The owner of Aquila Private Game Reserve is driven by a desire to share his love of the wild with Cape Town and the world, and set about searching for the perfect property to re-introduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape of South Africa. He came across a majestic nature reserve that would suit this purpose: it already had various antelope species resident and now needed the presence of the magnificent Big 5.
21 years later, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is a world renowned four star family friendly safari destination just 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town. The 10 000 hectare conservancy is situated between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Southern Karoo of the Western Cape, South Africa, and home to the majestic Big 5 legends.
All wildlife roam freely on this vast private reserve with a strict no-touching policy enforced. Informative game drives are offered on traditional safari vehicles, on horseback or on quad bike. Each of these offering their very own unique personal encounters with the wildlife at the Reserve. A private safari with proudly South African style snacks and bubbly can also be arranged for intimate gatherings in the veld. Guests also have the opportunity to experience a fly-in safari by helicopter.
The Reserve has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar, serving cocktails and ice-cold beverages for socials around the crystal clear pool. There are large dining areas and a dedicated overnight restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African dessert. Furthermore, overnight visitors can relax in the cosy mezzanine level bar and lounge with beautiful views of the reserve. Aquila has a curio shop and children’s entertainment area with mini-golf, big chess, and child carers.
The night time fire pit transforms into a social gathering under the Karoo stars. Here guest share their stories and safari photos while enjoying a Marshmallow braai. They are also entertained by a stargazing guide and telescoped that bring the magic of the Milky Way to the firepit.
The spa adds to the world class facilities and services on offer. Here visitors can enjoy a luxurious African treatment and unwind after an action packed day. The spa facilities boasts a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and ten treatment rooms; it is a masterpiece of luxury.
Accommodation options include premier, family or Karoo cottages. All options contain the ruggedness necessary to capture the essence of the bush, without compromising on luxury and comfort. Premier chalets are privately situated and have been built into the hillside. Each unit has been adorned with alfresco rock showers and indoor fire-places.
Family chalets are semi-detached, feature exterior stone work and come with their very own back-to-nature outdoor shower.
Karoo chalets are a hideaway haven. Snug, cosy and everything you would expect in an overnight, mid-week or weekend retreat.
The Aquila Lodge offers modern finishes and great views of the Karoo landscapes. The Premier Rooms face the poolside area with beautiful views of the Reserve, while the Standard Rooms offer no views but ensure a comfortable and basic overnight safari stay.
In addition, Aquila has been a finalist of the most prestigious Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards, hosted by the National Department Of Tourism, for 3 consecutive years and winner in 2014 of the Lilizela Imvelo Award for “Best Economic Impact by a Large Tourism Establishment in South Africa: promoting the local economic development of communities for ensuring industry sustainability”.
Most recently, during October 2020 Aquila was honoured with the Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award for a Large Tourism Establishment. This award gives Aquila global recognition for its social upliftment and conservation efforts and projects.
Aquila is so much more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience. It is a luxurious African adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime.
Aquila is offering 30% off all stays for the month of November. This includes:
– Welcome drinks
– Lunch
Afternoon safrai
– Dinner and marshmallow braai (weather permitting)
– Early morning game drive
– Breakfast
Other inclusions:
– Complimentary wifi
– Complimentary Eco-Synergy Project tour
– Use of the kids adventure zone
– Use of the pool and wet bar
All bookings via www.aquilasafari.com
Read all about Aquila’s Safe Service Safari protocol: https://aquilacollection.com/safe-service-safaris/
Picture/s: supplied