Just two hours from Cape Town, Aquila is not only a Big 5 safari destination but a stronghold for ethical wildlife conservation. Through the work of the Aquila Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre (ARC) and the reserve’s integrated approach to protection and education, Aquila leads the way in giving vulnerable animals a second chance at life.
Enclosed for Protection
Aquila is an enclosed 10 000 hectare private game reserve, operating under the necessary legal and environmental permits. In South Africa, poaching and human-wildlife conflict remain critical issues, enclosed reserves offer a layer of controlled protection while enabling effective management, monitoring, and rehabilitation of wildlife.
This model allows for close veterinary oversight, strategic wildlife interventions, and the implementation of advanced anti-poaching systems – all while offering guests an opportunity to witness Aquila’s wildlife.
Aquila’s Lions: Rescued from Exploitation
Aquila’s lions have all been rescued from the canned hunting industry – a practice where lions are bred in captivity, often hand-reared, and sold off to be killed in confined areas.
At Aquila, these lions are given a sanctuary – not to be petted or bred, but to live out their lives in an environment that is as close to the wild as possible. Their large, secure enclosure comply with South African wildlife legislation and are designed with behavioural enrichment and comfort in mind. No interaction is allowed; only respectful observation and education.
Saving Private Rhino: The Battle Against Rhino Poaching
One of Aquila’s most urgent conservation fronts is the fight to save South Africa’s rhinos, targeted relentlessly for their horns due to demand in the illegal wildlife trade. Despite being one of the last remaining strongholds for the species, Southern White Rhinos are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with numbers declining in many areas due to relentless poaching.
In response to a devastating poaching incident in 2011, Aquila founded Saving Private Rhino, a national initiative offering rapid response, rehabilitation, and long-term protection for rhinos across the country.
Aquila’s own anti-poaching unit is a highly trained and fully operational team, working day and night to monitor the reserve and deter criminal activity. Using drones, patrol dogs, surveillance, and intelligence networks, they represent a crucial line of defence against the illegal wildlife trade.
Dehorning for Survival: An Unfortunate But Necessary Choice
To further protect our rhinos, Aquila has implemented the dehorning of rhinos – a proactive conservation measure involving the safe and humane trimming of rhino horns to render them less desirable to poachers.
While controversial to some, dehorning is performed by wildlife veterinarians under anaesthesia and has proven to reduce the risk of poaching significantly. Horns regrow over time, and the procedure does not harm the animals. In an ideal world, it wouldn’t be necessary – but in the current climate, it is a life-saving act.
These efforts reflect a clear truth: conservation today requires difficult decisions, bold actions, and the courage to adapt for the sake of their survival.
Beyond the Big Five: Holistic Animal Care
While lions and rhinos often dominate the headlines, Aquila’s commitment to conservation extends across species. From elephants to injured leopards and rehabilitated giraffes, each animal is treated with individual care at ARC. The team works in partnership with conservation authorities, veterinary experts, and behavioural specialists to ensure the highest standards of ethical treatment.
Why Aquila is an Ethical Safari Destination
Aquila stands as a leading example of what an ethical safari destination should be. Aquila puts conservation, education, and responsible tourism at the heart of every experience. The reserve enforces a strict no-touch policy, meaning there is no petting, feeding, or walking with animals – a crucial stance against the harmful wildlife interaction practices often seen.
Instead, Aquila offers guests the rare opportunity to observe Africa’s iconic species in a natural, protected environment, with minimal interference. Every safari directly supports anti-poaching units, sustainable land management, and the care of rescued animals through ARC – all aligned with South African conservation legislation and global best practices. Aquila is actively restoring ecosystems and reshaping the future of ethical wildlife tourism.
Be Part of Aquila’s Mission
At Aquila, every rescued animal is a symbol of hope, a life once exploited, now given the space to heal and thrive. From lions saved from canned hunting to rehabilitated rhinos protected from poaching, each creature carries a story of survival. This isn’t just a safari. It’s your chance to be part of something truly meaningful.
Book your day trip or overnight safari to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife and become part of our wildlife conservation mission.
