Can you do a Big 5 Safari from Cape Town?

Absolutely! A one day, big 5 safari from Cape Town is one of the most popular day trip activities for guests and travellers visiting Africa’s ‘Mother City’. A Big 5 day trip safari is a great opportunity to experience a traditional wildlife safari within a short timeframe, and offers the chance to see South Africa’s famous Big 5 animals (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) without the need for extended travel. Day trip safari tours at Aquila are easily booked up to 24 hours in advance, directly from their website, but if you’re visiting during a busy period, it’s a good idea to book ahead to secure your spot. For those looking for an extended Cape Town safari experience or want to book overnight, take a look at Aquila’s award-winning, luxury safari lodge accommodations. Top Tip: Last minute bookings can be made until 15h00 the day before your safari. But it’s fastest fingers first, so make sure you book your preferred date, safari tour, and even your transport, as soon as possible. How much does a Cape Town safari cost? With prices starting at just R1,090 ($60) per adult, a Cape Town safari offers travellers great value for money. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family, there’s a package to suit every budget and schedule. A Cape Town safari, offering day tours from the city, is also the easiest way to tick off your Big 5 South African safari bucket list without having to venture far from the city, purchase flights, or book accommodation. Most day trips at Aquila also include welcome drinks, buffet meals, and the use of the safari lodge facilities. Where else in Africa can you go on a 2 to 3 hour guided Big Five game drive, enjoy complimentary welcome drinks, and enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast and lunch, all for under $140? What is the nearest Safari from Cape Town? Aquila Private Game Reserve is Cape Town’s closest Big Five game reserve. Conveniently located about 170km from the city centre, the trip to the reserve is just a short 2 hours drive from the city (about 110 minutes). Home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard) Cape Town safari day trip guests at Aquila Private Game Reserve are treated to an authentic African wildlife and game reserve adventure without having to travel far from the city. How to get to Aquila Private Game Reserve Located in the wild and spectacular Ceres Karoo, Aquila is a Western Cape Wildlife oasis that has dedicated the past two decades to restoring and preserving the province’s natural biodiversity. Getting to Aquila is generally considered a convenient and easy drive suitable for most vehicles (yes, even your small rental car). The main route from Cape Town to Aquila is a picturesque drive along the N1 (a national road), offering guests a scenic and pleasant drive through the Western Cape’s renowned wine region, surrounded by mesmerising mountain views as you pass through the Cape’s Table Mountain ridge. If you’re looking for transport prices and directions to Aquila, consider following options: Also read: Directions to Aquila Private Game Reserve, Touws River

Cape Town Safari Day Trips: From Quad Bike Tours to Big 5 Game Drives

If a safari isn’t on your Cape Town bucket list, it’s time to bump it up to the top! Did you know that you can experience the thrill of a Big 5 safari on a day trip from the city? That’s right—just two hours outside Cape Town, you’ll find the Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, where you can get up close to Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day escape or a full-day adventure, a Cape Town safari is a perfect way to add some wildlife sightings to your city itinerary. Planning Your Cape Town Safari Day Trip Cape Town safari day trips at Aquila offer a variety of wildlife experiences, all designed to maximise your time in the bush. From traditional game drives to adrenaline-packed quad bike outrides, there’s something for everyone. And, the best part is, you can enjoy the adventure and still be back in time for dinner at one of Cape Town’s world-famous restaurants. So, book your Cape Town safari day trip or stay overnight for the ultimate big five safari tour close to the city. See Africa’s Big Five in One Day A traditional Big Five game drive is the highlight of any safari. Guided by knowledgeable game rangers, you’ll be taken through Aquila’s 10,000-hectare conservancy, where you’ll have the chance to spot South Africa’s most iconic wildlife. On your Cape Town safari day trip, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of free-roaming animals, including lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinos, and the elusive Cape leopard. The rangers will also share facts and stories about the animals and environment, making the experience both educational and fun. But the sightings don’t stop there—you might also spot giraffes, zebras, springbok, hippos, baboons, ostriches, wildebeest, black-backed jackals, and even meerkats, just to name a few. Aquila is also home to over 150 species of birds, adding to the diverse array of native wildlife you can see in just one day. What Day Tours does Aquila Offer? With seven different day tour packages to choose from, Aquila’s is a unique opportunity to experience a real South African Big 5 safari close to the city. And, if you choose a morning or afternoon safari, you could even be back in Cape Town in time to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the city’s world-famous restaurants. Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers seven different day trip safari packages, making it an ideal activity for every travel itinerary and Cape Town tour. Guests can choose a Half Day Safaris or Full Day Safaris, and even Combo Day Trip Safaris, featuring Horseback or Quad Bike safari outrides in the heart of the reserve. Morning Safari (Half Day) See the first sightings of the day. Your safari guide will take you through Aquila’s 10,000-hectare wildlife reserve, offering plenty of chances to spot the Big 5 and other free-roaming wildlife. Don’t forget to pack your swimming gear, sunblock and hat, as day trip guests are invited to relax at the infinity pool or grab a drink at the wet bar. Book: Morning Big 5 Safari Tour Price: From R1 590, per adult. Time: 07h00am – 11h45am. Includes: Vehicle Game Drive, welcome drinks, breakfast, and park entrance fees. Transport: For guests’ own arrangement. Afternoon Safari (Half Day) Perfect for those who like a more relaxed start, the afternoon safari gives you the chance to see Africa’s wildlife while still enjoying your morning and evening in Cape Town. It’s a great family-friendly option that fits right into a busy travel schedule. Book: Afternoon Safari Tour. Price: From R1 890, per adult. Time: 12h00pm – 16h30pm. Includes: Vehicle Game Drive, welcome drinks, lunch, refreshments, and park entrance fees. Transport: Return transport available for an additional cost. Sunset Safari (Half Day) Looking for a more romantic or photogenic safari experience? A sunset safari is the perfect choice, giving you a golden hour view of the bush as the day cools down. It’s a great option for wildlife photographers or those who enjoy a sleep-in. Book: Sunset Safari Tour. Price: From R1 090, per adult. Time: 15h00pm – 19h00pm. Includes: Vehicle Game Drive, welcome drinks, sundowners and safari snacks, and park entrance fees. Transport: For guests’ own arrangement. Traditional Big Five Safari (Full Day) If you want the full Big Five safari experience, opt for a traditional full-day safari. After your game drive, you can unwind by the pool, explore Aquila’s spa, or spend time at the kid’s adventure zone. Welcoming safari guests of all ages, this is a top pick for first-time safari guests. Book: Traditional Big 5 Vehicle Safari Tour. Price: From R2 390, per adult. Time: 09h00am – 16h30pm Includes: Traditional 4×4 Vehicle Safari Game Drive, welcome drinks, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and park entrance fees. Transport: Return transport available for an additional cost. Quad Bike Safari (Full Day) Craving more adventure? A full-day quad bike safari is perfect for thrill-seekers and off-road enthusiasts. A great option for groups and families with older children, please note that this full-day quad bike safari tour has a minimum age restriction of 16 years. Book: Quad Bike Safari Tour. Price: From R3 290, per adult. Time: 09h00am – 16h30pm. Includes: Quad Bike Safari Tour, welcome drinks, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and park entrance fees. Transport: Return transport available for an additional cost. Horseback Safari (Full Day) For a more scenic and intimate wildlife experience, a horseback safari is your chance to ride through the reserve and get closer to the wildlife. This tour is available for guests aged 16 and older, with a weight limit of 95kg / 209 lbs. Book: Horseback Safari Outride. Price: From R2 890, per adult. Time: 09h00am – 16h30pm. Includes: Horseback Safari Outride, welcome drinks, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and park entrance fees. Transport: Return transport available for an additional cost. Combo Safari (Full Day) Can’t choose between a game drive or a unique safari? With the combo package, you can do both! Enjoy a 4×4 Big 5 safari followed by either a quad bike or horseback outride for the ultimate safari experience. Please note: Quad Bike and Horseback safari tours have a minimum age restriction of 16 years. Book: Full Day Big