Western Cape Reserves

Western Cape Nature & Game Reserves

Visiting the Western Cape would be incomplete without a few key items on your South African travel itinerary. These include Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the V&A Waterfront, and the many exquisite nature reserves, game reserves, and national parks in this province. These parks and reserves may be situated just an hour or two outside major cities and towns, but they transport their visitors to another world – one that is wild, primal, and breath-takingly beautiful.

Cape Town and the area around it are known for their spectacular natural beauty and the tangible vibe. Mountains tumble to the shore, forests coat the rolling landscapes, and the city centre is a bustling hive of fun and adventure. Visiting the sanctuaries, reserves and parks of the region is an absolute must for tourists that want to savour the essence of this country.

The Table Mountain National Park extends from Signal Hill in the Cape Town CBD to Cape Point, which is about 24 kilometres from Simon's Town. It includes Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, and is home to an impressive variety of birds, endemic fynbos, and the African penguin. It is also within this park’s borders that the modern cable car transports visitors up to the iconic flat top of Table Mountain, from where views extend from the City Bowl to Robben Island and far beyond. The West Coast National Park is an hour from Cape Town and 40 minutes from Paternoster. Breath-taking beachscapes are complemented by a massive turquoise lagoon, while the bush is inhabited by caracal, eland, hartebeest, wild cat, and bat-eared fox. In its chilly waters, the southern right whale and humpback whale can be seen splashing, blowing and sometimes surging out of the ocean. The Western Cape is also home to the Karoo National Park, Agulhas National Park, and Bontebok National Park. The Karoo National Park has a unique appeal. It can be arid and sparse, sometimes appearing a little inhospitable. But, when you explore it, you discover a world of wildlife thriving within its borders. From the black rhinoceros and Cape mountain zebra to black eagles and five tortoise species; this national park is a wonderland of exciting species.

Although visitors can explore the parks in their own vehicles, a guided safari or tour is often recommended. These allow you to sit back and enjoy the surrounds, while the guide or ranger shares fascinating information about the fauna and flora.

For the added convenience of visitors to the Western Cape, Cape Town is equipped with a bustling international airport. It is also peppered with many guesthouses, hotels, B&Bs and apartments. Some are along the beautiful beachfront, while others are nestled on the slopes of the mountains. The towns of the Winelands, Karoo and Garden Route boast an array of accommodation options too, giving visitors to the Western Cape plenty of variety from which to choose.