South Africa
South Africa, a mesmerizing blend of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, where the rugged beauty of Table Mountain meets the untamed splendor of Kruger National Park. From the vineyard-laden valleys of Stellenbosch to the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town, South Africa invites you to explore its dynamic tapestry with a sense of wonder and discovery.
Amidst the multitude of lodging options and places to see, here's a glimpse of an exemplary itinerary featuring some of our favorite properties and experiences.
Cape Town – 3 nights
Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities, framed by Table Mountain and pristine beaches, is an adventure capital. Spend three days exploring the Cape Peninsula with penguins and seals, touring the city, and enjoying the V&A Waterfront and a Table Mountain hike.
Hotel Recommendation:The Silo - Where modern opulence meets industrial legacy, promising an immersive stay with breathtaking views, luxury, and a touch of history.
The Winelands – 2 nights
Located about 1 hour east of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are the Napa Valley of South Africa with impressive wine estates and memorable varietals. The Winelands are also the heart of the country’s thriving culinary scene and has some of the most incredible restaurants in the world.
Hotel Recommendations: La Residence or Le Quartier Français.
La Residence is an opulent and tranquil countryside retreat, known for its lavish suites, vineyard views, and serene ambiance, providing a secluded escape in the heart of the Winelands. On the other hand, Le Quartier Français is a boutique hotel situated in Stellenbosch's charming village, offering a more central and lively experience. Both are great, it really depends on what you are looking for.
Hermanus – 2 nights
Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Western Cape, 1 ½ h East of Cape Town, Hermanus unfolds as a charming coastal gem in South Africa. Famous for its breathtaking cliffs and panoramic ocean views, this idyllic town offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Beyond its scenic beauty, Hermanus is renowned as a premier whale-watching destination, where the majestic Southern Right Whales grace the shores from June to November. A great add-on if you plan to travel during these months.
Hotel Recommendation:Birkenhead House - With its exhilarating clifftop position overlooking the whale-watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House provides luxury hotel accommodation and extraordinary coastal experiences. Watch surfers carving the waves and, during migration season, witness Southern Right and Humpback whales breaching just meters from the shore.
Safari – 4 to 6 nights
Most of my partner Safari Camps are situated along the borders of Kruger Park, strategically positioned outside the park to enhance the wildlife experience.
Opting for a private game reserve over Kruger National Park presents numerous advantages, making it the preferred choice for discerning travelers. These reserves provide an exclusive wildlife viewing experience with fewer visitors, ensuring a more intimate safari with less crowded wildlife sightings. The flexibility of off-road game drives in private reserves allows guides to bring guests closer to wildlife, enhancing the overall safari adventure. Expert guides, well-versed in tracking and interpreting animal behavior, contribute to an educational safari experience. Night drives and walking safaris, restricted in Kruger National Park, are offered in many private reserves, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the bush in diverse ways. Luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized services define private reserves, offering a refined and comfortable safari experience. The limited number of vehicles and a focus on conservation make private reserves environmentally conscious, creating a serene atmosphere for an unforgettable safari getaway.
Thornybush Private Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, neighboring the Kruger National Park in South Africa, offer exceptional wildlife experiences prioritizing the Big Five, the Lion, the Elephant, the Buffalo, the Leopard and the Rhinoceros. Thornybush, situated on the western border, spans 14,000 hectares of diverse landscapes. Sabi Sands, on the southwestern border, encompasses 65,000 hectares and is renowned for its high-density wildlife. While Thornybush features varied ecosystems, Sabi Sands provides a mix of riverine forests, grassy plains, and woodland.
I would like to highlight three of my favorite camps, Singita Sabi Sands, Cheetah Plains in Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve.
Royal Malewane in the Thornybush Reserve is the most traditional, opulent and eclectic of the three with its colonial-inspired design and warm and genuine atmosphere. Each of Royal Malewane’s three luxury safari lodges (Malewane, Farmstead or Waterside) and their three exclusive-use private bush villas (Africa House, The Farmhouse and Waterside House) will feel like you are welcomed to a good friend’s home and treated like royalty by their personal staff. Royal Malewane has some of the most knowledgeable guides in the bush and offer Safari experiences by land rover and on foot. Royal Malewane is the leader in the safari spa experience with a fabulous setting, large spa, pool and amazing fitness center with a focus on both, mental and physical wellbeing.
Singita Sabi Sands features three lodges, Singita Ebony Lodge, Singita Boulders Lodge and Singita Castleton and present a harmonious blend of contemporary and eco-friendly design in its modern and sustainable lodges and villas, showcasing a profound commitment to conservation. While renowned for exceptional game viewing, especially frequent leopard sightings, Singita is the leader in the philanthropic area, with most of their hotels being set up as fully not-for-profit organizations. The ambiance masterfully balances luxury with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, providing guests with an immersive and conscientious safari experience. Cheetah Plains is the most modern lodge and a perfect choice for groups of art lovers traveling together. Cheetah Plains collaborates with Goodman Gallery, an international contemporary art gallery with locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, London and New York. A presentation of new and historically significant work from the 70s to the present is hung across all three villas and introduces a high-end cultural experience for visitors. Significant South African artists from the late 20th century are on view, including David Koloane and Sam Nhlengethwa who reflect on city life in Johannesburg. Emerging and rising international voices such as ruby onyinyechi amanze, Misheck Masamvu and Marsi van de Heuvel are also on show.
Of course, while being surrounded by incredible Art, a complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, butler, culinary team, spa therapist as well as expert field guide and tracker team are dedicated to your villa for the duration of your stay and will deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences.
All three camps work well for groups and multi-generational travel, offering amazing children’s programs. I recommend picking one of the above and staying at least 4 nights but ideally pick Royal Malewane combined with either Singita or Cheetah Plains and stay 3 nights in each camp.
South Africa pairs well with Zimbabwe, Botswana or Mauritius.
Daniela Potter – Luxury Travel Advisor
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