Aquila and Inverdoorn Safari

If you’re looking for a first time safari experience close to Cape Town, you may find yourself choosing from either Aquila or Inverdoorn Private Game Reserves. In this post, we briefly explain the differences between the two well known private game reserves.

Aquila Private Game Reserve stands in an area of 4,500 hectares of Southern Karoo Highlands, closely surrounded by mountains, valleys and kloofs. Aquila is home to various animals, including the Big Five however it is highly unlikely that you will spot leopard as they are wild in the surrounding mountains and pass through the reserve from time to time, usually in the still of the night. Aquila is acclaimed for its renewable energy, social responsibility, conservation programs and can be divided into three separate biomes – Fynbos, Renosterveldt and succulent Karoo. Aquila offers different types of accommodation, from the newly built lodge with standard (mountain facing) and premier rooms (overlooking the reserve), luxury cottages and larger luxury cottages suitable for extended family.

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a 10,000 hectare reserve dedicated to wildlife conservation and is home to various animals and birdlife, including the Big Five, however once again it is highly unlikely that you will spot leopard as they only pass through the reserve from time to time. Inverdoorn offers different types of accommodation, including 3-star lodge rooms, 4-star luxury chalet options and the newly opened 5 star Kughana Tented Camp.
Please note: The lodge rooms are not suitable if you are looking for complete privacy with peace and quiet.

Main differences
Aquila is a little closer to Cape Town as it is just over 2 hours, while Inverdoorn is just short of a 3 hour drive. Aquila is a lot busier with a much higher number of day and overnight visitors than Inverdoorn. Furthermore, Aquila is situated in a mountainous area, while Inverdoorn is surrounded by more expansive plains.

We do not suggest anymore than a 1 night stay at either Aquila or Inverdoorn Private Game Reserves. If you wish to experience something more upmarket, authentic and really special safari experience, then I would suggest the below Sanbona Safari options which is a 3.5 hour drive from Cape Town up the scenic Route 62 in the Klein Karoo.
2 day Sanbona Safari
3 day Sanbona Safari
To view any of the above safaris, click here for our Cape Town safari options.

Please note that ALL safari options close to Cape Town are in newly established private game reserves and thus cannot be compared to a safari in a more established game viewing area like Kruger National Park which has been around for a hundred or so years.
These options fill a very important role in the safari market by offering those persons who have never been on safari and who do not have the time to visit a more established reserve the chance to view Africa’s wild animals  … sometimes for the first time.