Cape Wildlife
Wildlife in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city shaped by nature as much as by culture. Framed by Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic coastline, it offers a rare mix of urban energy, protected natural spaces and Big 5 wildlife experiences.
Beyond its restaurants, beaches and landmarks, the Mother City gives travellers access to mountain habitats, marine life, birdwatching sites and safari destinations within reach of the city.
Urban Cape Wildlife
South Africa’s cities and towns exist alongside an incredible diversity of wildlife. From mountain slopes and nature reserves to parks, wetlands and coastlines, many native species thrive in and around urban environments, offering unique wildlife encounters just minutes from city life.
Who you might come across:
Small mammals
Small mammals like dassies (hyrax), grey squirrels, banded mongoose and chacma baboons are common sightings in Cape Town. Keep a look out for small wildlife especially when travelling around Table Mountain, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and even the Cape Winelands.
Who you might come across:
Rare Cape Wildlife Sightings
The Western Cape’s incredible diversity includes some of the world’s most rare and sought-after wildlife sightings — including animals most South Africans will never have the chance to see in the wild.
Who you might come across:
Antelope of the Cape
The Western Cape hosts over 83 species of mammals, and is home to many of Africa’s most iconic game and rare wildlife sightings. Here are a few of the antelope you can see in the Cape.
Most well-known antelope:
Cape Town Marine Wildlife
Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline is home great white sharks, orca’s, Cape fur seals, African penguins, dolphins, stingrays, sun fish, marlin, and countless fish species.
Who you might come across:
Cape Reptiles and Amphibians
Although Cape Town isn’t known for its diverse reptilian and amphibian population, there are a few unique scaled and cold-blooded creatures that thrive in the region’s coastal, mountainous, and fynbos landscapes.
Who they are:
Cape Birds
The Cape is home to over 364 native bird species, many of which you can see in and around the city. Here’s a few birds to look out for in Cape Town, South Africa.
Look for them in and around Cape Town:
Conserving and Protecting Cape Wildlife
Cape Town is home to one of the world’s most diverse and unique landscapes, including the endemic fynbos biome and vast Karoo landscapes, and conserving and protecting the natural flora and fauna remains at the core of Aquila’s 10 000 hectare cape wildlife conservancy.
From 1999, Aquila has led various award-winning conservation efforts to restore the cape’s native wildlife, from returning rhinos to the Western Cape wild for the first time in 250 years, to establishing the Cape’s first big five game reserver only 2 hours from the city. Guests at Aquila are invited to experience and see the best of Cape Town’s wildlife on a day trip or overnight South African Big Five safari.
Frequently asked questions
What animals are at Aquila?
Aquila is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), as well as giraffes, hippos, ostriches, wildebeest, zebras, and numerous antelope species such as springbok, eland, and kudu. The reserve also supports a rich birdlife and smaller mammals that thrive in the Karoo habitat.
Can I self-drive through the reserve?
No, self-driving through the reserve is not permitted at Aquila. All safaris are conducted in guided vehicles led by experienced rangers, ensuring both guest safety and the protection of the wildlife and environment. This approach also allows guests to enjoy a safe, educational, and ethical safari experience while observing the animals in their natural behaviours.
Are the animals at Aquila wild?
Yes, the animals at Aquila are wild. While some were rescued or rehabilitated, they are not tamed or handled, ensuring their natural instincts are preserved.
What started as a 10 000 hectare conservancy for native antelope species and small game animals, slowly transformed into a Big 5 game reserve with the introduction of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and the cape leopard.
Are Aquila's safaris safe?
Yes. Aquila’s safaris are completely safe and conducted under strict safety protocols. All game drives are led by qualified and experienced rangers who are trained in both wildlife behaviour and guest safety.
Guests remain in secure, open safari vehicles designed for optimal viewing while maintaining a safe distance from the animals. The rangers closely monitor wildlife movements and ensure that every encounter respects both animal space and guest comfort.
Aquila also complies with South African tourism and conservation safety regulations, making it one of the safest and most reputable safari experiences near Cape Town. Guests can relax and enjoy their adventure knowing that both safety and animal welfare are top priorities.
See how many of these animals you can spot on safari
Whether you’re exploring Cape Town’s mountains, botanical gardens or nature reserves, there’s an abundance of wildlife to discover. For the ultimate chance to encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five, Aquila Private Game Reserve is just under two hours from the city, offering an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Western Cape.
Day Trip Safari
Choose how you would like to experience the Big 5 by choosing from our half day or full day trip offers.
Starting from R1185 per person
Overnight Safari
Experience a full safari with luxury accommodation, multiple game drives, and gourmet dining.
Starting from R3910 per person
Why choose Aquila
All Big 5 Animals
One of the few reserves near Cape Town where you can see all five iconic African animals in a single visit.
Close to Cape Town
Just a scenic 2-hour drive from Cape Town. No flights. No overnight travel. Just easy access to wild Africa. Check our transport options.
Expert Guides
Our professional field guides have decades of skills and wildlife experience, making every game-drive a memorable.
