Aquila Collection Head Office — Attraction in Green Point

I don't usually leave online reviews, but I enjoyed my time here so much that I thought I should. Would very highly recommend. I booked a one night stay in a luxury cottage, which included three meals (pay for drinks) and two game drives. I had a late arrival, and the staff were very helpful with reshuffling my itinerary so that I could get both of the included game drives in during my stay.

The accommodations are definitely rustic, but I don't go on a safari in Africa expecting my accommodations to look like the inside of Buckingham Palace. I think the 4 star rating is earned by the quality of the service and the amenities. My cottage did have an outdoor shower, it was winter when I went, and I had absolutely no issues showering outside in winter at the break of dawn and sustaining an appropriate body temperature. Kind of the same principle as visiting hot springs in Iceland; the water is hot, even if the air is cold...Indeed, if you object to having an outdoor shower, just don't book a room with an outdoor shower.

The food is included in your stay and is served buffet-style. It's good, and there's lots of it. Not like the kind of fancy fare you would get in Constantia or the Waterfront in Capetown, but very edible. If you order drinks, it can sometimes take a minute to get your bill -- but that seems to be my experience in most of South Africa, not just this facility.

As for the drives, I did one at dawn and one at mid-day, which was a slight variation from the usual itinerary of one afternoon/sunset and one morning drive. The staff were attentive enough that the driver noticed after the sunrise drive that I had not been on the previous day's afternoon drive and made sure to tell me about drives I could go on instead so that I could experience the full tour, which I thought was very nice.

The sunrise drive is shorter and does not include all the sights. The mid-day/late morning drive was the full experience. I saw zebra, springbok, eland, and lions on the sunrise drive and all those as well as giraffe, elephants, rhinos, ostrich, hippos, and all kinds of birds in the mid-morning. Yes, the lions are in a separate enclosure within the reserve, for good reasons which are explained on the tour, but the rest of the animals are free-roaming. The lion enclosure is very large and you drive through it. I did not have any expectation that I would be seeing these animals as a part of an intact and functioning greater ecosystem; I think if you're looking for that, you should go to Kruger or Kgalagadi or Serengeti, which are large enough to actually support that. This, though, was a great opportunity to see these animals in their native environment in a fairly short period of time and not contained within artificial exhibits as they would be in a zoo. The lions are fed because they are not allowed to hunt the game, and the grazers are supplemented with hay likely because the amount of vegetation on the property wouldn't otherwise sustainably support the herds.

As far as I can tell--and I did try to do some research--Aquila is also a reputable reserve that does not breed its large predators and does not participate in cub petting, lion walks, or canned hunting. Their lions are rescues from the captive breeding industry and are on the reserve because they are unfit to exist in the wild. This was a big part of my choice to come here over other facilities.

I also spent a day at the spa for a massage, and it very much met my expectations for a 4 star facility. Out of the spas I've been to, I'd rank this one's facilities second only to my local Ritz Carlton for both the quality of the service and the...

Nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, Aquila Private Game Reserve promises an unparalleled safari experience, and my stay there exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in the warmth of African hospitality and the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural surroundings.

The accommodation at Aquila was nothing short of luxurious, with elegant lodges blending seamlessly into the landscape. Each morning, I awoke to the symphony of the bushveld and the gentle glow of the rising sun filtering through the trees. As I stepped out onto my private terrace, I was greeted by breathtaking views of the reserve stretching out before me, teeming with wildlife.

The heart of my Aquila experience was, of course, the safari drives. Led by knowledgeable guides, we set out in open 4x4 vehicles, traversing rugged terrain in search of the Big Five and other iconic African species. From majestic lions basking in the golden light to graceful giraffes grazing against the backdrop of the sweeping plains, every sighting was a moment to cherish.

One of the most memorable highlights of my stay was the opportunity to interact with rescued elephants at the reserve's sanctuary. Getting up close and personal with these gentle giants, learning about their stories, and witnessing their sheer magnificence left an indelible impression on me.

In between game drives, I indulged in delectable cuisine at the lodge's restaurant, savoring flavors inspired by the rich tapestry of South African gastronomy. And as the day drew to a close, I found solace in the tranquility of the African night, marveling at the canopy of stars above.

My time at Aquila Private Game Reserve was a journey of discovery, adventure, and profound connection with nature. It was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the enduring magic of the...

We went on the Aquila Collection Safari in December 2024 and were very satisfied with the experience. We paid around €195 (approximately 3,700 ZAR) per person.

The day started with a morning pick-up in Cape Town. The van was brand new, and the driver was very friendly. The journey took about two hours, with a short 10-minute stop at a gas station halfway through. Upon arrival at Aquila, we were greeted with a small glass of sparkling wine and completed the check-in process (passport or ID can be shown digitally).

Breakfast was provided before the safari, and while the quality was not great, it didn’t bother us much as we came for the safari, not the food. After an hour of breakfast, we embarked on a 2.5-hour safari. It was fantastic—we saw all the animals we had hoped to see. Our guide was incredibly kind, took the time to explain everything, and made the experience memorable. Midway through, we had a break with water and access to restrooms.

While it’s not a private safari and you’re not alone, I didn’t feel like it was a mass experience. For something more exclusive, you’d need to pay extra.

After the safari, lunch was served as a buffet, which I found to be much better than breakfast. The only downside was the long wait (about 3 hours) until the return journey. I recommend bringing a towel and swimwear to enjoy the pool. If, like me, you’re not a fan of pools, bring a book or something to keep you occupied.

Lastly, don’t forget sunscreen, and I highly recommend choosing a morning safari to avoid the intense...