aquila collection

What aquila collection does

Aquila Collection is a privately held, family-owned portfolio of Big 5 safari lodges and experiential hospitality properties anchored in the Western Cape, South Africa, founded in 1997 by owner Searl Derman. The flagship Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa (10,000 hectares, 77 rooms) sits within two hours of Cape Town, joined by acquired and organically developed assets including Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve (acquired August 2018, 10,000 hectares, 52-guest capacity), Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp, Kamagu Homestead, Kudukloof Mountain Lodge, Marlin Manor, Cape Manor, Cape Agulhas Guest House, Kob Cottage, Quagga River Lodge (acquired February 2026, Cape West Coast), and the Dekkersvlei wine estate (acquired May 2025, home of the world's first White Pinotage). Operational assets also include the 600-seat CatchCook Restaurant and Beach Bar at Struisbaai and conservation subsidiaries (Saving Private Rhino, Inverdoorn Cheetah Conservation, Animal Rescue Centre).

Revenue is generated through unit-priced accommodation tiers (R2,245–R8,190 per person per night across Karoo Cottages, Premier Cottages, Lodge Rooms, Inverdoorn Ambassador Collection and Tankwa Chalets), day-trip safaris (R995 Sunset Safari to R3,595 Combo Safari), food and beverage, corporate/MICE events, and wine tourism via the 'Taste the Original' White Pinotage experience. Pricing is quoted in South African Rand and includes commissionable trade rates. Go-to-market combines a B2C website, a B2B trade portal serving tour operators and DMCs, sales-led international roadshows across 15+ source markets, event-driven MICE congress representation, channel partnerships (Red Elephant Reps, Uber via UberSafari, Air France KLM, Turkish Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Emirates), and an emerging sports tourism channel (Barmy Army partnership). Customer segments span international tourists (primary), travel trade, corporate/MICE, Muslim-friendly travellers, families, and luxury/HNW individuals, with a documented 88% YoY increase in Russian visitation following the Turkish Airlines roadshow as the strongest disclosed growth signal.

Name

aquila collection

Legal name

Aquila Collection

Website

https://aquilacollection.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Aquila Collection is a privately held, family-owned portfolio of Big 5 safari lodges and experiential hospitality properties in the Western Cape, South Africa, serving international tourists, travel trade, and corporate clients with accommodation, day safaris, wine tourism, and conservation experiences near Cape Town.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Safari Tourism & Game Reserve Hospitality

NAICS

Traveler Accommodation (7211), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves) (THAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Safari Camps & Tented Lodges (THAGAOAF), River & Wetland Lodges (Delta/Okavango-style) (THAGAIAG), Desert Luxury Resorts (THAGACAC)

Keywords

• Safari lodges
• Big 5 game drives
• Luxury accommodation
• Corporate retreats
• Wine tourism

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Safari Experiences: Day trip and overnight safari packages including Big 5 game drives, horseback safaris, quad bike safaris, and combo experiences at Aquila Private Game Reserve and Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.
2. Accommodation: Overnight stays across luxury cottages, family cottages, premier cottages, lodge rooms, and ambassador suites at multiple properties including Aquila, Inverdoorn, Kuganha, and Cape Agulhas properties.
3. Food & Beverage: Restaurant dining at CatchCook Restaurant and Beach Bar (600+ seats), in-room dining, and traditional boma dinners. Commissionable breakfast buffets for groups.
4. Corporate Events & Conferences: Conference venues, team-building retreats, and corporate event spaces at multiple properties including Aquila Private Game Reserve and Inverdoorn.
5. Wine Tourism: Wine tasting experiences at Dekkersvlei (formerly Mellasat Vineyards) including 'Taste the Original' White Pinotage tour. Wine sales and pairing experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Aquila Collection operates a portfolio of Big 5 safari lodges in the Western Cape of South Africa, offering overnight accommodation in luxury cottages, suites, and tented camps across properties including Aquila Private Game Reserve, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, and Kuganha. The group also sells day-trip safari experiences (game drives, horseback safaris, quad biking, combo safaris), corporate event and conference packages, the CatchCook Restaurant and Beach Bar at Struisbaai, and wine tourism experiences at Dekkersvlei (formerly Mellasat Vineyards). The portfolio follows a 'Wet-Wine-Wild' strategy combining wildlife, wine, and coastal experiences accessible within 2-2.5 hours of Cape Town.

Product overview

Aquila Collection is a portfolio of Big 5 safari lodges and bucket-list travel experiences in the Western Cape, South Africa. The portfolio includes flagship properties Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa and Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, both offering Big 5 safari experiences within 2-2.5 hours of Cape Town. The collection also includes Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp (wellness-led safari retreat), various accommodation properties (Kamagu Homestead, Kudukloof Mountain Lodge, coastal properties like Marlin Manor and Cape Agulhas Guest House), and recently acquired Dekkersvlei wine estate. Additional offerings include the CatchCook Restaurant, day trip safaris, corporate experiences, and wine tourism experiences. The portfolio follows a 'Wet-Wine-Wild' strategy combining wildlife, wine, and water-based experiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Saving Private Rhino: Rhino conservation initiative providing anti-poaching solutions and rhino orphanage services
• ARC (Animal Rescue Centre)
• Inverdoorn Cheetah Conservation

Products and services

• Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa Flagship Big 5 safari destination spanning 10,000 hectares in the Karoo, located under 2 hours from Cape Town. Offers overnight stays across cottages, suites, and lodge rooms, game drives, spa treatments, and various safari activities.
• Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve Boutique Big 5 game reserve in the Tankwa Karoo, 2.5 hours from Cape Town, with focus on cheetah conservation. Offers Ambassador suites, Tankwa chalets, and lodge rooms accommodating a maximum of 52 guests overnight.
• Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp Ultra-luxury wellness-led safari retreat set within rewilded 10,000-hectare Big 5 reserve, approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town. Features ten tented units with private in-suite spa sanctuaries and elemental Karoo landscapes.
• Kamagu Homestead and Safari Farm-style stay approximately 2 hours from Cape Town offering a tranquil retreat experience.
• Kudukloof Mountain Lodge Luxury off-the-grid homestead with unparalleled views of the Great Karoo Valley, under 2 hours from Cape Town.
• Quagga River Lodge Contemporary off-grid riverfront accommodation on the Berg River near Velddrif, Cape West Coast. Five modern solar-powered two-bedroom units with connection to Quagga Project conservation narrative and 1.4km river frontage.
• Dekkersvlei Vineyards Historic wine estate in Paarl established 1693 and renamed Dekkersvlei, renowned for producing the world's first White Pinotage since 2007. Part of Aquila's 'Wet-Wine-Wild' strategy combining safari and wine experiences.
• Marlin Manor Beachfront manor in Cape L'Agulhas, available for exclusive use only, ensuring complete privacy for intimate coastal getaways.
• Cape Manor Modern open-plan manor in Fresnaye, Cape Town, situated in the wind-free CBD close to ocean and city attractions.
• Cape Agulhas Guest House Seaside accommodation near Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town.
• Kob Cottage Eclectically furnished stone cottage in Struisbaai, L'Agulhas, near the harbour.
• CatchCook Restaurant and Beach Bar Seafood restaurant and beach bar at Struisbaai Harbour, southernmost tip of Africa. 600+ seater capacity with indoor and outdoor seating, Halaal friendly, open 08h00 to 22h00 daily.
• Corporate Experiences Corporate event and team-building services including corporate getaways, retreats at safari reserves, small team breaks, VIP management breaks, and MICE venue options.
• Day Trip Safaris Various day trip safari options including morning safaris, afternoon safaris, sunset safaris, horseback safaris, quad bike safaris, and combo safaris departing from Cape Town.
• Taste the Original Wine Tour Exclusive wine experience tour at Dekkersvlei featuring cellar exploration, vineyard walks, and tasting of the world's first White Pinotage.
• Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience Multi-night familiarisation trip showcasing Western Cape's wildlife, winelands, and scenic landscapes through strategic partnerships with airlines and international travel trade.

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% year-over-year increase in Russian visitation following Turkish Airlines roadshow partnership
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Barmy ArmycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 May 2026Official Cape Town Safari Experience Partner for England's 2026/27 Tour to South Africa. Combines cricket tourism with Big 5 safari experiences. Celebrates deep connection between two nations with sports, travel, and shared experiences.
• Norse Atlantic AirwayscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 March 2026Airline partner for UK and Ireland roadshow, attracting new style of traveller to Cape Town. Partnership with Red Elephant Reps enabled regional engagement beyond London in Scotland, Ireland, regional England, and Channel Islands.
• Norse Atlantic AirwayscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 March 2025Partnership for 'Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience' targeting Scandinavian travel trade and media. Five-night familiarisation trip showcasing Western Cape's accessibility via seasonal London Gatwick service.
• Tatopia CreativeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 March 2025Creative agency that curated top delegates for Scandinavian 'Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience' destination showcase. Responsible for selecting media and influencer participants.
• Air France KLMcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2025Partnership for multi-city Cape Town Safari Roadshow across Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and France in March 2025. Joint destination marketing promoting Cape Town's unique blend of wildlife, wine, and natural wonders with direct flight connectivity from Paris and Amsterdam.
• Moscow City GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2024Government body that invited Aquila Collection to represent South Africa at Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition in Moscow. Led by Commercial Officer Johan van Schalkwyk alongside government representatives from BRICS nations.
• Wild HorizonsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2024South African travel and hospitality brand showcased alongside Aquila Collection at Global MICE Congress BRICS Edition, highlighting region's diversity from Cape Town's landscapes to Western Cape's infrastructure.
• Kerzner's One & OnlyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2024Luxury resort brand represented alongside Aquila at Global MICE Congress BRICS Edition, demonstrating Cape Town's world-class hospitality infrastructure.
• UberflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 September 2024Exclusive partnership launching UberSafari - a limited-edition experience in Uber's 'Go Anywhere' series. Starting 2 October 2024, riders in Cape Town can book Big 5 safari experiences at Aquila Private Game Reserve via the Uber app. Features branded vehicles, welcome toast, lunch, and traditional safari with game rangers. Contributes to wildlife conservation efforts.
• South African TourismcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2024Government tourism body supporting Cape Town Safari Roadshow in China. Collaboration for destination marketing initiatives to attract Chinese visitors to South Africa.
• Create ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2024Consulting firm that organised China roadshow in partnership with Aquila and South African Tourism. Facilitated meetings with Chinese travel companies including C-Trip, Nice Tour, and Sage Travel.
• EmiratesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2024Airline partner supporting China roadshow by providing connectivity from Cape Town to China via Dubai. Extensive network and frequent flights offer vital links for tourism growth.
• Red Elephant RepscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2024Strategic collaboration appointing Red Elephant Reps for Benelux region, German-speaking markets, UK, and Ireland. Aims to expand reach, strengthen presence, engage trade partners and media outlets, and position Cape Town safari itineraries as indispensable experiences.
• Turkish AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Strategic partnership for Russian roadshow in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Emphasises comfortable and convenient travel options via Istanbul hub. Resulted in 88% YoY increase in Russian visitation. Included TourISTanbul city tour program for layover passengers.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Lion Sands Game Reserve: Family-owned Big 5 luxury safari lodge portfolio in Sabi Sands. Comparable scale, family-ownership structure and Big 5 luxury positioning to Aquila Collection.
• Singita: Owner-operator of ultra-luxury Big 5 safari lodges and conservation programs across South Africa and East Africa. Comparable as a premium, conservation-driven safari brand competing for the same HNW and luxury travel-trade customers as Aquila Collection.
• Wilderness Safaris: Africa-wide safari camp and lodge operator with a portfolio comparable in scale and conservation focus. Directly competes for FIT and MICE safari bookings across southern Africa with multi-night itineraries and a strong trade distribution network.
• &Beyond: Luxury safari and lodge portfolio operator across Africa and beyond. Direct competitor in the high-end safari lodge space with conservation-led positioning, similarly serving FIT and travel-trade customers with multi-day Big 5 itineraries.
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Multi-lodge Big 5 private reserve in the Eastern Cape with a strong conservation and award-recognition profile. Comparable to Aquila as a multi-property, conservation-aligned safari operator serving international luxury travelers via trade channels.
• Sabi Sabi: Private Big 5 game reserve within Sabi Sands, offering luxury lodge product with strong international travel-trade representation. Directly comparable for premium Big 5 safari guests, although based in Mpumalanga rather than the Western Cape.
• Ulusaba (Virgin Limited Edition): Richard Branson's Big 5 private game reserve in Sabi Sands operated as part of Virgin Limited Edition. Comparable as a flagship luxury safari lodge brand competing for the same HNW FIT and MICE customers.

Others

• South African Tourism: National tourism marketing body that partners with Aquila on international roadshows. Not a competitor but a key ecosystem enabler whose destination-marketing activity drives inbound demand for Aquila's properties.
• Cape Town Tourism: Regional destination marketing organization for Cape Town and Western Cape. Ecosystem partner influencing inbound flows to Aquila's properties and listing Aquila experiences within the broader Cape Town itinerary stack.

Broad incumbents

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: Global luxury hotel operator's safari property. Comparable as a broad luxury incumbent offering premium safari experiences with global distribution reach, competing with Aquila for luxury safari FIT and corporate retreat bookings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquila-collection

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about aquila collection