Aquila Big 5 Safari Experience Full Day Tour
Experience the thrill of a real African safari with a visit to Aquila Private Game Reserve, home to Africa’s famous Big Five and located just a few hours from Cape Town.
This full-day experience offers the opportunity to see wildlife in a natural setting without travelling to Kruger National Park. With guided game drives, beautiful landscapes, and optional dining experiences, this is the perfect way to enjoy a true safari adventure from Cape Town.
Tour Highlights
✔ Big 5 safari experience near Cape Town
✔ Guided game drive with professional rangers
✔ Scenic drive through Western Cape landscapes
✔ Opportunity to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more
✔ Relaxing lodge environment
✔ Flexible safari time slots available
✔ Ideal for international visitors and wildlife enthusiasts
Tour Overview
Your adventure begins with collection from your accommodation in Cape Town at a time arranged according to your selected safari slot.
From the city, we travel inland through the Western Cape, passing mountain ranges, valleys, and open countryside as we make our way towards Aquila Private Game Reserve.
This experience is designed as a comfortable and convenient way to access a Big 5 safari without the need for extended travel. Guests are transported directly to the reserve, where the safari experience is conducted by Aquila’s professional rangers.
Depending on your selected time slot, your experience at Aquila may include a guided game drive and optional dining at the lodge. The surrounding landscape offers a unique setting for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see a variety of animals in a natural environment.
The full experience typically lasts 8 to 10 hours, including travel time and time spent at the reserve.
What’s Included
✔ Pickup and drop-off in Cape Town
✔ Comfortable transport to and from Aquila
✔ Guided assistance and coordination
NOT INCLUDED
• Safari booking at Aquila Game Reserve
• Meals and beverages (unless included in safari package)
• Waiting time (optional add-on)
• Personal purchases
Why This Tour Is So Popular
The Aquila Safari Experience offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a Big 5 safari within easy reach of Cape Town. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to experience African wildlife in a single day, combining convenience, comfort, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Safari Experience Itinerary
Departure from Cape Town
Your journey begins with collection from your accommodation in Cape Town at a time arranged with you based on your selected safari experience.
Due to the distance to the reserve, departure times will vary depending on the safari slot booked.
01Scenic Drive to Aquila
Enjoy a comfortable drive inland as we leave the city behind and travel through the Western Cape.
Along the route, guests can experience:
• Mountain passes and open landscapes
• Changing scenery from coastal to inland terrain
• A quieter, more rural side of the region
The drive to Aquila takes approximately 2 hours each way.
02Arrival at Aquila Game Reserve
Upon arrival at Aquila Private Game Reserve, guests will be welcomed at the lodge and guided through the check-in process for their selected safari experience.
From this point, the safari experience is managed by Aquila’s team.
03 Guided Safari Game Drive
Guests will embark on a guided safari led by experienced rangers.
During the game drive, you may encounter the Big Five:
• Lion
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo
• Leopard
As well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, antelope, and various bird species.
Each safari is unique, with sightings depending on conditions and wildlife movement.
Safari Options
🌅Morning Safari (07:00 – 11:00)
• Early departure from Cape Town
• Cooler temperatures and peaceful reserve atmosphere
• Optional lunch stop after return (own expense)
Please note: Due to the distance to Aquila (approximately 2+ hours), departure from Cape Town is required at around 04:30–05:00. This is a very early start, and many guests prefer the midday safari for a more relaxed experience.
⭐Midday Safari (±12:00 – 16:00)
• Most popular option
• Buffet lunch included in Aquila safari package
• Relaxed timing with comfortable departure
Please note: The safari experience and buffet lunch are booked directly with Aquila and are not included in the transport price.
🌇Sunset Safari (15:00 – 19:00)
• Late departure from Cape Town
• Beautiful golden hour lighting
• Optional dinner stop after safari (own expense)
04 Return to Cape Town
After your safari experience, we return to Cape Town with drop-off at your accommodation.
Return times will vary depending on your selected safari slot and any optional stops.
Optional Extras
These are optional and paid directly:
• Aquila safari booking (required)
• Additional beverages
• Spa or lodge experiences
• Optional meal stops (morning or sunset tours)
Prices may change without notice and are not included in the transport price.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours
Your adventure begins with collection from your accommodation in Cape Town at a time arranged according to your selected safari experience. From the city, we travel inland towards Aquila Private Game Reserve, passing through scenic mountain ranges and open countryside along the way.
What to Bring
To make the most of your safari experience we recommend bringing:
• Comfortable clothing
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Camera or smartphone
• Water bottle
• Light jacket (especially for morning or sunset safaris) change to heavy jacket during winter.
• Spending money for meals and extras
Big 5 Safari Experience
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience with flexible transport and a personalised safari journey tailored to your schedule.
Full Day (8–10 hours)
From R1,500 per person (transport only)
Optional waiting time (meals or extended stops): From R1,800 per person
Final pricing may vary depending on group size, safari selection, and customisation.
Please note: Safari bookings at Aquila Private Game Reserve are not included and must be booked separately.
