Wine and Safari – Experience Both with Aquila Collection

Cape Town Tourism
January 29, 2026
Eat & Drink, Nature Activities
2 min Read

Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands and seeing the Big Five on safari are bucket-list experiences you can’t miss when visiting Cape Town and its surrounding areas.

Now, you can enjoy both on one trip, pairing a day of wine tasting at Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl with an overnight Big 5 safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve, just two hours away.

Wine Down

Your journey begins with an hour’s drive from Cape Town to Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl. Now part of the Aquila Collection, Dekkersvlei is home to the World’s First White Pinotage.
As one of the oldest wine farms in the Paarl region, Dekkersvlei sits beneath the dramatic Klein Drakenstein Mountains, overlooking granite domes and fertile valleys that have shaped centuries of winemaking.

Previously called Mellasat Vineyards, the farm returned to its original name last year, honouring its roots that date back to 1693. Begin with a wine tasting in their revitalised tasting room or the cellar if you want some privacy. There’s a selection of white and red wines, as well as brandy tastings to choose from.

The Taste the Original Wine Experience is highly recommended. A knowledgeable guide leads you through a curated wine tasting (with non-alcoholic options available for designated drivers), followed by a cellar tour where you’ll learn how their signature White Pinotage is produced. You can opt for a brandy and chocolate tasting afterwards, or order some of their pizzas and take in the views before making your way to Aquila Private Game Reserve.

Spot the Big 5

From Dekkersvlei, take a scenic 90-minute drive to Aquila Private Game Reserve, renowned for its Big Five sightings and commitment to conservation. Arrive in time for the sunset safari, a traditional 2–3-hour game drive offering the chance to spot lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, and ostrich.

The following morning begins with your choice of a quad biking or horseback safari through the reserve, or you can take it slow with a leisurely morning by the outdoor infinity pool before checking out.

Find out more about Aquila’s accommodation here.

Booking Details

Reservations can be made online through Aquila’s official website at aquilasafari.com/
The team can also tailor-make packages to accommodate the wine and safari experience.