Dear wildlife enthusiasts,

Welcome to Aquila Private Game Reserve Since the 4-star Aquila Private Game Reserve was founded, its ethos and that of our team of dedicated staff, has always been to educate guests on the importance of wildlife conservation, how it affects us all and what we as individuals can do to protect it and indeed the environment. Aquila is not yet another luxury game reserve and lodge, its primary purpose is to offer an educational experience to all who visit in the hope that knowledge will enrich our understanding of the importance of living in harmony with Mother Nature. Over the years, Aquila Private Game Reserve has gone to massive efforts and expense to source and re-introduce wildlife into the Cape region so that local residents and visitors alike can benefit from the same and therefore we are proud to offer a real safari for the first time in 250 years. We are especially proud of our efforts of reintroducing our lions and lion cubs that we saved from a doomed ‘canned lion’ fate. The support from industry, local and international media has been outstanding and reiterates our ongoing efforts and stance against animal cruelty – such as the despicable canned lion hunting industry. Aquila’s lions thrive in their massive sanctuary while enjoying the breathtaking terrain of mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs. In another of our conservation efforts, we currently offer our visitors a complimentary educational introduction to our cheetahs, highlighting the plight of the free ranging cheetah and their critically diminishing numbers. It’s important to note that our cheetahs were captive bred and not ‘born free’ nor do they form part of Aquila’s game drive and the experience is strictly controlled and in the interest of cheetah survival worldwide. Guests however are not allowed to directly interact with the cheetahs but are given a comprehensive talk on the plight of these beautiful cats. Central to conservation is education and to this end we regularly invite, free of charge, various under privileged schools to the reserve to experience this first hand. Inform - educate – empower! Respecting that we are part of a community, our annual efforts to uplift the nearby town of Touwsriver is ongoing. Winter soup kitchens, feeding approximately 12000 children per month, a sustainable recycling ‘food for litter’ campaign, fundraising events for blankets, pet food and veterinary service rallies and indeed employment are some of the ways we strengthen our ties with the town. Our responsible tourism, social upliftment and job creation efforts have not only been hailed in The Argus as “Champion of the Poor” but has also received us unparallel national and international publicity. We are also very proud to have been in the top 3 finalists of the prestigious FEDHASA responsible tourism Imvelo awards for the past 3 years. We look forward to welcoming you to our prestigious reserve either as a day visitor or overnight guest where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the various types of luxury accommodation and fine South African cuisine.

Searl Derman Owner - Aquila Private Game Reserve

Activities on the Reserve

Game Drives Morning and evening game drives with qualified field rangers in open 4x4 vehicles.

Game drives range between two and three hours with sparkling wine, grape juice, water and snacks such as biltong, “droewors”, nuts and dried fruits served at various lookout points. Blankets and raincoats are made available to guests on the 4x4 vehicles. Wooden stepladders are also used to assist guests from getting on and off the vehicles.

Horse-back Safari No experience is required.

Minimum age requirement is 15 yrs old. There is a maximum of 9 people per safari, they are guided by one of our rangers. Duration: 2 hours

Quad bike Safari Minimum age requirement is 17 yrs old.

There is a maximum of 10 people per safari guided by two rangers. 1 client per vehicle. Duration: 2 hours Activities in close proximity to Aquila The little Karoo enjoys sunshine most of the year. Summers are dry and warm, winters are dry and crisp. The prevailing weather lends itself to long walks, hiking, cycling and other sports activities.

Matjiesfontein Village

This historic village has a rich background, dating back to its roots in the late nineteenth century. From its ties with the Boer War, to the pioneering spirit engendered by its founder, James Logan, it is steeped in the history of an era, the echoes of which still reverberate through the streets and buildings. A double-decker London Bus makes a daily tour of the Matjiesfontein Village. Karoo National Park Large herds of antelope and abundant bird life. The Park offers a Fossil Trail, which has wide walkways for wheel chairs and Braille board inscriptions for the convenience of the blind and taped commentary is available for disabled visitors who have their own cassette players. Gondwanaland is explained, and along this 400m route, there are superb examples of fossilised mudstone, silified trees and a wide variety of fossils, most of which have been found in the Beaufort Series of rock formations. 4x4 Mountain trails There are many mountain trails in the Karoo and Breede river area. The most popular one and also nearest to Aquila is Leeuwenboschfontein with route distance of 18 km (4-5 hours). Maximum of 20 vehicles allowed.

Golf De Doorns offers a 9 hole course. With 18 hole courses at both Ceres and Worcester.

Trout Fishing and Cherry Picking can also be arranged from the Reserve.

Facilities

Restaurant Built from natural materials found on the reserve such as rocks, river pebbles, reeds, wood and thatch to blend with the surrounding environment, this spacious, high ceilinged, African character building with large fireplaces is the perfect setting for the superb buffet meals served. Meals are prepared by an internationally acclaimed chef and traditional meals are offered as well as the standard fare, Catering for special dietary requirements is provided. The restaurant can seat 180 diners in comfort.

Cigar Bar The intimate colonial style Cigar Bar offers one the opportunity of enjoying an after dinner night “cap” whilst enjoying the quality cigars on offer in a tranquil environment with the Aquila trademark large fireplaces.

Pool Bar Situated off the swimming pool and next to the restaurant this “African” styled bar seats approximately 20 guests overlooking the pool area.

Boma/s Cigar Bar Boma - An intimate outdoor boma with raised fire area is surrounded by seating all under thatch and suitable for approx 12 people.

Conference Boma – Under thatch, this boma is situated outside the conference centre and can seat up to 40 guests.

Restaurant Boma – Outdoor dropped open air Boma, situated outside the Restaurant and can seat 64 guests.

Public Lounges Aquila has two public lounges, one situated at the Restaurant the other adjoining the Cigar Bar. Both have comfortable fully upholstered furniture and superb views .

The Restaurant Lounge has a large feature fireplace and the Cigar Bar lounge has DSTV facilities. Library This wood paneled, book lined room with its large fireplace invites one to relax and take time out. It offers many reference books as well as novels for the guests enjoyment.

Curio Shop The well stocked curio shop is situated at the reception area and offers various African souvenirs for sale, as well as some locally manufactured goods. It also offers various “Aquila” branded apparel and gifts. Besides curios it stocks items for tourist such as camera spools etc.

Swimming Pool This saltwater pool, with rock finishes is made good use of in the summer months.