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Cape Safari Park

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Cape Safari Park is a walk-thru zoo featuring animals from alligators to zebras. You can get up-close and personal with more than 50 species of exotic animals in the main barn, petting zoo and zoo grounds.

Visit the Parakeet Jungle Exhibit and get cheek to beak with a parakeet! Mine for gemstones, minerals and fossils at the Gemstone Mine. Play on the playground at Safari Playground. Facilities also include: benches for animal watching; a gift shop; a picnic shelter; and a snack shack. Have a picnic alongside our animal friends.

Open daily June, July and August; open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only March-May and September-October. Group tours and private parties are available daily with reservations.

Located five minutes north of Cape Girardeau. Come experience a wild adventure at Cape Safari Park as you — Take a Walk on the Wild Side.

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off the beaten safari track

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Any reference to South Africa’s Cape region is almost guaranteed to bring to mind the famous mountains, glorious coastlines, and spectacular seaside scenery (also wine for the oenophiles). Yet inland from the sandy beaches and coastal forests lies a mosaic of fascinating habitats and protected spaces offering unique wildlife viewing. While South Africa’s safari circuit is dominated mainly by reserves in the northern and eastern parts of the country, the Cape safari experience is fundamentally different but equally enthralling.

The Cape nature experience – the Western and Eastern Cape

In the previous stories of our Cape series, we focussed in greater detail on the wonders of Cape Town and the Garden Route , including the natural marvels in and around these areas. This third instalment zooms in on the various wilderness areas in the greater Cape region – specifically within the Western and Eastern Cape. These two adjacent provinces make up the south-western corner of South Africa.  Together they encompass the entire Cape Floristic biome and most of the Karoo ecosystems right up to the transition with the grasslands of the Lesotho Highlands. Away from the lush greenery fed by temperate ocean climates and sheltered by a network of mountains, the landscape becomes progressively more arid and sparse, giving way to the almost Martian scenery of the Great Karoo.

It is important to note at the outset that while this story focuses on the more “traditional” safari experience complete with iconic, large wildlife, the entire inland Cape region is a paradise for the enthusiastic naturalist. From ancient fossils to rock art and dramatic landscapes to intriguing critters in unusual settings, the variety of habitats and animals on offer are guaranteed to captivate and delight.

For the most part, the Cape safari experience is an exclusive one, based around vast swathes of privately-owned wilderness areas peppered with a combination of basic and high-end lodges. For those more accustomed to the conventional savanna setting, there is something vaguely incongruous about the sight of an elephant against the austere backdrop of mountains and sparse karoo vegetation or the Indian Ocean in the background.  Yet, there was a time when the ‘Big 5’ (and many other species) roamed throughout the entire Cape region. Over centuries, they have been driven to the verge of extinction by human encroachment, unsustainable hunting practices and human-wildlife conflict. Fortunately, many of the private reserves of the Cape now boast an impressive conservation record and have served a pivotal role in restoring the magnificent creatures of the Cape to their rightful home. As a malaria-free destination, this is also one of the best safari options for families travelling with children.

Eastern Cape – the greater Addo ecosystem

Addo Elephant National Park

As South Africa’s third-largest national park, Addo Elephant National Park covers 1,640km² (164,000 hectares) of Eastern Cape bushveld not far from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Recent years have seen the park expanding to include the Woody Cape Nature Reserve, the Alexandria dune field and a marine portion extending to St. Croix Island and Bird Island. This expansion made Addo the only place in Africa where visitors can see the ‘Big 7’ – the ‘Big 5’ plus dolphins and whales.

As the name suggests, Addo is famous for its elephants. By the early 20th century, nearly every elephant in the Southern Cape had been slaughtered. Addo was established to safeguard the remaining few, then numbering fewer than thirty. Today, Addo is home to well over 600 elephants. Interestingly, nearly all females are tuskless, and bulls have been brought in from other areas to improve the population’s genetic diversity.

Elephants aside, Addo covers five of the country’s eight vegetation zones (Albany thicket, fynbos, Nama karoo, forest, and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt), and the biodiversity is staggering. Not only do the remaining ‘Big 5’ find sanctuary here, but a host of other creatures too. This list includes a flightless dung beetle that is of particular interest to those with an eye for the smaller, fascinating creatures of the region.

With its exceptional variety and fantastic elephant sightings, Addo is an essential stop for any Cape safari.

Amakhala Game Reserve

The 85km² (8,500 hectares) Amakhala Game Reserve features all of the scenic beauty and wildlife magnificence of Addo, with the added advantage that access is exclusively granted to guests of the various lodges. With awe-inspiring views, relaxed wildlife and a variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets, Amakhala epitomises the appeal of the Eastern Cape safari adventure.

Kariega Private Game Reserve

Another major destination on the Eastern Cape safari circuit, Kariega Private Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated 100km² (10,000 hectares) reserve. It is ideally positioned between the Bushman’s and Kariega Rivers, not far from the Sunshine Coast, and boasts a diverse range of habitats and glorious vistas.

The lush rolling hills are home to the ‘Big 5’, antelopes and myriad bird species. Visitors can opt to complement the traditional game drives with boat cruises and walking trails. Of particular interest to many of Kariega’s guests is Thandi – a white rhino cow that survived a brutal poaching attempt in 2012. Despite horrific injuries, Thandi went on to make a full recovery and, to date, has given birth to four calves (and has one grand calf).

Lalibela Game Reserve

Recently rejuvenated, Lalibela Game Reserve offers an exclusive bush experience not far from Addo Elephant National Park. The reserve is 100km2 (10,000 hectares), and access is exclusive to guests of the lodges. Lalibela shares a similar setting with Addo, with the added advantage that there are substantial areas of open savanna grassland where herds of zebra, red hartebeest, wildebeest and blesbok congregate.

As is the case for many of the reserves in the area, Lalibela is a vital habitat for South Africa’s national bird, the striking and endangered blue crane.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

A private reserve with a proud record of rehabilitation from farmland to restored wilderness, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve straddles the Great Fish River and covers a total area of 580km² (58,000 hectares). This region of the Eastern Cape is topographically dramatic, picturesque and boasts high levels of biodiversity.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is probably one of the best-known private reserves in the Cape region and one of the most upmarket on this list. Offering the quintessential safari experience (and checklist), this 250km² (25,000 hectares) award-winning reserve has an impressive conservation record. Situated just 75km from Gqeberha, it shares many habitat similarities with Addo Elephant National Park. It is also home to the ‘Big 5’ and cheetah, with the added bonus of regular and reliable leopard sightings.

The reserve is also home to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, which is open for tourists to visit for an educational experience. No interaction with the animals is permitted, and the end goal is to release the animals back into the wild whenever possible.

Eastern Cape – Karoo safaris

Camdeboo National Park

Wrapped around the quaint town of Graaff-Reinet is the 194km² (19,400 hectares) Camdeboo National Park in the heart of the Karoo. The gorgeous scenery, with ancient dolerite columns looking out over the Valley of Desolation, is the main attraction here. Don’t be fooled by the name because arid though the area may be, it still teems with life. Shy buffalo are the only representatives of the ‘Big 5’, and antelope and zebra abound, as do endlessly entertaining meerkats that call the park home.

However, the Camdeboo experience is mainly about escaping into nature and revelling in the scenery on display, as the shifting clouds and setting sun transforms the rocks through myriad shades of red.

Samara Karoo Reserve

After a couple of days spent enjoying the surroundings of Camdeboo, visitors with a hankering for a safari experience can travel to nearby Samara Karoo Reserve. Gradually assembled from a total of 11 farms, Samara is restoring a patch of wilderness and bringing wildlife back. The reserve now covers 283km² (28,300 hectares) in the Great Karoo, treating visitors to fantastic wildlife sightings and glorious views.

Even at its busiest, Samara only allows for a limited number of guests, making the experience extremely exclusive. Guests can expect sightings of white and black rhinos, elephants, lions, and herds of springbok, but tracking cheetah on foot is one of the reserve’s particular highlights.

For more on Samara’s restoration, see Samara-Rewilding the Great Karoo

Mountain Zebra National Park

Situated further inland near the town of Cradock, Mountain Zebra National Park was initially established to save the Cape mountain zebra – a subspecies of mountain zebra that was threatened with extinction during the early 20th century. It straddles the transition between Nama Karoo, Albany thicket and the grassland habitats of the central plateau. The park now extends over 284km² (28,400 hectares) and is a population stronghold for the still vulnerable Cape mountain zebras, which at last count numbered around 700. Small herds are regularly relocated to other reserves to restore this zebra to its former range.

In addition to the park’s namesake animal, further introductions have seen the arrival of black rhinos, cheetahs, brown hyenas and lions that now roam the craggy hills of the park. Away from the scrublands of the Karoo, Mountain Zebra is primarily grassland and open savanna, offering unimpeded views of the wildlife, including herds of springbok, black wildebeest, and gemsbok. In the long term, there are plans to link Mountain Zebra with Camdeboo, creating a massive conservation area.

Western Cape Safaris

Gondwana Game Reserve

Situated along Garden Route not far from Mossel Bay, the 110km² (11,000 hectares) Gondwana Game Reserve was the first of its kind in the southern Cape region and is a fully free-roaming ‘Big 5’ region in the Western Cape. Once used for livestock farming, the land is being restored, and today wildlife abounds. Crucially, Gondwana boasts large areas of fynbos, many species of which are either endangered or critically endangered. In addition to the Big 5, cheetahs stalk through the fynbos and the reserve is also populated by herds of eland, bontebok, giraffe, and zebra.

Against the backdrop of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains, visitors can explore on a game drive, mountain bike or hike on foot with a guide. The particularly adventurous can set off on a three-night trek through the reserve with overnight stays at fly camps along the route.

Karoo National Park

The state-run Karoo National Park covers 750km² (75,000 hectares) of arid and inhospitable-looking Great Karoo terrain. A portion of South Africa’s Great Escarpment (a prominent topographical massif that runs almost the entire width of the country) divides the park into lower and upper sections.

Originally known simply as a convenient stopover for people travelling to or from Cape Town, Karoo National Park has evolved to become the perfect escape for those looking to detox from city life without having to pay ultra-luxury prices. Harsh though the environment may seem, the park has gone from conservation strength to strength. It is now home to black rhinos and lions and an assortment of other rare and critically endangered creatures like the Cape mountain zebra and the riverine rabbit (one of the most endangered mammals in the world). Verreaux’s eagles nest on the dramatic cliff faces, and a small herd of Rau Quagga (a form of plains zebra back-bred to resemble the extinct quagga) was recently introduced to the reserve.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

In the heart of the Klein Karoo, at the base of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, lies the 580km² (58,000 hectares) Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned reserves. Like the rest of the Karoo, ancient and more recent history is everywhere, including San rock art over 3,500 years old beneath rocky overhangs overlooking breath-taking views. Like many of the other reserves in the Cape area, Sanbona was once farmland, but intensive rehabilitation has restored the land to its former glory, as evidenced by the flourishing wildlife.

The’ Big 5′ are all present, as are cheetahs and brown hyenas, and sightings are made more impressive by the backdrop of magnificent scenery. From guided walks to boat safaris and stargazing to curated children’s programmes, Sanbona has something to offer everyone.

Want to go on a Cape safari? To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team to arrange your safari, scroll down to after this story.

The Cape safari experience offers adventures that are refreshingly different to the more renowned safari destinations elsewhere in Africa. The weather is generally good throughout the year (though the reserves can get very cold during winter), and the scenery is alluring and presents the perfect backdrop for diverse wildlife sightings. The wilderness areas are easily accessible and malaria-free, and the entire safari can be easily combined with a tour of the Garden Route, Winelands or Cape Town.

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Top 10 safaris near Cape Town

Kruger National Park may be South Africa’s safari poster child but its lodges and surrounding private reserves can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to get to from Cape Town – plus they all require malaria precautions. The good news is that there are plenty of other options for safaris near Cape Town, all easily accessible and in malaria-free regions. Some can be reached by car in a couple of hours, others are a short flight away – but all rival Kruger in their beauty and diversity.

Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp and Explorer Camp

If you are looking for a great Big Five safari near Cape Town, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Little Karoo, along Route 62, is the place to go. It’s one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned game reserves and at the Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp , you’ll find nine secluded tents set in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and embraced by striking rock formations – a nod to the Khoi-San hunter-gatherers who once roamed this land. It’s an impressive setting, with five-star facilities to match – think outdoor showers, private decks with Jacuzzi and spa treatments. Then there are the activities, which include rock art excursions, boat safaris, stargazing, and of course game drives. Adventurous souls may also want to try the Sanbona Explorer Camp – the more basic, seasonal camp operates from October to April and offers guests an authentic walking experience that is as close to nature as you can get.

Bushmans Kloof

Located in the northern Cederberg Mountains , the serenely beautiful Bushmans Kloof is another beautiful option for a safari near Cape Town. A visit to one of its 130 Bushman rock art sites dating back an impressive 10,000 years is a must during your stay, as is a nature drive through this South African Natural Heritage site, which boasts an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna. Returning to the lodge you’ll be spoiled to the hilts with spa treatments, decadent afternoon teas and gourmet cuisine – Bushmans is in fact renowned for its rather magical outdoor dining experiences. If you want to impress your other half (or better yet, are ready to pop the all-important question), make sure to book a romantic private dinner at the secluded Kadoro cottage.

Grootbos Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge is one of three accommodation options at the tranquil Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, overlooking the wide sweep of Walker Bay. Wind your way through an ancient Milkwood forest to get to one of 16 stand-alone brick-and-timber suites where the views are second to none. Whether you lounge in bed, take a bath, or refresh in the outdoor shower on your private deck, the ocean is omnipresent. It might not be the place for Big Five wildlife-watching, but the lodge offers a host of fabulous activities, including coastal and marine safaris, botanical 4×4 tours, horse riding and whale watching. In the evening, a world of flavour awaits in the restaurant with ingredients fresh from the onsite organic farm.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Hermanus may be South Africa’s most famous whale-watching spot, but it’s worth venturing further to the new and very off-the-grid Morukuru Beach Lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop is remote in the very best sense of the word; there are only a handful of luxury lodges, integrated perfectly into an isolated landscape marked by blindingly white sand dunes and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Visit between July and October and you’ll be able to see the migrating Southern Right whales putting on a bit of a show without even having to leave the lodge. Morukuru doesn’t offer a safari in the traditional sense but the whales, nature drives and other activities including sand boarding, marine walks and beach picnics more than hold their own, as do the five enormous suites, boasting a contemporary design with wow factor and awe-inspiring sea or dune views.

Further afield

The above camps are all fantastic options to drive out to from the Mother City but if you’re willing to travel just a little bit further, you’ll find your options expand tenfold! The below camps are all within short flying distance from Cape Town or can be built into a Garden Route road trip.

Shamwari Eagles Crag

Eastern Cape

Eagles Crag , one of seven lodges that form part of the Shamwari Game Reserve , is another of the easily accessible safaris near Cape Town. Nine glass and stone suites and a large main area are tucked away into a deep ravine, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding rock faces and soaring eagles. Twice-daily Big Five game drives, guided walks and the opportunity to see the region’s aloe and acacia plants are all part and parcel of a stay here. You can also delve into the area’s wildlife conservation thanks to various facilities at the reserve, including the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. For the ultimate relaxation, the spa awaits with various treatments, a hydro bath, sauna and steam bath.

Gorah Elephant Camp

Set within a 5,000-acre private concession in the Eastern Cape’s Addo Elephant National Park (make it part of your Garden Route itinerary or fly to Port Elizabeth), Gorah epitomises old-world glamour. Home to the densest population of elephants on the planet, you can watch the majestic mammals whilst sipping tea on the veranda of the stately manor house. If you do feel like venturing out to see the likes of lion, rhino and buffalo (as well as more elephant of course), hop on a game drive, walking safari or even a horse ride. Back at the lodge, the 11 tented suites will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the 1900s thanks to the sparkling crystal glasses, polished silver and white linen dotted around. And it’s all brought up to date with modern amenities – including the best showers we’ve ever had on safari!

Gondwana Kwena Lodge

Garden Route

As far as safaris near Cape Town are concerned, Gondwana is a great family-friendly option. Kwena Lodge  is one of four accommodation options (the others including a tented eco camp and several private villas). A modern twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling, the 14 dome-shaped suites feature 180-degree views, amazing skylights for stargazing and clay pot fireplaces. The infinity pool at the main lodge makes for a refreshing dip and families will be kept entertained on enjoy thrilling game drives. Afterwards, Mum and Dad can head to the spa whilst the little ones are being entertained with the excellent Junior Rangers program. In the evening, everyone converges for a traditional braai at the boma.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Located in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve , Great Fish River Lodge is a great way to end a Garden Route trip . The lodge itself is classic yet contemporary and set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named. The nine suites let nature flow in thanks to glass doors, outdoor showers and expansive viewing decks with private plunge pools. It’s still worth heading out into the wilderness though as game drives will surely reveal most members of the Big Five – and there’s options of walking safaris and (at an additional cost) tracking and darting expeditions with Rhino Conservation. Back at the lodge, recount the day’s experiences while feasting on African dishes in the boma under a starlit sky.

Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge

Tswalu Kalahari

Thanks to direct flights from Cape Town, a quick safari sojourn to the Tswalu Kalahari private game reserve is now entirely possible – and very worth the trip. A “green” desert, the huge reserve offers semi-arid grassland with open savannahs that are rich in a remarkable range of habitats and apart from big game (including the desert-adapted black rhino) you can also expect to see small mammals such as meerkat, aardvark and pangolin. As for accommodation, choose Tarkuni if you’re travelling in a group or en famille. The exclusive-use lodge offers the ultimate private bush experience with a mere five suites that come with a dedicated chef, private game viewing vehicle, guide and tracker. At the super-chic, designer den Motse Lodge , rooms can be booked individually, and there’s a beautiful sleep-out deck too, The Malori, if you fancy something special.

Samara Karoo Lodge

Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Samara Karoo Lodge is a lovingly renovated farmhouse in the Eastern Cape’s Karoo that combines colonial comforts and modern-day luxuries with a rustic and welcoming feel. The nine plush rooms come in various styles and sizes – choose from Lodge Suites within the main Homestead, standalone Karoo Suites, or the Sibella Suites that overlook a waterhole. Antiques, family heirlooms and vintage books make you feel as if you’re staying with a good friend rather than at a lodge and the candlelit, alfresco dinners are perfectly romantic and generally lovely. Samara is renowned for its children programme, but there is plenty for the adults to enjoy, including game drives, walking safaris, wilderness picnics and cheetah tracking – and a Milky Way Star Bed for a dreamy sleep-out experience.

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• Cape Girardeau

Cape Safari Park

2763 County Road 618, Cape Girardeau , Missouri 63701 USA

• Independent

Lazy L Safari Park is a walk-thru zoo located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Visitors can get up close & personal with over 50 different species of exotic animals from Alligators to Zebras! You'll also find a petting zoo, gift shop, picnic shelter, and snack shack. Come experience a wild adventure at Lazy L Safari Park as you .... Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Reviewed by sethpwallis

Awesome! Close to the highway, and easy to find. Hand feed deer, cows, horses, kangaroos, camels, antelope, goats, .... I can't remember them all. Whole family had a great time. The parakeet cage was crazy. 10+ parakeets on your arm at once. Truly spectacular place to visit.

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• Northern cape the hidden gem of south africa safari

Northern Cape: The Hidden Gem of South Africa Safari

Last updated: 26 April 2023

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is big. Mind-blowingly big. Covering 37,000 square km of sweeping red sand dunes and salt pans, it’s almost double the size of limelight-hogging Kruger National Park – and one of the largest national parks in the world. It’s also the first transfrontier park, a joining of hands between South Africa’s Kalahari-Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana. 

The park’s wildlife, coupled with the extraordinary landscape of vast open desert and endless skies, make this ideal safari territory. It’s particularly spellbinding at sunrise and sunset, when the orange glow of the low sun spreads across the sky and meets the undulating red dunes. As the sun goes down, the dense darkness reveals a spectacular sky studded with millions of stars.

 Giraffes in  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Photo: Andrew M. Allport/Shutterstock

Kgalagadi wildlife

Talking of stars, the obvious ones are the predators, in particular the big cats, such as the lone leopard, the swift cheetah, the mighty black-maned Kalahari lion. But there are also giraffes, herds of blue wildebeest, springboks, ostriches, and graceful galloping gemsboks, as well as packs of roaming hyenas and groups of meerkats surveying the scene on their hind legs.

With around 280 species of birdlife in the park, either resident or migratory, it’s also superb territory for bird enthusiasts.  Tawny, and black-breasted snake eagles, bateleurs, vultures, goshawks, and pygmy falcons – the continent’s smallest, though no less fierce, bird of prey – are pretty common sightings. 

Black-maned Kalahari lion. Photo: Ondrey Prosicky/Shutterstock

Game drives in Kgalagadi

There’s a lot of ground to cover and doing a self-guided game drive at your own pace is a great way to explore the park. Or opt for a guided game drive – either in the day or at night. The Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail falls somewhere in between and offers great adventure and immersion in nature. While you drive, a guide escorts you in another vehicle. It’s a one-way, three-night and four-day, excursion across the dunes between Twee Rivieren and Nossob restcamps, stopping overnight at basic self-catering campsites. 

You can book all guided drives, as well as day walks, at the park’s restcamps: Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob. There are various vehicle rental companies, including Desert 4x4 Rental and Kalahari 4x4 Hire , offering 4WDs. 

Gemsbok in Kgalagadi. Photo: Gaston Piccinetti/Shutterstock

You’re not limited to exploring the South Africa section of the park. From Twee Rivieren you can drive into Botswana – and you can enter and leave the park in either territory.  

Where to stay – Kgalagadi safari camps 

To make the most of your time at Kgalagadi, you’re best off staying inside the park, so that any excursions can start almost from your front door. Whether you’re after a comfortable chalet, a simple log cabin, or fancy sleeping under canvas, Kgalagadi offers a range of accommodation options to suit you and your budget. Just make sure you book well before your holiday, as they fill up often a year in advance.

Kgalagadi restcamps

There are three fenced restcamps: Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob, each with chalets and camping areas, a shop, fuel facilities – and, most enticingly – a swimming pool. Twee Rivieren is the largest of the three, but it’s worth going the distance to stay at Nossob to really experience the essence of the desert. And, not only will you have a better chance of seeing Kalahari lions, you may even hear them roar at night. 

Kgalagadi wilderness camps

Staying at one of the park’s six unfenced wilderness camps allows you to fully appreciate the surrounding stark desert wilderness. They offer a mix of cabins, chalets and tents, but are self-catering, so you need to be self-sufficient. Choose from Bitterpan, Gharragab, Grootkolk, Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus Wilderness camps, and the Kalahari Tented Camp. 

Kalahari Tented Camp overlooking the Auob River. Photo: Gaston Piccinetti/Shutterstock

Safari Lodges

If you’re after a bit of catered luxury, !Xaus Lodge provides swishness with a focus on responsible tourism. Twelve sandy-coloured chalets offer panoramic views over the desert landscape and large salt pan. There’s a lodge with a cosy fire for those cold desert nights, while a swimming pool provides relief from the intense daytime heat. !Xaus is owned by the Khomani San and Mier communities, who offer bushwalks and wild game drives.  

Mokala National Park

The big felines are the cats’ whiskers – so to speak – on most people’s safari checklist. However, there are so many  other mammals you should see.

Mokala National Park is 48,000 acres of sandy, hilly landscape, interspersed with camel thorn trees (Mokala is their Setswana name). It’s home to many endangered animals, relocated here after the closure of the Vaalbos National Park, such as the black rhino and the heftier white rhino, giraffe, zebras, black wildebeest, buffalo, tsessebe, roan and sable.

The rocky outcrops, which are a feature of the landscape, also attract many species of birds, including vultures, goshawks, various owls and soaring eagles, and at night you may hear the call of the freckled nightjar.

White rhino mother and calf in Mokala National Park. Photo: Grobler du Preez/Shutterstock

Game drives at Mokala

Take a morning, sunset, or nighttime guided tour, which you can book at Mosu Lodge or Lilydale restcamp. Or, drive yourself if you want to discover the park at your own pace. Unless there’s heavy rain, a normal car should be fine on the park’s roads. 

Where to stay – Mokala safari camps

The park has various options, including cottages, camping, a bird hide and treehouse log cabins. Lilydale restcamp offers thatched cottages and – always a winner – a swimming pool. It’s spot by the Riet River also offers opportunities for great fly fishing for any keen anglers. Mosu Lodge is the main camp in Mokala park, with stone and thatched bungalows, a lounge with fireplace, and a pool – all making for a comfortable stay. 

Having a drink at the Haak-en-Steek waterhole, Mokala National Park. Photo: Grobler du Preez/Shutterstock

There’s also a four-person cottage at Haak en Steek Camp, or you can go rustic and camp nearby at the Motswedi Camp Site. The Stofdam Bird Hide is available for one-night stays, while close by is the lovely Dinokeng Tree House, a log cabin on stilts by a floodlit watering hole. 

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Stylish accommodation and meals – check. Spa treatments, pool, a gym, and a personal guide and tracker to accompany you on safari – check. For safari luxury (if your wallet allows), a stay at the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve ticks all the boxes. 

This is the biggest private wildlife reserve in South Africa, which also happens to have commitment to conservation at its core. Over the past 20 years or so, the reserve has been expanded and the land rewilded, to provide sanctuary for many predators, including lions and cheetahs, while breeding programmes have ensured the survival of indigenous species, such as the sable and roan antelope.

 There are also giraffes, zebras and – and those ridiculously cute meerkats, alongside less attention-grabbing pangolins and aardvarks, among others. As well as safari drives, there’s the opportunity for guided horse rides, nature walks – and a helicopter safari. As we said – luxury!

Kalahari meerkats. Photo: Kelsey Green/Shutterstock

Other outdoor activities on your safari

Deafening waterfalls, stark desert landscapes, thrilling raft adventures, leisurely kayaking trips, spectacular plant life, hot springs and stargazing...the animals are only part of the picture. The incredible landscapes of the Northern Cape are worth exploring and integrating into your safari adventure. 

The stark and rugged mountain desert of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park doesn’t have much in the way of animal life. But its austere beauty is arresting. It also provides outdoor adventure, with rafting and kayaking opportunities on the Orange River, as well as walking trails for experienced hikers.

Visit in August and September during flower season and you’ll see the park’s succulents bursting into bloom. And for even more dazzling displays of floral colour, add Namaqualand into your itinerary, particularly Namaqualand National Park. 

A visit to Augrabies Falls on the Orange River must feature in your holiday plans. The sight – and sound – of the colossal amounts of water, hurtling 56m below, is breathtaking (and deafening). There are also hiking trails and opportunities to get afloat on rafts or kayaks with Kalahari Outventures .

Sunset over the Augrabies Falls. Photo: Cliffort Word/Shutterstock

Booking a safari with a tour operator

You could spend a considerable amount of time organising your safari holiday – the research, the planning and booking, trying to figure out where exactly you are on a map that seems to be mainly desert. So you might want to pass on the task to those with local knowledge and expertise in the field. There are several safari and outdoors adventure operators in the region who offer Kalahari safaris, and tours can include so much more than just safari game drives.

There are multi-day trips that take in some of the amazing landscapes of the Northern Cape. These include adventure on the Orange River in the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, such as rafting, canoeing, and – somewhat less adrenaline-inducing – fishing, as well as expeditions to see the mighty waterfalls in Augrabies Falls National Park, and excursions to the Riemvasmaak hot springs . 

Hiking in the Augrabies Falls National Park. Photo: Great Stock/Shutterstock

Kalahari Outventures , Kalahari Safaris , and Tata Ma Tata Tours are a few reliable companies offering outdoor adventure, as well as Kalahari Tours and Travel , who state commitment to responsible tourism. 

Find out more about safaris in South Africa and discover more about the Northern Cape – so that you can start planning your trip.

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• Safari in the Western Cape

Best game reserves and safari parks in South Africa's Western Cape

Stuart Butler

• In this guide
• Kruger National Park
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Kwazulu-Natal
• Parks of the North West Province
• Safari in the Eastern Cape
• Western Cape reserves

If you're going on safari in South Africa , the Western Cape might not feature too highly on your itinerary. This region is more about the finer things in life: food, wine, beaches and Cape Town — arguably the most beautiful city in Africa. For many, wildlife and safaris don’t really come into the equation.

However, if you know where to look, then the Western Cape does offer the chance to pull out a big camera lens and head out in search of elephants and lions. All the famed Big Five are present in this region although in most cases they’ve been re-introduced into fairly small, fenced private game reserves. These are not zoos, but they’re also not vast wilderness zones like the ones you might find elsewhere in Africa.

The reserves have their own upmarket lodges and camps. See the individual park websites for details. Both reserves are close enough to Cape Town to make day trips feasible if not entirely desirable — after all, the accommodation is a major part of the whole experience.

If all you’re looking for is a family-friendly, short safari experience that can be easily slotted into a wine tour or a Cape Town city break, then the Western Cape fits the bill.

Get the digested read

Where to begin? When to go? How to plan? So many questions, so little time. That's why we've asked leading South Africa safari expert Stuart Butler to answer your most frequently asked questions in this handy four-part email series.

Jackal in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Western Cape safari reserves

Western Cape

Sanbona wildlife reserve.

Combine big cats with wine tasting, and you get the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Sanbona is an exclusive private conservancy that’s been restocked with the big ticket animal attractions — lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinos — and, thanks to the expert guides, all are regularly seen on safaris here. Covering more than 50,000 hectares, Sanbona is large enough to feel like a genuine wilderness, but at the same time is only a three-hour drive from Cape Town and lies close to the Western Cape’s famed wine lands. This means it’s easy to slip a Big Five safari into a wine tasting tour and a Cape Town city break.

Situated at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo, Sanbona offers three reserves with all the usual luxuries.

As well as standard vehicle safaris, I recommend joining an overnight walking safari and trying a bush camping experience. Look out for the 3,500-year-old rock art depicting people and animals left by the San and Khoikhoi tribes.

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Named after the endangered black (Verreaux) eagle, Aquila is one of a number of small and rather stage-managed private reserves, a short drive from Cape Town. The 10,000-hectare conservancy was established back in 1999 and at the time was home to only a few antelope. Today, thanks to animal reintroduction and solid conservation programmes, Aquila Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five as well as a significant number of other large mammals and birdlife.

It would be wrong to paint Aquila as a true African wilderness experience, but it can’t be faulted for quality wildlife viewing, which includes near guaranteed sightings of lions and all their friends and enemies, lots of alternative activities, easy access (you can visit on a day trip from Cape Town), and high-class accommodation.

Western Cape wildlife

Like the Eastern Cape, Western Cape contains many different habitats, and it supports a wide range of wildlife. This includes some massive marine life including some of the world’s biggest (and hungriest!) sharks. On dry land many of the larger native mammals were wiped out over the last couple of hundred years. However, today, thanks to reintroduction programmes in the region’s private game reserves, many of these animals are returning. It’s now possible to see most of the key big mammal species of South Africa here.

Western Cape is a wildlife-watching destination all year round, but try to avoid December and January which are busy tourist periods when accommodation prices rise significantly.

When to visit

The Western Cape is a wildlife-watching destination all year round, but try to avoid December and January which are busy tourist periods when accommodation prices rise significantly.

Tortoise in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

While you’re in the Western Cape don’t miss a trip to Table Mountain (as if you would!) In addition to the great views over Cape Town, its distinctive shape, known as a “sky island”, is a botanical wonderland. The plant life here is primarily fynbos, a type of shrubland that is unique to the region. There are more than 1,500 species that are found only on Table Mountain and nearby Black Table and are protected by World Heritage Site status.

About the author

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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Lazy L Safari Park

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Lazy L Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Cape Town Safari Day Trips

Cape town big 5 safari day trips at aquila private game reserve & spa.

Cape Town, 20 November 2023

It’s time to explore Cape Town’s top rated safari adventure to see Africa’s Big Five animals: lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Conveniently located less than 2 hours from the city, day trip safari guests at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa are treated to a real South African wildlife adventure without having to travel far from the Mother City.

See Africa's Big Five In One Day

The highlight of any day trip safari is a traditional big five game drive. Led by experience game rangers in open-top vehicles, Aquila’s guided drives offer the best views of Karoo’s wild landscape and its free-roaming wildlife. Safari guests will also be able to see many of South Africa’s wildlife as the reserve is also home to hippos, giraffe, zebra, ostriches, wildebeest, over 150 native bird species, and much more.

With seven different day tour packages to choose from, guests have the unique opportunity to experience a real South African big 5 safari and be back in Cape Town in time to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the city’s world-famous restaurants.

Also Read: Aquila’s Day Trip Safari Booking Guide

Can you do a Day Safari from Cape Town?

Yes, you can do a day trip safari from Cape Town. As the city’s closest big 5 safari experience, several tour operators offer day tours and day trip safaris to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, located only two hours from the city centre.

Day Trips to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers seven different day trip safari packages, making it an ideal activity for every travel itinerary and Cape Town tour. Guests can choose a Half Day Safaris or Full Day Safaris, and even Combo Day Trip Safaris, featuring Horseback or Quad Bike safari outrides in the heart of the reserve.

Getting to Aquila Private Game Reserve

Located in the wild and spectacular Klein Karoo (Little Karoo), Aquila is a Western Cape Wildlife oasis, less than a 2 hours’ drive from the city centre. The main route from Cape Town to Aquila is a picturesque drive along the N1, offering guests a scenic and pleasant drive through one of the Western Cape’s top wine regions. Guests can choose from various transportation options:

• Self-Drive to the reserve.
• Book Aquila’s Return City Shuttle.
• Opt for Aquila’s private transport or airport pick-up.
• Inquire about an exclusive fly-in safari experience.

Aquila's Rhino Conservation Milestones

Aquila's big 5 combo safari, big 5 safari day tours, day trip safaris, half day trips.

• Early Morning Safari
• Afternoon Safari
• Sunset Safari

FULL DAY TRIPS

• Traditional Safari
• Quadbike Safari
• Horseback Safari
• Combo Safari
• Standard transport
• Fly-in options

ACCOMMODATION

• Standard Lodges
• Family Lodges
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• Karoo Cottages
• Family Luxury Cottages
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CONTACT DETAILS

• 021 430 7260
• [email protected]
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Copyright© Aquila Collection. Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is part of the Aquila Collection.

5 of the best Safaris near Cape Town

While the city itself has enough to entertain visitors for weeks if not months, Cape Town is also a great base from which to embark on a magical safari.

(Photo: ILIOS Travel / Courtesy Viator)

Cape Town’s temperate climate doesn’t lend itself to the traditional African bush experience, but nevertheless the Big Five animals – namely, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – are within a mere couple of hours’ drive away. To help inspire your next safari adventure, we’ve looked into all of the safaris that are easily reachable from Cape Town and picked out five of the best.

Cape Town Day Safari (1 day)

If you’re short on time, this day trip safari could fit the bill. After collection at your Cape Town hotel, you’ll be transported to Aquila Private Game Reserve, which is a 2.5-hour drive away. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant. Packed full of sustenance, you’ll depart for an open vehicle game drive through the reserve, which is home to a natural wetland protected by majestic mountains and valleys which makes for varied game viewing.  On your drive, you may see lion, elephant, buffalo, as well as giraffe, hippo and zebra. Later, you’ll sit down to a hearty lunch before visiting the Eco-Synergy centre to round off your tour before your return journey.

Book at Viator

Cape Town Safari Including Lunch (1 day)

(Photo: African Eagle Daytours PTY / Courtesy Viator)

Another one-day trip, this tour takes you to the Inverdoom Nature Reserve, 2.5-hours by road from Cape Town, to explore the majestic landscapes in an open-air 4×4. After collection from your hotel, a professional guide will be on hand for the whole time to help spot wild animals and share interesting facts and information about the country’s most spectacular creatures, including the Big Five, as well as antelope, lion, elephant, wildebeast, rhino, hippo, springbok, and zebra. Next, you’ll head to a lodge for lunch before checking out the cheetah rescue and rehabilitation centre as your final activity of the day, as you board your transport back to Cape Town.

Garden Route Big 5 Safari Overnight Shared Tour (3 days)

For an extended experience, this 3-day tour invites you to get up close and personal with the Big Five, as well as an abundance of birds and other wildlife, at the upscale Garden Route Game Lodge  private game reserve. The adventure begins in Cape Town, where you’ll stay for your first night with time to explore the city. Early next morning, you’ll go whale watching from the shores of Hermanus, before stopping off at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, to watch the meeting of two oceans: Indian and Atlantic. Next, it’s onto the reserve to embark on a game drive before enjoying overnight accommodation here. The next day, it’s time for your second game drive before a hearty breakfast to prepare you for your return journey to Cape Town, stopping off in the historic town of Swellendam along the way.

Book at Bookmundi

Yoga, Surf and Big 5 Safari 

(Photo: Bookallsafaris)

Combining wellness and wildlife in equal measure, this 8-day tour lets you re-centre yourself through yoga practices before heading out for memorable safari adventures and other thrilling outdoor escapades. After being picked up from Cape Town airport, you’ll recharge with a guided yoga session at a local yoga studio. Then, over the ensuing days, you’ll enjoy more yoga sessions, as well as the chance to try out activities such as surf classes, horseback rides, and quad biking. Also included are several exciting game drives in acclaimed national parks where you’ll get to see some of the region’s most captivating wildlife and landscapes. All accommodation and daily breakfasts are included in the tour price.

Book at Bookallsafaris

South Africa Self-drive Adventure

If autonomy is your priority, this 11-day self-driving tour could be for you. After collecting keys for your 4×4 vehicle upon arrival in Cape Town, the region is your oyster. This  tour itinerary includes a look around Cape Town and its enchanting surroundings, before moving on to the seaside town of Hermanus, a popular whale-watching destination. Further afield, you traverse the stunning Garden Route from Hermanus to Plettenberg Bay and explore the bay area before moving on to Kwandwe Game Reserve, home to a diverse assortment of wildlife. On your  last day, you can drive for an hour to Port Elizabeth to catch a domestic flight back to Cape Town. The tour price is inclusive of accommodation, your hire car with sat-nav, meals, and game reserve fees.

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THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS

All our photographic itineraries have been designed taking into account every detail you can think of. For some it might be a trip of a lifetime so time has to be maximized to make sure that those sought after images are captured and that wildlife is experienced in full.

10 Day Photographic Safari - Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu and Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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7 Day Photographic Safari - Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa

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7 Day Photographic Safari to Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa

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4 Day Photographic Safari - Chobe National Park, Botswana

8 Day Photographic Expedition to the Osa Peninsula

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Watch CBS News

Accused shooter in Miami murder-suicide was "obsessive" victim's friend says

By Beth Germano

Updated on: March 21, 2024 / 6:03 AM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON - The family of a former Cape Cod woman killed in an apparent murder-suicide in Miami last weekend is remembering her as a "larger than life character."

The brother of Meghan Moore, 25, says he's still trying to comprehend how she is suddenly gone. "It still doesn't feel real. It's almost impossible to wrap your head around," said Will Moore.

Meghan Moore was a 2017 graduate of Barnstable High School where she was a standout athlete and varsity hockey player.

"Every time she stepped on the ice you knew you didn't have to be nervous because Meghan's out there," said Caroline Spalt a friend and former teammate.

After graduating from New England College in 2021 family and friends say Miami was a new adventure. She met the accused gunman Luis Napoles at a restaurant job there last year, Spalt calling him an acquaintance who apparently wanted to be more. "He was obsessive, he would harass her, try to contact her on different phone numbers," Spalt said.

"I don't think anyone expects to lose their best friend in a way that's so awful," said friend Emma Callahan.

Miami-Dade police say Napoles showed up at Meghan Moore's apartment Saturday night killing Moore, then entering the unit and shooting and killing her roommate 23-year-old Sidney Capolino before turning the gun on himself.

She had been texting with friends that same night, but they say she never expressed any fear. "That total disregard of human life is something you never think is going to happen," said Spalt.

Now they're remembering her sense of humor, the laughter, and the determination which made her such a force on the ice and beyond.

"She just thought she had everything figured out. She's just one of those people that did things," said Will Moore. 

Emmy award-winning Beth Germano is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV News.  Born and raised in Massachusetts, Germano has been a New England-based reporter for more than 15 years.  She joined WBZ-TV as a freelance reporter in 1996 after reporting for several local television stations including WCVB-TV, New England Cable News, Monitor Cable Channel, WLVI-TV, and WGBH-TV.

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The Best Parks In Moscow, Russia

The parks of Moscow, Russia, are the big green lungs of the city, where you can relax from the eternal hum of roads, work and noisy neighbors. Here is our selection of the best parks for a memorable afternoon.

Gorky central park of culture and leisure.

One of the oldest culture and leisure amusement parks in Russia, Gorky Park was created on the banks of the Moscow River in 1928. It is a perfect place for an active holiday, with lots to do – it even has several shooting ranges. Most notably, the original layout has remained intact to the present day. Gorky Park is always full of people: in the colder months fans of a winter skate queue patiently in order to go on the ice skating rink. In summer many visitors simply have lazy strolls along the alleys of the most famous park in Moscow. Golitsyn Pond is equipped with a boat station, where you can hire a pedalo or catamaran.

Museum-Reserve Tsaritsyno

Vorobyovy Gory

Vorobyovy Gory can be described as a huge green mass, lying on the bank of the Moscow river. The park can be seen at the exit of the metro station of the same name. Vorobyovy Gory features a high jump platform, which points to its history tied with sports facilities. Near the top of the jump, there is a viewing platform, which is visited by an enormous flow of people with cameras and easels. The panoramic view shows off the wonderful skyline of Moscow, the river, Luzhniki Stadium, Novodevichy Monastery, St Andrew’s Monastery and skyscrapers of the Moscow City complex. If you head towards the building of Moscow State University, in front of it you will spot an alley with the busts of great scientists and a lovely pond. The park also features wonderful slopes and access to the waterfront. Here you can enjoy nature and solitude, paint landscapes or read classical literature.

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MSU Botanical Garden Aptekarskiy Ogorod

Aptekarskiy Ogorod is not quite a park but an oasis away from the stone and concrete of the city. At the beginning of 17th century Peter I decided to build a herb garden on this site. With that decree began the stormy history of the garden, which in Soviet times was essentially abandoned. Now it is a small cozy garden, and a lovely place to go during lunch or visit on a romantic date. The park features dozens of attractive, bright colors which cannot be found anywhere else in Moscow, and a beautiful pond dotted with water lilies. There is a shop with rare plants, where you can buy rare seeds of American blueberry or bog oak. During the winter the park hosts festivals of ice sculptures. In spring, exhibitions of orchids are perfect events for admiring their blossoming and a variety of floral crops. In the summer you can simply enjoy teasing fish in the pond, and sitting on a bench admiring the colorful nature.

Izmaylovsky Park

Izmaylovskiy Park of Culture and Leisure is a combination of nature and grounds for outdoor activities and cultural entertainment. Whenever possible, Muscovites try to get to the park to breathe in the fresh, clean air. Izmaylovsky Park was created in 1931, and since then its green doors have been open to visitors all year round. Spending a day out in the park with the family has became one of the good traditions for residents of Moscow. The park resembles more of a genuine forest, with green trees, rotten stumps covered with moss and lichen overgrown with tall grasses.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• District Eastern (VAO)
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Lomonosovskiy
• Ostankinskiy
• Meshchanskiy
• Krasnoselskiy
• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia