Most certainly one of the top game reserves near Cape Town, and considered to be the most authentic of the Big 5 game parks near Cape Town, Aquila Safari is the epitome of African luxury and an experience not to be missed.
No trip is complete without experiencing a sunrise or sunset amongst the splendid natural beauty at arguably the best game reserve near Cape Town. Get up close and personal with some of the most feared and famed animals in Africa.
- Easy cancellation and refund up to 24 hours in advance
- Transfers not included with this tour
- Spa treatments are not included and pre-booking is essential
- Minimum age restriction of 16 years applies for quad bike or horseback safari
- Maximum weight of 95 kgs applies for quad bike or horseback safari
Highlights
- Enjoy both a breakfast and lunch buffet
- 2-3 Hour game drive in an open safari vehicle
- Meet the iconic Big 5
- Experience a Horseback safari or quad bike safari
- Safaris are guided by knowledgeable game rangers
Aquila Game Reserve Rates and Specials
A Day at Aquila Safari Cape Town
Your day begins in the early morning as a blazing orange sunrise starts to streak across the African sky. Watch Cape Town disappear into the background as you make your way to the renowned Aquila Safari Private Game Reserve.
Only a short, scenic two hour drive from Cape Town, and in a malaria free zone, the journey to Aquila Safari sees you travel to Touws River, which fringes the Klein Karoo.
Passing Paarl, a drive through Du Toitskloof mountains via the Huguenot tunnel is always a novelty, as it snakes below the earth for 3.9 kilometers and leads out onto rolling mountains and endless stretches of greenery.
Meander past De Doorns with its Cape Dutch homesteads and Acacia thorn trees, which gifted the area its name. Onward through the Hex River Valley, the route is a momentary feast for the eyes before tapering off to reach your final destination in Touws River.
A well earned breakfast awaits on arrival at the Reserve, where you can indulge in a welcome drink and a buffet style meal before heading out for the real adventure of the day, an Aquila game safari.
Imagine 2 or 3 hours spent in a picture-perfect African landscape, flanked by mountains, blue skies and fynbos. Surrounding your purpose-built open safari vehicle is an array of birdlife, members of the Big 5 and a vast sampling of other wild game awaiting your arrival.
From the African elephant, lion and leopard to the black rhino and cape buffalo, Aquila Private Game Reserve has successfully endeavoured to re-introduce the mighty African Big 5 back into the Western Cape after a history of decline in numbers.
Along with the famous five, your rumble through the Reserve will bring you into close contact with giraffe, zebra, ostriches, wildebeest and plenty of buck species, to name but a few of the local inhabitants.
You are in safe hands as an experienced and knowledgeable Ranger guides you across 10 000 hectares of Big 5 habitat. While navigating across the landscape your guide will share points of interest and spot even the most camouflaged of creatures.
When the lunchtime hunger pangs hit, it’s time for a leisurely buffet style meal back at the central watering hole (or the boma if you like) Indulge a little, but not too much, as the days activities are not over just yet!
In keeping with a true ‘wildlife’ experience, trek through the Reserve for a further 1 1/2 hours by horseback. A safari with a difference, this guide-led experience will provide you with a totally new perspective, bringing you closer to nature than ever before. No previous horse riding experience is necessary and the pace will be set according to the group.
If it’s a different kind of horsepower you are after, then a quad bike safari may be more up your alley. An alternative option to the horseback safari, this tour aboard a 250cc horsepower quad bike sees you roughing it up around the Reserve over 1-2 hours with a qualified game ranger.
A full day of adventure calls for a little rest and relaxation! On your return from racing around on quad bikes or saddled up on horseback, take some time to enjoy the facilities and soak up the atmosphere of the ‘African bushveld’ to finish off the perfect Cape Town safari.
Want to take a piece of Aquila home? Whether browsing through the curio shop for mementos, or shopping for trinkets for loved ones, there are plenty of locally crafted African souvenirs to choose from.
A selection of branded apparel will also serve to remind you of this once in a lifetime experience. Worth noting, the curio shop stocks some of the essentials too, just in case you unexpectedly need batteries or realise that you left your sunscreen behind.
If time allows, a ‘treat to self’ at the newly opened Tranquila African Spa is sure to restore serenity to the senses. Enjoy any one of the indulgent options from an extensive treatment menu, or a dip in one the heated pools.
Perhaps try your hand at a few rounds of giant chess or explore the Aquila labyrinth. Lounge on the sun drenched deck or take a few lazy laps around the outdoor Aquila Infinity pool before swimming up to the wet bar for a refreshing poolside drink and cool off before heading home.
Other Aquila Game Reserve Specials
If you would prefer to just sit back, relax and let someone else take the wheel, choose from a variety of packages with a shared hotel pick-up included, or opt in for a totally private tour.
Wildlife Safari and Wine
This private tour sees you depart from your hotel in Cape Town in the early morning, where your private tour guide will collect you for a scenic 2 hour drive to Aquila Private Game Reserve before tucking into a buffet breakfast and joining a group game drive.
After 2-3 hours spotting the Big 5 and exploring the 10 000 hectare Reserve on an open safari vehicle, a beautiful buffet lunch awaits.
The best part of a private tour is the opportunity to make the day your own. Detour on the journey back and enjoy regional wine and cheese pairings at a wine estate or two to complete this full-day experience.
- Return private transfers
- Entrance fees at Aquila
- Bottled water
- Buffet breakfast and lunch
- 2-3 hour game drive
- Wine tasting stops
- Drinks
- Optional gratuities
Safari Day Trip and Spa
Meet your private tour guide in the early morning to begin this luxurious full day safari and spa adventure at Aquila Private Game Reserve. A scenic 2 hour meander leads you to welcome drinks and a breakfast buffet at the Boma restaurant.
Hop onto the shared open safari vehicle for 2 to 3 hours of game watching with your experienced guide and be prepared to meet the famous Big 5. A highly anticipated buffet lunch awaits your arrival, after which it’s all rest and relaxation at the Tranquila Spa!
Choose between an African hot stone massage, or work out the kinks with a classic Swedish massage to complete a day well spent.
- Return private transfers
- Entrance fees at Aquila
- Bottled water
- Buffet breakfast and lunch
- 2-3 hour game drive
- Choice of African hot stone or Swedish massage
- Drinks
- Optional gratuities
How to Get to Aquila Game Reserve (Address and Duration)
Just a mere 2 hour drive from Cape Town, traveling to Aquila Game Reserve is the perfect excuse for a short road trip!
Get onto the N1 from Cape Town, towards Worcester, and meander through picturesque scenery and the historical Huguenot tunnel before taking the turnoff marked R46 Ceres from the N1. The entrance to Aquila can be found approximately 3km in.
- Easy cancellation and refund up to 24 hours in advance
- Transfers not included with this tour
- Spa treatments are not included and pre-booking is essential
- Minimum age restriction of 16 years applies for quad bike or horseback safari
- Maximum weight of 95 kgs applies for quad bike or horseback safari
- Enjoy both a breakfast and lunch buffet
- 2-3 Hour game drive in an open safari vehicle
- Meet the iconic Big 5
- Experience a Horseback safari or quad bike safari
- Safaris are guided by knowledgeable game rangers
Aquila Game Reserve Rates and Specials
- Meet the Big 5
- Explore iconic Aquila
- Enjoy both breakfast and lunch
- Transfers not included
- Spa treatments are an optional extra
- Age and weight restrictions may apply
Specification: A Day at Aquila Private Game Reserve
|
Thierry – Canada –
Just like driving thru a zoo Nice friendly and knowledgeable guide. It reminded me a bit of the Disney animal kingdom. Just a larger version of it.