Safaris · WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN CAPE TOWN
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 6 wildlife safaris in Cape Town worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Leave Cape Town by air-conditioned minibus for Aquila Private Nature Reserve, crossing the Hex River Valley. After a buffet lunch, join an English-speaking ranger for a two-hour open-vehicle safari. You may see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and up to 172 bird species.
“It was great! Our guide Kayim was fantastic, great ride”
Head from Gansbaai’s Great White House to the Dyer Island ecosystem for a two-hour marine safari. A marine biologist explains the wildlife, while the crew searches for whales, sharks, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Cape Town transfers and a penguin sanctuary visit are optional.
“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.”
Spend about nine hours traveling from Cape Town to malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve, where an English-speaking ranger leads a three-hour open-vehicle drive. Expect lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, birds, a buffet lunch, and scenic Karoo views. Guides such as Denver, Max, Josh, and Abriel have earned particular praise.
“We are not really animal friendly but the whole experience of this safari was amazing, from the friendly and helpful driver/tour guide to the guide on the safari bus. Had an amazing day”
Travel from Cape Town through Du Toitskloof and the Breede River Valley to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Your guide, often Mike, Werner, Jamie, or another Born in Africa professional, handles the drive while a reserve ranger leads the safari. Lunch and champagne are included in the reserve fee.
“Werner my tour guide and driver was super! Fun, courteous, knowledgeable about the area and country. The winery was lovely and a good tasting. Aquila was great. I lucked out and had Jana as my guide. She is the conservationist for the reseRead more”
Travel from Cape Town or Stellenbosch to Oudtshoorn for two shared 4x4 safaris at Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift. Expect long scenic drives, a night in accommodation ranging from backpacker to luxury, and an optional elephant observation. Guides such as Nev, Denver, Ulrich, and Dylan are known for keeping the journey informative and friendly.
“I have no words to describe what this experience meant to me. I only encountered amazing people who made me feel safe and loved! I could see all the animals I admire from up close, I had the time of my life. Thank you everybody for everything!”
Join an English-speaking crew at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a 90-minute catamaran search along the Atlantic coast. Look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish, with Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles as your backdrop. Muffins, hot chocolate, water, and binoculars are included.
“The crew were constantly on the lookout for marine animals. And when we saw them, they were very knowledgeable. Didn’t see sharks or whales on this occasion. But delighted to see penguins, seals, dolphins, and sunfish. It was only a small group, so we all got an opportunity to move around the boat, and sit outside. Really enjoyable trip.”
Dunes, game drives, camps or snow.
