Cape Town is South Africa's most popular travel destination, renowned for its beauty. But, can you do a Big 5 safari in Cape Town and where are the best Cape Town safaris?
There are no Big 5 game reserves in Cape Town City or the greater Cape Town area. So, you can't go on a Big 5 safari in Cape Town itself. But, wait...
Luckily, you can see the Big 5 near Cape Town and experience a genuine wildlife safari close to Cape Town, even on a tight budget.
Here's where you can see the Big 5 near Cape Town and where to go for the best Cape Town safaris (close to, but not in Cape Town).
Four of the best game reserves for Big 5 Cape Town safaris (near the city) are Aquila Game Reserve, Inverdoorn Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Mont Eco Private Game Reserve.
These Big 5 safari destinations are all under 3 hours drive from Cape Town.
They are in the Western Cape, close to Cape Town, which makes them malaria-free safari destinations - perfect for young families travelling with children.
Aquila, Inverdoorn, Sanbona, and Mont Eco Game Reserve are not the only safari options in the Western Cape. They are, however, the best for well-priced Big 5 safaris near Cape Town. For our top short and budget Cape Town Safari Tours see 1 to 4-Day Safaris in South Africa Cape Town. Other affordable Big 5 safari destinations, such as Gondwana Game Reserve, are slightly further away, on the Garden Route of South Africa.
For free assistance finding and planning the best Cape Town safari for your specific needs chat with a friendly travel expert.
| Affordable Cape Town and Kruger Safaris |
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Cape Town and Kruger National Park can easily be combined on one affordable trip. There are plenty of cheap flights from Cape Town International Airport to Kruger National Park (or the other way around). So, it is easy to fly from Cape Town to Kruger directly, in a breezy 2 and a half hours without breaking the bank. See our budget-friendly Cape Town and Kruger Safari Packages. |
Back to our favourite affordable Big 5 safaris near Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa.
1. Aquila Game Reserve - the closest Big 5 game reserve to Cape Town, the most affordable, and therefore the most popular.
2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve - a little further away, and a little more expensive, but bigger than Aquila and still an affordable safari option.
3. Mont Eco Private Game Reserve - slightly further from Cape Town, larger than Aquila, smaller than Inverdoorn, more upmarket and ideal for eco-safaris.
4. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - furthest from Cape Town, the biggest (by far), more exclusive, and slightly cheaper than Mont Eco.
All 4 of these private game reserves offer genuine Big 5 safaris near Cape Town. They are malaria-free, excellent value for money, and conveniently close to Cape Town making them ideal add-ons to any Cape Town vacation in South Africa.
5. Gondwana Game Reserve - a more upmarket Big 5 safari experience on the Garden Route, combines well with Addo Elephant Park.
6. Garden Route Game Lodge - easy to access on a Garden Route trip, very affordable, and family-friendly.
| Cape Town Big 5 Safari - Travel Distances |
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About 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 pretty good and if you are not expecting the rolling grasslands of East Africa then Aquila Game Reserve should more than meet your expectations.
View our affordable Cape Town Safaris to Aquila Game Reserve
Aquila is one of the only Big 5 game reserves to offer day safaris from Cape Town. It is open to day visitors and close enough to the city for a comfortable day trip. The game reserve offers half-day and full-day safari options, longer overnight safaris, and daily transfers between Cape Town and Aquila at extra cost.
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 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 in Aquila Game Reserve!
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Aquila Game Reserve Highlights |
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Aquila is considered an affordable safari destination. A full-day Aquila safari without transfers to and from Cape Town costs about R2,200 per adult / US$ 121 per adult. The itinerary runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm and includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, a 3-hour guided game drive, and welcome drinks. Transfers are excluded.
They also offer afternoon, early morning and sunset safaris which include welcome drinks, snacks, and a game drive but not transfers.
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Accommodation at Aquila Game Reserve is in comfortable lodges or cottages which range in price from R2,590 / US$ 143 pps to R4990 / US$ 275 pps. These rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 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 or check out our affordable Cape Town Safaris to Aquila Game Reserve.
Aquila Game Reserve has a 3.5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on over 965 reviews.
Even though Aquila is lauded for its excellent service and sustainability (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 small game reserve.
If you expect the quintessential rolling grasslands of Serengeti or Masai Mara when you visit Aquila Game Reserve, you are set for disappointment. 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 zoo cages.
For more insight see The Aquilla Safari Experience about our Big 5 safari near Cape Town.
African Budget Safaris features 4 excellent-value Cape Town to Aquila Safaris. 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.
| Malaria Free Safaris near Cape Town |
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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.
View our affordable Inverdoorn Safaris
Safari activities at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve include morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives, guided bush walks with giraffes (depending on conditions), visits to the Cheetah Rescue and 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 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 does not offer the cheapest Cape Town safaris, but the quality of your Big 5 safari experience in Inverdoorn Game Reserve is worth the little extra spend.
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Inverdoorn Game Reserve Highlights |
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Inverdoorn Reserve offers overnight Big 5 safaris starting at around R2990 / US$ 165 per person sharing in the low season (May to October) and rising to around R7490 / US$ 413 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 / 36 US$, private picnic trails R950 / US$ 52 pp, cheetah educational R850 / US$ 47 pp, E-bike tours R350 / US$ 19 pp, spa treatments poolside or in your room, high tea R 300 / US$ 17 pp, and birdwatching R1000 / US$ 55 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 Private Game Reserve has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor based on over 710 reviews.
Inverdoorn gets fewer guests than Aquila Game Reserve and therefore has fewer reviews. The lower visitor numbers and larger reserve size provide a more intimate and rewarding safari experience.
African Budget Safaris feature two well-priced Cape Town Safaris to Inverdoorn. These Big 5 safaris include transfers from your accommodation in Cape Town to Inverdoorn and back again, lodge 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.
Under 3 hours drive from Cape Town, Mont Eco Game Reserve is one of the closest Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town. It offers a more luxurious safari experience with excellent value-for-money options. A conservation success story, Mont Eco is the best choice for eco-conscious travellers.
View our affordable Mont Eco Game Reserve Safaris
Mont Eco is a relatively new Big 5 game reserve close to Cape Town. It is open to day visitors and can be visited on day trips from Cape Town, although we recommend spending at least one night in the reserve.
Activities at Mont Eco Game Reserve include 4x4 game drives (open-sided safari vehicles) and guided bush walks, including fossil and San rock art sites.
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Mont Eco Game Reserve Highlights |
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Mont Eco Game Reserve is one of the more upmarket Big 5 safari destinations in the Western Cape.
The Mont Eco Private Game Reserve offers game drives for day visitors subject to availability. They have special day safari packages that need to be booked in advance but these do not include transfers from Cape Town and back. For prices, contact the reserve directly.
Mont Eco Game Reserve accommodation is at the luxurious Kingsley Lodge. This new eco-lodge features 7 stand-alone suites set apart to provide extra privacy in the wilderness.
For two adults sharing the prices range from R8,635 / 475 US$ per person per night in low season (May to September) to R10,945 / 602 US$ per person per night in high season (October to November) and R14,245 / 784 US$ per person per night in peak holiday season (15 December to 07 January).
These lodge rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner, 2 game drives with snacks and drinks, VAT, and bush walks. The prices do not include the conservation contribution, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tips for staff and rangers, and transport from and to Cape Town.
Facilities at Kingsley Lodge include a swimming pool, viewing deck, open-air boma, indoor dining room, lounge, gift shop, private wine cellar and free optical fibre Wi-Fi.
*Costs are given as a guideline and are subject to change. For up-to-date information, talk to our safari experts.
Mont Eco Game Reserve has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor with over 20 reviews. This Big 5 game reserve is still new but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive to date.
African Budget Safaris features 3 well-priced Cape Town Safaris to Mont Eco Game Reserve.
These budget Cape Town Safari Tours include return transfers (between your accommodation in Cape Town and Mont Eco), game drives, meals while on safari, and accommodation.
The largest of the Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve covers an impressive 58,000 hectares of wilderness. At about 232 km / 144 miles (about a 3-hour drive) from Cape Town city, Sanbona is a fantastic choice for short Big 5 safaris of a few days.
View our affordable Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Safaris
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve 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 they protect.
Safari activities at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve 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.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is not as affordable as Inverdoorn Game Reserve and Aquila Game Reserve, but it is the best option for experiencing the South African wilderness. We recently visited Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and loved every minute. You can read more about our experience in our trip report, Sanbona Safari Secrets. If you can stretch your travel budget, Sanbona is well worth the extra distance.
Find out more about Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in our feature on Sanbona Wildlife and Conservation.
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Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Highlights |
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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 is at the Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge, or Tinley Manor. These accommodation options range in price from R 7,245 / US$ 380 pps to R14,255 / 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 African 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.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on about 360 traveller reviews.
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 Cape Town Safaris to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. These Big 5 Sanbona safaris can be booked with transfers from your accommodation in Cape Town to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and back again.
The price of our Sanbona safaris 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 packages talk to an African Budget Safaris expert who can tailor-make you an affordable safari near Cape Town.
Those are the 4 best malaria-free, budget-friendly safari options under 3 hours from Cape Town, all offering an authentic Big 5 safari experience. For Garden Route safari options under 5 hours from Cape Town see below.
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 1,000-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.
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Gondwana Private Game Reserve Highlights |
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Gondwana is more expensive than Inverdoorn, Aquila, and the Garden Route Game Lodge. Gondwana Game Reserve is more affordable than Mont Eco, and similar to Sanbona. If you are booking in the low season or you catch a safari special Gondwana could be cheaper than Sanbona Wildlife Reserve or similar in price.
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 Game Reserve has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 1 690 reviews, leaving a positive impression on most guests.
You can visit the Gondwana Facebook page or see the Gondwana Instagram profile for a better idea of what to expect from a Big 5 safari in the Gondwana Game Reserve.
The Garden Route Game Lodge is a small, budget-friendly game park in South Africa’s famous Garden Route region. 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.
| Garden Route Game Lodge Highlights |
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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 1,500 / US$ 80 to over R5,000 / 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.
The Garden Route Game Farm is popular and has over 1,900 reviews on TripAdvisor. Overall, reviews are positive and it has a 4.5 star or excellent rating.
To check out the Garden Route Game Farm, visit their Facebook page or Instagram profile.
Our safari experts can tailor-make Garden Route Tours that include the Garden Route Game Lodge on request.
Cape Town is 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 inhabits. 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.
That said, you now know where the best Big 5 game reserves in the Western Cape, not far from Cape Town, are to be found.
Are you ready for an affordable wildlife safari from Cape Town? Go ahead and book one of our excellently-priced Big 5 Cape Town Safaris!
Choose from our affordable Big 5 Cape Town safaris:
Or view all our Cape Town Safari Tours to compare prices and options, side by side.
Still not sure which the best Big 5 Cape Town safari is for you?
Chat with one of our travel advisors for help finding the right Cape Town safari or see the The Best Things to Do in Cape Town, On a Budget for fun ideas.
Or let us tailor-make a private Cape Town safari just for you and your budget!
[Last updated in June 2024/ first posted in 2018]
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