Western Cape Safaris

Safaris within driving distance of Cape Town

Western Cape Safaris

A safari in the Western Cape of South Africa offers several advantages, making it an ideal addition to a Cape Town or Garden Route itinerary. The following private game reserves in the area provide excellent opportunities to see iconic wildlife, including lions, giraffe, African buffalo, and hippo, all without the need for anti-malaria precautions. The Western Cape also offers easy accessibility from major cities like Cape Town, allowing guests to combine a world-class safari with the region’s other attractions. Each of these reserves has been personally selected to ensure an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Sanbona, one of South Africa’s largest private nature reserves, spans 62,000 hectares in the Little Karoo, just 3.5 hours from Cape Town along Route 62.

Owned by a non-profit focused on conservation, Sanbona is dedicated to protecting two biodiversity hotspots, offering an authentic safari experience that balances critical ecosystems and endangered wildlife and flora.

With unique accommodation options, guests can explore vast open plains, rugged mountains featuring San rock art, diverse plant life, and iconic South African wildlife, making for an immersive and transformative nature experience.

Dwyka Tented Camp

Dwyka Tented Lodge offers an opulent and romantic experience, nestled amidst stunning rock formations in a dry Karoo ravine. The lodge features spacious lounge and dining areas with modern decor and wooden decks that enhance the beautiful surroundings, as well as a boma for dining under the stars. Each of the nine luxury tents provides privacy and comfort, complete with en-suite bathrooms and private decks featuring heated plunge pools, embodying the spirit of a romantic wilderness adventure.

Closest airport: Cape Town: +/- 4 hours’ drive (transfers can be arranged)
Perfect for: Couples & honeymoon
Budget: From R 9890 per person per night
Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge
Exclusivity: Small lodge: 9 suites; 6 guests maximum per game drive

Gondwana Family Lodge

Gondwana Family Lodge provides a serene retreat with stunning views of the Anysberg Mountains and Bellair Dam, making it ideal for families, friends, and groups. The spacious thatched lodge combines modern comfort with a touch of bush charm. It features interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a child-friendly pool, ensuring fun for guests of all ages. Additionally, the lodge offers educational and recreational wildlife experiences. To unwind after an active day, guests can enjoy a Relaxation Retreat with a variety of therapies and treatments, including a steam room for a soothing experience.

Closest airport: Cape Town: +/- 4 hours’ drive (transfers can be arranged)
Perfect for: Groups and families (children of all ages welcome)
Budget: From R 8790 per person per night
Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge
Exclusivity: Medium lodge: 12 Suites

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Gondwana Private Game Reserve is a vast and diverse wildlife sanctuary located along South Africa’s Garden Route, near Mossel Bay.

Spanning over 11,000 hectares, the reserve is home to a variety of ecosystems and offers an array of accommodations, including luxury lodges and villas designed to provide comfort and privacy. Guests can enjoy thrilling safari experiences to view the Big Five, as well as explore the unique fynbos vegetation and stunning landscapes.

With a strong commitment to conservation, Gondwana aims to protect the region’s biodiversity while offering immersive experiences that connect visitors with nature.

Kwena Lodge Villas

Kwena Lodge Villas offers seven exclusive three- and four-bedroom villas, perfect for families or groups of friends. Located near the main lodge, each villa provides complete privacy and generous space. The open-plan layout integrates a comfortable lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area, making it ideal for group gatherings. The highlight of each villa is the spacious wraparound deck, which offers stunning views of the valley and mountains, creating a serene and scenic retreat in the heart of nature.

Closest airport: George: +/- 1 hour drive (transfers can be arranged)

Perfect for: Groups and families (children age 12 and above welcome)

Budget: From R 8400 per person per night

Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge

Exclusivity: Small lodge: 3-4 suites per villa

Kwena Lodge Suites

The Kwena Suites feature unique dome-shaped, thatched structures inspired by the ancient, nomadic homes of the San tribes. Each suite offers a cozy lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious bathrooms are designed for indulgence, complete with a deep soaking tub beside a scenic window, double basins, a rain shower, and a separate toilet. Outside, a shaded deck provides the perfect spot to relax while taking in stunning views of two waterholes and the majestic surrounding mountains.

Closest airport: George: +/- 1 hour drive (transfers can be arranged)
Perfect for: Couples, individuals & families (children age 12 and above welcome)
Budget: From R 8400 per person per night
Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge
Exclusivity: Medium lodge: 14 suites; 6 guests maximum per game drive

Ulubisi House

Gondwana’s exclusive-use Ulubisi House offers exclusive luxury with family and friends. This 3-bedroom private safari villa offers great views over the surrounding grassy plains and Outeniqua Mountains. The lodge come with a private chef, ranger and dedicated host.

Closest airport: George: +/- 1 hour drive (transfers can be arranged)
Perfect for: Small groups and families (children of all ages welcome)
Budget: From R 68700 (exclusive use for 4 adults and 4 children or 6 adults)
Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge
Exclusivity: Small lodge: 3 suites, exclusive use only; private game viewer & ranger

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How do I get to these lodges?

If you’d like to add a safari after our 6-Day Garden Route group tour, we can organize private transfers from a convenient meeting point to any of these lodges. We can also include them in our bespoke private tour packages, or simply arrange transfers as a separate booking.

For fly-in safaris, Gondwana can be reached by flying into George Airport. We’ll arrange a transfer from the airport to the lodge, which is about a 1-1.5 hour drive West of George. Airlink and FlySafair offer daily scheduled flights between Cape Town, Johannesburg, and George Airport.

What are our ratings?

These lodges are mostly 4 or 5-star graded, but some lodges choose not to be star graded. It can be difficult to understand the level of the lodge and experience, especially since they are so unique. We have therefore rated lodges according to personal experience, to help our guests choose the level that suits them best.

Rustic: No star rating or 3 star (basic & rustic lodges)
Classic: No star rating or 4 star
Luxury: 5 star
Superior Luxury: 5 star +
Premium: 5 star ++

What is the daily schedule like whilst on safari in the Western Cape?

This schedule varies by season and by lodge, but a general idea of what to expect is:

Arrival day:

13:00: arrival at the lodge

13:30: lunch served

15:00: high tea and snacks; time to meet your ranger

15:30: depart on afternoon game drive

19:00: return from game drive, and dinner served

Following day:

5:00: wakeup call

5:15: Coffee/tea and greet your ranger

5:30: depart on morning game drive

9:00: return from morning game drive; breakfast served

9:30: time to relax and enjoy the lodge

Continue with lunch and afternoon schedule, or check out of lodge at 10:00 on departure day

We always recommend a minimum two-night safari booking, to allow yourself the best chance to see wildlife. As the animals are in their natural environment, there are no guarantees you will see all the animals on one game drive; staying for two nights gives time to go on four game drives, giving you good opportunities for diverse wildlife sightings.

Western Cape Safaris

Safaris within driving distance of Cape Town