Lady’s Review of a Game Reserve near Cape Town

I love a safari, and now that I’m in South Africa I’m eager to go on one. After a great time in Cape Town, I head out into the Karoo with friends who are getting married. They’ve invited the wedding guests to join them at a game reserve near Cape Town for a one-night safari, and I can’t wait to see the wildlife.

Game Reserve near Cape Town

I’ve done a lot of safaris in Africa. From Kenya to Zambia, Botswana to Zimbabwe, I’ve loved getting up close with the animals.

On my last trip to Cape Town I even did a safari in Kruger National Park near Johannesburg. But what I like about this one is that it’s only a couple hours’ drive from Cape Town, so it’s easy and quick.

I also like that my friends have been here before and can vouch for it. The bride is from Cape Town and she and the groom have done a safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve in the past. They enjoyed it so much they’ve brought us all back to do it again.

Aquila Private Game Reserve near Cape Town

We start in Cape Town, driving in a caravan of cars to the Karoo, a semi-desert region outside the city. In two hours’ time we find ourselves at Aquila’s front gates.

We check in, enjoying a complimentary glass of South African sparkling wine as we do.

It’s a smooth process, and soon we’re heading over lawns, across a small bridge, and past life-size animal sculptures to get to the main lodge for lunch.

The buffet is impressive, not least because there are as many salad and vegetarian options as there are meat ones (South African cuisine can be fairly carnivorous).

We eat overlooking the swimming pool and game reserve, getting excited as we spot elephants in the distance.

After lunch I head to my room at Aquila. It’s at the back of the property on the ground floor, and the parking lot view is a bit disappointing.

But the room itself is spacious, with a big bed, desk, table and chairs, and bathroom. I like that they’ve made a towel into an elephant, too. It’s a nice touch for a room at game reserve near Cape Town.

I spend the afternoon roaming around the grounds and taking pictures of everything from the swimming pool to the lodge. As I do, I discover a spa (I could use a massage) and spot more elephants in the distance.

Safari at Aquila Game Reserve near Cape Town

And soon it’s time to see said elephants up close. I join my group and pile into a big safari vehicle, ready to spot some wildlife. The game drive is a two-and-a-half hour affair that will take us all around the reserve at Aquila.

As soon as we get going, the wildlife appears in quantity. We see a buffalo, several rhinos, and a herd of springbok right away. Not long later we spot everything from elephants to hippos and zebras.

Eventually we make our way to the lion enclosure—they’re caged off in their own area at Aquila—to see the big cats.

They’re active this evening, playing with one another and climbing rocks to pose for us. It’s amazing to see them so close.

After leaving the lions, we stop for drinks at a small lodge in the game reserve. Then we’re off to see giraffes and an eland before getting back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Dinner is another big buffet, and it’s followed by stargazing on the lawn. It’s amazing how many stars are visible here, and it’s great to see them through the big telescopes set up on the grass.

The next morning we’re up before sunrise for our second game drive at Aquila. This one is quieter than the previous, but we still see plenty of hippos and some very energetic elephants.

The lions are more subdued today, but the springbok are lively and the giraffes out and about. It’s great to see them all in the golden hour light.

The game drive lasts an hour and a half, and afterwards we have breakfast back at the lodge. Then it’s time to pack and check out of Aquila.

Cape Town Game Reserve

It’s been amazing to see all the wildlife and to go to a game reserve so near Cape Town. I never realized I could do a safari here, and it’s been great that it’s all been fast and straightforward.

I’m off to the Worcester Wine Route for the wedding next, so stay tuned for more…

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