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An exhilarating opportunity presented itself this month, enticing us with the prospect of a safari adventure just outside of Cape Town. We eagerly packed our bags, opting for a light and efficient overnight bag, and ventured eastward, traversing the splendid and awe-inspiring Hottentots Holland mountain range. Our destination? The scorching, semi-desert landscape of the Little Karoo.
The Western Cape boasts a plethora of Private Game Reserves and exclusive Wilderness experiences to choose from. For this month, we had the privilege of exploring two well-established properties: Aquila Private Game Reserve and Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, both within a convenient three-hour drive from Cape Town.
Aquila Private Game Reserve, a four-star gem, offers thrilling game drives within a malaria-free territory inhabited by the Big 5. Nestled amidst the rolling dunes of the Little Karoo, the landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
What sets Aquila apart is its unwavering commitment to the local community of Touws River, providing employment opportunities for over 120 individuals. Moreover, the reserve actively engages in sustainable development programs, taking steps to eliminate exotic tree and invasive plant species and conserving water resources in an area that receives a mere 400 milliliters of rainfall annually. Their efforts extend to their bathroom facilities, where they exclusively use natural biodegradable bath products. Such dedication to environmental responsibility is worthy of praise.
Our time at Aquila Private Game Reserve, however, left us with mixed emotions. Having visited numerous safari properties across southern Africa, we couldn’t help but feel that Aquila oversells itself as an authentic African experience. The cheetahs and lions confined within enclosures, pacing restlessly along the fence, and the crocodiles housed in a small water camp at the lodge do not align with our vision of “Real Africa”. Furthermore, all the game is fed every evening, which diminishes the sense of wildness that we believe defines an authentic African safari. Nonetheless, Aquila does offer the advantage of close-up wildlife encounters, perfect for capturing impressive photos to share with friends back home. Visitors also have the opportunity to spot four of the Big 5, although sightings of the elusive mountain leopard, the fifth member of the Big 5, are rare even for the most knowledgeable rangers.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Aquila’s General Manager, Leon, and the Conservation Manager, Patrick. These two fine gentlemen exuded passion, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to both the environment and guest experience. We sensed that Aquila is still a work in progress, with the potential to become a truly exceptional safari destination in the future. However, at present, we believe that the overall value for overnight guests is not quite commensurate with the price. The standard accommodation and pedestrian yet well-presented meals left much to be desired. The service, on the other hand, was commendable, and the game rangers demonstrated impressive knowledge within their purview. It was disappointing, though, to be offered low-quality semi-sweet South African sparkling wine, marshmallows, and biltong during the sundown game drive. This missed opportunity failed to captivate the hearts and minds of the twelve guests on our vehicle.
Aquila also offers two adventurous and enjoyable activities: a horseback safari and a quad biking safari. Both provide a unique perspective on the reserve’s stunning landscape. The main advantage of visiting Aquila, however, is their comprehensive day trip. For those with limited time in Cape Town and its surrounding areas, this excursion offers a chance to indulge in African wildlife encounters and capture valuable photographs. In summary, Aquila is best experienced in a day trip, and their conference facilities, to be developed in the next six months, may offer a viable venue option.
From Aquila, we embarked on a short journey northward, immersing ourselves in even more breathtaking scenery. We ascended an undulating mountain pass, traversed rugged gravel roads, and arrived at our selected destination: the 15,000-hectare Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, a true hidden gem. Rife with unique sandstone rock formations reminiscent of the Cederberg region, the reserve’s final 16-kilometer stretch to the lodge proved awe-inspiring. The scorching heat, dryness, and moon-like character of the landscape were utterly captivating.
Kagga Kamma offers a wilderness experience with a cultural twist, encompassing the renowned Bushmen paintings found throughout the Cederberg area. We had the pleasure of experiencing an insightful cultural safari guided by a highly knowledgeable and experienced field guide, Jaco, who also serves as the General Manager. Jaco proved to be an outstanding host, his passion for Mother Nature palpable, and his wealth of knowledge about the Bushmen astounding. His time spent in the Sabi Sands, particularly at the remarkable Mala Mala Game Reserve, along with his Namibian heritage, added depth to our interactions. Time spent in Jaco’s company was nothing short of captivating.
Unlike Aquila, Kagga Kamma is home to plains game exclusively, including bontebok, eland, Burchell’s zebra, red hartebeest, klipspringer, and smaller species like the antbear and jackal.
One of the defining features of Kagga Kamma is its isolation from town and city light pollution, allowing for an extraordinary stargazing experience. The night sky, free from any intrusive artificial lights, dazzles with its brilliance and depth. Kagga Kamma boasts its very own mini observatory, complete with a 10-inch telescope, offering unparalleled views of the moon, planets, constellations, and other celestial marvels. It is truly an experience worth pursuing.
Accommodation at Kagga Kamma is a unique delight. Ten cave-like structures, crafted to resemble the surrounding sandstone rock formations, blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Comfortable beds adorned with fresh, crisp, white linens and equipped with air conditioning ensure a pleasant stay. However, the real jewel in Kagga Kamma’s crown is the “Outcrop” sleep out experience. This is an absolute must-do! Picture, if you will, a natural rock outcrop, two shade trees, and a vast expanse of an endless vista. Imagine the ingenious integration of luxurious amenities needed for human entertainment, from sunset to well past sunrise the following day. Just before sunset, we hopped onto quad bikes and embarked on a three-kilometer journey between the main camp and the Outcrop. Our arrival took our breath away. The bedroom was grand and regal, featuring a king-sized bed, side tables, lounge area, and coffee table adorned with a variety of culinary delights. As the African sun set directly in front of us, our host prepared glasses, lit our paraffin lamps, and then discreetly vanished. We were left alone to commune with Mother Nature!
For those of you who have yet to experience this remarkable opportunity, we implore you to do so with a sense of urgency. And for those who have already had the pleasure, come once more and allow Mother Nature to weave her enchanting tale of the setting sun, surrounded by a cast of remarkable animals. The evening sky, adorned with streaks of vivid pink transitioning to crimson and ultimately to steel grey, unveiled its dazzling stars with unmatched brilliance. The Black Hole stood alongside the Southern Cross, while shooting stars traversed the celestial stage. In the midst of this celestial symphony, a profound silence enveloped us as we huddled around the gently crackling fire. Peace, contentment, and solitude prevailed. Our picnic dinner, while adequate, lacked imaginative flair. Cold meats, excellent cheeses, chicken legs, and well-prepared green and potato salads were conveniently packaged in plastic containers. Yet, it was the African night sky that truly spoke to us, its language permeating our minds and hearts, whispering words of dreams, hopes, and aspirations. In the early hours of the morning, Colin rose to witness the rising moon casting its ethereal glow upon everything in a luminous white.
As the sun emerged from behind our rocky perch, it breathed color, warmth, and light into the distant hills. This ethereal awakening, a feast for the experienced traveler’s soul and a profound introduction for first-time visitors, left an indelible mark. The Outcrop option at Kagga Kamma is a superb choice for honeymooners or individuals seeking unrivaled privacy in a natural setting. Please note that this option is weather-dependent due to its reliance on the natural elements.
Overall, our experience at Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve was an enlightening journey, further enriched by the remarkable Outcrop experience. We wholeheartedly recommend the Outcrop without hesitation. When compared to other similar offerings in the area, Kagga Kamma truly stands out. The reserve’s commitment to fusing wilderness encounters with cultural exploration creates a unique and memorable adventure. And let us not forget the awe-inspiring starry nights, free from light pollution, allowing the heavens to captivate and inspire.
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