One of the closest Big 5 game reserves to Cape Town, Aquila Game Reserve is only 2 hours drive from the Mother City of South Africa.
Aquila is one of the few Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is also one of the most affordable Big 5 Cape Town safari destinations for budget travelers.
Aquila is a private game reserve, not a national park. To enter the game reserve you need to book a safari in advance. Self-drive safaris are not permitted in Aquila Private Game Reserve, so you can't do game drives in your own vehicle.
Aquila Game Reserve is named after the endangered black eagle, called the Verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii).
The game reserve is located close to the small town of Touws River on the fringes of the Klein Karoo region.
Due to its location, Aquila is a malaria-free South African safari destination. This makes it an excellent choice for families traveling with young children and those who prefer not to take antimalaria medication.
This 10 000-hectare game reserve is home to the Big 5 of Africa–lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. It also hosts a rich variety of other African animals, including wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, zebra, oryx, and various other antelopes.
The landscape of the game reserve is hilly and semi-arid with rocky outcrops, valleys, and some flat areas. Aquila was declared a private nature reserve in 1985, and encompasses historical sites, along with unspoiled Karoo wilderness and diverse wildlife. In the spring season (from about August to October) the vegetation comes to life with blooming wildflowers.
The Aquila Game Reserve also features an animal rescue center. This wildlife center serves as a sanctuary for animals that cannot be released into the wild again and it provides a temporary home for animals in need of care and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. The rescue center is not open to the public and interaction with humans is kept to a minimum.
Wildlife conservation and rehabilitation initiatives at Aquila Game Reserve have included programs working with black eagles, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and other animals.
At the 4-Star Aquila Safari Lodge, there is a wide selection of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From honeymoon jacuzzi suite to plush private cottages and comfortable twin-share rooms.
The excellent range of amenities and facilities offered at the safari lodge, make Aquila popular with families as well as romantic couples. The lodge is designed to give guests plenty of space and privacy to enjoy the wilderness. The Klein Karoo gets chilly on winter nights and the cozy fireplace areas are ideal during this quieter season, as is the luxurious spa.
You can choose from standard lodge rooms, premier lodge rooms, luxury safari cottages, and premier safari cottages. All of the accommodation options are located inside the Aquila Private Game Reserve.
The safari lodge in Aquila is modern and well-equipped. Facilities include a 35-meter saltwater swimming pool and a triple-volume restaurant overlooking the game reserve. There is also an outdoor boma, kids play areas, a spacious lounge, cigar bar, library, and curio shop.
The Aquila safari lodge also has a spa that features heated indoor pools, treatment rooms, a steam room, and a sauna.
The lodge decor is African styled with earthy tones, wooden furniture, and natural design elements. The cottages have outdoor showers, fans, and minibars, and some feature private patio areas. All rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, safes, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-fridges, and more.
The restaurant serves traditional South African cuisine and international dishes in buffet style, paired with outstanding South African wines.
Use the Google map to explore Aquila Game Reserve.