Big 5 Safari from Cape Town
Day Safaris & Overnight Adventures
Experience a Big 5 safari in the Western Cape, less than two hours from Cape Town. Choose from day safaris and overnight stays, with the option of Aquila shared transport or a private South African Adventures transfer from your Cape Town accommodation.
How to Book Your Safari
- 1
Choose your safari
Choose a day safari or overnight stay.
- 2
Choose your transport
Use Aquila's shared transfer, travel privately with South African Adventures, or self-drive where applicable.
- 3
Send your enquiry
Tell us your date and guest numbers and we will confirm availability.
Safari venue
Aquila Private Game Reserve · Western Cape Karoo
The safari experience and game drives take place at Aquila Private Game Reserve. South African Adventures assists with your safari booking, local support and private Cape Town transport options.
From the reserve
Elephants at Aquila
Watch two real encounters filmed at Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Choose Your Safari
Full-Day Big 5 Safari
From R2,895 pp · 2026/27 standard, safari only
Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari. Best for first-time visitors wanting the complete Big 5 day-safari experience.
Half-Day Safaris
From R1,185 pp · 2026/27 standard, safari only
Early Morning, Afternoon and Sunset options depending on your schedule.
View Half-Day OptionsOvernight Safari
Stay at the reserve and enjoy a slower safari experience with accommodation and additional game-drive time.
View Overnight OptionsCurrent-season and peak rates vary by travel date. Transport is priced separately.
Choose How You Travel from Cape Town
Choose Aquila's shared transfer for a lower per-person transport cost, or choose a South African Adventures private vehicle for a more personal door-to-door journey.
Aquila Shared Transfer
R1,275 pp
Applicable 2026/27 day safaris · return transport. Current-season shared transfer: R1,180 pp through 31 October 2026.
- ✓ Shared vehicle
- ✓ Cape Town city-centre hotel collection
- ✓ Return transport
- ✓ Good-value option for individuals and couples
Not available for Early Morning or Sunset Safari.
Child Aquila shared-transfer fare to be confirmed.
South African Adventures Private Transfer
From R4,950 total per vehicle
Private vehicle pricing is based on group size.
- ✓ Your own private vehicle
- ✓ Only your group travels
- ✓ Cape Town accommodation pickup
- ✓ Door-to-door return transfer
- ✓ Driver/guide
- ✓ No shared hotel pickup route
- ✓ Ideal for couples, families and private groups
View 1–6 guest pricing
- 1 guestR4,950 total
- 2 guestsR6,500 total
- 3 guestsR7,350 total
- 4 guestsR8,000 total
- 5 guestsR8,750 total
- 6 guestsR9,900 total
7+: Please enquire for a private transport quotation.
Self-drive / safari only is also available where applicable. Aquila operates the safari experience; transport choice does not change its programme.
Which Transport Option Suits You?
Choose Aquila Shared Transfer if:
- you are comfortable travelling with other guests
- you are staying in the applicable Cape Town pickup area
- you want the lower-cost transfer option
- your chosen safari supports Aquila shared transport
Choose South African Adventures Private Transfer if:
- you want your own vehicle and direct hotel pickup
- you are travelling as a couple, family or group
- you want a simpler door-to-door experience
- Aquila shared transfer is not available for your safari
What Will My Full-Day Safari Cost?
Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari · adult price. Select a travel date to see the applicable safari rate.
2026/27 standard · transport separate
Safari only
R2,895 pp
With Aquila shared return transfer
R4,170 pp
With South African Adventures private transfer
- 1 guestR7,845 total
- 2 guestsR12,290 total
- 3 guestsR16,035 total
- 4 guestsR19,580 total
- 5 guestsR23,225 total
- 6 guestsR27,270 total
These private-package figures combine the Traditional Full Day Safari with the existing South African Adventures private return vehicle price. Subject to availability and final confirmation.
Aquila Day Safari Prices
Travel dates & seasonal rates
Current rates
Valid until 31 October 2026
Existing published safari rates are retained for travel through this date.
2026/27 Standard
1 November – 19 December 2026
16 January – 31 October 2027
Peak
20 December 2026 – 15 January 2027
Full-Day Experiences
Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R2,895 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R2,895 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R3,120 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 09:00 welcome drinks
- Breakfast
- Safari activity
- Lunch
- Leisure time / Eco-Synergy project tour
- Depart 16:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Quad Bike Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R3,880 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R3,880 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R3,955 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 09:00 welcome drinks
- Breakfast
- Safari activity
- Lunch
- Leisure time / Eco-Synergy project tour
- Depart 16:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Horseback Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R3,445 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R3,445 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R3,500 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 09:00 welcome drinks
- Breakfast
- Safari activity
- Lunch
- Leisure time / Eco-Synergy project tour
- Depart 16:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
2 Safaris Combo
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R4,590 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R4,590 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R4,850 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 09:00 welcome drinks
- Breakfast
- Game drive
- Lunch
- Horseback or quad bike activity
- Depart 16:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Half-Day Experiences
Early Morning Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R1,995 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R1,995 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R2,150 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 07:00 welcome drinks and breakfast
- Game drive
- Leisure time
- Depart 12:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Aquila shared transfer unavailable; self-drive or private transfer.
Afternoon Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R2,365 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R2,365 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R2,580 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 11:45 welcome drinks
- Lunch
- Game drive
- Leisure time
- Depart 16:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Sunset Safari
- Current · through 31 Oct 2026
- R1,185 pp
- 2026/27 Standard
- R1,185 pp
- Peak · 20 Dec – 15 Jan
- R1,395 pp
View programme & timings
From 1 Nov 2026 (Aquila 2026/27 programme)
- 15:00 welcome drinks with tea and snacks
- Game drive
- Depart 18:00
Travel before 1 Nov 2026: timings confirmed on enquiry.
Aquila shared transfer unavailable; self-drive or private transfer.
Full Day + Aquila shared return transfer: R4,170 pp standard · R4,395 pp peak. Includes Aquila safari + shared road transfer, not private transport.
Prices are subject to availability, season, Aquila's current rates and final confirmation. South African Adventures will confirm the correct rate before booking.
Example Aquila Full-Day Safari Itinerary
- 1
Cape Town pickup
Early morning private pickup from selected Cape Town areas if private transport is booked.
- 2
Arrival at Aquila
Arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve for welcome drinks and check-in.
- 3
Safari experience
Enjoy the selected Aquila safari activity, such as the Traditional 4x4 Big 5 game drive.
- 4
Meals & leisure
Depending on the selected package, guests may enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, leisure time, infinity pool access or other facilities.
- 5
Return to Cape Town
Depart Aquila and return to Cape Town after the safari experience.
Exact timings depend on the selected Aquila product, availability, road conditions and confirmed pickup time.
Wildlife encounters
On Safari at Aquila
Wildlife sightings unfold across the open Karoo landscape during Aquila’s guided safari experience.
Aquila Overnight Safari Options
Guests wanting more time at the reserve can request an Aquila overnight safari. Overnight stays are priced per person sharing and vary by accommodation type and season.
View overnight season dates
Current rates
Valid until 31 October 2026
2026/27 Season A
1 Nov – 19 Dec 2026 · 16 Jan – 30 Apr and 1 Sep – 31 Oct 2027
Peak
20 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027
Winter
1 May – 31 Aug 2027
View Overnight Prices
Standard Lodge Room
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R3,910 pp sharing
- Season A
- R4,420 pp sharing
- Peak
- R4,775 pp sharing
- Winter
- R4,220 pp sharing
Single: Season A R6,630 · Peak R7,163 · Winter R6,330
Family Suite
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R5,590 pp sharing
- Season A
- R6,285 pp sharing
- Peak
- R6,525 pp sharing
- Winter
- R6,040 pp sharing
Premier Lodge Room
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R5,590 pp sharing
- Season A
- R6,285 pp sharing
- Peak
- R6,525 pp sharing
- Winter
- R6,040 pp sharing
Single: Season A R9,428 · Peak R9,788 · Winter R9,060
Karoo Cottage
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R4,470 pp sharing
- Season A
- R5,340 pp sharing
- Peak
- R5,820 pp sharing
- Winter
- R4,830 pp sharing
Single: Season A R8,010 · Peak R8,730 · Winter R7,245
Family Cottage – 4 Sleeper
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R4,650 pp sharing
- Season A
- R5,770 pp sharing
- Peak
- R6,170 pp sharing
- Winter
- R5,020 pp sharing
Minimum 2 adults + 1 child.
Family Cottage – 8 Sleeper
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R4,650 pp sharing
- Season A
- R5,770 pp sharing
- Peak
- R6,170 pp sharing
- Winter
- R5,020 pp sharing
Minimum 4 adults + 1 child.
Premier Cottage
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R5,895 pp sharing
- Season A
- R6,710 pp sharing
- Peak
- R7,060 pp sharing
- Winter
- R6,260 pp sharing
Single: Season A R10,065 · Peak R10,590 · Winter R9,390
Deluxe Safari Cottage
- Current · through Oct 2026
- R9,495 pp sharing
- Season A
- R11,185 pp sharing
- Peak
- R12,355 pp sharing
- Winter
- R10,340 pp sharing
Single: Season A R16,777 · Peak R18,533 · Winter R15,510
Children, extras & supplements
Family Suite · minimum 3 adults
First two adults / third and fourth adults and first child under 12 / additional children 4–11 sharing with three adults:
seasonA: R6,285 / R4,420 / R2,210 pp
peak: R6,525 / R4,775 / R2,388 pp
winter: R6,040 / R4,220 / R2,110 pp
Children and overnight transport
One child 4–11 sharing a Premier Lodge Room with two adults: Season A R3,142 · Peak R3,236 · Winter R3,020. Aquila standard shared overnight transfer R2,040 pp; Aquila private transfer +R5,135 per vehicle in addition to the standard per-person transfer charge. Fly-in by helicopter or fixed wing: quotation on request. These are Aquila products, not our private Cape Town transfer.
Optional Aquila extras: Private game drive +R3,840 per safari (not Cape Town transport). Junior Ranger Programme R315 pp, starts 08:30, minimum four. Game-drive swap: quad bike +R1,505 pp at 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 or 15:30; horseback +R1,275 pp at 08:00, 10:00 or 13:00. Quad bike and horseback require age 16+ and maximum weight 110 kg.
Premier Lodge Room with one child aged 4–11 sharing with 2 adults: child R3,142 (Season A), R3,236 (Peak), R3,020 (Winter). Aquila's own private transfer option (separate from South African Adventures' private transfer) is +R3,840 per vehicle for day trips and +R5,135 per vehicle for overnight stays, added to Aquila's shared per-person transfer rate.
Overnight safari rates are per person sharing and exclude transport and beverages unless specifically confirmed. Availability and rates must be checked before booking.
Why Book Your Safari with South African Adventures?
Local Cape Town support
Get help choosing a safari and transport option that fits your itinerary.
One local contact
Contact South African Adventures for safari arrangements and private Cape Town transport.
Private transport option
Choose your own private vehicle and driver instead of shared hotel pickups.
Build it into your itinerary
We can help coordinate your safari with Cape Town, Winelands, Peninsula and Western Cape experiences.
WhatsApp support
Stay in touch before and during your South African trip.
Request Aquila Safari Booking
Tell us your preferred date, safari option, number of guests and whether you need transport from Cape Town. We'll check availability and send your exact safari quote by WhatsApp or email.
More About Private Cape Town Transfers
Private Aquila Safari Day Tour from Cape Town
For guests staying in Cape Town, South African Adventures can arrange a private return vehicle to Aquila Private Game Reserve. This is ideal for couples, families or small groups who do not want shared transport or who want a more personal door-to-door experience.
Vehicle capacity
1 – 6 guests
Display price
From R4,950 total vehicle
Pickup areas
Cape Town city centre, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Green Point, Camps Bay & nearby areas
Private day tour includes
Excludes
Estimated Full Package · 2026/27 standard
From R4,545 pp · standardAdult package · private transfer + Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari
1 adult
R7,845pp
2 adults
R6,145pp
3 adults
R5,345pp
4 adults
R4,895pp
5 adults
R4,645pp
6 adults
R4,545pp
2026/27 standard: R2,895 safari per adult plus our private vehicle rate. Peak (20 December – 15 January): R3,120 safari per adult; combined per adult at 1–6 guests: R8,070 · R6,370 · R5,570 · R5,120 · R4,870 · R4,770. Current-season travel retains current prices. Final quote subject to availability.
See full private vehicle pricing (1 – 6 guests)▾
Aquila safari ticket excluded unless quoted as a package.
What Is Included and Excluded?
Included (depending on selected Aquila product)
- Welcome drinks on arrival
- Buffet breakfast or lunch (depending on product)
- Guided traditional safari game drive
- Experienced ranger / field guide
- Complimentary eco synergy tour (where included)
- Access to selected facilities such as infinity pool (where included)
Excluded (unless confirmed)
- Transport from Cape Town (unless added)
- Beverages
- Spa access and treatments
- Optional activities
- Gratuity
- Personal expenses
- Anything not confirmed in writing
Important Booking Notes
- Aquila safari experiences are subject to availability and final confirmation.
- Prices are subject to change until confirmed.
- Children 0–3 are free with accompanying adults; children 4–11 pay 50% of the applicable day or overnight per-person rate; children 12+ pay the adult rate.
- Children of all ages may join the traditional 4×4 safari; quad biking, horseback riding and spa are for ages 16+.
- Certain activities such as quad biking and horseback safari are not suitable for under 16s.
- Guests may be required to provide passport or identification details.
- Transport is not automatically included unless selected or quoted.
- Private transport can be arranged by South African Adventures for 1 to 6 guests.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
- Overnight rates exclude transport and beverages unless specifically stated.
- Final pickup times will be confirmed before travel.
What Animals Can You See at Aquila?
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Safari sightings depend on animal movement, weather, season and conditions on the day.
Big 5 Safari Near Cape Town
Aquila Private Game Reserve is one of the best-known Big 5 safari destinations near Cape Town. Located under two hours from the city, it gives travellers the chance to experience lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopard and other South African wildlife without needing to fly to Kruger or another distant safari region.
South African Adventures can help guests choose the right Aquila safari option, request availability, and arrange private return transport from Cape Town. Guests can choose from half-day safari options, full-day safari experiences, activity-based safari options, or overnight safari accommodation.
The safari experience is operated by Aquila Private Game Reserve. South African Adventures assists with booking advice, guest communication and private transfer/tour arrangements.
Aquila Big 5 Safari · FAQs
Ready to Plan Your Big 5 Safari from Cape Town?
Tell us your travel date, number of guests and whether you prefer shared or private transport. We will help you choose the most suitable safari option.
Transparent Pricing
Private Aquila Safari Package — 1–6 Guests
This is a private tour for your group only. Solo travellers are welcome. The listed vehicle and guide price depends on your group size. Attraction and activity costs are separate unless explicitly included.
- No minimum guest number — solo travellers welcome
- Private vehicle for 1–6 guests
- Price changes with group size — see table below
- Advertised 'from' price is based on 6 guests sharing
Private return transport (Cape Town ↔ Aquila)
| Guests | Total private tour price | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | R4,950 | R4,950 pp |
| 2 guests | R6,500 | R3,250 pp |
| 3 guests | R7,350 | R2,450 pp |
| 4 guests | R8,000 | R2,000 pp |
| 5 guests | R8,750 | R1,750 pp |
| 6 guestsAdvertised "from" rate | R9,900 | R1,650 pp |
1 guest
Private group total
R4,950
pp
2 guests
Private group total
R3,250
pp
3 guests
Private group total
R2,450
pp
4 guests
Private group total
R2,000
pp
5 guests
Private group total
R1,750
pp
6 guests
Private group total
Advertised "from" rate
R1,650
pp
2026/27 standard only: estimated full safari package (our private return transport + Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari)
Add-on tickets (per adult)
- Traditional 4x4 Full Day Safari ticketR2,895 pp
| Guests | Estimated full package — per person |
|---|---|
| 1 guest | R7,845 pp |
| 2 guests | R6,145 pp |
| 3 guests | R5,345 pp |
| 4 guests | R4,895 pp |
| 5 guests | R4,645 pp |
| 6 guestsAdvertised "from" rate | R4,545 pp |
1 guest
R7,845 pp
2 guests
R6,145 pp
3 guests
R5,345 pp
4 guests
R4,895 pp
5 guests
R4,645 pp
6 guests
R4,545 pp
These standard-season package estimates include the Aquila full-day safari ticket and South African Adventures private transport, not Aquila shared transport. Peak 20 Dec 2026–15 Jan 2027 uses R3,120 pp safari instead; travel through 31 Oct 2026 uses current-season rates. Beverages, optional activities, spa treatments and gratuity excluded unless confirmed.
Important: Prices exclude lunch, entrance fees and gratuity unless specifically stated in your final quote.
Prices are shown in South African Rand and are subject to final confirmation before booking.