What is synonymous with South Africa? Safaris and wildlife of course! Well, you are in luck because Aquila Game Reserve has everything you need when it comes to a truly South African safari experience. Think the Big Five, game drives, fun in the sun and spa treatments to help you relax.
Aquila Game Reserve, a little history
The owner of Aquila Game Reserve, Searl Derman, is best known for his immense knowledge of Cape and African wildlife. Mr Derman felt that there was a demand for an affordable, authentic African safari experience that was available to both Cape Town locals and tourists alike. With his vision in mind, Searl Derman opened Aquila Game Reserve in 2001. The reserve is named after a rare black eagle, known as the Aquila Verreauxii. Another bonus about this game reserve is that it is a malaria-free area, which means that you don’t need to take those dreaded malaria tablets.
A FEW FACTS about the Aquila Game Reserve
Aquila is one of South Africa’s most beautiful game reserves and they aren’t the only ones who think so. It is a 4-star establishment in the Southern Karoo that has over 10 000 hectares of land while being a safe home to the Big Five – the lion, rhino, Cape buffalo, the leopard and our majestic African elephant.
Aquila Game Reserve is the closest private game reserve to Cape Town with a drive of only two hours from the city so you don’t have to waste an entire day travelling. Aquila Game Reserve is in the historic Touws River town in the valley between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains. The Karoo is on the national garden route and you will be spoilt with scenic views, carpets of wildflowers and South African wildlife.
Aquila Game Reserve has been voted as one of the ‘” world’s 21 favourite things to do in Cape Town” and it is considered as one of the top 10-day trip destinations by Sawubona Magazine. There is something for everyone when you take a trip to this amazing place.
#FUNFACTS: The Aquila Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre (ARC) is an outdoor sanctuary sponsored by the reserve. It is dedicated to facilitating the once doomed “canned lions”. These lions can now live out the remainder of their lives peacefully in the safety of their lush, one hectare fenced camps. The ARC is also home to rescued leopards and cheetahs that are cared for as part of a cheetah breeding program.
What animals can you see on your game drive?
- The BIG FIVE (lions, cheetahs, Cape buffalos, rhinoceros, elephants)
- Hippos
- Giraffes
- A variety of bucks
- Over 170 species of birds
Safaris and Spas – There is something for everyone at Aquila
Whether you want to spend a few nights at Aquila, a one night stay over or just a day trip, you won’t be disappointed because your options are endless:
- Day trip safaris
- Horseback safaris
- Quad bike safaris
- Overnight and fly-in safaris
- 4×4 trails
- Fishing
If you think that you’ll be missing out if you opt for the day trip safari, you are wrong. You will be immersed in the wonderful bush life that so many of us take for granted.
An experienced guide will take you on your game drive that lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Your guide will share their own exciting stories with you about their life in the bush, facts about your surroundings while coaxing out your inner wild side.
The Cape Town day trip safari includes a buffet breakfast or lunch and if you overheat you are more than welcome to take a dip in one of the two breathtaking swimming pools. All the safaris at Aquila Game Reserve take place in an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
If you are interested in a day safari you have the option of either a morning trip or an afternoon trip. The Cape Town safari is offered with or without transport to the reserve as guests have the option of being collected from their guesthouse or hotel and they will be dropped off at Aquila Game Reserve. If guests would like to drive themselves to the game reserve, they should leave at the same time the guest is collected.
If you would like to have a little pamper session, then you are in luck because Aquila Game Reserve has a spa that offers guests everything they could dream of. This African spa uses all-natural products that harness the medicinal powers of indigenous plants, flowers and herbs. The spa has a few amenities that guests can’t seem to get enough of:
- 2 large heated indoor pools
- A steam room
- A sauna
- A nail bar
- 10 treatment rooms
- Couples or group treatment room
- An outdoor pool
Pack your binoculars, sunblock and sense of adventure because visiting the Aquila Game Reserve is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you don’t want to miss out on. Aquila Game Reserve is one of the attractions included in your Cape Town Unlimited Premium City Pass.
