If you’re looking to add a wildlife adventure to your Cape Town trip, the Aquila Game Reserve tour is an option worth considering. It promises a full day of exploration, with a mix of game drives, scenic drives, and a good dose of wildlife in a setting that’s surprisingly accessible. What makes this particular tour stand out is the combination of a sunset safari, a hearty buffet lunch, and the convenience of round-trip transportation from a central location — all for a reasonable price.
Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the professional guides and drivers—whose reviews consistently highlight their knowledge and friendliness—and the opportunity to see the Big 5 in their natural environment without the hassle of organizing your own trip. That said, one possible consideration is the length of the drive, which takes about 2 hours each way, so expect some time on the road, especially if you’re short on mobility or patience for long transfers. This tour appeals most to those who want a guided, hassle-free day of wildlife viewing, and who are okay with spending a good chunk of time traveling.
Key Points
- Convenient round-trip transportation from Cape Town makes logistics simple.
- Expert guides and staff ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable safari experience.
- Includes a generous buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks, adding value to the day.
- Opportunity to see the Big 5 in a large 10,000-hectare reserve—a rare chance so close to Cape Town.
- A balanced tour for first-timers or those with limited time who want a taste of African wildlife.
- Price-to-value ratio is fair, especially with everything included, though expect a long day on the road.
What to Expect from the Itinerary
This tour begins with a prompt pickup from your Cape Town accommodation, with pickup points at The Silo Hotel in Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. After a roughly two-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve, a sprawling 10,000-hectare space set in the Karoo. The reserve hosts a variety of wildlife, including the iconic Big 5—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—making it a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Once at the reserve, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and briefed on safety and rules. The atmosphere is relaxed yet organized, ensuring you feel comfortable before heading out on your game drive in an open safari vehicle. The highlight, of course, is the two-hour game drive where your guide will take you through the wilderness, pointing out animals and sharing insights about their behaviors and habitats.
Around 3:00 pm, it’s time for a well-deserved buffet lunch. The meal is described as a 4-star buffet, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. During lunch, you can enjoy free non-alcoholic beverages and chat about the animals seen so far. Post-lunch, you’ll have some free time, but most guests tend to stick around to relax or take photos before heading back.
The return trip is about two hours, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery or reflect on your safari experience. The entire day, including transportation, safari, lunch, and breaks, totals about 7 hours and 30 minutes.
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The Experience at Aquila: Wildlife and Views
What makes Aquila stand out is its size and diversity. Covering 10,000 hectares, the reserve offers a natural habitat that supports a variety of animals, and the guides are known for being knowledgeable, making the experience both fun and informative. From reviews, we see that guests appreciated the well-natured, professional guides—with one reviewer calling the driver “amazing” and “very knowledgeable,” ensuring that things ran smoothly and comfortably.
The game drive itself is considered suitable for first-timers or those with limited time, as it provides a good overview of African wildlife, including the Big 5. While it may not replace a longer safari experience like those in Kruger, it’s a great snapshot for people wanting a taste of Africa’s animals without traveling too far.
Guests also mention the scenic drive through vineyards and mountains on the way to and from the reserve, adding a scenic element to the trip. One reviewer remarked that it’s worth opting for the afternoon ride, as the landscape offers enjoyable views along the way.
What We Like About This Tour
First, the value for money is notable. For around $276, guests get transportation, a game drive, a buffet lunch, and drinks—all in a single organized package. The inclusion of all fees and taxes simplifies budgeting, and no hidden costs are apparent.
Second, the personalized service from guides and drivers really shines through in reviews. They’re described as respectful, considerate, and educational, which enhances the experience and makes it feel more tailored and less rushed.
Third, the opportunity to see the Big 5 along with other wildlife in a large reserve is a major perk, especially considering the proximity to Cape Town. It’s not often you get such a chance so close to a major city.
The Downsides and Things to Consider
The main consideration is the length of the drive—about two hours each way—which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to long car rides. The trip is quite structured, with little flexibility for extra stops or exploring beyond the reserve, so if you prefer a more leisurely or flexible itinerary, this might feel a bit rushed.
Another point is that the game drive duration is approximately 2 hours, which is standard but short compared to full-day safaris in more remote parks. For wildlife enthusiasts wanting an intensive viewing experience, this might feel like just a teaser.
Lastly, alcoholic beverages are not included. If you’re expecting wine or beer, you’ll need to budget for that separately, although the non-alcoholic drinks during lunch are included.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a guided, well-organized safari experience close to Cape Town without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s great for first-timers, small groups, or anyone short on time but eager to see the Big 5 in a natural setting. It also suits those who value a good meal and easy transportation combined with wildlife viewing.
It’s less suitable if you’re after a full-day, in-depth safari or want to spend more time in the reserve. If you’re traveling with children, the safety and convenience of the open vehicle make it manageable, but always check with your guide beforehand if you have very young kids or specific needs.
SAFARI Aquila Game Reserve – Round trip + Lunch incl. (Cape Town)
“The driver (Tetanda aka Mr T) from Cape Town was amazing! Total took care of us and made sure things ran smoothly. Very knowledgeable of the area…”
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Aquila Game Reserve tour from Cape Town offers a well-rounded, straightforward way to experience African wildlife without breaking the bank or spending too much time on logistics. The combination of a scenic drive, professional guides, and the chance to see the Big 5 makes it a compelling option for many travelers.
While the long travel times and short game drive may not satisfy hardcore safari enthusiasts, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Africa’s animal kingdom paired with comfort and convenience. The included buffet lunch and beverages add extra value to the day, making it a practical choice for anyone wanting a package deal that covers most essentials.
If your goal is a quick, enjoyable wildlife encounter with friendly guides and scenic views, this tour ticks those boxes nicely. Just be prepared for the travel time, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories—and plenty of photos.
Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transportation from Cape Town to Aquila Game Reserve is included, with pickup from your accommodation.
How long is the drive to the reserve? The drive takes approximately 2 hours each way, so plan for around 4 hours total of travel time.
What is included in the price? The price covers transportation, all fees and taxes, a buffet lunch, non-alcoholic drinks during lunch, and the game drive.
Are alcoholic beverages included? No, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be purchased separately if desired.
What’s the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, safari, lunch, and breaks.
Can I see the Big 5? Yes, Aquila is known for its Big 5 sightings, along with other wildlife, within its 10,000 hectares of land.
Is this tour suitable for families or children? While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, always check with the provider if you’re bringing very young children, as safety on open safari vehicles is a consideration.
How is the guide service? The reviews praise the guides and drivers for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness, making the experience more enjoyable and educational.
In brief, this tour is a solid option for travelers seeking an accessible and enjoyable wildlife experience near Cape Town, especially if you value good organization, scenic routes, and quality guides.