Your Guide to Going on a Safari Near Cape Town

Cape Town is on many “must-visit” lists in the travel world. Whether it’s because of the beauty of its Blue Flag beaches or its world-class restaurants and beguiling wine farms, Cape Town has long been mentioned on many “best” lists. It makes sense why so many people flock here yearly. But, can you take a Cape Town trip to the next level by incorporating a safari? Yes, a safari near Cape Town is available – as long as you know where to go and understand the logistics.

There are many safaris close to Cape Town to choose from which can be included in your South Africa adventure. Safaris near Cape Town offer a variety of experiences – the one you choose will be dependent on a few factors.

How Far Do You Want to Travel from Cape Town?

Depending on which destination you have chosen for your safari, you could either opt for a lodge transfer or take a flight from Cape Town to your safari destination.

Safari Tours From Cape Town

If you’re looking for the closest safari to Cape Town, Gondwana Game Reserve and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve are two options for Big Five safaris, with Gondwana being just four hours away from the Mother City and Sanbona three and a half.

Being within short driving distance, a safari from Cape Town is completely doable – and you won’t even miss a day in transit! If you’re happy with going further afield, you could keep going to another province.

Gondwana Game Reserve is along the famous Garden Route, one of the most iconic drives in South Africa. If you keep going, you’ll end up in the Eastern Cape. Located here is Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Seen as an extension of the Garden Route, Shamwari is a malaria-free, family-friendly safari destination that is home to the Big Five. Travelling by road, the time from Cape Town to Shamwari is around nine to ten hours. However, with traffic and any potential road works, this could easily be longer. That’s why we recommend flying.

If you prefer, you can fly from Cape Town International Airport to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha. Upon arrival, you can be met and privately transferred by road to the game reserve.

Many of South Africa’s premier safari destinations are only a short flight from Cape Town. In the Greater Kruger Ecosystem, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to exclusive private conservancies. Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and MalaMala are all excellent choices for a safari from Cape Town to the northern reaches of the country.

Cape Town safari tours can begin in the Mother City with days spent enjoying beaches, the V&A Waterfront, world-class restaurants, and wine farms before hopping on a plane at Cape Town International.

For the second phase of your South African trip, you could land at either Skukuza Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. After landing, you’ll be whisked away to the private conservancy of your choice, along the way enjoying a game drive.

How To Choose a Safari Near Cape Town

When it comes to how to choose a safari close to Cape Town, there are a few factors to consider, namely when you’re travelling and what you want to experience.

When to Go on a Safari in Cape Town

Cape Town and the Western Cape in general experience different weather patterns compared to other parts of South Africa. This province has hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Whereas the Greater Kruger Ecosystem experiences wet, humid summers and dry winters.

So, Gondwana Private Game Reserve will get the most rainfall during the middle of the year in winter, whereas places like Sabi Sands will have the least amount of rainfall at this time.

Cape Town safari tours that stay in the province are fantastic during the summer months, from December to February. Not only will you get to enjoy Cape Town at its finest, but you could also experience magnificent animal sightings.

If you dream of heading to the Greater Kruger and having a Cape Town holiday, consider September, the start of spring. The weather is great for wildlife viewing, and there are more sunny days in Cape Town as the rainy season subsides. Tourist hotspots and safari lodges also aren’t too crowded at this time of the year.

What is the Best Safari Near Cape Town for You?

Are you planning a family safari, or are you dreaming of a romantic getaway? Perhaps you’re a photographer and want to embark on a photographic safari to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife of South Africa.

Do you want to see all members of the Big Five, or maybe you’re a birder itching to check off the vast amount of endemic and near-endemic species in the country? Perhaps you are keen to explore the vast semi-desert landscapes of the Karoo.

Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free destination well-loved for its family-friendly accommodations. However, it’s in the North West Province, so a flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg would need to be included in your itinerary. For a closer option, consider Gondwana or Shamwari.

In Sabi Sands, there are luxurious lodges ideal for honeymooners and couples looking for a secluded escape. If you’re a photographer, opt for a lodge with photographic hides for once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

And, whether you want to go birdwatching or visit a surreal desert, there are safaris near Cape Town that will be perfect for you.

Start Planning Your South Africa Trip

No matter what your ideal Cape Town, South Africa, safari is, a Discover Africa safari expert can help you plan your perfect getaway.

Going on a safari near Cape Town is completely possible during one South Africa holiday. Cape Town safari tours with Discover Africa can include days spent exploring the Mother City so that you can see exactly why it’s on so many top travel lists. Then, head to the wilderness to experience a different side of the country – one with magnificent wildlife and nature trails to explore.

Ready to start planning your Cape Town safari? Get in touch with a safari expert today or explore our range of Cape Town itineraries.