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.
Click on the game reserve, national park or nature reserve you wish to visit on the Western Cape map or select from the full list below, to view additional information about the reserves and for listings of all lodges listed in the relevant area.
Game & Nature Reserves in Western Cape
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Perivoli Lagoon House
Perivoli Lagoon House is set in a stunning, isolated, 140ha wilderness of colourful Fynbos biome, a stone's throw from the Klein River lagoon wit...
Villa Normandie
Set on the exclusive Atlantic Seaboard in the peaceful area of Fresnaye, Villa Normandie is oriented around family stays. Spaces are cleverly des...
Villa Dolce Vita
Villa Dolce Vita offers luxury accommodation in Camps Bay for 14 guests. The villa has a resident butler and daily housekeeping. It is an easy st...
The 11 Camps Bay
The 11 Camps Bay is a luxurious villa in Camps Bay with magnificent views, located at the foot of Table Mountain and surrounded by views of the A...
L'Amitie Manor House
L'Amitie Estate offers Franschhoek Self catering in a grand manor house. The Estate in all of its grandeur and glory, invites you in to its nouve...
Vrede en Lust The Residence
Vrede en Lust The Residence is an iconic villa located at Vrede & Lust Wine Estate in the popular area of Franschhoek. The villa enjoys picturesq...
Serenity Villa
This stunning villa sleeps 12 guests in six rooms. Four rooms have a King-size bed, the fifth has two singles that can convert into a King-size b...
Villa Majestic Bakoven
Villa Majestic Bakoven is situated 750m above sea level, benefiting from panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean, and is perfectly positioned for y...
Argyle Luxury Villa
Argyle Luxury Villa is a self catering holiday home in Camps Bay sleeping ten guests in five bedrooms each furnished with a King-size bed. The ou...
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