Exploring the Aquila Private Game Reserve: A Hidden Safari Gem for Visitors Running on a Time-schedule in Cape Town
Reading Time: 5 minutes Are you planning a trip to Cape Town and eager to experience its wildlife?
Cape Town offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, with most travelers making it a point to visit the famous penguins at Boulders Beach. While these charming creatures are a must-see, many visitors to South Africa also dream of spotting the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.
If you’re one of those travelers, you’ve likely been asked, “Are you visiting Kruger National Park?”. It’s a fair question, as Kruger is renowned for its incredible safaris. However, if your South African adventure is centered around Cape Town, visiting Kruger might not be feasible. South Africa is an expansive country, with a total area of 1,221,037 square kilometers (471,445 square miles). The distance between Cape Town and Kruger National Park is roughly 1,859 km (1,155 miles), making a visit to Kruger a time-intensive journey that typically requires a flight.
For travelers with limited time—like myself during my 10-day trip—this can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Cape Town has an interesting alternative: Aquila Private Game Reserve, located just a two-hour drive from the city. This very destination is the first Surprise Spot I’ve chosen to feature on this blog.
Index
Introducing Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila Private Game Reserve is a perfect family-friendly option for wildlife lovers who want to experience a safari without the need for long-distance travel.
Many companies offer day tours to Aquila at reasonable prices, making it accessible for most travelers. We opted for an organized tour, which included a convenient morning pickup. The journey was seamless, with a comfortable minivan transporting us and about seven other travelers to the reserve. After a brief stop for snacks and restrooms, we arrived at Aquila in approximately 2.5 hours.
The Safari Experience
Upon arrival, we went through a quick ID check and signed a liability disclaimer (cue mild panic—Will the animals eat us alive?). Then, a buffet lunch was served by the hotel pool in a relaxed, communal dining area. The buffet included a variety of stews and curries typical of South African cuisine, as well as Western-style pasta dishes.
After lunch, our group gathered just outside the safari trucks, where the guide gave a short introduction and safety instructions. We then boarded the truck and set off, along your typical Safari-style dusty road. Our cameras were ready to roll and the anticipation was through the roof.
It didn’t take long for our first sighting of the day: the rounded, larger-than-life back of a hippo, breaking the water’s flat surface. A challenging subject for photography due to its distance and frequent movement in and out of the water, but thrilling nonetheless. Next up was a regal giraffe, which sparked audible wows among the group as we admired its grace and beauty.
Soon after, we encountered a large gathering of white rhinos, peacefully coexisting with a group of African buffalos. Before this trip, I didn’t think much of rhinos, but seeing them up close changed my perspective. They were unexpectedly charming. Just take a look at the photo of two rhinos seemingly kissing—adorable! Also, one of them was caught on camera mid-pee, providing some unintentional comedy.
We then made our way to the zebras, who were incredibly serene and photogenic. On the way to the lion enclosure, we spotted more antelopes, buffalos, and even some more rhinos.
Meeting the King of the Jungle
The lion enclosure was the highlight of the trip. This fenced area is dedicated to these powerful predators, allowing us to observe them in a natural yet controlled environment. We immediately spotted a lion lounging under a tree. Despite our excitement and relentless photo-taking, the big cat was unbothered, enjoying its lazy afternoon nap—quite a far cry from the infamous Man-Eaters of Tsavo.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
At this point, you might be wondering: but what about the elephants? Well, after a quick refreshment break, we set off for one last round of exploration. And then, as if on cue, there they were: a majestic pack of elephants, their enormous forms looming gracefully against the golden African backdrop, standing no more than 20 meters away. It was the perfect, awe-inspiring conclusion to an unforgettable day.
As we headed back to base, I was still filled with a profound sense of exhilaration, my mind buzzing with the incredible wildlife we’d encountered. By the end of the day, I managed to check off four out of the Big Five: only the elusive leopard slipped away, dodging our eager camera lenses.
Summary and review
Aquila Private Game Reserve offers an accessible and fulfilling safari experience for anyone visiting Cape Town. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast who can’t make it to Kruger, this reserve should definitely be on your itinerary.
Worth mentioning is that Aquila Private Game Reserve is a fairly small reserve compared to Kruger, spanning about 10,000 hectares. The safari features a semi-arid Karoo landscape with fewer species and less ecological diversity. Whilst you should be able to spot the Big Five, the animals are in a more controlled environment, and the main focus is laying on reintroducing wildlife to the Western Cape, rather than a fully wild ecosystem. For some hardcore wildlife-enthusiasts, Aquila Private Game Reserve might feel too simple due to its smaller size and more controlled environment.
With that being said, Aquila is still Ideal for tourists with limited time, families, or those who prefer a more relaxed, managed Safari experience during their stay in Cape Town.
Have you visited Aquila or a similar safari destination near Cape Town? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures!
