Acclaimed for service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility efforts and conservation programmes, Aquila is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience, it is an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.

Named after the endangered black or verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii), Aquila’s story began in 1999 when its owner, Searl Derman, driven by a desire to share his passion for the wild with Cape Town, set about searching for the perfect piece of land to re-introduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape. He was fortunate enough to come across a nature reserve that would later become Aquila Private Game Reserve. 

Situated in the historic town of Touws River, in a valley between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Karoo, the 10,000 hectare conservancy has evolved from its early days of being residence to various antelope species only to becoming the home of the Big 5 – elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard - as well as a significant amount of other wild game, which roam freely on the reserve.

Aquila’s purpose is to protect and preserve Africa’s increasingly threatened wildlife and is fully committed to social upliftment, job creation, skills development and various sustainable empowerment programmes. Creating the ideal, sustainable balance between nature conservation and the empowerment of the local community of Touws River is at the core of how Aquila operates.