South Africa
About the Experience
FAMILY AFFAIR IN AFRICA
15 Days, 14 Nights
Experience the ultimate private family safari through South Africa, staying at a selection of exclusive-use villas, ideal for a multi-generational family. Explore the country’s vibrant cities, from the colorful townships and exciting history of Johannesburg to the magnificent scenery and golden beaches of Cape Town. Johannesburg is an ideal stopover to catch your breath before starting your spectacular safari, and moving onto dazzling Cape Town.
Delve into the City of Gold on a Johannesburg City Tour with a specialist cultural guide which includes fascinating visits to Soweto, Apartheid Museum and to Liliesleaf Farm. Immerse yourself in a brilliant safari at Madikwe Game Reserve, and indulge in luxury at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, offering not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah and the scarce black rhino. Appreciate the beauty of a quaint village boasting the title of gastronomic capital in Franschhoek, with superb culinary fare and splendid wines. Scan the horizons as you glide on the ocean in Hermanus and glimpse vibrant marine life, and if brave enough, come face-to-face with a shark. Revel in the magnificent playground of Cape Town, the ultimate family adventure destination, and a spectacular natural haven with unparalleled adventure, beauty, wine, and gastronomy. Arguably the best family holiday destination in South Africa, this exceptional country entices and lures you to create breathtaking family moments and magnificent experiences.
2 nights Johannesburg | 2 nights Madikwe | 3 nights KwaZulu-Natal | 2 nights Franschhoek | 2 nights Whale Coast | 3 nights Cape Town
Trip Itenarary
Day 1-2: Johannesburg
- Head off on an extraordinary Johannesburg City Tour with your incredible specialist cultural guide for Gauteng, Howard Geach.
- Visit the historic sight of Liliesleaf Farm, where you will enjoy an introductory talk on South Africa and its history. Liliesleaf Farm is the scene of the infamous Rivonia Raid that incriminated Nelson Mandela during the Apartheid years.
- Set off on a full-day Taste of South African History tour. Listen to Howard’s fascinating explanation of South Africa, its people and languages. Visit Johannesburg’s oldest township where you will tour a workers’ hostel, sample local food and explore the colorful and vibrant culture of the area.
- Set off on a personalized guided tour of the Apartheid Museum, with exhibits that depict events leading up to and throughout this dark period in South Africa’s history.
- Explore South Africa’s modern Constitutional Court, one of the world’s most sophisticated courtrooms.
- If you prefer to pair your cultural activities with some outdoor exercise, you can choose to cut your historical tour short and combine it with a cycling tour through the streets of Soweto Township, getting to know the different communities and their history, seeing a side of South Africa that escapes most tourists.
- Travel through Meadowlands, a community infamous for the forced removals of people living in Sophiatown in the 1950s.
- Stop at historical landmarks commemorating the 1976 student uprisings and the memorial site for Hector Peterson, who was tragically shot by police while protesting against apartheid laws.
- Explore Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live (his former house is now a museum) and where Archbishop Desmond Tutu has his home.
- After a day filled with attractions, your host will drive you back to your hotel, where you will have a chance to freshen up before meeting up with him once again for dinner at the magnificent Wombles Steakhouse Restaurant.
Day 3-4: Madikwe
- After a delicious breakfast, you will be driven to Lanseria Airport, where you will board a private charter flight to Madikwe Game Reserve.
- On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your ranger, who will drive you to the lodge in a game drive vehicle.
- Delight in a Madikwe safari with a diverse combination of bushveld and semi-arid Kalahari scrub, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve boasts the Big Five, as well as the endangered African wild dog.
- Take advantage of your private vehicle and dedicated guide and tracker team to set the pace for your own adventure.
- Set out on a Madikwe safari with a game drive that explores the beautiful landscape in search of the exceptional wildlife that makes it their home, including all the members of the Big Five, as well as the rare African wild dog.
- Enjoy a change of perspective as you set out on bush walks that explore the intricate details of the African landscapes, from insects and plants to birds and small wildlife.
- Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing in the river.
- Cool off with an afternoon spent water tubing at the nearby Molatedi Dam (seasonal activity).
- Indulge your taste buds in some local favorites with a cooking lesson from the villa’s personal chef.
- Get a glimpse of authentic local life with a visit to the Molatedi village and school.
- Imbibe the sounds and scents of the African night as you spend a night in the lodge’s secluded hide.
- Learn the rhythms of Africa as you take part in a drumming session beneath open African skies (available at an additional cost).
- A delight to the athletic displays and colorful traditional costumes of a group of local dancers (available at an additional cost).
Day 5-8: KwaZulu-Natal
- After breakfast, you will be driven back to Madikwe Airstrip where you will board a private charter flight to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.
- On arrival at the airstrip, you will be warmly welcomed by your ranger, who will drive you to your home for the next three nights.
- Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities.
- Take advantage of your private vehicle and dedicated guide and tracker team to set the pace for your own adventure.
- Set off on game drive exploring the reserve’s diverse landscapes in search of the Big Five, as well as the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino.
- Choose to relax or join the children as they set off on fishing and tracking expeditions with your dedicated ranger or unleash their creative side by painting the game drive vehicle.
- Enjoy a half-day outing to the vast sandy beaches of the nearby coastline. Soak up the sun, splash in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, play beach games, take a leisurely stroll along the coastline or snorkel in the balmy waters of a protected marine reserve.
- If you are visiting between November and February, set off on a thrilling night-time adventure along the beaches of Sodwana Bay in search of the enormous leatherback and loggerhead turtles that emerge from the Indian Ocean to lay their eggs in the sand.
- Delve deep into the bush on foot on a tracking adventure that teaches you how to follow animal tracks, recognize middens and scratching posts and read the signs of the bush.
- Explore a nearby Zulu village and gain insight into how the local people combine the modern way of life with rural traditions.
- Come face to face with a rhino as you assist in a notching procedure that sees this majestic beast tranquilized from a helicopter, while a team of conservation workers and veterinarians mark his ears and take samples (subject to availability).
Day 9-10: Franschhoek
- After breakfast, you will be driven back to the airstrip, where you will board a private charter flight to Cape Town International Airport.
- A member of the &Beyond team will be waiting to welcome you and help you onboard a helicopter for your flight to Franschhoek.
- Take off from Cape Town International Airport, soar over the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and fly above the famous beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay, the quirky penguins at Boulders Beach and vast golden secluded beaches.
- Enjoy magnificent views of Table Mountain, the Cable Car traveling to the summit of the mountain, Robben Island, the Twelve Apostles and enjoy aerial views of the coastline from Llandudno to Hout Bay.
- Fly above famous Chapman’s Peak and admire the landmarks of Noordhoek, False Bay and Cape Points before landing at Franschhoek. The quaint delightfully charming town of Franschhoek boasts a pretty street flourishing with top-notch restaurants, exquisite antique shops, elegant cafes and a glorious atmosphere of bonhomie. On the periphery of the quaint charming village, Franschhoek boasts sublime, prestigious wine farms and vineyards.
- Set off on an unusual tour of the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands.
- You will be chauffeured to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, where you will select a bicycle and helmet, for your wine tour in Cape Town.
- From there, set off on a leisurely cycle tour of the area, stopping at the exquisite wineries and a renowned brandy distillery.
- Experience decadent and daring pairing combinations as you visit one of the smallest estates in the valley, sample local meats and cheeses while looking out at beautiful views of the vineyards find the ideal combination of gourmet pizza and wine and try the unusual pairing of chocolate with some of the finest brandies in the world.
Day 10-11: Whale Coast
- Today, you will be collected for your journey to beautiful Hermanus, in the renowned Cape Whale Coast region, stopping en route at the enchanting Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley.
- Be captivated on an off-the-beaten-track wine tasting experience amidst the spectacular Cape Whale Coast. The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on Earth) Wine Route, is a dazzling journey offering a fabulously memorable alternative to exploring South Africa’s first-class wines including chardonnay and pinot noir.
- Enjoy guided walks including fynbos nature tours and milkwood walks, nature, marine and coastal drives, including the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, De Kelders Cliff Walk, Klipgat Cave combined with seasonal land-based whale watching (whale watching especially during June – December).
- Set off for an exhilarating ocean experience. On offer are two incredible adventures of either an unforgettable whale watching activity or a thrilling shark cage diving experience; however, if the choice is too difficult you can opt to do both!
- Whale Watching: The ultimate whale coast experience, these giants of the sea won’t be the only things you’ll see on this exceptional 2½ hour adventure. Your boat will launch in the quaint harbor of Kleinbaai, in Gansbaai, which will make its way toward the Pearly Beach area — which is home to the southern right whale.
- Shark Cage Diving: Perfect for the ultimate daredevils and pure nature enthusiasts start your day early in the charming coastal village of Gansbaai, at the Great White House. Surrender your fears and delve deep into the ocean, coming face to face with a curious shark, fear not – you are protected in your submerged cage.
- Depart on an Eco Marine Trip to Dyer Island and look for interesting sea birds such as African Penguins, Terns, Cormorants, Petrels and Oystercatchers. A narrow channel known as Shark Alley separates Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to a colony of 60 000 Cape Fur Seals.
Day 12-14: Cape Town
- Today, you will travel to Cape Town in style with Cape Town Private Tours, and if you wish, will be picked up in a chauffeur-driven vintage World War II motorcycle with a sidecar.
- Revel in magnificent views of the Cape as you are driven to your hotel at Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
- Vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, this laid-back city is as much at home with its 17th-century castle – whose cannons have never been fired in anger – as it is with its sleek skyscrapers and trendy malls.
- This evening dinner will be at the Cape Colony Restaurant at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. You will enjoy a welcome cocktail at the stylish Planet Champagne and Cocktail Bar, a four-course dinner menu, a chef’s apron for each guest, a signed menu from the Executive Chef and tea and coffee with friends.
- Explore the scenic city of Cape Town on a family adventure that begins with a ride on the revolving cable car up to the top of iconic Table Mountain. Marvel at spectacular views over the city and the entire Cape Peninsula as you stroll along its flat top or, if the weather is not favourable, explore the smaller peak known as Signal Hill.
- Get kitted out with a wetsuit and snorkelling gear and spend the afternoon in the water, frolicking with Cape fur seals. Don’t forget your camera to capture ideal shots.
- Head into the dunes to master the basics of sandboarding (or bum boarding for the very little ones) and embark on an off-road quad bike adventure (younger kids can comfortably sit behind parents) winding your way through scrubby bush and shifting sands.
- Meander the street of Bo-Kaap, the oldest Malay settlement in South Africa where brightly coloured houses vie for space with mosques and shops. Lunch and dinner is at the Bo-kaap Kombuis Restaurant, where spicy and fragrant dishes are savoured over spectacular views of Table Mountain and the city below.
- Optionally, explore the spectacular landscapes of the West Coast riding a powerful quad bike along designated trails.
- Board a luxury yacht for a half-day cruise on the ocean waters.
- Cruise the beautiful Cape coastline, marvelling at rich marine life and magnificent views of the shore, with its golden beaches and soaring mountains.
- Be spoiled by a full crew and a dedicated stewardess serving a selection of snacks, as well as local wines and beers.
- Enjoy your last night in Africa with the family by having the chef at your villa prepare your favourite local meal or enjoy dinner at the restaurant at the One&Only.
Day 15: Departure
- After breakfast, a chauffeured luxury vehicle will take you back to Cape Town International Airport, where your adventure with us will end.
Partners
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About the Experience
Lebombo Lodge
Rates per night
| Lebombo Lodge | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Suite Double/Twin | 2020
ZAR 35,000 per adult |
|
| Two-Bedroom Suite 2 Doubles/Twins Maximum 2 adults & 2 children |
2020
ZAR 105,000 per suite |
|
| Villa Private use of the 2x Two-bedroom Suites 4 Doubles/Twins Maximum 8 adults |
2020
ZAR 281,360 per villa |
Suspended high above the N’wanetsi River, the dramatic cliffside setting of Singita Lebombo Lodge’s 13 contemporary glass-walled suites ensures inimitable views of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
Surrounded by 33,000-acre private concession in the Park, the lodge boasts communal areas that extend seamlessly into rocky outcrops dotted with giant euphorbia trees. Features include a roof terrace, multimedia room, library, interactive kitchen, espresso bar and an all-day ‘bar-deli’. The exclusive-use villa – comprising two 2-bedroom suites, each with their own private pool – is set apart from the lodge and offers a full staff complement, private boma, open-plan kitchen and airy living areas that spill onto inviting outdoor spaces with an expansive pool.
INFORMATION
Amenities
- There is a swimming pool in the main lodge area.
- Spa and fitness center facilities are available.
- The Singita Boutique & Gallery.
- There is a television available in the main lodge area.
- Dependent upon area coverage, there is mobile phone signal.
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
- Children aged 10 and over are welcome in all suites. Children under 10 years old are welcome in the 2-bedroom suites and the villa. All normal safari activities can be tailored to suit families.
- In the interest of safety, children’s participation in game activities is at the discretion of your guide.
What To See and Do
- Stargazing
- Community Project: Cooking Classes
- Photography
- Game Drives
- Wine Experience
- Guided Safari Walks
- Wellness
- Swimming Pool
Included
- All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne)
- Twice daily open Land Rover safaris (accompanied by experienced guides and trackers)
- Walking safaris, (accompanied by experienced guides and trackers)
- Return road transfers between the Satara airstrip and the lodges
- WIFI
- Telephone calls
- Laundry service
Not Included
- Tourism levy
- Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery
- Spa treatments
- Transport to and from the reserve
- Certain special meal requests
