Aquila Safari: A Big 5 Safari Experience 2 Hours from Cape Town
During my recent visit to South Africa, I embarked on a thrilling adventure to the Aquila Safari Game Reserve. It's a "Big Five" safari destination just two hours from Cape Town, that offers an unforgettable experience of wild animals in their natural habitat. The journey from the city to the reserve is filled with scenic landscapes and the anticipation of the wildlife encounters that await.
The Safari Experience
The first evening, we embarked on a sunset game drive. Aquila offers private as well as regular game drives. I highly recommend opting for a private drive at least once during your stay, as it provides the opportunity to spend more time observing your favorite animals and offers flexibility for photography. We did four game drives throughout our stay, each traversing a different path around the reserve. Notable moments included a family of elephants trotting up to our vehicle, and a male lion locking eyes with us while enjoying his dinner. The morning safaris lasted around an hour and a half, while the evening ones went up to two hours, with breaks for warm beverages and snacks.
Aquila also offers a unique horseback safari. This safari experience took us much farther into the reserve than I had anticipated. We found ourselves face to face with zebras and giraffes, while also catching distant glimpses of rhinos and hippopotamuses. Horseback Safari 101 states that you never get off your horse in the game reserve, enhancing the thrill of adventure as we remained mounted in the midst of these amazing creatures. This provided an intimate perspective of the safari, as we were outside of the typical lifted vehicle, feeling more connected to the environment.
The accommodations at Aquila are nothing short of exceptional. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a welcome fruit plate accompanied by local sparkling white wine, adding to the warm hospitality. We sipped from our glasses as we watched some Giraffes walk by the reserve. The rooms were beautiful, overlooking the vast expanse of the game reserve. Just from my room alone, I was able to spot wild ostriches, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. The bed was incredibly comfortable, complete with hot showers and regular cleaning service.
The spa was the perfect end to our chilly evenings out on the reserve. The property boasts a spa with a warm tub, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and therapy treatments.
Dining at Aquila
I visited Aquila Safari Game Reserve with four friends and each of us concluded that the dining experience exceeded our expectations. The buffet was our choice for every meal and it never disappointed. A variety of vegetarian options were always available, reflecting the truly inclusive nature of this place that caters to all dietary preferences and needs. The quality of food in South Africa, especially the vegetarian dishes, consistently amazed us. The meals at Aquila not only met but went above and beyond our expectations, always offering a variety, ensuring that everyone thoroughly enjoys their meals.
Packing for a Safari
Zoom Lens
When planning a safari trip, it's worth investing in or renting a telephoto lens for your camera. It can be frustrating to have a camera that doesn't allow you to zoom close enough to see the animals, and I could see the struggle from those around me. I was fortunate to have a 200-600 lens loaned to me from B&H, and it made a world of difference when documenting my safari experience. The majority of wildlife images in this blog post were captured with that lens as well as the rest of my camera set up which you can find Here.
Layers
In terms of clothing, I visited during winter and was surprised by the cool temperatures, not only in the morning and evenings but also in the afternoon. So, be sure to pack a variety of warm, neutral-colored clothes. Scroll to the bottom to see my Safari closet picks linked on LTK.
Accessorize to the Moon
The only thing that sets a boring neutral outfit and a safari fit apart are accessories. Don't forget items that can be tied multiple ways, like a bandana around your neck or even as a top, depending on the weather. A tweed hat or combat boots are perfect additions as well. The safari provides countless moments for beautiful photos to be taken, whether in the vehicle or around the property.
Binoculars
Lastly, depending on who you ask, binoculars would be a must for any safari. I found a cool brand called Nocs that has waterproof binoculars and monoculars in all types of fun colors.
Location
Located near the quaint railway town of Touws River, getting there is a breeze, with Cape Town International Airport just 170 kilometers away. For those looking to self-drive, it's an easy, picturesque two-hour drive which is what we did. Alternatively, the reserve can arrange standard, private, or luxury transfers, as well as fly-in options by light aircraft or helicopter. This thrilling adventure provides an unforgettable experience of wild animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by the sublime landscape of the Mountain Fynbos and Renosterveld.
Visiting Aquila Safari Game Reserve was an unparalleled adventure, offering breathtaking encounters with wild animals and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re an animal lover or a photography enthusiast, this reserve offers something for everyone. It was a journey that painted vivid pictures in my mind, ones I will cherish forever.
Want to book a Day Visit?
Not enough time to stay overnight? You can book a single-day experience through Viator and get an incredible Big-5 expereince! Transportation from Cape Town, lunch, and game drives are included!
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