Aquila Game Reserve
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A Romantic Safari Getaway
If you have the desire to stage an ultra-romantic moment, Aquila Private Game Reserve can conjure an atmosphere that's bound to impress!
Star Grading: 
Premier Luxury Chalets: 5
Luxury Chalets: 25
Conference: 40 - 80 delegates
Tel: + 27 (0) 21 421 4998
Email an enquiry
| Aquila Game Reserve |
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| Location Information |
| Locality |
Region |
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Cape Town
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South Africa
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| Features on site or nearby |
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Property Description
Luxury Safari Lodge Near Cape Town
A Romantic Safari Getaway
Looking for a unique way to present an engagement ring? Celebrate an anniversary? If you have the desire to stage an ultra-romantic moment, Aquila Private Game Reserve can conjure an atmosphere that's bound to impress! This Valentines Day is a perfect time to indulge in a romantic safari getaway.
* Overnight accommodation in luxury chalets
* Breakfast, lunch, dinner
* two 3 hour game drives in 4 x4 vehicles
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 varierty 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 traditonal 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.
Read for more Information on luxury African safaris...
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.
Wildlife
Luxury Game Lodge
The Reserve
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.
Wildlife
Aquila has the Big 5, free roaming elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and rare Mountain Leopard and 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.
Birdlife
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
Game Reserve Conferencing
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.
Conferencing and banqueting floor plan
The main inside area of the conference room is 125m2 (25m x 5m) with a thatch circular outside boma area of 36m2.
There are also two breakaway rooms
10m2 (2mx5m)
5m2 (2mx5m)
The seating capacity can facilitate:
1. 48 pax (8 x 6 tables) including dance floor and buffet set up inside – bar at reception
2. 92 pax (8 x 12 tables) dance floor, buffet and bar set up in boma area
3. 80 pax cinema style - tea and coffee station at reception or in boma area
4 . 56 pax U-Shape style – tea and coffee station at reception
5 . 80 pax cocktail style with bars and buffet style
Catering and bar facilities
All hot meals are prepared by our internationally acclaimed Executive Chef and served in our African boma-styled indoor/outdoor restaurant with majestic Karoo Mountains and valleys as an idyllic backdrop.
Platters can be served in our conference area with tea, coffee and/or other beverages.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided on request.
Conference equipment
This consists of a television, DVD, VCR, Overhead Projector, Flip Chart, White Board.
Other specialised equipment can be arranged on request.
Other services
Our dynamic Sales and Marketing team will be only to keen to assist you with all your functions, special events and conferencing needs. Any requirements can be accommodated within the premises to make your event as memorable as possible.
Packages
Customised packages available on request
Film & Stills shoots:
Aquila is perfectly positioned to accommodate and co-ordinate both film and stills shoots. For further details please contact us
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Accommodation
Luxury Safari Lodge Accommodation
Luxury Chalets
These units are semi detached with attention paid to privacy. They are under thatch and feature exterior stone work using raw material from the area.
They all have fans as well as a feature “coal” stove.
The large en suite bathrooms feature corner baths with outdoor showers.
Room configuration
Chalet 1: Sleeps 2 (family unit )
Chalet 2: Sleeps 2 (family unit)
Chalet 11 – 30: Sleeps 2 per chalet (Twin sharing)
All Chalets have tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and the best quality percale linen is used throughout.
Premier Luxury Chalets
These units are privately situated and have been built into the hillside with the natural rock featuring in the bathrooms and outdoor showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces.
The en suite bathrooms are all unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. Each unit has it’s own patio with excellent views.
The honeymoon suite boasts a Jacuzzi with spectacular views across the reserve.
Room configuration:
Chalet 6: Sleeps 4 (family unit)
Chalet 7: Sleeps 2 (Twin sharing)
Chalet 8: Sleeps 2 (Queen size bed)
Chalet 9: Sleeps 2 (Queen size bed)
Chalet 10: Sleeps 2 (Twin sharing)
All Chalets have tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and the best quality percale linen is used throughout.
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Facilities
Restaurant
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.
Cigar Bar
The intimate colonial style Cigar Bar offers one the opportunity of enjoying an after dinner night “cap” whilst enjoying the quality cigars on offer in a tranquil environment with the Aquila trademark large fireplaces.
Pool Bar
Situated off the swimming pool and next to the restaurant this “African” styled bar seats approximately 20 guests overlooking the pool area.
Boma/s
Cigar Bar Boma - An intimate outdoor boma with raised fire area is surrounded by seating all under thatch and suitable for approx 12 people.
Conference Boma – Under thatch, this boma is situated outside the conference centre and can seat up to 40 guests.
Restaurant Boma – Outdoor dropped open air Boma, situated outside the Restaurant and can seat 64 guests.
Public Lounges
Aquila has two public lounges, one situated at the Restaurant the other adjoining the Cigar Bar. Both have comfortable fully upholstered furniture and superb views .The Restaurant Lounge has a large feature fireplace and the Cigar Bar lounge has DSTV facilities.
Library
This wood paneled, book lined room with its large fireplace invites one to relax and take time out. It offers many reference books as well as novels for the guests enjoyment.
Curio Shop
The well stocked curio shop is situated at the reception area and offers various African souvenirs for sale, as well as some locally manufactured goods. It also offers various “Aquila” branded apparel and gifts.
Besides curios it stocks items for tourist such as camera spools etc.
Swimming Pool
This saltwater pool, with rock finishes is made good use of in the summer months. |
Check in times
Check in: 14h00 on day of arrival.
Check out: 9h00 on day of departure.
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Area activities
Activities on the Reserve
Game Drives
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-back Safari
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
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.
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Driving directions
Click here for a map with directions on How to get to "Aquila Game Reserve" |
Policies & disclaimers
* All rates are quoted in ZAR (SA Rand) Vat inclusive
* All rates are quoted per person
* Accommodation is payable six weeks prior to date of arrival
* Cancellations made within 24 hours of date of arrival 100 % of daytrip payable
* Cancellations made within 30 days of date of arrival 50 % of full accomodation payable
* Cancellations made within 7 days of date of arrival 100 % of full accomodation payable
* Cancellations made within 24 hours of date of arrival 100% of full daytrip payable.
* Exclude personal expenses, beverages, telephone/facsimile, laundry, mini bar, curio shop, optional excursions and gratuity.
* Cancellations made within 24 hours of date of arrival 100% of full daytrip payable.
* All children welcome, under 4 no charge, 4-11 years at 1/2 price and 12+ at full rate.
All children on horse safari at full rate.
* Check-out time at 9h00 on day of departure and check-in time from 14h00 on day of arrival.
* Private safari's can be arranged.
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AQUILA GAME RESERVE RATES
RACK RATES - 1 NOVEMBER 2007 - 31 OCTOBER 2008
(Prices are Per Person Sharing)
| 1 November 2007 - 1 May 2008 - 31 Single Supplement |
| 1) DAY GAME DRIVE SAFARI: (daily from 8h00) |
| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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Welcome drink, light breakfast,
2-3hr game drive & lunch. |
R 1,630.00 |
R 970.00 |
R 1,630.00 |
R 970.00 |
R 640.00 |
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2) DAY HORSE-BACK SAFARI OR QUAD BIKE SAFARI: (daily from 8h30)
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Details
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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| Welcome drink, light breakfast, horse-back safari or quad bike safari & lunch. |
R 1,815.00 |
R1,155.00 |
R 1,815.00 |
R1,155.00 |
R 640.00
single supplement
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| 3) DAY COMBO SAFARI: (daily from 8h30) |
| Details |
With Transport |
Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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| Welcome drink, light breakfast, 2-3hr game drive, lunch & 1.5hr horse-back safari. |
R 2,585.00 |
R1,940.00 |
R 2,585.00 |
R1,940.00 |
R 640.00
single supplement
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4) STANDARD OVERNIGHT SAFARI:(daily from 14h00)
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| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other |
| Welcome drink, dinner, bed, breakfast, and lunch. 2 game drives. (bushman paintings). |
R 2,953.00
(Std cottages) |
R 1,990.00
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R 2,463.00 |
R1,499.00 |
R50% rates single supplement |
5) FAMILY LUXURY OVERNIGHT SAFARI: (daily from 14h00)
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| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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| Welcome drink, dinner, bed, breakfast, and lunch. 2 game drives. (bushman paintings). |
R 2,953.00
(Lux cottages) |
R1,990.00 |
R 2,463.00 |
R1,499.00 |
R50% rate single supplement |
6) BUSH OVERNIGHT SAFARI: (daily from 14h00)
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| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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Welcome drink, dinner, bed, breakfast, and lunch. 2 game drives. (bushman paintings).
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R 2,953.00
(bush cottages) |
R1,990.00 |
R 2,463.00 |
R1,499.00 |
R50% rate single supplement
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7) PREMIER OVERNIGHT SAFARI: (daily from 14h00)
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| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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Welcome drink, dinner, bed, breakfast, and lunch. 2 game drives. (bushman paintings). Also includes all local malts and house wine. Game drive may be replaced by horse safari.
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R 4,404.00
(Pr cottages) |
R3,040.00 |
R 4,404.00 |
R3,040.00 |
R50% rate single supplement |
8) FLY-IN SAFARI: (one day)
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| Details |
With Transport
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Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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| Same as 1, 2 & 3. Transfer hotel - airport 20-30 min flight over the majestic Hex River mountains & vineyards. Welcome drink next to runway. 4x4 transfer to reserve. Light breakfast, game drive & snacks, 'champagne', bushman paintings, lunch, transfer to airstrip. Return flight over Robben Island and V&A Waterfront (Cape Point optional) |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA single supplement |
9) FLY-IN SAFARI: (two day)
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Details
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With Transport |
Self Drive
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With Transport
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Self Drive
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Other
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| Same as above, but make provision for pilot to fly back to Cape Town & return to collect guests, or includes pilots accommodation, meals etc. |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA single supplement
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GALLERY
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