Experience history through the eyes of those who lived it
Book This TourHalf Day (4 hours)
6-20 people
Touws River
A sunset safari at Aquila is a relaxed late-afternoon wildlife experience just a couple of hours from Cape Town. After arriving at the reserve and enjoying welcome drinks and snacks, you’ll head out in an open 4×4 with a knowledgeable ranger as the Karoo light softens and the animals become more active. The golden hues of sunset, wide open plains, and chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife — including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and more — make it a scenic and memorable few hours in nature.
🦁 Big Five wildlife spotting – Look for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards in the reserve’s open terrain.
🌅 Sunset over the Karoo – Spectacular golden hour light across the plains, perfect for photos and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
🚙 Guided game drive in an open safari vehicle – Experienced rangers help you track animals and share insights about wildlife and habitat.
🍹 Welcome drinks and light snacks on arrival to kick off the experience.
📸 Photography opportunities – Great views of wildlife and landscape under soft evening light.
📍 Scenic Karoo setting – Enjoy the unique South African semi-arid environment as the day cools and activity increases.
This isn’t just a safari — it’s a conservation story in motion. Experience Aquila Game Reserve, where once-depleted land has been restored into a thriving wildlife sanctuary, offering a rare opportunity to witness Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Founded with a vision to reintroduce and protect the Big Five in the Western Cape, Aquila stands as a testament to what is possible when conservation, sustainability, and respect for nature come together. Each game drive supports ongoing wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and responsible tourism.
“In nature, nothing exists alone.” — Rachel Carson
This philosophy defines every safari — a reminder that preservation, balance, and renewal are at the heart of the Aquila experience.
Aquila Private Game Reserve began as a conservation vision in 1999, when its founder Searl Derman set out to create a Big 5 wildlife sanctuary within reach of Cape Town. He purchased land in the Touws River valley in the Karoo and worked to transform it from a rural property into a thriving game reserve dedicated to wildlife preservation and tourism.
The reserve takes its name from the endangered black (Verreaux’s) eagle (Aquila verreauxii) found in the region. Initially home mostly to antelope and smaller species, Aquila later reintroduced the Big 5 animals—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard—back into the Western Cape, where many of these species had long since disappeared due to hunting and habitat loss.
Over the decades, Aquila has grown into a well-known safari destination combining wildlife conservation, tourism, and community development, hosting visitors from around the world and marking more than 25 years of operation by 2024. Today the reserve focuses not only on game drives and wildlife viewing, but also on broader conservation efforts—such as rhino protection—and sustainable tourism practices, all while giving guests a chance to experience Africa’s iconic animals just a couple of hours from Cape Town.
Contact us today to reserve your spot on this unforgettable journey
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