Kruger National Park may be South Africa’s safari poster child but its lodges and surrounding private reserves can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to get to from Cape Town – plus they all require malaria precautions. The good news is that there are plenty of other options for safaris near Cape Town, all easily accessible and in malaria-free regions. Some can be reached by car in a couple of hours, others are a short flight away – but all rival Kruger in their beauty and diversity.
Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp and Explorer Camp
Overberg
If you are looking for a great Big Five safari near Cape Town, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Little Karoo, along Route 62, is the place to go. It’s one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned game reserves and at the Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp, you’ll find nine secluded tents set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and embraced by striking rock formations – a nod to the Khoi-San hunter-gatherers who once roamed this land. It’s an impressive setting, with five-star facilities to match – think outdoor showers, private decks with Jacuzzi and spa treatments. Then there are the activities, which include rock art excursions, boat safaris, stargazing, and of course game drives. Adventurous souls may also want to try the Sanbona Explorer Camp – the more basic, seasonal camp operates from October to April and offers guests an authentic walking experience that is as close to nature as you can get.
Bushmans Kloof
Cederberg
Located in the northern Cederberg Mountains, the serenely beautiful Bushmans Kloof is another beautiful option for a safari near Cape Town. A visit to one of its 130 Bushman rock art sites dating back an impressive 10,000 years is a must during your stay, as is a nature drive through this South African Natural Heritage site, which boasts an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna. Returning to the lodge you’ll be spoiled to the hilts with spa treatments, decadent afternoon teas and gourmet cuisine – Bushmans is in fact renowned for its rather magical outdoor dining experiences. If you want to impress your other half (or better yet, are ready to pop the all-important question), make sure to book a romantic private dinner at the secluded Kadoro cottage.
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Overberg
Forest Lodge is one of three accommodation options at the tranquil Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, overlooking the wide sweep of Walker Bay. Wind your way through an ancient Milkwood forest to get to one of 16 stand-alone brick-and-timber suites where the views are second to none. Whether you lounge in bed, take a bath, or refresh in the outdoor shower on your private deck, the ocean is omnipresent. It might not be the place for Big Five wildlife-watching, but the lodge offers a host of fabulous activities, including coastal and marine safaris, botanical 4×4 tours, horse riding and whale watching. In the evening, a world of flavour awaits in the restaurant with ingredients fresh from the onsite organic farm.
Morukuru Beach Lodge
Overberg
Hermanus may be South Africa’s most famous whale-watching spot, but it’s worth venturing further to the new and very off-the-grid Morukuru Beach Lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop is remote in the very best sense of the word; there are only a handful of luxury lodges, integrated perfectly into an isolated landscape marked by blindingly white sand dunes and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Visit between July and October and you’ll be able to see the migrating Southern Right whales putting on a bit of a show without even having to leave the lodge. Morukuru doesn’t offer a safari in the traditional sense but the whales, nature drives and other activities including sand boarding, marine walks and beach picnics more than hold their own, as do the five enormous suites, boasting a contemporary design with wow factor and awe-inspiring sea or dune views.
Further afield
The above camps are all fantastic options to drive out to from the Mother City but if you’re willing to travel just a little bit further, you’ll find your options expand tenfold! The below camps are all within short flying distance from Cape Town or can be built into a Garden Route road trip.
Shamwari Eagles Crag
Eastern Cape
Eagles Crag, one of seven lodges that form part of the Shamwari Game Reserve, is another of the easily accessible safaris near Cape Town. Nine glass and stone suites and a large main area are tucked away into a deep ravine, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding rock faces and soaring eagles. Twice-daily Big Five game drives, guided walks and the opportunity to see the region’s aloe and acacia plants are all part and parcel of a stay here. You can also delve into the area’s wildlife conservation thanks to various facilities at the reserve, including the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. For the ultimate relaxation, the spa awaits with various treatments, a hydro bath, sauna and steam bath.
Gorah Elephant Camp
Eastern Cape
Set within a 5,000-acre private concession in the Eastern Cape’s Addo Elephant National Park (make it part of your Garden Route itinerary or fly to Port Elizabeth), Gorah epitomises old-world glamour. Home to the densest population of elephants on the planet, you can watch the majestic mammals whilst sipping tea on the veranda of the stately manor house. If you do feel like venturing out to see the likes of lion, rhino and buffalo (as well as more elephant of course), hop on a game drive, walking safari or even a horse ride. Back at the lodge, the 11 tented suites will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the 1900s thanks to the sparkling crystal glasses, polished silver and white linen dotted around. And it’s all brought up to date with modern amenities – including the best showers we’ve ever had on safari!
Gondwana Kwena Lodge
Garden Route
As far as safaris near Cape Town are concerned, Gondwana is a great family-friendly option. Kwena Lodge is one of four accommodation options (the others including a tented eco camp and several private villas). A modern twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling, the 14 dome-shaped suites feature 180-degree views, amazing skylights for stargazing and clay pot fireplaces. The infinity pool at the main lodge makes for a refreshing dip and families will be kept entertained on enjoy thrilling game drives. Afterwards, Mum and Dad can head to the spa whilst the little ones are being entertained with the excellent Junior Rangers program. In the evening, everyone converges for a traditional braai at the boma.
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Eastern Cape
Located in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Great Fish River Lodge is a great way to end a Garden Route trip. The lodge itself is classic yet contemporary and set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named. The nine suites let nature flow in thanks to glass doors, outdoor showers and expansive viewing decks with private plunge pools. It’s still worth heading out into the wilderness though as game drives will surely reveal most members of the Big Five – and there’s options of walking safaris and (at an additional cost) tracking and darting expeditions with Rhino Conservation. Back at the lodge, recount the day’s experiences while feasting on African dishes in the boma under a starlit sky.
Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge
Tswalu Kalahari
Thanks to direct flights from Cape Town, a quick safari sojourn to the Tswalu Kalahari private game reserve is now entirely possible – and very worth the trip. A “green” desert, the huge reserve offers semi-arid grassland with open savannahs that are rich in a remarkable range of habitats and apart from big game (including the desert-adapted black rhino) you can also expect to see small mammals such as meerkat, aardvark and pangolin. As for accommodation, choose Tarkuni if you’re travelling in a group or en famille. The exclusive-use lodge offers the ultimate private bush experience with a mere five suites that come with a dedicated chef, private game viewing vehicle, guide and tracker. At the super-chic, designer den Motse Lodge, rooms can be booked individually, and there’s a beautiful sleep-out deck too, The Malori, if you fancy something special.
Samara Karoo Lodge
Eastern Cape
Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Samara Karoo Lodge is a lovingly renovated farmhouse in the Eastern Cape’s Karoo that combines colonial comforts and modern-day luxuries with a rustic and welcoming feel. The nine plush rooms come in various styles and sizes – choose from Lodge Suites within the main Homestead, standalone Karoo Suites, or the Sibella Suites that overlook a waterhole. Antiques, family heirlooms and vintage books make you feel as if you’re staying with a good friend rather than at a lodge and the candlelit, alfresco dinners are perfectly romantic and generally lovely. Samara is renowned for its children programme, but there is plenty for the adults to enjoy, including game drives, walking safaris, wilderness picnics and cheetah tracking – and a Milky Way Star Bed for a dreamy sleep-out experience.
