Aquila Game Reserve

Aquila Game Reserve is situated approximately two and a half hours drive North of Cape Town and offers the opportunity of seeing the Big 5 and a wide variety of game including, Giraffe, Zebra, Springbok, Hippo and Blue and Black Wildebeest.  There are also Gemsbok, Steenbok, Caracal (Lynx), Blesbok, Bat Eared Fox, Ostriches, Klip Springer, Duiker, Greybuck, bBaboon, Black Backed Jackal, Eland and Red hartebeest. The Day Safari incorporates a visit to the Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre where there are a variety of animals in recovery from injury or illness. These include leopard, cheetah and crocodiles. For the more adventurous and energetic, Horse Back Safaris and Quad bike rides are offered. They have accommodation too if you would like to spend a night or two there.

One of the reasons I support Aquila is that they have a very good sense of the social and eco responsibility.  When Aquila was set up, they recruited and trained people from the surrounding area, providing work to at least 300 people who were previously without a source of steady income.  They have various ongoing projects which include a huge solar energy plant and farming activities which are aimed at making them self-sufficient and providing work for the local community. They are very active with Lion, Rhino and Black Eagle Conservation as well as Veld regeneration.

Scheduled Tour using Aquila Transport.

You have the option of taking their scheduled transport together with other guests and doing the morning tour.  Depending on where you are staying the Aquila vehicle may come and collect you at around 0630 and drop you off at around 17h30. The drive is pretty direct with few stops due to the fact that a number of guest need to be collected and dropped off along the way. The morning Safari commences with a buffet breakfast and is followed by a two to three hour game drive and a visit to the animal rescue centre followed by a lovely buffet style lunch. You can relax around the pool and spend time in the curio shop before leaving for Cape Town at 15h30.  You will get back to Cape Town at about 18h00.

Private Day Safari using Cape Splendour’s Transport

Should you opt for private transport with Cape Splendour Tours, your departure would be around 09h00 and the drive would be a lot more leisurely. We would stop along the Du Toits Kloof pass for photo’s of the lovely views and surrounding vegetation.  You stand a good chance of seeing Baboons on the way to Aquila.  We also stop off at a farm store which sells locally made preserves and confectionary items. We would arrive at around 12h00 and enjoy refreshments and the damp towels before settling down for the lovely buffet style lunch before heading off on the two to three hour safari and visiting the Animal Rescue Centre. We normally depart around 16h00 arriving in Cape Town at 18h30.

Price for Aquila Safaris available on request