2 Day Budget Cape Town Big Five Lodge Safari

March 18, 2018March 18, 2018admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

One of the most budget friendly Cape Town Wildlife Safaris out there! Spend two nights in the closest Big Five Game Reserve to Cape Town, a mere two hour drive from the city.

This affordable short safari visits the malaria-free Aquila Private Game Reserve which you explore on 4×4 game drives with professional guides. You can even swap one of the game drives for a horseback safari in this Big Five game park, also hosting an array of other wild animals. The tour rates include return transfers between Cape Town and Aquila Game Reserve, comfortable accommodation, meals at the lodge and Big Five game drives in open safari vehicles.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve – Western Cape

This short Big Five Safari getaway begins in Cape Town where you are collected from your pre-tour accommodation between 09h00 and 10h00. Departing from Cape Town this morning we drive into the Cape Winelands region, renowned for producing the finest wines in South Africa. The drive from Cape Town to Aquila Game Reserve only takes two hours. Along the way, we pass farmlands and open countryside, traversing rugged mountain passes. By about 12h00 we arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve which is located on the southwestern fringes of the semi-arid Karoo. Upon arrival at the safari lodge, we have lunch in the restaurant, before embarking on our first exciting game drive at about 13h30.

A professional guide drives you out into the Big Five game reserve in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle designed for the African wilderness. The open safari vehicle provides excellent visibility, ideal for taking photographs, and immerses you in the bush. The game drive takes between two and two-and-a-half hours. This allows time to watch the various animals and birds encountered in Aquila. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo – which are found here. Your guide shares insights and interesting facts with you on the game drive, pointing out wildlife and birds as you explore.

Our rewarding afternoon game drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve is followed by leisure time at the safari lodge. You are free to swim in the 35 meter-long saltwater swimming pool, relax in one of the comfortable lounge areas and have a cocktail in the poolside or cigar bar. Browse the library and boutique curio shop and settle down beside one of the cosy log fires on cool winter days. There is also a children’s play area, with indoor and outdoor facilities for the kids. Tuck into a buffet-style dinner, served in the spacious restaurant this evening and pause to gaze at the starry skies.

Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Lodge Room or Luxury Cottage
Included Activities: Afternoon Game Drive in Aquila Game Reserve
Travel: Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve (about 2 hours)

Day 2: Aquila Game Reserve to Cape Town – Western Cape

Day two kicks off with an exhilarating early morning game drive in the Big Five Aquila Game Reserve. Heading into the bush at 07h00 in the open safari vehicle, we are sure to spot an array of animals and birds at this active time of day. Your guide is happy to answer questions while he or she takes you in search of the Big Five and other amazing creatures of Africa.

After our morning wildlife adventure, we have a delicious breakfast in the restaurant back at the lodge.

Then you can unwind and rest at the lodge until it is time to leave for Cape Town at about 12h30. Making our way back from Aquila to Cape Town we are due to arrive back in the city between 15h30 and 16h00. Arriving in Cape Town you are dropped off at your post-tour accommodation in and around the city centre, bringing this affordable Big Five Safari to a close.

Meals included: Breakfast
Included Activities: Morning Game Drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve
Travel: Aquila to Cape Town (about 2 hours)

About Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquila is a privately-owned game park only two hours drive from Cape Town. The game reserve is named after the endangered black eagle, called the Verreaux eagle, or Aquila verreauxii. This Big Five game reserve is situated near the small town of Touws River in the Southern Karoo region of the Western Cape, making it a malaria-free wildlife destination. The 10 000-hectare game park is home to Africa’s Big Five animals and a wide variety of other African wildlife species, including wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, zebra, gemsbok and other antelopes.

Aquila hosts an animal rescue centre which serves as a sanctuary for rescued animals that can never be released into the wild again, as well as animals that need care and rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Breeding and rehabilitation programs include initiatives with black eagles, rhinos, cheetahs, lions and other species.

Safari Accommodation Options at Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquila Game Reserve features a range of well-equipped accommodation options catering for budget and luxury preferences. Accommodation offerings include standard lodge rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities and luxury cottages with en-suite bathrooms and patio areas. Facilities at the safari lodge include a 35-metre saltwater swimming pool, a triple-volume restaurant overlooking the surrounding bush, an outdoor boma area, a children’s play area, a spacious lounge, a cigar bar, a library, and a curio shop. Aquila also features a spa with heated indoor pools, a steam room, a sauna and other pampering facilities.