Travel off the beaten path on a Western Cape safari trip from Cape Town. Stay at a luxury tented lodge or farm in Oudtshoorn and go on daily 4×4 drives to search for wildlife like lions and rhinos.

PRICE: $536
per person

 

Day 1: Botlierskop – Oudtshoorn
Depart Cape Town or Stellenbosch early morning (6am – 7am) and trade the silhouette of Table Mountain for the scenery at the starting point of the lush Garden Route region. Travel route about 450 km / 4 to 6 hours driving. Enjoy the scenic route along the way to the 3,500-hectare Botlierskop private game reserve. Located in a malaria-free area, the reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife including four of the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more than 200 bird species.
Spot some of the wild animals native to the region from the back of an open-top 4×4 vehicle and keep your eyes peeled for lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino sightings. Leopards are nocturnal hunters, evasive, and not contained by fences so it’s unlikely to see them during these game drives. During the approximately two-hour game drive, you’ll enjoy a thrilling 4×4 safari adventure immersed in nature. Explore the coastal Renosterveldt region, where you can also discover fascinating insects, plants, and smaller wildlife – all under the guidance of an experienced game ranger sharing his extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem.

After an hour’s journey, you end at the overnight stay location you’ve booked: Choose between 4 star Luxury Buffelsdrift Lodge (or similar). In the heart of the Klein Karoo, about 4 km from Oudtshoorn; Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers luxe canvas tents decked out with modern comforts, including a beautiful claw-footed bath, rustic outdoor shower and a views overlooking the bush or waterhole dam. If you select the Farmstay option you’ll overnight on the working ostrich farm called Mooi Plaas outside the town border. The comfort guesthouse stay package option is centrally located inside the town.

Day 2: Buffelsdrift – Route 62 Travel about 450km / 6 hours driving (excl. safari).
After breakfast, venture off into the Klein Karoo bush for an 2-hour 4×4 bush drive to seek out more of the local wildlife. Your ranger will help spot wildlife and share some of nature’s secrets while teaching you about the region’s fauna and flora. Get close to nature and discover insects, plants, and smaller mammals. Look out for buffalo, giraffes, kudu, porcupines, and meerkats.

Join elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation in nature experience (at extra expense) to have the opportunity to see three rescued elephants as they roam freely in this natural habitat in the Cango Valley overlooking a nearby waterhole. Learn about the gentle giants under the guidance of the elephant guides as you observe them, ask questions and take photos.

End the day with a drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. Travel back, soaking in the beauty of the high mountains, twisting passes and rugged Karoo plains on your return journey to arrive back in Cape Town or Stellenbosch by late evening (between 6pm – 9pm). Subject to traffic and stops.

Search for most of the Big 5 animals on a 4×4 game drive safari
Glamp in style surrounded by nature in luxury canvas tents at Buffelsdrift Lodge
Observe orphaned African elephants as roam freely (optional activity)
Get a front row seat to spot smaller wildlife & plants on a relaxed bush drive
Road trip along the scenic Route 62 with quirky pit stops along the way

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour guide
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation for 1 night in a 4-star lodge
1 Breakfast
Botlierskop 4×4 safari game drive (shared with group)
Buffelsdrift 4×4 bush drive (shared with group)
Additional food and drinks (available to purchase)
Optional elephant observation in nature (about R650)

 

This is just one of the many unforgettable experiences the South Africa has to offer. Discover more tours, hidden gems, and must-see spots in Cape Town, and Johannesburg or on our complete South Africa guide.