Gemma BLDAfter a few days in Cape Town, we had another activity planned at Aquila Safari. We didn’t necessarily have time to travel too far, so Aquila Private Game Reserve seemed like the perfect choice.
It only takes about two hours by car from the city and it’s a convenient way to experience the South African wildlife and nature. It’s not as big or remote as the larger reserves up north, but it’s perfect for a one night stay or even a day trip.
Getting There
We booked Aquila’s transfer service which picked us up in the morning from Cape Town. The ride was smooth and scenic, showing a new side of South Africa. We passed some townships and open landscapes which gradually drifted into the dry brush of the reserve’s surroundings. The road trip felt like part of the experience, especially as the city faded away and the idea of a safari started to feel real. We were so excited to get there.
When we arrived, the team at Aquila greeted us with a welcome drink.
Our Lodge
After check-in, we were shown to out lodge and it blew us away. We had a lodge for four people and it was spacious, tastefully decorated and perfectly positioned for panoramic views of the reserve. There was a mezzanine for the second double bed and the lodge even had an outdoor shower. From the windows, we could even see elephants roaming in the distance. Each lodge also comes with a private terrace.
Buffet Lunch
Lunch was served buffet-style in the main dining area. The food was… fine. Not amazing, but perfectly acceptable after a long morning of travel. We sat outside under the shade of a large umbrella, taking in the view and chatting about the plan for the day.
And then, out of nowhere, a baboon jumped up onto the table next to us, snatched a piece of food, and darted off like a professional thief. We were too stunned to react — and then we burst out laughing. Welcome to the wild. Fortunately, we managed to get the moment on camera, as inserted below.
After lunch, we spent some time by the massive pool, which sits in the center of the property. It’s a beautiful, open space with loungers, a pool bar, and plenty of sun. We ordered a few cocktails and just relaxed, soaking in the heat and the view.
The First Game Drive
Our afternoon safari drive began in the mid-afternoon. We climbed into a large open-air vehicle with a few other guests and a guide who immediately impressed us with his knowledge and dry humour. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect but were told we would spot the Big 5 : Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Leopards and Lions. Within a few minutes, we were driving past zebras, ostriches and elephants.
About halfway through the drive, we stopped at a designated area with tents shading drinks. It was a nice break and the baboons were back. A whole troop of them quickly surrounded the crowd and tents. One particularly daring baboon walked straight into the drinks area and stole an entire bottle of wine. The rangers managed it calmly, as if they were used to it, but it was wild to watch.
As the drive continued, we finally came upon a group of lions lounging in the sun. We were told to not look the lions in the eye, which was scary. But they stayed where there were, as if they hadn’t even seen us. Or as if they were used to it. We were only a few meters away with nothing protecting us.
Sunset and Dinner
We returned to the lodge just as the sun was setting — and what a sunset! Dinner was another buffet, and again, just okay. Nothing terrible, but not memorable either. Unfortunately, three of the four people (everyone except me) in our group had stomach issues later that night that lasted a few days.
The resort hosted a campfire with marshmallows and music, and it was a lovely way to end the day. I was too tired to stay up for long, and fell straight asleep as soon as I got into bed.
The Morning After
The next morning, we woke up early for the sunrise game drive. We took a quick dip in the pool to shake off our sleep, then got ready and met the group. It was crisp and cool outside, a nice contrast to the heat of the day before.
The drive followed a similar path — we saw the same animals again, and I honestly didn’t mind. The light was different, the air was different, and the animals were just as captivating. However, we never saw any giraffes. When we asked our guide about it, he casually mentioned that they had “lost them.” I’m still not sure what that meant exactly, but it became a running joke in our group for the rest of the trip.
After the drive, we had a buffet breakfast, packed up our bags, and made our way back to Cape Town.
Final Thoughts
Aquila isn’t a deep-into-the-bush kind of safari — it’s a curated experience designed for comfort, convenience, and a glimpse of South Africa’s wildlife without the logistical challenges. But it was fun, beautiful, and full of moments that made us feel truly away from it all. Would I go back? Yes, especially if I only had a short window of time.
[…] We were picked up by their transfer service and enjoyed a night in one of their stunning lodges (we could even see elephants from the window!). The game drives were thrilling — we saw zebras, lions, ostriches, and more. Plus, baboons added unexpected humor by stealing food and wine! You can read more about my experience here in my Aquila safari blog post. […]