$
  • R
  • $
  • £
trip filter
Type
Join Group
Package
Tailored
Your Own Group

Transport
4x4 Jeep & Van
Van

Tempo
Easy going pace
Packed roadtrip pace

Aquila Day Safari

wishlist it

Duration of tour
1 day
Join Group

Transport Type

4x4 Jeep & Van
Guaranteed to depart
Everyday

Overview

    info page

 

Escape the city for an unforgettable Big Five safari experience at Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of the closest game reserves to Cape Town. This full-day adventure combines scenic countryside, luxury lodge facilities and an exciting 2–3 hour open-vehicle game drive, offering the perfect opportunity to experience South Africa's iconic wildlife in just one day.

Located in the malaria-free Karoo region, Aquila is home to the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard*(rarely seen) and buffalo – along with giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and many other indigenous species. Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, you'll venture into the reserve in a 4x4 safari vehicle while learning about the animals, their habitats and Aquila's important conservation initiatives.

Your experience includes return transfers from Cape Town, a welcome drink on arrival, a buffet lunch and access to the lodge swimming pool and leisure facilities (spa treatments cost extra), and an unforgettable safari through the reserve. Whether you're visiting Cape Town for a few days or simply looking for an authentic wildlife encounter, this day safari offers an excellent introduction to South Africa's remarkable wildlife.

*Leopards are highly elusive and are very rarely seen during the day in the Western Cape, as they typically inhabit remote mountainous areas. 

 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
500
km
Tempo
Packed roadtrip pace
Ideal For
Couple
Friends
Family
Theme

Why You'll Love It

  • Spot most of South Africa’s Big Five animals on a 4x4 game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve surrounded by the natural Karoo beauty.

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline can run in reverse or a different order. Please note that transfers for this experience may be operated by a trusted third-party provider. 
Day 1-2
Karoo Region

Your day begins with a shared transfer from your Cape Town city centre hotel to Aquila Private Game Reserve, located approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town in the scenic Karoo region. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the Western Cape countryside as you make your way to one of the region's leading Big Five safari destinations.

Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious buffet lunch at the lodge (additional beverages for own account) before preparing for your safari experience.

Join an experienced game ranger for a guided 4x4 safari through Aquila Private Game Reserve. As the afternoon cools, wildlife becomes more active around the reserve's watering holes, creating excellent game-viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for Africa's iconic Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard* (rarely seen in Western Cape) – along with giraffe, zebra, antelope, and many other species. During the 2–3 hour game drive, your ranger will share insights into the reserve's wildlife, conservation initiatives, and the unique ecosystem of the Karoo.

After your game drive, enjoy some free time to relax and make use of Aquila's facilities. Guests have complimentary access to the infinity pool, pool bar area, outdoor children's play area, mini-golf course, the ARC Centre, and the Eco-Synergy Project Tour. Alternatively, unwind in the lodge lounges, browse the curio shop, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings before departure.

 

* Leopards are highly elusive and are rarely seen during the day, making sightings uncommon even on safari.

 

End with a late afternoon early evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.

Included

Small Group

Maximum 13 - 45 guests per vehicle or guide. 

This scheduled group tour requires a minimum number of travellers to operate.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide during transfers and profesional game ranger on game drives.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights.  Please note that transfers for this experience may be operated by a trusted third-party provider. All transport services are conducted by licensed and authorised transfer companies.

Pick-up + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.

Meal

1x Lunch included

Safaris
  • Sunset afternoon 4x4 Safari game drive 
Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Aquila 4x4 Safari

Excluded

✕ Optionals

This optional activity can be added to your journey as per rates listed in the itinerary.

  • Spa Access
  • Spa Treatments
✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Drinks

You can purchase additional meals + drinks on tour.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 8 days prior.*Buy Refund Protector for 24hr free cancellation

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 8 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 1day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy: 30 day notice for partial refund or 90% voucher

 

  • Cancellation at least 30 days prior to tour departure date = 90% travel voucher of value paid or 20% cancellation fee 
  • Cancellation 29 to 8 days prior to tour departure date = 60% travel voucher or 50% cancellation fee
  • Cancellation within 7 days prior to tour departure date or no-show will not be granted a refund or voucher

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

  • Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to you.
  • Cancellation fees are caculated on the total value of the booking.
Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

Any questions?
Ask us and we'll get back to you with the answer.
Sisipho Coetzee
Reservations

Growing up, I loved family road trips for the weekend to explore the beautiful places around us. This instilled a love for travel and since then the travel and tourism industry has always interested me. As a true nature-lover, if i'm not hiking at Jonkershoek with friends, you'll probably find me spending quality time with family and freinds outdoors.

ask to plan your tour book guided transfer

country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
Filters