Aquila Private Game Reserve

Luxury accommodation • 4-Star • Child friendly • Malaria free

Aquila Private Game Reserve and luxury, 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. This 4-star, malaria free, 4500 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.

Guests at Aquila have three accommodation options to choose from, namely the Standard, Luxury family and Premier units. 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. There is also a luxury honeymoon suite ideal for newlyweds or those wanting to rekindle romance, as well as a Conference Centre, Cigar Bar and the highly rated Boma Restaurant, offering a variety of South African culinary delights. Built from natural materials found on the reserve such as rocks, river pebbles, reeds, wood and thatch to blend with the surrounding environment, this spacious, high ceilinged, African character building with large fireplaces is the perfect setting for the superb buffet meals served. Meals are prepared by an internationally acclaimed chef and traditional meals are offered as well as the standard fare, Catering for special dietary requirements is provided. The restaurant can seat 180 diners in comfort.

Each of the cottage types at Aquila is slightly different in décor and design, yet as is with nature, the colours form and flow to create a natural space in which to relax. Thatch, slate and natural rock elements are featured throughout, especially in the bathrooms. Browns, beige and taupes are highlighted by fine percale white linen and decadent duvets offer guests a sanctuary in which to relax and unwind amidst a natural setting that enhances the environment outside. Rooms open up to a private terrace so guests can experience a true African sunset while enjoying their favourite sundowner. During the winter months, one can curl up by the log fire and reminisce of yet another beautiful day on this reserve. The cottages, as with all the buildings on this eco-friendly reserve, have been architecturally designed and styled to complement nature.

Having been proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1985, the “veld” is in pristine condition, consisting of Renoster veld, Mountain Fynbos and succulent vegetation types found in 3 beautiful valleys. Situated in the Karoo with it’s wide open spaces, the 4500 HA reserve has a natural wetland, magnificent mountains and valleys which makes for varied and ideal game viewing. Aquila has Lion as well as free roaming Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino which form part of the African Big 5. The reserve is also home to Giraffe and Hippo. Large herds of game are found on the Reserve such as Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Steenbok, Caracal (lynx), Blesbok, Bat Eared Fox, Ostriches, Klip Springer, Duiker, Greybuck, Baboon, Black Backed Jackal, Eland, Red Hartebeest.

Aquila 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, after which the Reserve has been named. Karoo chat, rufous-eared warbler, fairy flycatcher and yellow-bellied eremomela can be found on short walks into the surrounding wilderness. Lark-like Bunting and Black-headed Canary move in after rain. In the summer months the Booted Eagle is a regular visitor and the rainy season attracts Flamingo's to the Reserve.

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