Don’t miss out on this short Aquila Safari — one of the most budget-friendly Big 5 safaris near Cape Town. This 2-day overnight safari includes a stay at Aquila Private Game Reserve, just two hours from the city.
You’ll explore the malaria-free reserve on guided 4×4 game drives with experienced rangers, with the option to swap one drive for a horseback safari.
The price shown above is for a complete overnight safari package, not a basic entry or activity-only rate.
Personal extras, such as drinks and optional activities, are not included, keeping costs flexible and allowing you to pay only for what you choose.
This short Aquila Safari begins in the city of Cape Town, where you are collected from your pre-tour accommodation between 09h00 and 10h00.
Departing from Cape Town this morning, we drive into the Cape Winelands region, renowned for producing the finest wines in South Africa. The drive from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve only takes two hours. Along the way, we pass farmlands and open countryside, traversing rugged mountain passes. By about 12h30, we arrive at Aquila and enjoy welcome drinks. Then we have lunch in the lodge's restaurant, before checking into our accommodation at about 14h00.
After settling in and taking a rest, we embark on our first exciting game drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve, departing at about 16h30. A professional guide drives you out into the Big 5 game reserve in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle designed for the African wilderness. The open safari vehicle provides excellent visibility, is ideal for taking photographs, and immerses you in the African bush. The game drive takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. This allows time to watch the various animals and birds encountered in Aquila. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Big Five - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo - which are found here. Your guide shares insights and interesting facts with you on the game drive, pointing out wildlife and birds as you explore.
After the first rewarding game drive on our Big 5 Safari near Cape Town, we will return to the safari lodge in Aquila Private Game Reserve to unwind. You are free to swim in the 35-meter-long saltwater swimming pool, relax in one of the comfortable lounge areas, and have a cocktail in the poolside or cigar bar. Browse the library and boutique curio shop and settle down beside one of the cozy log fires on cool winter days. There is also a children's play area, with indoor and outdoor facilities for the kids. Tuck into a buffet-style dinner, served in the spacious restaurant at around 19h00 this evening, and pause to gaze at the starry skies.
Day two of this Big 5 Aquila Safari kicks off with an exhilarating early morning game drive in the Aquila Private Game Reserve. Heading into the bush at 07h00 in the open safari vehicle, we are sure to spot an array of animals and birds at this active time of day. Your guide is happy to answer questions while he or she takes you in search of the Big 5 and other amazing creatures of Africa.
After our morning wildlife adventure, we will have a delicious breakfast in the restaurant back at the safari lodge at about 08h30. After breakfast, it's time to check out, between 10h00 and 10h30.
Then you can unwind and rest at the Aquila Safari Lodge until it is time to leave for Cape Town at approximately 12:30. Making our way back from Aquila to Cape Town, we are due to arrive back in the city between 15h30 and 16h00. Arriving in Cape Town, you are dropped off at your post-tour accommodation in and around the city center, bringing this affordable Cape Town Big 5 Safari to a close.
This budget Cape Town Safari tour takes you to the Big 5 Aquila Game Reserve. Aquila is a privately owned game reserve located just a two-hour drive from Cape Town. It is the closest Big 5 game reserve to Cape Town. This Cape Town game reserve is named after the endangered black eagle, called the Verreaux eagle, or Aquila verreauxii.
Aquila Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big 5 safari destination, as the game reserve is situated near the small town of Touws River in the Southern Karoo region of the malaria-free Western Cape. The 10,000-hectare game reserve is home to Africa's Big Five animals and a wide variety of other African wildlife species, including wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, zebra, gemsbok, and other antelopes.
Aquila also hosts an animal rescue center, which serves as a sanctuary for rescued wild animals that can never be released into the wild again, as well as animals that need care and rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Breeding and rehabilitation programs include initiatives with black eagles, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and other species.
On the most affordable Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Private Game Reserve, accommodation is provided in standard safari rooms. You can, however, choose to stay in the premier lodge rooms or luxury or premier safari cottages. To view the tour prices for the various safari accommodation options, please see our full Aquila safari pricing info.
Standard lodge rooms come with twin beds, which can be made up to Queen-size beds, and an en-suite shower facility. The room facilities include safes, air-conditioning, fans, USB charging points, and extra luxuries such as gowns, slippers, and bathing supplies. A bar fridge may be stocked as per guests' requirements. Although these rooms do not have a view and do not face the reserve, this doesn't detract from the comfort level.
Premier lodge rooms come with twin beds, which can be made up to Queen size, and a sleeper couch suitable for a small child. Each room has a full, en-suite bathroom with a separate shower and a bath that comes with a view over the reserve. The room facilities include safes, air-conditioning, fans, USB charging points, and extra luxuries such as gowns, slippers, and bathing supplies. A bar fridge may be stocked as per guests' requirements. Each room has its own private balcony with magnificent views over the Aquila Game Reserve. A perfect spot for sundowners.
Each twin luxury cottage at Aquila Private Game Reserve comes with en-suite facilities featuring a corner bath and an alfresco shower with extra luxuries such as gowns, slippers, and bathing supplies. Fans are provided , and in winter, there is a fireplace for cosy evenings. Minibars may be supplied on request. There is a private patio ideal for laid-back sundowners before dinner.
The premier cottages are built on a hillside in Aquila Private Game Reserve, offering beautiful views from their private patios. These private cottages are made of wood, rock, and thatch.
An ideal spot to enjoy sundowners and game watch as the deck overlooks the expansive game reserve. Each en-suite bathroom has a bath, twin hand basins, and an alfresco shower, all featuring local rock that has been used in their construction. Each cottage offers plush furnishings, air-conditioning, fans, and a log fire, and the honeymoon suite features a private, alfresco jacuzzi.
Treat yourself to this exclusive, one-bedroom cottage, perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the reserve and overlooking the watering hole and the animals that visit to drink. The cottage accommodates two guests in a double bed, offering luxury amenities including an outdoor hot tub, a freestanding bath with a view, a private game drive experience, a complimentary bottle of house wine, and full access to the Tranquila Spa.
Families are catered for in Family Luxury Cottages, which sleep four or eight guests.
This Cape Town Big 5 Safari stays at the well-equipped safari lodge inside Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Facilities at the Aquila Safari Lodge include a 35-meter saltwater swimming pool, a triple-volume restaurant overlooking the game reserve, an outdoor boma area, a children's play area, a spacious lounge, a cigar bar, a library, and a curio shop. Aquila Game Reserve's safari lodge also features a spa with heated indoor pools, a steam room, a sauna, and other pampering facilities.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
Children of all ages are welcome to join accompanying parents or guardian on this safari.
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