Cape Town: Aquila Reserve Safari With Lunch and Winery Visit

Nestled in the heart of South Africa, Cape Town boasts a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural experiences. The Aquila Reserve Safari offers adventurers a chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region. Set out on a thrilling 4×4 safari, where the possibility of spotting the elusive Big 5 adds an air of anticipation. Savor a delectable lunch featuring local flavors, and indulge in the nuanced aromas of the region’s renowned wines. This captivating excursion promises to leave an indelible mark on the senses, whetting the appetite for more of what this enchanting destination has to offer.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Safari Tours In Cape Town.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Cape Town tour featuring a safari at Aquila Private Nature Reserve and an optional wine and cheese tasting at Fairview Wine Estate.
• Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, guided safari, buffet lunch, and the option to add a wine and cheese tasting.
• Opportunity to spot the Big 5 and other wildlife like giraffes and zebras during the 2-3 hour open-air safari drive.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Mixed customer feedback with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, but limited detailed reviews make it challenging to assess the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive Cape Town experience, featuring a safari at the Aquila Private Nature Reserve and a visit to the renowned Fairview Wine and Cheese estate.

Priced from $114.02 per person, the one-day tour is limited to 13 participants and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a guided safari, a buffet lunch, and a wine and cheese tasting.

The tour is available in English and French, with a flexible cancellation policy.

Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters or a taste of the region’s renowned wine and cheese, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of Cape Town.

Itinerary Details

Pickup from the Cape Town City Centre marks the tour’s starting point, as participants board an air-conditioned bus/coach for the 2-hour journey to the Aquila Private Nature Reserve.

During the drive, the group will have a break and a photo stop before arriving at the reserve for a guided tour and the main attraction: a 2-3 hour open-air safari drive in a 4×4 vehicle.

Participants will have the opportunity to spot the Big 5, as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

After the safari, a buffet lunch featuring local and international dishes is served at the lodge.

The tour continues with a 2-hour visit to Fairview Wine and Cheese, where guests can enjoy a guided tour and an optional cheese and wine tasting (for an additional fee).

The day concludes with a 45-minute journey back to Cape Town.

Inclusions Provided

This tour includes a variety of inclusions to enhance the experience.

It offers hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a welcome drink. Guests will enjoy an open-air safari drive with a knowledgeable guide, followed by a buffet lunch.

The tour also includes a visit to the Fairview Wine Estate, where guests can participate in a cheese and wine tasting for an additional fee.

A bottle of water is provided, and tips are optional. However, the Aquila Game Reserve entry fee isn’t included and must be paid directly at the reserve.

Important Considerations

Comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential for this tour, as the open-air safari drive and outdoor activities may expose participants to the elements.

Pregnant women and those with back problems are advised not to join, as the safari drive can be physically demanding.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour for safety reasons.

While lunch and a wine tasting are included, there’s an extra fee for the cheese and wine sampling at Fairview Wine Estate.

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Cancellation and Flexibility

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This provides a level of booking flexibility, giving travelers peace of mind when planning their trip.

Plus, the tour features:

• The option to reserve now and pay later, making it easy to secure your spot without an immediate financial commitment.
• Limited group sizes, capped at 13 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
• Multilingual guides available in both English and French, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed feedback on this tour, with one review available. The overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars, but the summary doesn’t provide specific details about the reviewer’s experience.

While the tour includes several appealing elements like the safari drive, lunch, and winery visit, it’s unclear if the customer was fully satisfied.

Without more information, it’s difficult to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the tour based on actual customer perspectives. The lack of detailed feedback makes it challenging for potential customers to have a clear understanding of what to expect from this Cape Town experience.

Pickup and Transportation

Departing from the Cape Town city center, the tour begins with a scenic 2-hour journey to the Aquila Private Nature Reserve.

Along the way, travelers can:

• Enjoy a refreshing break and take in the picturesque landscape.
• Snap photos at designated stops, capturing the scenic views.
• Listen to the knowledgeable guide provide insights about the region.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, allowing guests to sit back and relax as they make their way to the Aquila Reserve, where the exciting safari experience awaits.

Safari and Winery Experience

Upon arrival at the Aquila Private Nature Reserve, guests embark on a thrilling 2-3 hour safari drive in a 4×4 vehicle. The open-air safari provides close encounters with the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo – as well as giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The knowledgeable guide shares insights about the wildlife and their natural habitats.

After the safari, guests enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local and international dishes at the lodge. The tour then continues with a visit to the Fairview Wine and Cheese estate, where an optional cheese and wine tasting (extra fee) is available, along with a guided tour.

Wildlife Spotted	Number Seen
Lions	2
Elephants	4
Zebras	10
Giraffes	3

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a buffet lunch and a bottle of water, and visitors can purchase additional food and drinks at the Fairview Wine Estate for an extra fee.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari?

There are no specific age restrictions for the safari. However, the tour operator notes the experience may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. Young children should be closely supervised during the open-air safari drive.

Is the Safari Vehicle Wheelchair-Accessible?

The safari vehicle is not explicitly advertised as wheelchair-accessible. Participants should check with the tour operator directly to inquire about accessibility accommodations. The tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Can I Opt-Out of the Winery Visit?

Yes, travelers can opt-out of the winery visit. The tour package includes the Aquila Reserve safari and lunch, but the winery visit is an optional activity that guests can choose to skip if they prefer.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

Participants on this tour generally don’t need a visa if they’re visiting from countries that have visa-free arrangements with South Africa. However, it’s always best to check visa requirements before booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Aquila Reserve Safari in Cape Town offers an unforgettable experience with the chance to see the Big 5 and enjoy a delicious lunch. The option to add a wine and cheese tasting at Fairview Wine Estate further enhances the tour, providing a well-rounded day of adventure and culinary delight. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: