We are incredibly excited to announce that, in September 2024, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa. What started as a vision and dream by Searl Derman back in 1999, has evolved into a globally recognised brand and leading name in wildlife conservation.
Over the past two and a half decades, Aquila has had the honour of hosting countless safari guests, ranging from everyday wildlife adventurers to international icons like Rihanna, Paris Hilton, and Mariah Carey. We’ve come a long way since 1999, and we’ve shared a glimpse of our humble safari lodge at the beginning — comparing the same location in 1999 to 2024 at Aquila Private Game Reserve and spa.
Enter Aquila’s 25th Birthday Giveaway for the chance to Win one of 25 Family Safaris!
Celebrating 25 Years of Cape Town Safaris
Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa has become synonymous with Big Five Cape Town Safari Tours, offering a unique blend of luxury, conservation, and wildlife adventure close to the city. As we reflect on a quarter-century of conservation and service excellence, we’re reminded of the passion and dedication that has shaped Aquila into the iconic Cape Town safari destination it is today.
Africa’s colonisation history saw a devastating impact on the Western Cape’s native flora and fauna. Human settlements, farming, and inhumane trophy hunting led to the extinction of the Cape Lion, as well as a concerning decline in native animal species across the region. However, over the years, Aquila’s tireless work has seen a remarkable impact on the recovery of native animal and plant populations, from the smallest of birds to the mightiest of elephants.
Since Aquila Private Game Reserve was founded in 1999, the reserve’s conservation team oversaw the reintroduction of the first elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions to Cape Town in 250 yeas. Not only did Aquila reintroduce the first rhinos back to the Western Cape, but, in 2002, they became the first game reserve to successfully relocate elephants to the region.
Although the cost of introducing two elephants into the reserve cost more than R2 million at the time, Aquila officially transitioned from a ‘Big 4’ safari to a ‘Big 5’ safari, making it the first Big 5 game reserve close to Cape Town. In 2024, 25 years after Aquila was founded, the elephants at the reserve have become one of the top attractions for guests to see on safari.
Today, the Saving Private Rhino (SPR) organisation, the Animal Rescue Centre (ARC), the reserve’s ongoing efforts to protect the region’s endangered Cape Leopard population, and the ongoing goal of establishing the closest relative to the Cape Lion, are only small facets of our conservation initiatives.
The first Aquila Private Game Reserve logo, before the introduction of the Tranquila Spa: “Aquila Private Game Reserve & Safaris.”
The redesigned Aquila Private Game Reserve logo, which introduced the iconic Aquila lion, Tranquila Spa, and four-star rating.
The second redesign of the Aquila Private Game Reserve logo: introduced following large-scale renovations and the emergence of the Aquila Collection, an internationally recognised brand and leading Cape Town travel and tourism parter.
The 25th Birthday redesign of the Aquila Private Game Reserve logo: introduced for the celebration and recognition of Aquila’s commitment to service excellence and Cape Town safaris for the past 25 years.
Cape Town Tourism Celebrates 25 Years of Cape Town Safaris
Over the years, Aquila has evolved into a world-class safari destination, drawing visitors from across the globe. Its proximity to Cape Town, just a two-hour drive away, has made it especially popular among international tourists looking for a taste of the African bush without having to travel far from the city.
Aquila offers an array of experiences, from day trips and luxury accommodation to guided game drives and conservation-focused tours. The reserve has also embraced eco-tourism by incorporating solar power and other sustainable practices into its operations.
To honour the incredible impact Aquila Private Game Reserve has had on Cape Town and South Africa, Cape Town Tourism printed a special 2024/25 edition of their official visitor’ guide, featuring Aquila Safari’s on the front cover. This special edition cover, which shows two of Aquila’s lions, states: “Celebrating Aquila’s 25th Birthday, a proud partner of Cape Town Tourism.”
Book Your Cape Town Safari
From humble beginnings to a leading wildlife sanctuary, Aquila continues to play an important role as Cape Town’s very own Big Five safari destination. Through education, eco-tourism, and ongoing conservation projects, the reserve remains dedicated to protecting and preserving the Western Cape’s wildlife for generations to come.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of Aquila’s 25th-anniversary celebration. Book your big five Cape Town Safari now and join in the celebratory spirit at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa.
