Convenient Aquila

"Can I reverse? I can't see." asks our driver as he lazily turns his head, adorned with his Miami vice sunglasses. Behind us, two teenage elephants were fooling around in the last light of a Klein Karoo afternoon. First content at tusking each other, now they had their eyes set on our safari car! The nervous "drive" whispers that echoed throughout the vehicle suddenly climaxed with numerous voices all yelling "DRIVE" when the most mischievous one of the two's trunk came mere centimetres away from a passengers arm! In his haste to drive away all our driver could say was, "What happened?"

Aquila Private Game Reserve is located on the outskirts of the winelands in the Langeberg, as the fertile valleys stops and the arid expanse of the Karoo starts on the N1. A twenty minute drive from Worcester, and on your way to Ceres on the R43, you will find the collection of thatched roofs set among the veld-flowered hills of the lonely landscape that comprise the game reserve.

Image by Ehrard Vermaak

So what's the difference between a game reserve and a private game reserve? Well exclusivity of course, but also size. And as the experience with our driver proved; a little bit of smoke and mirrors it seems. Although he looked like he was out of it, the situation was cleverly rehearsed to incite just the right amount of fear and excitement for a close encounter with the biggest of the big five. His slicked back hair and cool demeanour all helped us to conclude that he was confident in what he was doing. Well at least we hoped so! After the elephant episode, we went on to spot a cranky looking Buffalo, a Rhino with the biggest horn I've ever seen and a whole enclosure of friendly, if over fed lions. Four out of five in one drive? I reiterate: rehearsal!

Image by Ehrard Vermaak

But then again, is an element of preparation always a bad thing? Firstly, you are getting to see the animals in a stunning environment, they are well treated and given space to roam freely (there is also a rehab centre on the premises) and for the parents in our group, the children's "where are the Lions Mommy?!" calls were quickly satisfied. Given, if you enjoy the thrill of the chase, the animal on tap vibe might be a bit less than magical. But value for money in the clean and tastefully decorated rooms (complete with a private outdoor shower) and a stone's throw away from the Breedekloof wine route, makes it a very convenient "get-in, get-out" wildlife experience.

Image by Ehrard Vermaak

The staff is friendly, but a little relaxed for my liking. But, there is no attempt to pass this off as a Sabi-Sabi, so in retrospect their down to earth approach was actually refreshing when compared to the sometimes clinical approach at these other places. They got the job done and always remained professional, if a little eccentric. And were it not for their unique flavour, with what story would I have opened this article?

Visit aquilasafari.co.za for more info and booking details. Be sure to browse our Bush section for some more wildlife fixes.