Although more synonymous with beaches and winelands, the area stretching from Cape Town in the west to the Garden Route in the east does have several game reserves. Generally, these reserves do not carry large herds of free-moving game as in other safari hotspots around Africa, but there are some unique and well-managed reserves within a few hours' drive of Cape Town and other major coastal towns. Some reserves are situated in the unique 'Karoo' biome, which has a fascinating plethora of plant life and smaller creatures, and others incorporate an oceanic aspect. The Cape is one of the best places in the world to view whales, great white sharks and other aquatic creatures in their natural environment. Some reserves offer truly unique experiences that focus on what is special to the area, and these make for truly unique and amazing experiences.

Useful Information

Fantastic experiences in this hotspot…

  • Bushmans Kloof – Learning about the San Bushman paintings and experiencing the burst of flower life in August/September in the Cedarberg mountains.
  • Sanbona – Tracking big game with experienced guides over vast areas of Karoo wilderness. The area is home to the extremely rare Riverine Rabbit.
  • Great White Shark cage diving off Gansbaai and whale-watching in Hermanus and De Hoop.
  • Climbing Table Mountain, exploring Cape Point and hiking the coastline along numerous coastal and mountain trails.

Parks and Reserves

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is situated in the South Africa's Cedarberg, which was declared a World Heritage Site. This is due to the recognition of historic bushman paintings, of which…

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Garden Route National Park

The Garden Route is one of South Africa's tourism jewels. The region encompasses a mosaic of ecosystems ranging from rain forest to superb coastline. Although not a major safari region,…

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Gondwana Game Reserve

Gondwana Game Reserve is found in South Africa's Western Cape. It is a spectacular 11000 hectare property, hosting splendid tracts of pristine and endemic Fynbos. It is a sanctuary for…

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Tours and Trips

Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Tour

This classic and affordable overland tour links Cape Town to Victoria Falls (and vice versa). This 20 Day tour highlights Southern Africa’s most incredible sights. StartiIt starts in the shadow…

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Duration: 20 Days, 19 Nights
Budget: $150 - $300 p.p.p.d.

Garden Route & Karoo Safari Tour

The Garden Route Appetiser Safari is a journey through South Africa's south-western Cape that explores the diversity and majesty of one of the most unique areas in the country. The…

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Duration: 4 days
Budget: $150 - $300 p.p.p.d.

Nomad Cape Town to Vic Falls Overland Tour

Long term overland tour operator Nomad's classic and affordable overland tour links Cape Town to Victoria Falls (and vice versa). This 20 Day tour highlights Southern Africa’s most incredible sights.…

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Duration: 20 Days, 19 Nights
Budget: Less than $150 p.p.p.d.

Lookout for

Elephant
White Rhino
Lion
Cheetah
Brown Hyena
Buffalo
Giraffe
Kudu
Wildebeest
Zebra
Springbok
Gemsbok
Eland
Warthog
Baboon
Porcupine
Humpback Whale
Southern Right Whale
Great White Shark

Key Species

MAMMALS
Lion
Bat-eared Fox
Cape Mountain Zebra

BIRDS
Cape Sugarbird
Black Harrier
Ostrich
Yellow-bellied Sunbird
Jackal Buzzard

REPTILES
Cape Cobra
Puff Adder
Leopard Tortoise

TREES
Sweet Thorn Acacia
Yellow Wood
Wild Olive

HABITAT TYPES
Fynbos
Mountains
Open Plains
Semi-Desert Karoo
Riverine
Coastal

Wildlife Ratings

Big 5: 4
Mammals: 5
Birds: 5
Reptiles: 5.5
Trees: 6
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