west coast hunting safaris

WELCOME TO BUFFELSFONTEIN

Situated in the heart of the West Coast, an hour away from Cape Town, you’ll find Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve. This 1600 ha family owned reserve is home to some of Africa’s greats such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino and Giraffe. Visitors can either enjoy an unforgettable guided game drive, a delicious meal, a good night’s rest or a team building/conference that will keep everyone talking for years to come.

“Friendly Game Reserve Close to Cape Town.”

This trip was our first experience of SA Game Reserves and we didn’t know what to expect. To cover the bases we booked one night at Buffelsfontein and one night a high price reserve. Both had their good points, but we both enjoyed Buffelsfontein more as it was more “rustic” and felt less insulated from nature. The staff were very friendly, and the ranger Willie was very helpful and knowledgeable about the many animals we saw on both game drives. We saw a wide variety of animals, and loved the giraffes, rhinos, cheetah and caracal.

-SFED, Reading England, Tripadvisor, 3 February 2015

What Can You Expect At Your Home Away From Home

Guided Game Drives

Outdoor Pool And Bar Area

Accommodation

4x4 (Please call us for more information)

Wedding Venue

Lex Strauss Safaris live by our motto ‘our clients are our first and foremost priority’ and we pride ourselves on our integrity and emphasis on ethical hunting on large tracts of land.

We are based in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is a two hour drive from our nearest concession in the Free State Province.

The duration of our hunting season typically spans from February to November, however, we offer hunting safaris throughout the year if requested.

We aim to provide our esteemed clients with a thrilling hunting experience and dream safari adventure by offering all of South Africa’s magnificent species, whether your dream is to hunt the 'Tiny Ten' or the 'Big Five'.

From plains game to big game hunting, our total hunting concessions extend over an area of, acres of the stunning mixed bush veld, savannah and desert, in the provinces of the free state, north west and limpopo, south africa..

Furthermore, our safaris extend to areas like Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The choice of hunting region and lodge depends on our clients’ requirements and expectations, group size, hunting ability and desired species to be hunted.

Hunting Regions

FREE STATE PROVINCE

NORTH WEST PROVINCE

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Rates and packages.

"Refer to our rates and packages to book a thrilling hunting experience and dream safari adventure. We offer all of South Africa’s magnificent species, from the 'Tiny Ten' to the 'Big Five', from Plains Game to Big Game Hunting." ~ Lex Strauss ~

Accommodation

Hospitality.

Our accommodation varies from and ranges from rustic tented camps to 5 Star Lodges. Our camps have all the necessities and are luxurious enough for the discerning hunter.

Sleeping arrangements include either one double bed or two single beds, to share, depending on group size.

Family Activities

For the family.

Being a family-based business, we understand the importance of your family being able to accompany you on trips to magnificent Africa.

We have carefully selected activities that are within or close to our hunting areas for the whole family to experience including birding and fishing safaris to name a few.

Safari Planning

South Africa is one of the most stable and sophisticated countries in Africa, with a first world infrastructure of roads and scheduled flights. This ensures that road or air travel throughout South Africa is comfortable and pleasant.

Passports are required for travel to South Africa. Please note that generally no Visas are required, and American and European Union passports are adequate for entry into South Africa.

We Are Proud Members Of

“When coming face to face with a Buffalo, he will look at you as if you owe him money” ~ Robert Ruak ~

Lex Strauss

Founder and owner, (+27) 72 831 5796, [email protected], outfitter number: za/lp/110423, ph number: za/lp/112302, k&k premium jagd gmbh, +49 (0) 231 390 84 500, [email protected], whatsapp bookings and inquiries welcome, 2022 © copyrights | developed, hosted and maintained by webaware (pty) ltd, official covid-19 link.

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Welcome to Thali Thali Langebaan

Thali Thali is a 1,460 hectare Cape West Coast game and fynbos reserve situated just over 1 hours drive from Cape Town, bordering the West Coast National Park and Langebaan . The Langebaan Lagoon is known as the jewel of the West Coast and enjoys almost year-round sunshine and boasts azure waters and unsurpassed natural beauty.

Take time out and relax at Thali Thali offering a laid-back West Coast style break-away – complete with  game drives , archery lessons and sundowners on the deck of our restaurant and bar.

Visit for the day or stay longer. Thali Thali Game Lodge  has a 3-star rating and can accommodate 29 people for over-night stays from 3 accommodation options .

We boast a wide range of game like cape buffalo, water buffalo, kudu, oryx, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, zebra, sable antelope, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker, bontebok, steenbok, ostrich, dromedary camel and emu.

Get close to the flora on the game reserve and discover the 3 different kinds of vegetation types: Strandveld , Renosterveld and Weskus Savannah . The reserve is also home to many different bird species and guests are welcome to book and enjoy a guided safari trip including sightseeing of large and powerful African Cape buffalo .

Accommodation

Choose between self-catering chalets, glamping tents and a large farmhouse

• Game Drives

Daily guided game drives at 10:00 and 15:30. See 17 animal species including Cape Buffalo. Bookings Essential

Weddings & Conferences

The perfect venue for corporate events, conferences, celebrations and weddings

If you are an old timer to the sport, come and enjoy our 3D archery course

• Restaurant & Bar

West Coast hospitality at its best with beautiful views from our deck

Thali Thali Game Lodge

• 082 372 8637
• info@thalithali.co.za

• Conferences
• New Cape Buffalo
• Nature Reserve

Lord Derby Eland: the Pinnacle of African Hunting

Discover our Label & Partner Hunting Destinations

Discover & Support our the activities of our Non-Profit organization TFCP

Discover our unique worldclass fly-fishing experience!

Purchase our "Maguida" album & Support our Conservation activities!

Our Philosophy

Wildlife conservation through hunting.

Since 1971, 4 generations have succeeded each other with the ambition to make FARO SAFARIS part of the most purist hunting outfitters. Thanks to our comprehensive knowledge, our field experience, our rigorous protection and our strong management in addition to our boundless passion, we are the keepers of a great diversity of wildlife. We know what we can take without harming native animal species, and consequently our enterprise.

In Cameroon, our long-term monitored “sanctuaries” are the last refuges of a world wildlife heritage.

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• West Coast Holiday

The ultimate guide to your next West Coast Holiday

Get to know west coast.

Apart from the unpretentious seaside villages along the Atlantic, the West Coast also offers majestic mountain ranges, wine valleys and wildflowers as far as the eye can see.

South Africa’s West Coast is 400 kilometres in length and forms a narrow strip along the Atlantic Ocean. The small seaside towns once lived in solely by local fishermen have become popular holiday destinations, with more sophisticated homes now dotting the coast. Inland, the landscape is covered with fields of canola that explode annually into carpets of vivid yellow. To the north, the awe-inspiring Cederberg mountain range draws countless hikers and campers, and further north still the Olifants River Wine Valley and dry Namaqualand complete this diverse coastline.

The two roads that take travellers from Cape Town into the region are the unremarkable N7 and R27, which despite their lack of scenic interest make access to the towns and natural beauty of the West Coast easy.

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View our recommended safaris for inspiration and get ready to plan your dream safari

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Why West Coast?

• A great region to explore while driving from Cape Town to Namibia
• Main roads make it easily accessible
• A variety of small towns in beautiful locations, some only an hour and a half from Cape Town

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you tailor your itinerary to your perfect adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, experience our tailor-made tours in west coast, looking for something unique.

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Faqs about west coast.

• There are plenty of different options for accommodation on the West coast such as hotels, self-catering accommodation and B&Bs. Examples of this include; Paternoster Beach Cottages, Crystal Lagoon Lodge, West Coast Luxury Tents and more. 
• Try out wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings
• Explore weskus cuisine and braaivleis 
• Zipline into Citrusdal, 
• J ump into natural (warm) pools
• Try out the famous river cruises
• Trek through the amazing nature reserves and National Park
• Go on game-drives
• Try archery or a ngling
• Go horseback riding along the west coast
• Learn about San culture and Riel-dancing
• The West Coast Region, which runs the length of South Africa's southwest coast, skirts the Atlantic Ocean from Bloubergstrand in the Cape Metropolitan Area in the south to Namaqualand in the north, all inside the Western Cape. 
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6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for Families

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Take your next exciting adventure with kids to one of these West Coast safaris for families! For animal lovers , it doesn’t get much better than getting up-close and personal with a variety of exotic wildlife. Luckily, families living in the United States won’t have to travel very far to do so! If you have ever dreamed of feeding giraffes on a safari or driving through untouched wilderness in your own vehicle, then this list is for you! We’ve compiled this great list of the 6 U.S. West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks For Families! All of these parks also stress education and conservation, a particularly effective way to teach kids about animals and their respective habitats. Start planning a trip to one of these West Coast safaris for families to give kids the experience of a lifetime!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San diego, california.

If the San Diego Zoo is a must-see attraction in California, then its Safari Park is a big bonus. Not to mention, it is one of the best safari zoos in the United States! Here, families can immerse themselves in a hands-on safari experience via caravan truck, cart, or zip-line. Through these different vehicles, Safari Park offers experiences tailored to specific animals or habitats within one of the best safaris in California . In fact, there’s a specific caravan to educate kids on wildlife preservation! Consider booking the Cheetah Safari or the Jungle Safari. Families can also choose several different safari experiences , in admission to basic admission. Get an up-close view of Asian and African animals including giraffes, rhinos, and tigers. Or, travel to keepers-only areas in the Behind-the-Scenes safari to see how animals are cared for! This leading-edge park provides countless opportunities to further everyone’s knowledge of exotic animals.

Other Experiences in the Park

The San Diego Zoo is definitely a must-visit after touring the Safari Park . In addition to housing some of the most diverse animals worldwide, it’s also the most famous zoo in the United States! While you’re visiting the San Diego Zoo , consider checking out other family-friendly experiences in the park. Start by soaring the skies in a hot air balloon. Or, watching a coordinated animal show. Finally, kids can also ride the Africa Tram, or take a swing on the special Conversation Carousel to end their day of exploration at this wild safari park!

Safari West

Santa rosa, california.

Discover African wilderness mere miles from the heart of wine country at Safari West ! Families can traverse over 400 acres here to meet friendly rhinos, lemurs, and so many more beautiful creatures. Then, book a ride on the designated safari caravan to surround yourself with nearly 90 species, all inhabiting the Sonoma Serengeti area. Suitable for ages four and up, an expert guide will make the experience fun and educational. Safari West also aims to inspire wildlife advocates by helping protect and preserve these beautiful and often endangered creatures. Throughout your safari, you’ll notice how the park promotes conservation by encouraging kids to feel joy in witnessing nature up-close. Sit on the upper level of the truck for an even more daring experience at one of the best safari parks in California !

Safari West also offers more family-friendly opportunities to encounter animals throughout the safari animal park grounds. Additionally, you can extend your visit longer by staying overnight in a luxurious glamping tent, the ultimate getaway with kids! To get even closer to the animals, the park also offers a Behind the Scenes Wild Walk . During this experience, a guide will educate you similar to one of the caravan trips. Opportunities to “Meet a Creature,” be a “Keeper for a Day”, and take a private safari adventure are also available!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Camp verde, arizona.

Out Of Africa’s Bush Safari offers a 30-minute narrated tour reminiscent of an authentic African safari! You’ll be shocked no passport is required to visit this tranquil Arizona oasis, nestled amongst a vast green valley. Overlooking the dramatic Mingus Mountains, the park’s mission is to create the ultimate animal adventure for all ages, where kids can actively learn and have fun doing so. As a plus, you’ll be surrounded and inspired by over 100 acres of rolling hills and exotic wildlife, some from across the world! Watch in amazement as kids spot giraffes, zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, and so many more inhabitants of their spacious Serengeti preserve. Then, you can get even closer to the giraffes by feeding them provided treats! Protecting the animals is a priority for Out Of Africa Wildlife Park , especially those bordering on extinction.

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Out Of Africa Wildlife Park is also jam-packed with other family-friendly animal encounters! Check out the Tiger Splash show to watch two magnificent tigers play off each other in an aquatic performance. Or, have a more laid-back experience at their Sloth Encounter. Older children can also Feed A Tiger if they feel brave enough, or watch a Giant Snake Show! A Wonders of Wildlife Show is also another perfect afternoon activity for the entire family! Other excursions at this safari animal park include a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour or a Zip Line Tour.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Eatonville, washington.

Discover over 40 species of native Northwest animals at the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park ! Situated on over 400 acres of land, this wild animal park offers families a special W i ld Drive opportunity. There, you’ll be able to tour its expansive free-roaming area from the comfort of your own vehicle (just be sure to secure a timed ticket!). Encounter everything from bison, elk, and moose to bears, otters, and wolves here. Not only is it a wonderful way to introduce children to animals in their own backyard; you’ll also have a fantastic time doing it! Northwest Trek Wildlife Park also offers a Discovery Tram Tour, a unique way to explore stunning meadows or forests alongside a guide. Watch herds of Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou, and more during your 40-minute narrated tour! Finally, everything here is included with the price of admission (a great perk for large families!).

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has plenty more opportunities to hang out with wildlife! To explore its beautiful landscapes via foot, consider taking a more specialized Animal Walking Tour. A Keeper’s Adventure Tour combines these two experiences on land and foot, definitely more ideal for active older kids. Whether toddlers or teens, however, all ages will love the chance to run about and play at the dynamic Kids’ Trek Playground , featuring jumping bridges, rope climbing, and more!

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, arizona.

Make Bearizona Wildlife Park your next family-friendly animal adventure! Encompassing a gorgeous property within Arizona’s Ponderosa Pine Forest, visitors can explore 160 acres of lush habitats belonging to North American animals. You can even do it directly from your own car! Drive through the Arizona wilderness at your own pace. During this 3-mile-drive, you can see black bears, white wolves, and more unique animals along the way! Deer, bison, and caribou are also often spotted, alongside the occasional hunting jaguar! Feeling ambitious? You can climb aboard the Wild Ride Bus Tour , available four times a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whether you choose to venture solo or with a guide, kids will love Bearizona for its playful inhabitants, always ready to put on a smile on your face. Finally, be sure to stop by the gift shop after to purchase a memento to remember your visit!

Bearizona Wildlife Park also provides families with additional opportunities to immerse themselves in nature within the boundaries of this wild animal park. Take a walking tour to venture off-the-beaten-path and spot even more animals! Then, head to the Barnyard Petting Zoo, and little ones can feed favorite animals! If you’d prefer to come face-to-face with hawks, eagles, and other awe-inspiring birds, Bearizona Wildlife Park also offers seasonal birds of prey shows for kids of all ages!

Wildlife Safari

Winston, oregon.

Open daily, the Wildlife Safari is a non-profit organization committed to conservation, education, and animals in wide-open spaces. Featuring over 600 animals, it is also the only drive-through animal park in Oregon . Located in southern Oregon (just under three hours from Portland), your kids will adore this opportunity to see some of their favorite animals. Explore regions dedicated to Africa and North America. Animals are able to roam the 600-acre park, while your family cruises the easy-to-follow paths. While exploring the dedicated African region, search for cheetahs, ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions, zebras, and more captivating creatures. Then, in the North American-inspired area, keep an eye out for bison, elks, and bears! Kids will adore spotting their favorite creatures from the comfort of your vehicle. While searching for animals, engage them in conversations about these special creatures and the importance of the park’s conservation efforts .

While visiting this wild animal park, you can also learn about the on-site cheetah breeding facility and get up close and personal with some of the locals. For an additional fee, feed red pandas, encounter hippos, and feed giraffes, or engage in other animal encounters. After driving around the property, treat kids to a village train tour, starting at on-site the train station (available in spring and summer months only). Then, be sure to pack a few quarters so kids can feed the koi fish too! Afterward, head to the Wells Fargo Australian Walkabout. Here, you can meander an aviary in search of the resident kookaburra. Finally, there is a petting zoo, on-site cafe, and gift shop available.

Thank You to Our Community!

No matter where you choose to visit in the United States, we know many families love adding animal adventures to their itineraries. No matter what you’re looking for, from caravan to walking tours, you are sure to find the perfect match among these West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for families !

As always, this article featuring  6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks in for Families  would not have been as helpful, informed, or family-friendly without the contributions and input from the amazing members of our Facebook group,  Families Who Love To Travel ! For more travel recommendations on wild safari parks and other types of animal encounters, join us on Facebook at  Families Who Love To Travel . It’s a community of dynamic families who love to adventure and explore through travel. Plus, follow us on Instagram ( @families.love.travel ) to connect with other families who love the unique experiences travel has to offer – and to get sneak peeks of upcoming articles!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the locations in this article featuring the best West Coast safaris for families may be temporarily closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community. 

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7 Day West Coast Safari

This 7 Day West Coast Safari Guided Self Drive will take you on the road less travelled. This road is along the west coast of South Africa. The route is a combination of the West Coast, Namaqualand & Richtersveld.

The west coast safari will start from Cape Town, and our first destination is the coastal region of Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay. We will be visiting the less travelled west coast fishing communities and experience the real heart of the west coast. The wildflowers of the West Coast and Namaqualand is a spectacular sight in the flowering season.

The vast open landscapes and rugged mountains are synonymous with the West Coast. The friendly local communities welcome visitors in their backyard. By travelling along the west coast, this will allow us to intrude on one of the least populated areas in South Africa.  The cold Atlantic can offer some chilled evenings, but the remote 4×4 sand track makes up for unpredictable weather conditions.

Explore the combination of the West Coast and Namaqualand with a beautiful finish at the Orange River. The rugged and semi-desert sand veld and dune veld is home to a variety of endemic plants & Succulents along with the smallest tortoise in our country.

This west coast safari is a guided safari for those you don't have 4 x 4 vehicles. Travellers without 4 x 4 cars can join us in our vehicles.

Guided West Coast Safari

• A minimum of 4 people secures a departure.

Guided Self-drive West Coast Safari

• A minimum of two vehicles and a maximum of 4 vehicles.

The Diamond Coast lies between Lamberts Bay and Alexanderbay.  The diamond mining industry divides the coastline in concessions.  The Diamond Coast is a natural conservation region today. Today this west coast allows us to explore the small fishing villages and travel along the coast.

What sets the West Coast Safari Apart?

• You find pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
• Small fishing villages.
• Wildflowers are growing in the sand veld and Namaqualand.
• You can see Shipwrecks along the rugged coast.
• Unique Biosphers with endemnic succulants.
• Mountain passes with endless views.
• Rugged Richtersveld mountain desert.
• Friendly local communities.
• Rock lobster and black mussels are along the coast.

• Guided Safari Vehicle
• Camping & Accommodation
• Meals as indicated
• Radio communications
• Satelite phone as back up
• Park fees, entrance fees, vehicle fees
• Orange river half day trip
• Wine tasting
• Exclusive West Coast

tour INFORMATION

tour SCHEDULE

DISCLAIMER: We reserve the right to cancel any activity due to weather or unsafe conditions. An alternative activity will be provided wherever possible.

Where do I begin,   We have been around the block, Expensive Holidays – etc etc,, But let me tell you this was one of our Best Best tri …

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Hunting fees when sleeping over:

$450 per hunter per day, observers $250 per day which includes: – hunting vehicle, skinning, caping, tracking and guiding – accommodation and catering – rifles and ammunition – hunting licence

Hunting fees for day visitors:

$300 per hunter per day, observers $150 per day which includes: – hunting vehicle, skinning, caping, tracking and guiding – rifles and ammunition – hunting licence

Note: Meat stays the property of WCHS after the hunt.

West Coast Hunting Safaris is affiliated and/or accredited, either through membership or otherwise, to the following hunting and conservation organizations:

4,000 acre property just 15km from the beautiful lagoon town of Langebaan CAPE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA

"Thys guided me on my first ever spot and stalk hunt in Africa. His knowledge of land and animal behavior was immense. Thys has the easy nature of a seasoned coach/teacher; he ensured I was prepared before the hunt, but more importantly, was able to instruct me and keep me calm on the fly in the bush when things changed. The result of Thys’ expertise was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life when I was able to successfully harvest a mature Gemsbok. I highly recommend Thys and his team for anyone seeking a first-class hunting experience." — Chace Hatcher, Bermingham, Alabama, USA, September 2018

"Gabriel, my son, celebrated his sixth birthday with Thys van Niekerk and a crossbow. Patiently, Thys practiced with him and made him really comfortable despite all the excitement of the very first hunt. Growing up in a busy household with working parents Gabriel wanted a safari more than anything else for his birthday. Thys was great – he really knows kids - and he made it possible for us to be in the right place for an early morning Springbuck, and Gabriel shot straight and true. It was so exciting and so comfortable that Gabriel insisted that he could and wanted to sit out the sundown in the blind and have another go. Imagine – 5 hours in the blind sitting quietly for a six year old boy – and he did it. A 2nd Springbuck made it to the dinner table for our family. A beginner youth hunter can't have a more complete experience than one with Thys." – Talhat & Gabriel al-Habal, Damascus, Syria, December 2018

"Our friends invited us to safari in South Africa, and they saved our time with Thys van Niekerk for the very end of the 2 week vacation we could manage. It was possibly the best experience in the field either of us ever had. There were so many animals to follow and so much beautiful scenery to enjoy. The game drives were really interesting, and so different than what we saw in other parts of the country. The people were so nice and generous wherever we met. Thys got both of us on Springboks and we connected the first time. He really knows his stuff without any fluff or shine. He is just a real humble guy for a world champion archer." – Tim & Shannon Carlton, Salem, Oregon, USA, October 2018

CALL +27 (0)83 275 2825 CAPE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA EMAIL [email protected]

Welcome to Cloete & West Safaris

Cloete and West Safaris offer top-class hunting safraris, photographic safaris and fishing  safaris. With their combined experience, they are able to offer more than just a hunt, but an unforgettable experience. They now operate in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Zimbabwe.

- Sonnette Van der Westhuizen - Email: [email protected] - Cell: +27 (0)60 497 6693

Hours & Admissions

All presentations included in price. No behind the scenes/extra presentation purchases necessary!

Opening hours, ​7 days a week 10am - 5pm last entry 4:30pm.

Hours subject to change depending on weather, season, etc. See Seasonal Hours page for approximate  yearly changes in opening hours and days.

* Last entry means the last time that you can purchase admission and enter the park. We generally recommend AT LEAST an hour to walk around to park and see all of our animals. In the busier months of summer, it would be wise to expect a longer visit due to the amount of people. If you enter at last entry, we will do our best to help you see the presentations we have to offer. 

Our park is wheelchair/walker accessible, however we do not have them available for rental. We also do not have strollers available for rental.

ADMISSION ​

Children under 2

Children (Ages 2-6)

Children (Ages 7-12)

Adults (Ages 13+)

Seniors (Ages 60+)

Military/Veteran Discount

* Prices subject to change, call gift shop for most accurate hours and prices.  Cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Accepted. There is a surcharge for all card payments.

You are welcome to bring cameras with and without flash, there are many photo opportunities and all presentations are included in admission price.

Gifts and Souveniers

In our gift shop we offer a wide array of figurines, stuffed animals, postcards, mugs, magnets and many other items to remember your visit!

Snacks and Necessities

We offer small snacks, candies, juices and a soda vending machine. We can recommend local venues for dining close by. 

• STACEY +64 27 228 8119
• JEN / OFFICE +64 27 541 0977
• [email protected]

Accommodation

Hāwea hunting lodge accommodation.

The first stop for everyone who joins us on a hunt is our private lodge in Hāwea, just outside of Wānaka. We welcome you to our home and invite you to make yourself comfortable before heading out on your trip. The lodge is a great base for meeting, planning the trip, and checking gear. The lodge can be used as a base if we’re hunting close by or as a comfortable first and last night stay for longer trips. There is always plenty of home cooking on offer and you can enjoy your private apartment with kitchenette or join us in the main house for meals.

If you’re spending extra time with us, or if some guests in your party aren’t hunting, the lodge is a tranquil and comfortable place to take some time out. Relax on the sunny verandah, enjoy the view or check your maps on the lounge by the fire. If you’d prefer to get outdoors there are plenty of walking and lake options around Lake Hāwea. We can help you access activities in Wānaka, Queenstown or the West Coast.

west coast Hunting accommodation

For alpine hunting trips, we often relocate to a lodge on the West Coast, as it is closer to the Southern Alps. Here, we can access our hunting concession areas by helicopter.

Ropatini’s is a quaint B&B and is right on the doorstep of the West Coast glaciers, Mt Cook National Park and some beautiful walking tracks. We have been using this accommodation since our business started.

Destinations around Wānaka and New Zealand

It’s true, there’s more to New Zealand than hunting! While we’re sure you’d love to spend all your time in the hills, there might be others in your party who want to experience other activities and locations on offer around Wānaka, Queenstown or the West Coast. Check out the links below for more information about activities within easy reach of our hunting lodge.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Jet boating, bungy jumping, sightseeing, helicopter flights, walks & hiking, glacier walks.

Tofino whale watching tours. Adventure awaits.

Join us for a tofino whale watching tour & marvel at the spectacular landscapes and wildlife., whale tours —, bear tours —, hot springs tours —, chartered tours —.

your guide to adventure

Watch the power and majesty of a Humpback Whale shattering the water’s surface on a Tofino Whale Watching tour. Or the fascination of Black Bears fishing, feasting and playing along the Pacific Ocean’s rocky shores. Each year the skilled and friendly West Coast Aquatic Safaris team help thousands of people like you experience whale watching tours and claim front row seats for this unforgettable display of nature.

the west coast aquatic advantage —

The   west   coast aquatic   advantage —.

Thousands of satisfied guests are talking about West Coast Aquatic Safaris. 5-star Yelp rating. 4.9/5 on Facebook. 4.8/5 on Google. 90% “excellent” & “very good” reviews on Trip Advisor.

safest choice

West Coast Safari’s Three Pillars of Safety: Transport Canada Safety Certified vessels, state-of-the-art inflatable survival vests and our experienced, resourceful crew.

accessible for all

With the help of the Accessible Wilderness Society, our office and all-weather 37-passenger vessel NANUQ are fully accessible to guests who use wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

preservation focused

Our business relies on the protection and survival of the natural beauty and wildlife of Tofino and the West Coast of British Columbia. We make every effort to assure their preservation for future generations. Book a trip and see our passion in action.

unforgettable experiences —

See more photos.

” West Coast Aquatic Safaris were the only company that had big enough boats, experienced enough crew and safe enough operations for us to take out our 2-year-old and 5-months-old children. Trip Advisor User

” A fabulous day with the Grizzly Bears! It was such a thrill to be really close to a beautiful grizzly and her cubs, but we felt very safe and well looked after. Congratulations to the staff for their knowledge and concern for the bears and their clients. A day I will always treasure. TripAdvisor Member

” Great experience with Captain Jackie! She found Gray Whales, Sea Lions and lots and lots of Otters. It’s obvious she loves where she lives and what she does. TripAdvisor Member

book your tofino whale watching tour today

Accessibility.

© Copyright 2024 West Coast Aquatic Safaris, Tofino, BC, Canada All rights reserved —  Privacy 1-250-725-9227

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• Whale Watching
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• Hot Springs Cove
• Seasonal Tours
• Bird Watching
• Cultural Tours
• Chartered Tours Tofino
• Accessible Tours
• Gray Whales
• Humpback Whales
• Black Bears
• Bald Eagles
• Harbour Seals
• Harbour Porpoises
• About Tofino
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Sea creature spotted ‘surfing the waves’ in ‘special’ encounter off Iceland, photo shows

Conservationists got a “special” treat when they spotted a familiar sea creature near the coast of Iceland.

While navigating in the bay of Breidafjördur, located on the west coast of the island nation, conservationists observed Captain Hook, a male orca, “surfing the waves.”

“Among all the recent beautiful orca sightings, we had a special one today,” Orca Guardians, a nonprofit dedicated to orca protection, said in an April 25 news release.

A photo released by the organization depicts the black-and-white apex predator breaching the surface.

Captain Hook is at least 18 years old, as he has been visiting the waters near western Iceland since 2006 or earlier, the group said.

The killer whale, the only male in a pod of females, returns to the area in the summer months.

“He can regularly be spotted going his own ways, exploring territory and having new experiences,” the group said.

The largest members of the dolphin family, killer whales are found throughout every ocean on Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“They often use a coordinated hunting strategy, working as a team like a pack of wolves,” according to NOAA.

Today, some of their populations throughout the world are threatened by overfishing, chemicals and ship traffic, the organization reports.

In recent years, populations of killer whales around Europe have attacked sailboats , sinking them on several occasions, according to previous reporting from McClatchy News.

Orca experts said the bizarre phenomenon is likely the result of a game-like behavior that’s “gotten way out of hand.”

Scaly clawed creature found resting in rotten log at India forest. See the new species

Apex predator emerges as boaters stare in awe at fish’s ‘massive bite marks.’ See it

Workers unearth steelworks at medieval castle in UK — and find someone’s ‘hidey-hole’

©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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