Big 5 Safari Tours in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts one of the best safari experiences. Feel the vibrations of the lions roars as they call upon you to witness their beauty and appreciate the secrets behind their dominant reign in the jungle, hear the echoes of the elephants as they welcome you to the discovery of what you have been missing out on and hear the silent cries of the Rhino as it runs out of places to hide, see it while still can as Aquila Private Game reserve focuses strongly on their anti-poaching programs. Let the leopard show its true spots and the buffalo display what “no man left behind” truly means. Admire the agility of the leapoard as it strikes and the cruelty of a buffalo as it fights back. Whether you are looking for a more luxurious getaway or a more adventurous experience, we have everything you need to make your African safari one you will carry your memories forever.

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

Aquila Private Game Reserve’s purpose is to protect and preserve Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife ad is fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development and various sustainable empowerment programs. Creating the ideal, sustainable balance between nature conservation and empowerment of local community of Touws River is at the core of how Aquila Private Game reserve operates.

Today, Aquila Private Game Reserve’s guests can experience a day or overnight safari experience. Aquila Private Game Reserve offers its guests a unique opportunity to experience the reserves natural flora and fauna by vehicle, quad bike or on horseback. Guests have the option of tailor making their overnight packages or choosing from different day trip safari packages.

Early Morning Safari

Aquila early morning game drive safari

Afternoon Safari

Sunset Safari

Morning Safari Full Day

Quad Bike Safari

Horseback Adventure Safari

Combo Safari

Aquila Private Game Reserve Awards Attained

Over the years, Aquila, ARC and Saving Private Rhino have been honored to have achieve the most prestigious South African job creation, conservation and social upliftment awards. These awards acknowledge the passion and commitment of the Aquila team and highlight Aquila’s dedication to conservation, social upliftment and responsible tourism.

2020 World Luxury Awards – Best Private Game Reserve in Africa

2020 Skat International Sustainable Tourism Award

2017 Provincial Lizilela winner for best Game Lodge

Winner of the 2014/2015/2016 and 2017 World Luxury Hotel Award for best Luxury Eco Safari Lodge in Africa

2015 and 2016 winner award of the Lilizela Provincial Service Excellence Award

Winner: 2015 National Lilizela Award for sustainable development

Winner: 2014 National Lilizela Imvelo Award for best economic impact by a large tourism establishment in South Africa

Top Destinations national award winner: best Game Lodge category

Questions about Aquila Game Reserve

  • Please remember to add your booking reference number when making payment via EFT/Bank Transfer
  • Please remember to bring with proof of identification when visiting for an overnight stay

Please note that under no circumstances will drones be allowed at the game reserve

Wear what you would usually wear when you pack for a holiday, including a very warm jacket for our winter and springtime, beanies and gloves for game drives. Pack a lighter jacket with your normal clothing for your summer stays, plus swimwear for visits all year round as we have pools and a spa which guests can access at a small fee

We do not have any age restrictions for children doing our game drives, but there would be an age restriction of 16 years old and weight restriction of 95kg’s for our Horseback and Quadbike safari options

  • Game Drives
  • Jungle Games
  • Play Stations and Mini Golf
  • Horseback Rides

Yes, children of all ages can go on game drives as long as they are supervised by an adult

The drive would be approximately 2 hours from Cape Town

The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport off the N1 National Highway, 2 hours away from Aquila Private Game Reserve, but please be advised due to it being a high traffic area highway, you will need to check your traveling time for traffic beforehand for the time you need to be at the airport to see how much time you need to allocate during those times. During peak hours, for instance, we advise adding 2 hours to your travel time

Yes, we do offer transport at an additional cost

No, all our game drives are guided. The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share exciting inside-story facts about your surroundings – easily rousing your inner wild side

Bookings are subject to availability. Availability does change by the hour. We would suggest you book and pay the deposit as soon as possible to avoid disappointment

Our safari guides are very experienced and have been with Aquila for quite a while. They try spotting as many of the Big 5, as well as other animals and indigenous to the land, as possible. We do know that for many of our guests, to see the Big 5 is a once in a lifetime experience, hence we go the extra mile