FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Arrival Details

Overnight guests may check into their rooms from 14h00. We invite guests to enjoy lunch before check in, served from 12h00. Guests may also enjoy swimming and the pool area.

Check out is at 10h00 for overnight guests.

Yes, reception service is available 24 hours.

Yes, we can look after your luggage. If, at check-in, your room is not ready yet or in case of early check-out, we will store your luggage free of charge on your check-in and check-out days.

What to bring

PLEASE REMEMBER TO ADD YOUR BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER WHEN MAKING PAYMENT VIA EFT/BANK TRANSFER: AQ
Please remember to bring with proof identification when visiting for an overnight stay.

  • camera equipment
  • lenses
  • sunscreen
  • mosquito repellant (even though we are malaria free in the Western Cape, we still have mosquitos)
  • bathing suits
  • hats
  • casual shoes for walking around the lodge
  • medical kit for travel that you can ask your doctor to prescribe, plus the usual suspects such as after sun, antiseptic cream, plasters and children’s medicines.

Please note that under no circumstances will drones be allowed at the game reserve.

Wear what you would usually wear when you pack for a holiday, including a very warm jacket for our winter and spring time, including beanies and gloves for winter game drives. Pack a lighter jacket with your normal clothing for your summer stays, plus swimwear for visits all year round as we have pools and a spa which guests can access at a small fee.

Family and kids

Aquila Private Game Reserve welcomes safari guests of all ages. There is no minimum age restriction for Aquila’s tradtional big 5 safari game drives, however, there is a maximum weight restriction (95kgs) and minimum age restriction (16 years of age) for Horseback and Quad Bike safari activities.

Please note: Tranquila Spa access is strictly off limits for children under the age of 16 years old.

Aquila offers many fun and exciting activities for our youngest safari guests. Visit our Children’s Entertainment page for a full list of children’s activities and more information on our child-friendly facilities.

  • Big 5 Game Drives
  • Outdoor Adventure Zone
  • Electronic Games Room
  • Mini Golf 
  • Wooden Playground
  • Indoor Play Area 
  • Junior Ranger Programme
  • Marshmallow Braai 
  • Infinity Pool 

Yes, children of all ages can go on Aquila’s Guided Safari Game Drives. However, please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Aquila has an exciting new Outdoor Adventure Zone, especially designed for kids to have fun and play in a safe and controlled environment. And, for the youngest members of the family, we have a stimulating indoor play area with loads of toys and daily activities. 

Please inquire about our child-minding services, available for an additional charge.

See More: Aquila’s Children’s Entertainment 

Transport and transfers

Yes, Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers return shuttle transfers and private transport options from Cape Town. Return transfers are available at an additional charge of R995.00 per person for Day Trip safaris, and an additional charge of R1550.00 per person for Overnight Safaris.

The drive from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve takes approximately 2 hours (177km).

The nearest airport is Cape Town International off the N1 national highway, 2 hours away from Aquila Private Game Reserve, but please be advised that due to it being a high traffic area highway, you will need to check your google maps beforehand for the time you need to be at the airport to see how much time you need to allocate during those times. During peak hours, for instance, we advise adding 2 hours to your travel time.

Yes, we offer transport at an additional cost. Please refer to our page https://www.aquilasafari.com/get-there

Follow the scenic N1 out of Cape Town CBD towards Worcester and through the Cape Winelands. Situated under two hours from the CBD, guests will take the R46 Ceres turnoff from the N1 and find the Aquila entrance to the left (about 3km).

Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa has safe and secure, on-site parking. Guests can find Aquila’s car park at the entrance to the reserve, located next to the reception.

Aquila’s parking area is free of charge. However, the car park is exclusively reserved for overnight guests, day visitors, and transport vehicles dropping guests off at the reserve. 

About The Game Drive

Yes, you are welcome to swap one of your game drives for one of our other activities at an additional charge of R965.00 per person per Horseback Safari or R1180.00 per person per Quad Bike Safari.

No, all our game drives are guided. The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share exciting inside-story facts about your surroundings – easily rousing your inner wild side.

Bookings are subject to availability. Availability does change by the hour. We would suggest you book and pay the deposit as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Our safari guides are very experienced and have been with Aquila for quite a while. They try spot as many of the Big 5, as well as other animals indigenous to the land, as possible. We do know that for many of our guests, to see the big 5 is a once in lifetime experience, which is why we always go the extra mile.

As your rangers will explain, there are no guarantees when it comes to wild animals. Our rangers do their best to find the best views of animals that they can within your 2 -3 hour game drive.

Restaurant and Rooms

  • 12h30 – Welcome drinks at Aquila – Please note that the same itinerary repeats itself daily
  • 12h30 – Buffet Lunch
  • 14h00 – Check in to Cottage
  • 16h30 – 2hr to 3hr Game Drive
  • 19h30 – Buffet Dinner
  • 06h00 – Game Drive and visit to ARC
  • 08h00 – 09h00 – Buffet Breakfast
  • 10h00 – Check Out of Cottage
  • 10h00 – 11h30 – Time at leisure
  • 12h30 – Depart for Cape Town

Premier Cottages
There are just five premier luxury chalets, each a swank style and equally exclusive. Chalets are privately situated and have been built into the hillside of the reserve.
Chalets combine natural rock elements, wood and stone – creating a definite back to nature ambiance. The en suite bathrooms include; twin hand basins, a toilet, bathtub, and outdoor shower. The honeymoon suite boats a Jacuzzi.
Each unit opens up onto a private patio, which is perfect for frosty cocktails on hot summer nights. On colder evenings, most guests curl up on the plush furniture, in front of the chalet log fire.
Premier safari lodge accommodation is hopelessly charming – a bush pleasure rarity.

Standard Karoo Cottages
Accommodation is also a collection of semi detached units. Chalets have thatch roofs and feature exterior stone work.
Each unit is a unique contemporary African design.
In keeping with the design and flow of the architecture at Aquila, the Standard Cottages do not compromise the experience or the standard.
Each has its own patio, corner bath and outdoor rock shower.
Cottages are equipped with mini bars, air-conditioning, fans and feature ‘coal’ stoves for the extra bit of warmth and cosiness in winter months.

A wireless internet connection is available throughout the lodge area and the rooms.

Breakfast is included in the price, depending on whether you’re a day visitor, afternoon or sunset safari guest, or an overnight guest. We have various packages which include offerings and a basic itinerary which can be viewed on https://www.aquilasafari.com/rates

The buffet breakfast includes a selection of croissants, breads (even gluten free), continental breakfast offerings, charcuterie, cheese, eggs and hot breakfast offerings.

Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am, every day.

No room service is offered at Aquila.

All rooms are strictly non-smoking. Smoke will trigger a smoke alarm across the property. 

Yes, we have a prayer room.

All rooms except for Standard Lodge Rooms have baths and showers. Standard Lodge Rooms only have showers.

The hotel has three bars. The first bar is an outdoor bar by the pool, the second bar is in the Day Visitor’s Dining Room and Bar, and the third bar is above the overnight guest’s restaurant.

The prices quoted are always per person.

Yes, we have two restaurants – one for day visitors and one exclusively for overnight guests.

Find Out More About Aquila Safaris

Common Questions and Answers

Aquila Big 5 Safari is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, we understand the importance of planning the ultimate Cape Town safari. That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist you every step of the way.