From Cape Town: Big Five Game Reserve with Lunch

Taking a day trip from Cape Town to a Big Five Game Reserve offers a rare chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat — all within a few hours’ drive. This tour is designed for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, or those craving a taste of Africa’s iconic animals without venturing too far from the city.

What makes this experience stand out are the open-vehicle game drives, the opportunity to spot a host of animals and bird species, and the chance to relax over a buffet lunch at the lodge. The only potential downside? The drive can be quite long, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a 2-3 hour ride each way.

This tour is particularly perfect if you want a full-day nature escape with a focus on wildlife, good value, and expert-guided insight. If you’re eager to tick the Big Five off your bucket list or enjoy a scenic, educational adventure, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot the Big Five along with other native animals and over 172 bird species, including the black eagle.
• Expert Guides: Well-informed, friendly rangers enhance the experience with their knowledge.
• Comfortable Transport: Round-trip, air-conditioned minibus transfers from Cape Town make logistics straightforward.
• Quality Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch at the lodge, with positive reviews highlighting the variety and taste.
• Timing & Duration: The tour departs early morning around 9:00 AM and returns approximately by 6:30 PM, balancing travel and safari time.
• Value for Money: Just $185 per person, including all major expenses, offers a good deal for a day of wildlife adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departure from Cape Town and Scenic Drive

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Cape Town’s city center, typically starting around 8:20 AM. The trip is about two hours, traveling via the N1 Highway through the stunning Hex River Valley. This route alone is worth the price — rolling vineyards, mountain views, and a sense of anticipation for what’s ahead.

Traveling in an air-conditioned minibus keeps the journey comfortable, and the guides are usually friendly and informative. One reviewer mentioned their driver, Denver, as “very funny” and “explained many areas and things on our 2.5-hour drive,” making the trip a pleasant start to the day.

Arrival and the Game Drive Experience

Once at the reserve, you’ll hop into an open-top, all-terrain vehicle led by a knowledgeable ranger. This setup is ideal for wildlife viewing—no glass between you and the animals, which means close sightings and fantastic photo opportunities. Many reviews highlight guides like Mike, Norman, or Charlie, who go out of their way to make sure guests see as much as possible.

Expect to see a wide array of animals, from the common giraffes and zebras to the elusive elephants and rhinos. Reviewers such as Svetlana and Mollie noted seeing lions, giraffes, and “all the animals while they were still able to roam free,” which is a sign of a well-managed reserve.

Some guests also reported spotting rare bird species, including the black eagle, which adds a bonus for birdwatchers. With as many as 172 bird species recorded in the reserve, avid birders will be in their element.

Wildlife Highlights

You might encounter the Big Four (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo), and while leopards and cheetahs are rarer, several reviews mention close encounters with the big cats. For example, Tara described seeing rhinos, zebras, elephants, and lions, calling it a “fantastic experience.”

The diversity of animals extends beyond the Big Five. Expect to see springbok, gemsbok, ostriches, baboons, and even smaller creatures like duikers and klipspringers. The safari’s bio-diverse habitat ensures a rich observation experience — one review called it a “gorgeous area” with “plenty of interest for animal and bird watchers alike.”

Lunch at the Lodge

After about 2-3 hours of game viewing, you’ll pause for a buffet lunch at the reserve’s lodge. Many reviews praise the quality and variety of the meal, describing it as “delicious,” “yummy,” and “substantial.” Guests can enjoy a range of local and international dishes, with some mentioning the well-stocked beverage stations.

The lunch break offers a chance to relax, chat, and rehydrate before heading back into the reserve or preparing for the journey home. Some reviewers say the lunch was a highlight of their day, especially the “unlimited sparkling fresh wine,” which added a celebratory touch.

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Return Journey and Hotel Drop-off

Post-lunch, you’ll head back towards Cape Town, often with a quick stop or two—perhaps for refreshments or restroom breaks. The trip concludes around 6:30 PM with drop-off at your hotel, making it a long but rewarding day.

Knowledgeable Guides and Rangers: Across reviews, guides like Mike, Norman, and Charlie receive high praise for their expertise and friendly manner. Their ability to spot animals and explain behaviors greatly enhances the safari’s educational aspect.

Close, Up-Close Animal Sightings: The open vehicle allows for intimate encounters with wildlife. Mollie mentioned being “that close to all the animals,” which adds to the thrill of the experience.

Beautiful Scenery and Scenic Drive: The route through Hex River Valley offers sweeping mountain and vineyard views, making the journey as enjoyable as the safari itself.

Good Value for Money: At $185, the package includes transportation, park entrance, a game drive, and a buffet lunch. Given the quality of sightings and guides, many feel it’s money well spent.

Flexibility and Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The tour caters to a broad audience, with most reviews emphasizing the friendly and helpful staff, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.

The main caveat is the duration of travel—roughly two hours each way—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long bus rides. The roads can be bumpy, especially during the game drive, but many see this as part of the adventure.

Some guests noted that the reserve can be crowded, especially during cruise ship days or peak seasons, but guides do their best to find animals for every group. Also, since the tours are group-based, you might encounter other travelers, which isn’t necessarily a downside but is worth noting if you prefer a more private experience.

This trip is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive game drive experience close to Cape Town. It’s suitable for those who enjoy guided tours with expert commentary, and for travelers seeking a value-packed day with scenic drives and wildlife sightings.

It’s also a good choice for anyone wanting an authentic safari experience without the need for overnight stays or longer trips. If you’re short on time but want to see the Big Five, this tour offers an accessible and fun option.

Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly, guided safari that balances wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and good food. The guides’ knowledge combined with the chance to see so many animals in a relatively short time makes this a strong contender for your Cape Town itinerary.

The buffet lunch at the lodge adds comfort and convenience, making the trip feel like a full, satisfying day out. The reviews consistently highlight the friendly guides, the close animal encounters, and the overall good value.

This tour suits travelers who want an accessible, well-organized introduction to South Africa’s wildlife, especially if you’re eager to check off the Big Five without committing to a multi-day safari. Just remember to bring sunscreen, a camera, and some comfortable shoes, and you’re set for a memorable adventure.

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs around 9:00 AM, with pickup times starting from approximately 8:20 AM from Cape Town hotels.

How long is the drive to the reserve?
The drive takes about two hours each way, traveling along scenic routes through the Hex River Valley.

What animals can I expect to see?
You can see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and many more, totaling over 172 bird species and numerous smaller animals.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at the lodge is part of the package. Guests typically find it delicious and satisfying, with a good variety.

Can I see the Big Five?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, many guests have seen four of the Big Five, with some lucky visitors seeing all five during their game drive.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
All major expenses are included, except for personal beverages and expenses. Also, a surcharge applies for last-minute changes or amendments.

In summary, this tour offers an engaging, well-organized introduction to South Africa’s iconic wildlife. It’s excellent for those wanting a taste of safari adventure with the comforts of guided commentary, scenic drives, and a hearty lunch. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a memorable wildlife encounter close to Cape Town.

You can check availability for your dates here: