Overview:
An exhilarating Big 5 safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve, located just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, South Africa!
Experience the Big 5 at Inverdoorn Game Reserve with exhilarating 4×4 game drives led by expert guides on this cost-effective budget safari near Cape Town, all within the malaria-free Western Cape Province of South Africa. Capitalize on one of the limited Big 5 safari locales in Cape Town – a unique opportunity for budget-minded travelers seeking a wildlife experience!
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Cape Town to Inverdoorn Game Reserve – Western Cape
The exhilarating Big 5 Cape Town Safari commences in Cape Town, where you will be picked up from your lodging in the morning. You will be collected from your lodging in the city center, referred to as the city bowl, between 07:00 and 09:00 (the exact time will be confirmed by your guesthouse the evening before to departure). We drive northeast from Cape Town, the scenic Mother City of South Africa, into the Karoo region of the Western Cape.
The journey requires two and a half to three hours, arriving at Inverdoorn Game Lodge at 12:30 PM. Lunch is provided outdoors beneath shaded trees at the lodge, from 13:00 to 13:30. The lunch is a delectable buffet of five appetizers, two main dishes, and two desserts. Post-lunch, register at your chosen lodging and acclimate. Revitalize yourself and relax in your cozy accommodation, or enjoy a swim in the pool.
Prior to our evening game drive, we partake in afternoon tea at 16:00 (15:30 during winter). At 16:30, we commence our inaugural 4×4 game drive at Inverdoorn Game Reserve. A trained guide leads us in pursuit of the Big Five and additional animals present in Inverdoorn. The game drive occurs in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle, optimal for photographing wildlife and fully immersing oneself in the bush experience. Your knowledgeable guide can provide insights into the ecology and animals of Inverdoorn and address inquiries throughout the game drive.
This evening, following our wildlife viewing excursion, we will partake in aperitifs and dinner at the restaurant at 20:00 (19:30 during winter). Following our substantial dinner, you may unwind in the bar or the outside boma beneath the stars, prior to retiring to your comfortable accommodations.
Guests residing in the 5-Star Ambassador Suite will get exclusive game drives on their Cape Town Safari.
Included meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation options include a 4-Star Lodge, a 4-Star Chalet, a 5-Star Chalet, and a 5-Star Suite.
Activities Included: 4×4 Afternoon Game Drive in Inverdoorn
Journey: Cape Town to Inverdoorn (about 2.5 hours)
Day 2: Inverdoorn Big Five Game Reserve – Western Cape
Commence day two of your Big 5 Cape Town Safari by rising early for a morning wildlife drive. We proceed directly to Inverdoorn Game Reserve to witness the sunrise and observe wildlife during the brisk early morning hours.
Upon returning to the resort, we indulge in a full English breakfast, served at approximately 09:00. Post-breakfast, you may relax at the resort, rest, or swim in the pool. Subsequently, between 13:00 and 13:30, lunch is provided beneath the large trees on the lodge premises. Similar to the prior day, lunch consists of an exquisite buffet of five appetizers, two main courses, and two desserts. Lunch is succeeded by leisure time for a nap or a swim in the pool.
Subsequently, following afternoon tea at 16:00 (15:30 in winter), we commenced an afternoon game drive, departing at approximately 16:30 (16:00 in winter). The experienced guide highlights the wildlife and avian species observed during our 4×4 safari in the Big Five game reserve. Common wildlife observations encompass zebras, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, and several antelope species, such as gemsbok (oryx) and springbok. Among the Big Five, rhinos, lions, elephants, and buffalos are frequently observed, although the more secretive leopards are seldom encountered. The wildlife reserve houses a successful cheetah conservation center, hence accommodating numerous cheetahs.
Upon returning to the safari lodge, pre-dinner beverages are offered, succeeded by supper in the restaurant at approximately 20:00 (19:30 during winter). Observe the starry heavens before to slumbering in the serene Karoo.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation options include a 4-Star Lodge, a 4-Star Chalet, a 5-Star Chalet, or a 5-Star Suite at Inverdoorn Game Reserve.
Activities Included: 4×4 Safari Excursions in Inverdoorn
Day 3: Inverdoorn Game Reserve to Cape Town – Western Cape
On the third day of our Cape Town Safari, we rise early for an invigorating sunrise game drive, departing into the bush at approximately 06:00. Our expert guide assists us in locating any animals we may have overlooked, particularly the more elusive species. Following our concluding 4×4 game drive in the Big Five reserve, we return to the lodge for a delicious English breakfast, served at 09:00.
We will check out of the lodge at approximately 10:00 and travel for Cape Town at 11:30. Guests residing in the 5 Star Ambassador Collection are afforded a unique cheetah viewing experience today. Upon departing from your opulent lodging, you may visit the cheetah conservation center and engage with the resident animals for an hour, learning about the ongoing conservation efforts.
We then return to Cape Town in the luxurious minibus, arriving in the city about 14:30 and 15:00. Upon conclusion of our Budget Cape Town Safari, you will be transported to your lodging in the vicinity of the city center.
Included meals: Morning repast
Activities Included: 4×4 Morning Game Drive in Inverdoorn and Cheetah Viewing (only to Luxury Chalet and Ambassador Suite guests)
Journey: Inverdoorn to Cape Town (about 2.5 hours)
Concerning Inverdoorn Game Reserve in proximity to Cape Town
Inverdoorn Game Reserve encompasses around 10,000 hectares of wilderness in the Klein Karoo region, adjacent to Ceres. Situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, near Cape Town, the game reserve is a malaria-free safari destination. This private game reserve is home to around 1,200 wild animals, encompassing 28 distinct wildlife species and approximately 165 bird species.
The Inverdoorn Game Reserve is known for its Big 5 safari species: lion, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. It is among the rare Western Cape game areas that accommodate these renowned African creatures. Inverdoorn is among the nearest Big 5 game reserves to Cape Town, rendering it a favored safari destination in the region. The Inverdoorn Game Reserve significantly contributes to biodiversity conservation in the region and has reintroduced numerous endemic species to the area. Inverdoorn is renowned for its effective cheetah conservation center, where cheetahs are rehabilitated and bred. Inverdoorn Game Reserve is home to several wild animals, including giraffes, hippos, bat-eared foxes, zebras, eland, gemsbok, kudus, impalas, springbok, wildebeest, and additional game species. The bird species documented in this location comprise the African fish eagle, black-breasted snake eagle, Cape vulture, Cape eagle owl, flamingo, secretary bird, sacred ibis, spotted eagle-owl, black stork, barn owl, giant kingfisher, jackal buzzard, and ostrich.
Inverdoorn Game Reserve Safari Lodge
During this Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you may select from the hotel alternatives listed below. For the costs of the various safari options, consult our comprehensive pricing information. The four-star safari resorts provide the most economical safari alternatives.
Four Star Safari Lodge
Inverdoorn Game Reserve features three delightful safari lodges suitable for family accommodation. The elegant lodging was crafted for repose, harmonizing with the serenity of the adjacent Karoo terrain. The lodge rooms include en-suite baths and air conditioning capable of cooling or heating the room. Two of the safari lodges feature common lounges equipped with a cozy fireplace and a snack station. The lodges are in proximity to amenities that encompass a swimming pool, a cactus garden, a lounge equipped with satellite television, two bars, an outdoor dining space, a telescope for astronomical observation, and a curio shop filled with intriguing items.
Four-Star Tankwa Chalets
The seven opulent chalets overlook the exquisite Karoo gardens, renowned for their association with Inverdoorn Game Reserve. Each cabin accommodates two adults, with three chalets featuring double beds and the remaining four offering twin-sharing arrangements. The cabins include an en-suite shower and provide bathrobes. Every chalet is equipped with a snug wood-burning fireplace for frigid winter evenings and air conditioning for sweltering summer nights. Each chalet is equipped with well-stocked mini bar refrigerators and coffee makers at the refreshment stations. Enjoy a sundowner while unwinding on the verandah and appreciating the picturesque garden it overlooks.
Five-Star Ambassador Collection
Ambassador Chalets
The four opulent Ambassador chalets are included in the prestigious Ambassador Collection, providing guests with 5-star accommodations. The perspective from the exclusive, large verandah encompasses the extensive Karoo terrain extending to the remote mountains. Indulge in a complimentary beverage from the minibar while unwinding at the Ambassador private pool or appreciating the vista from the rooftop terrace. Breakfast and lunch are offered in the Ambassador Boma, providing an authentic South African experience. Select from one of the two double-bedded chalets or one of the two twin-bedded chalets, all equipped with complete en-suite amenities. The wood-burning fireplace will provide warmth on cold evenings while you unwind in front of the flat-screen television equipped with satellite services. During summer evenings, air conditioning is utilized to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additional amenities, including bathrobes and a refreshment station equipped with a coffee maker, provide a great experience at Inverdoorn Game Reserve.
Ambassador Suite
The remarkable Ambassador Suite, the pinnacle of Inverdoorn Game Reserve, constitutes the 5-star Ambassador Collection. The spacious, independent room features a king-size bed as its centerpiece, set inside an exquisitely appointed decor that offers remarkable views of the Karoo. Indulge in a freestanding bath or unwind beneath a rain shower in the luxurious bathroom, subtly concealed by sliding screens. Relish the seclusion of your private rooftop terrace, where evenings are dedicated to viewing films on a flat-screen television, accompanied by beverages from the fully stocked bar and air-conditioning to ensure guest comfort during summer. An opulent sanctuary following a day in the wilderness.