Many visitors to South Africa (if not all) have heard plenty about the amazing wildlife to be found across the country – not as many know that it is possible to enjoy a Cape Town safari tour just a few hours from the heart of the City Centre, however!
The Western Cape Province is home to some of the most spectacular flora and fauna in the world, even boasting its own unique floral kingdom (Cape Floristic Region) that comprises indigenous fynbos vegetation. One such region where this unique biodiversity can be seen is in the Karroo – a semi-desert region teeming with fynbos, birdlife and rich wildlife too. This area is a must-see for anyone wanting to see the top attractions in South Africa – for those wanting to experience a one-of-a-kind safari in Cape Town, this area should be right at the start of your to-visit list!
Why a Cape Town Safari Tour is a Must For All
Love animals and nature but never had the chance to see wildlife up close? Always wondered how fast cheetahs can really run? Desperate to see the famous rhino of South Africa?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then a Cape Town safari tour is definitely for you! Just in case you need any other reasons to try this incredible experience, here are some added things to inspire you…
1. Full day safari, within easy reach of the city. On a typical tour, you will be collected from your chosen accommodation early in the morning, and returned again after the day comes to an end. If you only have a limited time to spend in the area, this is a great way to enjoy a wildlife encounter in a single day.
2. Malaria-free destination. Better still, unlike many other African safari destinations, the Cape is 100% malaria free. You do not need to worry about taking anti-malaria medication before, during and after your holiday, and there are no other health risks to worry about either. This means no other types of vaccinations that may be required in some parts of the country, which means more peace of mind and less stress all round. Yay for stress-free safaris!
3. Genuine wildlife encounters. You may have seen wild animals in zoos, and on wildlife documentaries of course. But nothing can ever prepare you for the awe-inspiring moment when you see your first lion, elephant, rhino or even antelope in its natural habitat. Zoos are at best able to simulate a micro environment – game reserves, on the other hand, enable wildlife to roam freely within a large designated area of natural land. Lions and other predators are able to hunt; herd animals are able to drink at the waterholes as they look out for opportunistic predators and ecosystems are perfectly formed without interference in any way.
4. Year round game watching. While game viewing does have seasons, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy a safari in the heart of winter. The Cape has a mild climate all year round, with very hot, dry summers and mild winters with some rain. Both seasons have special advantages for game watching. Drier seasons offer better sightings of game as animals congregate at waterholes more often, while wetter seasons are excellent for bird watching – you may even be able to see newborn wildlife during the spring months if you’re lucky!
5. Spectacular photographic opportunities. Last, but certainly not least, there are the jaw-dropping photo opps that abound on safaris. Whether you are happy snapping on Instagram or aiming to get serious with multiple camera lenses and filters, you will have plenty of chances to capture the magic of the bush. Amateur and professional photographers alike can find inspiration in the landscapes, birdlife, plants, big cats, small reptiles and myriad other species seen on a South African safari in Cape Town.
By now you should be super keen to see all of this (and so much more) for yourself on your next visit to the Mother City. I know that I never stop getting excited about all things relating to wildlife – and I am a born-and-raised South African who has seen a fair share of game species. What’s not to love about the beautiful, bountiful bushveld after all?
Have you been on a Cape Town safari tour before? Hoping to try one in the future perhaps? Share your thoughts below and let us know all about it!
