South Africa is definitely an exciting travel destination that most dream of visiting. Seeing wild animals like lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes roaming around freely in their natural habitat is something not a lot of people can experience. When you go to Western Cape, you will get to have this adventure, plus more. From glistening beaches, family resorts, and surfing spots to picturesque mountain views and wellness retreats, Western Cape has it all. Visit Stellenbosch’s vineyards and enjoy South African wine. Go to Camps Bay and enjoy a day on the beach. Enjoy a scenic drive at Chapman’s Peak, or watch the sun go down at Table Mountain National Park. After taking in all of the province’s beauty, end your day in a safari lodge. Keep reading for a list of the best safari lodges in the Western Cape, South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 17, 2024.
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1. Kamagu Safari Lodge, Kleinstraat (from USD 610)
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.
Kamagu Safari Lodge
Address: Kleinstraat
90.01 km (56.0 mi) from Bontebok National Park
2. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Barrydale (from USD 584)
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.
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Address: Route 62 Between Montagu and Barrydale
35.49 km (22.1 mi) from Bontebok National Park
3. Gondwana Game Reserve, Kleinberg (from USD 775)
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.
Gondwana Game Reserve
Address: Gondwana Game Reserve Herbertsdale South Africa
132.85 km (82.6 mi) from Bontebok National Park
4. Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia (from USD 236)
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.
Garden Route Game Lodge
Address: N2, 5km after Albertinia
108.47 km (67.4 mi) from Bontebok National Park
5. Buff & Fellow Eco Cabins, George (from USD 140)
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.
Buff & Fellow Eco Cabins
Address: 226 Diepekloof, Ultreya Farm Grootbrak
168.62 km (104.8 mi) from Bontebok National Park
6. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Reebok (from USD 424)
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.
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Address: GONNAKRAAL ROAD, LITTLE BRAK RIVER
153.98 km (95.7 mi) from Bontebok National Park
7. Thali Thali Game Lodge, Langebaan (from USD 62)
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.
Thali Thali Game Lodge
Address: 2 km off the R27
243.37 km (151.3 mi) from Bontebok National Park
8. Ko Ka Tsara Bush Camp, Beaufort West (from USD 66)
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.
Ko Ka Tsara Bush Camp
Address: R381 Loxton Road
280.99 km (174.6 mi) from Bontebok National Park
9. African Game Lodge, Montagu (from USD 87)
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.
African Game Lodge
Address: Driekuilshoogte Pad
39.54 km (24.6 mi) from Bontebok National Park
10. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Lochlynne (from USD 156)
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!
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Address: R303, Koue Bokkeveld,
169.11 km (105.1 mi) from Bontebok National Park
11. Rooiberg Lodge, Van Wyksdorp (from USD 57)
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!
Rooiberg Lodge
Address: Portion 1 Plot 261
107.51 km (66.9 mi) from Bontebok National Park
12. L'Ermitage Quagga Lodge, Velddrif (from USD 147)
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.
Lermitage Quagga Lodge - Chalets Velddrif
Address: L'Ermitage Quagga Lodge Off R399 Road
250.16 km (155.5 mi) from Bontebok National Park
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.
Frequently asked questions about safari lodges in the Western Cape, South Africa
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