A safari at Quagga River Lodge is a little different from the traditional Big 5 experience. Set along the Berg River near Velddrif, the lodge offers a quieter wildlife experience centred around its resident quaggas and the landscapes of the West Coast.
A game drive is a chance to slow down, explore the surrounding landscape and see some of the animals that call the area home, from quaggas and giraffe to gemsbok and ostrich. During flower season, the scenery adds another dimension to the experience, with the West Coast landscape taking on its seasonal colours.
What Animals Can You See?
Quaggas are the main attraction on a game drive at Quagga River Lodge. These distinctive animals are part of a conservation programme that aims to recreate the appearance and characteristics of the extinct quagga through selective breeding.
Alongside the quaggas, you may encounter a variety of other game during your drive, including:
- Giraffe
- Golden gemsbok
- Ostrich
- Springbok
- Birdlife
- Other local wildlife
The Story of the Quagga
A game drive at Quagga River Lodge is also an opportunity to learn about one of South Africa’s most unusual conservation stories.
The quagga, a subspecies of plains zebra, was hunted to extinction in the 1800s. While the original animal is gone, selective breeding has been used to bring back its distinctive characteristics in animals known as Rau quaggas.
As you see the quaggas on the reserve, your guide can share more about their history, how they disappeared and the conservation work behind the modern-day quagga project.
Also read: The Fascinating Return of the Rau Quagga in South Africa
A Relaxed West Coast Safari
Game drives at Quagga River Lodge are about more than looking for wildlife. The lodge’s setting near the Berg River Estuary means the surrounding landscape is also home to abundant birdlife, making the drive an opportunity to take in the wider ecosystem.
The approximately one-hour drive takes place in a 4×4 safari vehicle seating up to nine guests. With fewer people in each vehicle, the experience has a more personal feel and allows you to take your time as you explore.
The landscape is particularly rewarding during the West Coast flower season, when seasonal blooms transform the scenery and add colour to the drive.
What to Know
Safari game drives run daily and are subject to weather conditions. Each drive lasts approximately one to two hours and includes quagga and game viewing.
Rate: R495 per person (subject to change, please confirm with the lodge)
Minimum: 2 people
- Ages 0–3: Complimentary
- Ages 4–12: 50% of the adult rate
- Maximum 9 guests per vehicle
- Safari game drives are weather dependent
- Strict no-touch policy applies
The no-touch policy is important to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for the animals.
More Than a Game Drive
A stay at Quagga River Lodge brings together wildlife, river scenery and the natural character of the West Coast. Between game drives, you can take in the Berg River Estuary and its birdlife or simply enjoy the peaceful setting of the lodge.
For guests interested in quaggas, a game drive offers a closer look at these unusual animals while introducing you to the conservation story behind them. If you prefer a more active way to experience the landscape, you can also opt for a quad-bike safari, combining wildlife viewing with the excitement of exploring the area on four wheels.
Whether you choose a relaxed game drive or a quad-bike safari, both offer a different way to experience the wildlife and landscapes around the lower Berg River.
Experience a West Coast Safari at Quagga River Lodge
Discover quaggas, giraffe, gemsbok, ostrich and other wildlife on a safari at Quagga River Lodge near Velddrif. With daily drives and the Berg River Estuary nearby, it is a different way to experience the West Coast.
Book your stay at Quagga River Lodge and add a safari game drive to your experience.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Game Drives at Quagga River Lodge
What animals can you see on a game drive at Quagga River Lodge?
Quaggas are the main attraction, but you may also see giraffe, golden gemsbok, ostrich, antelope and other wildlife during your game drive.
How long is the game drive?
Game drives typically last about one to two hours, depending on conditions and wildlife sightings.
How many people can join a game drive?
Each 4×4 safari vehicle accommodates up to 9 guests, allowing for a more personal game-viewing experience.
Are children allowed on game drives?
Yes. Children aged 0–3 can join complimentary, while children aged 4–12 pay 50% of the adult rate.
Can you see quaggas on every game drive?
Quaggas are resident at Quagga River Lodge and are a common sighting, but wildlife sightings can vary and are not guaranteed.
Can guests touch the quaggas?
No. Quagga River Lodge has a strict no-touch policy to ensure respectful and safe interactions with the animals.
Are game drives available every day?
Yes, daily game drives are offered and are subject to weather conditions.
Is the game drive suitable during flower season?
Yes. Flower season is a particularly scenic time to explore the area, with seasonal wildflowers adding colour to the West Coast landscape.
Can you see birds during a game drive?
Yes. Quagga River Lodge is situated near the Berg River Estuary, an area known for its birdlife. You may see a variety of birds during your stay and while exploring the surrounding landscape.
