Real Africa, Real Close to Cape Town

Aquila invites you for a close encounter of the big five kind

Picture yourself in a 4x4 vehicle, on the lookout for floral species, Renosterveld and Fynbos, surrounded by diverse bushveld in the Western Cape. It might look at bit different to the wild Africa you have in mind, but make no mistake – this was real outback only a matter of centuries ago.

After a two hour drive from Cape Town, via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands, you arrive at your destination. Aquila Private Game Reserve is situated in the Southern Karoo Highlands and is a myriad of mountains, valleys, hills and fynbos - perfect for your day or overnight safari. Your friendly representative greets you with a welcome glass of bubbly from a local wine farm.

A spacious, African characteristic restaurant

You are invited to breakfast within a new, spacious, African characteristic restaurant, built from natural materials to blend into the natural environment. The restaurant's open windows afford spectacular views of Cape-style wilderness. Breakfast is an 8 metre long buffet that caters for all tastes, from traditional bacon and eggs, to fresh croissants and muffins, to South African cheeses and fresh fruit.

After breakfast you climb aboard your 4x4 vehicle, for a 2-3 hour game drive. Your experienced game ranger knows the reserve, the animals, the flora and fauna, and the history, like the back of his hand.  During your game drive, you will discover more about life on the reserve, including interesting facts that may surprise you.

Where smaller animals can impress, just as much as the big ones

You will find that the smallest animals will impress you just as much as the gentle elephants, round hippos, white lions, short tempered hippos and other game. You might even encounter lesser known species on the reserve including; the Bat Eared fox (small foxes with large ears), the Blesbok (with the same memory span as a gold fish) or the Rock Dassie (the closest living relative to the elephant).

Your ranger will point out the plant species at the reserve, which are a mixture of Renosterveld and Mountain Fynbos. Did you know that the poisonous Nenta plant (nicknamed the 'Bushman's Candle') used to be dried and smoked through an Ostrich egg by the bushmen, for a hallucinogenic effect? This must've been quite an unhealthy past time, as an Ostrich egg contains the same cholesterol as a whopping 36 chicken eggs! You'll find  out many more interesting facts from your expert and passionate game ranger.

Upon your return, they'll be a gigantic buffet lunch waiting for you at the restaurant, prepared by South African Chefs. your lunch is surprisingly diverse and certainly a feast fit for a wilderness king. Delightful dishes include; fish, chicken, lamb, salads and decadent deserts. Happy indulging!

For more information, visit: www.aquilasafari.com, or be sure to read our overview of Aquila Private Game Reserve