If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to giraffes strolling past your bedroom window, you don’t need to travel far. Just 40 minutes outside of Cape Town you’ll find Kalmeer Game Farm, a private game reserve in the Western Cape that feels like a true safari escape while still being so close to the city. It’s the kind of place where the moment you arrive, the pace slows down and nature takes over.

We stayed in Sable, a luxury two-sleeper house that manages to be both completely indulgent and wonderfully cozy. The bedroom has the softest linens and even electric blankets for those crisp Cape evenings, and just stepping inside makes you want to curl up with a glass of wine in front of the indoor fireplace. The bathroom is equally dreamy, with a spacious walk-in shower and a romantic outdoor bathtub that practically begs for a sunset soak under the stars.

What really makes Sable stand out is how much thought has gone into every detail. There’s a full kitchen with a Nespresso machine for lazy mornings, plush gowns for wrapping yourself up in comfort, and even bath salts provided to make that outdoor tub feel like a spa. Step outside onto the wide patio and you’ll find a braai, a pizza oven, and a wood-fired hottub waiting for you. Whether you’re cooking, soaking, or simply lounging with a good book, the views stretch out over the feeding area of the reserve - and that’s where the magic truly happens.

Lying in bed and watching giraffes wander by is one of those surreal moments you never forget. At Kalmeer, the wildlife comes to you. From your private deck you can see kudu, zebra, wildebeest, and all sorts of birdlife going about their day. It feels incredibly intimate, almost as if the bush is performing just for you. With only a handful of private chalets and glamping options on the property, the reserve never feels crowded, making it a rare kind of peaceful that’s hard to find so close to the city.

What we loved most about our stay is that Kalmeer doesn’t just offer a place to sleep - it creates an experience. Evenings are for stargazing from the hottub or sharing homemade pizzas straight from the oven, mornings are for slow coffees while watching the animals graze, and afternoons are for exploring the walking paths or simply curling up by the fire. It’s both wild and luxurious, private yet welcoming, and it has a way of making you feel completely at home in the middle of the bush.

For anyone planning a trip to Cape Town, this is a stay worth adding to your itinerary. It’s close enough for a quick weekend away yet special enough to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Whether you’re celebrating something romantic, taking time to reconnect, or just craving a little stillness in nature, Sable at Kalmeer Game Farm is the perfect luxury safari near Cape Town - and pure bucket-list material.