Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, and while it is not known for safari tourism in the same way that other regions of South Africa are, there are still several wildlife reserves and parks in the area that offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife.

Some of the popular wildlife reserves and parks near Cape Town include:

  1. Aquila Private Game Reserve - located about 2 hours from Cape Town, this private reserve offers visitors the chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) as well as other wildlife on guided game drives.
  2. Inverdoorn Game Reserve - located about 2.5 hours from Cape Town, this reserve offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and many other species on guided game drives.
  3. Boulders Beach - located about 40 minutes from Cape Town, this beach is home to a colony of African penguins, and visitors can observe and interact with the penguins in their natural habitat.

In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors to Cape Town can also enjoy exploring the city's iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The city also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and music venues showcasing the region's rich history and diverse cultures.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Beautiful and diverse scenery
  • Professional guided safaris
  • Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in South Africa

Cape Town map

Wildlife & Animals

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

Best Time to Visit – Cape Town

High Season
Varies by park and activity
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Cape Town.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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