Spend a single day leaving Cape Town for a guided Big Five game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve, followed by wine and cheese at Fairview. Early pickups and an open 4x4 safari make wildlife sighting the highlight; a vineyard stop adds local flavor.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks on the Cape’s arid interior as an open 4x4 rumbles out of Cape Town, the city skyline shrinking behind you. By midmorning the scrub opens to wide plains where giraffe silhouette the horizon and the first lion calls carry across the reserve; the air smells of sun-baked earth and distant fynbos. You join a guided game drive on Aquila’s open vehicle, eyes trained on spoor and the low-slung shapes of rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo moving through rehabilitated veld.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; activity consists mainly of seated game drives with short, easy walks.
Wildlife
History
Aquila is a privately managed game reserve that reintroduced large African mammals into former farmland, reflecting a broader trend of conservation-driven tourism in the Western Cape.
Conservation
Operators emphasize vehicle-based viewing, no feeding, and local employment; visits support habitat rehabilitation and community initiatives in the region.
Reserve your spot on the Explore the best Big 5 Aquila Safari Tour and Wine Tasting today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring binoculars
Aquila’s animals can appear at a distance; a compact pair of binoculars will get you closer without disturbing wildlife.
Sun protection is a must
The open vehicle exposes you to strong sun—wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses help keep you comfortable.
Motion-sickness prep
Safari rides can be bumpy; take motion-sickness medication if you’re prone and sit near the guide for a steadier view.
Carry a light layer
Mornings are cool and the open truck can be windy—pack a lightweight jacket you can stow for the winery stop.
Binoculars
Helps you spot distant game and get better photos without approaching animals.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Useful for brief walks on uneven ground at viewing points and the vineyard.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong sun during open-vehicle drives and outdoor tastings.
summer
Light windproof jacket
Keeps you warm on early morning drives when the open vehicle can be chilly.
winter