SAFARI Aquila Game Reserve – Round trip + Lunch incl. (Cape Town)

Discovering the Aquila Safari from Cape Town: An In-Depth Review

Travelers looking to combine wildlife encounters with a touch of luxury might find this Aquila Game Reserve tour a perfect fit. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, lots of detailed reviews and the itinerary reveal what makes it stand out. What we love most? The chance to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, the gorgeous buffet lunch, and the knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational.

That said, a potential caveat is the approximate 2-hour drive each way — not a long haul, but enough to consider if you prefer more relaxed days. This tour is ideal for those who want a full-day adventure out of Cape Town, especially if wildlife viewing and guided safaris are your main interests. If you’re eager to experience Africa’s iconic animals without the hassle of planning, this tour ticks many boxes.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Viewing: The chance to see the Big 5 in a natural setting is a major highlight.
• Comfort & Convenience: The tour includes pickup, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a buffet lunch.
• Guided Experience: A knowledgeable game ranger leads the safari, offering insights into the animals and environment.
• Value for Money: At $276.39 per person, you get a comprehensive day with transportation, meals, and wildlife viewing.
• Group Size: The tour caps at 45 travelers, maintaining a balance between social and intimate experiences.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The 10,000-hectare reserve offers expansive views and chances for great photos, as noted by travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Pickup & Journey to Aquila

The adventure kicks off with a punctual pickup from your Cape Town accommodation, hosted by friendly guides like “Mr. T” or Admire, who are praised for their professionalism and local knowledge. The drive itself, about two hours, offers a scenic transition from urban landscapes into the more rustic, open parts of the Karoo. Reviewers commented on the beautiful scenery along the way, especially the vineyards and mountains, making the drive part of the overall experience rather than just transportation.

A couple of travelers highlighted the bumpy ride, which might be uncomfortable for those with back issues, but most appreciated the stunning views. Having a comfortable vehicle and a guide who stops for photos or snacks adds to the overall enjoyment.

Arriving at Aquila Game Reserve

Once at the reserve, you’ll be greeted warmly and briefed on safety and rules. The highlight here is the game drive in an open safari vehicle—a classic Africa experience. The guides are praised for their educational insights and attentiveness, with some reviewers mentioning how their guides, like “Mr. T,” made sure everyone was comfortable and well-informed, sharing fun facts and pointing out animals.

Expect to spend around 2 hours on the game drive, during which you’ll have your best chance of spotting the Big 5—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—along with other wildlife like giraffes and zebras. The open vehicle design ensures great visibility and photo opportunities, a point many reviewers appreciated.

Lunch & Refreshments

At around 3 p.m., a delicious buffet lunch is served, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. The inclusion of non-alcoholic drinks complements the meal, allowing guests to relax and recharge before or after the safari. Reviewers often mention how the quality of the food exceeded expectations for a safari buffet, with some highlighting the quiet, scenic setting of the dining area, which adds to the overall value.

Sunset Safari & Wildlife Encounters

The tour’s sunset timing adds a magical touch. The soft light enhances the landscape and the opportunity for stunning photos. Several reviewers noted that the sunset drive was the perfect way to end the day, with some saying it felt like a “once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

The guides’ expertise really shines during the drive—they are eager to answer questions about the animals and their habits, making it an educational experience as much as an exciting one. The expansiveness of Aquila’s 10,000 hectares means you’ll often be gazing across wide-open plains, where animals roam freely.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews commend the guides for their professionalism and educational approach. This makes a difference when spotting animals and understanding their behavior.

Stunning Scenic Drive: The journey from Cape Town through vineyards and mountain views is frequently praised, making the trip feel like part of the adventure rather than just transportation.

Good Value for Money: Including transport, meals, and a guided safari at just over $270 per person offers solid value, especially considering the chance to see the Big 5.

Authentic Safari Experience: The open vehicle game drive in a large reserve provides a genuine wildlife encounter, not just a zoo-like experience.

Customer Satisfaction: With a perfect rating from five reviews, it’s clear most travelers find this tour meets or exceeds expectations. Many mention how well-organized and enjoyable the day was, highlighting the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers wanting a taste of the African safari, or anyone short on time but eager to see iconic animals in their natural environment. It’s also perfect for those who want a comfortable, guided day trip with meals included, making logistics easier. Keep in mind the 2-hour drive each way, which might be a factor for those with limited stamina or preference for shorter excursions.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: At $276.39, this tour offers good value, especially considering the full-day itinerary, meals, and wildlife viewing.
• Duration: About 7.5 hours, including pickup, drive, safari, and lunch.
• Group Size: Max 45 travelers, balancing a social vibe with manageable group dynamics.
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle, with guides known for their professionalism.
• Meals: Buffet lunch with non-alcoholic drinks; alcoholic beverages are not included.
• Meeting Point: Starts at The Silo Hotel at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront — convenient for visitors staying in or near Cape Town’s city center.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the drive to the reserve?
Approximately 2 hours each way, making the total travel time about 4 hours including the return.

What kind of wildlife will I see?
While the highlight is the chance to see the Big 5, other animals like giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species are also common.

Is the safari suitable for kids or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the bumpy ride and the length of the drive if traveling with very young children or those with limited mobility.

Are drinks included?
Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary during the day, and a buffet lunch is provided. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is this a day tour or can I extend my stay?
It’s a full-day experience, roughly 7.5 hours, making it suitable for a dedicated wildlife outing.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable, layered clothing, sun protection, and camera gear for photos during the game drive.

Final Thoughts

This Sunset Safari at Aquila Game Reserve offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience Africa’s wildlife and landscapes without venturing too far from Cape Town. The combination of expert guides, scenic drive, and comfortable amenities ensures a memorable day for anyone eager to see the Big 5 and learn about the animals that make Africa special.

If you’re after a convenient, guided safari experience with good food and stunning vistas, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suited for first-time safari-goers, wildlife lovers, or visitors pressed for time but craving an authentic encounter with African nature.

Whether you’re capturing photos of a majestic lion at sunset or simply soaking in the vast, open plains, this trip promises both excitement and comfort. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of wilderness to your Cape Town adventure.

Enjoy your safari adventure and keep your camera ready—you never know when a curious giraffe or a regal lion might appear!