Rates From: Single R2,250. Sharing R1,499.

Location: Touws River

Category: Safari, Luxury Lodge, Game Drives   (definitions)

Private Game Reserve & Safari Lodge:

Aquila Private Game Reserve and luxury Big 5, safari lodge, under a two hour scenic drive via the N1 from Cape Town, is named after the rare and endangered Black Eagle that thrives in the area. Proclaimed a Private Nature Reserve in 1985, this 4 star, malaria free, 4, 500 hectare reserve is steeped in Khoi San and Boer War history and boasts 3 pristine biomes of vegetation set in the most magnificent Karoo mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs.

Stylish Safari Lodge Accommodation:

Guests at Aquila have two accommodation options to choose from, namely the Luxury and Premier. These consist of tastefully decorated cottages equipped with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, ceiling fans, fireplaces (perfect for the Cape winter) as well as mini-bars. We offer a luxury honeymoon suite ideal for newlyweds or those wanting to rekindle romance, as well as a Conference Centre (40-80 delegates), a Cigar Bar, as well as the highly rated Boma Restaurant, offering a variety of South African culinary delights.

Cape Town Luxury Safari:

We offer a number of luxury African safaris for our guests to enjoy, ranging from horse back safaris to traditional game drives. We also offer various packages for these safaris, so whether it be a guided tour or a self drive safari, we can cater to your needs.

Conference Centre/ Boma Restaurant & Cigar Bar:

The Conference Centre, Boma Restaurant & Cigar Bar, as with the Luxury Cottages, are built from natural materials found on the Reserve such as rocks, river pebbles, reeds, wood and thatch to blend with the surrounding environment.

The natural setting will afford the Conference delegate a tranquil ambience in which to host functions such as AGM's, Teambuilding courses, Product launches etc. The Conference Centre can comfortably accommodate 40-80 delegates for a myriad of function formats.

Aquila has several safari options and activities to offer. These enable our guests to experience the reserve in a way that best suits their interests and schedules.

Day Game Drive Safari:

These are offered with or without transport to the reserve – self drive guests are informed to depart Cpt approximately the same time as the tour provided with transport, for these are the set times for game drives and meals served daily.

Self-drive guests have the option to do another activity after lunch such as horse-back or quad-bike safari, which are all naturally subject to availability. It is recommended to book beforehand if the guests wish to do a combination of all three activities.

06h30: Pick-up from hotel or guesthouse and transfer to Aquila.

09h00: Welcome drink on arrival served in the reception area.

09h00: Full course buffet breakfast served in the restaurant.

09h30: Depart on a 2 to 3 hour safari (in 4X4 safari vehicle with ranger guide) – Visit San Rock Art site - Snacks & "champagne" served at lookout point.

13h00: Buffet lunch served in the African boma restaurant.

After lunch guests are able to use the pool facilities and are encouraged to browse our African curio shop.

15h00: Return to Cape Town. Return transfers to Aquila
are set to depart for Cape Town.

Please note these times are all approximate.

Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, 2- 3hr game drive & lunch.

Morning and Evening Game Drives:

With qualified field rangers in open 4x4 vehicles. Game drives range between two and three hours with sparkling wine, grape juice, water and snacks such as biltong, “droewors”, nuts and dried fruits served at various lookout points. Blankets and raincoats are made available to guests on the 4x4 vehicles. Wooden stepladders are also used to assist guests from getting on and off the vehicles.

Horse Trails:

Horse trails are available for evening and early morning game viewing.
Game viewing on horseback is an unforgettable experience as one can get so much closer to the wildlife. It has been described as an epic experience and adventure.

Picnics at our rock-pools or lookout lapas, as well as overnight mountain horseback safaris can be arranged.

Time:
Daily from 8h30

Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, horse-back safari & lunch.

No experience is required. Minimum age requirement is 15 yrs old.

There is a maximum of 9 people per safari, they are guided by one of our rangers. Duration: 2 hours

Quad bike Safari:

Minimum age requirement is 17 yrs old. There is a maximum of 10 people per safari guided by two rangers. 1 client per vehicle. Duration: 2 hours.

The Best of both worlds:

As the name sugests, this safari offers you a game drive and a horse-back safari.
You get a three-hour game drive with one of our experienced rangers and visit our world-renowned Khoi San Bushmen rock art sites.

Game viewing on horseback is an unforgettable experience as one can get so much closer to the wildlife. It has been described as an epic experience and adventure.

Time:
Daily from 8h30

Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, 2-3hr game drive, lunch & 1½ hr horse-back safari.

Activities in close proximity to Aquila

The little Karoo enjoys sunshine most of the year. Summers are dry and warm, winters are dry and crisp. The prevailing weather lends itself to long walks, hiking, cycling and other sports activities.

Matjiesfontein Village:

This historic village has a rich background, dating back to its roots in the late nineteenth century. From its ties with the Boer War, to the pioneering spirit engendered by its founder, James Logan, it is steeped in the history of an era, the echoes of which still reverberate through the streets and buildings. A double-decker London Bus makes a daily tour of the Matjiesfontein Village.

Karoo National Park:

Large herds of antelope and abundant bird life. The Park offers a Fossil Trail, which has wide walkways for wheel chairs and Braille board inscriptions for the convenience of the blind and taped commentary is available for disabled visitors who have their own cassette players. Gondwanaland is explained, and along this 400m route, there are superb examples of fossilised mudstone, silified trees and a wide variety of fossils, most of which have been found in the Beaufort Series of rock formations.

4X4 Mountain Trails:

There are many mountain trails in the Karoo and Breede river area. The most popular one and also nearest to Aquila is Leeuwenboschfontein with route distance of 18 km (4-5 hours). Maximum of 20 vehicles allowed.

Golf:

De Doorns offers a 9 hole course. With 18 hole courses at both Ceres and Worcester.

Trout Fishing and Cherry Picking can also be arranged from the Reserve.