Cape Town Safari & Breede Valley: Big Five, Wine & Scenic Drive

Summary

Wine tasting, mountain passes and a real African safari all in one Cape Town day

You’ll ride out from Cape Town with a local guide, taste wine in the Breede River Valley or grab coffee at Ou Meul Bakery, then join a guided Big Five safari at Aquila Game Reserve with lunch included. Expect mountain views, animal encounters and small surprises along the way — it’s one of those days that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The day started with that familiar nervous excitement — you know, when you’re not sure if you packed enough snacks or if the guide will actually show up on time. But there was our driver (Sipho, I think?) waiting right outside the hotel, grinning and waving like he’d known us forever. We piled into this surprisingly plush van (not joking — actual legroom) and rolled out of Cape Town, past Paarl’s weirdly poetic Language Monument. The city faded fast and suddenly we were winding up Du Toitskloof Pass, clouds snagging on the mountains. It smelled like wet stone and eucalyptus after last night’s rain.

I didn’t expect to care much about wine at 10am but Du Toitskloof Wines changed my mind. Our guide joked about “breakfast Chenin Blanc” while pouring — apparently their Fairtrade thing helps thousands of locals, which made every sip feel less guilty. I tried to pronounce something on the label and the woman behind the counter just laughed (gently). If you’re not into wine, there’s this bakery next door where I had a pastry so flaky it basically exploded down my shirt. Coffee was strong enough to wake up a lion. We lingered longer than planned — easy to do when the air is cool and nobody’s rushing.

The drive through Breede River Valley felt endless in that good way — rows of vines, purple mountains in the distance, sunlight flickering through clouds. Then Aquila Game Reserve appeared out of nowhere. They handed us bubbly at check-in (alcohol-free for me because nerves), then lunch: buffet-style but honestly better than most buffets I’ve survived elsewhere. Our ranger, Thabo, rounded us up for the game drive — he had this calm way of spotting animals before anyone else did. Seeing an elephant up close is… well, it’s not something photos prepare you for. The rhinos looked ancient and gentle all at once; lions lounged like they owned the place (which they kind of do). It got quiet sometimes except for birds or someone whispering “there!”

On the way back we stopped at Du Kloof Lodge for coffee by a river that actually sparkled in late sun — cheesy but true. I remember thinking how tired my legs felt but also how weirdly awake my head was from everything we’d seen. The Huguenot Tunnel swallowed us up and spat us back towards Cape Town traffic; I almost wished it was longer just to stay in that between-worlds feeling a bit more.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley

• 08h30 pick up from hotel
• Drive along N1 past Language Monument
• Travel up Du Toitskloof Pass
• Stop at pass top for views
• Enjoy Breede and Hex River Valley scenery
• Wine tasting at Du Toitskloof Wines
• Coffee and pastry at Ou Meul Bakery
• Arrive at private game farm
• Complimentary glass of bubbly
• Lavish buffet lunch
• 2-3 hour guided game drive
• Comfort break at Du Kloof Lodge
• Return via Huguenot Tunnel
• Drop off at hotel around 18h30

Top questions

How long is the Big Five safari day trip from Cape Town?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, with pickup around 8:30am and drop-off near 6:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included on this safari & wine tour?

Yes, hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off are included in Cape Town.

Are entrance fees to Aquila Game Reserve included?

No, park admission is extra (R1890–R2580 per person depending on season), paid separately via payment link sent after booking.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included with your game reserve entry fee at Aquila.

Can children join this Big Five safari tour?

Yes, children are welcome; child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

Is there wine tasting on this Cape Town safari tour?

Yes, there’s an optional stop for wine tasting at Du Toitskloof Wines (R60 per person).

What animals can I see on the Aquila game drive?

You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos and other reintroduced animals during your guided game drive.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town with a professional guide driving an upmarket vehicle; stops for wine tasting or coffee in Breede River Valley; entry to Aquila Game Reserve (paid separately) which covers a glass of bubbly on arrival, buffet lunch and a 2-3 hour guided game drive before returning via mountain passes in the evening.