Inverdoorn

Luxury Big 5 Safari close to Cape Town

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a 10 000 hectare Big 5 game reserve situated just under 2.5 hours from Cape Town, in the vastness of the stunning and wild Ceres Karoo. With thick wooded Acacia river beds and magnificent golden mountains on the horizon, Inverdoorn is home to the iconic Big 5 animals – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and the elusive Cape leopard – as well as a variety of other wildlife, including cheetah, zebra, giraffe, crocodiles and hippos.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve offers guests complete relaxation in stylish accommodation, designed to complement the arid beauty of the Karoo. Amongst the many attractions and features at the reserve, the cheetah rescue and rehabilitation centre is one of South Africa’s leading conservation initiatives. With the largest selection of wild game in the region, a variety of luxury accommodation options, and the resplendent African sunshine, a Big 5 safari experience at Inverdoorn is the perfect complement to a Cape Town holiday.

Uncover the Incredible Story Behind Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve

The History of Inverdoorn

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve has an incredible beginning. Founded in 1907, Inverdoorn was once known as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fruit farm from 1915 to 1972, before transforming into a private nature reserve in 1970.

Over the years, Inverdoorn’s cheetah project had fallen into a profit-focused conservation initiative, allowing guests to interact and touch captive bred cheetahs, led by collars and leads around the lodge, for entertainment and photo opportunities. Dedicated to protecting wildlife and biodiversity in the Western Cape, South Africa, new ownership under Searl Derman and the Aquila Collection in 2019 ushered in a new era for cheetah conservation and wildlife rehabilitation, marked by the immediate and strict implementation of a “no touch” policy and the foundation of an animal welfare ethics committee.

Today, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve still cultivates most of its own vegetables and offers a tranquil Karoo Big 5 experience, perfect for stargazing and exploring the untamed beauty of the West Coast. At the core of its operations, the reserve prioritises the delicate balance between tourism and conservation, sharing a deep passion for wildlife and nature with visitors and overnight safari guests.

Wildlife Conservation

Inverdoorn is internationally acclaimed for its Cheetah rehabilitation programme and wildlife conservation initiatives. Guests have the opportunity to learn more about the reserve’s captive cheetah rescue project and incredible Cheetah Run while on safari. Book Inverdoorn’s Cheetah Educational Tour for an up-close and in-depth wildlife conservation and cheetah educational experience.

Luxury Big 5 Safari Accommodation in the Ceres, Karoo

Overnight safari accommodation is offered in the Premier Ambassador Collection (suites or chalets) designed with personal safari touches, African rustic-luxury finishings, and a complimentary mini-bar. Stay in the Tankwa Chalets, where you’ll wake up to breathtaking views of the succulent Karoo garden, or choose from our variety of Lodge rooms. 

Savour a delicious lunch served beneath the shade of trees, followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner — either in the intimate restaurant with its roaring fires and inviting bar or by the pool, illuminated by boma fires and soft lanterns (weather permitting). 

As night falls, the Karoo sky comes alive with stars, providing the perfect backdrop for sharing safari tales around the boma fires and pools. In the morning, indulge in a leisurely breakfast amidst the tranquil Karoo surroundings before checking out at 10:00.

Just under 2.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town

The trip to Inverdoorn is one of the most interesting and picturesque sightseeing routes in the Western Cape, South Africa. During the 2.5 hour drive to the lodge, guests can stop at various wine farms to sample some of the best wines in the region. There are also local food stalls along the way that travellers can enjoy and stock up on, such as breads, cheeses and olives. 

Self-Drive & Transfers for Guests

For those not interested in self-drive option, Inverdoorn’s Cape Town Head Office can arrange transfers to and from the city.