Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 181 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees worth booking?
Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from R 4,500 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 181 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (181)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- R 4,500 per person
Experience the best Big 5 safari from Cape Town with an all-inclusive day trip to the malaria-free, award-winning Aquila Private Game Reserve. Enjoy seamless logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off, park fees, and a full buffet lunch included, plus about 3 hours in open safari vehicles led by expert rangers to maximise sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo, along with giraffe, cheetah, antelope, and rich birdlife. Skip the stress of self-driving—relax in comfortable, air-conditioned transport and focus on photography, conservation-minded wildlife viewing, and a smooth schedule that’s perfect for first-timers, families, and limited-time visitors seeking the best Cape Town safari day trip.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best Big 5 safari from Cape Town with an all-inclusive day trip to the malaria-free, award-winning Aquila Private Game Reserve. Enjoy seamless logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off, park fees, and a full buffet lunch included, plus about 3 hours in open safari vehicles led by expert rangers to maximise sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo, along with giraffe, cheetah, antelope, and rich birdlife. Skip the stress of self-driving—relax in comfortable, air-conditioned transport and focus on photography, conservation-minded wildlife viewing, and a smooth schedule that’s perfect for first-timers, families, and limited-time visitors seeking the best Cape Town safari day trip.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, including hotel pickup and drop-off
- 3-Hour Group Safari in Open 4x4 Vehicle with an expert guide
- Lunch
Not included
- Soft Drinks and Alcoholic beverages (Drinking age is 18 years and older)
- Tips/gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Cape Town
Pickup from select hotels within 10 km of Cape Town city centre will begin at approximately 8:00 AM, followed by departure to Aquila Private Game Reserve at around 9:00 AM for an unforgettable African safari experience. All hotel pickups are scheduled within one hour to ensure a smooth and timely start to your wildlife adventure.
60 minutes here
Paarl
After everyone is on board, we will travel along South Africa’s scenic N1 highway, passing charming towns and stunning landscapes of the Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Worcester—famous for producing some of the world’s best table grapes. You’ll enjoy views of mountain ranges covered in Cape Fynbos, featuring proteas, ericas, and restios.
120 minutes here
Upon arrival at Aquila Game Reserve, guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. After lunch, embark on an exhilarating 3-hour open safari game drive with an expert ranger, increasing your chances of spotting the Big 5 and other wildlife. After the safari, you’ll be transferred back to Cape Town, arriving at your accommodation around 5:30 PM. Please note that all alcoholic beverages are not included and will be at your own expense.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Town
After an exciting safari at Aquila Game Reserve, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Cape Town, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or accommodation.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 182 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
182 verified traveler reviews for Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent experience
Our guide Justin was excellent - punctual, pleasant, informative , and helpful. The safari park was superb, the guides excellent, the animals manificent, and lunch was superb.
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend
Such an amazing experience! Everything was super easy! Our driver Jeff was great and picked me up on time from my hotel. It was about a 2 hour drive to the reserve. Once at the reserve we had a buffet lunch. The scenery was absolutely beautiful! After lunch we started on the safari. Our driver was Freddy and he was great! He would stop and let us take pictures, and he would tell us information about each animal we saw. We did stop for refreshments and to use the restrooms during the safari. This was such a great experience that I would do it again!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris for your safari experience. We are delighted to hear that everything was easy and well organised from the moment Jeff picked you up from your hotel. We are especially pleased to hear your kind words about Jeff. Being punctual, professional and ensuring a comfortable journey to the reserve are qualities we greatly value. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and buffet lunch before heading out on safari. We are especially grateful for your feedback about Freddy. His willingness to stop for photographs, share interesting information about the animals and make sure guests had opportunities for refreshments and restroom breaks helped make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the safari so much that you would happily do it again. That is a fantastic compliment to our entire team, and we will certainly share your lovely feedback with Jeff and Freddy. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your experience and for your support. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable safari adventure with Beyond Africa Safaris. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Viator
Wonderful day see the best of South Africa s big 5
The game reserve is beautiful and was the perfect way to experience a true safari experience. We saw animals in a beautiful setting. From the Rhinos to the Hippos, there were plenty of animals to see. Even the lions were enjoying the beautiful day.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful game reserve and felt it was a fantastic way to experience a safari. It is wonderful to know that you had the opportunity to see such a variety of wildlife, from rhinos and hippos to lions enjoying the beautiful surroundings. These unforgettable wildlife encounters are exactly what we hope our guests take away from their safari experience. We are thrilled that you appreciated the natural setting and the opportunity to see the animals in such a beautiful environment. It sounds like you had a truly memorable day surrounded by South Africa’s incredible wildlife. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable safari adventure with Beyond Africa Safaris. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Viator
A day out at Aquila
An excellent day out with the animals, nature, an excellent guide, and a wonderful driver, Ejide. 5 stars!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed such an excellent day surrounded by animals and nature. We are especially pleased to hear your kind words about Ejide. It is fantastic to know that he was both an excellent guide and a wonderful driver, helping make your safari experience safe, enjoyable and memorable. We believe that combining incredible wildlife, beautiful nature and excellent service is what makes a safari truly special, and we are thrilled that Ejide delivered such a positive experience for you. Thank you once again for your fantastic feedback and strong recommendation. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable safari adventure with Beyond Africa Safaris. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Awesome!
My family of 3 added this to a free day we had on a tour. It was awesome! The drive was nice to and from and the guide was great. The buffet lunch before the tour was very tasty, many different options. As for the animals, we were able to see elephants, rhinos and lions not even 10 feet away!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Client, Thank you so much for your fantastic review and for choosing Beyond Africa Safaris to be part of your free day in Cape Town. We are delighted to hear that you and your family of three had such an awesome experience with us. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the journey to and from the reserve and that our guide made the day even more enjoyable. We always aim to provide a comfortable, well-organised experience from the moment our guests are collected until they return. We are also thrilled that you enjoyed the buffet lunch. With such a wide variety of tasty options, we are pleased that it added to the overall experience before heading out on safari. What an incredible wildlife experience to see elephants, rhinos and lions from such a close distance! Those encounters can create some truly unforgettable memories, and we are delighted that your family had the opportunity to experience them. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you and your family back to South Africa for another unforgettable safari adventure in the future. Kind regards Albert Rocky Kasilembo Operations Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
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
- R 4,500 to R 5,500
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd, who run 32 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.8 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees cost?
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Prices start at R 4,500 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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees 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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 181 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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees?
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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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees 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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees?
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Around 63 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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees 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 Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local, Cape Point and Boulder's Penguins Full Day 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 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.
What is included in Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees?
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Included: Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, including hotel pickup and drop-o; 3-Hour Group Safari in Open 4x4 Vehicle with an expert guide; and Lunch. Not included: Soft Drinks and Alcoholic beverages (Drinking age is 18 years and older); and Tips/gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 213 listed pickup locations in and around Cape Town. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees offered in?
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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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees?
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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 Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cape Town. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Cape Town Day Safari – Aquila Game Reserve with Lunch & Park Fees?
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Across 181 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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