Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Cape Town, South Africa

Star rating

Standard Lodge
Standard Lodge
Standard Lodge
Restaurant
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Pool
Pool bar
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Mezzanine level bar and lounge
Restaurant
Family Luxury cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Premier Cottage
Premier Cottages
Premier Cottage
Premier Cottage
Kids play area
Kids play area
Kids play area
Curio Shop
Spa
Standard Lodge
Standard Lodge
Standard Lodge
Restaurant
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Premier Lodge
Pool
Pool bar
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Karoo Cottage
Mezzanine level bar and lounge
Restaurant
Family Luxury cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Family Luxury Cottages
Premier Cottage
Premier Cottages
Premier Cottage
Premier Cottage
Kids play area
Kids play area
Kids play area
Curio Shop
Spa

The hotel

Imagine days spent viewing the Big 5, and evenings whiled away socialising and stargazing around the fire pit - it's the stuff safari holiday dreams are made of, and that's what you'll get to enjoy when you stay here at Aquila. Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town, an irresistible mix of exhilarating game drives and reserve relaxation awaits you. Amenities include a large swimming pool, mezzanine bar with incredible views, and an Karoo style buffet restaurant serving up delicious cuisine. Be sure to bring your camera - there's going to be a lot to see, and you won't want to miss a thing.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape, a 2 hour drive from Cape Town.

Hotel information

Range of lodges and cottages, with coffee and tea making facilities, in-room safe, seating, USB charging points, fan and air conditioning, mini-fridge (with complimentary water only), and bathroom amenities. Please note that there are now in-room television or telephone services. Standard Lodge rooms offer a comfortable and basic overnight stay with en-suite shower. These rooms do not have a view of the reserve, and are conveniently located next to the restaurant and mezzanine bar with access by stairs and lift. These rooms feature twin beds, which can be made up to 1 queen-size bed.

Full Board option: overnight stays include lunch, dinner and breakfast. Afternoon and morning safari. Complimentary eco-synergy project tour. Access to the overnight mezzanine level bar and lounge. Use of the exclusive overnight guest restaurant. Complimentary WiFi. Access to the communal pool and wet bar (with use of loungers and towels). Kids access to the children’s entertainment area. Access to the African curio shop. When staying 2 nights, guests may substitute one game drive with a complimentary horseback safari. When staying 3 nights, guests may substitute the game drive with a complimentary horseback adventure. All 2 and 3-night guests enjoy free spa access to make use of the communal services and facilities (treatments are optional and at an additional costs). All of the above mentioned inclusions are subject to availability.

 

Full Board option: overnight stays include lunch, dinner and breakfast. Afternoon and morning safari. Complimentary eco-synergy project tour. Access to the overnight mezzanine level bar and lounge. Use of the exclusive overnight guest restaurant. Complimentary WiFi. Access to the communal pool and wet bar (with use of loungers and towels). Kids access to the children’s entertainment area. Access to the African curio shop. When staying 2 nights, guests may substitute one game drive with a complimentary horseback safari. When staying 3 nights, guests may substitute the game drive with a complimentary horseback safari. All 2 and 3-night guests enjoy free spa access to make use of the communal services and facilities (treatments are optional and at an additional costs). All of the above mentioned inclusions are subject to availability.

Room upgrades

Karoo Cottages offer a unique, rustic feel with additions such as an indoor fireplace, outdoor shower, corner bath and small patio. The cottages are aligned with the reserve, situated on a dry Karoo river bed. Walk ways from the main safari lodge area and restaurant provide ease of access to communal services and facilities. Karoo Cottages have twin beds, which can be made up to 1 queen-size bed.

Premier Lodge rooms are spacious, with magnificent views of the reserve from the balcony or patio. Furnished with a useful sleeper couch, which can accommodate one child (under 12 years) for an overnight stay. With en-suite bath and shower. This accommodation has parking for ease of access, and is also located next to the restaurant and mezzanine bar. These rooms feature twin beds, which can be made up to 1 queen size bed.

Premier Cottages offer a rustic overnight experience, with units privately positioned on the hillside and built in harmony with the rock – which is also the focal point of the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. With a private wood deck patio with panoramic reserve views, perfect for enjoying unforgettable sunsets, and a log fireplace. At check-in, guests staying in Premier Cottages will enjoy a complimentary bottle of house wine, and can opt to replace one game drive with a horseback adventure. Premier Cottages are available in a range of configurations, sleeping maximum 2 to 4 across king, twin and bunk beds dependent on the cottage selected.

Restaurant. Mezzanine level bar and lounge.

Pool. Tranquila Spa* with luxurious African treatments, indoor and outdoor pool, and sauna and steam rooms. Aquila Kids Club*. Junior Ranger programme*. Curio Shop. Eco-synergy tours*.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (399)
  • Very good (221)
  • Average (167)
  • Poor (103)
  • Terrible (120)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating For what it is, it's a good experience

Feb 20, 2025 0x616e63 Boston, Massachusetts

We had a great ride across the game reserve. It's not a true safari, but it's a great chance to get very (very) close to several animals, and enjoy seeing them out in the relative wild. We were day guests, and spent about 4 hours round trip from Cape Town in transit. The driver was great, making the shared ride in and out relatively… Read more
We had a great ride across the game reserve. It's not a true safari, but it's a great chance to get very (very) close to several animals, and enjoy seeing them out in the relative wild. We were day guests, and spent about 4 hours round trip from Cape Town in transit. The driver was great, making the shared ride in and out relatively straightforward and cost effective. The reserve itself is nice, however expect average (think cafeteria-style) food. The general trip has you staying for the day, as they are trying to advertise their property as a nice place to stay and enjoy. This lets them have multiple safari trips and manage the bigger crowds. They did this well, and it was pretty much invisible to the guests. The pool is nice, but there are no lockers/showers/changing rooms. You'll be changing under a towel or in the bathroom facilities (read: bathroom facilities -- NOT a locker/changing room). For kids, no big deal, but for adults looking to enjoy the day as advertised, more accommodations could be expected. I believe there are showers at the spa, but you'll be paying an additional fee for this, and the prices are higher here than what you'd find at other city spas. What stopped this from being a solid 4-star review was the fact that we were ripped off by one of the staff members. We ordered two glasses of wine, and were charged R360. When we asked to pay, we were told "the credit card machines down" and we had to pay cash. R400 was provided, and she vanished. Not for a bit, but for the day. To put things in perspective, subsequent drinks were ordered from their bar, where the credit card machine worked fine and were a third of that, with tip. It's not the money here, it's the principle of it. When you're at an attraction like this, and have paid a premium for a quality and safe experience, you should not have to have your guard up - this isn't Greenmarket. In sum, pluses: you can get up close -- and I mean, really close, to the big 5. It makes the experience accessible in a day, and fits a packed agenda to Cape Town. It's a pretty easy pick for families. Minuses: no showers, food is mediocre but safe/fine, prices are tourist adjusted, staff may rip you off. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely stay and animal safari experience

Feb 16, 2025 Sunshine06070417998 Melksham, United Kingdom

Stayed for one in a connecting room for 19 and 20 year old. Room was vary spacious and luxurious on ground floor with private deck and 2 sun beds which meant we could use these rather than sit around the pool which was quite busy whilst guests waited for their rooms to be available. Buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast was included and was good… Read more
Stayed for one in a connecting room for 19 and 20 year old. Room was vary spacious and luxurious on ground floor with private deck and 2 sun beds which meant we could use these rather than sit around the pool which was quite busy whilst guests waited for their rooms to be available. Buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast was included and was good quality. 2 game drives, one in evening and one in the morning. We were lucky enough to see the lions up close and the baby giraffe. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of animal details. The park is so well organised that it feels a little staged and I would like to have been able to read some information on the work that Aquila does and on the animals they have, perhaps displayed around the property. Definitely recommend a visit and worth the drive from Cape Town if you can't get to the Kruger or the north. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A must visit

Feb 14, 2025 josephtE3773GV

How anyone cannot have a great time here I have no idea. The setting is beautiful, the staff are friendly and brilliant (huge shout out to the driver, Joshua - he’s great), the prices are reasonable and the food delicious. I have honestly had the trip of a lifetime here and would recommended it to everyone.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Smooth 24hrs of Safari!

Feb 13, 2025 Stephen_Murray85 Brighton, United Kingdom

Well oiled machine that works seamlessly! Pick up on time. Wine on arrival followed by lunch. Lovely surroundings (I could see Elephants from my bungalow!) and swimming pool was nice and cooling! Guide was informative and both safaris were enjoyable. (Don't expect to see a Leopard though). Lions and Elephants walked right next to us. 24hrs went… Read more
Well oiled machine that works seamlessly! Pick up on time. Wine on arrival followed by lunch. Lovely surroundings (I could see Elephants from my bungalow!) and swimming pool was nice and cooling! Guide was informative and both safaris were enjoyable. (Don't expect to see a Leopard though). Lions and Elephants walked right next to us. 24hrs went very quickly! Stargazing and marshmallows was an added bonus. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great day safari.

Feb 12, 2025 Wendy H

We did a private afternoon safari & it was fabulous. We had no issues with the organisation or logistics, everything was smooth. Lunch was pleasant & plentiful in a great setting. Our driver was really personable & informative, giving us loads of information on the animals, so glad to have seen so many, but now I want to do a full safari!