Cape Town is well-known for its beautiful coastal scenery and lively culture, but its wild side often goes unnoticed! Even though it’s far from Kruger National Park, you can still experience exciting Big 5 game drives and really get a taste of the South African bush life. Plus, the stunning nature reserves around Cape Town are home to fascinating native wildlife, from adorable penguins to charming dassies (rock hyrax). Let’s dive into some of Cape Town’s wildlife reserves that guarantee unforgettable adventure!
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Aquila Private Game Reserve 🐾
Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa is a family-friendly safari just two hours from Cape Town’s city centre. This massive wildlife conservancy offers game drives, a spa, child facilities, and an infinity pool. Aquila provides a genuine wildlife experience with pampered luxury, whether you’re looking for a fun day out or an overnight stay. Most safari-day packages include welcome drinks, buffet meals, and guided 4×4 game drives.
Fun fact: A wildlife reserve legally can only call itself a Big 5 reserve if the land homes all five animal species, including lions, African elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopards. And you can definitely see all five (and then some) at Aquila, alongside indigenous dassies, caracals and klipspringers! Some people don’t like “roughing it out” with hikes and camping, so this wildlife reserve is ideal for a fun-filled, luxurious, educational experience.
Address: R46, Touws River
Website:https://aquilasafari.com/
Contact: 021 430 7260
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens 🌸
While famous for its gorgeous indigenous flora, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is a haven for smaller native critters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 528 hectares of land that supports natural forest flora and fauna, such as birds, reptiles, frogs, and other animals. It is perfect for bird-watchers who want a breath of fresh air. Bring your binoculars and traverse the iconic Treetop Canopy Walkway, where you will get glimpses of African Dusk Flycatchers, sunbirds, sugarbirds and Egyptian Geese.
The best time to see the crawling critters is around dusk when they’re most active. During that time, you can see indigenous Cape grysbok (adorable antelopes), caracals, and Cape foxes. There are also amphibians and reptiles! At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, you can learn so much about the importance of the Cape Floristic Region’s biodiversity and also take some shots of the adorable animals.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Opening Hours: Friday to Wednesday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Website:https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Contact: 021 799 8783
Inverdoorn Game Reserve 🐘
Inverdoorn Game Reserve is a luxury safari escape in the Ceres Karoo located 2.5 hours outside Cape Town. This wildlife reserve’s signature Big 5 game drive is a highlight, allowing visitors to spend 2-3 hours exploring the Tankwa environment and observing many animals in their natural habitat. You can spot so many animals, from lounging lions to playful baby elephants! Inverdoorn provides a luxury Cape wildlife experience with complimentary refreshments, lunch and poolside relaxation.
The reserve has many activities, including a tour around their cheetah rehabilitation centre (including accommodation!). The Cheetah Educational Tour showcases the reserve’s dedication to wildlife conservation, and guests can get an up-close look at these spotted predators. Over and above that, you can take on their karoo horse trails, e-bike tours, spa treatments and picnic spots. This lovely private game reserve gives guests an experience with Cape wildlife unlike any other.
Address: R356, Sutherland Road, Breede River
Website:https://inverdoorn.com/
Contact: 021 422 0013
Cape Point Nature Reserve 🦌
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve extends from Signal Hill to Cape Point as part of the Table Mountain National Park. Although it technically isn’t a wildlife reserve, the native animals are well protected, and you can definitely see a few during your hikes and visits. Cape Point, the tip of the Cape Peninsula, is home to a variety of fynbos, over 250 species of birds, baboons and the Cape mountain zebra.
One of the most unique animals is the Bontebok, the rarest antelope in Southern Africa due to hunting practices nearly wiping them out. However, today, you can see their small herds on the coastal strip at Olifantsbos. The Cape Mountain zebras are also a highlight; they look a bit different from the savannah-based zebras you see on game drives and aren’t as territorial. Lastly, keep a lookout for the Chacma baboons and massive elands grazing at Cape Point!
Address: Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Website:https://www.sanparks.org/parks/cape-of-good-hope-cape-point
Contact: 021 780 9010
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve 🦏
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of the Western Cape’s premier safari destinations. It is located on the Klein Karoo wine route and is three hours from Cape Town. Here, you can experience the magic of the Little Karoo with diverse bushveld landscapes through nature walks, game drives, stargazing, and more! There are also seven recorded indigenous Khoisan rock art sites, which are preserved as a heritage treasure.
Their game drives are three hours of exploration through two different biomes. During these drives, you can see the Big 5, plus giraffes, hyenas, and our national animal, the springbok! Sanbona offers luxury accommodations ranging from cosy tented lodges to their historical manor! Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers a wonderful Cape wildlife experience coupled with luxurious facilities.
Address: R26, Montagu, Western Cape
Website:https://www.sanbona.com/
Contact: 021 010 0028
Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony 🐧
Boulder’s Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins, but did you know that this colony of penguins is one of the only few of its kind in the world? This beach is a Marine Protected Area and a wildlife sanctuary for these charming creatures. The boardwalks were designed to view the birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Cape Town’s marine life tours also offer other ways to observe the penguins in the water, such as kayaking alongside them!
Boulder’s Beach itself is also a perfect spot for beach day fun! The beach is ideal for children because the massive boulders shelter the cove from strong and dangerous currents. So you can bring your snorkelling gear and picnic baskets. However, if you’re just interested in penguins, a lovely visitor centre offers interesting information and fun facts about them!
Address: Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995
Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve 🐃
Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve is 1600 hectares of family-owned land offering unforgettable wildlife experiences. The reserve started out as a cattle farm home to a few ostriches and a small buck, but after wildfires, it was rebuilt with a focus on animal safety and conservation. Buffelsfontein is home to 4 of the Big 5, including lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. You can also see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and blue wildebeests.
There are multiple packages to experience the reserve’s wildlife. Pick between full-day and half-day game drives or their lovely bike & saddle option. You can cycle alongside Buffelsfontein’s giraffe and buck! This Cape Town wildlife reserve offers overnight accommodation in their quaint sleeper cottages, which include meals.
Address: R27, West Coast Road, Western Cape
Website:https://buffelsfontein.co.za/
Contact: 022 451 2824
De Hoop Nature Reserve 🐳
De Hoop Nature Reserve has one of Africa’s largest marine protected areas. The reserve is 34 thousand hectares of natural beauty, perfect for outdoorsy travellers. It has some of the best mountain biking trails in Cape Town and a few sizeable clear rock pools, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re hiking or simply taking a stroll, you should be on the lookout for bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, baboons, and mongoose.
You may even peek at the reserve’s shy caracals and leopards. However, one of the best wildlife experiences is the reserve’s Whale Trail. This 55-km hiking route offers coastal views and the potential to catch a glimpse of whales that visit Cape Town’s coast annually. De Hoop Nature Reserve is an adventurous outdoor experience where you’re spoilt for choice!
Address: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Potberg, Cape Town
Website:https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/de-hoop-nature-reserve
Contact: 028 542 114
!Khwa ttu Nature Reserve 🌾
Khwa ttu Nature Reserve is more than a nature reserve; it is a natural sanctuary and a tribute to Cape Town’s heritage. You can spot a variety of animals such as eland, springbok, zebra and ostriches. The reserve is predator-free, so you can hike, cycle and picnic without fear. Khwa ttu is a treat for birdwatchers because of its endemic bird species, including the Cape weaver and African fish eagle.
Khwa ttu is a tourist hotspot because of its San Heritage Centre, which showcases the deep history of Cape Town’s indigenous people. It offers one of Cape Town’s best historical tours with interactive exhibits and preserved historical artefacts. The area is also a great spot for camping! Khwa ttu Nature Reserve is a rare gem, giving guests a well-rounded experience for nature lovers, history buffs and outdoor adventurers.
Khwa ttu Nature Reserve, Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: Grootwater Farm, R27, Yzerfontein
Website:https://www.khwattu.org/
Contact: 022 492 2998
Cape Town has a ton of wildlife experiences, from luxury Big 5 safaris to its penguin-filled beaches. Each destination offers a memorable opportunity with Cape Town’s animals. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax on a 4×4 or cycle alongside our precious animals, these reserves will provide! Cape Town’s wildlife reserves show you a whole new world, so grab your binoculars and come along for the ride!
