Experience a wild side of the Western Cape on this overnight safari adventure to Oudtshoorn from Cape Town. Discover two private game reserves, Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift, each offering a unique take on African wildlife. Enjoy guided 4x4 drives with expert rangers, spotting a variety of animals in their natural habitat. For something extra special, add an optional elephant observation experience to witness rescued elephants near the waterhole.
Begin with a pickup from your hotel in Cape Town, Somerset West, or Stellenbosch. Travel approximately 450 km to Botlierskop Game Reserve in Mossel Bay. Once you arrive, enjoy a 3-hour guided game drive in an open-top 4x4 vehicle. Keep an eye out for Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
After the game drive, take a short drive to Oudtshoorn, famously known as the ostrich capital of the world. Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere beneath the star-filled Klein Karoo sky. If you'd like, your guide can help arrange a restaurant dinner or a traditional South African braai (barbecue), depending on availability. This is a great chance to sample local favorites like ostrich sosaties (kebabs) and potbrood (bread baked over coals).
Spend the night in Oudtshoorn at a place that matches the travel style you’ve chosen.
Start the next day early with a scenic drive to Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve. After enjoying breakfast, head out on a 2-hour open-top 4x4 bush drive into the heart of the Klein Karoo. Led by a knowledgeable guide and ranger, this experience focuses on the smaller wonders of the wild. While the reserve doesn’t have the Big Five, it’s rich in unique flora and smaller wildlife. Learn about the ecosystem, track animals, and discover the hidden beauty of the Karoo bush up close.
Wrap up your journey with a scenic drive along the famous Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. This 450 km stretch takes you through dramatic mountain passes, winding roads, and the wide-open landscapes of the Karoo. The drive back to Cape Town takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and stops for lunch or breaks along the way. Expect to arrive back in the city between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with your camera full and your heart even fuller.