Garden Route Safari Camp is a small tented camp on a malaria-free private reserve between the Outeniqua mountains and Mossel Bay. It’s one of the most searched names on the Garden Route — here’s what it offers and who it suits.
Last checked: 29 September 2026 — prices and conditions change, always confirm before booking.
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The camp
Accommodation is in tent-style suites, each with a private deck overlooking the reserve. The atmosphere is more intimate than in the big lodges: evenings around the boma fire, a pool for hot afternoons and a limited number of guests.
Which animals will you see?
Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon look for lions, buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest and several antelope species, and the birdlife is rich. The reserve is not marketed as a Big 5 reserve; if seeing elephants and rhinos is a priority, choose one of the reserves in our Big 5 guide.
Activities
- Guided game drives, morning and late afternoon
- Bush walks with a guide
- Pool and boma dinners
- Easy access to Mossel Bay’s beaches and whale watching (June–November)
Prices
Rates are generally lower than at the Big 5 lodges and are sold per person with meals and activities. Check the camp’s current rates and seasonal offers, and compare with a day safari if you’re only passing through.
Reviews
Guests usually highlight the friendly staff, the comfort of the tents and the peaceful setting. The recurring caveat is the smaller variety of species compared with Gondwana or Garden Route Game Lodge.
Getting there
From Mossel Bay it’s about 20 km on paved roads; from Cape Town allow around 4 hours on the N2. George airport is less than an hour away.
Alternatives nearby
Within 30 minutes you’ll find Gondwana and Botlierskop, both Big 5. Compare them in our list of the best Garden Route safari lodges.
Pros and cons at a glance
- ✔ Pros
- Quiet, intimate atmosphere
- Tented suites with private decks
- Close to Mossel Bay beaches
- Generally cheaper than Big 5 lodges
- ✘ Cons
- No full Big 5
- Fewer species than Gondwana or Garden Route Game Lodge
- Limited number of tents, book early
Frequently asked questions
Does Garden Route Safari Camp have the Big 5?
No. You can see lions, buffalo and giraffes, but for the full Big 5 choose Gondwana, Botlierskop or Garden Route Game Lodge.
How far is Garden Route Safari Camp from Mossel Bay?
About 20 km, on paved roads.
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