Game Near Cape Town

Q. To celebrate a 40th birthday in March next year I would like to take my family to a game reserve near Cape Town for a weekend. Ideally, I am looking for reasonably-priced, decent accommodation with Big Five game viewing. Failing that, do you have any other ideas for a special celebratory weekend? - Irene Maxted.

A: Kruger Park-style game viewing may be a little thin on the ground in the Western Cape, but there are a few charming private game reserves that would provide a great spot for a family celebration. One of those closest to Cape Town is the Aquila Private Game Reserve, which offers Big Five viewing within two hours of the Mother City. Accommodation is in chalets or bush cottages and game viewing from horses or quadbikes are a speciality (www.aquilasafari.com; Tel: 021 431 8400). Another small reserve offering intimate encounters with animals and accommodation in family chalets is Inverdoorn Reserve, which has some lovely chalets for rent (www.inverdoorn.com; Tel: 0214 344 639). A private reserve within three hours drive of Cape Town offering comfortabel accommodation is Sanbona Wildlife Reserver near Montague. Located at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, it is home to a pride of white lions (www.sanbona.com; Tel: 041 407 1000). The Garden Route Game Lodge offers Big 5 viewing with accommodation in the luxury lodge or private chalets. There are reduced low season rates in March, which include meals and game drives (www.grgamelodge.co.za; Tel 028 735 1200). Finally, there's Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Located near Mossel Bay, four hours drive from Cape Town, you get to stay in luxury tented accommodation and undertake elephant back safaris. This reserve offers all-inclusive two or three night packages (www.botlierskop.co.za; Tel: 044 696 6055). You may find rates on the high side at the game reserves listed above. If you want to spend a little less, you could opt to rent a beach-house or a farmhouse in one of the Cape's spectacular locations. Why not consider renting one or two fisherman's cottages in Paternoster? In that enchanting environment, you could have a truly memorable weekend with your loved ones! For a selection of houses for rent, check out the www.stayinpaternoster.co.za website. (29/8/10)