FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Arrival Details

• Check-in Time

  Overnight guests may check into their rooms from 14h00. We invite guests to enjoy lunch before check in, served from 12h00. Guests may also enjoy swimming and the pool area.

• Check-out Time

  Check out is at 10h00 for overnight guests.

• Is reception open 24 hours?

  Yes, reception service is available 24 hours.

• Which languages are spoken at reception?

  English and Afrikaans

• Can I leave my luggage?

  Yes, we can look after your luggage. If, at check-in, your room is not ready yet or in case of early check-out, we will store your luggage free of charge on your check-in and check-out days.

What to Bring

• Is Aquila malaria-free?

  Yes, Aquila Private Game Reserve is malaria-free. However, even though Cape Town and the Western Cape are malaria-free, there are still mosquitos and other insects. Please remember to pack bug spray or insect repellent (available at the curio shop) for your safari.

• What do I bring with when coming to Aquila Game Reserve?

  PLEASE REMEMBER TO ADD YOUR BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER WHEN MAKING PAYMENT VIA EFT/BANK TRANSFER: AQ
  Please remember to bring with proof identification when visiting for an overnight stay.

• What else should I pack?

  • camera equipment
  • lenses
  • sunscreen
  • mosquito repellant (even though we are malaria free in the Western Cape, we still have mosquitos)
  • bathing suits
  • hats
  • casual shoes for walking around the lodge
  • medical kit for travel that you can ask your doctor to prescribe, plus the usual suspects such as after sun, antiseptic cream, plasters and children’s medicines.

• Can I use my drone when visiting at the reserve?

  Please note that under no circumstances will drones be allowed at the game reserve.

• What must I wear?

  Wear what you would usually wear when you pack for a holiday, including a very warm jacket for our winter and spring time, including beanies and gloves for winter game drives. Pack a lighter jacket with your normal clothing for your summer stays, plus swimwear for visits all year round as we have pools and a spa which guests can access at a small fee.

Family and Kids

• Do you have an age restrictions for children?

  No, Aquila Private Game Reserve welcomes safari guests of all ages. However,  for horseback safaris and quad bike adventures, there is a maximum weight restriction of 95kgs and minimum age restriction of 16 years of old.

• Apart from the game drives, what else is there for kids to do?

  Aquila offers many fun and exciting activities for our youngest safari guests. Visit our Children’s Entertainment page for a full list of children’s activities and more information on our child-friendly facilities.

  • Big 5 Game Drives
  • Outdoor Adventure Zone
  • Mini Golf 
  • Wooden Playground
  • Indoor Play Area 
  • Junior Ranger Programme
  • Marshmallow Braai 
  • Infinity Pool 

• Can children go on game drives?

  Yes, children of all ages can go on Aquila’s Guided Safari Game Drives. However, they must be accompanied by an adult. 

• How will my children be entertained?

  Aquila has an exciting new Outdoor Adventure Zone, especially designed for kids to have fun and play in a safe and controlled environment. For the younger members of the family, there is a stimulating indoor play area with loads of toys and daily activities. 

• Can children access the spa?

  Yes, but they have to be 16 years old and up.

• Does Aquila have child minding services?

  Yes. Available on request.

Transport and Transfers

• Do you provide return transfers from Cape Town?

  Yes, Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers return shuttle transfers options from Cape Town. Return transfers are available at an additional charge of R1090.00 per person for Day Trip safaris, and an additional charge of R1750.00 per person for Overnight Safaris.

• How long is the drive from Cape Town to the reserve?

  The drive from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve takes approximately 2 hours (177km).

• Which is the nearest airport?

  The nearest airport is Cape Town International off the N1 national highway. It is 2 hours away from Aquila Private Game Reserve, but please be advised that due to it being a high traffic area highway, you will need to check your google maps beforehand. During peak, for instance, we advise adding 2 hours to your travel time.

• Do you offer transport?

  Yes, we offer transport at an additional cost.

• If I come by car, which motorway exit should I take?

  Follow the scenic N1 out of Cape Town CBD towards Worcester (through the tunnel),  and through the Cape Winelands. Situated under two hours from the CBD, guests will take the R46 Ceres turnoff from the N1, and find the Aquila entrance to the left .

• Are there car parking spaces or a car park?

  Yes. We have safe and secure, on-site parking. Guests can find Aquila’s car park at the entrance to the reserve, located next to the reception.

• How much does parking cost?

  Aquila’s parking area is free of charge. However, the car park is exclusively reserved for overnight guests, day visitors, and transport vehicles dropping guests off at the reserve. 

For More Information

About the Reserve

• Would we be able to swap one of our game drives for another activity as part of our overnight stay?

  Yes, you are welcome to swap one of your game drives for one of our other activities at an additional charge of R1 090 per person per Horseback Safari or R1 290 per person per Quad Bike Safari.

  Looking for an activity outside of the reserve? You can add a visit to Dekkersvlei Vineyards as an added experience to your stay. 

• Can I self-drive through the reserve?

  No, all our game drives are guided. The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share resourceful information about the topography, wildlife and personality of the reserve. 

• How long in advance do I have to book?

  Bookings are subject to availability, which changes hourly.  We would suggest you book and pay the deposit as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

• How certain are you that we will see the Big 5?

  There are no gaurantees that you will get to see the enitre Big 5. However, our guides have studied the wildlife and reserve, and know (more-or-less) where to find them. The aim is to spot as many of the Big 5 as possible, as well as other animals indigenous to the land. We do know that for many of our guests, to see the big 5 is a once in lifetime experience, which is why we always go the extra mile.

• What is the best time of year for game-viewing?

  Although you will be able to see variations of wildlife all-year-round, we recommend you visit from September to November. This is when you will be able to experience lush wildflowers, new animal life, and warmer weather conditions. 

• Will I see all of the Big 5?

  As your rangers will explain, there are no guarantees when it comes to wild animals. Our rangers do their best to find the best views of animals that they can within your 2 -3 hour game drive.

• Are the animals at Aquila wild?

  Yes, the animals at Aquila are wild. What started as a 10 000 hectare conservancy for native antelope species and small game animals, slowly transformed into a Big 5 game reserve with the introduction of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and the cape leopard. 

• Are the lions at Aquila kept in a separate enclosure?

  Yes, the lions at Aquila are kept in a spacious, secure enclosure that is separate from the reserve’s free-roaming wildlife. This enclosure is fully aligned with South African conservation legislation and follows ethical wildlife care standards.

• Why are the lions at Aquila kept in a separate enclosure?

  Aquila complies with provincial and national conservation regulations governing the management of predators within private reserves. These measures ensure the safety and welfare of the lions, protect other wildlife, and maintain the ecological balance of the reserve. Like all private game reserves in South Africa, Aquila upholds these standards to promote ethical and sustainable wildlife conservation.

   

Restaurant and Rooms

• What would be included in our Overnight Stay at Aquila?

  Please note: the same itinerary repeats itself daily.

  • 12h30 – Welcome drinks at Aquila.
  • 12h30 – Buffet Lunch
  • 14h00 – Check in to Cottage
  • 16h30 – 2hr to 3hr Game Drive
  • 19h30 – Buffet Dinner
  • 06h00 – Game Drive and visit to ARC
  • 08h00 – 09h00 – Buffet Breakfast
  • 10h00 – Check Out of Cottage
  • 10h00 – 11h30 – Time at leisure
  • 12h30 – Depart for Cape Town

• What are the differences between your Premier Cottages and Standard Karoo Cottages?

  Premier Cottages
  There are five premier luxury cottages, each a swank style and equally exclusive. Cottages are privately situated and have been built into the hillside of the reserve.
  Chalets combine natural rock elements, wood and stone – creating a definite back to nature ambiance. The en suite bathrooms include; twin hand basins, a toilet, bathtub, and outdoor shower. The honeymoon suite boats a Jacuzzi.
  Each unit opens up onto a private patio, which is perfect for frosty cocktails on hot summer nights. On colder evenings, most guests curl up on the plush furniture, in front of the chalet log fire.
  Premier safari lodge accommodation is hopelessly charming – a bush pleasure rarity.

  Standard Karoo Cottages
  Accommodation is also a collection of semi detached units. Chalets have thatch roofs and feature exterior stone work.
  Each unit is a unique contemporary African design.
  In keeping with the design and flow of the architecture at Aquila, the Standard Cottages do not compromise the experience or the standard.
  Each has its own patio, corner bath and outdoor rock shower.
  Cottages are equipped with mini bars, air-conditioning, fans and feature ‘coal’ stoves for the extra bit of warmth and cosiness in winter months.

• Internet connection?

  A wireless internet connection is available throughout the lodge area and the rooms.

• Is breakfast included in the price?

  Breakfast is included in the price, depending on whether you’re a day visitor, afternoon or sunset safari guest, or an overnight guest. We have various packages which include offerings and a basic itinerary which can be viewed on https://aquilasafari.com/rates

• What is offered at breakfast?

  The buffet breakfast includes a selection of croissants, breads (even gluten free), continental breakfast offerings, charcuterie, cheese, eggs and hot breakfast offerings.

• What time is breakfast served?

  Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am, every day.

   

• Is room service available?

  No room service is offered at Aquila.

• Do you have smoking and non-smoking rooms?

  All rooms are strictly non-smoking. Smoke will trigger a smoke alarm across the property. 

• Do you have religious observance rooms?

  Yes, we have a prayer room.

• Do the bathrooms have baths or showers?

  All rooms except for Standard Lodge Rooms have baths and showers. Standard Lodge Rooms only have showers.

• How many bars does the hotel have?

  The hotel has three bars. The first bar is an outdoor bar by the pool, the second bar is in the Day Visitor’s Dining Room and Bar, and the third bar is above the overnight guest’s restaurant.

• Are the prices quoted per room or per person?

  The prices quoted are always per person.

• Do you have a restaurant?

  Yes, we have two restaurants – one for day visitors and one exclusively for overnight guests.