Q1 Executive Strategy Retreat · 2026 · Ref: TJOT_UtCS-001

Into the
Wild.

An executive strategy retreat for 13 — hosted at a Big 5 wilderness reserve two and a half hours from Cape Town.

13
Adults in the Group
9
Executive Staff Members
1-2
Nights at the Lodge
2+
Game Drives Included
Big 5
On the Reserve
Explore
The Venue · Why Aquila

Where the Karoo
does the work.

Aquila Private Game Reserve sits in the Touws River valley at the edge of the Klein Karoo — a fully rehabilitated Big 5 reserve that has quietly become one of the Western Cape's most respected private safari destinations. Close enough to Cape Town for a working weekend, far enough to feel genuinely away. The reserve provides the space and stillness your team needs to think clearly, align strategically, and leave with purpose.

Prepared for the executive team of Utility Consulting Solutions · Sustainable. Energy. Simplified.
Wildlife at Aquila - Giraffe, Sunset, Elephants, and Lions
13
Adults in the Group
9
Executive Staff Members
1
Night at the Lodge
2
Game Drives Included
Big 5
On the Reserve
Sunrise over Aquila mountains
Safari vehicle with elephants
Lake view from safari vehicle
Accommodation Allocation

Intentionally Designed for Your Team

The accommodation has been carefully allocated to ensure every member of the UtCS team is comfortable and well-rested — giving the group the space they need to be sharp and focused for the strategy session.

Karoo Cottages
CEO & COO · 2 Units

Karoo Cottages

Private · Rustic · Secluded

Allocated to the CEO and COO, the Karoo Cottages offer an unmatched sense of seclusion and authentic bush-style charm. Built from natural stone with reed-covered verandahs and private outdoor seating, these cottages create a sanctuary for senior leadership — the ideal space to think, breathe, and prepare.

Premier Lodge Rooms
Executive Team · 5 Units

Premier Lodge Rooms

Modern · Refined · Connected

The remaining members of the executive team are accommodated in five Premier Lodge rooms — sophisticated, contemporary spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto mountain and reserve views. Positioned at the heart of the lodge, these rooms keep the team together.

 This allocation has been designed to give senior leadership a quieter, more private setting in the Karoo Cottages while keeping the broader executive team together in the Premier Lodge — close to the conference venue and each other. Both accommodation types are exceptional; the difference lies in character and setting rather than comfort.

What's Included

Everything Taken Care Of

Your package covers every element of the strategy meeting and retreat — no hidden extras, no surprises.

🏕️

Accommodation

  • 2 × Karoo Cottages — CEO & COO
  • 5 × Premier Lodge Rooms — executive team
  • All rooms en-suite with mountain or reserve views
  • Complimentary Conference Venue (boardroom setup)
🍽️

Meals & Dining

  • Welcome breakfast on arrival (14 May · all 13 guests)
  • Buffet lunch on Day 1
  • Buffet dinner on Day 1
  • Buffet breakfast on Day 2
  • Half-day conference refreshments (15 May)
🦁

Safari & Activities

  • Afternoon game drive — Day 1 (16:30)
  • Morning game drive — Day 2 (07:00)
  • Big Five reserve: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard
  • Stargazing & marshmallow roasting in the Boma
  • Time at leisure post-checkout
📊

Conference Setup

  • Boardroom layout · 9 pax
  • Projector & screen
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Refreshments served at the back of the hall
  • Half-day session — 15 May
🚗

Logistics

  • Self-drive to Aquila (R46 Ceres Road, Touws River)
  • Parking on-site at the reserve
  • Approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town
  • Open safari vehicles provided by Aquila

Not Included

  • Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic at own cost)
  • Gratuities
  • Personal items & spa treatments
  • Any meals or activities outside the itinerary
Programme of Events

Your Retreat Itinerary

A structured programme balancing a focused strategy session with time to connect and recharge in the African bush.

01
Day One
14 May

Arrival, Strategy Session & Game Drive

    09:00
    Welcome Drinks on Arrival
    Guests arrive and are welcomed as the group assembles. A moment to settle in, take in the surroundings, and shake off the drive before the day begins in earnest.
    Welcome DrinksSelf-Drive to Venue
    09:15
    Breakfast at the Overnight Restaurant
    10:00
    Half-Day Conference
    Boardroom · 9 pax · projector, screen & Wi-Fi · refreshments served at the back of the hall
    Boardroom9 PaxWi-Fi
    12:30
    Buffet Lunch
    14:00
    Check Into Accommodation
    All 13 guests check in to their allocated rooms at the lodge
    16:30
    Afternoon Game Drive
    Meet at Pick-Up Point B
    Big 5Open Vehicle
    19:00
    Buffet Dinner
    21:00
    Stargazing & Marshmallow Roasting in the Boma
    Please note: this is a shared lodge facility open to all Aquila guests — not an exclusive UtCS activity. The Karoo night sky is genuinely extraordinary.
02
Day Two
15 May

Sunrise Safari & Departure

    07:00
    Morning Game Drive
    Meet at Pick-Up Point B · Big Five in the golden hour light of the Karoo
    Big 5Golden Hour
    08:30
    Buffet Breakfast
    10:00
    Check-Out
    10:30
    Time at Leisure
    Pool, reserve stroll, or informal team debrief
    12:00
    Departure — Option A concludes

Option B guests continue with an additional night. A second morning game drive departs at 07:00 on 16 May, followed by checkout at 10:00.

Pricing

Select Your Retreat Option

Two options are presented — both include the full strategy meeting and overnight experience as described above. The difference is one additional night.

Option A — Recommended

1 Night Retreat

14 – 15 May 2026 · Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00
R 79,110
Total Package Price incl. VAT · 13 guests
Complimentary Conference Venue (14–15 May)
5 Premier Lodge Rooms + 2 Karoo Cottages · 1 night
All meals: arrival breakfast, lunch & dinner
2 × Game drives (afternoon + morning)
Half-day conference with refreshments (15 May)
Stargazing in the Boma — shared facility, weather permitting
Option B

2 Night Retreat

14 – 16 May 2026 · Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00
R 111,417
Total Package Price incl. VAT · 13 guests
Complimentary Conference Venue (14–15 May)
5 Premier Lodge Rooms + 2 Karoo Cottages · 2 nights
All meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner (both nights)
2 × Game drives included (additional drives at own cost)
Half-day conference with refreshments (15 May)
Stargazing in the Boma — shared facility, weather permitting

ℹ️ Option A selected. Should the team wish to extend to Option B, we can adjust the quote accordingly — please enquire below.

Aquila Lodge panorama
Safari vehicle with elephants
Sunrise over mountains
Important Notice

Cancellation Policy

Aquila Private Game Reserve · Ref: TJOT_UtCS-001
30%
On or after
14 April 2026
Option A:R 23,733
Option B:R 33,425
50%
On or after
23 April 2026
Option A:R 39,555
Option B:R 55,709
100%
On or after
7 May 2026
Option A:R 79,110
Option B:R 111,417
100%
On or after
14 May 2026 (arrival)
Option A:R 79,110
Option B:R 111,417

⚠️ Deposit Due: 10 April 2026. A 50% deposit is required in two equal instalments on 10 April and 14 April 2026 to confirm your provisional booking. Cancellation penalties apply to the full package value as per the schedule above. Please contact Joy to discuss payment arrangements.

Payment Schedule

Deposit & Settlement

Payment is split across two equal 50% deposits. Please contact Joy to discuss payment arrangements.

Deposit 1
Due Date
10 April 2026
R 39,555
Option A · 50% deposit
Deposit 2
Due Date
14 April 2026
R 39,555
Option A · Balance

Ready to
secure your dates?

Click below to accept and begin the booking process, or enquire if you have any questions.

Rates and availability are subject to change until booking is confirmed with a deposit.

Your Travel Consultant
ConsultantJoy
CompanyThe Joy of Travel

Quote Reference: TJOT_UtCS-001