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Offered languages
- English
- French
This exceptional full-day experience combines two of South Africa's most iconic attractions in one unforgettable journey—the thrill of an authentic Big Five safari and the elegance of the Cape Winelands.
Unlike traditional safari tours that require long-distance travel, Aquila Private Game Reserve offers the opportunity to experience Africa's legendary wildlife just a short drive from Cape Town. Guided by experienced rangers, you'll explore the reserve in an open safari vehicle while searching for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and many other fascinating animals in their natural surroundings.
The journey itself is part of the adventure. Travel through the spectacular Cape Winelands, passing vineyards, fruit orchards, and towering mountain ranges before driving through the historic Huguenot Tunnel—an engineering marvel that connects the lush wine valleys with the dramatic landscapes of the Karoo.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We offer convenient pickup from your accommodation (within our designated pickup area). Pickups take place between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, so please be ready in your hotel lobby or designated pickup point by 7:50 AM. While we aim to arrive on time, minor delays may occur due to traffic or other pickups along the route. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Itinerary
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Cape Town (Pass by)
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cape Town. As you leave the city behind, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the Mother City, from its establishment by the Dutch East India Company in 1652 to its multicultural heritage that blends African, European, and Asian influences. Travelling northeast along the N1 National Highway, you'll soon enter the breathtaking Cape Winelands, one of the world's oldest and most celebrated wine-producing regions. Rolling vineyards, dramatic mountain ranges, and charming Cape Dutch architecture create a spectacular backdrop throughout the journey.
Admission ticket free -
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve (Pass by)
One of the highlights of the drive is passing through the famous Huguenot Tunnel, an engineering masterpiece stretching nearly 4 km beneath the majestic Du Toitskloof Mountains. Opened in 1988, the tunnel shortened the journey between Paarl and Worcester by approximately 11 km, making travel significantly faster and safer. The tunnel is named after the French Huguenots who arrived at the Cape in the late 1600s after fleeing religious persecution in France. These skilled settlers played a significant role in establishing South Africa's thriving wine industry, introducing centuries-old winemaking traditions that continue to flourish today. Emerging from the tunnel, the landscape changes dramatically as lush vineyards give way to the wide-open plains and rugged mountains of the Klein Karoo, offering spectacular panoramic views.
Admission ticket free -
1Aquila Private Game Reserve
Receive a warm African welcome with a refreshing welcome drink before enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast (or lunch depending on your safari schedule). About Aquila Private Game Reserve Located just under two hours from Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve covers approximately 10,000 hectares of pristine Karoo wilderness. Established in 1999, Aquila became the first official Big Five game reserve in the Western Cape, successfully reintroducing Africa's iconic wildlife to the region while focusing on conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and sustainable tourism. The reserve offers visitors an authentic safari experience without travelling to South Africa's northern game parks. Big Five Safari Experience Climb aboard an open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced professional game ranger for an unforgettable guided game drive through the reserve.
6 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Fairview Wine and Cheese
Your adventure continues into the heart of the Cape Winelands with a visit to the celebrated Fairview Wine Estate in Paarl. Founded on land first granted in 1693, Fairview has grown into one of South Africa's most iconic family-owned wine estates. The estate combines more than three centuries of farming tradition with modern innovation and is internationally renowned for producing premium wines and artisanal cheeses. One of Fairview's most distinctive attractions is its famous Goat Tower, home to a lively family of goats that has become a beloved symbol of the estate and a favourite stop for visitors. Surrounded by vineyards with the dramatic Paarl Mountain and Drakenstein Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop, Fairview offers one of the most picturesque settings in the Cape Winelands.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Cape Town Central
Arrive back at your hotel after an unforgettable day combining two of South Africa's greatest experiences: an authentic Big Five safari and a relaxing afternoon in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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