South Africa

The Aquila Collection

The Aquila Collection

Aquila Collection is a portfolio of award-winning Big 5 safari lodges and unique bucket list experiences situated just outside of Cape Town – offering wide ranging accommodation types, day trip excursions, adventure activities, culinary experiences, conference venues and event spaces. Their motto is “Real Africa; real close to Cape Town”.

Aquila Collection is perhaps most famous for their Big 5 safari properties: Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa, a four-star safari resort; the secluded Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve; and the five-star Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa. Adding to their portfolio, are many authentic bucket-list experiences that allow visitors to explore the southernmost tip of the African continent in world-class comfort.

Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa

Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa, just a two-hour drive from Cape Town (or one-hour by helicopter), lies in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Spanning 10,000 hectares in the Karoo desert, it’s famed for hosting the Big 5: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Named after the Latin word for ‘eagle,’ Aquila offers a glimpse of southern Africa’s untamed wilderness and is a perfect spot for stargazing, as the constellation Aquila shines bright in the Karoo’s night sky. Safari experiences include classic 4×4 drives, quad biking, and horseback riding. The resort features a large swimming pool with a poolside bar and offers authentic South African cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Accommodations range from rustic cottages with outdoor rock showers to the luxurious Aquila Lodge, boasting breathtaking views.

Tranquila Spa offers world-class facilities, including African-inspired treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, and ten treatment rooms. Families are extremely well catered for with a children’s entertainment area, mini-golf, outdoor chess, and child carers. Children can also enjoy the Junior Ranger Programme, focusing on wildlife and conservation education.

Aquila has received numerous awards for its conservation and community upliftment efforts, including the UN World Tourism-affiliated Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award. Guests can join a complimentary eco-synergy project tour to learn about the resort’s sustainable initiatives, including recycling, solar energy, and aquaponics.

Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa

Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa offers a luxurious 5-star wildlife conservancy experience just 2.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town. Set on 10,000 hectares of pristine terrain, it’s one of the Western Cape’s premier safari destinations. Home to Africa’s Big 5 – lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephants, and African buffalo – Kuganha provides an unforgettable safari adventure.

Luxury tents nestled among Acacia Karoo trees offer personalised service and unmatched luxury, each with a private patio, splash pool, wet room overlooking the Karoo veld, private dining, ranger, and butler service. Tailored itineraries cater to various safari experiences, from traditional to up-close encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

At night, guests gather around a roaring fire under the dazzling Karoo stars. With minimal light pollution, the Karoo offers unparalleled stargazing. The day culminates in a three-course banquet before falling asleep to the sounds of the wild. Kuganha blends the rich history of the Cape with the vastness of the African wilderness, creating an immersive experience in the heart of the Karoo semi-desert. It’s a journey to witness untouched nature, transporting visitors from the bustling heart of Cape Town to the serene landscapes of the Karoo.

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, located under 2.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town in the malaria-free Ceres Karoo, offers exclusive overnight safaris. Spanning 10,000 hectares, it’s home to the Big 5, as well as herds of eland, giraffe, gemsbok, and zebra. Hippos guard several dams, providing guests with close encounters on safari. Lions, African buffalo, elephants and leopards may also be spotted. Rhinos can also be seen – these giant, beautiful animals roam the land under the careful watch of Inverdoorn rangers who protect them from poachers.

After safari adventures, guests can relax in luxury accommodation. Tankwa Chalets with en-suite showers offer a secluded spot with breathtaking views, while the Lodge rooms cater to families and groups. Ambassador Chalets provide panoramic views of the private pool and reserve, with private rooftop terraces for stargazing.

Spa treatments are available, including soothing massages in the comfort of guests’ rooms. The Cheetah Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre enriches the guest experience by providing knowledge about these beautiful animals – at the same time contributing to wildlife conservation in southern Africa.

Combining the Karoo semi-desert wilderness, South Africa’s rich wildlife heritage, and city convenience, Inverdoorn provides a unique blend of wilderness and comfort. With a focus on conservation, it creates unforgettable experiences, instilling wonder and lasting memories.

Cape Town Bucket List Experiences

The Aquila Collection offers a delicious mix of vibrant urban experiences, coupled with explorations that take in unparalleled natural beauty, raw wilderness, world-class travel experiences, and excellent culinary experiences. In Cape Town, urban sophistication meets natural wonders, with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head at its core, surrounded by diverse landscapes including foothills, forests, beaches, towering mountains, oceans, winelands, and steppe-like grasslands.

Visitors can explore world-class museums, unwind on pristine beaches, hike, or enjoy wine tasting, all in a single day. Iconic Boulder’s Beach is home to African penguins that congregate among gigantic rocks and idyllic coves, while Table Mountain offers panoramic views of the city.

Cape Town is a historic hub of South African winemaking, and boasts centuries of viniculture. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting in historic locations like Constantia Winelands, with over 300 years of history. The culinary scene complements the wine culture, offering a fusion of African, Middle Eastern, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian cuisines. Cape Town is also home to five Michelin-starred South African chefs, cementing its status as a burgeoning culinary capital.