Aquila Big 5 Game Reserve Safari with Lunch
Duration
Full Day (8 Hours)
Start
06:30
Group Size
Max 14
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Pickup from your Cape Town hot...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
5 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“Experience a thrilling Big 5 safari in the malaria-free Aquila Private Game Reserve. Includes game drive, buffet lunch, and hotel transfers — all in one incredible day.
About This Experience
You don't need to fly to Kruger to see the Big 5. The award-winning Aquila Private Game Reserve, just two hours from Cape Town, is home to lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard — plus zebra, giraffe, hippo, and over 170 bird species. This all-inclusive day safari includes a thrilling open-vehicle game drive led by expert rangers who track animals through the fynbos-covered hills and lush valleys of the Karoo. After your safari, enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch at the reserve's elegant lodge with panoramic views of the waterhole where wildlife gathers. The reserve is completely malaria-free, making it perfect for families with children. Depart from Cape Town in the early morning, drive through the stunning Hex River Mountains and Du Toitskloof Pass, and return by evening with memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
Starting from
Cape Town Door-to-Door
Complimentary pickup & drop-off included with every booking
Door-to-Door Collection
We collect guests from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or cruise ship terminal across the Cape Town metro area.
Within 8 km from Cape Town CBD
Up to 25 km from the city centre
Cape Town CBD · V&A Waterfront · Sea Point · Camps Bay · Green Point · Hout Bay · Stellenbosch
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Hotel Pickup — Cape Town
Early morning collection from your Cape Town accommodation
Du Toitskloof Pass & Hex River Drive
Scenic mountain drive through vineyards and dramatic passes to the Karoo
Stop 3Aquila Game Reserve — Safari Drive
Open-vehicle game drive through the reserve tracking the Big 5 with expert rangers
Stop 4Aquila Lodge — Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch overlooking the waterhole where elephants and hippos drink
Return Drive to Cape Town
Comfortable return journey through the Winelands to your hotel
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Return transfers from Cape Town hotel
- Open-vehicle game drive (2+ hours)
- Gourmet buffet lunch at Aquila Lodge
- Park conservation fees
- Professional ranger/tracker
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Instant confirmation
Exclusions
- Beverages at lunch
- Optional horseback safari upgrade
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Gratuities (optional)
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Meeting Point
Pickup from your Cape Town hotel or guesthouse
Start Time
Departs at 06:30. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
Sit on the left side of the vehicle for the best morning light photos
The reserve has a spa — ask about upgrading to an overnight stay
Winter months (Jun-Aug) offer the best game viewing as vegetation is thinner
The waterhole at the lodge is active at dawn and dusk
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Early mornings are chilly on the game drive. Bring a warm fleece — animals are most active at dawn.
Meeting Point
Pickup from your Cape Town hotel or guesthouse
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 89+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Aquila Big 5 Game Reserve Safari with Lunch
The Aquila Big 5 Game Reserve Safari with Lunch is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Gray Line South Africa — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This Full Day (8 Hours) experience takes you through 5 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English commentary and small group sizes of maximum 14 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Gray Line South Africa for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Operated by Gray Line South Africa
Sightseeing Everywhere · Since 1910
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.