Begin your day with a pickup at your central Cape Town hotel in an air-conditioned coach, and travel in comfort to the private and malaria-free Aquila Game Reserve in the midst of the southern Karoo semi-desert region. Meet your guide and game ranger when you reach the reserve, and from there climb into an open-air safari vehicle to begin your game drive. Learn about how the so-called ‘Big Five’ - African elephants, Cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinos - got their nickname as you keep your eyes peeled for any sign of them as well as giraffes, hippos, and other animals. The Aquila Game Reserve is particularly known for its abundant bird species, thanks in part to a large wetland area. There are over 170 species of birds that make their home in the park, including the endangered ‘Aquila’ Black Eagle, from which the reserve takes its name.