Aquila Big 5 Game Reserve

(Suitable for children of all ages) For guests unable to travel to Port Elizabeth but still wishing to experience a Big 5 safari, Aquila is the perfect destination. Generally, we recommend visiting one of the reserves from Port Elizabeth whenever possible, as they are more spacious and the journey is shorter. Aquila Reserve offers a fantastic safari option and is renowned for its first-class service, use of renewable energy, and commitment to social responsibility and conservation programs. A visit is more than just an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience; it’s an experience of luxurious African hospitality and traditional culinary delights.

Located approximately two hours from Cape Town towards the Karoo, Aquila is nestled in a stunning, rolling landscape. During safaris in open vehicles, guests explore the 10,000-hectare reserve in search of the Big 5 and numerous antelope species. These safaris are led by experienced rangers who share their knowledge of the Karoo’s unique flora and fauna. For those seeking a more active experience, horseback riding and quad biking safaris are also available. Aquila is a wonderful blend of game reserve and holiday resort. An adventure zone is available for children.

We act as an intermediary; Aquila is the operator for the transfers and safaris. Aquila’s transfer service will pick you up at the agreed-upon location and return you there. A restroom stop will be made during the journey. Other guests (e.g., from a hotel) may be picked up; a private transfer can be booked for an additional fee. If we have multiple bookings, we are happy to arrange a dedicated transfer without stops.

The prices quoted include transfers (listed separately), meals, and safaris. Drinks are paid for on-site (except for the welcome drink). A copy of your passport is required.

Please note that the lions are housed in a separate enclosure and do not roam freely in the general reserve area. The safari is conducted in open 4×4 vehicles (22 seats).The rangers are English-speaking.

Afternoon Safari: Traditional Safari
Discover a wide variety of wildlife and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Karoo. This safari experience is a great opportunity to see South Africa’s Big Five, take stunning wildlife photos, and experience an authentic African safari.

Itinerary:
8:45 – 9:45 AM Pick-up at the port or your accommodation
12:00 PM Arrival and welcome drink
12:30 PM Buffet lunch
1:15 PM 2- to 3-hour traditional safari drive (open vehicles)
4:30 PM Departure for Cape Town (arrival around 6:45 PM)

Full-day tours: Traditional safari / Horseback safari / Quad safari and leisure time
Discover a wide variety of wildlife and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Karoo. This safari experience is a fantastic opportunity to see South Africa’s Big Five, take stunning wildlife photos, and experience an authentic African safari. The full-day tours include free time at the resort, during which you can enjoy the pool (please bring swimwear) and the bar. A spa treatment can also be booked

Itinerary:
5:45 – 6:45 AM Pick-up at the port or your accommodation
9:00 AM Arrival and welcome drink
9:00 – 10:00 AM Buffet breakfast
10:15 AM:
Option 1: 2- to 3-hour traditional safari drive (open vehicles)
Option 2: 1- to 2-hour quad bike safari
Option 3: 1- to 2-hour horseback riding safari
12:45 – 1:45 PM Buffet lunch
1:45 – 4:30 PM Free time
4:30 PM Departure for Cape Town (arrival around 6:45 PM)

Traditional Safari:
Children between 4 and 11 years old pay 50% (for transfer and activity)

Quad Bike Safari:
The Quad biking experience: This adventure takes you on a ride through the vast and wild Karoo plains in the heart of the Aquila Game Reserve. The quad biking safari is led by two qualified rangers. No prior riding experience is necessary.

Please note: Maximum weight per person: 95 kg (200 lbs).
Minimum age: 16 years. A maximum of 10 people can participate in each quad biking experience, and only one person is allowed per quad bike.

Horseback Safari:
Horseback adventures include a leisurely walk across the plains, with potential wildlife sightings and guided information about the Karoo plains and conservation projects. The horseback safari is led by two qualified rangers. No prior riding experience is necessary.

-Please note: Maximum weight per person: 95 kg (200 lbs).
-Minimum age: 16 years, one person per horse allowed

Combo Full Day Safari, Jeep Safari and Horseback Riding or Quad Bike Safari (from age 16)
Aquila’s Big 5 Combo Safari Tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience a traditional open-air jeep safari combined with an optional horseback or quad bike safari.

The itinerary is the same as the full-day tour mentioned above, including the jeep safari, but the free time is reduced to approximately one hour, and the wildlife viewing is done on horseback or quad bike.

Option One: Quad Bike Safari
The quad bike experience includes a ride through the vast and wild Karoo plains in the heart of the Aquila Game Reserve. The quad bike safari is led by two qualified rangers. No prior experience is necessary for this activity.

-Please note: Maximum weight per person: 95 kg (200 lbs).
-Minimum age: 16 years. A maximum of 10 people can participate in a quad bike experience, and only one person is allowed per quad bike.

Option Two: Horseback Safari
Horseback riding adventures include a leisurely walk across the plains, with potential wildlife sightings and guided information about the Karoo Field and conservation projects. The horseback safari is led by two qualified rangers. No prior riding experience is necessary for this activity.