Overview:
One of the most economical safari tours in Cape Town available! Experience a two-night stay at Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of the nearest Big 5 Game Reserves to Cape Town, located just a two-hour drive from the city.
This economical short Cape Town safari investigates the malaria-free Aquila wildlife Reserve with exhilarating 4×4 wildlife drives led by experienced guides. One may exchange a game drive for a horseback safari in this Big 5 game reserve, which also accommodates a variety of other wildlife. This South African safari encompasses round-trip transports between Cape Town and Aquila Private Game Reserve, comfortable lodge accommodations, meals at the lodge, and Big 5 game drives in open safari vehicles.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve, South Africa
At the commencement of the Big 5 Cape Town Safari, you will be retrieved from your lodging in Cape Town between 09:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Departing the city, we proceed northeast into the Cape Winelands region.
The two-hour journey traverses picturesque farmlands and rural terrains, ascending difficult mountain slopes into the semi-arid Southern Karoo. We arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve at approximately 12:30 PM and partake in welcoming beverages, followed by lunch in the restaurant. Following lunch, at approximately 14:00, we will register at our lodging.
Establish yourself in your cozy lodging and have a respite. In the afternoon, at approximately 16:30, we commence our inaugural game drive in the Big 5 game reserve. The game drive is executed in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle by a qualified guide. We dedicate around two to two-and-a-half hours to touring the protected area, observing a diverse array of animals and birds. We typically encounter members of the renowned Big Five (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo) during our initial game drive.
Following our exhilarating afternoon game drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve, we return to the fully appointed safari lodge. The balance of the day is available for you to unwind and utilize the amenities at the resort. The 35-meter saltwater swimming pool is optimal for a rejuvenating swim, while the poolside bar serves as an excellent venue to relax with a cocktail. The inviting lounge and adjacent cigar bar provide snug log fires for warmth during chilly winter days, along with a modest library and a children’s play area. A buffet-style meal will be served this evening at approximately 19:00 in the huge triple-volume restaurant.
Included meals: Midday Meal & Evening Meal
Accommodation: Standard Lodge Room or Luxury Cottage
Activities Included: Afternoon Game Drive in Aquila Game Reserve
Journey: Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve (about 2 hours)
Day 2: Big Five Aquila Private Game Reserve – South Africa
The second day of this budget Cape Town Safari commences with a thrilling morning game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Departing into the wilderness at 08:30, you seek the wildlife activity characteristic of the cold morning hours. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the region’s fauna, avifauna, and flora, highlighting notable attractions throughout the journey.
The morning wildlife drive is succeeded by a substantial buffet breakfast at the safari lodge, available from 08:00 to 10:00. You are subsequently at liberty to relax and unwind at the cozy lodge. A buffet lunch is available from 12:30 to 14:00, after which there is leisure time to unwind at the safari lodge. As the day’s heat diminishes, we commence an afternoon wildlife drive at Aquila Private wildlife Reserve, departing at approximately 16:30. Alternatively, you may embark on a horseback safari.
Venture into the bush to seek the Big 5 and other intriguing African fauna, pausing to capture images and observe the wild residents up close. Your guide will readily address inquiries, providing further insights into the flora and wildlife during the wilderness excursion. Our unforgettable 2 to 3-hour game drive or horseback ride concludes at the lodge, where you may swim in the pool or relish the picturesque views while enjoying a cool beverage. A buffet is given at approximately 19:00, and following supper, you may relax in the bar or participate in a stargazing excursion to see the star-filled Karoo skies.
Kindly be informed that during this Cape Town Safari, you may substitute one of the wildlife drives with a horseback safari at no additional charge. You may participate in a quad bike safari for an extra fee.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Lodge Room or Luxury Cottage
Activities Included: Game Drives at Aquila Private Game Reserve and an optional Horseback Safari (in lieu of one game drive)
Optional Activity: Quadbike Safari (additional fee required)
Day 3: Aquila Private Game Reserve to Cape Town, South Africa
Day three commences with an exhilarating morning game drive in the Big 5 Aquila Private Game Reserve, providing a final opportunity to observe Africa’s Big 5. Upon returning to the safari lodge following our final open vehicle game drive, we proceed to the restaurant for a delectable breakfast available from 08:00 to 10:00.
It is time to vacate our lodging, between 10:00 and 10:30. Feel free to relax and utilize the lodge amenities until our departure from Aquila Game Reserve at approximately 12:30, after which we will return to Cape Town. We anticipate arriving back in Cape Town between 15:30 and 16:00, at which point you will be dropped off at your post-safari hotel.
Included meals: Morning repast
Activities Included: Morning Safari Expedition in Aquila Game Reserve
Journey: Aquila to Cape Town (about 2 hours)
Aquila Private Game Reserve Overview
This Big 5 Cape Town Safari explores Aquila Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Aquila is a privately owned game reserve named for the endangered Verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii). The game reserve is situated near the small town of Touws River, on the periphery of the Southern Karoo region, making it a malaria-free wildlife destination. This 10,000-hectare refuge houses Africa’s Big Five and a diverse array of wildlife species, including wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippopotamus, zebra, oryx, and other antelope species.
Aquila Game Reserve features an animal rescue center that offers shelter to animals unable to return to the wild and also functions as a temporary refuge for animals requiring care and rehabilitation prior to their release. The facility is not accessible to the public, and human interaction is limited. Conservation and rehabilitation efforts have encompassed black eagles, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, lions, and additional species. Aquila is situated at two hours’ drive from Cape Town, making it one of the nearest Big 5 game reserves to the city. It is among the premier wildlife spots for Big 5 safaris in Cape Town.
Safari Lodging in Aquila Private Game Reserve
Standard Lodging Accommodations
Standard lodge rooms are equipped with twin beds that may be converted into Queen-size beds, along with an en-suite bathroom facility. The room amenities comprise safes, air conditioning, fans, USB charging ports, and other pleasures such robes, slippers, and bathing essentials. A bar refrigerator may be replenished according to visitors’ preferences. Despite lacking a view and not facing the reserve, these rooms maintain a high level of comfort.
Premier Lodge Accommodations
Premier lodge rooms feature twin beds that can be converted to a Queen size, along with a sleeper sofa appropriate for a small child. Every room features a complete en-suite bathroom equipped with a distinct shower and a bathtub that offers a view of the reserve. The room amenities comprise safes, air conditioning, fans, USB charging ports, and other pleasures such robes, slippers, and bathing essentials. A bar refrigerator can be filled according to the preferences of the guests. Every suite features a private balcony offering stunning vistas of Aquila Private Game Reserve. An ideal location for evening drinks.
Opulent Cottages
Each double luxury cottage is equipped with en-suite facilities that include a corner bath and an outdoor shower, along with additional amenities such as robes, slippers, and bathing products. Fans are available, and a fireplace is offered for comfortable evenings throughout winter. Minibars are available upon request. A private terrace is available, perfect for enjoying sundowners and unwinding prior to supper.
Premier Cottages
The individual cottages, constructed from wood, stone, and thatch, are situated on the hillside of the reserve, providing stunning views from the private patio. An perfect location for savoring sundowners and observing wildlife, as the deck provides a view of Aquila Private Game Reserve. Every en-suite bathroom includes a bathtub, dual hand basins, and an outdoor shower, all constructed with local stone. Each cottage provides luxurious furnishings, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a log fire, while the honeymoon suite includes a private outdoor jacuzzi.
Family Luxury Cottages accommodate four or eight guests.
The safari lodge features a 35-meter saltwater swimming pool, a triple-volume restaurant with views of the surrounding bush, an outdoor boma area, a children’s play area, a huge lounge, a cigar bar, a library, and a curio shop. Aquila includes a spa equipped with heated indoor pools, a steam room, a sauna, and many indulgent amenities.
Supplementary Additions and Outings
For current and verified pricing information on optional products, please submit an inquiry.
Quadbike Safari (additional fee)
Equestrian Safari (in lieu of a game drive)