Back in the day, before we mucked everything up, the Big Five roamed freely around the Klein Karoo. However, they were virtually wiped out due to settlement and agricultural development, amongst other things, and that was the end of that.

If you’re the type of Capetonian who wants to see these animals in their natural habitat without hopping on a flight to Jozi and braving the drive to Kruger, you should take a closer look at Inverdoorn Game Reserve, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town.

The premier luxury Big Five safari destination within the Karoo, Inverdoorn is filled with an array of wildlife. Aside from the Big Five, you will also find zebras, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, eland, and springbok, as well as more elusive creatures like the aardvark and aardwolf.

You may also come across Harry, South Africa’s most amorous ostrich, who loves to put on a show for guests out on a game drive.

He really does have all the moves.

Those staying overnight will enjoy a sunset safari, as well as a morning drive the following day.

The reserve has made a significant contribution to sustaining the biodiversity of the region, and Inverdoorn’s 10 000 hectares are also home to a successful cheetah conservation centre.

A number of these beautiful cats are being rehabilitated before release, and guests have the opportunity to meet and learn more about cheetahs at the centre.

In addition, the sunset safari includes the chance to see the cats at full speed from an elevated vantage point, where you can get a better sense of just how fast their top speed of close to 120 km/h really is.

There is a range of luxury accommodation options at Inverdoorn, from charming guest houses for families or bigger groups to chalets, luxury chalets, and exclusive ambassador suites.

You will want to arrive hungry, too, with a buffet lunch and breakfast included in your stay, as well as a three-course dinner that is suitably delectable.

Guests can also enjoy a day trip that leaves from, and returns to, the Cape Town CBD, although you’ll be missing out on that classic Karoo early morning lighting that makes for superb photo-taking.

Given that it’s spring, you may also find a few youngsters out and about:

Right, sign me up.

You know how Capetonians always talk about doing all the things that tourists do when they visit, but we never actually get around to doing them? Go on, get your Big Five on.

To find out about current deals, room rates, and what else Inverdoorn has to offer, check out their website, and you can also swing past their Facebook page for some stunning photos from the reserve.