What to Expect on a Cape Town Safari

While the so-called ‘Mother City’ is not usually synonymous with game viewing, Cape Town safaris show an entirely different side to the city. Most visitors to the Cape know about the mountain and beaches, but just two hours outside of the city a genuine safari can be experienced for the chance to see lion, cheetah, leopard, rhino and many other species of wildlife.

By Rosanna Johnson.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve is situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo area, which a dry area that is surprisingly rich in plant, animal and birdlife. Self-drive and guided safaris are both offered as a way to explore the reserve.

The Klein Karoo is surrounded by Swartberg Mountains to the north, and the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains to the south. The area is also home to many small towns such as Ladismith, Calitzdorp, De Rust, Barrydale, Dysselsdorp and Ceres, with diverse cultures dating back to the area’s rich history.

Before the first European settlers arrived in the 17th Century, the area was home to the Khoisan people. Today, the area has become a popular travel destination for local and international visitors.

5 Things to Know Before Your Cape Town Safari

Keen to try a safari in Cape Town? Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your safari:

1. When to go – as the area receives a small amount of rainfall, you can do a safari at Inverdoorn Game Reserve any time of year. The summer months, especially between December and February, can bring very high temperatures that may make it a bit uncomfortable to spend hours out in the sun. Sunscreen is essential at all times of the year, even if the weather looks cooler and overcast.
2. What to see – you will see a range of wildlife and birdlife on your safari. If you are on a guided safari, your guide will point out various species. You may want to take a local bird book if you are doing a self-drive safari. Wildlife to be seen includes lion, cheetah, Black rhino, eland, leopard, jackal, Cape clawless otter and many other species, while there are also hundreds of bird species to be seen.
3. What to bring – along with sunscreen, you should also bring a camera and spare battery, a pair of binoculars for spotting game and birdlife, comfortable shoes, a warm jacket for cooler days and comfortable clothing in neutral colours. A water bottle is also a good idea if you are taking a long safari.
4. What not to do – don’t ever attempt to leave your vehicle during the safari, and listen to your guide’s instructions at all times. Dangerous wildlife such as predators and even rhino roam freely within the reserve, and should not be approached under any circumstances. Don’t try and touch or feed any animals you see, and don’t smoke, litter or make excessive noise either. Cellphones should be turned off too.
5. What else to consider – if you want to ensure that you see as much wildlife as possible, you should consider a longer guided safari that includes stayover within the reserve’s accommodation options. This will give you enough time to enjoy your safari, with guided activities offered each day to make the most of your time within the reserve.

Get a taste of the rich natural diversity that lies on the doorstep of the Mother City, with plenty to see and do during your safari in Cape Town!

Author Bio
Rosanna Johnson writes about a wide range of safaris in Cape Town, which provide a wealth of information for visitors planning day tours & sightseeing trips, peninsula tours and a range of additional tours in the Cape and greater South Africa.