Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town

Outty Ranking 57 4.2 · 32 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $3200
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town worth booking?

Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $3200 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (32)
Duration
8 hours
From
$3200 per person

Enjoy a comfortable wildlife adventure. You will be collected from your hotel in Cape Town and transferred to the Big 5 Aquila game reserve without the stress of renting a car, which is about 2.5 hours drive via amazing

What you get

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Professional Game Ranger -English speaking
  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Welcome Drinks

About this experience

Enjoy a comfortable wildlife adventure. You will be collected from your hotel in Cape Town and transferred to the Big 5 Aquila game reserve without the stress of renting a car, which is about 2.5 hours drive via amazing valleys and an attractive landscape with dramatic mountains. and join a shared or private Aquila game drive on arrival. Here, you can enjoy an open-vehicle departure on a 2- to 3-hour game drive, with breakfast and lunch included. Experience the raw adrenaline of seeing lions, zebra, hippo, giraffe, rhino, buffalo, elephants, cheetahs, and antelope in their natural habitat. And on the way back, there's the option of stopping at a winery for a tasting in such wine regions as Stellenbosch, Paarl at Fairview Wine Tasting and Franschhoek.

What's included

Included

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Professional Game Ranger -English speaking
  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Welcome Drinks

Not included

  • Snacks
  • Gratuites

What you'll see and do

  1. Du Toitskloof Pass

    Enjoy the scenic pass as it winds up to the Huguenot Tunnel. You will pass over an awe-inspiringly beautiful, high-altitude viaduct bridge (the first of its kind to be built in South Africa!) It soars high above the patch worked Miaspoort Valley below.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. Paarl

    This is the third-oldest city and European settlement in the Republic of South Africa. It is known for its scenic environment ,viticulture and fruit-growing heritage. We'll stop for a quick leg stretch and a cup of coffee before continuing our journey.

    30 minutes here

  3. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary drink upon arrival at Aquila Game Reserve. You will head out on a guided game drive and should definitely make sure you have your camera ready. Aquila is host to the Big 5 and you can expect to see elephants and Zebra roaming. After your drive you will be treated to a light lunch which you can enjoy poolside or in the cigar lounge. This tour will allow you to experience the wild of Africa in a beautiful setting.

    180 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

Options you can book

  • Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town

    Food and drinks : Welcome drinks, Breakfast, and Lunch Pickup included

  • Afternoon Safari Return Trip

    Explore, meet animal wildlife Duration: 8 hours Welcome Drinks & Buffet Lunch: No Wineries Tasting included Luxury car, Van, SUV CAR 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 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Chalula Private Tours

Know before you go

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • It is about 2.5 hours drive from hotel and to the safari and same hours on coming back but it is optional to stop at wine tasting on the way back

Photos

Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 2Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 3Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 4Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 5Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 6Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town in Cape Town, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

5 mentions

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

Knowledge and storytelling

5 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Food and drink

4 mentions

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

Organization

3 mentions

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

Photo opportunities

2 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Small groups

2 mentions

The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

Traveler reviews

32 verified traveler reviews for Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
23
4 star
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5
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judithkY4434SU · July 2026

Best Safari ever & Great Driver

We had a Great experience at the Game reserve afternoon Safari Aquila, our Driver Prince was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about Cape Town city and we stopped to the vineyard for a break. And we was lucky to see the Big5 lion, elephant, leopard, rhino , buffalo & the SUV was super clean with a lot of room

Response from the operator: Dear Judith Thank you for taking your time to review us. we please to know that you had a wonderful day with one of our best Guide Prince . We look forward to welcoming you in cape town again. Chalula Private Tour Team Best Wishes Naomi Thanks

via Tripadvisor

RickandNazia · April 2026

A must see while in Cape Town

This was our first time visiting Cape Town and we knew we wanted to go on a safari. This was recommended by a few friends who also did this on their trips. We chose the Traditional All Day Safari with transport pickup from our Airbnb to the reserve. They picked us up at 6:30am and it was a 2 hour drive with a stop over at a wine farm for coffee and bathroom break. We arrived to a welcome drink + breakfast buffet before embarking on our 2.5 hour safari. Our guide Percy was very knowledgeable and his dry sense of humor made the trip great. We saw zebras, rhinos, ostriches, lions, elephants. (However we didn't see the leopard which is one of the BIG 5). We arrived back to the reserve and were treated with a lunch buffet and leisure time which we spent hanging out by the pool before we made our trip back to Cape Town. Overall, this is a must see for anyone visiting South Africa and Cape Town. It is worth the trip. Everything was included in the price of the ticket except for additional drinks and a spa which we didn't take advantage of.

Response from the operator: Dear Valued Customer Thank you for taking your time to leave us review, and for sharing your experience we're delighted to hear that Prince made your day and We are so glad that you got to experience seeing the animals especially that it's your first time being in Cape Town. Although it is unfortunate that you didn't get to see the leopard which is one of the Big5 but you will be able to experience that next time! Than you so much for reviewing and we are appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again! Best Regards Naomi Thanks Chalula Private Tour Team

via Tripadvisor

sedars2026 · February 2026

Best trip ever

We had a wonderful day at Aquila. Everything was super nice, the lunch was really pleasant and safari game drive was stunning and I was able to see the big five. Our driver from cape town was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and vehicle was super clean. Thank you Allan

Response from the operator: Dear Valued Customer Thank you for taking your time to the wonderful review. we are glad you felt safe and comfortable and enjoyed your experience with allan and it's wonderful to know that you felt safe and welcomed. we look forward to welcoming you again. thanks for experimenting Chalula Private Tours . Stay Safe thanks

via Tripadvisor

V6602NPsylviam · January 2026

Drive player our favorite music the whole ride

We got picked up on time and had a great experience that was educational and really fun and entertaining. We saw so many animals including a couple in the big five. Prince was so fun to interact with, the entire car ride was so amusing I’d definitely want to redo the whole experience again!

Response from the operator: Dear Valued customer thank you for the favorable review. we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed day Safari trip with us and Prince is one of our best Driver. once again thank you for supporting Chalula Private Tours. Best Wishes Naomi thanks

via Tripadvisor

cwa421 · October 2025

No child car seat & poor organisation!!

Booked a transfer & requested a baby seat, stating age and weight of child. It was confirmed by e-mail they could provide this. Sent a message the day before and this was confirmed once again… we were collected from Cape Town with a suitable baby seat but for the return journey, we were informed there was no seat available as they’d sent it back to Cape Town?!? No apologies or solutions offered. Were told we were causing delays for others on the transfer with us and we then had to travel the 2+ hours back holding a 10 month old on our knee with no seatbelt. This overshadowed the whole experience for us and would absolutely NOT recommend based in the customer service and lack of organisation.

Response from the operator: Dear client, We sympathize with you on this one. That must have been a tough experience. However, we assume this review was intended for another company and not Chalula Private Tours. It has been almost 6 months that we did not get any bookings for safari at Aquila via Viator. We did not send any of our cars or drivers out to Aquila during this period. Therefore, we are not responsible for any of your bad experience on your trip to Aquila. At Chalula Private Tours, we strive to offer the best to our clients. Naomi

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
$3200 to $4750
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
11
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 57

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
Review evidence (18% weight)57
Booking momentum (14% weight)49
Value for money (12% weight)30
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)6
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Big 5 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town cost?

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Prices start at $3200 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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town 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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 32 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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town?

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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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town 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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town?

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Around 11 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 Safari Aquila Full Day Private Return From Cape Town 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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