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Wildlife Activities Garden Route Game Lodge

Game Viewing Drives

Morning and evening game drives are led by experienced and knowledgeable game rangers who share their knowledge of big game as well as the many other antelope species, birdlife and local African folklore.

Garden Route Game Lodge is currently home to giraffe, white rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and 24 more species that make up a total of more than 400 animals.

Lions of the Garden Route Game Lodge

Garden Route Game Lodge is home to 7 lions which originally came from Shamwari game reserve in the Eastern Cape. They had been identified and brought to Shamwari through the Born Free Foundation whose mission is to identify wild animals living in impoverished captive environments.

The Born Free Foundation had established that these lions were destined for a "canned lion hunt" * and through there actions these lions were saved.  When the Garden Route Game Lodge was started in 2000, provision was made to accommodate the lions and provide them with a sanctuary where they would be protected.  So it was with great fanfare that the lions arrived at the Garden Route Game Lodge on the 31st March 2000.

The lions have adapted well to their new environment in the Western Cape. We hope that their story of survival will provide visitors with an educational experience and enlighten them on the plight of these magnificent beasts.

* The practice of canned lion hunting involves a hunt where the quarry is hunted in an unethical manner. The hunt usually takes place in a confined area while the lions are often drugged.

Elephants of the Garden Route Game Lodge

Our elephants were translocated from the Kruger National Park and arrived at Garden Route Game Lodge in 2001.

They are both orphans that survived the last cull that took place in Kruger National Park in 1994 after which culling was discontinued.

Cheetah Conservation Center

The Cheetah Conservation Center was established in 2002 to provide visitors to the Garden Route Game Lodge with an insight into the plight of this critically endangered species. 

A percentage of revenue from each guest that stays at the Lodge is allocated to the purchase of collars for cheetah in the wild.

Reptile Center

No stay at the Garden Route Game Lodge is complete without a tour of this world class facility where our the resident curator will share his knowledge of over 26 species of snakes, crocodiles and other cold blooded creatures.

An absolute must for families and those wanting to overcome there fear of snakes !

Horseback rides

Due to the presence of dangerous game at Garden Route Game Lodge, horse rides are conducted on a nearby farm, making it safe and enjoyable for both horse and rider.  

Enjoy an outride through pristine fynbos, undulating valleys and streams on well schooled horses.  Free transfers are available to and from the Lodge.  Booking in advance is essential.

Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain bike trails on the various farm roads which lead to the Gouritz River Valley offer a challenge to the mountain bike enthusiast. Shorter routes are available on the property for the youngsters to enjoy.

Quad Bike Trails

Enjoy a guided adventure trail on a 4x4 quad bike in the Gouritz River Valley which winds through mountain passes and valleys, over streams and finishes in the Gouritz River bed.

Free transfers are available to and from the Lodge.  Booking in advance is essential.