Summer in South Africa. Sun, safari, wine and wonders. When Europe becomes cold, South Africa hots up. We’re talking rhino conservation experiences, contemporary African art, Relais & Chateaux dining while on safari, and so much more.
We’re sharing this 12-day South African safari our travel designers just created. Plus we’ve added ideas of how your South Africa holiday can be personalised, with different experiences, destinations and hotels. Are you ready for South Africa?
Start in Cape Town
The most beautiful city on the planet? You decide, as you explore Table Mountain and the two oceans surrounding Cape Town.
Stay at the uber chic Silo Hotel, on the top floor of Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa).
Be guided around the hotel’s subterranean private art gallery, explore the Silo and Woodstock districts, then do an art safari involving penguins, wine and one of Africa’s largest private art collections.
Customise this: More traditional Cape Town experiences include hiking Table Mountain, white city beaches and seeing different cultures. It’s an amazing city for foodies and we’ll arrange reservations to suit your tastes. How about combining your trip with a flight to Antarctica and stay at White Desert?
Then Relax with South African Wine
A one-hour drive to the Cape Winelands and two days of meeting the winemakers, award-winning restaurants and the country’s best wines.
Delaire Graff is the most opulent place to stay and your private villa has the ultimate Winelands view. There are over 200 wineries within a one-hour drive of your hotel, so flexibility is the key as a guide tailors the tasting to your tastes.
Customise this: If wine isn’t your thing then head to the coast. Do whale watching in Hermanus, stay in nature at Grootbos Forest Lodge, or get close to great white sharks (safely).
Now for the Big Five Safari in Kruger
We love the Greater Kruger for a first-time safari, because there’s an abundance of the biggest and most famous animals, in an easy to explore area. And it’s the home of Africa’s most luxurious lodges.
Imagine views onto elephants from an outdoor bathtub. Plus Relais & Chateaux dining in the bush.
That’s just the start of the Londolozi safari experience. You’ll have the close-up big five encounters on a private safari – lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo and elephant. With a hotel and dining that’s far beyond your preconceptions of Africa.
Customise this: Royal Malewane is another amazing safari lodge in the Greater Kruger area. We also love the two Singita properties. Like Londolozi, the design, gastronomy and safari are all exceptional.
Make a Difference – Do Rhino Tagging in the Timbavati
After a few days on a traditional safari it’s time to create your own safari stories. Ngala Tented Camp in the Timbavati Game Reserve is more rustic than Londolozi. Here you’ll join researchers and vets, working to track, locate, dart and tag rhinos for scientific and tracking purposes.
It’s one thing to visit South Africa and go on safari. It’s quite another to be part of a mission to rehabilitate wildlife.
This is your chance to leave a legacy while continuing your intimate safari experience.
Customise this: Other highly unique conservation opportunities are possible. Spend a day with the all-female Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. Fly to Samara Private Game Reserve to do cheetah conservation
Return Home…Or Continue Your Holiday on an Indian Ocean Island
This itinerary is ideal for two weeks away, including flights. South Africa has great flight connections to Central Europe with Lufthansa and Emirates. It’s a 13 – 15-hour journey but there’s no jet lag as it’s in the same time zone.
We love the opportunities to combine South Africa with an Indian Ocean beach holiday. Fly direct from South Africa to Mauritius, for some post-safari beach time at the One&Only Le Saint Geran.
Or explore one of the fantastic new private island resorts closer to Africa. Like Miavana, an Indian Ocean island to comfortably rival the very best of the Maldives. Or one of the new private island options in Mozambique. Hey, Antarctica awaits as well.
Inspired by South Africa?
Ready to Explore South Africa?
South Africa is Africa’s perfect starter destination. It’s easy and comfortable, but packed with incredible experiences. Everybody who visits wants to return. You have high-level Western luxuries with wild and authentic safari, on a holiday where every day is different. You come with the most unbelievable stories, without needing to leave your comfort zone.
So are you ready to explore South Africa?
