Aquila Game Reserve - Big 5 Cape Town Safari

Why Visit Aquila Game Reserve?

Aquila Game Reserve is one of the best and most accessible Big 5 safari destinations near Cape Town. Located just a 2-hour drive from the city, it offers budget-friendly safaris in a malaria-free area, ideal for families, couples, and time-strapped travellers.

Key Highlights:

Closest Big 5 game reserve to Cape Town
Affordable safari packages for day trips or overnight stays
Malaria-free safari destination – great for kids and families
Private reserve with guided game drives only – no self-drives
Located in the scenic Klein Karoo near Touws River

Big 5 Safaris Near Cape Town

Aquila is home to all members of the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. In addition to the Big 5, guests can spot:

Giraffe, hippo, cheetah, zebra, and wildebeest
Antelope species such as oryx, springbok, and eland
Diverse birdlife and seasonal wildflowers (Aug–Oct)
Safaris are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles by experienced guides.
Self-drive safaris are not permitted.

Wildlife Rescue & Conservation

Aquila is named after the Verreaux’s Eagle, Aquila verreauxii, and is dedicated to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Conservation Initiatives:

Wildlife rescue centre (not open to the public)
Rehabilitation for lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and birds of prey
Temporary care for animals before re-wilding
Since 1985, Aquila has protected 10,000 hectares of semi-arid wilderness and historical Karoo landscapes.

Accommodation at Aquila Safari Lodge

The 4-star Aquila Safari Lodge offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets.

Lodge Room Types:

Standard lodge rooms (budget-friendly)
Premier lodge rooms
Luxury safari cottages
Premier safari cottages (some with outdoor showers and private patios)

Facilities Include:

Spa with heated indoor pool, steam room & sauna
35-metre saltwater swimming pool
Buffet restaurant with views over the reserve
Cigar bar, boma, kids’ play areas, curio shop & lounge
African-inspired interiors with air-conditioning, minibars & fireplaces

How to Get to Aquila

Distance from Cape Town: ±180km (approx. 2 hours)
By Road: Easily accessed via the N1 highway toward Touws River
Transfers Available: Most safari packages include transfers from Cape Town

Aquila Combines Well With...

Aquila Game Reserve’s location, just two hours from Cape Town, makes it easy to pair with other top South African travel routes and safari destinations. Whether you’re looking to explore wine country, coastal scenery, or extend your wildlife adventure—Aquila fits seamlessly into your itinerary.

Cape Town Highlights

Aquila is the perfect short safari add-on to Cape Town. Explore Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point, and the vibrant city life before heading into the bush.

Cape Winelands

The vineyards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are just an hour from Cape Town and make up the heart of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy wine tasting, gourmet dining, and scenic mountain drives.

Whale Route

Travel east along the Whale Route to Hermanus, one of the world’s best land-based whale watching spots (July–November). Great for road trips and coastal detours.

Garden Route

Add a 3–7 day self-drive or guided tour along the Garden Route. Explore lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and adventure-filled towns like Knysna and Tsitsikamma.

Kruger National Park

For a classic Big 5 safari experience, connect your Aquila trip with a visit to Kruger National Park. Daily flights from Cape Town to Nelspruit or Skukuza make combining these two iconic safari destinations easy and efficient.