Early Morning Safari

Start your day in the reserve when the bush is at its most active. Early morning is when predators are still on the move and herbivores begin to gather, giving you a better chance of seeing a wider range of wildlife in a single drive.

Recognised by Sawubona Magazine and Time Out Magazine as one of Cape Town’s top day trips, Aquila offers guided game drives in traditional 22-seater safari vehicles, led by experienced rangers and field guides who know the land and its rhythms.

Mornings in the Karoo can be crisp, so blankets are provided to keep things comfortable as you head out across the reserve. From there, your guide will take you through Aquila’s 10,000-hectare landscape, sharing practical insights into animal behaviour, tracking, and the unique environment — adjusting the pace of the drive around sightings and what’s happening in the moment.

A structured big 5 safari experience with time for both guided activity and downtime.

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Transport must be booked before 15:00 for next-day arrivals. Please note that pick-up times provided for day trips are estimates only.

Standard Aquila full-day departures are scheduled between 05:45 and 06:45. Your final pick-up time will be confirmed the day before your safari experience.

Assistance: email: daytrips@aquilasafari.com or call 021 430 7260 

Pick-up locations and times will be confirmed by your transport coordinator the evening prior to departure, based on routes, bookings, and any road conditions. Please ensure your contact details are accurate and up to date.

Pick-up zones include: Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town CBD, Camps Bay & Hout Bay, Southern Suburbs, Gardens, Woodstock, Tygerberg, West Coast, and the Cape Winelands.

Guests staying outside these areas will be directed to the nearest designated collection point. Private, luxury, or air transfers can be arranged on request after booking. 

A structured big 5 safari experience with time for both guided activity and downtime.