Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Aquila Safari
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. Eighteen 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 000ha 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: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
The Big 5 animals came from across South Africa. Lions were saved from the notorious canned hunting industry. An entire mountain and valley at the reserve has been set aside as a sanctuary for these lions.
The word soon got out that Aquila was the place to turn to if there was a need to rescue hurt, endangered and abused animals. Aquila’s elephants are also a rescue from a cull. They have now settled down well and their adaptation to their new environment is being closely monitored.
This private reserve is also home to the first rhino born in the Western Cape in more than 250 years. All wildlife roam freely on this vast private reserve.
Informative game drives are offered on traditional safari vehicles, on horseback or on quad bike. Each of these offering their own special 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 35m long crystal clear pool.
There are large dining areas and an African style buffet restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African dessert. Furthermore, visitors can relax in the cosy cigar bar and lounges.
Aquila has a curio shop and children’s entertainment area with mini-golf, big chess, push cars, 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 telescope that bring the magic of the Milky Way to the firepit. The recently completed 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 boasts a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and ten treatment rooms; it is a masterpiece of luxury.
A group or couples room add to the special serenity of the spa and its creative use of natural elements. Accommodation options include premier, family or luxury cottages.
All options contain the ruggedness necessary to capture the essence of the bush, without compromising on luxury and comfort. Premier cottages are privately situated and have been built into the hillside.
Each unit has been adorned with alfresco rock showers and indoor fire-places. Family cottages are semi-detached, feature exterior stone work and come with their very own back-to-nature outdoor shower. Luxury cottages 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. Twenty rooms face the poolside area with beautiful views of the Reserve, while another 22 rooms have mountain views. These rooms can be combined to create safe family or group spaces.
Aquila Private Game Reserve is proud to have been a finalist in the Western Cape Provincial Lilizela Awards for Service Excellence (2015 and 2016) and the winner of World Luxury Travel Awards (2015 and 2016). In addition, Aquila has been a finalist and winner of the most prestigious Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards, hosted by the National Department Of Tourism, for 3 consecutive years.
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.