I'll be in CT for a wedding in March 2014 - can anyone recommend a good game reserve for 2 or 3 days of game viewing which is within 2 hours of CT?

I understand from friends a lot of the reserves near CT can be a bit small and 'zoo-like' and would prefer something a bit wild if possible.

the Karoo national park is at Beauford west. The national parks are normally pretty well run.
unfortunately 4hrs from Cape Town

Karoo national park

Boggy,

Just get on the turps at Franschhoek, you'll see all the game you want then.

So easy to get to PE from Cape Town where I'm sure Dave could pick u up !

There is NOTHING even remotely like the Kruger National Park or Addo Elephant park near Cape Town.

Aquilla, where good sighting of at least some of the Big5 is quite likely, is quite a few hours' drive away.

Fairy Glen Game Reserve is at Worcester - a bit more than an hours' drive away. However I think (have not been there myself recently but used to go on hikes in the area many years ago as a schoolboy) it is is more like a Kiddies Animal Farm, and the animals are not really in a 1/2 wild state.

These are the only ones that is really near CT. Just Google the names and you'll get the locations for both.

Then you can consider: The Karoo National park at Beaufort West at least 4 hours' drive. The Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve near Cerus. The, if you want to be really confused go to list of Western Cape Reserves

If you want to see a fair bit of real reserve I second robncolorado's suggestion: Get hold of Dave at Leopards Valley Safaris and see if he can assist with pick up and transfer to Addo Elephant Park and simply fly to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town. Id Dave is too busy, any other near PE Eastern Cape HO should also be able to help. Or rent a car - it is not much of a drive out to Addo from PE.

Hope this helps and does not cause to much confusion.

Thanks for the leads guys - much appreciated.

Sanbona private game reserve is a 3hr drive from Cape Town. It has the big five and is part of the Mantis Collection who also own Shamwari Game Reserve near PE. It'll be pricey but they may have some good deals.
www.sanbona.com

We took our son and wife for day and night game viewing at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth in Oct. As a hunter I thought it would be boring but found it fascinating - elephants, white rhinos, crocodiles, plains game and lions up close roaming free. Food and overnight accomodation were great. I would go again with visiting family or friends.