Travel Agency

Cape Town Big 5 Safari

Full Day Tour

1 Person (s)

Sight Seeing

9.3 Superb

Get up close to Africa’s iconic Big Five and a variety of other wildlife on this Full Day Safari Tour in the Western Cape. Located just under a two-hour scenic drive from Cape Town, Aquila Game Reserve offers an authentic safari experience set within dramatic landscapes rich in indigenous flora and fauna.

This unique reserve combines wildlife viewing with meaningful conservation. Many of the elephants and lions you encounter have been rescued and rehabilitated by the dedicated team at Aquila, following habitat loss caused by settlement and agricultural expansion. Enjoy guided game drives through wide-open plains and mountain backdrops, all within a malaria-free environment—making this an unforgettable, responsible African safari experience in a single day.

Daily Tours

Depart: 07h30

Return: 18h00

Inclusions
  • Welcome drinks on arrival

  • Buffet breakfast upon arrival at the lodge

  • 2–3-hour traditional safari game drive with an experienced ranger

  • Buffet lunch at the lodge

  • Complimentary Eco Synergy Tour, highlighting conservation and sustainability efforts

  • Access to the infinity pool and selected lodge facilities

  • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions
  • Beverages

  • Spa Access

  • Activities (other than specified)

Highlights
  • Encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—in a malaria-free private reserve

  • 2–3 hour guided safari game drive led by experienced rangers with expert wildlife insight

  • Close-up sightings of rescued and rehabilitated elephants and lions, supported by Aquila’s conservation initiatives

  • Luxury lodge experience, including welcome drinks, buffet meals, and access to the infinity pool

Itinerary
  • A Journey Beneath the Mountains

    Sunset painted mountains.

    Leaving the vibrant streets of Cape Town, the scenery soon begins to change as the road winds toward the mountains. Ahead lies the Huguenot Tunnel—a remarkable passage carved deep beneath the Du Toitskloof range and stretching nearly 4 kilometres through solid rock.

    As you travel through the tunnel, you follow a route once taken by early settlers crossing treacherous mountain passes. Today, this modern engineering marvel offers a smooth and safe gateway from the coast into South Africa’s interior. Emerging on the other side, rolling valleys and wide-open landscapes unfold—an exciting transition that signals the beginning of your Big 5 safari adventure at Aquila.

  • Worcester

    As the journey continues, the landscape opens into the fertile Breede River Valley, where vineyards stretch across the valley floor and mountain ranges rise in the distance. Passing through Worcester, the largest town in the region and located approximately 120 km from Cape Town, travellers gain insight into one of the Western Cape’s most important agricultural and wine-producing areas.

    Renowned for its long-standing wine tradition, Worcester forms part of a region that plays a vital role in South Africa’s viticultural heritage. The town’s setting—surrounded by vineyards, rivers, and rugged mountains—offers a striking contrast to the coastal scenery left behind, marking a gentle transition from wine country to the wild landscapes that lead toward Aquila.

  • ‌Hex River Valley

    View across a tranquil landscape, river valley and a mountain range

    Beyond the tunnel, the landscape opens into the spectacular Hex River Valley, where dramatic mountain peaks frame rolling vineyards stretching across the valley floor. This celebrated route passes through one of South Africa’s most important wine-producing regions, offering ever-changing scenery at every turn.

    Each season brings its own character to the valley. In autumn, the vineyards ignite in rich shades of red, gold, and amber, creating a painter’s palette across the slopes. During winter, snow often dusts the surrounding mountains, transforming the valley into a rare and striking alpine landscape—an unexpected and unforgettable sight in the Western Cape.

  • Aquila Game Drive

    Two rhinoceroses in a dusty standoff at golden hour

    On arrival at Aquila Game Reserve, enjoy a 2-hour open safari game drive through vast Karoo landscapes under the guidance of experienced rangers. Aquila is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, including Africa’s iconic Big Five—elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard.

    Beyond the Big Five, the reserve offers excellent sightings of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and a wide range of antelope such as gemsbok, springbok, and eland, as well as baboon, jackal, bat-eared fox, ostrich, hippopotamus, and crocodile. Adding to the experience, Aquila’s private wetland attracts numerous migratory bird species, making the reserve a rewarding destination for both wildlife and bird enthusiasts.

Pick-up and drop-off are included for accommodations within a 15 km radius of the Cape Town City Centre and nearby areas.

Included:

  • Welcome drinks
  • Game Drive
  • Lunch
  • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle

Not Included:

  • Extra drinks

General Information & Conditions:

  • No-show: Full cancellation fee applies.

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

  • Prices, routes, stops, destinations, accommodations, and restaurants are subject to availability and may change.

  • Tour departure and arrival times are approximate.

  • German, French, Spanish, and other language guides available on request.

  • All vehicles are fully insured for passenger liability.

  • Tours operate subject to a minimum number of passengers.

  • Luggage and personal belongings are carried at your own risk; please safeguard valuables and travel documents at all times.

  • Guests are kindly requested to keep all valuables and travel documents secure at all times.

 
 
 
 
– Anna, Germany – Anna, Germany

“An unforgettable adventure! From Cape Town to the Namib Desert, every moment was breathtaking.”

A couple of tourists in South Africa, Garden Route, during summer holidays
Marc, Switzerland Designation

“This tour gave us memories for a lifetime—wildlife, landscapes, and culture all in one!”

Emily, USA Designation

“As a solo traveler, I felt welcome and amazed at each stop—Etosha’s safari was the highlight!”

Linda and Tom from Canada enjoyed their Garden Route Tour in South Africa
Laura & Tom, UK Designation

“As a couple, we loved the mix of adventure and relaxation—wine tasting in the Cape and sunsets in Namibia were perfect.”

Senior businessman, finger pointing and excited face with success, optimism and happy career. Profe
Peter, South Africa Designation

“I’ve travelled extensively, but this guided journey was exceptional—every detail was thoughtfully arranged.”

Impressions of the tour

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testimonials

Travellers Reviews

Sophie M.,
Sophie M.,

Switzerland

“From the first message to our final airport drop-off, NAS handled everything flawlessly. Cape Town felt effortless and special.”

Markus L.,
Markus L.,

Germany

“Our safari was beyond expectations—beautiful lodges, perfect timing, and a guide who truly understood what we wanted.”

Anke V.,
Anke V.,

Netherlands

“NAS made Southern Africa feel safe, smooth, and incredibly memorable. We loved the local insight and the little surprises.”

Lerato K.,
Lerato K.,

South Africa

“Our family trip was handled with such care. Kid-friendly planning, flexible stops, and unforgettable wildlife moments.”

Elena S.,
Elena S.,

Italy

“Communication was excellent. Every day was planned beautifully, yet we never felt rushed. True bespoke travel.”