Big 5 Safari & Spa

Real Africa. Real Close to Cape Town.

Book a half-day, full-day or overnight Big 5 safari experience just under 2 hours from Cape Town, South Africa

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Experience luxurious African hospitality

Acclaimed for service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility efforts and wildlife conservation, Aquila is more than just an unforgettable Western Cape game reserve experience, it’s an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.

Big 5 Safari Day Trips

Day Trip Safaris from Cape Town include half day and full day tours to see the Big 5.

Day trips
Safari Day Trip

Half Day

Early Morning Safari

Start your day in the reserve when the bush is at its most active.

From 07h00am - 12h00pm
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Safari Day Trip

Half Day

Afternoon Safari

Enjoy a late afternoon game drive with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

From 12h00pm - 16h30pm
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Safari Day Trip

Half Day

Sunset Safari

Watch the reserve transform as the setting sun brings wildlife into motion.

From 15h00pm - 19h00pm
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Safari Day Trip

Full Day

Traditional Safari

A guided Big 5 safari as part of a full-day experience near Cape Town.

From 09h00am -16h30pm
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Safari Day Trip

Full Day

Quad Bike Safari

Explore the Karoo on a guided quad bike safari with close-up wildlife encounters.

From 09h00am -16h30pm
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Safari Day Trip

Full Day

Horseback Safari

A guided horseback safari through the Karoo for a unique wildlife experience.

From 09h00am - 16h30pm
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Safari Day Trip

Full Day

Combo Safari

Enjoy a Big 5 game drive paired with a horseback or quad bike safari in one day.

From 09h00am - 16h30pm
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The Aquila Experience

Whether you’re here for the day or staying the night, Aquila has something for everyone. Enjoy Big 5 game drives, relax by the pool, great food, comfortable accommodation, and a dedicated play area for the kids, all just under 2 hours from Cape Town.

Overnight stay at Aquila

Overnight safaris include all meals, Karoo stargazing, marshmallow fires, traditional safari game drives and accommodation. 

Children, ages 3 and under, stay FREE of charge with an accompanying adult. Children, ages 4 to 11, SAVE 50% off the adult rate. Children, ages 12 and older, pay full rates

Overnight Stay
Safari Day Trip

Lodge Room

Standard Lodge

The standard lodge rooms are designed for budget-conscious travellers.

From R3 910/pps
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Safari Day Trip

The Suite

Family Suite

The perfect configuration for families or friends travelling together.

From R5 590/pps
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premier lodge room

Lodge Room

Premier Lodge

Magnificent views of the reserve from your private balcony or patio.

From R5 590/pps
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Cottage

Karoo Cottage

Karoo Cottages, where rustic elegance meets the wilderness.

From R4 470/pps
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Cottage

Family Cottage

Aquila’s family cottages are ideal for two adults and two kids sharing.

From R4 650/pps
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Cottage

Premier Cottage

Privately positioned cottages on the rocky Karoo hillside.

From R5 895/pps
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Cottage

Deluxe Cottage

The most luxurious accommodation choice available at Aquila.

From R9 495/pps
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Exclusive Offers

Aquila’s exclusive offers invite you to enjoy more of the reserve in rewarding ways. From seasonal overnight stays to added-value safari experiences, each offer is thoughtfully created to bring together wildlife, comfort and the ease of discovering the Big Five less than two hours from Cape Town.

Exclusive Offers

Experience South Africa's Big 5 at Aquila

Just under two hours from Cape Town, Aquila brings the experience of a Big 5 safari within easy reach of the city. Encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo in a spectacular Karoo setting.

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Make the Most of Our Facilities

Make the most of world-class facilities, including an award-winning spa, infinity pool, conference centre, prayer room and dedicated indoor and outdoor children’s play areas and more.

Facilities

Transport to Aquila

Aquila’s private and shared transfers are available for your travel convenience. Whether you’re booking a day trip safari or staying overnight, choose from our self-drive, standard shuttle (shared) transfers, private transport or elevate your journey with a scenic, fixed-wing fly-in safari for a luxurious and unforgettable trip.

Western Cape Game Reserve and Big 5 Wildlife Conservation

Founded in 1999, Aquila Private Game Reserve reintroduced Africa’s Big 5 to the Western Cape, becoming the first official Big 5 game reserve close to Cape Town. Today, Aquila’s award-winning conservation work helps protect and restore the region’s wildlife through its private nature reserve, wildlife rehabilitation and animal rescue initiatives.

About

Big Names at Aquila

From international celebrities and politicians to athletes and entertainers, Aquila has welcomed guests from around the globe seeking an authentic South African safari experience.

Celebrities
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American singer-songwriter

Mariah Carey

American Rock Band

The Offspring

american model & actress

Paris HIlton

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Contact Us

Get in touch with our team for booking assistance, safari information and general enquiries.

Contact