Years of Cape Town Safaris
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Aquila is Celebrating 25 years of Cape Town Big 5 Safaris with 25 FREE Family Safaris worth over R325,000!

Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is turning 25 in September, and you could win one of 25 FREE overnight safaris for a family of four. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to share the joy of a South African wildlife adventure with your children and see the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo) up close and in person.

Imagine traditional vehicle game drives through the reserve, welcome drinks on arrival, delicious buffet-style meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a nightly marshmallow braai and Karoo stargazing experience, and comfortable family-style accommodation. Enter Aquila’s 25 year celebration giveaway to win a Big 5 family safari for 2 adults and 2 children. Terms and Conditions apply.* 

It All Began in 1999...

It all began on the 20th of September, 1999, when our visionary owner and founder, Searl Derman, established Cape Town’s very own Big 5 safari: Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa. Driven by his goal to reintroduce South Africa’s Big 5 animals back to the Western Cape, what started as a sanctuary for native antelope species has since evolved into a thriving home for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, springbok, hippos, wildebeest, and so much more. 

Today, Aquila offers guests an unforgettable Big 5 safari experience, less than 2 hours from the city, that can be enjoyed as a day trip tour or overnight experience. 

Click and drag arrow left and right to see the difference

1999
2024

A Journey Back to the Start in Photos

We’ve come a long way since 1999. Over the years, Aquila has shared many incredible Big Five sightings with guests, created unforgettable memories, and provided an authentic wildlife experience for families and travellers going on safari for the first time. From humble beginnings, we are proud to say that these last 25 years have witnessed the restoration of our country’s natural wildlife heritage to Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Going Back in Time with Videos

Aquila has become synonymous with “Cape Town Safaris”, offering an exciting blend of luxury stays, wildlife conservation, and Big Five adventures close to the city. As we reflect on a quarter-century of service excellence, we’re looking back at the passion and dedication that helped shape Aquila into the beloved Cape Town safari destination it is today.

Community and Conservation

At the core of Aquila Private Game Reserve lies an unyielding commitment to protecting and preserving South Africa’s cultural and wildlife heritage. From innovative conservation initiatives, like Saving Private Rhino (SPR) and the Animal Rescue Centre (ARC), which saw the return of the first rhinos back to the Western Cape, Aquila is more than just a Big 5 safari destination.

Job creation, community upliftment, charity drives, youth programmes, and social responsibility initiatives are a vital part of Aquila’s commitment, including blanket drives, the food-for-litter campaign, and the Eco Synergy Centre, which helps provide electricity, fresh produce, and efficient waste management to the reserve and surrounding Touws River community.

Celebrity Visits Over the Years

As Cape Town’s top Big 5 safari destination close to the city, Aquila has welcomed many celebrities, production companies, politicians, and public figures hoping to experience a South African wildlife adventure on their trip to Cape Town. Notable guests include Mariah Carey, Katie Holmes, Vin Diesel, Paris Hilton, Westlife, Rihanna, and MC Hammer, just to name a few.

fear-factor

Fear Factor India

MYTHBUSTERS

America's next top model

The amazing race

rihanna

Paris Hilton

Win a Big 5 Overnight Safari at Aquila

  • One Night Stay in a Family Cottage

    Located in close proximity to the main lodge and children’s adventure zone, Aquila's family cottages make it easy for families to get to and from meals, activities, and game drives.

  • Valid for Families Up To Four Guests

    The family safari giveaway is available for up to four guests, with a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. Single parents (one adult and 2 children) are welcome to enter. As long as you do not exceed the maximum occupancy of four guests, with a maximum of 2 adults (ages 12+), you are still eligible to enter, eg: one adult and two children, or one adult and three children.
    Children: 0 to 11 years old. Adults: 12+ years old.

  • What's Included?

    One night accommodation in a Family Cottage, welcome drinks, buffet-style meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), a morning game drive, an afternoon game drive, a marshmallow fire, and a Karoo stargazing experience.

  • Additional Activities

    Aquila is a place of relaxation and adventure. During your safari leisure time, in between game drives, you can swim in the pool, enjoy refreshments by the wet bar, visit the children's adventure zone, featuring an enclosed playground, jungle-gym, mini-golf course, and a indoor entertainment area for younger children.

Enter Now to Win One of 25 Family Safaris

25th Birthday Giveaway FAQ

Aquila’s family safari giveaway includes: 

  • One night accommodation for up to four guests (maximum of 2 adults and 2 children) in a family cottage.
  • Welcome drinks on arrival. 
  • Two traditional vehicle game drives (afternoon safari and morning safari).
  • All meals (buffet-style lunch, dinner and breakfast). 
  • Karoo stargazing experience (weather dependent).
  • Marshmallow braai (weather dependent).
  • Use of all communal lodge facilities, including the swimming pool, children’s play area, and outdoor adventure zone.

Aquila’s family safari giveaway does not include: 

  • Transport to and from the reserve in not included in the giveaway. Click here to view all transport options from Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Access to the Tranquila Spa.
  • Additional drinks and beverages.

The winners for Aquila’s 25th Birthday Giveaway will be announced on the 21st of September, 2024.

Winners will have one calendar year, until 21 September 2025, to redeem their overnight safari package, subject to availability. 

Please note: All prizes and giveaways are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash value. Please read our terms for specials for more information.

Located close to all lodge amenities and children’s entertainment facilities, Aquila’s family cottages are a comfortable and luxurious option for families and overnight safari guests with children.

The layout and maximum occupancy of the family cottages accommodates/sleeps a maximum of four guests, with a maximum bed occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children (two single beds and one queen-sized bed).

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.  All guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Yes! The family safari giveaway is available for up to four guests, with a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. If you do not have children, you are welcome to enter for an overnight safari for two adults, only.

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.

The family safari giveaway is available for up to four guests, with a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. Single parents (one adult and 2 children) are welcome to enter.

As long as you do not exceed the maximum occupancy of four guests, with a maximum of 2 adults (ages 12+), you are still eligible to enter, eg: one adult and two children, or one adult and three children.

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.

The family safari giveaway is valid for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. As per Aquila’s children policy, if you have a teen (ages 12+), they will be considered as an ‘adult’ for booking purposes.

Therefore, you may still bring your teenager, but the booking must fall within the maximum occupancy requirements, eg: one parent, one teen, and two children.

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.  All guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The family safari giveaway is valid for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. If you have one child (aged 0 to 11) you are still eligible to win and are welcome to enter the family giveaway.

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.  All guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The family safari giveaway is valid for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. However, if you have three children (aged 0 to 11), you are still eligible to enter with ONE adult and three children.

The maximum occupancy of and layout of the family cottages accommodates / sleeps a maximum of four guests, with a maximum bed occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children (two single beds and one queen-sized bed).

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.  All guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The family safari giveaway is valid for a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children. Unfortunately, due to the layout and occupancy requirements of Aquila’s family cottages, we are unable to accommodate additional guests or children. 

Although additional guests cannot be added to the giveaway, if you win, you can still book additional accommodation to match your desired occupancy, for your chosen safari dates, subject to availability.

  • Children: 0 to 11 years old.
  • Adults: 12+ years old. 

Please note: Aquila’s children’s policy and standard terms and conditions apply.  All guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Room Amenities:

Please note that all Aquila accommodation do not offer in-room television or telephone services.