Located just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, South Africa, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a 10,000-hectare Big Five sanctuary in the malaria-free Ceres Karoo. This exclusive Western Cape game reserve offers privileged access to Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos, and the elusive Cape leopard. A variety of other native species, from giraffes and zebras to hippos and flamingos, thrive within this vast, untamed Karoo landscape.
At the heart of Inverdoorn’s mission, to restore the Western Cape natural biodiversity, is its revolutionary cheetah conservation programme, one of South Africa’s leading initiatives to help protect and restore these endangered big cats to wild. Guests have the rare opportunity to witness the cheetahs’ extraordinary speed during the famous ‘Cheetah Run’ and learn more about the reserve’s hands-off, ethical approach to wildlife rehabilitation.
Inverdoorn is where luxury meets the wild. Guests enjoy a deeply personal safari experience, with every detail designed for comfort and connection to nature. From sunrise game drives to evenings under a blanket of stars, days on safari are slow-paced and unscripted, allowing for an experience that suits your journey.
From private game drives to immersive horseback trails through the Karoo, Inverdoorn is a boutique Big 5 Game Reserve close to Cape Town, South Africa.
The 10 000 hectare private game reserve offers luxurious Big 5 safaris for overnight guests. Seeing the warmth rise off a herd of buffalo, silhouetted in the glow of a bright Karoo sunrise, or a stealthy cheetah enjoying an early-evening run, is but a small part of the safari experience you can expect from an overnight stay (or more) at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.
Inverdoorn is internationally acclaimed for its cheetah rehabilitation programme and Big 5 wildlife conservation initiatives. But conservation efforts extend beyond wildlife, with the reserve actively restoring the Karoo’s fragile ecosystems to create sustainable habitats for all its species.
Winner of the 2023 and 2024 Luxury Hotel Awards, Inverdoorn’s safari lodge accommodations include the Premier Ambassador suites, Tankwa Chalets, and Lodge Rooms, each offering an elegant blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Private verandas, African-inspired interiors, and sweeping views of the Karoo create an inviting retreat after a day of exploration.
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.
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. Today, Inverdoorn is regarded as one of the top Big 5 game reserve destinations close to 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.
For those who would in self-drive option, Inverdoorn’s Cape Town Head Office can arrange transfers to and from the city.
