# Big Five safaris near Cape Town

## Where to see the Big Five near Cape Town, and whether to go for a day or stay overnight

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:46:44*
*Tags: Big 5 safari, Cape Town, safari tours, wildlife reserves, South Africa*

> See the Big Five near Cape Town at Aquila, Inverdoorn or Sanbona: drive times, day trips from $290 and overnight safaris from $500.

## Article

Big Five safaris near Cape Town

 The Big Five are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. You don't need to fly to Kruger to see them: a few private reserves within two to three hours of Cape Town have all five, and they are malaria-free. They are smaller than Kruger, so a game drive covers more of the reserve, but leopards are shy and seen less often.

 The main reserves

 Aquila Private Game Reserve

 Aquila is the closest Big Five reserve to Cape Town, about two hours away in the Karoo. You can visit on a day trip or stay overnight in the lodge. Our Aquila day safari costs from $290 including transport, park fees and lunch. For more time in the bush, our 2-night all-inclusive Aquila safari costs from $500.

 Inverdoorn Game Reserve

 Inverdoorn is about 2.5 hours from Cape Town, near Ceres, and also runs a cheetah rehabilitation programme. Our 4-day Cape Town package with a night at Inverdoorn combines city sightseeing with day and night game drives.

 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

 Sanbona, in the Little Karoo about 3 to 3.5 hours away, is a large, quiet reserve with luxury lodges, best for a stay of two nights or more. We offer private transfers.

 On the Garden Route

 If you are driving the Garden Route, Gondwana and Botlierskop near Mossel Bay are also Big Five reserves. See our 2-night Gondwana safari and our 2-day small-group Garden Route safari.

 Day trip or overnight?

 A day trip gives you one game drive of about three hours and lunch, and you are back in Cape Town by evening. An overnight stay adds a sunset drive and an early-morning drive, when animals are most active, so you have a better chance of seeing all five.

 For a comparison of all the reserves within reach of Cape Town, see our guide to safari day trips from Cape Town, or our other travel guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 When is the best time for a safari near Cape Town?

 From May to September the Karoo bush is thin and the days are cool, so animals are easier to spot. Cape Town itself is wet in winter, but the Karoo stays fairly dry. Summer is hot, so drives start early.

 What should I wear?

 Neutral colours, long trousers, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.

 Is it safe?

 Yes. Stay in the vehicle during game drives and follow your ranger's instructions. The reserves are fenced and the rangers are trained.

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