A 4x4 on the lookout for wildlife on Renosterveld and Fynbos, surrounded by the diversity of African bushveld in the Western Cape. It might look a bit different to the wild Africa you had in mind, but make no mistake – this was the real “outback” only a few centuries ago.

After a 2 hour picturesque drive over the impressive Du Toitskloof Pass, through the most scenic Hex River valley there is still a taste of how wildlife once roamed the Cape.

After welcome drinks, we were invited for Breakfast first, with traditional bacon and eggs (any way you like them), grilled mushrooms, tomato, chicken liver and fresh croissants, giant muffins, a variety of South African cheeses, different mueslis, fresh yoghurts & fruit juices and coffee. The list of breakfast options go on and on, catering for all tastes, including halaal and kosher.

Taking your breakfast outside gives an incredible view of this Cape style Africa in the morning, with crocodiles in the pond, and buffalos right behind it.

Lunch is even more surprisingly diverse. Each meal feels like a feast and you are spoilt for choice with a buffet that probably spreads over 8 meters long…but back to the Game Drive!

The 4x4 game drives are done with experienced game rangers who know the reserve, the animals, the fauna and flora as well as the history of this area like the back of their hands.

4x4 Engines start with a bit of growl, much like the rangers after their first cup of coffee in the morning. Two rangers will guide you through the bush both doing what they love.

As you discover every aspect of life on the reserve, you will find that even the smallest animal will impress you just as much as the gentle elephants, round hippos, white lions, short-tempered rhinos, and other game.

The ranger will pick an ideal spot to set up a table for coffee and cookies, and if you’re as lucky as we were there could be giraffes in the background.

Discover many more unique animals found on the reserve, including less known species like the Bat eared fox (little foxes with huge ears), the Blesbok (with the memory span of a goldfish) and the Rock Dassie (the closest living relative to the elephant).

The plants in the reserve are a mixture of Renosterveld and Mountain Fynbos, and among these plants our ranger pointed out the poisonous Nenta succulent plant. This plant is nicknamed the “Bushman’s candle” because of the hallucinogenic effect that it has on one when smoked. Bushmen used to dry this plant and smoke it through an ostrich egg. By the way, an ostrich egg equals 36 chicken eggs in cholesterol!

Although the afternoon can be spent lazing around the pool overlooking the reserve, don’t forget to get a once in a life time photo of you hugging a cheetah.

For more information go to www.aquilasafari.com or book directly through CapeTownMagazine.com’s Central Tours Reservation number when in Cape Town: +27(0)78-6867505.

Molo Says: ”How about spending the night at Aquila, and enjoying the calm joy of the Horse Back Safari and of course their exceptional Quad Biking and a must read is the entire experience that you will find at Aquila."