Uber Safari explores South Africa’s wildlife until February 2025 and we tested it

Some of our TPG members went to Cape Town this fall and wanted to explore the wildlife of South Africa.

Enter Uber Safari.

The ride-hailing service connects visitors to Cape Town with animal safaris at the Aquila Private Game Reserve, about two hours from the city. The service is available through January and is filling up quickly, but six of us were able to make reservations (thanks to our hosts at Uber) and try out Uber Safari.

Our door-to-door transfer service picked us up at our hotel in Cape Town in the morning and took us on a full-day adventure before dropping us back into the city in time for dinner. This offer is part of Uber’s “Go Anywhere” series of experiences in top travel destinations around the world. Other services include Uber Bubbles, which shuttles passengers from Paris to Champagne, and Uber Boat in Mykonos, Greece.

Frans Hiemstra, Uber’s regional general manager for the Middle East and Africa, said in a statement: “We’ve designed our ‘Go Anywhere’ series to help customers book bucket list adventures group with the Uber convenience they know and love.” “With Uber Safari—one of our most engaging services to date—our Reserve technology makes it easier than ever to explore South Africa’s most iconic travel experiences .”

The stunning two-hour drive west of Cape Town passed thanks to good conversation (and a fun dance playlist) with our Uber drivers, who even joined in. We were on a hunting trip. This experience also includes a welcome drink and lunch at the Aquila Private Game Reserve as well as a safari where you get the chance to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes.

The incredible surroundings of the Karoo Mountains add an wow factor to your photos that you’re sure to make your friends jealous of when they see your Instagram post. At $200 for up to four guests, this experience is surprisingly affordable, as some safari experiences can cost thousands of dollars.

The tour through the private reserve lasts about three hours and has a guide on hand to point out all the animals you’ll encounter – and do your best to spot a few of the harder-to-find animals like lion. Although we didn’t see the full Big Five lineup, we did encounter zebras, baboons, giraffes, elephants, and lions (just to name a few). The Aquila private game reserve also ensures guests’ comfort and offers breaks for showers and refreshments such as sparkling wine or water.

“We are delighted to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, commercial director of Aquila Collection. a statement. “Uber Safari allows people to book and enjoy an unforgettable day in Aquila, where they will experience the Big 5 with ease and luxury. It is the perfect combination of modern convenience and elegance. natural beauty, while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”

Although seats are limited, you can book an Uber Safari through the end of January by going to the Uber app and selecting “Uber Safari” from the home screen. Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations and click “Book”. If your booking is confirmed, you will receive an email notifying you. Happy exploring!

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