Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch worth booking?
Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $2698 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (25)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $2698 per person
Experience the thrill of seeing Africa’s iconic Big Five elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo at a private game reserve situated about 200 km from Cape Town, approximately a 2 hour and 30 minute drive awa
What you get
- Comfortable Air-Conditioned Transport (Includes Fuel Surcharge and Parking Fees)
- Fairview Wine & Cheese Tastings (Entry Fees Included)
- Buffet Lunch with Welcome Drink & Bottled Water
About this experience
Experience the thrill of seeing Africa’s iconic Big Five elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo at a private game reserve situated about 200 km from Cape Town, approximately a 2 hour and 30 minute drive away. Relax with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off before enjoying a shared or private safari game drive guided by experienced rangers. Please note that the game reserve entrance fee is not included in the tour cost. Current reserve rates are: Low season: R1,890 per person, Mid-season: R2,365 per person, Peak season: R2,580 per person These fees include access to the reserve, a buffet-style lunch, a guided safari game drive, and a complimentary welcome glass of bubbles for a complete safari experience.
What's included
Included
- Comfortable Air-Conditioned Transport (Includes Fuel Surcharge and Parking Fees)
- Fairview Wine & Cheese Tastings (Entry Fees Included)
- Buffet Lunch with Welcome Drink & Bottled Water
Not included
- Game park charge (R1890pp low /R2365 mid /R2580pp peak season - includes lunch & game drive)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Cape Town
Pick up will commence at your hotels within 15 Km Radius from the City Centre at approximately 08H00 am. We will depart for Aquila Private Game Reserve for a memorable African Safari near Cape Town. we will stop at Paarl for wine tasting
30 minutes here
Aquila Private Game Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It was established in the late 1990s by a South African entrepreneur, Searl Derman, with the aim of providing a habitat for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. The reserve spans over 10,000 hectares and is home to a variety of indigenous wildlife species, including the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. The history of Aquila Game Reserve is rooted in its conservation efforts and commitment to protecting and preserving South Africa's natural heritage. Over the years, the reserve has implemented various conservation initiatives, Aquila offers safari experiences and eco-tourism activities for visitors, including game drives, guided bush walks, horseback safaris, and birdwatching tours. The reserve also provides luxury accommodation options.
360 minutes here · Admission not included
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Vineyard & goat farm offering wine & cheese tasting sessions, plus a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Town Central
We will head back to Cape Town in a relax drive after our thrilling experience at Aquila Safari Game Reserve and You will be dropped off at your accommodation
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Morning Big5 Aquila safari
Aquila game reserve: Please note that the entrance ticket to the reserve is not included in the tour price. starting time 06:00am Pickup included
Afternoon Big 5 Aquila Safari
Aquila game reserve : Please note that the entrance ticket to the reserve is not included in the tour price. starting time 08:00am Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bella private tours and safari
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to the Aquila Private Game Reserve is not included in this tour package and must be paid directly at the reserve.
- Exclusions: Entrance fee to the game reserve, additional beverages, and optional activities.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Brell without the Leopard
So cool to see animals in their natural environment. The ride up was extremely scenic and the property and food was amazing.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your feedback
via Viator
Aquila was very nice, but...
Aquila was very nice, but not quite what I expected, but definitely worth a one time visit. My complaint was with Viator or the tour operator and their lack of clear communication. I was given 2 different pick up times from my hotel, so the day before the excursion the hotel called the tour operator to confirm the pick up time and they told me 8:30am (which ended up being a THIRD pick up time) At midnight the night before they called and said it was at 6am. Big difference. Our driver (who was wonderful) also got a call at midnight telling him to pick us up at 6am so he too wasn’t communicated with. Upon arrival, the staff at Aquila had no idea we were coming. Viator or the tour operator never sent in our reservation. We had to sit around and wait for 2 hours to go into the park. We were offered (but also charged) for breakfast while we sat and waited but the previous group cleaned it out and there was nothing but scraps left. No reservations were made at Fairview winery either, and they were shocked when we showed up. They had to squeeze us in. (Fairview was wonderful) I contacted Viator for a partial refund from the tour operator for our inconvenience with the transportation (which was a separate charge from Aquila and Fairview) but was denied. I’m not sure who dropped the ball with the transportation and reservations but was very disappointed with that aspect.
via Viator
Exceptional experience
Our excursion to Fairview Winery and Aquila Safari Park was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, everything was beautifully organized, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the experience. A special mention to our drive Mohamet, who truly made the day even more enjoyable. He was punctual, professional, and incredibly friendly throughout the journey. His safe driving and local knowledge gave us complete peace of mind and added a personal touch to the entire experience.
via Tripadvisor
Lovely
😊 "I just had an amazing time in the park! 🌳 I'd give it 5 stars! I saw a beautiful sunset, had a picnic with friends, and even spotted some birds 🐦. The grass was so green and soft, perfect for lounging around. We played some games, laughed a lot, and just relaxed. The best part was seeing kids playing and getting all energetic 😄. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, would definitely come back!"
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Very excellent place I am so happy I l Fifu food for ah ove this place it was amazing amazing service everybody should go here it's affordable and cheap and time was had over there It's an amazing place to go with your friends I went with my friends and family we had a good time I highly recommend this safari place.
Response from the operator: Thank you we value your feedback
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $2698 to $5238
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $2698 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch?
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Around 9 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 Cape Town 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big 5 Game Reserve Safari Full Day Tour and Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. 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 Cape Town?
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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 Cape Town?
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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?
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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.
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