THE ULTIMATE CAPE TOWN SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Cape Town, South Africa – Aquila Collection, a leading portfolio of Big 5 safari lodges in the Western Cape, has concluded the successful fourth edition of its destination showcase campaign, “The Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience.” This latest edition – presented in partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways and Tatopia Creative – targeted the Scandinavian travel trade and media market. The five-night familiarisation trip invited top media and influencers to discover the Western Cape’s unique proposition: the ability to experience safari, winelands, and Cape Town’s city highlights using only one gateway – Cape Town International Airport – in one seamless journey.

Building on previous campaign editions in Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, the Scandinavian edition highlighted how easily travellers can explore Cape Town and the Western Cape’s diversity. Delegates arrived on Norse Atlantic’s new seasonal service from London Gatwick (a convenient “build-a-flight” route) and immediately set off on an itinerary showcasing the region’s remarkable accessibility and variety. From sunrise to sunset, participants experienced the full spectrum of Cape Town’s magic within a compact radius. Key highlights of the five-day itinerary included:

• • Big Five Cape Town Safaris: Sunset and sunrise game drive, horse rides, quad bike adventures, spa moments, outdoor dining and Milky Way views at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, immersing guests in the thrill of the Cape Karoo’s wildlife experiences.

• • Cape Winelands: Wine tastings in Tulbagh’s historic wine region and a scenic stop in the Franschhoek Valley, pairing award-winning Cape wines with breathtaking vineyard landscapes.

• • Iconic Landscapes: A panoramic moment atop Table Mountain, reached via the aerial cableway, offering 360° views of the Cape, and a spectacular coastal drive along the Cape Peninsula to visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

• • Cape Town City Experiences: Two nights in Cape Town with immersive cultural and culinary adventures – from exploring vibrant city neighbourhoods to enjoying local cuisine at hosted dinners – demonstrating the rich culture, cuisine, and nightlife that the Cape Town offers.

Throughout the trip, the emotional impact on the Scandinavian guests was evident. Many were visiting South Africa for the first time, and the journey proved transformative. “Sharing Cape Town’s wonders with first-time visitors is incredibly rewarding – we watched our guests gaze in awe at wildlife at dawn and shed tears of joy at a fiery African sunset,” said Iman Kerigo, Founder of Tatopia Creative, who curated the top delegates for the destination showcase. “For our Scandinavian media and influencers, this experience wasn’t just a tour – it was a profound connection with a destination. We’re confident their stories will inspire more travellers back home to follow in their footsteps.

The campaign also underscored the ease of access provided by the campaign’s airline partner. Norse Atlantic Airways’ direct flights from London Gatwick to Cape Town (launched as a seasonal route late last year) significantly streamline the journey from Europe. “Cape Town is now closer than ever for travellers from the Nordics,” noted Norse Atlantic Airlines. “Our nonstop Gatwick – Cape Town service opens up this bucket-list destination to new markets by offering an affordable connection. We are proud to support initiatives like the Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience, which showcase the Western Cape’s appeal. By making long-haul travel convenient, we’re helping a new wave of visitors discover Cape Town’s beauty and its safari adventures.”

According to Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer at Aquila Collection, the collaborative effort behind this campaign was key to its success. “Following our showcases in the Polish, Czech and UK markets previously, we were excited to bring the campaign to a Scandinavian audience with such strong partners,” van Schalkwyk said. “The tourism community in Cape Town and the Western Cape is truly an ecosystem of friends and collaborators. By partnering with Norse Atlantic, Tatopia Creative, and local attractions, we created an itinerary that proves our region is not a distant, hard-to-reach locale but an easily accessible must-visit  destination. Where else can you watch elephants at dawn, sip wine by afternoon, and be back in the city for a sunset on Table Mountain – all in one day?”

Van Schalkwyk added that initiatives like this are vital for broadening Cape Town’s tourism base. “Our mission at Aquila Collection is to position Cape Town as a premier long-haul destination in emerging markets,” he concluded. “By immersing guests in experiences and leveraging strategic partnerships, we’re expanding global awareness of what the Western Cape offers. It’s a win-win – we inspire travellers with unforgettable moments, and in turn we drive sustainable tourism growth for the destination. We’ll continue to invest in emotionally resonant campaigns like these to keep Cape Town, the Western Cape – and our Cape Town Big 5 Safaris – at the top of travellers’ bucket lists.”