I recently took the Aquila Sunset Safari + Culinary Experience with Feast Africa and I loved it. I had a full day out with some of the highlights being the Aquila Sunset Safari, a visit to the Spice Route, a buffet dinner, and the most magnificent views of Cape Town on the road.
If you are thinking of experiencing a safari from Cape Town, this is the best way to do it. Not only you are going to be amazed by the incredible animals in their habitat… elephants, zebras, hippos, lions, and many other.
But also you are going to make the most of your day by visiting several places on the way to the game reserve, having a complete culinary experience in the hands of a real foodie and experiencing the scenic beauty of the South African landscape.
These was a complete and unique experience. In summary we visited:
- Spice Route (brunch)
- Aquila Private Game Reserve (aquaponics installation visit + refreshments + safari + sunset snacks + buffet dinner)
You are going to spend an adventurous, delicious and fun day!
The Basics
The Tour Guide
Our tour guide was the awesome Neil, he has a lot of experience giving all kinds of tours in Cape Town. But besides touristic activities, he is a true foodie and knows all the restaurants where you should go to have great culinary experiences!
Transport
We were moving on a very spacious and comfortable car (not a van as the majority of the tours, because this was more a VIP experience). It was also very convenient because we were able to leave our bags secure while we went out to see each place.
What’s included on the tour?
- Brunch
- Mid day refreshments
- Sunset snacks
- Buffet dinner
- Qualified guide
- All transport
*The tour lasted 11 hours. Neil picked me and my friends up from Mojo Hotel (My stay at the trendy Mojo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa) at 10:00 am and brought me back at 9:00 pm. The following are the places we visited.
1. Spice Route Paarl
This place is a popular tourist destination. The name Spice Route dates back to the historical mariners who used to trade Eastern spices to Europe along the “Spice Route” for spice trade in the 15th century. Today, it offers a variety to discover: typical South African delicacies like local wines, craft beer, chocolates and much more.
Visitors can go on a journey on that traditional route, which takes them to the following 15 experiences and activities to explore the culture, art and tastes of South Africa:
Restaurants
- Barley & Biltong Emporium: gourmet burgers, biltong and craft beer.
- La Grapperia Bistro & Pizzeria: German / Italian Bistro food – Pizza, Eisbein, G&T’s, beer and wine on tap with the most incredible view.
- Bertus Basson: traditional South African Cooking.
Drinks
- Cape Brewing Company (CBC): produces and offers a wide range of beers using only the finest ingredients.
- Spice Route Wines: artisan, small batch wines from Swartland.
- Wilderer Destillery: making award-winning grappa and eau de vie (schnaps) since 1995.
Taste
- De Villiers Chocolate: chocolate made from cocoa bean developing unique flavour profiles.
- Richard Bosman quality curated meats: pasture-reared, hand cured Italian and Spanish style charcuterie.
- DV Café: freshly roasted coffee, gluten free cakes and homemade ice cream.
Shop
- Brenda’s Deli: glazes, jams, preserves, cordials, condiments, olives & oils, chutneys, and spices.
- Red Hot Glass: contemporary style glass blowing studio & gallery.
- The Trading company: an eclectic mix of old and new.
- Sirenia: diamond jewellery store.
Activity
- Hero Adventure Trails: get active with Paarl Mountain Trails.
- Pilates for life: Pilates for life, move, breathe, connect.
For me, the highlights were:
a. De Villiers Chocolate
When we arrived we went directly to taste chocolate at De Villiers Chocolate. I liked that they had all kinds of chocolate, some with some flavors added.
b. Red Hot Glass
We saw live glass making process and several finished pieces that looked modern and trendy.
c. La Grapperia
We had brunch at the La Grapperia which is now one of my favorite restaurants in Cape Town. We had antipasti salumi (italian cold meat platter), a fairview cheese platter and margherita pizza and it was absolutely delicious. Perfect to start the day and move on to our next destination.
For more information, visit the Spice Route official website.
2. Huguenot Tunnel
En Route to have brunch on the Spice Route we passed through the Huguenot Tunnel, a toll tunnel that extends the N1 national road through the Du Toitskloof mountains that separate Paarl from Worcester. The 4km tunnel is the longest in South Africa.
You can read more information about the Huguenot Tunnel here.
3. Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari & SPA
Back on the road we travel between the mountains with views from Cape Town through the winelands and into the Klein Karoo to the Aquila Private Game Reserve.
a. Welcome
We were received by a hearty welcome with local drinks.
b. Overview of the place
Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari and SPA is an amazing place that counts with several pools, overnight accommodation (in lodge or cottages), SPA, conference center, restaurant, cigar lounge, public lounge, wet bar and an animal rescue center. You can bring your swimming suit to refresh on the pool or have some drinks while sun tanning.
c. Aquaponics
We were also shown the aquaponics installations that Aquila runs. Very useful to recycle waste and be eco-friendly.
d. Refreshments
Before the safari we returned to have some refreshments while contemplating the pool and the nice mountain landscape.
e. Aquila Sunset Safari
At 3:30 pm we were directed to our safari vehicle for our Big 5 Sunset Safari Experience. On Safari we encountered a variety of animals starting with hippos, elephants, peacocks, and baboons, continuing with zebras, rhinos, antelopes and giraffes, and finishing with a lion and lioness. The safari was led by an experienced guide who shared exciting inside facts about the animals and surroundings.
f. Sunset snacks
After seeing many different animals, we had a brief stop in the middle of the wilderness to enjoy some drinks with biltong, fruits and peanuts. I adored this stop because you can chill and watch the colors of the beautiful African sunset.
g. Buffet dinner
We closed the day off with a delicious buffet dinner at the Aquila Restaurant accompanied with a bottle of wine a delicious dessert was perfect to feel satisfied on the way back to Cape Town.
For more information, visit Aquila Private Game Reserve official website.
Feast Africa Contact
- Website: https://feastafrica.com/
- Email: bookings@feastafrica.com
- Telephone: +27 21 422 2144
Let’s get social!
- Facebook: @FeastAfrica
- Instagram: @FeastAfrica
- Twitter: @FeastAfrica
- Pinterest: @FeastAfrica
- Youtube: @FeastAfrica
- Trip Advisor: Feast Africa
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are my own
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