This 4,510-hectare Aquila private nature reserve is rich in Khoi-San and Boer War history and is home to three new biomes of vegetation set in the most magnificent Karoo mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs.
The Private Game Reserve nestles in a Big 5, malaria-free game reserve which is from Cape Town a two-hour scenic drive. The restaurant opens up to a sunken boma area - a unique design feature to Aquila. Originally the homestead, this building has been redesigned into an elegant, yet intimate colonial style Cigar Bar. It provides one with the opportunity of enjoying an after-dinner nightcap in front of the roaring log fire while sampling the quality cigars on offer.
There are two open bars; the one in the restaurant, and the other one adjoins the Cigar Bar. Both feature large leather sofas in which to relax, read a book or catch up with friends. The restaurant lounge has an open fireplace, and the Cigar Bar room offers DSTV facilities.
This Aquila wood-panelled 'study' style room with its large fireplace offers many valuable reference books as well as novels for the guests' enjoying. A manicured lawn surrounds the saltwater pool with comfortable sun lounges and waiter service.
Under thatch, the Conference Boma is an addition to the big Conference Center and can seat up to 40 guests. It is ideally positioned to use in conjunction with any conference & team building. Outdoor sunken boma is situated adjacent to the Restaurant and can seat 64 guests.
Aquila morning and evening safari drive with qualified field rangers in open 4x4 vehicles; the safari drives range between two and three hours with sparkling wine, grape juice, water and snacks such as biltong, 'drowners', nuts and dried fruits served at various lookout points. Blankets and raincoats are made available to guests on the 4x4 vehicles. Specially designed ladders are used to assist guests embarking and disembarking the vehicles.
Aquila Reserve is home to elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and the rare leopard. Giraffes and hippos can also be seen here. It is also is home to lions which have been saved from the 'canned hunting' trade. They are Barbary Lions, a close relative of the extinct Cape Mountain Lion.
The reserve is also proud to have the first rhino to be born in the Western Cape in 200 years. Other game on the reserve such as Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Steenbok, Caracal (Lynx), Blesbok; Bat Eared Fox, Ostrich, Klipspringer, Duiker, Greyback, Baboon, Black-Backed Jackal, Eland and Red Hartebeest.
The malaria-free reserve and its natural wetland is home to 172 species of birds and is also home to several breeding pairs of the rare and endangered black eagle. Karoo Chat, Rufous-eared Warbler, fairy flycatcher and yellow-bellied remotely can be found on the reserve. Lark-like Bunting and black-headed canary move in after the rainy season. In the summer months, the booted eagle is a regular visitor and the rainy season attracts flamingos to the Aquila reserve.
Aquila Game Reserve is a great one or two night getaway for business people travelling to South Africa who would like an opportunity to see what Africa is famous for - it's wildlife.
The contact numbers to make a reservation at Aquila Private Game Reserve are:
• Cape Town Reservations +27 (0) 21 794 9050
• Durban Reservations: +27 (0) 31 941 5945
• Johannesburg Reservations: +27 (0) 10 446 8045.
Alternatively, you can check availability and book online by clicking here.