Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

The resort is perfect for the safari experience, which is the main draw to come here anyway. Our four game drives were brilliant and we had seen everything (bar the elusive leopard) within our first two drives, the additional two were great as we just sat back and took it all in. The drivers were amazing, very talented at spotting the animals from distance and incredibly knowledgeable on all of them. They got as close as was safe for us and the animals and ensured everybody on each bus got the chance to have the best view of the animals and ask any questions. As a safari experience, I couldn't rate it higher! The resort is beautiful with a large pool and lounger area right next to the reserve, a swim up pool bar offering refreshments and a spa facility that we unfortunately didn't use. We thoroughly enjoyed using the pool area during the day between game drives, just chilling out in the water and looking over the reserve to see what we could spot! We stayed in a premier lodge which again overlooked the reserve, from our room we could see Ostriches, Ellands and even elephants occasionally. The bed was large, possibly a super king and the bathroom was modern and spacious. Unfortunately there was no TV in the room... this wouldn't usually be a problem but with everything at the resort finishing at 10pm sharp with no options than to return to your rooms at this time, we could've used one for a bit! There was complimentary water and tea and coffee facilities, the instant coffee wasn't very nice however. Unfortunately we found the food and drink offering slightly disappointing - Our expectations were not that high given we knew it was a buffet style mass catering restaurant, but I feel it could've been a lot better. Breakfast was good, the offering was extensive and included freshly cooked eggs your way, however the sausages and bacon were beef rather than pork so didn't taste great. Lunch was probably the best offering, of the two days we had it we were never disappointed and some decent Cape Malay food was on offer. Dinner however was poor both nights, it seemed the same effort was not put into dinner as was to breakfast and lunch. Perhaps this was to impress the day guests more, or perhaps it was down to a different chef in the evenings. We found the dinner options quite boring and bland, there was a Thai green curry one night that tasted of almost nothing. I would stress that I understand that ultimately you stay here for the safari experience and the resort, which were both great. However to have such inconsistent food experiences was frustrating. Likewise the service in the restaurant was lacking somewhat... You were left to your own devices to find a table and the vast majority of vacant tables either hadn't been cleared from previous guests or had no cutlery on. Trying to get someone's attention to clear the tables, get some cutlery or even order drinks was painful at times, with some instances where the staff looked at us and looked away quickly seemingly to avoid doing anything! A very different service experience to the rest of the country where service is generally outstanding. The bar area, which shut at 10pm sharp was challenging to get served, there were a few tables, nowhere near enough for even a quarter of guests at the resort and it was unclear whether it was bar or table service. If you went to the bar, you were encouraged to order at the table, but if sat at the table nobody came round to see you. We tried to order some drinks at 9.55pm and the staff advised they had run out of what we wanted and were closing anyway... The stargazing experience that took place at 9pm each night was fantastic, the guide was extremely knowledgeable and had a laser pointer that seemed to touch the stars themselves! We learnt alot during the hour we spent with him. Aside from this, there was nothing else happening at the resort in the evenings and with the bar closing at 10pm, it quickly became a ghost town. It could certainly benefit from some traditional African entertainment, or at least open a bit later. Overall Aquila is a great safari experience and a lovely resort, it could just benefit from some entertainment, put more effort into the food offering and display the same service levels that the rest of South Africa prides itself on. Read less

We stayed here for 2 nights on a safari. The location is idyllic and the facilities very good. There is a hotel and lodges within the grounds of the hotel. Some lodges back onto the safari park and if you are lucky you will see some of the game, mainly antelope, but possibly elephants and rhinos. There is a lovely spa area, very peaceful and relaxing and ample sun beds to relax on between game drives, in front of the hotel. All the staff are very helpful. The game keepers are very knowledgeable and give a great insight into each of the animals in the park, their habits, and dangers. They obviously know where each are located and do their utmost to show you all of them. There is more activity in the early mornings, so you are more likely to see most animals on the 7 am drive, when it is cooler, however you still do see them at other times. Food is very good and drinks reasonably priced. We stayed in a lodge, very comfortable large bed, with both a bath and shower, plus an enclosed outside shower, quite quaint! Overall a brilliant experience Read less

We stayed 2 nights in a Karoo cottage. All transfers were arranged by Aquila We found it to be an extremely well organised and experienced operation with charming staff. The Karoo cottage was air conditioned and had a super king bed. Tea and coffee making facilities We loved the private outdoor shower(there was also a bath and hand held shower in the bathroom) We particularly enjoyed the private outdoor patio area with comfortable furniture. We felt really close to nature here . We had full board but all drinks (even water) are payable . Food is buffet style, soso. We loved the spa area (accessible if you are a two night guest) and I enjoyed two excellent and good value treatments. The game drives take place in a large trucks seating 30ish people. Three of these set off at the same time. It is very busy. I enjoyed a horse safari(no experience needed) which felt more relaxed The animals here (you will see a lot) have all been introduced and the lions are in a separate section . It does seem a bit staged, but the animals seem happy and it is lively seeing them in natural habitat We enjoyed 2 nights here. However it gets really crowded with day visitors and during our stay there were large groups. We appreciated that they had a separate restaurant. Pool great Read less

Advertised as a big 5 game lodge !! They have 3 lions in fenced enclosure No Leopards have been see according to staff for over a year ! Transport is a 26 seater lorry and extremely uncomfortable . We counted 9 lorries at the lion sighting ! Several rhino , not allowed to enumerate , 4 elephants small herd of a buffalo 3 giraffe, some eland , some springbok and a hippo out of the water No cheetah Our ‘luxury’ cottage was comfortable but I’m not sure of their definition of luxury!! Food was good and restaurant and bar service was excellent ! Staff in the dining areas and bar were exceptional as well as at reception . Game viewing drivers were ok but their commentaries were more ‘parrot ‘ fashion Overall experience was not what was expected from the advertising and we want all to know that the lorries with day visitors appeared to be leaving about every 30 mins which means the leisure areas are really overcrowded We won’t be recommending to our friends and families Read less

I’ve been to Aquila several times since my first trip in 2007. I went in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. I’ve seen the grounds grow and change. When we visited in March 2024, we decided to take my 6-year old for her first game drive experience. While the grounds have certainly become more beautiful with more activities being added (play area, pool, spa), it has lost some of its personal and rustic appeal. 2024 will be our last game drive experience here due to the size it’s become and how commercial it feels. We used to have very personal experiences with smaller vehicles and only a few in the drive at a time. We would stop anywhere and have champagne outside our vehicle and chat with the driver. This past year shocked us with huge vehicles carrying multiple people and several going out at a time in a caravan. The stop for drinks was busy and bustling leaving little time to just enjoy the land and chat with the drivers. We had the family cabin and it's always fun to shower outside! Some of the cabins have an outdoor shower. The welcome staff were friendly as always. They are available to answer any and all questions and are very accommodating. It’s a cost-effective option for people visiting Cape Town since it’s a short drive and you can easily get transportation. There are things to keep kids busy. It’s a fun first-time experience. If you are looking for quiet and personal or a romantic getaway, there may be better options if you are willing to travel further. Read less