Big Five Safari Experience Near Cape Town ,South Africa
Description
This Big Five Safari from Cape Town offers the chance to experience a wildlife adventure just 2.5 hours (about 200 km) from the Cape Town city centre. Set within a private game reserve, guests can spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo, along with many other species in their natural surroundings. The tour includes comfortable round trip transfers and a halal buffet lunch served at the reserve’s main restaurant. With stunning scenery, friendly guides, and convenient access from the city, it’s one of the most popular Big Five safari day trips near Cape Town.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Cape Town or from a nearby meeting point at around 08:30 AM. Enjoy a comfortable drive of about 200 km from the city centre through scenic landscapes on your way to a private game reserve, home to the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife.
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a non-alcoholic refreshment before signing the short consent form. Then, head to the main restaurant for a full buffet lunch. All meals are halal, with no pork used, and there are vegetarian and dietary options available to suit every guest. After lunch, set off on an exciting 2.5 to 3hour safari drive in an open 4x4 vehicle, guided by an experienced ranger. Keep your camera ready for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards, as well as antelope, zebra, and many bird species along the way. For guests who prefer a more private experience, a dedicated vehicle can be arranged at an additional cost, just let us know when booking.
At the end of your Big Five safari adventure, relax and take in the views as we drive you back to Cape Town, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon around 18:00
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from your accommodation & hotel is possible when you are only booking and within 8 kms of the Capetown city center or Camps Bay. If your accommodation is beyond our 10 kms pick-up radius, please meet us at VIDA E CAFFÈ KLOOF STREET, located at ( Shop 1, Mooikloof, 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001. ) Our reservations team will send you the exact pick-up time and details after 6:00 pm, the day before the tour. Kindly monitor your email / WhatsApp or for your updates
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(15)
Our safari tour on May 9, 2026, was disappointing and uncomfortable for several reasons. When our driver, Danny, picked us up at the café meeting point, he arrived with a woman whom he never properly explained was part of the tour. At first, we assumed she was a coworker or business partner because she arrived with him and sat in the back of the van. Danny introduced her only as his "sister from another mother" and mentioned that she was American, but we were never told why she was traveling with us. Throughout the drive, Danny appeared very focused on her. There were multiple restroom stops before we even arrived at the safari, which made the trip feel unnecessarily long. During one stop, he became concerned because he thought he had lost track of her, even though she was already back in the vehicle. The most awkward moment occurred at check-in. When the safari staff asked how many people were in our party, we said five. Danny immediately said there were six people. This was the first indication that the woman was apparently joining the safari experience with us. We had never been informed that another participant would be accompanying our family, and it felt uncomfortable to have someone added to our group without any explanation. The food provided at the safari was also extremely cold and not enjoyable. Considering the cost of the excursion, we expected a much better dining experience. Unfortunately, the safari itself did not meet our expectations. We saw very few animals, and the rough ride over rocky terrain was uncomfortable enough that I injured my arm during the trip. Overall, the experience felt disorganized and awkward. The lack of communication regarding the additional participant, the repeated stops, the poor food quality, and the underwhelming safari made this tour a disappointment for our family.
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. We also appreciate your comments regarding the communication during the tour and will take them into consideration. However, we would like to clarify that your booking was for a **shared safari tour**, not a private tour. On the day, there were six guests in the vehicle, which is standard for this experience. Shared tours combine travelers from different bookings, and the additional participant was part of the confirmed group. The safari experience, including the restaurant and wildlife encounters, is managed by the private game reserve. As with all ethical wildlife experiences, animal sightings cannot be guaranteed, as the animals roam freely within the reserve. In addition, safari routes often involve uneven terrain, which is a normal part of the game drive experience. We regret that the meal and overall experience did not meet your expectations and appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve our service and communication. Thank you us.
This was a great experience. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals and the ranger’s lessons. I recommend
It was a beautiful experience and we had a great guide (Djiby). He was very informative, kind, and a great driver bringing us to the safari game reserve and back to our hotel with ease. And it was his first day! Highly recommend this tour and him as a guide.
Got to see the Big 5 as promised!!! Buffee was great. nice and fresh. Welcoming drinks were bice. Vehicle was vomfortable to see them in. Guide was knowledgeable about all the animals. Even saw a cobra snale!!
If you’re on a cruise ship, don’t use this company. You are 100% responsible to be at the pickup point. Even if ship is late.
Dear Mr. Michael Collins.. Your review lacks important context and fairness. While we understand your cruise ship was delayed by fog and customs, these circumstances are not our responsibility. Our shared group tours operate on fixed schedules, and it is clearly stated in our terms that all guests, including cruise passengers, must be at the designated pickup point on time. …. Despite your delay, we made every effort to assist. Our driver waited for over 2.5 hours at the port, received a R500 parking fine (which we paid for) and we still offered you a complimentary city tour, which you accepted and completed. Yet, you still chose to leave a one-star review. To be clear, we are not accountable for cruise other transportation related delays. Guests who are unsure of their arrival time should either communicate with us in advance to ensure they do not miss their tour or purchase travel insurance that covers such situations… TO OUR FUTURE GUESTS: We are a professional company that values time, effort, and fairness. We do our best to accommodate everyone. Please know that we are committed to offering exceptional service, transparency, and flexibility wherever possible. We urge cruise passengers to communicate any concerns early and consider tour options that best suit their schedule and risk tolerance. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we work hard to create unforgettable experiences even in challenging situations.. Warm regards,, Kelvin, Management, Real Africa Travel Tours.
Pick up service from our Airbnb, clean and comfortable transport. Our driver Elias was very nice and helpful. It’s a fair trip out but the scenery is great, watch out for crossing baboons! The Safari was good and we saw many animals however the Lions and lioness were a highlight for us. Our Safari guide was like a South African Crocodile Dundee, he was funny and highly knowledgeable, beware it is a bumpy ride in the reserve.
Superceded my expectations. The pick up and the service was excellent. Martin highlighted certain points if interest along the ride. The welcome at Aquila and lunch was excellent.
Was good experience to see 4 at least of the big 5. Only lion we did´nt see, but it was very good experience and my family enjoyid very much
I loved this tour! Tour guide, Reese, was very nice, patient and alot of fun. The two hour ride each way was also very comfortable. Thanks!
We booked this safari only to discover that it is the same as Aquila game reserve , and no mention what so ever it is the same ! Refund was refused because they said it is less than 24 hours, however it is okay not to provide full information for tourist ! What a treatment to tourist !
