# Cape Town to Aquila safari day trip

## An Aquila safari day trip from Cape Town: what the day looks like, what's included and whether it's worth it

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:48:34*
*Tags: Cape Town, Aquila Safari, day trip, African wildlife, safari tour, game reserve, South Africa*

> An Aquila Big Five day safari from Cape Town: the day, the game drive, lunch, what's included and the price, from $290 with transport.

## Article

Aquila Private Game Reserve

 Aquila Private Game Reserve lies in the Karoo about two hours' drive from Cape Town. It has the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) and is malaria-free, which makes it the most popular safari day trip from the city.

 What the day looks like

 You are collected from your accommodation in Cape Town early in the morning, around 6:00 or 7:00 am, and driven to Aquila in an air-conditioned vehicle. At the reserve you go on a guided game drive of about two to three hours in an open safari vehicle. As well as the Big Five, you are likely to see giraffe, zebra, hippo and several kinds of antelope.

 After the drive there is a buffet lunch at the lodge and some time to relax, before the drive back to Cape Town, arriving around 4:00 or 5:00 pm.

 What's included

 Return transport from Cape Town
 A guided game drive in an open vehicle
 Park fees
 Lunch at the lodge
 Price

 Our Aquila day safari costs from $290 per person including transport, park fees and lunch. For your own vehicle and guide, see our private Aquila safari from $330. To stay overnight, see our 2-night all-inclusive safari.

 Is it worth it?

 If you have only a few days in Cape Town and won't be going to Kruger, yes. You are likely to see several of the Big Five in one game drive, and you are back in Cape Town for dinner. If you are also visiting Kruger or another large park, Aquila is less essential, as the experience there is wilder and the drives longer.

 Tips

 Wear comfortable clothes in neutral colours, and bring a hat, sunscreen and a warm layer for the early start.
 Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
 Book a few days ahead, especially in summer.
 For other options, see our guide to safari day trips from Cape Town and our other travel guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 When is the best time for a safari at Aquila?

 From May to September, when the Karoo bush is thin and the days are cool. Cape Town is wet in winter, but the Karoo stays fairly dry. Summer is hot, so drives start early.

 Will I see the Big Five?

 Not guaranteed. The animals move freely in the reserve, but most visitors see several of the five on a single drive. Leopards are the hardest to find.

 Do I need to book in advance?

 Yes, especially in summer and at weekends.

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