About
Biography
Overview
His main focus is on Job creation, Conservation and Tourism. His vision of making Cape Town a one-stop-shop for internationals that no longer have to brave malaria, cost of flights and car hire and at the same time provide Capetonians an affordable and accessible safari opportunity – is without question on track.
1993 – 1998
Zone Armed Response and National Guardian Security
He started his business career by founding ‘Zone Armed Response‘ and ‘National Guardian Security‘ in 1993. Due to his innovative approach, entrepreneurial talent, eye for detail and job creation, ‘Zone’ became one of the three most successful security companies, in Cape Town. In 1998 after lifting the company to its peak with over 3,500 clients and 500 staff, Searl sold the company for a substantial profit at the age of 27.
1996 – 1999
Argus Sanlam Job Maker Award
Searl is a proud recipient of the Argus Sanlam Job Maker Award (January 1996) due to his commitment to job creation in the previously disadvantaged sectors of the Cape.
In 1999 he became the proprietor of a diamond mining operation in the jungles of the Central African Republic, which he ran under the most stringent conditions. Due to the ongoing political unrest in the area he was forced to abandon the operation and return to South Africa.
2001 – Present
Aquila Private Game Reserve
Since its opening in 2001, Aquila Private Game Reserve has gained an incredible reputation on both the local and international market and has been featured on the front covers of most S.A tourism publications. Aquila continues to receive ongoing applause from both the public and industry. Aquila welcomed almost 10,000 international day visitors last year and many celebrities.
2002 – Present
Cape Town Information Centre (CTIC)
Searl believes in vertical integration and brave/dynamic marketing efforts and in 2002, he founded Cape Town Information Centre (CTIC). A privately operated information and booking office, catering to the domestic and international visitor that would make sourcing information and indeed planning visits and holidays easier with the aid of qualified tourism specialists.
Located in Burg Street, 50m from Greenmarket Square, CTIC has since expanded and presently has five outlets that can facilitate all bookings ranging from accommodation, car hire, airport transfers, adventure packages, safari packages, charters and day tours.
CTIC also introduces local tourism businesses to the Cape Town visitor. By supporting Cape Town’s tourism and hospitality products he has generated massive support for his tourism ventures from both industry and public alike.
2005 – Present
Cape Sea Safaris
His next tourism venture was Cape Sea Safaris that launched in November 2005 as the best way to experience the richness and diversity of the waters that surround the Cape Peninsula. Offering an assortment of the most exciting water based activities, Cape Sea Safaris caters for all levels of experience from beginner to accomplished fisherman and has a fleet of craft well suited to every adventure and budget.
Guided by experienced, enthusiastic and qualified skippers guests can opt for big game fishing, spear fishing and even crayfish trips allow a chance for the whole family to participate in the thrill of the catch and see parts of the Cape not normally experienced.
By offering the three services, Searl believes that anyone wishing to truly experience the incredibly diversity of the Cape will have the necessary information at their fingertips.
2008
Ambassadors Directory And Robben Island Assistance
His vertical integration doesn’t stop there. Searl launched a tourism publication called the Ambassadors Directory and is due to launch a film industry publication next month at that Cannes (advertising) Film Festival – South of France.
2008 was a significant milestone of Aquila’s history when upon hearing of the plight of wildlife starving on Robben Island, Searl immediately took it upon himself to help by raising awareness and funds to assist the animals with the support of Robben Island Management. Within days Searl and his wildlife team had visited to assess the problems and started to ship vital nutritional feed costing hundreds of thousands of Rands as well as veterinary assistance. International awareness was created due to his campaign and a thorough plan has been put into place to not only save the wildlife but also rehabilitate the eco-system
2009
Nautilus and The Karoo Ostrich Farm
In 2009 Searl was very proud to purchase the Nautilus, which is a 35metre mega yacht to be used as Cape Town’s only floating villa, capable of sleeping 16 people.
In the same year Searl purchased additional land in Touws River on which to start the Karoo Ostrich farm. Construction and staff training have begun and the Karoo ostrich farm is set to open to the public in late 2010.