Aquila Ramadan Package
Aquila Ramadan Package From only R2 350pp per night Deal Closed Observers of the holy month of Ramadan are invited to embrace the spirit of this period by visiting Aquila Safari with a variety of exceptional experiences – just under 2 hours from Cape Town. Aquila Safari welcomes children of all ages to its private game reserve on its game drives and it is ideal for families wanting to celebrate together. Having always embraced all cultures and religions from across the globe, the private game reserve hosts an onsite prayer facility equipped with basin and water-friendly services, prayer matts, the Quran, and seating for the elderly. The Ramadan Safari Stays offer the opportunity to enjoy a serene and peaceful stay. Benefits include a delicious fast-breaking snack platter served to the room with dates, fruit, and a selection of savouries to be enjoyed as the sun sets over the dramatic mountains of the Southern Karoo. After the last prayers when the sun has set over the reserve, the Iftar meal is made truly special with a variety of South African cuisine served in the main restaurant while the Karoo skies allow for magnificent moon sightings and star gazing. After a night of comfortable accommodation, guests can rise before dawn to a continental breakfast Suhoor. The reserve offers a variety of children’s activities and other wildlife experiences, such as traditional game drives, horseback rides and adrenalin rush quad bike excursions. The Olympic size outdoor pool can offer light exercise and relaxation, while the on-site Tranquila spa hosts an indoor heated pool and other luxurious facilities, services and treatments. Includes: Accommodation 2 x Traditional Game Drives (Optional) Prayer facility equipped with basin and water-friendly services, prayer matts, the Quran, and seating for the elderly Include a delicious fast breaking snack platter served to the room with dates, fruit and a selection of savories to be enjoyed as the sun sets over the dramatic mountains of the Southern Karoo The Iftar meal is made truly special with a variety of South African cuisine served in the main restaurant while the Karoo skies allow for magnificent moon sightings and star gazing. After a nights comfortable accommodation, guests can rise before dawn to a continental breakfast Suhoor. Excludes: Transport Additional activities Beverages Deal Closed From only R2 350pp per night Valid from 22nd March 2023 – 20th April 2023. For ease of booking contact the Aquila Safari reservations office on +27 21 430 7260, or send an email below and we will get back to you shortly.
RHINO MASSACRE IN WESTERN CAPE AS FESTIVE SEASON STARTS
RHINO MASSACRE IN WESTERN CAPE AS FESTIVE SEASON STARTS Searl Derman, owner of Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, just outside of Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa, and his management and staff are left traumatised after four rhinos, (including one pregnant female) were found massacred last night (Wednesday 08 December 2021). At approximately 22h30 the 24 hour Anti-Poaching Unit raised the alarm as they found the horrific scene of four shot rhino while on their regular patrols. The initial scene assessment found that two rhinos had already succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining two, although still alive, were heavily injured. The team acted fast as a fifth rhino was missing and tracking operations were immediately activated on the 10 000 hectare private game reserve while the management, conservation teams, wildlife veterinarians, law enforcement and others were notified and dispatched to the scene. Allegedly, large calibre rifle rounds from silenced weapons were identified on the scene and patrols were intensified to protect all against the heavily armed perpetrators. Sadly the Anti-Poaching Unit soon confirmed the death of the two injured rhinos. According to management, one of the killed females was pregnant. At approximately 02h00 the team got eyes on the fifth injured female rhino. She was shot in the face, painfully injured but still alive. Owner of Aquila Collection, Searl Derman said that he is “horrified to relive this nightmare! As with our previous poaching incident at Aquila Private Game Reserve in 2011, we will again commit to sparing no expense or effort in the pursuit to catch and bring justice to these vicious perpetrators who massacred our rhino.” “We are starting by offering a R100 000.00 reward for confidential information that will lead to the successful arrest of the criminals that brought much heartache and loss to the staff and management of this unique Western Cape private game reserve.” This nightmare comes at a time when the tourism industry and the private game lodges of South Africa are already throttled by continued unjustified international travel bans. The industry is obliterated and many private game reserves have gone insolvent, culled wildlife, reduced staff and other resources to extend their lifeline as the pandemic continues to create havoc. There is not only a social cost to this pandemic, but wildlife are unwitting participants and victims of the pandemic. In response to the 2011 rhino poaching incident at Aquila Private Game Reserve, the company initiated the Saving Private Rhino NGO and acquired the oldest gun shop in the city of Cape Town. The City Guns business is instrumental in supporting the Anti-Poaching and Rhino Response teams of not only the Aquila Collection, but other private game reserves in South Africa. Under the NGO, Saving Private Rhino and in conjunction with City Guns, teams are provided with expensive gear and equipment. The initiative also includes free training to private Anti-Poaching Units, game rangers and government wildlife agencies. Over the years, Saving Private Rhino have also been instrumental in several other rhino poaching investigations and the arrest of poachers – including the syndicate that attacked and killed the Aquila rhinos in 2011. At that particular time, the South African National Defence Force was active in the Kruger National Park and other state owned reserves while organised crime, as opposed to opportunistic poachers, were branching off to attack private game reserves. Unlike the military and government agencies patrolling the national parks, private lodges could not afford the resources to protect their rhino. Derman added: “we can assure you that we have already instituted a private forensic investigative team and private investigators on a local, regional and national level and we will vigorously pursue these poachers”. In an immediate response, a wildlife veterinarian team under the leadership of Johan Marais has been dispatched to assess the injuries of the fifth maimed rhino and they are considering facial reconstructive surgery as a matter of priority. While the Aquila Collection does not promote rhino dehorning, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve has previously gone through the process to dehorn rhino and replace the horns with synthetic horns. This groundbreaking technique was implemented to reduce the risk of poaching and while widely publicised, together with signage on reserve fencing, this did not deter the poachers of this latest incident. One of the slaughtered rhino had a realistic and lifelike fiberglass horn with zero value to these poachers. Over the years, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Searl Derman have been awarded the most reputable local, national, and international awards for its wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, including the Imvelo, Lilizela, Australian Steve Irwin (Crocodile Man) wildlife award as well as the most recent prestigious globally recognised Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award in 2020. “Due to the ongoing pandemic and international travel bans, private game reserves all over South Africa are more exposed than they would like to be. We thank our hard working rangers and Anti-Poaching Unit for their relentless work. We are proud of their response to the crime and their ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation during these dire times within the tourism sector,” Derman said. All crime scene and investigative information remains confidential as a manhunt and investigation has already been launched. We are creating a reward for information and inviting the public and concerned citizens to make donations towards the private investigation, forensic teams, medical and vet bills, training, staffing, and rewards that we plan to offer to motivate informants to provide information. All funds received will go directly into our internationally acclaimed efforts. The public and any other supporting services can make contact via info@savingprivaterhino.org, +27(0)83 441 2826, or send information via the Saving Private Rhino Facebook page message facility. DONATIONS TO SAVING PRIVATE RHINO
2021 Award goes to Aquila Private Game Reserve
2021 Award goes to Aquila Private Game Reserve Congratulations! The Winner of the 2021 Continent Award for the Luxury Private Game Reserve in Africa goes to Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa! https://aquilacollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AquilaPrivateGameReserve-1.mp4 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
SCHOOLS OUT AND WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
SCHOOLS OUT AND WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Yes! We’re open 7 days a week from 25th June – 27th July 2021 Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is just under 2 hours’ drive from the mother City and offers superb family friendly stays with a variety of safari options, luxurious spa treatments and other activities. So why not pack up the kids and spend some outdoor, adventurous and educational time with us in nature? It is an ideal escape for the entire family. Kids of all ages will be inspired on a traditional safari, while over 16 year old can venture out on a horse back or quad bike ride. The Kids Adventure Zone offer loads of entertainment – from giant chess to put-put golf, while youngster can also enrol in our amazing Junior Ranger Programme. All this youngster fun can go down while the older guests enjoy relaxing views from our Level Up bar and lounge. The world-class spa with its indoor heated pool is also a great add-on for adults wanting to unwind from the city stresses. We say: “School’s out! So why not get out?” with our reduced lock down rates? And to add even more Big 5 safari pleasure, we are offering one night on us with our generous PAY 2 – STAY 3 offer! That means, not only do you get a special lock down offer of 30% off – but you also get one night on us! Overnight stays include lunch, dinner and breakfast per night and two game drives! And weather permitting – marshmallow roasting at the fire pit! Highlights: Traditional Big 5 safari Just under 2 hours from Cape Town Kids of all ages welcome Stays include meals and game drives Kids Adventure Zone and Junior Ranger Programme Extra activities like quad bike rides and horse back adventures Safe resort play area for the whole family Free wifi for “work from home” parents Spa facilities and treatments And loads more! And remember, if you do not have time to spend with us on an overnight safari, we are offering traditional game drives, quad bikes rides and horseback adventures on day trip visits – including a delicious lunch! Navigate to our booking pages: DAY TRIP VOUCHER LOCKDOWN OVERNIGHT STAYS WEEKEND STAYS 3-4-2 STAYS or contact our safari consultants via: 021 430 7260 (7 days a week from 09h00 to 16h00) res@aquilasafari.com Live chat on www.aquilasafari.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN WITH AQUILA SAFARI
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN WITH AQUILA SAFARI 13 April – 12 May 2021 Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa announces its Ramadan Safari Stays between 13 April and 12 May 2021. Observers of the holy month of Ramadan are invited to embrace the spirit of this period by visiting Aquila Safari with a variety of exceptional experiences – just under 2 hours from Cape Town. Aquila Safari welcomes children of all ages to its private game reserve on its game drives and it is ideal for families wanting to celebrate together. Having always embraced all cultures and religions from across the globe, the private game reserve hosts an onsite prayer facility equipped with basin and water-friendly services, prayer matts, the Quran, and seating for the elderly. The Ramadan Safari Stays offer the opportunity to enjoy a serene and peaceful stay. Benefits include a delicious fast breaking snack platter served to the room with dates, fruit and a selection of savouries to be enjoyed as the sun sets over the dramatic mountains of the Southern Karoo. After the last prayers when the sun has set over the reserve, the Iftar meal is made truly special with a variety of South African cuisine served in the main restaurant while the Karoo skies allow for magnificent moon sightings and star gazing. After a nights comfortable accommodation, guests can rise before dawn to a continental breakfast Suhoor. The reserve offers a variety of children’s activities and other wildlife experiences, such as traditional game drives, horseback rides and adrenalin rush quad bike excursions. The Olympic size outdoor pool can offer light exercise and relaxation, while the on-site Tranquila spa hosts an indoor heated pool and other luxurious facilities, services and treatments. Aquila Private Game Reserve will be open 7 days a week from 13 April to 12 May allowing guests to comfortably book their Ramadan Safari Stay – from only R2990.00 per standard double room per night. For ease of booking, guests can choose the book now function on www.aquilasafari.com, select their preferred dates of stay between 13 April and 12 May 2021 and follow the easy steps to book the Ramadan Safari Stay. For more information about the Aquila Ramadan Safari Stays or to chat with an online safari consultant, click: https://www.aquilasafari.com/ramadan-safari-stays/ or contact the Aquila Safari reservations office on +27(0)214307260, or send an email to res@aquilasafari.com Aquila Safari is a level 5 Crescent rated property and an executive partner to the Cape Town Tourism halal travel programme. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
GET UP TO 50% OFF ALL SAFARIS
GET UP TO 50% OFF ALL SAFARIS UNTIL 31 MARCH 2021 Our place of magic, situated just under two hours from Cape Town – is currently only open on weekends (Friday and Saturday) for checkout on Sunday. This arrangement is in place until 31 March 2021. We know that you are itching to get out and therefore we have packaged some amazing Cape Town Big 5 safari offers: We have limited weekend packages available from only R4999.00: 2 adults, 2 nights, 2 safaris and all meals (that is as low as R1249.00 per person per night sharing) We only have a small batch of family packages available on our dedicated specials website – so do not miss out! Should you want any other configuration not listed on our specials pages, you can qualify for 30% off our standard rates for all other overnight safari options. We currently offer stunning afternoon safaris on Fridays and Saturday – including a delicious lunch and game drive: WAS R1550.00 per person / NOW ONLY R930 per person. Make sure you get your hands on our major safari sales: WEEKEND SAFARI SALE BOOK NOW DAY TRIPS FROM R930pp BOOK NOW Should your specific safari configuration not be listed on our specials pages, you can get 30% off our standard safari offers for one night stays, etc. – valid until 31 March 2021. These are never-to-be-repeated special offers as South Africa remains in lock down and we invite folk to get out of their homes and enjoy the outdoors. Our reserve protocol has been certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council as well as the the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. CLICK HERE TO READ OUR SAFE SERVICE SAFARIS PROTOCOL. Please note that our standard cancellation and conditions of visit policy applies and that the offer is selling out fast. It is subject to availability and only available via our dedicated websites. If you need more information or want to speak to a safari consultant, you can get in touch via: Phone (Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00): 0214307260 Email (7 days a week): res@aquilasafari.com Live chat on our website: www.aquilasafari.com Aquila Private Game Reserve is a big 5 safari and spa destination just outside of Cape Town. It offers overnight stays in a variety of accommodation types and is a family friendly escape. Real Africa. Real Close to Cape Town. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Aquila is open on weekends only – Friday and Saturday night stays, while half day afternoon day trip experiences are offered also only on Fridays and Saturdays. This arrangement is in place until 31 March 2021. Please note that our standard cancellation policy applies. We have however made special Covid19 provisions in the event of a guest having positive PCR test results that will impact on their visit. The Aquila Collection reserves its right to change, extend, and/or remove this promotional offer with reasonable notice. We do offer the 30% off special as commissionable to trade – please consult your agent for specific terms and conditions. In the unlikely event of any of the reserves being unable to perform its safari service due to COVID19, your booking may be serviced at any of the other properties at no additional charge. Penalty free deferments apply on all special bookings and valid until 31 March 2021. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
2021 SUMMER SAFARI UPDATES
2021 SUMMER SAFARI UPDATES News at Aquila The Aquila Collection would like to thank each and every guest, client and supplier for its support since we have been able to reopen our Big 5 private game reserves just outside of Cape Town. During August 2020, the Coronavirus Adjusted Risk Strategy allowed the game reserves to reopen with strict hygiene protocols in place and we were elated to be able to offer SAFE SERVICE SAFARIS ever since. Our COVID19 protocols have been approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council, as well as the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. Click here to read or SAFE SERVICE SAFARIS guest experience. Please note that we will continue to offer safari experiences into 2021 and we look forward to welcome you to Aquila, Inverdoorn or Kuganha. From 15 January to 31 March 2021, we will offer safari experiences on weekends only. And to make sure you do not miss out on exciting wildlife adventures over the first few months of the new year, we have extended our 30% OFF ALL SAFARIS to 31 March 2021: Overnight safaris and weekend packages will be offered at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve and Kuganha Tented Camp Safari. Day trip excursions will be offered only at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa on Fridays and Saturdays. Transfers are available. Please check in with the safari consultants for more information. Our Cape Town Head office continues to operate a limited reception, reservations and administration service: All reservations: res@aquilasafari.com info@inverdoorn.com Live chat via: www.aquilasafari.com www.inverdoorn.com www.kuganha.com Monday to Sunday from 09h00 to 16h00 Call +27 21 430 7260 Administration, finance and marketing: Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00 Call +27 21 430 7260 We thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to hosting you or your clients at our Big 5 game reserves during 2021! Please follow our social media pages and websites for more updates and special offers. Real Africa. Real close to Cape Town. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Please note that our standard cancellation policy applies. We have however made special Covid19 provisions in the event of a guest having positive PCR test results that will impact on their visit. The Aquila Collection reserves its right to change, extend, and/or remove the promotional offer with reasonable notice. The special offer is commissionable to trade – please consult your agent for specific terms and conditions. In the unlikely event of any of the reserves being unable to perform its safari service due to COVID19, your booking may be serviced at any of the other properties at no additional charge. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
2020 World Luxury Awards – Best Private Game Reserve in Africa
2020 World Luxury Awards – Best Private Game Reserve in Africa News at Aquila World Luxury Awards presented Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa with Best Luxury Private Game Reserve Award in Africa for 2020! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
FESTIVE SEASON JOY AT AQUILA
FESTIVE SEASON JOY AT AQUILA News at Aquila While 2020 will be a year that will be remembered by the global community as the year of lock down and travel restrictions, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa have some reason to celebrate as we go into December as the Aquila family welcomes another baby rhino to the 10 000 hectare private conservancy. The mother of the calf gave birth at the reserve, to the date, exactly two years ago. The reserve conservation teams have witnessed a diversity of wildlife births during the lock down period in South Africa. Further to the additional thriving wildlife roaming the private Big 5 game reserve, the reserves conservation and sustainable tourism projects have recently obtained worldwide recognition by receiving the 2020 Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award. The reserve is open during Level 1 lock down and have implemented various safety and hygiene policies and protocols which have been certified and accepted by the World Travel and Tourism Council, as well as the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. DECEMBER 2020 0 % OFF SAFARIS South Africans travelling locally during this December holiday season are invited to make use of the 30% OFF ALL SAFARIS offer and join the team – just under two hours from Cape Town – to see the new baby rhino – and enjoy a relaxing outdoor safari adventure. Safaris are offered in safari vehicles, or on horseback or on quad bikes. The reserve offer day trip access or overnight stays and children of all ages are welcome to join their parents on safari. Kids can also be entertained at the Kids Adventure Zone while the adults get to relax at the magnificent spa. Make sure you add Aquila Private Game Reserve to your December 2020 road trip! To take advantage of the current safari offers: www.aquilasafari.com res@aquilasafari.com 021 430 7260 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
2020 Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards
2020 Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards News at Aquila SOUTH AFRICAN SUSTAINABILITY TOURISM PIONEER AND VISIONARY SCOOPS THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD. The 2020 Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards was presented at their annual general assembly on Saturday 17 October 2020. This year’s world congress assembly was held virtually after the intended Croatian event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The virtual assembly, together with the presentation of its internationally acclaimed awards, gave a glimmer of hope while the tourism economy of the world is recovering from the COVID19 lockdown, and some regions going back into strict regulations. Having previously been awarded the most prestigious South African tourism awards: The 2014 National Lilizela Imvelo Award for best economic impact by a large tourism establishment in South Africa, and the 2015 National Lilizela Imvelo Award for sustainable development, Searl Derman, the owner of Aquila Private Game Reserve was proud to once again be honoured with the world’s most prestigious international sustainable tourism award: The 2020 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for a Major Tourist Attraction. The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards were launched in 2002 to showcase global best practice. “The awards are geared towards enhancing the visibility and grant recognition to entities within the Travel and Tourism Industry,” said Peter Morrison, World President of Skål International. The awards are open annually to all public and private sector companies, educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies. In its nineteen edition of the awards ceremony, 44 entities from 23 countries competed in the nine available categories. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said: “We send our congratulations to the team at Aquila Game Reserve for this international award, which comes at a time when we are working hard to promote our tourism sector both locally and internationally. Tourism is a major job creator in our province and making this sector more sustainable will help to create and preserve jobs in the long term.” Furthermore, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Enver Duminy said: “We are thrilled that Searl Derman, the owner of Aquila Private Game Reserve, has won this prestigious award. Aquila truly is a gem within the region and Searl and his team have gone to great lengths to ensure that the reserve not only meets the minimum requirements for responsible tourism, but exceeds them in every way. This award also further solidifies the Cape Town region as a sustainable and responsible destination”. Searl Derman – Owner of Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa Searl Derman noted that “it is a honour to receive global recognition for the sustainable tourism efforts we make in Cape Town – South Africa, and being the only South African recipient at the 2020 awards ceremony, we are proud to once again be able to shine the light on our ongoing projects and initiatives to enhance sustainable tourism, job creation, social upliftment, conservation and natural resource management efforts.“ Derman continued that “the 2020 awards are an extra special occasion, as we fought extra hard to support our teams, our business, social upliftment and conservation efforts during the pandemic. This international accolade inspires us to continue pushing hard and working day and night on our recovery efforts to ensure we have a business – and tourism sector – to welcome guests back to, in order for them to experience the dedication and heartfelt efforts of all our staff at our Big 5 Safari lodge just outside of Cape Town”. The local community of Touws River is extremely important to Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa. This former railway town is situated 12km from the Big 5 game reserve and was left in poverty when the former railway services closed down leaving approximately 97% of its 15 000 residents unemployed. Over the last 21 years, Aquila has empowered the local residents through employment and upskilling, while the business operation also enabled flourishing supporting small businesses. Three prominent and distinguished judges from internationally recognized entities have independently evaluated each entry based on leadership criteria in sustainability that encompass tangible, measurable benefits to the environment, enhance business, and the society and communities in which they operate: Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada: General Secretary, Responsible Tourism Institute Ellen Rugh: Program Manager, Center for Responsible Travel Dr. Louis D’Amore: Founder and President, International Institute for Peace Through Tourism “We continue to lift the spirits of our teams as we work hard and put in every effort to uplift them socially and economically. Our social involvement programmes together with our conservation efforts, like Saving Private Rhino, is proud of the work we achieve. We do this work selflessly and we most certainly do not do them for the awards, but we appreciate the honour we have to stand on the world stage as we try every day, to make the world a better place through tourism.” Searl Derman concluded. Listen to Interview Luister na Onderhoud Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
