Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Cape Town, South Africa

Virgin 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 (394)
  • Very good (219)
  • Average (162)
  • Poor (103)
  • Terrible (119)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing

Dec 23, 2024 antonyc108 Cape Town, South Africa

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Aquila Game Reserve, and it was truly a magical experience! From the moment we arrived, the staff’s warm hospitality made us feel welcomed and cared for.. The game drive was exceptional Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Santacruise Tours doesn’t disappoint!!

Dec 22, 2024 Aisy231 New York City, New York

Another great day with Santacruise Tours!! A Fantastic day and must see trip if in cape town. Our travel group couldn’t ask for a better driver and guide. Truly a memorable experience, could not do enough for us!! 10 out of 10... brilliant!!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Real safari

Dec 20, 2024 Hamida N Leeds, United Kingdom

Much more than what we anticipated. Reception was efficient, rooms comfortable with an inside corner bath and an outside shower( which I really liked) I even saw ostrich from my room and baboons made an appearance at lunch. We had a 2 night booking so 4 drives in total. We choose 3 drives and decided to swap a drove for horse riding which we… Read more
Much more than what we anticipated. Reception was efficient, rooms comfortable with an inside corner bath and an outside shower( which I really liked) I even saw ostrich from my room and baboons made an appearance at lunch. We had a 2 night booking so 4 drives in total. We choose 3 drives and decided to swap a drove for horse riding which we really enjoyed. All staff were polite. Food was halal and menu not repeated. Drinks affordable as we're the spa treatments. We'll worth a visit and great alternative to large safari, especially if you are with children Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Safari Experience ❤️❤️

Dec 9, 2024 ambers Prestatyn, United Kingdom

Great Safari experience 2 hours from Cape Town. We did the 1 night safari stay which included 3hour afternoon game drive and 1 1/2 the next morning drive . We saw all of the big 4 at Aquila ( I don’t think there’s a leopard there ) the safari experience was fantastic our guide Josh was so knowledgeable and got us up really close the the elephants… Read more
Great Safari experience 2 hours from Cape Town. We did the 1 night safari stay which included 3hour afternoon game drive and 1 1/2 the next morning drive . We saw all of the big 4 at Aquila ( I don’t think there’s a leopard there ) the safari experience was fantastic our guide Josh was so knowledgeable and got us up really close the the elephants and lions , The reserve is goes on for miles and we got to see all the animals there which was amazing. The buffet was just okay, we had a standard room as we booked late and all the others were sold out, the bathroom is in desperate need of a renovation the shower smelt so musty it made the room smell . One night Is definitely enough as if you do 2 it’s just a repeat of the same thing. Value for money it was excellent though . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic time

Dec 9, 2024 johnhardcastle2013 Huddersfield, United Kingdom

We booked this trip through booking.com as we were staying in cape town for 3 days before joining a cruise ship. We has already arranged for transfers to and from the park with the park itself. They picked us up on time and drove the 2hrs upto the reserve just in time for lunch before we checked into our room. We booked a Premier cottage which was… Read more
We booked this trip through booking.com as we were staying in cape town for 3 days before joining a cruise ship. We has already arranged for transfers to and from the park with the park itself. They picked us up on time and drove the 2hrs upto the reserve just in time for lunch before we checked into our room. We booked a Premier cottage which was stunning and could sit out on our balcony and watch for animals .with staying a night there all food is included and an evening safari and a morning safari in with the price. Drinks are reasonably priced. Loved the time spent there and though the lions don't roam free it still felt special been up close to them. Read less