SEA-fari experiences in Mossel Bay

Beach or Bush? Why not enjoy best of both worlds! When heading to Mossel Bay and you are yearning for the solitude of the bush, but also want to enjoy some vitamin-SEA, you will soon discover that Mossel Bay is one of the few South African towns that really has it all! You can enjoy your leisurely beachfront accommodation and be in the heart of the bush within minutes and be surrounded by lush greenery, a variety of wildlife and also opt in for some luxury spa treatments.

Mossel Bay has some very impressive Game Lodges and we will share six of the best spots with you in this post, so jump into your safari outfits, grab a hat, your camera and binoculars and let's go on a SEA-Fari!

1. Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Come and share the breathtaking beauty this 4,500 hectare reserve has to offer on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. Botlierskop Game Reserve will ensure you enjoy a uniquely South African Safari Experience. Family owned and privately operated, Botlierskop is malaria free and home to free roaming wildlife including lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and more. 

Designed specifically for day visitors with time constraints, our location is conveniently nestled midway between George and Mossel Bay. We offer a variety of activities, including Guided Game Drives, Horseback Safaris, Fijnebos Spa, picturesque Picnic spots and Leisure Facilities. Don’t miss out on a delightful lunch at Spekbos restaurant, available daily from 10:00 AM to 15:00 PM; be sure to make a reservation in advance to ensure availability.

2. Hartenbos Private Game Lodge

Hartenbos Private Game Lodge is a privately-owned game lodge situated in the malaria-free region of Hartenbos, Mossel Bay. The farm is rich in fynbos and home to plenty of species of game including Buffalo, Hippo, Giraffe, Eland, Golden Wildebees and Zebra. There is 25+ species of antelope, one of which is the famous springbok. Smaller predators that thrive in their natural habitat include black-backed jackal, caracal, bat-eared fox and civet. On the horison is Lions, soon to be introduced.

Guests can relax by the pool or in the lounge areas or on the sundowner deck whilst enjoying the peace and quiet of the farm, surrounded by evergreen Fynbos, animals, birds and breath-taking views of the hills and valleys all the way to the Outeniqua Mountains. Hartenbos Private Game Lodge is located along the Garden Route, 18 km from Hartenbos Beach and Langeberg Mall.

3. Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Gondwana Game Reserve is the only free roaming Big 5 private wildlife reserve in the Southern Cape. Gondwana is Home to lion, white rhino, eland, red hartebeest, endangered Cape Mountain Zebra, springbok, kudu, hippo and Cape buffalo to name a few. Gondwana is also home to the Southern most elephant herds in the world.

Our expert field guides reveal Africa’s wildlife to Gondwana’s guests in a Cape Fynbos environment; a truly unique safari experience! Exhilarating encounters on game drive with endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Rhinoceros will provide lasting memories.

Over 15 species of antelope can be found on the reserve including kudu, eland, bontebok, waterbuck, sable, grey reebok and many more. The free roaming Big 5 species also keep things interesting with many visits to the lodge from the elephants and lions! Gondwana is home to 17 carnivore species ranging from the small grey mongoose and small-spotted genet to medium-sized species such as the caracal and bat-eared fox, to the very large and powerful lion.

4. Bergsig Game Farm

Bergsig Game Farm is situated 7km outside Hartenbos, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in the Garden Route. Here you can enjoy various fun activities, and have an amazing hunting experience. You will appreciate the beauty, tranquility and splendid views of this unique game farm. Enjoy fresh air from the sea as well as from the farm. The silence and peace coming from the mountains will capture your soul and you will be surrounded by wild, while experiencing their natural behavior. 

Bergsig Game Farm is spread over 3,000 hectares consisting of savannah, grass plains, thick bushveld, mountains and valleys. While there are some of the Big Five animals, like Lion, Rhino & Buffalo, there are more than 30 different animal species as well as our beloved Hippopotamus.

From an open safari vehicle, clients can experience the smell of Fynbos, feel the warmth of the Mossel Bay sunlight and hear the Fish eagle’s cry. Clients are guided by an experienced guide passionate about the bush, where they will get to experience and learn about mammal, plant and bird species of the western cape. A picnic break will be presented in the middle of the drive where clients are welcome to eat snacks and drink soft drinks.

5. Indalu Game Reserve

From the mist shrouding the bush at dawn until the blazing sunsets behind the distant mountains, the magic of Indalu will provide unforgettable memories.Join us for an experience of a lifetime as you go on a guided walk with our elephants. Our experienced guides will introduce you to our gentle giants for an informative session as you get to walk and interact with them and feed them a healthy snack bucket. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a calm and friendly attitude, and a giant love for elephants. Ample photo opportunities. Weather permitting.

Embark on a game-viewing adventure in open vehicles in search of 4 of the Big 5 and 8 different antelope species. Beverages & snacks provided.

6. Garden Route Game Lodge

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa’s world famous Garden Route Coast.

Only 3½ scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including the Big 5. Visitors to the Garden Route Game Lodge can enjoy game viewing in open Landrovers and a memorable dining experience in one of our African style restaurants.

Its all about the wildlife at Garden Route Game Lodge and your safari is the time when you get to spot some of our resident game.  Our game reserve is home to elephant, lion, buffalo , white rhino, giraffe, cheetah and a variety of antelope species so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. If you are in luck you may be treated with a sighting of our free roaming cheetahs.