Nestled in the southern Karoo and framed by majestic mountain vistas, Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa has been at the forefront of delivering unforgettable safari experiences for 25 remarkable years.
Located just two short hours from Cape Town, Aquila embodies the essence of ‘Real Africa – Real Close’, providing an authentic taste of the wild, right on Cape Town’s doorstep.
The story of Aquila began with owner Searl Derman’s passion for the wild. Driven by a desire to share his love of Africa’s iconic wildlife with Cape Town and the world, he embarked on a mission to find the perfect location to reintroduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape.
His search led him to a magnificent nature reserve already brimming with various antelope species, but missing the presence of the majestic Big 5. Thus, 25 years ago, Aquila Private Game Reserve was born.

Today, Aquila is a world-renowned, family-friendly safari destination, stretching across a 10 000-hectare conservancy. It is now home to an extraordinary variety of game, including the Big 5: elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard.
The animals were carefully translocated from across South Africa, with a deep commitment to conservation. The lions, for instance, were rescued from the notorious canned hunting industry, and an entire mountain and valley within the reserve have been designated as a sanctuary for them.
Word soon spread that Aquila was the place to turn to when there was a need to rescue injured, endangered or abused animals. The elephants at Aquila were saved from a cull and have now adapted well to their new environment, their progress being closely monitored to ensure their continued well-being.
Aquila is also the proud home to the first rhino born in the Western Cape in over 250 years – a testament to the reserve’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

As Aquila celebrates 25 years in September 2024, it continues to offer visitors an opportunity to witness this extraordinary wildlife up close. Two- to three-hour game drives in four-wheel-drive vehicles, quad bikes or on horseback allow guests to experience the untamed beauty of the Karoo and its diverse inhabitants.
Aquila’s conservancy also provides a sanctuary for migratory birds, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.
Accommodation at Aquila is designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, offering guests a true retreat in nature.
The cottages, constructed from rock, thatch and wood, exude natural elegance and comfort, featuring roaring log fires and wooden viewing decks, while the Aquila Lodge, with its three levels accessible by a glass-panelled lift, offers both standard and premier rooms with sweeping views of the Karoo.
Enhancing the experience further, the spa at Aquila uses natural products derived from indigenous plants, flowers and herbs. Guests can relax in the heated indoor pools, steam room and sauna, or indulge in a range of treatments, including options for couples or groups, with an outdoor pool completing the serene escape.

Searl Derman’s vision has extended beyond wildlife conservation to community upliftment. His commitment to the town of Touwsriver, which faced economic hardship after the railway’s withdrawal in the 1980s, has brought employment and hope to the area.
Recognised by the press and featured on Carte Blanche and Fokus, Derman’s social initiatives have been instrumental in sustaining the local community.
Over the years, Aquila has also welcomed numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Vin Diesel, Rihanna, MC Hammer and Katie Holmes (to name a few). As Paris Hilton wrote after her visit, it was an ‘incredible experience’, highlighting the unforgettable adventures that await at this unique destination.

This year, as Aquila celebrates its 25th anniversary, Searl Derman and the team reaffirm its dedication to conservation, community and the magic of the wild.
Join Aquila in this momentous celebration, and become part of their journey in preserving Africa’s wildlife while experiencing the ultimate Cape Town safari.
Also read:
Aquila Private Game Reserve: A family-friendly haven in the wild
Picture: Supplied