Sensational South Africa – Johannesburg to Cape Town
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Day 1: Johannesburg - The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Welcome to South Africa! Our representative will meet you immediately off your flight, and assist you through immigration and baggage claim. Your driver will then meet you in the arrivals area for transfer to The Saxon.
Despite being embedded in the city of gold (a place most known for its frenetic pace and mining town mentality) one finds a scenic jewel surrounded by lush landscaped gardens called The Saxon. With its extensive use of water, The Saxon provides a natural reprieve from the daily stress of city living. The lattice shuttered suites, cool terraces and shaded gazebos adjoining both the heated lap pool and magnificent 10,000 square foot swimming pool enhance the fitness center and Spa.
Day 2: Johannesburg - The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
After breakfast, Robin Binckes will meet you in the hotel lobby. Enjoy the wonder of the history of Johannesburg as recounted by master story teller Robin Binckes. Robin – author of renown and winner of the Tour Guide of the Year Award for his contribution towards tourism in Gauteng province - specializes in the history of this country and its people. If you want to experience South Africa through the eyes of one of its most passionate citizens, this is an experience not to be missed. Visitors and South Africans alike have described a day with Robin as being a life changing experience. Robin tells the history in vivid and entertaining form, calling on his own experiences to illustrate the past with anecdotes which are both moving and entertaining. He will explain the background and detail of the violence which swept through the townships with a visit to Alexandra and Soweto townships. We will see Nelson Mandela’s first home in Gauteng, and after a typical South African lunch, we will visit the Apartheid Museum, acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th Century South Africa. The museum takes you on a dramatic emotional journey that tells the story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow its tyranny. The miracle of April 27th, 1994 is explained in detail, and the roles of people like Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, and Bishop Desmond Tutu are illuminated. BL
Days 3-4: Thornybush Game Reserve - Royal Malewane
A driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for the transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport. From here, a South African Airways flight will take you to Hoedspruit. Our representative will meet you outside of the arrivals area for the road transfer to Royal Malewane. You may spot a leopard along the way!
The joys of a bygone era await you at Royal Malewane, situated on a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park area of South Africa. Accommodating a maximum of twenty guests in the utmost colonial splendor, Royal Malewane is an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalized service, and the best game viewing Africa has to offer. Each private suite rests in harmony with its surroundings with a rich wood terrace, thatched gazebo, and spillway pool finding easy residence in nature. The colonial style of the lodge features a palatial air-conditioned bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, antique furniture, and canopied king-size bed as well as an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers. Here, after a long day of exhilarating game viewing, you can journey into dream's domain as the lion roars echo through your window of stars. Furnished with rich antiques and Persian carpets, every fitting creates the feel of traditional colonial elegance.
Game viewing at Royal Malewane provides guests with the best opportunities for seeing the natural abundance of big game on the 32,000 acre reserve, home of the “ Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Over 300 recorded bird species are also to be found in the reserve. Game viewing is tailored to guests’ preferences, either by open Land Rover or on foot. Passionate about wildlife conservation and the well-being of the animals, expert and experienced rangers and trackers accompany the guests. Royal Malewane is privileged to have the only surviving Master Tracker currently working in Southern Africa.
The order of the day is usually: Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast. Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp and Spa before lunch is served. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive with sundowners, culminating in a night drive in search of exciting nocturnal game. Dinner is served under the African sky or with silver and crystal in the dining areas. BLD (fully inclusive)
Days 5-6: Sabi Sand Game Reserve - Singita Ebony Lodge
A light aircraft flight takes you from Royal Malewane Airstrip to 
Singita Airstrip where you will be met by a Singita staff member for the transfer to Ebony Lodge.
Ebony lodge offers robust pleasures and an earthy atmosphere. This lodge is known for its first-class cuisine, world-class service, a fantastic wine cellar, and it is the epitome of the ultimate luxury safari experience. Interiors offer a bohemian take on traditional bush decor, while every effort is made to celebrate the great outdoors. This award-winning lodge combines exceptional quality and simple refinement which redefines one’s experience of the wild. From your own private deck, enjoy superb game viewing. Twelve luxurious private suites have a private wooden leisure deck with private plunge pool overlooking exquisite views of the Sand River and its abundant offering of game. The suites consist of sumptuous baths, indoor and outdoor showers, an expansive living area with double-sided fireplace, and complimentary mini-bar and fridge.
Amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Sand River in the heart of South Africa’s "big cat country" and spanning more than 45,000 acres, Singita Sabi Sand is renowned for high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Accommodation at Singita Ebony Lodge includes two open Land Rover safaris a day and walking safaris accompanied by experienced game rangers and trackers.
BLD (fully inclusive)
Day 7: Cape Town - One&Only Cape Town
After breakfast, our representative will meet you for the road transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. From here, a South African Airways flight will take you to Cape Town. After collecting your baggage, a representative will meet you for the transfer to One&Only Cape Town.
On the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, overlooking Table Mountain, Cape Town’s urban chic resort unites contemporary glamour, authentic local character and unrivalled hospitality with cuisine from gastronomic legend Nobu Matsuhisa and one of South Africa’s most exciting native talents, Reuben Riffel. From your guest room, enjoy exceptional views of the picturesque harbourside and Table Mountain. B
Day 8: Cape Town - One&Only Cape Town
This morning, meet your driver-guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00 am for your private tour of Cape Point and the Peninsula. Sit back and relax as you travel along the Atlantic Sea board past Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay. Stop at the granite boulders where you will have the most magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles, Table Mountain and beach of Camps Bay. Continue along Victoria Drive to Hout Bay – an incredibly charming small village and fishing harbor. Onward, as you leave the beach area, you will wind your way up 1,970 feet above the ocean to Chapman’s Peak, one of the world ‘s most breathtaking coastal drives. Here you will have a bird’s eye view of Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. During the migration season (June-December) one can see breeching whales in the surf and just beyond. Stop at the tip of the Cape Peninsula and either walk or take the funicular to the lighthouse at Cape Point with its beautiful views overlooking False Bay, so named as the early navigators thought they had arrived at Table Bay. Our drive will take us to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of the African continent. Leave the Reserve and drive along the False Bay coastline through historic Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek. Then head back to Cape Town over Boyes drive with views of the fishing village of Kalk Bay and the seaside towns of St. James and Muizenberg.
Time permitting, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens situated on the slopes of Table Mountain will be your next stop. Cecil John Rhodes bought Kirstenbosch in 1895 and, when he died seven years later, he left it to the people of South Africa. Weather permitting, you will enjoy a visit to Table Mountain. From the lower cableway station, board the cable car for a 5-minute ride to the top of the mountain, which affords spectacular views of both city and Peninsula. BL
Day 9: Cape Town - One&Only Cape Town
Enjoy the day at leisure in the exciting, sophisticated city of Cape Town! You may want to explore on your own the Cape Malay Quarter, the Company Gardens (fresh produce gardens for ships and locals from the mid 17th century), the SA Cultural History Museum, Houses of Parliament, the National Gallery and St. George’s Cathedral. Stroll through the city to Greenmarket Square to browse African momentos at its bustling market stalls. Lower Kloof Street offers up unique boutiques. You will also want to explore the V&A Waterfront ~ so many choices! B
Day 10: Hermanus - Birkenhead House
This morning, our representative will meet you for private transfer to Birkenhead House in Hermanus.
Birkenhead House, perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus and overlooking the whale watchers’ paradise of Walker Bay, is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living. This unique and exceptional boutique property offers lavish accommodation with surprising and delightful touches in eleven sea or mountain facing bedrooms, most with balcony. Birkenhead House offers a wide range of activities. Exploring the great diversity of marine life, kayaking, golfing, or strolling through the picturesque village of Hermanus with its whaling museum are optional. Seaside walking trails are magnificent, and whale watching or shark diving tours provide for an exciting and unforgettable experience. Guests may spot the African Penguin, Great White Shark, Cape Fur Seal and various sea birds, dolphins or the Southern Right Whale. Very relaxed horseback riding through the local vineyards is available and ideal for first timers. More experienced riders may prefer a beach ride. At Birkenhead House, all meals and snacks, local beverages, house wines, and laundry are inclusive. BD
Day 11: Hermanus - Birkenhead House
Enjoy the day at leisure.
BD
Day 12: Franschhoek - La Residence
After breakfast, your private driver/guide will meet you for a half day tour of the Winelands en route to your accommodation in the very charming town of Franschhoek.
Located in the beautiful Franschhoek valley in the heart of a private 30-acre estate, La Residence is surrounded by vineyards and plum orchards. With a stunning mountain backdrop, La Residence enjoys breathtaking views of the unspoiled rural surrounds and an atmosphere of complete tranquility. Step into the main hall and be transported to a world of beauty and opulence. Glittering Indian chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling; original artwork and huge mirrors grace the walls; and furnishings are plush, colorful and stylish. Fine Persian rugs, exquisite fabrics and a wonderfully eclectic mix of objets d’art, elegant antiques and exquisite flowers create a feeling of refinement and well-being. Superb cuisine is served beneath glittering chandeliers in the baronial dining room or in the airy and scenic Persian Alley. With personalized service of the highest order, this Franschhoek accommodation is unparalleled. Among its many accolades, La Residence was named No 1 Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards (US) 2013.
A short distance from the city, the Winelands region is, without a doubt, one of the most alluring features of the Western Cape. This delightful drive winds its way into the heart of the Cape Winelands through spectacular mountain backdrops and the finest Cape Dutch architecture, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to Stellenbosch, one of the most popular wine routes in the Cape and the heart of the South African wine industry. The backdrop of Stellenbosch is the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. The white Cape Dutch gabled homesteads and the oak-lined streets and lanes blend together to give the town an unforgettable charm. Walk down the canal-lined avenues in the shade of the giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. Coffee shops, galleries, antique shops and wine bars spill onto the sidewalks. An informative cellar tour and wine tasting provides you with insight into the finer points of wine-making. The tour includes two wine tastings – one at the Waterford Estate with its unique wine and chocolate tasting, and another at the enchanting La Motte Estate. Lunch at the exceptional Delaire Graff Estate with Laurence Graff’s personal collection of South African art and sculptures displayed throughout. Wine drives throughout the region provide for a surprisingly delightful experience! BD
Day 13: Franschhoek - La Residence
Enjoy the day at leisure. Suggested activity: Enjoy a picturesque trek on horseback through one of the local vineyards. BD
Day 14: Franschhoek
After breakfast, your driver will meet you for private transfer to Cape Town International Airport in a luxury vehicle to board your flight homeward bound. B
in collaboration/Ker & Downey
