A Wild and Wonderful Spring Safari in the Western Cape

In South Africa, the first day of September officially marks the start of spring. And, along with the warmer weather and longer days, the spring season brings with it a beautiful display of wild flowers, which ‘spring up’ in rich shades of purple, orange, pink, blue, and white, all over the West Coast, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, and the Karoo.

Mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, blooming wild flowers, the birthing season, spring rains, and even the return of migratory birds, truly make Spring the best time to go on safari in South Africa.

Every year, the Tankwa Karoo comes alive with bright colours and new life, and the reserve is once again blossoming with vibrant colours and captivating Big 5 sightings. Located just 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town, join us on a wild and wonderful Spring Safari at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.

A female giraffe (cow) and her baby (calf) see at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve during a spring safari morning game drive.

The Colourful Call of the Wild

As winter’s grasp finally loosens, the Great Karoo region, known for its arid beauty, undergoes a miraculous transformation. Springtime at Inverdoorn becomes a spectacle of colour. The semi-desert landscape bursts to life with lush greenery, overflowing rivers, and a riot of Western Cape wildflowers. 

While the wild flowers steal the show, the Karoo is also home to some of the most iconic and diverse wildlife on the planet. Picture cheetahs, caracal, ostriches, meerkats, springbok, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and kudu, just to name a few. Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve also offers guests an exciting opportunity to encounter Africa’s “Big Five” in the wild — lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinoceroses — all in one magical location.

Imagine the thrill of seeing a lioness observing a herd of buffalo, watching hippos relaxing in the watering hole, or witnessing a herd of African elephants strolling through the reserve, feasting on new leaves and grass shoots.

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, rare wildlife sightings like these are not only awe-inspiring but also a testament to the incredible conservation efforts in the region.

Famous for reintroducing the endangered white rhinoceros back to the Western Cape after more than two hundred years, Inverdoorn Game Reserve is also home to the world-famous Cheetah Run and Cheetah Breeding Programme, created to help rehabilitate captive-bred cheetahs to be released back into the wild.


Book Now: Spring Safari Accommodation Deals and Special Rates

Giraffe walking across a grassland at sunset with mountains in the background. Read more about Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.
Southern African Giraffe seen at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, walking through a wild flower veld during a sunset spring safari game drive.

Western Cape Spring Safari Adventure

But the beauty of the Western Cape doesn’t end with its Fynbos flowers and Spring landscapes.  Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Here, you can experience the heart-pounding excitement of a Big 5 Safari game drive in a traditional, open-back safari vehicle. 

Witness lions, hippos, elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, ostriches, rhinos – and more, in their natural habitat. Sighting these incredible animals in the wild is a special and cherished experience. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time traveller, the wonder of seeing these animals up-close and in-person will stay with you forever.

Guided by experienced game rangers, each equipped with a rich knowledge of the reserve, you’ll be expertly led through the seasonal and popular habitats of the local wildlife. Inverdoorn’s safari guides will also share their extensive knowledge while you explore the reserve, making your traditional vehicle safari tour a rewarding and educational experience.

Spring Safari: Game Drive Vehicle at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve driving through a shallow river bed and sighting wild flowers and wildlife in the reserve
Safari vehicle at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve seen driving through a shallow river bed, in front of blooming wild flowers, during the spring months (September through November) in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Smaller Safari Vehicles, Bigger Sightings

One of the best parts about going on a Big Five safari at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, is the ability to immerse yourself in the wild and remote Karoo landscapes. Inverdoorn’s 4×4 safari game drives truly offer personalised and up-close wildlife encounters, unique to the charm and intimacy of our boutique, private game reserve.

Traditional, smaller, open-air safari vehicles, with a maximum occupancy of 8 guests per a vehicle, allow for closer (and more frequent) wildlife sightings. Lower vehicle emissions and lower noise volumes from guests can also encourage more authentic encounters with animals in the natural habitat — as they are often startled or avoidant of larger safari trucks and human voices.

Experience it for Yourself

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve invites you to experience a wild and wonderful spring-time adventure only 2.5 hours from Cape Town. Situated on a 10 000 hectare Big Five conservancy, Inverdoorn’s Tankwa Karoo oasis is a must-visit for travellers and safari-goers looking to experience the magic of South Africa’s wildlife and wild flowers from September to November, each year.

For inquiries, spring safari reservations, or to learn more about our exclusive Big 5 safari offers, please contact us at info@inverdoorn.com

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