PREMIER LUXURY CHALETS:
We have five Premier luxury chalets available. These units are privately situated and have been built into the hillside with the natural rock featuring in the bathrooms and outdoor showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces. The en suite bathrooms are all unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. Each unit has it’s own patio with excellent views.
The honeymoon suite boasts a Jacuzzi with spectacular views across the reserve.

Room configuration:
Chalet 6: Sleeps 4 (family unit)
Chalet 7: Sleeps 2 (Twin sharing)
Chalet 8: Sleeps 2 (Queen size bed)
Chalet 9: Sleeps 2 (Queen size bed)
Chalet 10: Sleeps 2 (Twin sharing)
All Chalets have tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and the best quality percale linen is used throughout.

LUXURY CHALETS:
These units are semi detached with attention paid to privacy. They are under thatch and feature exterior stone work using raw material from the area. They all have fans as well as a feature “coal” stove. The large en suite bathrooms feature corner baths with outdoor showers.

Room configuration:
Chalet 1: Sleeps 2 (family unit )
Chalet 2: Sleeps 2 (family unit)
Chalet 11 – 30: Sleeps 2 per chalet (Twin sharing)
All Chalets have tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and the best quality percale linen is used throughout.

Public Lounges:
Aquila has two public lounges, one situated at the Restaurant the other adjoining the Cigar Bar. Both have comfortable fully upholstered furniture and superb views .The Restaurant Lounge has a large feature fireplace and the Cigar Bar lounge has DSTV facilities.

Library:
This wood paneled, book lined room with its large fireplace invites one to relax and take time out. It offers many reference books as well as novels for the guests enjoyment.

Curio Shop:
The well stocked curio shop is situated at the reception area and offers various African souvenirs for sale, as well as some locally manufactured goods. It also offers various “Aquila” branded apparel and gifts. Besides curios it stocks items for tourists such as camera film, etc.

Swimming Pool:
This saltwater pool, with rock finishes is made good use of in the summer months.

ACTIVITIES ON THE RESERVE:

Game Drives:
Morning and evening game drives with qualified field rangers in open 4x4 vehicles. Game drives range between two and three hours with sparkling wine, grape juice, water and snacks such as biltong, “droewors”, nuts and dried fruits served at various lookout points. Blankets and raincoats are made available to guests on the 4x4 vehicles. Wooden stepladders are also used to assist guests from getting on and off the vehicles.

Horse-back Safari:
No experience is required. Minimum age requirement is 9 yrs old. There is a maximum of 9 people per safari, they are guided by one of our rangers. Duration: 2 hours

Quad bike Safari:
Minimum age requirement is 16 yrs old. There is a maximum of 10 people per safari guided by two rangers. 1 client per vehicle. Duration: 2 hours

Activities in close proximity to Aquila:
The little Karoo enjoys sunshine most of the year. Summers are dry and warm, winters are dry and crisp. The prevailing weather lends itself to long walks, hiking, cycling and other sports activities.

Matjiesfontein Village:
This historic village has a rich background, dating back to its roots in the late nineteenth century. From its ties with the Boer War, to the pioneering spirit engendered by its founder, James Logan, it is steeped in the history of an era, the echoes of which still reverberate through the streets and buildings. A double-decker London Bus makes a daily tour of the Matjiesfontein Village.

Karoo National Park:
Large herds of antelope and abundant bird life. The Park offers a Fossil Trail, which has wide walkways for wheel chairs and Braille board inscriptions for the convenience of the blind and taped commentary is available for disabled visitors who have their own cassette players. Gondwanaland is explained, and along this 400m route, there are superb examples of fossilised mudstone, silified trees and a wide variety of fossils, most of which have been found in the Beaufort Series of rock formations.

4x4 Mountain trails:
There are many mountain trails in the Karoo and Breede river area. The most popular one and also nearest to Aquila is Leeuwenboschfontein with route distance of 18 km (4-5 hours). Maximum of 20 vehicles allowed.

Golf:
De Doorns offers a 9 hole course. With 18 hole courses at both Ceres and Worcester. Trout Fishing and Cherry Picking can also be arranged from the Reserve.

THE RESERVE:
Having been proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1985, the “veld” is in pristine condition, consisting of Renoster veld, Mountain Fynbos and Succulent vegetation types found in 3 beautiful valleys. Situated in the Karoo with it’s wide open spaces, the 4500 HA reserve has a natural wetland, magnificent mountains and valleys which makes for varied and ideal game viewing.

Wildlife
Large herds of game are found on the Reserve such as Black & Blue Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Steenbok, Caracal (lynx), Blesbok, Bat Eared Fox, Ostriches, Klip Springer, Duiker, Greybuck, Baboon, Black Backed Jackal, Eland, Red Hartebeest. Aquila has 4 of the Big 5, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and rare Mountain Leopard and is also home to Giraffe and Hippo. Aquila has 7 Lions at present, having been saved from the “canned hunting” trade. They are genetically linked to the Barbary Lion, a close relative of the extinct Cape Mountain Lion. Aquila is also proud to have the first Rhino to be born in the Western Cape in 200 years.

Birdlife
Aquila and its natural wetland is home to 172 species of birds and is also home to several breeding pairs of the rare and endangered Black Eagle, after which the Reserve has been named. Karoo chat, rufous-eared warbler, fairy flycatcher and yellow-bellied eremomela can be found on short walks into the surrounding wilderness. Lark-like Bunting and Black-headed Canary move in after rain. In the summer months the Booted Eagle is a regular visitor and the rainy season attracts Flamingo's to the Reserve.

CAPE TOWN LUXURY SAFARIS:
A representative of Aquila Private Game Reserve will meet you at your hotel, travel via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands to Aquila Private Game Reserve. A welcome cocktail will await your arrival whilst you relax by the rock swimming pool in summer, or enjoy a roaring log fire in our cigar bar or lounge in winter.

SAFARI OPTIONS:
Aquila has several safari options on offer. These enable our guests to experience the reserve in a way that best suits their interests and schedules.

DAY GAME DRIVE SAFARI: (Cape Town Luxury Safari)
These are offered with or without transport to the reserve – self drive guests are informed to depart Cpt approximately the same time as the tour provided with transport, for these are the set times for game drives and meals served daily.
Self-drive guests have the option to do another activity after lunch such as horse-back or quad-bike safari, which are all naturally subject to availability. It is recommended to book beforehand if the guests wish to do a combination of all three activities.

06h30: Pick-up from hotel or guesthouse and transfer to Aquila.
09h00: Welcome drink on arrival served in the reception area.
09h00: Full course buffet breakfast served in the restaurant
09h30: Depart on a 2 to 3 hour safari (in 4X4 safari vehicle with ranger guide) - Visit San Rock Art site - Snacks & "champagne" served at lookout point.
13h00: Buffet lunch served in the African boma restaurant
After lunch guests are able to use the pool facilities and are encouraged to browse our African curio shop.
15h00: Return to Cape Town. Return transfers to Aquila are set to depart for Cape Town.
Please note these times are all approximate.

Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, 2- 3hr game drive & lunch.

DAY HORSEBACK SAFARIS: (Cape Town Luxury Safari)
A representative of Aquila Private Game Reserve will meet you at your hotel, travel via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands to Aquila Private Game Reserve. A welcome cocktail will await your arrival whilst you relax by the rock swimming pool in summer, or enjoy a roaring log fire in our cigar bar or lounge in winter. Breakfast and lunch are served in the restaurant or outdoor african lapa (weather permitting).

Horse Trails:
Horse trails are available for evening and early morning game viewing. Game viewing on horseback is an unforgettable experience as one can get so much closer to the wildlife. It has been described as an epic experience and adventure. Picnics at our rock-pools or lookout lapas, as well as overnight mountain horseback safaris can be arranged.
Time:
Daily from 8h30
Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, horse-back safari & lunch..

DAY COMBINATION SAFARI: Game Drive & Horse-back Safari (Luxury Cape Town Safari)
A representative of Aquila Private Game Reserve will meet you at your hotel, travel via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands to Aquila Private Game Reserve. A welcome cocktail will await your arrival whilst you relax by the rock swimming pool in summer, or enjoy a roaring log fire in our cigar bar or lounge in winter.

The Best of both worlds:
As the name sugests, this safari offers you a game drive and a horse-back safari. You get a three-hour game drive with one of our experienced rangers and visit our world-renowned Khoi San Bushmen rock art sites. Game viewing on horseback is an unforgettable experience as one can get so much closer to the wildlife. It has been described as an epic experience and adventure.
Time:
Daily from 8h30
Includes:
Welcome drink, light breakfast, 2-3hr game drive, lunch & 1½ hr horse-back safari

STANDARD OVERNIGHT SAFARI: (Cape Town Luxury Safari and Accommodation)
Self drive guests to check in at 14h00 and check out 10h00.

Day one:
06h30: If you are using the Aquila transport then a representative of Aquila Private Game Reserve will meet you at your hotel, travel via the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass and endless winelands to Aquila Private Game Reserve.
09h00: A welcome cocktail will await your arrival whilst you relax by the rock swimming pool in summer, or enjoy a roaring log fire in our cigar bar or lounge in winter.
14h00: Check in at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Buffet lunch in the restaurant
16h00: Depart for a two to three-hour game drive with one of our experienced rangers also visiting our world-renowned Khoi San Bushman rock art sites. Snacks and champagne will be served at the foot of a once inhabited Khoi San Bushman cave.(Drinks & snacks are served at various look out points along the route, not at the cave).
19h00:Return to the lodge and restaurant for an authentic African dinner or traditional South African braai (barbecue) in our lapa (weather permitting), overnight in one of our Luxury or Premier Luxury Cottages.
19h30: Dinner is served in the Restaurant

Day two:
06h30: Early morning game drive, coffee and rusks served en route.
09h00: Breakfast.
10H00: Check out of Aquila Private Game Reserve.
For guests using the Aquila transport you will depart Aquila at 15h00.
Includes:
Welcome drink, dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch. 2 game drives. (bushman paintings)

ONE DAY FLY-IN SAFARI (Cape Town Luxury Safari)
06h30 Pick up from hotel or Guesthouse and transfer to airport followed by a 20-30 min flight over the majestic Hex River mountains & vineyards.
Welcome drink next to runway. 4x4 transfer to reserve.

Self-drive guests have the option to do another activity after lunch such as horse-back or quad-bike safari, which are all naturally subject to availability. It is recommended to book beforehand if the guests wish to do a combination of all three activities.
06h30: Pick-up from hotel or guesthouse and transfer to Aquila.
09h00: Welcome drink on arrival served in the reception area.
09h00: Full course buffet breakfast served in the restaurant
09h30: Depart on a 2 to 3 hour safari (in 4X4 safari vehicle with ranger guide) - Visit San Rock Art site - Snacks & "champagne" served at lookout point.
13h00: Buffet lunch served in the African boma restaurant
After lunch you will be transferred to the airstrip.
Return flight over Robben Island & V&A Waterfront (Cape Point optional)

Includes:
Transfer hotel-airport 20-30 min flight over the majestic Hex River mountains and vineyards. Welcome drink next to runway. 4x4 transfer to reserve. Light breakfast, game drive & snacks, 'champagne', Khoi/San paintings, lunch, transfer to airstrip. Return flight over Robben Island and V&A Waterfront (Cape Point optional)

TWO DAY FLY-IN SAFARI: (Cape Town Luxury Safari)
Day one:
06h30 Pick up from hotel or Guesthouse and transfer to airport followed by a 20-30 min flight over the majestic Hex River mountains & vineyards.
Welcome drink next to runway. 4x4 transfer to reserve.
09h00: A welcome cocktail will await your arrival whilst you relax by the rock swimming pool in summer, or enjoying a roaring log fire in our cigar bar or lounge in winter.
14h00: Check in at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Buffet lunch in the restaurant
16h00: Depart for a two to three-hour game drive with one of our experienced rangers also visiting our world-renowned Khoi San Bushman rock art sites. Snacks and champagne will be served at the foot of a once inhabited Khoi San Bushman cave.(Drinks & snacks are served at various look out points along the route, not at the cave)
19h00:Return to the lodge and restaurant for an authentic African dinner or traditional South African braai (barbecue) in our lapa (weather permitting), overnight in one of our Luxury or Premier Luxury Cottages.
19h30: Dinner is served in the Restaurant.

Day two:
06h30: Early morning game drive, coffee and rusks served en route.
09h00: Breakfast
After lunch you will be transferred to the airstrip. Return flight over Robben Island & V&A Waterfront (Cape Point optional)

Includes:
Transfer hotel-airport 20-30 min flight over the majestic Hex River mountains and vineyards. Welcome drink next to runway. 4x4 transfer to reserve. Light breakfast, game drive & snacks, 'champagne', Khoi/San paintings, lunch, transfer to airstrip. Return flight over Robben Island and V&A Waterfront (Cape Point optional)
Excludes:
Provision for pilot to fly back to Cape Town & return to collect guests, or pilot's accommodation, meals, etc.

GAME RESERVE CONFERENCES:

Conference Centre/Boma Restaurant & Cigar Bar:
The Conference Centre, Boma Restaurant & Cigar Bar, as with the Luxury Cottages, are built from natural materials found on the Reserve such as rocks, river pebbles, reeds, wood and thatch to blend with the surrounding environment. The natural setting will afford the Conference delegate a tranquil ambience in which to host functions such as AGM's, Teambuilding courses, Product launches etc. The Conference Centre can comfortably accommodate 40-80 delegates for a myriad of function formats.
The main inside area of the conference room is 125m2 (25m x 5m) with a thatch circular outside boma area of 36m2. There are also two breakaway rooms: 10m2 (2mx5m), 5m2 (2mx5m).

The seating capacity can facilitate:
1. 48 pax (8 x 6 tables) including dance floor and buffet set up inside – bar at reception
2. 92 pax (8 x 12 tables) dance floor, buffet and bar set up in boma area
3. 80 pax cinema style - tea and coffee station at reception or in boma area
4 . 56 pax U-Shape style – tea and coffee station at reception
5 . 80 pax cocktail style with bars and buffet style

Catering and bar facilities:
All hot meals are prepared by our internationally acclaimed Executive Chef and served in our African boma-styled indoor/outdoor restaurant with majestic Karoo Mountains and valleys as an idyllic backdrop. Platters can be served in our conference area with tea, coffee and/or other beverages.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided on request.

Conference equipment:
This consists of a television, DVD, VCR, Overhead Projector, Flip Chart, White Board.
Other specialised equipment can be arranged on request.

Other services:
Our dynamic Sales and Marketing team will be only to keen to assist you with all your functions, special events and conferencing needs. Any requirements can be accommodated within the premises to make your event as memorable as possible.

Packages:
Customised packages available on request

KAROO:
The Great Karoo, an area in excess of 400 000 square kilometers was, approximately 250 million years ago, a vast inland sea. As the world's climate gradually changed from cold to hot the water evaporated leaving a swamp where reptiles and amphibians prospered.
In recent history, less than two hundred years ago large herds of antelope and zebras roamed the grass flats. The Hottentots and Bushmen, the last Stone Age people, shared the “Place of Great Dryness”. They differed basically in their cultures and lifestyles: the Hottentots herding their sheep and cattle in the age-old pastoral pattern and the Bushmen following their traditional nomadic pursuits of hunting and feasting.

With the occupation of the area by stock farmers the sheep gradually replaced the game and the grass receded along with the changed grazing and weather patterns.
During the Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902 three Republican Commandos, reinforced by the rebels from the Cape Colony, conducted widespread operations throughout the Karoo. Countless skirmishes took place, with the Calvinia Magisterial district contributing a significant number of fighters to the Republican cause. Fought both conventionally and as a guerilla struggle over the Karoo's vast expanses, it was a bloody war of attrition wherein both sides used developing technologies to their advantage.
Numerous abandoned blockhouses can still be seen at strategic locations in the Great Karoo with a prime example at the Geelbeks River 12 kilometres outside Laingsburg. Currently sheep farming is the economic backbone of the Karoo with other forms of agriculture taking place in areas where irrigation is possible. Lately game farms and tourism to this fascinating area is also making an impact.