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• Family-Friendly Safari with Kids

  skotolom,Jun 1, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We traveled with our 7 and 10 year old and were nervous about a long safari day, but Aquila made it easy. The pick-up from Cape Town was early but the kids slept most of the drive. At the reserve, the rangers are excellent with children - they let them look through binoculars and taught them animal tracks in the sand. The kids were blown away seeing their first lions and rhinos up close. Because it’s a malaria-free reserve we didn’t need to worry about medication, which was a relief. The game drive was 2-2.5 hours which is the perfect length for kids’ attention spans. After the drive, the lunch buffet kept everyone happy - even my picky eater found something. There’s also a pool and curio shop if you have time before heading back. The whole day was well-paced and the staff were patient and friendly. For families based in Cape Town, this is the safest and easiest way to introduce kids to the Big 5. We’ll remember this day for years.

• Authentic Safari Feel Close to the City

  yamkelag,Jun 1, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Living in Cape Town, I’d never done a safari here before because I assumed you had to fly. A friend recommended Aquila’s all-inclusive day trip and I’m so glad we went. Yes, it’s a fenced private reserve, but the landscape feels wild and the animals are free-roaming. Our ranger found us a leopard sleeping in a tree and a pride of lions on a kill - sightings that felt totally authentic. The game drive vehicle is open-sided so you get amazing photos without glass in the way. The “all-inclusive” meant no surprise costs. Breakfast muffin and coffee on arrival, the drive, then lunch with wine/beer available to buy. The buffet had good South African food. What I appreciated most was the guide’s focus on conservation. He spoke about Aquila’s breeding programs for endangered species and anti-poaching work. You leave feeling like you supported something good, not just ticked a box. 2 hours from Cape Town each way is reasonable for a day trip. Book the morning drive - animals are more active then.

• Exceeded Expectations - Professional from Start to Finish

  GoPlaces52157279599,May 31, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This was our first safari ever and we chose Aquila because of the all-inclusive package and easy access from Cape Town. Everything ran like clockwork. The booking confirmation was clear, pick-up was punctual, and the driver kept us updated on timing. At Aquila the staff welcomed us with a drink and briefing before the game drive. Our ranger was fantastic - he had a great eye for spotting hidden animals and used a spotlight to show us details we’d have missed. We saw 4 of the Big 5 plus zebra, giraffe, kudu, and springbok. The reserve is well maintained and the animals look healthy. Lunch after the drive was a proper buffet with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the reserve. For the price, you get transport, park fees, game drive, and food all included, so it’s good value compared to organizing it yourself. If you’re staying in Cape Town and want a taste of the African bush without a 2-hour flight, Aquila Safari Game Drive is the way to go. 5 stars from us.

  

• Incredible Safari Experience Without the Hassle!

  Daydream67672570536,Sep 29, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We were a bit skeptical about doing a safari so close to the city, but this tour completely blew us away. It was the perfect solution for us since we didn't have time to travel to Kruger. Booking a private tour was the best decision we made. Our guide, Samuel, picked us up right from our hotel in a very comfortable van. The difference was immediate—no waiting around for a giant bus to collect dozens of other people. The 2-hour drive to Aquila flew by as Samuel shared stories about the history of the Cape Winelands and pointed out the towns of Paarl and Stellenbosch in the distance. We even made a quick stop for some amazing photos at a scenic overlook, which you just can't do on a big bus. The game drive itself was fantastic. Being a private reserve, the animals are more accustomed to vehicles, which actually allows you to get surprisingly close. We were lucky enough to see all of the Big 5! Seeing a rhino and her calf so clearly was a true highlight. Our ranger was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the conservation work at the reserve. The "all-inclusive" aspect made the day so relaxing. The buffet lunch was delicious with a great variety, and it was lovely to sit on the terrace watching animals come to the waterhole. The journey back was just as comfortable. We were exhausted but happy, and we could just lean back and relax while Samuel drove us directly to our doorstep. No multiple hotel drop-offs. If you're short on time but want an authentic, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience, this is the tour for you. Highly recommended

• Amazing day

  Jason K,Feb 21, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Fantastic experience, our driver John was early, extremely pleasant and very knowledgeable about the area and the game reserve. The safari experience was even better than we expected, most of the animals were within 5 feet of our vehicle. We would definitely recommend and if we have the opportunity would book this experience again!

• exlence

  Daydream11515850371,Oct 13, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  mr Calixte was a wonderful and experience guide so he was part of my family. we left everything in his hands and he was always available .I can recommend him to any travellers

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Big 5

  Inspire51821070613,Jul 24, 2024

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This was such an experience, I don’t think I’ll forget this one 😁. Seeing the big 5 is definitely top 10 on my list of experiences.

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