Experience an authentic African safari without leaving the Western Cape on this full-day private tour to Aquila Game Reserve. Located just two hours from Cape Town, Aquila offers a malaria-free Big Five safari experience with professional rangers, breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing.
This private tour includes comfortable round-trip transfers, breakfast, a guided game drive and a buffet lunch, giving you the full safari experience in a single day. Perfect for travellers with limited time in South Africa, this tour provides the excitement of a traditional safari with the convenience of a day trip.
Expect wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes and personalised guiding from start to finish.
Below is a typical itinerary for this private safari tour. Your guide may adjust the timing based on road conditions and the game drive schedule at Aquila.
Your private guide collects you from your Cape Town accommodation in the early morning. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you leave the city and travel through the beautiful Cape Winelands and Klein Karoo landscapes.
Upon arrival at Aquila Game Reserve, enjoy a welcome drink followed by a buffet breakfast. Take in views of the surrounding mountains and open plains before preparing for your game drive.
Join a shared, open-vehicle safari led by professional rangers who help you track and identify wildlife. Search for the Big Five and other iconic species such as giraffes, zebras, hippos and antelope. The reserve offers excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to learn about conservation efforts in the region.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for a delicious buffet lunch with a selection of local dishes. Spend time exploring the lodge grounds or relaxing by the pool before your departure.
On the way back to Cape Town, stop at a local wine estate for a wine and cheese tasting experience. Enjoy regional flavours while taking in scenic vineyard views.
Your guide transports you back to your accommodation, concluding a memorable safari experience just outside the city.
This Aquila Safari Tour from Cape Town includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, welcome drinks, breakfast, a guided safari game drive at Aquila Game Reserve, and a buffet lunch. A wine and cheese tasting stop on the return journey is also included.
Aquila is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — and many guests do see several or all of them during their safari. However, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as animals roam freely within the reserve and sightings depend on weather, timing, and animal movement.
Yes. Aquila Game Reserve offers one of the best safari day trips from Cape Town, especially for travellers with limited time. While it differs from larger reserves like Kruger National Park, it still provides an authentic safari experience with professional rangers, open safari vehicles, and excellent wildlife viewing in a malaria-free environment.
Aquila Game Reserve is located approximately 2 hours from Cape Town (about 170-180 km), making it one of the most convenient safari destinations for visitors staying in the city or nearby areas.
Your transport from Cape Town is private, meaning only your group travels with your guide. However, the actual safari game drive at Aquila is shared, conducted in an open safari vehicle with other guests and led by Aquila’s professional rangers.
Yes, this safari is very popular with families, couples, and first-time safari travellers. Children usually enjoy spotting animals like zebras, giraffes, elephants, and lions. It’s a great option for families wanting a safari experience without travelling deep into South Africa’s larger game reserves.
We recommend bringing:
Safari weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is ideal for the best comfort throughout the day.
