Aquila Game Reserve Safari with wine tasting, Transport & Lunch

Big Five safari, then wine tasting.

This Cape Town day trip mixes two moods in one go: an Aquila Private Game Reserve safari in an open vehicle and a Fairview wine-and-cheese stop before you hit the bush. I like the convenience too, with hotel pickup and drop-off and air-conditioned transport for the long drive.

There’s just one catch to plan for. Aquila’s entrance ticket is not included, so you’ll pay that directly at the reserve, and alcoholic drinks are also extra.

Key highlights you should care about

• Up to five wine tastings paired with cheese at Fairview Wine and Cheese, with admission included
• A 4×4 open safari vehicle for a game drive (about 2 to 3 hours, often run as a 3-hour experience)
• Real chance at the Big Five plus giraffes, zebras, and a mix of antelope species
• Buffet lunch at the lodge with vegetarian options, plus welcome drink and bottled water
• Private transport for your group, with a friendly driver and a ranger-led safari

Aquila Safari and Wine Tasting: A very practical Cape Town day

This isn’t one of those tours that feels half-finished. You get a full wildlife block and a proper tasting block, with transport that gets you there without the stress of public transit, timing, or parking.

The biggest value for me is the structure. You’re not trying to squeeze safari into a random half-hour slot. You start with wine and cheese at Fairview, then move on to Aquila for your lodge time, lunch, and game drive. By the time you’re out on the plains, you’re not rushing, you’re set up to actually pay attention.

Also, this is a private tour for your group, so your schedule is steadier than on big group buses. You can ask questions, and the day doesn’t feel like it’s being rushed between strangers.

Fairview Wine and Cheese: the smart warm-up before safari

The morning begins at Fairview Wine and Cheese, where you sample up to five premium wines paired with a selection of cheese. Admission is included, and the tasting fits neatly into about an hour.

What I like about doing this first is simple. You get a calm, human-scaled stop before the more hands-on parts of the day. Wine country also gives you time to settle in, use the restrooms, and get your bearings before the safari vehicle starts moving.

Fairview is described as a working farm with micro-businesses focused on artisanal and sustainable produce. Even if you’re not a wine expert, that context helps the tasting feel grounded. The pairing approach matters too. The idea isn’t just drinking, it’s tasting alongside flavors that actually help you understand what you’re having.

One practical note: the wine tastings are included, but alcoholic drinks at lunch are not. So if you want more wine or beer later, you should be ready to pay at your own cost.

The drive to Aquila: why the timing works

You’ll be picked up in Cape Town around 8:30 am, travel to the reserve, then return to your accommodation at about 5:30 pm. The whole day is roughly 8 hours.

Aquila is around a two-hour drive from Cape Town, so this is the kind of day trip that needs a proper start and a clear afternoon finish. The good news is the vehicle is air-conditioned, and the tour includes a bottle of water. That matters when you’re spending hours in a vehicle and then stepping into open-air safari conditions.

On the way, your driver and ranger lead-in time helps. One review specifically called out a guide named Mr. loutieno as top-notch and good at tailoring the day. Even without that exact situation, the tone of the experience is meant to be friendly and informative, not just transportation to a destination.

Tip for your comfort: dress in layers. You want something light for the morning, and something practical for the game drive when you’re exposed to wind and shifting temperatures.

Arrival at Aquila: welcome drink, lunch first, then the hunt for wildlife

Once you arrive, you’re offered a welcome drink, then you head to lunch at the lodge. This order is useful. Eating first helps you enjoy the safari more because you’re not trying to think about food while you’re watching for movement.

Lunch is a full buffet and it includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. You’ll find local and international dishes, and the tour description notes that foods are often made using fresh, local ingredients. In plain terms, that means you’re not stuck with a bland backup meal.

Also, bottle water is included, and the day is designed so you’re not scrambling for essentials right away.

One important planning point: Aquila’s entrance ticket is not included in the tour price. You must pay that directly at the reserve. If you forget this part, the day can feel awkward at the gate, so budget for it.

Game drive in an open 4×4: the Big Five moment

This is the heart of the day. After lunch, you head out on a 2 to 3 hour game drive in an open safari vehicle with a ranger driver.

The game drive is where you go looking for the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo. You also have a chance to spot giraffes, zebras, and different types of antelope.

Now, let’s be realistic. Safari sightings are never a guarantee. The real win here is that you get a proper length of drive time plus a ranger-led experience. That combination gives you a better shot at seeing more of what’s moving around, not just the big-ticket animals.

And open-vehicle conditions matter for photos and for the feel of the place. You can hear more. You can see dust and distance. You’re not looking at wildlife through glass.

Practical things to do before you go: bring a camera or phone with a strap if you can, secure your belongings, and keep your jacket accessible. Also, take your time aiming for the animals that are farther out. A lot of the best moments happen when you spot a shape first, then confirm with binoculars or a ranger’s direction.

Lunch at the lodge: included, buffet style, and what is not covered

Lunch is included, and it’s a buffet. You can expect a mix of local and international dishes, and there are vegetarian options.

Alcohol is handled separately. All alcoholic drinks are excluded for lunch and any drinks beyond what’s included are at your own cost. That means your included meal is still filling, but if you like pairing food with a drink, you’ll want to plan for that extra spend.

What I like about a buffet here is flexibility. Safari days can move in real time based on animals and sightings. A buffet setup keeps you from waiting for a single plated course that might not fit the flow of the day.

One more comfort detail: bottle water is included. That’s a small thing, but it helps, especially on a hot day and right before the safari vehicle.

Price and value: what $169.19 covers, and what you pay extra

At $169.19 per person, this tour looks like it’s priced for people who want the full day experience from Cape Town without piecing together transfers, meals, and a tasting on their own.

Here’s what you’re getting for that price:

• Fairview wine and cheese tasting admission and tastings
• Welcome drink, bottle water, and a full buffet lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Safari vehicle time with a ranger driver

And here’s what you should expect to pay separately:

• Aquila entrance ticket (paid directly at the reserve)
• Alcoholic drinks at your own cost

That separation is the key to judging value. If you were only paying for transport and a basic safari, the entrance ticket exclusion would sting more. But since meals and tasting are included, the tour still feels like a solid package. You’re paying to remove the friction of planning, and you’re also paying for the time blocks: tasting, lunch, and safari drive.

Booking in advance is also common for this type of day trip, and the tour is often booked about 14 days ahead. If you have a tight itinerary in Cape Town, booking early can help you line up your best day weather window.

Who this safari-and-wine day trip fits best

I think this works especially well for:

• People who want a first safari experience from Cape Town without going overnight
• Couples and small groups who want a private day with steadier pacing
• Anyone who likes mixing food and wine with activities, not just a long drive and a quick snack
• Visitors who want Big Five odds plus a broader wildlife mix in the same outing

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate early starts, since it kicks off around 8:30 am
• You want fully included everything. You still have the Aquila entrance ticket and lunch alcohol costs to consider
• You’re chasing one specific animal. Safari sightings are chance-based, and even a well-run drive is still wildlife, not a scripted show

Tips to make the day feel smooth

A good tour day is mostly about preparation. Here are a few ideas based on how this experience runs:

• Wear shoes you can walk in. Lodge paths and safari boarding need stable footing.
• Bring sun protection. Even with a scheduled plan, you’re outside during the safari.
• Keep a light layer for wind during the open-vehicle drive.
• Plan cash or a payment method for Aquila’s entrance fee. It’s not included.
• If you want extra drinks beyond the included items, be ready to pay at your own cost.

One more subtle tip: pay attention to your timing. The tour is built so you eat first, then go out. If you skip snacks earlier in the day, you’ll feel it later, once you’re out searching for lions and elephants.

Should you book this Aquila safari with wine tasting?

Yes, if your priority is a Big Five safari experience from Cape Town that also includes food and wine-focused fun. The value comes from the all-in structure: Fairview tasting plus lunch plus a real safari block, with transport handled for you.

I’d especially recommend it when you want something more than a basic safari transfer. This is a day trip that gives you two memorable settings, vineyard-country calm in the morning and wildlife driving in the afternoon.

If you’re okay with paying the Aquila entrance ticket separately and keeping lunch alcohol as optional, this is a strong, well-paced Cape Town add-on. It’s the kind of day that fits perfectly when you have a few days in the city and you want at least one genuine African bush moment before you move on.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and when do we return?

The tour starts at 8:30 am. You’ll be dropped back in Cape Town at approximately 5:30 pm.

Is the Aquila Private Game Reserve entrance fee included?

No. Aquila’s entrance ticket is not included in the tour price. You must pay it directly at the reserve.

How does the wine tasting at Fairview work?

You’ll visit Fairview Wine and Cheese for a tasting that samples up to five premium wines, paired with a variety of cheeses. Admission is included.

Is lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Lunch at the lodge is a full buffet and includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Bottle water is included as well.

How long is the game drive, and what vehicle do you use?

After lunch, you’ll take a game drive in an open safari vehicle. The experience is described as about 2 to 3 hours, and the on-the-day plan often runs as a 3-hour drive.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.