Nature ReserveGarden Route Game Reserves
The best of both worlds: Big 5 safari experience in South Africa's coastal Eden
Nestled between the sparkling Indian Ocean and ancient mountain ranges, the Garden Route's game reserves fall within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity and eco-tourism stronghold. Offering the best in natural beauty and a limitless choice of attractions, leave footprints behind on white sandy beaches at sunrise and be sitting by a pride of burly maned lions come lunch! In the malaria-free reserves of the Garden Route, you can expect to see predatory mammals, the Big 5, ample birdlife, and a range of other critters on a conservation-centred safari.
Nestled between the sparkling Indian Ocean and ancient mountain ranges, the Garden Route's game reserves ...
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
17 nights- •
0.600t CO₂
The Kruger & Cape Collection: 18 Days of Safari, Coastlines & Mountains
From $1,398 /person
- 17 nights
Malaria-Free Safari & Whales Explorer: Discover South Africa's Cape in 17 days
From $2,391 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The Garden Route game reserves' added beauty is that they truly are an all-year-round destination. Our top tip is to visit in the autumn months, between March and May, or in Spring from September to November, when the cool nights and pleasantly warm days allow all day exploring. There is also less wind and rain. From September, you can marvel at kaleidoscopic spring flowers amidst the thorny bush! The hot temperatures (and hoards) during the festive season, from December to January, may be unbearable to some, but you may see more animals as they congregate at waterholes.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Experience the magnificence of South Africa at the bountiful Botlierskop Game Reserve
From $266 /person
- South Africa
- •
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Garden Route Game Lodge
Big 5 countryside getaway just 4 hours from Cape Town
From $225 /person
- South Africa
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Gondwana Game Reserve
Transformative eco-adventure on the Garden Route, connecting travellers with nature responsibly.
From $559 /person
- South Africa
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Hartenbos Private Game Lodge
A privately-owned game farm in the malaria-free region of Mossel Bay
From $75 /person
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What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller