Aquila private game reserve is not just another travel place to me, rather a place where I started to stand on my own two feet, many characteristics of my life changed during this chapter of my life. I worked here for a few years and learnt a great deal; this was over 10 years ago and can hardly believe it myself. Many things can change and evolve over the years, I know it probably won’t be the same place as I left behind.
I have thought about visiting often, I choose not to however. I know there will be a lot of sadness going back to a place like this, as a team we were very involved in growing the reserve, understanding every inch and taking a personal interest in the wild. Not just a cheetah, but a cheetah with a name, a history you wrote and bond, this relating to many of the animals here including horses, lions and even the angry buffalo that charged you at every chance. Many of these animals have sadly moved on as life does, and I keep hold of the fond memories rather than going back and seeing replacements who I would never get to know.
What I do know is a lot of effort goes into making every visitors day special, it’s not quite the wild African experience as you would find further North, what it does have to offer though is a great insight to what Africa has to offer close to Cape Town with great photographic opportunities and some top sightings of many species in close quarters.
Their activities vary greatly with safari trips, horse safaris and quad bike safaris allowing you to experience wildlife in the way you would enjoy it most. They also have a conservation area where more is explained on current situations our wildlife faces today and what is required to move forward, working better together in the future. These activities are available to day and overnight visitors alike.
There are accommodation options too if you love the sound of lions, hippos and others calling under the night sky. The accommodation is a little on the steep side for most average class living in South Africa costing from around R2000 per person per night, full board. The lodge has many luxurious things to enjoy throughout the day including a spa, pool with a wet bar, many lounging areas, a well-stocked curio shop and very child friendly too.
Not quite Africa, but for that sneak peek window into what South Africa has to offer in a short time period is something special, Aquila Private game reserve is a magical place that can make you forget your just outside the city.
Quick info:
- Clothing: Walking shoes, comfortable cool wear, warm jacket and sun protection
- Cost: Inquire in person, as depending on activity – however expect a few thousand rand
- General shopping
- Cash: ZAR, cash and card
- Pets allowed: No
- Disabled: Yes
- Address: South Africa, Wastern Cape, near Touws River. If using google maps be sure to choose the option in Touws River and not the head office in Cape Town.
- Parking: Free
