It’s time to begin your safari: welcome to South Africa! We know you’ll love the wildlife and people of this fabulous country, and your safari journey will get underway after a few brief formalities.

As you explore Cape Town, it isn’t difficult to see why Table Bay was chosen for the first Dutch settlement in South Africa back in 1652. Sir Francis Drake once referred to this splendid location as “the most stately thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth” and even today Cape Town’s setting between the Atlantic waterfront and scenic Table Mountain is absolutely captivating.

Activity Day 1

• South Africa welcomes you. Your arrival is today.

Activity Day 2

• It’s time for you to visit Robben Island.
• Visit, Table Mountain

Activity Day 3

• Guided tour, Cape Peninsula
• Guided tour, Boulder’s Beach

Nestled serenely along the stunning peninsula of one of the world’s most breathtaking locations, the Clarendon Bantry Bay Hotel effortlessly blends 5-star elegance with the allure of a beachside retreat. This impeccable haven offers a sanctuary of calm, seclusion, and natural beauty. Discover your own tranquil space amidst the turquoise bays and glistening shores, where the assurance of complete contentment awaits.

Shielded from the wind and conveniently situated just minutes away from the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and Clifton beaches, as well as the cosmopolitan city center with its Soho-inspired boutiques and dining establishments.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Whether you’re into wine tasting, fine dining, historic Cape Dutch architecture or spectacular mountain scenery, Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) excels on all counts. The name of this small town refers to the French Huguenot refugees who settled the area in the late 17th century, establishing a cultural heritage that includes numerous award-winning wine estates and restaurants.

Activity Day 4

Arrival, Avondrood.

Activity Day 5

Wine Tram, Franschhoek.

Escape to the enchanting Franschhoek Valley and savor an opulent retreat at Avondrood Guest House. Dating back to 1870, our authentic Victorian Cape Dutch residence beautifully reflects the rich French Huguenot heritage of this region. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of our guest house, where old-world charm seamlessly merges with contemporary comforts, ensuring a genuinely tranquil and exquisite experience. In Franschhoek, it’s not just about the wine; it’s also about indulging in life’s finest pleasures.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

The oldest, and we think prettiest, town on the Garden Route, Knysna sprawls across a series of green slopes and bays that enclose the wide estuarine lagoon for which it is named. Here you can explore ancient yellowwood forests, idyllic beaches and wave-battered cliffs, or relax on the harborfront over a snack of fresh oysters washed down with a chilled Cape white.

Activity Day 6 Arrival, Villa Afrikana Guest Suites

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, you’ll discover the luxurious 5-star Villa Afrikana, majestically perched atop a hill named “Paradise” overlooking the renowned Knysna Heads and lagoon. This modern gem of a villa boasts an unassuming interior that remarkably opens up its public areas and suites, creating a sense of space and comfort. Keep an eye out for the artful placement of objects and captivating artworks by local artist Neil Nieuwoudt. Villa Afrikana offers six meticulously designed suites, each focused on providing panoramic views, generous space, and ultimate comfort.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021, Port Elizabeth is the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape, and the province’s largest city and main air gateway. Nicknamed the Windy City and Friendly City in recognition of two of its most obvious attributes, this major seaport is known for its pleasant year-round climate, a string of blue flag urban beaches, and a scattering of historic sites relating to the British settlers who founded it in 1820.

Activity Day 8

Arrival, Fifth Avenue Beach House

Activity Day 9

Day Tour, Raggy Charters Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

Ideally situated just a stone’s throw away from the pristine sandy shores of Gqeberha, Fifth Avenue Beach House is your gateway to coastal bliss. With a 25-year legacy of providing exceptional service and opulence, our property is embraced by a verdant, tropical garden adorned with inviting palm-fringed swimming pools.

Whether you’re a corporate traveler or seeking leisurely relaxation, we cater to your every need. We present a diverse range of accommodation choices, each offering the familiar amenities and comforts our guests have come to cherish. Our primary objective is to ensure that your stay is a tranquil, indulgent experience that captures the essence of home away from home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

It won’t be long in Addo Elephant National Park before you encounter the charismatic creatures for which this malaria-free safari destination is named. But while Addo’s elephants often steal the show, especially when they gather playfully around a waterhole, you should keep an eye open for other wildlife. Lion, black rhino, buffalo and greater kudu are all resident, and more than 400 bird species have been recorded.

Activity Day 10 Arrival, Zuurberg Mountain Village

Zuurberg Mountain Village is a haven of historical delight that has been in existence for 160 years, located high up on the Zuurberg Pass within malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park. An exclusive mountain top hotel, it is set within 160 hectares of indigenous vegetation and boasts breathtaking views of the famous Addo Elephant National Park. Nature, wildlife, and tranquillity are offered to our guests in the most majestic African setting, all within a mere one-hour drive from Port Elizabeth.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Founded in 1990, Shamwari is the malaria-free Eastern Cape’s oldest private reserve, and the most prestigious thanks to the five-star decor and service at its trendsetting lodges and camps. All the Big Five have been introduced, or occur naturally, which makes for consistently rewarding game drives.

Activities Day 13
Morning

Come with us this morning for a guided game drive. We love showing off the landscapes and wildlife of Shamwari Game Reserve, and part of the excitement is about never quite knowing which animals are going to appear.

Afternoon

You’ll be joining us in Shamwari Game Reserve for a guided game drive. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see some of the animals you came so far to see.

Activities Day 14
Morning

Come and see the best of Shamwari Game Reserve as we take you out on a guided game drive. It really is a terrific way to feel a part of Africa with the wind in your hair as we drive you around to look for animals.

Afternoon

You’ll be heading down more safari trails in search of animals in Shamwari Game Reserve when we take you on a guided game drive. This is the best thing about many safaris, and you’ll hopefully see many animals.

Mantis Founders Lodge promises you a real touch of class, combining fantastic accommodation with important contributions to local conservation projects; you can even track rhinos here. The immaculate suites include a converted railway carriage and they’re all incredibly luxurious. Enjoy a swim in the pool, a fine meal in the restaurant and excellent service too.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. All drinks

We’re sure it really has been a wonderful trip, but sadly it’s time for it to end. It has been an honor to look after you and hopefully provide you with many safari memories. We hope to see you again next time you go on safari.