
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to a safari expert.
Garden Route safari lion, Big 5 African animals
Garden Route Game Lodge Reviews
The Garden Route Game Farm is popular and has well over 1800 reviews on TripAdvisor. Overall, reviews are positive and it has a 4.5 star or excellent rating.
To get a better feel of what the Garden Route Game Farm, visit their Facebook page or Instagram profile.
Garden Route Game Reserve lodge pool
5. Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve, at 384 km / 238 miles, is the furthest of the Big 5 Cape Town Safari options. Gondwana is roughly a 4.5 to 5-hour drive from the Mother City. It is however, at 11 000 hectares / 26 000 acres, the second largest game reserve on our list, after Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
The animals in Gondwana, aside from a 1000-ha endangered animal camp, roam freely and are completely wild. 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.
The Gondwana Private Game Reserve does not offer day safaris or self-drive safari options. They do permit one-night stays at some of their lodges but typically Gondwana safaris require a two or three-night stay.
Transfers between Gondwana and Cape Town, or the airport in George, can be arranged. They do offer accommodation specials and seasonal discounts for South African Residents.
Gondwana Big 5 safari lions
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How much does a Gondwana Safari cost?*
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 villa, Big 5 safari in South Africa
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 / US$ 185 and R9,000 / US$ 477 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 / US$ 290 per person per night (half-board) and about R7,000 / US$ 370 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.
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to a safari expert.
Gondwana Safari Reviews
Gondwana Game Reserve safari lodge
Gondwana Game Reserve has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 1650 reviews, leaving an overwhelmingly positive impression on most guests.
You can visit Gondwana’s Facebook page or go to their Instagram profile to get a better idea of what to expect from a Big 5 safari to Gondwana Game Reserve.
Other Game Reserves near Cape Town, South Africa
In 2024 Flysafair launched a direct flight from Cape Town International to Kruger National Park.
This means that you can be in Kruger after a short 2.5-hour flight. If we use travel time as a metric, Kruger National Park can be considered a Big 5 safari destination near Cape Town!
You can view our Kruger National Park safaris here.
Leopard in Kruger Park, South Africa by Derek Keats
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.
Aquila lion safari, South Africa
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.
South Africa safari wildlife - bat-eared fox
[Last updated in March 2024/ first posted in 2018]
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Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds seeking out quiet places. She has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!
Go kayaking in Cape Town! It's a unique and affordable way to experience the great outdoors, beautiful coastline and marine encounters. Sea kayaking is also a healthy and completely crowd-free outdoor adventure activity in Cape Town.