Yes, Inverdoorn is a Big Five private game reserve with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
The term “Africa’s Big Five” was originally coined by early hunters and explorers to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. These species were considered the ultimate test of skill and courage, making them highly prized trophies.
Today, the term has evolved from hunting to conservation and tourism, and the Big Five are now celebrated as iconic symbols of Africa’s wildlife. They represent the continent’s natural heritage, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting endangered species, rather than a challenge to be hunted.
Beyond their historical significance, the Big Five have become emblems of conservation and ethical wildlife tourism, reminding people of the importance of protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats. They are also widely recognised as cultural and national symbols, appearing on South African banknotes, stamps, and in global wildlife tourism campaigns.
The conservation status of the Big Five varies by species:
Lion: Vulnerable due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations.
Leopard: Near Threatened, with local populations declining because of habitat fragmentation and poaching.
Elephant: African elephants are listed as Vulnerable, threatened by poaching for ivory and habitat encroachment.
Rhino: Critically endangered, particularly Black Rhinos; poaching for horns remains the greatest threat.
Buffalo: Generally Least Concern, though some populations face pressures from disease and habitat loss.
While not all Big Five species are critically endangered, each faces threats that require active conservation. Private reserves like Inverdoorn play a vital role in protection, monitoring, and rehabilitation to ensure these iconic species survive for future generations.
The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – are Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, celebrated for their size, strength, and striking appearance. Originally famous among hunters, today they draw tourists because of their rarity, majesty, and the thrill of observing them in the wild.
For safari-goers, the Big Five represent the ultimate wildlife experience, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities and the chance to witness animals that are central to Africa’s natural heritage. Their popularity also helps support conservation efforts, as tourism revenue funds anti-poaching initiatives, habitat protection, and species rehabilitation programs across South Africa.
While it is possible, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Animal behaviour, time of day, season, and habitat conditions all influence the likelihood of encountering each species.
Yes. Inverdoorn is home to the Cape Cheetah Conservation Project, a conservation initiative focused on the rehabilitation and reintroduction of cheetahs in the Western Cape. The project plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term survival of this vulnerable species through ethical management and education.
Yes, guests can see cheetahs during the Cheetah Educational Tour, an optional add-on experience that can be booked at reception. This exclusive activity includes witnessing the cheetah run from a safe, elevated viewing point – showcasing their incredible speed and agility – while learning about Inverdoorn’s vital role in cheetah conservation and rehabilitation.
The Cheetah Run is an essential part of the cheetah rehabilitation process. It helps formerly captive cheetahs regain their speed, fitness, and natural hunting instincts by chasing a mechanical lure across an open stretch of land. This activity forms part of their enrichment and rewilding programme, conducted under the supervision of experienced handlers and conservationists.
Inverdoorn Private Game reserve is renowned for it’s cheetah rehabilitation and breeding programme which oversaw the remarkable recovery of wild cheetahs in the Western Cape.Â
As one 0f South Africa’s leading wildlife conservation reserves, Inverdoorn has built a solid reputation for sustainable tourism, both locally and internationally, due to the success and innovation of the cheetah rehabilitation programme – which has become synonymous with Inverdoorn’s conservation-focused business model.
The Cheetah Educational Tour, offered as an additional safari activity, provides guests with an in-depth educational tour of Inverdoorn’s cheetah rehabilitation centre.
Yes. All cheetahs at Inverdoorn are wild animals, even those rescued and rehabilitated. The reserve maintains a strict no-touch, no-interaction policy to ensure that the cheetahs retain their natural behaviour and hunting instincts.
Cheetahs are one of Africa’s most endangered predators, with populations declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Inverdoorn’s cheetahs support research and rehabilitation initiatives, helping ensure the species’ long-term survival in the Karoo.
Yes, the cheetahs at Inverdoorn are kept in a spacious, secure enclosure that meets all provincial and national conservation regulations. This controlled environment allows the reserve’s conservation team to monitor and rehabilitate the cheetahs safely as part of the Cape Cheetah Conservation Project.
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are the fastest land animals in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in short bursts covering distances of 200–300 metres.
Their incredible speed is aided by a lightweight frame, flexible spine, long legs, and specialised muscles, allowing for rapid acceleration – often from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) in just a few seconds. On the reserve, cheetahs use this speed during the Cheetah Run, demonstrating why they are highly effective predators in the wild.
Cheetahs are not included in the Big Five because the term was originally coined by hunters to describe the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
Although cheetahs are fast, agile, and formidable predators, they are smaller, less aggressive, and easier to hunt than the Big Five species. Today, the Big Five represents iconic African wildlife rather than hunting difficulty, but cheetahs remain highly celebrated for their speed, beauty, and conservation importance.
Yes. Leopards have been spotted within the reserve, though they are among Africa’s most elusive predators. As nocturnal and solitary animals, they are most active at night and are rarely seen during the day. Their beautifully rosette-patterned coats provide perfect camouflage among the Karoo’s rocky outcrops and dense vegetation.
Cape leopards (Panthera pardus pardus), a subspecies of African leopards, have been spotted within Inverdoorn’s reserve. Cape leopards are generally smaller than African leopards and have adapted to rocky terrain, mountainous areas, and dense vegetation, which provides both cover and hunting opportunities.Â
Cape leopards are solitary, nocturnal, and highly elusive, making daytime sightings rare. Their presence in the reserve highlights the importance of conservation and habitat protection in supporting South Africa’s native predator populations.
While Inverdoorn is home to the Big Five, including leopards, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Leopards are highly elusive and nocturnal, preferring to move under the cover of darkness and rest during the day. Their exceptional camouflage and solitary nature make spotting one a rare and unforgettable experience.
Leopards are solitary, nocturnal, and extremely camouflaged. Their spotted coat blends seamlessly into rocky and bushy environments, and they often rest in trees or secluded areas during the day. These behaviours make them one of the most elusive Big Five species.
Leopards play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing and supporting the balance of plant and animal life within their habitats. Their presence is an indicator of ecosystem health, as leopards require large, well-managed territories with sufficient prey and vegetation.
Leopards are included in Africa’s Big Five because, historically, they were considered one of the most dangerous and difficult animals to hunt on foot. Leopards are strong, agile, and highly elusive, often hunting at night and taking refuge in trees. Their stealth, speed, and ability to ambush prey made them particularly challenging and risky for hunters, earning them a place among the Big Five.
Yes, the lions at Inverdoorn are kept in a spacious, secure enclosure that is separate from the reserve’s free-roaming wildlife. This dedicated area is designed in full compliance with South African conservation legislation and adheres to ethical wildlife care standards.
Inverdoorn’s lion enclosure exists to ensure the safety and welfare of both the lions and other wildlife within the reserve. The reserve complies with provincial and national regulations governing the management of predators on private game reserves, which include CapeNature’s fencing and predator management policies.
These measures are essential to maintain ecological balance, protect other species, and safeguard the lions themselves. Inverdoorn is legally required to uphold these standards as part of its commitment to ethical, responsible, and sustainable wildlife conservation.
Yes. Inverdoorn’s lions are wild animals, even though they are rescued from the canned hunting industry and are in a managed enclosure. The reserve maintains a strict no-touch and no-interaction policy to preserve natural behaviour.
Canned hunting is an unethical practice in which lions (and other large predators) are bred or kept in captivity specifically to be hunted in confined enclosures where they have little to no chance of escape. These animals are often raised in conditions that make them tame or habituated to humans, making the hunt artificial and unfair.
This practice is widely condemned by conservationists and animal welfare organisations, as it exploits animals for sport rather than promoting natural behaviour or ethical wildlife management.
Many lions at reserves like Inverdoorn have been rescued from the canned hunting industry and are now cared for in secure, spacious enclosures that provide a natural, safe environment and support ethical conservation efforts.
Lions are classified as Vulnerable, facing threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations. Inverdoorn contributes to their conservation through responsible management, habitat protection, and ethical safari practices.
Lions are often seen during safaris at Inverdoorn, although sightings can never be fully guaranteed. The lions live in a spacious, secure enclosure designed to mimic their natural environment, where vegetation and terrain can sometimes make them harder to spot.
You can see the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, ostriches and a variety of antelope species at Inverdoorn.
Sightings of the Big Five at Inverdoorn cannot be guaranteed. The animals roam freely within large, natural areas of the reserve and move according to their own instincts and habitat conditions. Factors such as time of day, weather, and vegetation all influence visibility.
Inverdoorn does not use trackers or tracking collars on its wildlife, allowing the animals to behave as naturally as possible. Our experienced rangers rely on their field expertise and knowledge of animal behaviour to offer guests the best possible chance of sightings, while ensuring an authentic, ethical safari experience that respects the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Inverdoorn’s rhinos have been dehorned as a precautionary measure to protect them from poachers. This decision followed a tragic poaching incident at the reserve, during which rhinos were brutally killed for their horns. The event deeply impacted Inverdoorn’s conservation team and strengthened their commitment to protecting these endangered animals.
The dehorning process is humane and non-lethal, carried out by qualified wildlife veterinarians under sedation to ensure the rhino experiences no pain or distress. Rhino horn is made of keratin – the same protein found in human hair and nails – and grows back naturally over time.
By removing the horns, Inverdoorn significantly reduces the risk of future poaching and continues to support national efforts to safeguard South Africa’s rhino population through education, surveillance, and anti-poaching initiatives.
Game viewing at Inverdoorn is rewarding all year round, with each season offering something different. In summer (November–March), guests may spot young animals and abundant birdlife, while in winter (May–August), the cooler, drier conditions often make wildlife easier to spot around waterholes and open areas.
The birthing season at Inverdoorn typically occurs during the late spring and summer months, from October to February. This period coincides with warmer weather and the arrival of seasonal rains, which bring fresh vegetation and abundant water – ideal conditions for nurturing young animals.
During this time, guests may have the opportunity to see newborn antelope, zebra foals, and other young wildlife exploring the reserve under the watchful eyes of their mothers. Birthing season is one of the most rewarding times to visit Inverdoorn, as the landscape comes alive with new life and vibrant Karoo greenery.
Yes. Inverdoorn has a dedicated anti-poaching unit that operates around the clock to protect the reserve and wildlife.
For the safety of the animals and staff, specific operational details are not publicly disclosed. However, guests can be assured that Inverdoorn remains fully committed to protecting its wildlife and preserving the integrity of the Karoo ecosystem.
Yes, all the animals at Inverdoorn are wild and live freely within their natural environment. While some may have been rescued or rehabilitated, the reserve maintains a strict no-touch and no-interaction policy to ensure that every animal retains its natural instincts and behaviours.Â
No, self-driving is not permitted at Inverdoorn. All safaris are conducted in guided 4×4 vehicles led by qualified rangers. This ensures both guest safety and the protection of the wildlife and environment, while allowing visitors to enjoy an informative and ethical safari experience.
For those wanting to book a private safari tour (up to 8 persons per vehicle), please enquire at reception or book with our reservations team before your arrival. Private safaris are subject to availability.
Yes. Inverdoorn’s safaris are 100% ethical and guided by strict conservation principles. The reserve operates under national and provincial wildlife regulations and follows ethical tourism standards to ensure the well-being of all animals.
All safaris are non-invasive – guests observe wildlife from a respectful distance without any physical interaction, feeding, or interference. Inverdoorn’s focus is on education, conservation, and authentic wildlife experiences, allowing animals to behave naturally within their environment.
By visiting Inverdoorn, guests actively support ongoing conservation work, including habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and the rehabilitation of endangered species such as cheetahs and rhinos.
Yes, safaris at Inverdoorn are completely safe. All game drives are led by qualified and experienced rangers who are trained in wildlife behaviour and safety protocols. Guests remain in secure safari vehicles at all times, and routes are carefully planned to ensure both visitor safety and animal welfare.
Inverdoorn follows strict conservation and safety regulations, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable wildlife experience for everyone on the reserve.
No. Feeding wildlife is strictly not allowed at Inverdoorn. The animals forage naturally, which supports a healthy and balanced ecosystem and encourages natural behaviours. This policy ensures that all sightings and interactions remain authentic, ethical, and respectful of the animals’ wild nature.
No. Inverdoorn follows a strict no-touch policy to promote ethical wildlife tourism and the welfare of all species on the reserve. This approach helps prevent stress, ensures natural behaviour, and supports long-term conservation goals.
Inverdoorn offers guests an exclusive boutique safari experience, just 2.5 hours from Cape Town. With conservation at the heart of everything we do, you can rest assured that your safari is both ethical and authentic. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild within the serene Tankwa Karoo – book your unforgettable safari below.
