Bolandcycletour day 12 – Big Five Safari at Aquila

Skattejag to the R46 T-junction and back. Today we leave Africamps and head up the N1 for a few kilometers before we turn left onto the R46 towards that famous T-junction. We soon arrive at the Aquila gate, but then pass it in order to experience the vast expanse that our German customer so enjoy. And to make up some time – as we can only enter this extremely popular Big Five private game reserve from midday onwards. They are fully booked. The road is flat, and tomorrow there is no cycling, so make the most of today. *Another good opportunity for a bike wash, and your own washing – ask about the laundry service at reception.

💦 Single water point, that can be used twice if you decide to cycle to the T-junction for a 73kms day — or that can be used as a turning point, after 35kms for a 50km day. Your choice. And the km-markers for the route tomorrow (based on the 50km option) below:

• 0km – start from Karoo1
• 17km – pass Aquila
• 35km – turn at waterpoint
• 50km – enter Aquila

See South Africa’s Big Five at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Founded in 1999, Aquila Private Game Reserve is proud to have reintroduced Africa’s Big 5 wildlife back into the Western Cape, establishing the first official Big 5 Game reserve close to Cape Town. Welcome Drinks. Overnight Stay. 2 Big 5 Game Drives. All Meals. Karoo stargazing experience. Aquila is an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.

aquilasafari.com/

Suggested start times for cycling listed below, to ensure we don’t arrive at Aquila too early… because welcome drinks only start from 12pm midday onwards, no earlier. Which distance will you (as an individual, or as a group) choose? I’d like to do the 70kms, but I feel the 50km option will be most popular, and the 17km one is just too short.

• 8am — start for 73kms
• 9am — start for 50kms
• 11am — start for 17kms

Friday

• 12.00 — drinks on arrival
• 12.30 — buffet lunch
• 14.00 — rooms ready
• 16.30 — game drive
• 19.00 — dinner buffet
• 21.00 — stargazing

Saturday

• 07.00 — game drive
• 08.30 — breakfast buffet
• 10.00 — check-out
• 11.00 — depart*
• 14.00 — arrive CPT

It is a 2.5-3hrs drive from Aquila back to the Cape Town hotel, depending on traffic and excluding any rest stops or requests along the way.