12 Best Safari Lodges In The Western Cape, South Africa - Updated 2024

1. Kamagu Safari Lodge, Kleinstraat (from USD 719)

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Resting on a 12355.26 acre (5000.00 hectares) game reserve, this lodge is 167.7 km away from Cape Town. What was once a hunting farm now stands transformed into a lavish safari game lodge in the heart of the Karoo.

The luxury accommodations are best suited for a large pack of friends and family and can comfortably host up to nine adults and eight kids. Children can sleep peacefully on the bunk beds while there are full beds for the adults. Guests can hang out in the game room and play billiards.

The large swimming pool offers that much-needed rejuvenation with a refreshing dip. A braai lets you grill barbeques while enjoying bonfire evenings around the fire pit. Guests can try their luck and reel in catches of fish in the nearby fishing pond. A safari trip can be enjoyed at the nearby Aquila Private Game Reserve.

2. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Barrydale (from USD 872)

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This 5-star wildlife reserve spans a whopping 1,43,320.99 acres (58,000.00 hectares) and is located on the land that forms Warmwaterberg Forest Reserve leading towards the Anysberg Nature Reserve. These luxury lodges were created over the past years to promote tourism in the area.

Catering to the needs of every kind of traveler, the lodges range from family accommodations and solo to romantic and business-class. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and plains from the rooms.

Among many other amenities, guests can rejuvenate with holistic treatments in one of the therapy rooms. Should you decide to hop out into the wilderness, there is an array of hiking trails waiting for you to discover. You can opt for their flora and fauna experience and witness the magnificence of the Succulent Karoo. You might even spot brown hyenas during one of the nature drives.

3. Gondwana Game Reserve, Kleinberg (from USD 403)

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Gondwana Game Reserve provides accommodations in a luxury safari in the Western Cape and is located on Garden Route. This means the lodging is right in the heart of the safari, where you can easily see the Big Five — lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard. If you want to experience staying at a traditional circular dwelling, choose the reserve’s Kwena lodge. Its large windows offer a 180-degree view of the outdoors, and at night, you can gaze up at the sky and enjoy the sight of bright, glimmering stars. Those who want to further immerse in the safari vibe may stay at the tented eco-camp that comes with five bedrooms; it is great for a big group.

4. Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia (from USD 458)

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Experience luxury while being close to nature by staying at this family-owned private game lodge in the Western Cape. From Cape Town, the three-and-a-half-hour drive wouldn’t seem enough because of the jaw-dropping views along the way. Garden Route Game Lodge in Albertinia prides itself on being home to abundant wildlife, which you can view in one of its four safaris.

On top of that, it offers gorgeous suites, some with a plunge pool. Guests can meet fellow travelers as they dine by the fireplace at the lodge’s restaurant. The reserve also has a lovely outdoor pool, with a magnificent view of the surrounding greenery.

5. Buff & Fellow Eco Cabins, George (from USD 113)

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Located 7.6 km (4.8 mi) from George Airport, this beautiful lodging puts you just in the perfect spot where you can easily see wildlife. It features cabins with a hot tub so you can enjoy refreshing soaks while watching rhinos and buffalos walk around the property’s fields. Buff & Fellow Eco Cabins have six gorgeously designed accommodations that are perfect for nature lovers. Each cabin has either a lake or mountain view. To kick-start your South African adventure, the lodging provides guests with a starter pack. This includes a JBL Bluetooth speaker, a box of games, emergency lights, and a fishing gear.

6. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Reebok (from USD 379)

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This Western Cape safari lodge is a treat for those looking for an authentic South African experience, with a hint of luxury. Like other game reserves, it is situated between Mossel Bay and George from where you can see wildlife like zebra, giraffe, and hippo. It offers colonial-style tents and country-style suites and rooms, with uninterrupted views of the river or the mountains.

Out of all the room types, the tented suites are undoubtedly the most impressive. They are kitted out with an outdoor shower and a private wooden deck from where you can spot the animals. In addition, an outdoor pool, a spa, a sun terrace, game drives, safaris, and bush walks are also on offer.

7. Thali Thali Game Lodge, Langebaan (from USD 59)

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Ever seen an oryx, eland, zebra, or springbok? If you haven’t, it is time to visit this safari accommodation in the Western Cape. Apart from the freely roaming wild animals, Thali Thali Game Lodge boasts rich flora as well. It’s the best place to view Cape buffalo, ostrich, fallow deer, and exotic trees and shrubs.

The reserve is great for families with kids as it offers fun activities like archery lessons at an additional cost. This property also has an outdoor pool to relax in, and a restaurant serving local and international fare. A one-hour drive will take you to Cape Town, which is filled with man-made and natural attractions.

8. Ko Ka Tsara Bush Camp, Beaufort West (from USD 63)

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This affordable game lodge in the Western Cape is located in the town of Beaufort West and offers nine gorgeous A-frame chalets and two spacious luxury chalets. The luxury chalets have an open plan space with a fully equipped modern kitchen, plus a private patio. The A-frame chalets, on the other hand, are so spacious that they can accommodate four beds in one unit. Moreover, you can spot giraffes, klipspringer, gemsbuck, and other wildlife around your accommodation at night! The camp offers the best of both worlds as it puts you right at Nuweveld Mountains of the Great Karoo, and offers modern conveniences such as free wifi and parking as well.

This property is one of the dog- and pet-friendly accommodations in the Western Cape.

9. African Game Lodge, Montagu (from USD 84)

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The spectacular view of the Langeberg Mountains alone is enough to convince anyone to visit African Game Lodge. But the property’s homey chalets and luxury tents give you more reason to stay. Each chalet has a fireplace and a braai area, perfect for grilling on a nice African night. The luxury tents, on the other hand, put you close to the wildlife while allowing you to enjoy comfortable amenities. Occasionally, you can spot an oryx, klipspringer, or a wildebeest passing by.

These tents have a queen-size bed with luxury linens, a bathroom, and a kitchen that is great for preparing small meals.

10. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Lochlynne (from USD 230)

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Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve may be one of the most unique places to stay in the Kouebokkeveld Mountains. The property has open-air suites that make the picturesque sky the ceiling. The cave suites are rooms with man-made walls carved like rock formations, blending well with the natural formations outside. Without cell reception, these accommodations offer maximum relaxation, away from all the stress of modern living. But if you need wifi connectivity, simply visit the reserve’s restaurant, bar, or reception area.

You can also take guided excursions or quad bike adventures to explore the area and witness its rich wildlife!

11. Rooiberg Lodge, Van Wyksdorp (from USD 60)

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Enjoy a private getaway at this beautiful accommodation in Assegaay Nature Reserve tucked away from the crowd. If you’re coming with a big family or group, the best option is to stay at the Manor House with several luxurious rooms. It has access to a pool, a large kitchen area, and an entertainment area. If you’re traveling with one to three people, staying at the chalet that provides gorgeous mountain views is your best bet. But if you’re the adventurous type, tent pitching is also an option at the lodge’s campsite.

Rooiberg Lodge also has a restaurant and a bar offering a menu inspired by Klein Karoo flavors. What’s more, the property also offers birding and nature drives to explore the untouched fauna of the area!

12. L'Ermitage Quagga Lodge, Velddrif (from USD 166)

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If you want accommodation close to the Berg River, L'Ermitage Quagga Lodge is the right choice for you. If you’re a zebra lover, all the more reason to stay here. The lodge is home to 40 quaggas or South African zebras, said to have been rebred out of extinction.

The property also has spacious chalets designed with large windows that offer a beautiful view of the Berg River. Each chalet has a modern kitchen, perfect for preparing a great meal after a day filled with an exciting safari adventure.

Explore the wildlife-roamed hinterlands of South Africa

Western Cape has truly been blessed with natural beauty and going to this place even once in a lifetime is something no one should miss. One of the unique experiences you can have here is seeing exotic animals and staying at the best safari lodges in Western Cape, South Africa.