Day Visitor Centre
Every day safari begins here. Relax, enjoy a welcome drink, explore the facilities and prepare for an unforgettable Big 5 safari near Cape Town.
Opening hours 07h00-16h00
Your day visitor experience
Aquila hospitality
All Aquila day visitor experiences include a refreshing welcome drink and a delicious buffet meal.
Enjoy comfort
Relax and enjoy our communal safari lodge facilities, including comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges.
Family friendly
We welcome guests of all ages, with facilities and activities to keep even our youngest adventurers busy.
About the visitor centre
The Karoo Vista Centre is the dedicated departure point for all Aquila day visitors. Designed with comfort in mind, it features spacious indoor lounges, outdoor seating areas, dining facilities, and panoramic views of the Karoo landscape, providing the perfect place to relax before or unwind after your safari.
Enjoy our facilities
Everything at the Day Visitor Centre has been thoughtfully designed to make your safari experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re enjoying a welcome drink before departure, relaxing between game drives, or taking in the panoramic Karoo views, you’ll have access to a range of facilities that complement your day at Aquila.
Arrival refreshments
Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink from our selection on arrival.
Poolside bar
Enjoy our selection of beverages while relaxing beside the pool.
Buffet dining
A generous buffet with something for everyone.
Curio shop
Take home a unique safari keepsake.
Outdoor seating
Relax over lunch outdoors.
Viewing deck
Soak in panoramic views of the Karoo.
Big 5 Safari Day Trips
Day Trip Safaris from Cape Town include half day and full day tours to see the Big 5.
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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Half Day
Afternoon Safari
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
From 12h00pm - 16h30pm
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Half Day
Sunset Safari
Watch the reserve transform as the setting sun brings wildlife into motion.
From 15h00pm - 19h00pm
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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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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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Full Day
Horseback Safari
A guided horseback safari through the Karoo for a unique wildlife experience.
From 09h00am - 16h30pm
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Aquila Private Game Reserve?
There are two main ways to get to Aquila Private Game Reserve from Cape Town:
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By car: The drive from Cape Town to Aquila is approximately 2 hours. The most direct route is to take the N1 highway towards Touws River. Once you reach Touws River, follow the signs to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Directions
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By private transfer: Aquila offers private transfers and return transport from Cape Town to the reserve.
Here are some additional tips for getting to Aquila Private Game Reserve:
- Fill up your car with petrol before you leave Cape Town. There are no petrol stations between Cape Town and Aquila.
- Be aware of the speed limits. The speed limit on the N1 highway is 120 kilometres per hour.
- Allow extra time for your journey if you are traveling during peak season. The roads can get congested during the school holidays and long weekends.
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How do you book Aquila's return transport service?
Aquila offers return transportation from Cape Town for Full Day and Afternoon safaris.
Please note that our transport services are an additional, paid option. If you’re interested in a return transport service, please select and add-on your preferred transfer option during the booking process.
Can guests self-drive inside the reserve?
While guests are to drive from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, guests are not able to self-drive inside the reserve, itself. Day visitors are asked to please park their vehicles at Aquila’s safe and secure on-site car park, located near the reserve’s reception area.
Big 5 guided game drives are included in Aquila’s day trip safari packages. You will be driven through the reserve on traditional, open-air safari vehicles, led by an experienced game ranger.
Can guests bring their own food & beverages?
Guests are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages into the reserve. Rest assured, most of Aquila’s Day Trip Safari packages include buffet-style meals, welcome drinks, and complimentary game drive refreshments. There is also a curio-shop, offering local snacks and beverages for sale.
Please refer to your specific day trip package for a full list of inclusions and exclusions. Please note that each day trip itinerary may differ depending on the departure time, game drive duration, and seasonal availability.
Experience the magic of Aquila
Your gateway to an unforgettable Big 5 safari experience. Choose from a range of day safari packages, enjoy exceptional facilities, and let our experienced team take care of the rest.