2-Day Wildlife Safari from Cape Town: Oudtshoorn & Game Drives
The Klein Karoo holds Africa's Big 5 in a malaria-free reserve just six hours from the city.
This 2-day wildlife safari departs Cape Town for Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, combining two guided 4x4 game drives at private reserves with an overnight stay and all transport. Day one covers the 450 km journey to Botlierskop near Mossel Bay, where you search for giraffe, rhino, lion, elephant and zebra from an open vehicle. Day two adds a bush drive at Buffelsdrift before the return along Route 62, the world's longest wine route. Accommodation ranges from backpacker dorm to luxury lodge, and breakfast is included both mornings. The optional Elephant Observation experience (a guided nature walk to see three rescued elephants roaming freely) costs extra and is arranged on arrival.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Botlierskop Safari and Oudtshoorn Stay
- Depart Cape Town at 6:45am
- Travel to Botlierskop Reserve
- 4x4 game drive at Botlierskop
- Drive to Oudtshoorn
- Free time and optional braai dinner
Day 2: Buffelsdrift Safari and Return
- Breakfast at accommodation
- 4x4 bush drive at Buffelsdrift Reserve
- Optional elephant observation walk
- Drive along Route 62 to Cape Town
- Arrive in Cape Town evening
What’s included
- Admission to Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift reserves.
- two guided 4x4 game drives (one at each reserve).
- one night accommodation with breakfast.
- all ground transport including the 900 km round-trip drive and hotel pickup if booked early.
- a local English-speaking tour guide and experienced game rangers during safaris.
- and a donation to 2Cchange charity projects as part of your tour fee.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by Hotspots2c Tours
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
Depart Cape Town at 6:45am from the meeting point, or arrange hotel pickup if you book at least two days early. The drive to Botlierskop takes about six hours through the Klein Karoo's shifting landscape: green coastal terrain giving way to the drier, dusty plains that define this region. Botlierskop is a malaria-free private game reserve near Mossel Bay, and your first 4x4 safari runs roughly two and a half hours. An experienced game ranger leads the drive from an open-roof vehicle, pointing out giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest as you move through their habitat.
By evening you'll reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, where you stay overnight. Your accommodation depends on the package you select at checkout: the budget option is Uthando Backpackers, the comfort tier is 88 Baron van Reede Guesthouse, or you can upgrade to Buffelsdrift Lodge for a luxury stay. The evening is free time to rest or explore. Your guide can pre-book a braai barbecue dinner at the backpackers (subject to availability) where you can try ostrich sosaties and homemade pot brood, or they'll help arrange dining at other local restaurants.
Day two starts with breakfast before a second 4x4 bush drive at Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve, lasting about an hour and a half. This reserve focuses on the Klein Karoo ecosystem (insects, plants and smaller wildlife rather than dense big game), and your ranger explains the landscape as you move through it. If you choose the optional Elephant Observation experience (paid on-site), you'll join a nature walk to see three rescued elephants in their bushvelt habitat under the care of elephant guides. The final leg is a roughly five-to-six-hour drive along Route 62, the world's longest wine route, winding through high mountains, twisting passes and rugged Karoo plains before arriving back in Cape Town between 7pm and 9pm.
Is this one for you?Choose the shared group tour if you want the cost spread across travelers and don't mind meeting others. Pick the private option if you prefer a dedicated guide and vehicle for your group alone. The fast-paced itinerary suits travelers with limited time in South Africa who want to see African wildlife in a natural reserve without the expense and distance of heading to Kruger National Park.
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Top questions
What animals can I actually see on the 4x4 game drives?
Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift both hold giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and white rhino. Botlierskop is a larger reserve where you may also spot lion and elephant. Buffelsdrift's bush drive focuses more on the ecosystem and smaller species of the Klein Karoo, though African buffalo and elephants are present. The optional Elephant Observation walk lets you see three rescued elephants up close in their natural habitat.
How far is Oudtshoorn from Cape Town, and how much of the tour is driving?
Oudtshoorn lies about 450 km from Cape Town: roughly six hours by road on day one. Day two's return along Route 62 covers another 450 km and takes five to six hours, so the tour involves substantial driving time. The itinerary is fast-paced and designed for travelers with limited time who want to see wildlife without heading further north.
Can I choose where I stay, or is accommodation fixed?
You select your accommodation tier when you book: Uthando Backpackers (budget dorm or own room), 88 Baron van Reede Guesthouse (3-star comfort), or Buffelsdrift Lodge (4-star luxury). Each property is included in the tour price, and breakfast is provided at all three. Note that backpackers are typically located away from guesthouses and lodges.
Is hotel pickup from Cape Town included?
Hotel pickup within 5 km of central Cape Town is included if you book at least two days in advance. Otherwise, you meet the tour at the designated meeting point at 6:45am. Confirm your pickup address when you book.
What is the Elephant Observation experience, and does it cost extra?
The Elephant Observation is an optional guided nature walk where you see three rescued elephants roaming freely in their bushvelt habitat, led by elephant guides who share their story. It costs approximately R700 and is paid directly to the supplier on your first day of the tour. The operator pre-books space for the group, so you simply decide on arrival whether to participate.
What meals are included, and what if I have dietary needs?
Breakfast is included both mornings. Other meals are not included, though your guide can help arrange dining and pre-book restaurants in Oudtshoorn. Vegetarian options are available on request. For specific diets like vegan, gluten-free or halal, plan and budget your own alternatives. You can pay for meals by card on tour or withdraw cash at an ATM your guide can direct you to.
2-Day Wildlife Safari from Cape Town: Oudtshoorn & Game Drives
2d · EN
from US$ 330 per person
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