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Aquila Private Game Reserve   Reviews

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Reviews 2.3.

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Maybe 1.5 stars would be justified. The facilities are good, it's clean, and it's safe. But to call it a game reserve, you need to place some game on the reserve. Compare to other game reserves, Aquila has barely any animals. Four elephants, four lions, a handful of zebras, plus one or two rhinos, that's pretty much it. There might be a giraffe somewhere... (hiding behind a bush?), but we never saw it, and no one we talked to had ever seen one. Bring your own food! Lots of it! The food at the buffets are disgusting at best, and there are no alternatives, no à la carte restaurant and no grocery store. And try not to let the staff annoy you. Front desk and wellness staff are okay, but the servers were as terrible as the food - not rude, just nonchalant and ignorant. Oh, and don't pay with cash. They'll never bring your change back. All in all, a lovely place. It just need a manager who can manage, a chef who can cook, and a safari park with animals.

Date of experience : 27 March 2024

Negligence. Unsafe. Management don't care. Awful customer service from the general manager. If you have an issue, they won't be anything. We travelled with a baby and paid nearly £1k for 2 nights to stay in one of the lodges for a treat. The air conditioning didn't work and the temperature didn't drop below 28 degrees Celsius. Unsafe for a baby. The water was brown so we couldn't bathe or sterilize for our baby. Managements response was "what do you expect in South Africa" And "I brought my kids up in this environment" Which is outrageous. We slept terribly due to the heat and spent a lot of our free time trying to resolve the issues which other than being given bottled water, nothing was done. The general manager avoided us and ignored us. Don't waste your money. Don't come here with kids.

Date of experience : 18 January 2024

Very bad experience with Aquila

Very bad experience with Aquila. After arranging and paying everything via their website, we could not wait to go on the safari. Booked on Monday, safari would be on Wednesday. We booked (and payed!) the safari including the transport. Because I did nog hear anything Tuesday about the time of transport, I emailed them. They emailed back within an hour and promised me I would hear the transport times that day. Unfortunately I did not hear anything. I emailed them several times again, contacted via Instagram, tried to call - nothing from Aquila. Set my alarm at 05:00 so I could check if they would give me the transport times late kn the evening or early in the morning - still nothing. After 09:00 Wednesday morning I got a really inappropriate email from them, about that they contacted me and that now I am a ‘now show’ and will not get my money back. They absolutely did not contact me. I am very disappointed in how they managed this, but also how they now react on the ‘no show’. Absolutely not how you should treat your clients who pay a lot of money. I am not getting my money back which I think is not the way you do business. Let this be a lesson for anybody who wants to book with Aquila. Check everything before you transfer them money.

Date of experience : 21 February 2024

Outstanding safari combo package

We did the safari combo package from Cape Town. 2hr transfer in minibus to the game reserve,buffet breakfast and drinks which was lovely, 2.5hr safari by truck, nice and close to most animals except the giraffe and dodnt see the leopard who where hiding in the hills, then a buffet lunch including drinks and either horse riding, quad biking or spa for 2hrs in the afternoon before heading home. We chose horseback safari which was AMAZING. Our guide was brilliant, so knowledgeable and we had a nice gallop on the sandy area. The horses were so well looked after and very happy, i was pleasantly surprised. Would highly recommend this day out to anyone, we were very impressed!!!

Date of experience : 24 December 2019

Horrible and unjust treatment of paying customers

Think the behaviour of this company is shocking. Myself (and many others I have heard about through Tripadvisor) have been waiting over a year to be refunded for cancelled trip. My personal experience is that of being lied to, ignored and mocked via email, and then blocked. I understand that initially the company may have suffered cash flow difficulties but now I can see they are operational again and have no intentions of refunding the customers who have paid the equivalent of a months rent for a trip that they cancelled. Everyone has suffered cash flow difficulties due to covid but this company cares not a jot.

Date of experience : 19 May 2021

More of a downmarket theme park/zoo…

More of a downmarket theme park/zoo than a reserve. Very disappointing. Rooms not too clean and the dining room was filthy. Food not fit for stray animals. I've been ill ever since. It was a pain to pay in the first place, and when I was promised a one night refund, even worse - after three weeks I still haven't received

Date of experience : 28 March 2023

Aquila Private Game Reserve, Touws River, South Africa

We decided to buy a package deal at the Aquila Private Game Reserve just about 2 hours north of Cape Town. It was a very very beautiful place and we enjoyed the buffet style breakfast when we arrived. The game drive was also fantastic and we saw white rhinos, giraffes, elephants, buffalos, zebras, lions, springboks, hippos and more and our guide was also really nice and knew a lot of fun things about the animals. His name was Abriel, he was excellent! The only reason why I can't rate Aquila 5 stars out of 5 is that the package deal included lunch also, which was great. But - we didn't get anything to drink with the lunch, not even water or wine (the price of water and wine is almost the same in So Africa...)! We thought that was a bit cheap of them that you had to pay extra for drinks with the lunch when we bought a package deal for R 1595 each person (we were 4 people). So - in order for Aquila Private Game Reserve to receive 5 stars out of 5 they just need to include drinks with lunch. Then it's a given!

Date of experience : 20 January 2015

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Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari

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Cape Town Afternoon Safari with transport and lunch

Cape Town Best Of Aquila Safari Full Day Tour with transport

Safari (Groups) All inclusive

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - DAY TRIP SAFARI (Cape Town Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Aquila Safari - Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari

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• South Africa    
• Western Cape    
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• Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari

Aquila Safari

We've enjoyed the one night stay at Aquila very much! Friendly staff; game rangers were informative. Lovely decor in restaurant, lounge bar and rooms. We felt relaxed and comfortable. Variety and quality of food excellent. Game drives and duration thereof well scheduled. Warm water bottles on game drives were a surprise treat for the chilly evening and morning hours of the winter. We would have preferred an afternoon nap after the lunch before going on the game drive. The visit to the ARC was a wonderful experience. Thank you.

This was a wonderful experience, hospirtality is 100%, will be visiting again with the whole family.

This was truly a wonderful experience. The accommodation was excellent and the experience was truly five star.

The Karoo is beautiful and it was great to get up close to the animals. However, if you take advantage of their winter special, as I did, wrap up warm! they have blankets and hot water bottles, but my feet were still cold!

Hi I found Aquila to be a nice tourist destination for tourists in SA who don't have the time to make it to game reserves such as Kruger etc. Unfortunately being an avid game viewer it lacked some of the excitement of these bigger game reserves and I hope that it can grow in size over time (the one ranger said that this was in the plans in the furute). Unfortunately the weather did not play its part when we were there but we still managed to have an enjoyable time in the lounge area by the fireplaces. It is a pity as it is really set up for being outside but bad weather is expected in Cape Town over winter. All in all a good trip!

My husband and I visited this Game Reserve for one night. We were in Cape Town for a wedding and I, having never been to South Africa, wanted some sort of 'safari' experience. My husband, having grown up in SA knew nothing near Cape Town could compare to Kruger National, but this was an awesome place. The private bungalow we reserved was incredible (we could see RHINOS from our balcony!!!) and the staff was awesome. The two safari rides were a great way for me to experience African animals, and the safaris were made even greater by our tour guide, Andrew. For one night and two safaris, it was awesome. Don't be mistaken, there are only a handful of the Big 5... There was a family also from the US that were there for several days, experiencing the same thing day after day and they seemed bored, but for 2 days, 1 night, it was PERFECT.

The World Overload

For Those With Wanderlust

South Africa 2-Day Safari Review: Aquila Game Preserve

When going to South Africa for my sister’s destination wedding, I was able to take a few extra days for myself to explore more of the country. Once-in-a-lifetime destination weddings are always fun for world travelers since it gives us an excuse to go somewhere that may be lower on our list of countries to visit. It’s hard to pick when you have so many countries and only so much time. I was able to check off one of my bucket list items of going on a South African safari.

Seeing the wildlife in a private game reserve is better than what you would find at your local zoo. There are so many luxury safari experiences and private game reserves to choose from all around the country and the continent. What you can choose may depend on availability, weather, cost, and other factors but most are generally like one another with maybe a few specialty options.

My family researched between multiple locations but ultimately chose the Aquila Game Preserve & Spa, a high-end luxury and family-friendly destination that can accommodate both a day trip and a solid 2-day itinerary.

A little background on Aquila Game Preserve

You will find this majestic piece of African paradise 2 hours from the capital of Cape Town. It is set in the Southwest Karoo, a semi-desert region that encompasses South Africa. This is a 4-star safari destination operating for over 20 years. It is best known for the famously coined ‘Big 5″ of South African wildlife Lions, Buffalo, Elephants, Leopards, and Rhinos, some of the top animals you can see on safari . But here you will also see Giraffes, antelope, and multiple safari birds . Settled between two mountains of the Western Cape, Outeniqua and Langeberg, the Aquila Game Preserve is a gem of what this continent has to offer.

This location helps the African wildlife persevere and includes several sustainable programs in the preserve’s upkeep. You have the option to choose to view the animals by the standard safari vehicle, some nice quad bikes, or even horse riding (probably best for the less meat-loving animals).

How to get to Aquila Game Preserve

If you decide to get a tour group package, the private game preserve will provide van transportation and pick you up in Cape Town. Speaking to a safari representative they may be able to pick you up at your hotel but most likely it will be at a pre-determined meeting spot in Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town CBD, Constantia, or Bellville.

This may involve you going to the location with other travelers, but you can book it privately as well with your reservations. If you decide to have a rental vehicle during your time in-country or just while in Cape Town, you can also drive yourself to the preserve. It is easy to navigate your way with direct dirt roads once you get yourself out of the city.

What to Expect Once You Arrive

Check-in begins at 2:00 pm so if you arrive early, you can spend your free time walking the grounds of the hotel or relaxing by the lounge. Aquila Safari gives you many options if you plan to only spend the day here or overnight. It has been rated as a top 10 day-trip destination. They have 3 Big 5 game drives, in the morning, afternoon, and night. You may decide to sleep in and prefer the afternoon safari instead or even just take the whole day to relax and go at night. Think about this as the activity of the animals differ between the hours of the day.

Your safari will be led by one of the experienced guides who will share experiences of the preserve as well as descriptions of the animals and their native habits. You will be driven past some of the waterholes and watch the animal migrate through the preserve. The time it takes to go through the preserve is always different as it strongly depends on whether there are animals you can see as well as how active you and the other riders are.

In between the game drives, you can relax at the hotel. There is a swimming pool which is large and provides an attached poolside bar. If the weather does not make poolside lounging an option, you can enjoy the tranquil spa, which includes an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and additional treatment rooms for massages and additional services.

What You Will Be Eating at Aquila Game Preserve

The hotel restaurant provides buffet-style meals that serve local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will be served in a large hall that accommodates the entire hotel. Or weather contingent you can relax and eat on the patios outside and around the pool area.

When the day is over you can enjoy the serene night sky with stargazing. There are bolted telescopes outside that will let you see the clear southern skies.

Where you will be staying at Aquila Game Preserve

Depending on if you plan to go in the summer or winter time of South Africa, you have a few options for accommodations. At the preserve, you have the option of what is a standard hotel room or if you prefer a little extravagance get a charming little cottage placed on a dry riverbed. You will get an outdoorsy feel but still enjoy the amenities with an indoor fireplace, patio, and alfresco (outdoor) showers. For families, you can get a luxury cottage that offers a more personal family vacation.

Getting the safari experience should be on your bucket list. South African safaris give us an amazing opportunity to view the wildlife and are one of the top things you can enjoy in your life. With so many safaris and national parks, they use the tourism economy to help numerous conservation efforts. It will be a win-win for you and your family and friends to spend part of your vacation on the continent coming here or one of the other many safaris you will be able to find.

Nicholas Rosen

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Aquila Private Game Reserve

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• Very Good 212
• Average 158
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Aquila Private Game Reserve (AU$296) - 2024 Prices & Reviews (Touwsrivier, South Africa) - Photos of Resort - Tripadvisor

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

Off the N1, on the R46, 6880 Touwsrivier, South Africa – Great location - show map

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa – rated 8.1 by recent guests!

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Value for money

Great location!

Located within a 2-hour drive of Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve offers a safari experience with mountains and landscape views. The reserve features an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site spa. Decorated in an African style with wooden furniture, each unit at Aquila features an outdoor shower and is equipped with a fan and a mini-bar that can be stocked on request. Some units offer a private patio/balcony offering views of the reserve. Meals are included at Aquila, which features a triple-volume buffet restaurant with an upstairs viewing area boasting scenic views of the Karoo mountains. There is also a pool bar and cigar lounge available for drinks and snacks. Home to the 'Big 5' wildlife species, guests can enjoy scheduled morning and afternoon safari game drives within an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, which are included in the rate. Horse-back and quad-bike safaris can also be arranged. Guests staying 2 nights or more receive complimentary access to the spa, which features an indoor heated pool, a sauna, steam room and 12 treatment rooms. The property also features a library, curio shop and children's entertainment area. Cape Town International Airport is 107 mi away from the game reserve. A shuttle can be arranged at an additional surcharge.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Non-smoking rooms
• Free parking
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Good Breakfast

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Breakfast Info

Continental, Buffet

Free Private Parking Available On Site

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Restaurants 1 Restaurant On Site

• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Amenities of Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

• Toilet paper
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Outdoor furniture
• BBQ facilities Additional charge
• Game drives
• Kids' club Additional charge
• Horseback riding Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Accessible parking
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Daily housekeeping
• Baggage storage
• Babysitting/Child services Additional charge
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Outdoor play equipment for kids
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• 24-hour security
• Designated smoking area
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Open all year
• Pool/Beach towels
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Full-body massage
• Hand massage
• Head massage
• Couples' massage
• Foot massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Body treatments
• Waxing services
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa Additional charge
• Sauna Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 1 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no extra beds available at this property.

All cribs are subject to availability.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 1 and up are allowed)

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash is not accepted Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note, the Full Board rates do not include drinks.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

FAQs about Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa

What is there to do at aquila private game reserve & spa.

• Swimming pool
• Horseback riding
• Couples' massage

Does Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa have a restaurant on site?

• Aquila Restaurant

Is Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa popular with families?

Yes, Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa is popular with guests booking family stays.

Does Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What kind of breakfast is served at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa?

Guests staying at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.5).

• Continental

What type of room can I book at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa?

How much does it cost to stay at aquila private game reserve & spa.

The prices at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa?

Check-in at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

How far is Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa from the center of Touwsrivier?

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa is 5.6 miles from the center of Touwsrivier. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

The Best of Touwsrivier

• Aquila Private Game Reserve

Train Stations

• Kleinstraat Railway Station

Most Popular Cities

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Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari

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Cape Town Afternoon Safari with transport and lunch

Cape Town Best Of Aquila Safari Full Day Tour with transport

Safari (Groups) All inclusive

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - DAY TRIP SAFARI (Cape Town Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari

• See all photos

Cape Town Afternoon Safari with transport and lunch

Cape Town Best Of Aquila Safari Full Day Tour with transport

Safari (Groups) All inclusive

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Aquila Private Game Reserve - Day Trip Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor