Safe Service Safaris
Delivering safe and world-class service together with magnificent Cape Town big 5 safaris.
The Aquila Collection have always taken safe and hygienic services at heart, and will continue to do so in the post-COVID19 world when we bring back our friendly staff and welcome back our most valued guests from South Africa and around the world.
Before lockdown and in the period before the worldwide pandemic was announced, Aquila already implemented additional stringent measures at its properties and have always communicated our ongoing commitment to Safe Service Safaris.
Post lockdown – our teams will continue to be committed to ongoing training, screening and other protocols to ensure we are all safe while enjoying the magnificent landscapes of the Cape Karoo.
Our properties pledge that hygiene protocols will continue to be a priority, while we work with health and safety advisors to ensure we are certified and approved to accept guests from across the globe.
Please familiarise yourself with the suggested protocols and measures we have put in place to ensure Safe Service Safaris:
Transfer Vehicles:
These protocols are relevant to the Aquila owned guest transfer service. Outsourced services booked through our reservations office will have to comply with our strict measures and will also be “certified safe” before their services may be used. The Aquila Collection reserves the right of admission.
Transfer vehicles will only transport the regulated amount of passengers. Guests will be required to undergo a pre-screening before embarking the vehicle. This will include a guest information form, temperature check and protocol information update.
Guests with COVID19 symptoms or irregular temperature checks may be denied the transfer service.
Pre Entry Screening
All guests are required to complete a security checkpoint indemnity form and COVID19 screening before entry at any of the Aquila Collection properties. The Aquila Collection reserves the right of admission.
All staff and guests (no matter their form of transport) will undergo a COVID19 screening. This will include an indemnity form, reservation validation, guest information form and temperature check.
Should any guest or staff member show any COVID19 symptoms or have irregular temperature check results, they may be refused entry to any of the properties.
Should guests not have masks, they will be able to purchase these for safe entry to our properties.
Guests will receive a pen for their personal use at the time of completing the required forms. No pens will be reused at the security checkpoint.
Arrival Experience
A welcome drink will be served upon arrival.
All main doors of the reserve will be open (if manually operated) during the operational hours, or automated in an effort to reduce touching of any high impact areas (like door handles).
Guests must please make sure they keep a pen (or the pen supplied at the security checkpoint) for any further check-in documentation.
Social distancing must please be adhered to at reception. Guests must please follow the signage and floor markings.
Check-in and Check-out
All front desk staff will wear a cloth mask as per the regulations – as well as undergo pre-screening before, during and after shifts. They will also comply with strict staff hygiene protocols.
Sanitiser will be available for use.
Passports or ID documents will be wiped before handled and returned.
Guests will once again be reminded of the Safe Service Safaris protocol and be urged to please comply with the protocols to ensure a hygienic and safe experience for all guests.
Social Distancing
We ask that conscious efforts are made by all staff and guests to maintain social distancing in communal areas.
Friendly welcoming handshakes and hugs from our staff will unfortunately not be offered.
Guests waiting for activities must please keep the recommended distance from each other at pick up points.
Guest Rooms
Rooms are deep cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival. When completed, a sign will be placed on the room door to indicate that nobody else has had access to the room after cleaning.
Room keys will be sanitised and sealed for guest check-in and will remain in guest possession for the duration of their stay.
Rooms will have sanitizer for personal use.
Turn down service will only be done on guest request to minimize guest room access.
In the case of any maintenance intervention, maintenance staff will wear a mask and gloves.
Food Preparations and Restaurant
Our reserves have always offered a beautiful South African cuisine buffet for lunch and dinner and we will strive to continue offering a delicious selection.
Chefs and kitchen staff are required to wear face masks and gloves.
Wine lists will be presented on blackboards.
Buffet service will be served by dedicated staff and no guest will touch any serving utensils.
Safari snacks will be individually wrapped.
Tables have been reduced to allow for social distancing - and where it is not possible to remove tables or seating, they will be clearly marked as unavailable.
Tables and bill folders will be sanitised before and after use.
Safari and Activities
We continue to offer a variety of wildlife experiences for your enjoyment.
Rangers and activity leaders will have hand sanitiser available for guest use.
Safari vehicles are washed daily and high touch areas are disinfected before and after use.
Reduced capacity will be implemented on safari vehicles to allow for distancing between guests - while all guests will be required to please wear a mask on game drives.
Saddles and quad bikes will be washed before and after use.
Spa Services
Our most valued guests are welcome to make use of the spa services (at an additional fee) while visiting Aquila Private Game Reserve. This makes for a truly relaxing Karoo visit.
Spa access and treatments must please be pre-booked.
Shower is mandatory for all treatments and spa use.
Treatment rooms will be alternated to allow for sanitisation and decontamination.
Therapists will sanitize his/her hands in front of the guest before starting the treatment.
Therapists will wear a mask and any other protective gear needed throughout the treatment.
Kids Adventure Zone
This facility is hosted at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa and includes a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for kids.
A limited number of kids will be allowed at a time for a maximum slot time of half day.
Outdoor activities will be promoted instead of indoor activities.
Hand sanitation will be done for all kids upon entry and exit.
The Kids Supervisor reserves the right to refuse admission for any child with risk symptoms.
Hard toys and high touch areas will be sanitised and/or washed regularly.
Sanitizer and/or wipes will be available and refilled regularly.
General Hygiene and Housekeeping
The General Manager, Front of House Manager and First Aid Officer will always be available to assist all guests throughout their Safe Service Safaris visit. All indoor areas such as entrance lobbies, corridors and staircases, lifts, office rooms, meeting rooms and back offices are cleaned daily.
Easy accessible hand sanitising stations will be available in all communal and high touch areas.
Guests and staff must please practice social distancing and wear masks when in a public space.
Continuous staff training and monthly certification processes will be in place.
The current South African Government regulations suggest 70% alcohol based sanitizers to be used.