Aquila vs Inverdoorn

If you’re looking for a good value safari experience close to Cape Town, below are our thoughts when comparing Aquila vs Inverdoorn.

Both private reserves offer a Big 5 safari experience, although it is highly unlikely that one would spot a leopard on your visit as they are notoriously shy, nocturnal and live in the surrounding mountains only passing through the reserves from time to time under the cover of darkness.

Although now both under the same ownership (The Aquila Collection) and having gone through major refurbishments in 2019, here are the updated main differences between the two private game reserves.

Aquila

Aquila Private Game Reserve stands in an area of 4,500 hectares of Southern Karoo Highlands, closely surrounded by breathtaking majestic mountains, rivers, valley’s and kloofs. It is acclaimed for its service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility efforts and conservation programmes. Aquila can be divided into three separate biomes – Fynbos, Renosterveldt and the succulent Karoo. This reserve offers different types of accommodation from their new lodge with premier (mountain views) & standard (no views) rooms to their separate Karoo Cottages (2 persons), Luxury Family Cottages (up to 8 persons) and Premier Cottages with amazing views.

Inverdoorn

Inverdoorn is a private game reserve located in a big green oasis. The 10,000 hectare reserve is dedicated to wildlife conservation and is home to various animals and birdlife. This reserve offers different types of accommodation, including more basic lodge rooms, 4-star separate Tankwa Chalets (2 persons), fancier Ambassador Chalets & the exclusive Kughana Tented Camp (5 star). Please note: The lodge rooms are not suitable if you are looking for complete privacy with peace and quiet.

Aquila vs Inverdoorn : The Main Differences:

Aquila is the only one that offers 1-day safaris and is situated a little closer to Cape Town at just over 2 hours, while Inverdoorn is just under 3 hours drive from the city.
> Aquila is situated in a mountainous area and quite a lot busier with higher numbers of day visitors and large 20 seater open safari vehicles for their game drives.
> Around Inverdoorn you will find more expansive plains and enjoy your game drives in smaller 10 seater open safari vehicles. There is also the added bonus of fewer visitors due to their smaller lodge capacity and the fact that they do not offer 1-day safaris anymore.

Please note Aquila & Inverdoorn are relatively speaking, 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 or budget required to visit a more established reserve the chance to view Africa’s wild animals  … sometimes for the first time.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve:

Should you wish to experience something more upmarket and really special, then I would suggest a 2 day Sanbona Safari or even better the 3 day Sanbona Safari which is 3.5 hours drive from Cape Town up Route 62.
We also can combine any of the safaris with some touring as per below packages we have operated for our clients in the past.
3 day Sanbona Safari & Cape Agulhas
3 day Sanbona & West Coast

To join one of the above safaris, click here for our Cape Town safaris.

Share your experience at Aquila or Inverdoorn on social media with #AfricanBlueJourneys