Aquila Collection 2024 Updates
25 Years of Cape Town Safaris
Cape Town, January 2024
Dear Trade Partner,
Time has flown by since December, and we are already in the midst of planning for March and beyond. Therefore, I extend to you and your team a belated but heartfelt seasonal greeting.
This is a personal message from me, on behalf of Searl Derman and the entire Aquila Collection team, to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible partnership, support, and business we shared in 2023. You and your team hold a prominent position in our list of top partners, and we wish to convey our deepest thanks for entrusting us with your clients.
While we may occasionally encounter challenges, please know that we wholeheartedly appreciate each guest who visits any of the Aquila Collection establishments.
As we look ahead to 2024, the year is already brimming with action, featuring activations, tactical market roadshows, and a host of other priority projects aimed at increasing awareness of South Africa, Cape Town, and the Aquila Collection. We genuinely hope that our global destination marketing efforts will benefit you, our valued partner, and that our ongoing strategic initiatives over the next 12 months will result in mutual growth and prosperity for both parties.
Speaking of 2024, it is incredibly exciting to announce that in September, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa. This vision and dream, conceived by Searl Derman back in 1999, has grown into a globally recognised name today. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting countless guests, including notable figures such as Rihanna, Paris Hilton and Margaret Thatcher. Attached, you will find a photo of the beginning of our journey – the main building at Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Some of the highlights to look forward to include:
As you can see, we are fully prepared to embrace 2024, collaborate, and share time with our invaluable partners. However, beyond these events, gatherings, and activations, the Aquila Collection is continually expanding its offerings, services, and amenities. While we have a plethora of ideas and plans in store, the following confirmed updates can be included in your planning:
POP-UP TENTED CAMP
In February, we will launch a MICE-specific POP-UP TENTED CAMP capable of accommodating up to 150 people sharing. This is a standout addition to our 2024 operations. The inaugural one night camp will be set up at Stone Cottage on Aquila Private Game Reserve, offering a truly unique safari camp experience situated just outside Cape Town. These pop-up tented camps are luxurious and include en-suite hot water showers and bio toilets, along with a stunning veranda. Tailored for MICE groups, this unique setup can be installed at any of our multiple locations, from Stone Cottage to the conference center at Aquila, to the plains of Inverdoorn, or at the boma or quarry at Kamagu. If you have clients with specific needs, please reach out to Jamie-Lee or Charalize for customised quotes. Please note that lead time for campsite setup will be required, and we eagerly await the opportunity to share more content with you shortly.
REBUILD OF KUGANHA TENTED CAMP
As the crowning jewel of the Aquila Collection, we are currently in the midst of a complete REBUILD OF KUGANHA TENTED CAMP. Imagine the world’s most luxurious retreats in the Maldives, Dubai, and other exotic destinations, add the most luxurious spa facilities, the most breath-taking Tankwa Karoo views, and introduce fully equipped tented units with in-room spas—all just outside of Cape Town. The reimagined Kuganha Tented Camp, featuring a new main lodge and ten spacious units thoughtfully positioned for privacy, will offer our partners the most luxurious tented safari retreat ever seen, right outside the most beautiful city in the world. The tented camp is set to open in mid-2024, with each tent equipped with every conceivable amenity and service, complemented by a full in-room spa per tent, ensuring unprecedented privacy and remote luxury. More information and launch dates will be communicated in due course.
LOGANDA KAROO LODGE
Loganda has received a remarkable upgrade and is now open to welcome our drivers and guides. While we understand that these essential team members have become accustomed to staying at Aquila or Inverdoorn during your guests’ visits, we had to reassess our business model in a post-pandemic world. Unfortunately (and fortunately), our occupancies no longer allow us to host these team members at Aquila or Inverdoorn as we have in the past. As per the SLA or STO agreements, drivers and guides are entitled to complimentary accommodation as per booking terms. Stays at Inverdoorn or Aquila are still possible but will incur charges. The Loganda facilities are now bright, beautiful, and fully operational. If you have a moment, please visit https://logandalodge.co.za/ to see the upgrades.
Johan Van Schalkwyk
Group Marketing and Trade Manager