Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town

Outty Ranking 60 4.2 · 644 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $235
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 644 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town worth booking?

Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town is a 9-hour experience in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from $235 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 644 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (644)
Duration
9 hours
From
$235 per person

Visit an incredible Game Reserve on this full-day safari tour! With hotel Transfers included from your Cape Town City Centre hotels , Waterfront hotels , Green Point Hotels , Sea Point Hotel as well as Camps Bay Hotels , this day trip provides a worry-free experience so all you have to do is get excited for your exploration of the private, malaria-free reserve. Take an unforgettable game drive through the park, watching out for famous Big Five animals, as well as endangered species.

What you get

    About this experience

    Visit an incredible Game Reserve on this full-day safari tour! With hotel Transfers included from your Cape Town City Centre hotels , Waterfront hotels , Green Point Hotels , Sea Point Hotel as well as Camps Bay Hotels , this day trip provides a worry-free experience so all you have to do is get excited for your exploration of the private, malaria-free reserve. Take an unforgettable game drive through the park, watching out for famous Big Five animals, as well as endangered species.

    What's included

    Included

    • Game Drive (start time may vary)
    • If Afternoon Safari Option is booked - Lunch is Included
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Meals
    • Professional Game Ranger - English speaking only
    • If Sunset option is booked - Snacks is included
    • If Early Morning Safari option is booked - Breakfast is included
    • If Full day combo option is booked - Additional Safari included
    • Hotel pickup and drop off from Cape Town , Sea Point , waterfront or camps bay(English Driver only)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks, unless specified

    What you'll see and do

    1. Includes if Morning safari booked: Private Transfer welcome drink on arrival, prepacked breakfast & open vehicle game drive.. Includes if Afternoon safari booked: welcome drink on arrival, open vehicle game drive, & buffet lunch. Includes if Sunset safari booked: Private Transfer ,Welcome Drinks & Snacks Upon Arrival & open vehicle game drive. Includes if Full day safari booked: Private Transfer ,welcome drink on arrival, Buffet Breakfast, open vehicle game drive, & buffet lunch. Includes if Full day Combo safari booked: Private Transfer ,welcome drink on arrival, Buffet Breakfast, open vehicle game drive, & buffet lunch , Choose between Quadbike Safari OR Horseback Safari Drinks and all extras are for your own account

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Afternoon Safari + Transfer

      Afternoon Safari Welcome drinks and Lunch Private Transfers: Tour includes private transfers to and from the Reserve Pickup included

    • Early Morning Safari

      Early Morning Game Drive Pre-packed breakfast: Pre-packed continental breakfast Private Transfers: Tour includes private transfers to and from the Reserve Pickup included

    • Full Day Combo Safari

      Morning Game Drive Breakfast and Lunch Private Transfers: Tour includes private transfers to and from the Reserve Horseback OR quad bike safari : Guests to inform us which additional activity they would like to book. Pickup included

    • Afternoon Safari with lunch

      Afternoon Game Drive Lunch included Hotel pickup and drop off : Transfers with maximum 11 guests, however there will be more guests at the Reserve and on the game drive. Pickup included

    • Sunset Safari with Snacks

      Sunset Game Drive Welcome Drink & Snacks Private Transfers: Tour includes private transfers to and from the Reserve Pickup included

    • FULL DAY SAFARI - OPTION

      Morning Game Drive Breakfast and lunch Private Transfers: Tour includes private transfers to and from the Reserve Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cullinan Guided Journeys

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Tour accommodates maximum 11 guests, however there will be more guests at the Reserve and on the game drive.
    • If guests are making their own way to a listed pick-up point, they need to allow sufficient travelling time (ie... traffic delays etc...) in order to arrive at the pickup point in time for collection.
    • Should guests not arrive by the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart and no refunds will be given.
    • It is compulsory that guests contact us 48 hours prior to tour departure to re-confirm that they will still be travelling on the tour. Should clients not make contact with us by 48 hours prior to travel date, the booking will automatically be cancelled.
    • When more than one person is travelling – we require names and last names of all guests travelling (reason being if tour booking is made with one person and the hotel reservation is made under another, we will be informed by the hotel that there ais nobody by that name at the hotel which will result in delays and could cause the guests to miss the tour).
    • Pickup begins around 05:30 AM if Early Morning safari is booked
    • Pickup begins around 8:20 AM if Afternoon safari is booked
    • Pickup begins around 12H30 AM if Sunset safari is booked
    • Pickup begins around 06H30 AM if Full day safari OR Full day Combo is booked
    • Cullinan Guided Journeys accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to luggage or personal property from whatsoever cause arising. Guests are advised to take up adequate personal insurance cover.

    Photos

    Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 2Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 3Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 4Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 5Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 6Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town in Stellenbosch, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 644 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    644 verified traveler reviews for Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    396
    4 star
    113
    3 star
    53
    2 star
    32
    1 star
    50
    Sort
    Curiosity15226367105 · September 2026

    Good

    It was a costly trip when compared with actual experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    WailAlhindi · August 2026

    Good Safari

    The distance from Cape Town to the park was long, but not without its challenges. The park itself was well-organized, with a buffet breakfast and lunch available. Wildlife was limited, with only three lions (one lion and two lionesses), four rhinos, one hippopotamus, about eight to ten ostriches, 20 to 30 zebras, a good number of gazelles, one giraffe, and about five elephants. The park is roughly divided into three administrative sections, while other parts were almost deserted. The tour was beautiful and enjoyable, but the price paid seemed high considering the overall experience and beauty.

    Response from the operator: Good Morning Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you found the experience enjoyable & beautiful.

    via Tripadvisor

    Nasser_D · August 2026

    Awesome experience

    It was a wonderful experience with friendly staff and plants of food for breakfast and before the experience. It was lovely Wish I had done it during the summer since it was a bit cold on the safari open truck even though they gave us blankets

    Response from the operator: Good Morning Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you had a wonderful Safari experience.

    via Viator

    U2978OPlilyf · June 2026

    Great Safari experience

    Our driver was great! He was punctual and a very nice and polite person. He explained a lot of things and answered many questions. The safari ranger was great too, he explained about all animals and answered our questions. All the staff were nice and welcoming and the food was generous, clean and tasty. A great day, we really enjoyed our experience.

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you had a great day and that you enjoyed your safari and will share your feedback with the driver and game ranger.

    via Tripadvisor

    lihley · June 2026

    Perfect Blend of Adventure and Wine Culture

    This tour gives you the best of both worlds: the thrill of hot air ballooning and the elegance of the Cape Winelands. The morning balloon flight was peaceful and gave us views you can’t get anywhere else - endless rows of vines, mountains, and the early morning mist lifting over the valleys. After landing, the day continued with visits to Delaire Graff Estate and Spier Wine Farm. Delaire Graff was stunning with its art, gardens, and architecture. We did a wine tasting there and the staff were fantastic. Spier had a more relaxed vibe with historic cellars and beautiful grounds. The guide throughout the day was knowledgeable about both the wine region and the ballooning process. Lunch wasn’t included, but there are great spots at both estates.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $235 to $18,030
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    225
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cullinan Guided Journeys, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.

    See everything Cullinan Guided Journeys runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)44
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)62
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Stellenbosch.

    How much does Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town cost?

    +

    Prices start at $235 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Stellenbosch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Stellenbosch is not rushed.

    Is Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 644 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Stellenbosch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    Around 225 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Stellenbosch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Stellenbosch and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Stellenbosch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Stellenbosch?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Stellenbosch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape Town Wine Tour: Stellenbosch & Franschhoek +Tastings & Lunch, Full Day Afrivista Wine Tours from Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Wine Tractor hop-on-hop off wine tasting tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Stellenbosch?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Stellenbosch?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    Included: Game Drive (start time may vary); If Afternoon Safari Option is booked - Lunch is Included; In-vehicle air conditioning; Meals; and Professional Game Ranger - English speaking only. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 69 listed pickup locations in and around Stellenbosch. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Stellenbosch. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    Across 644 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, organization. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    What booking options are available for Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including Afternoon Safari + Transfer, Early Morning Safari, Full Day Combo Safari, Afternoon Safari with lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town.

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