On a Safari close to Cape Town for a review of Aquila Game Reserve;

At Aquila Private Game Reserve, city slickers with a taste for the finer things in life, can scout out Africa's Big Five without having to go on a big trek.

This luxury four-star game reserve is only a two hour drive away from Cape Town (over the breathtaking Du Toitskloof Pass) and offers visitors Malaria free accommodation in the African bush.

At Aquila, visitors can experience Africa's wildlife in style, while partaking in a range of scenic game-related activities.

The reserve is situated on a 4, 500 hectare stretch of nature reserve among a wide variety of natural terrain that includes hills, valleys, mountains, rivers and wide expanses of indigenous fynbos.

Aquila Game Reserve's premier chalets are built into the hillside and boast large wooden sundecks and sunlit rooms. The bathrooms are a shrine to pure indulgence: Large baths are built into the natural rock and guests can also cool off in romantic outside rock-showers.

The chalets offer spectacular views of one of the reserve's watering holes. Guests can relax on the wooden deck while watching various game (like cape buffalos, springbucks and rhinos) having a drink down below. The luxury family chalets also boast stunning views and tasteful decor (and can cater for up to seven people).

Aquila has a unique range of activities on offer: Guests can go on morning and afternoon game drives: Wake up at six and climb into one of Aquila's safari vehicles. The reserve will provide comfy blankets (complete with hoodies) to ward against the morning chill.

Halfway through the game drive, you will stop to stretch your legs and grab a cup of warm coffee, tea or hot chocolate. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy your coffee next to a herd of elands or giraffes. Afternoon game drives (accompanied by snacks and bubbly) are also available.

The restaurant at Aquila has an intimate, tranquil ambiance. Dish up tasty South African home-cooked meals from the extensive buffet (and indulge in delicious desserts), then relax with a nightcap at the pool bar; outside around the fire, or in the library.

Aquila also provides visitors the unique opportunity to meet and greet a cheetah. The reserve is one of the few places in South Africa where you can stroke and be photographed with these majestic creatures.

Adventurous types can go on a Quad bike- or horseback safari and see the big 5 up close.

Folks seeking solace from the rigours of city life can recline by the pool, or sip on a chilled drink at the poolside bar, while watching busy little meerkats scamper by. All in all our review of Aquila Game Reserve was more then positive.

Visiting Cape Town in the near future? Head over to Aquila for a weekend and come face to face with Africa's big five without traveling too far away from the luxuries of city life.

Molo says: "For tourists who are on the run, Aquila offers special day safari packages from Cape Town that include transport breakfast, lunch, a game drive and a cheetah encounter. We definitely recommend staying the night though.

Our Aquila Private Game Reserve Special: Contact the CapeTownMagazine.com Travel Team to arrange your stay at the best price or phone 078-686 7505 (when in Cape Town) and we will arrange everything for you.

Read more about Aquila's horse-back safari's and don't forget to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for more Cape Town news, reviews and events".