Aquila Big Five Safari
From Cape Town.
Private Cape Town transport by quotation. Aquila-operated safari.
Travel from Cape Town for Aquila’s traditional full-day safari programme with buffet breakfast, one supplier-operated 2–3 hour ranger-led game drive, buffet lunch and private Cape Town transport available by quotation.
2–3 HOUR
RANGER-LED GAME DRIVE
BUFFET BREAKFAST
& LUNCH
09:00–16:30
AQUILA PROGRAMME
PRIVATE CAPE TOWN
TRANSPORT BY QUOTE
Private ground journey. Supplier-operated safari.
Aquila controls the safari programme and live rates. Along the Shaws private Cape Town transport is quoted separately.
Duration
Full day — approximately 13 to 14 hours with Cape Town transport
Tour type
Transfer-assisted activity
Group size
Min 2
Collection
Cape Town area
Confirmation
Quote + supplier check
Aquila Big Five safari from Cape Town
Private Cape Town ground transport by quotation, paired with Aquila’s supplier-operated traditional full-day safari.
Along the Shaws coordinates the Cape Town journey and can provide private return ground transport when that service is expressly listed in the personalised quotation. Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa operates the reserve, ranger, traditional safari vehicle, wildlife programme, buffet meals, Eco Synergy Tour and day-visitor facilities.
Aquila’s current Traditional Full Day Safari includes welcome drinks, buffet breakfast, one traditional 2–3 hour ranger-led game drive, buffet lunch, the Eco Synergy Tour and pool access. The traditional game drive is normally shared with other day visitors unless a separate private drive is specifically confirmed and priced. Aquila publishes live supplier rates and time-limited promotions independently, so this Along the Shaws page is quotation-only rather than displaying a stale package price. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and all reserve operations remain under Aquila’s control.
Aquila Operates the Safari
The ranger, safari vehicle, wildlife route, meals, reserve facilities and animal-welfare decisions are controlled by Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa.
Live Supplier Rate — Quotation Only Here
Aquila controls its own live rates, child pricing and promotions. The Along the Shaws quotation confirms the supplier rate available for your date plus any private Cape Town transport.
Prefer a Marine Wildlife Day?
Compare the Hermanus whale-watching journey when seasonal marine wildlife and a supplier-operated boat experience are a better fit than a Karoo game reserve.
Prefer Cape Point & Penguins?
Choose the private Cape Peninsula route when scenery, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach penguins matter more than a full-day inland safari.
Compare the Marine Big 5
Choose the Gansbaai Marine Big 5 safari when an ocean-based wildlife experience with a permitted specialist operator is the priority.
Need a Different Private Day?
Use the custom private Cape Town tour when your itinerary needs a different combination and realistic route planning rather than a supplier-led full-day safari programme.
Your journey
Experience overview
Travel from Cape Town for Aquila Private Game Reserve’s traditional full-day Big Five safari in the Karoo. Along the Shaws coordinates the journey and can arrange private return ground transport from approved Cape Town areas when that transport is expressly included in the personalised quotation.
Aquila operates the reserve, ranger, safari vehicle, meals, wildlife programme and day-visitor facilities. The current traditional full-day programme includes welcome drinks, buffet breakfast, one supplier-operated 2–3 hour game drive in Aquila’s traditional open safari vehicle, buffet lunch, the Eco Synergy Tour when it forms part of the supplier’s operating programme, and access to the outdoor pool and communal day-visitor facilities.
The traditional game drive is normally shared with other Aquila day visitors unless a separate private game drive is specifically confirmed and priced. Along the Shaws does not operate the reserve or game drive and does not control wildlife movement, ranger routing, animal-welfare decisions, weather or reserve operations.
Aquila is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards together with giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and other wildlife. No species or Big Five sighting can be guaranteed. Every safari depends on animal behaviour, vegetation, weather, time of day and the reserve’s operating decisions.
The current supplier itinerary is structured around arrival at approximately 09:00, buffet breakfast at approximately 09:15, the traditional ranger-led game drive from approximately 10:15, buffet lunch at approximately 12:45, leisure time from approximately 15:00 and departure from Aquila at approximately 16:30. Exact times remain supplier-controlled and may change.
The final Aquila rate, child pricing, private Cape Town transport arrangement, operating schedule, cancellation terms and all confirmed inclusions are provided in writing before payment.
Ideal for
First-time safari visitors, couples, families and Cape Town travellers wanting a structured full-day Big Five experience without adding an overnight stay.
Typical itinerary
Subject to availability, weather, supplier arrangements and guest preferences.
Cape Town collection when private transport is included. The exact pickup time is confirmed before travel according to the collection area, selected vehicle, traffic and the supplier’s required arrival time.
Arrive at Aquila’s Day Visitor Centre and receive the supplier’s welcome drink before the traditional full-day programme begins.
Buffet breakfast at Aquila, as included in the supplier’s current traditional full-day programme.
Join Aquila’s supplier-operated traditional 2–3 hour Big Five game drive in an open safari vehicle led by an Aquila ranger or field guide. Wildlife sightings remain natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Buffet lunch at Aquila following the game drive.
Leisure time at the day-visitor facilities. The Eco Synergy Tour is included when it forms part of Aquila’s operating programme; exact timing and availability remain supplier-controlled.
Depart Aquila for Cape Town. The exact departure time remains subject to the supplier’s operating programme.
Estimated return to Cape Town when private transport has been quoted. Arrival depends on traffic, collection area, comfort stops and the confirmed transport arrangement.
Route notes
Cape Town accommodation when private transport is included → N1 through the Cape Winelands and Hex River Valley → Aquila Day Visitor Centre near Touws River → welcome drinks → buffet breakfast → supplier-operated traditional 2–3 hour game drive → buffet lunch → Eco Synergy Tour and/or reserve leisure time according to Aquila’s operating programme → departure at approximately 16:30 → private return to Cape Town when quoted.
Included
- Along the Shaws booking, itinerary and supplier coordination
- Aquila welcome drinks
- Aquila buffet breakfast upon arrival
- One supplier-operated traditional 2–3 hour guided Big Five game drive in an open safari vehicle
- Aquila buffet lunch
- Eco Synergy Tour when included in Aquila’s operating programme
- Access to Aquila’s outdoor pool and communal day-visitor facilities during available leisure time
- Private Cape Town return transport only when expressly included in the personalised quotation
Not included
- Private Cape Town transport unless expressly included in the personalised quotation
- Private game drive unless specifically confirmed and priced
- Additional beverages and items outside the confirmed Aquila programme
- Tranquila Spa day pass, treatments and indoor spa facilities
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Services not expressly listed in the final quotation
Fee information
Entrance fees: The Aquila traditional full-day safari programme is included only as specified in the personalised quotation. Private Cape Town transport, a private game drive, spa access and optional activities are separately priced unless expressly listed.
Meals: Aquila’s current traditional full-day programme includes buffet breakfast after arrival and buffet lunch after the game drive. Additional beverages and any items outside the supplier’s published programme are excluded unless expressly listed. Dietary requirements and allergies must be provided before booking and remain subject to Aquila’s confirmation.
Important information
Weather-dependent — Donovan will advise on adjustments.
What to wear: Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera and a light warm or windproof jacket because open safari vehicles can feel cool and exposed. Bring a swimming costume and change of clothing if you plan to use the outdoor pool.
Weather alternative: The reserve and ranger may change the route, vehicle, operating order or programme because of weather, road conditions, animal welfare, wildlife activity or operational requirements. Donovan will communicate supplier changes and discuss the available alternatives where necessary.
Dietary: Dietary requirements, allergies and special meal requests must be provided before booking and remain subject to Aquila’s confirmation.
Booking notice: Request the experience as early as possible, particularly during school holidays, peak travel periods and when private Cape Town transport is required. Availability, current supplier rates and the final operating programme must be confirmed before payment.
Cancellation: The applicable Along the Shaws and Aquila supplier conditions will be stated in the personalised quotation. Standard supplier penalties may increase from 30% to 100% as the travel date approaches, and promotional rates may be prepaid and non-refundable. The exact accepted terms govern the booking.
Book your journey
Select your guests and preferred date so Donovan can check supplier availability and prepare your personalised quotation.
Pricing
Price on requestDonovan will prepare a personalised quote based on your dates and group.
Quotation only.
Aquila publishes live day-trip rates and may run time-limited promotions independently. The Along the Shaws quotation confirms the Aquila rate actually available for the booked date, current child pricing, any private Cape Town transport and every included service before payment.
Travellers
Adult
Age 13+ · quote
Child
Age 4–12 · confirm eligibility
Infant
Age 0–3 · confirm eligibility
Select your preferred date
October 2026
Full day — approximately 13 to 14 hours with Cape Town transport
This journey requires a personalised quotation and is subject to supplier availability, weather or operational confirmation. Your enquiry does not reserve a place or confirm a booking. Donovan will confirm the final price, exact inclusions and arrangements in writing.
