Taste of South Africa: 2 Day Aquila Big5 Safari & Winelands Lunch

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cape Winelands > Aquila Game Reserve⌄

   Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town before heading into the scenic Cape Winelands. Your first stop is the renowned Babylonstoren Farm, nestled beneath the Simonsberg Mountains. Spend time exploring this celebrated working wine estate, famous for its historic Cape Dutch architecture, beautifully curated gardens, artisan produce, and farm-to-table philosophy. Wander through fragrant orchards and vegetable gardens, browse handcrafted goods in the farm shop, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of one of South Africa's most iconic farm experiences.

   Continue inland for about 180 km (2.5 hours) into the rugged Klein Karoo to Aquila Private Game Reserve. On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and buffet lunch before settling into your room overlooking the reserve. After some time to relax by the pool or unwind in your room, head out in an open-top 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced ranger for a guided game drive across Aquila's 10,000-hectare conservancy. Search for most of the iconic Big Five* and other wildlife while learning about the unique Karoo ecosystem and the reserve's conservation efforts. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and a relaxing evening reflecting on the day's sightings. Overnight at Aquila Lodge in a standard room with a private patio or balcony, where you can soak up the peaceful surroundings beneath a spectacular African star-filled sky before another safari adventure at sunrise. *Leopards are highly elusive and are rarely seen during the day in the Western Cape.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Aquila Lodge standard room (ensuite).

2. 2Middelvlei > Cape Town⌄

   Begin the next day with an early morning 4x4 safari, one of the best times to spot wildlife as animals become more active in the cool morning air. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, venture back into the reserve in search of the Big Five and other wildlife while learning more about the unique Karoo environment. After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and beginning the journey back towards the Cape Winelands.

   Arrive at Middelvlei Wine Estate for a traditional South African boere-braai lunch. South Africans are known for loving a "braai" (BBQ), a cherished social occasion where family and friends gather around the fire to share stories, food, and a special bottle of wine. Enjoy a farm-style feast of traditional "Boere Braai" barbecue favourites, homemade side dishes, and local wines while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of this family-owned Stellenbosch wine estate.

   Journey onwards to the historic town of Stellenbosch, where you'll have free time to wander through the oak-lined streets, browse boutique shops and cafés, and admire the Cape Dutch architecture that gives the town its distinctive character. The town's old-world charm, historic buildings, and vibrant Winelands atmosphere make it a favourite stop for visitors and locals alike. After a leisurely afternoon in the Winelands, return to Cape Town for drop-off, bringing an end to this memorable combination of farm life, safari adventure, local flavours, and Cape hospitality.

   Meals: Breakfast