Spend a full day tracking Africa's Big Five at Aquila Private Game Reserve, a short drive from Cape Town. This guided tour pairs a 2–3 hour game drive with meals and hotel transfers for a hassle-free wildlife experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The sun lifts over low Karoo hills as the drive peels away from Cape Town's vineyards and into scrubby plains where a game ranger's voice carves the first stories of the day. Dust rises like a promise and the reserve opens: dry pans, a stubborn river, and watering holes that pull herds and predators alike into view.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly seated during drives with short walks around the lodge.
Wildlife
History
Aquila began as a private reserve project in the early 2000s focusing on game reintroductions and eco-tourism, turning agricultural land into managed wildlife habitat.
Conservation
The reserve participates in species monitoring and anti-poaching measures; visitors are encouraged to follow viewing rules to minimize disturbance and support sustainable tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Aquila Game Reserve Big Five Safari Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring binoculars
A 7–10x binocular makes distant sightings and identifying horns or markings far easier from the safari vehicle.
Dress in layers
Mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm — pack a light jacket that stows easily.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are important; shade is limited during vehicle time.
Keep camera gear ready
Use a zoom lens (200–400mm ideal) and carry extra batteries or memory cards — wildlife sightings are brief.
Binoculars
Improves distant animal viewing and bird identification from the vehicle.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Protects against intense midday sun during open-vehicle drives.
summer
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Useful for short walks around the lodge and stable footing during entry/exit of vehicles.
Telephoto camera lens
Helps capture close-up wildlife behavior without disturbing animals.