Cape Town, Winelands, Timbavati & Sabi Sands (12N) – Classic

On Day 1 of your adventure, you’ll touch down at Cape Town International Airport, receiving a VIP Meet and Greet. From here, you’ll transfer privately to The Clarendon Bantry Bay. This is a small yet fabulously formed guesthouse in a quiet suburb, on the slopes of the majestic Lion’s Head. Positioned on the road linking Sea Point and Clifton, The Clarendon is tucked well away from the touristy parts of Cape Town and feels like a private haven. The elegant lounge and dining areas boast beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the property’s garden contains a lovely sundeck and swimming pool. The accommodation option we’ve selected is the Superior Room, which benefits from superb sea views. It also comes with amenities such as air conditioning, direct dial telephone, satellite television, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and a mini-bar. The Clarendon is a first-rate base for exploring Cape Town. It’s close to the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, the vibrant city centre, and the brilliant beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay!

Board basis and activities:
B&B accommodation.

On the fifth day of your trip, you’ll have a private road transfer from The Clarendon to Leeu House, which has a wonderful location in the heart of Franschhoek. It’s one of our favourite guesthouses in The Winelands, not least because of the high quality of service here. Communal spaces include a comfortable lounge bar, a delightful dining terrace, and a lovely garden complete with 15-metre swimming pool! You (and members of your party, if you’re travelling in a group) will stay in a Classic Room, which features a sumptuous double bedroom and a smart en-suite shower room. Franschhoek has a wealth of attractions, not least its eateries, shops, museums, and galleries. Leeu House staff are happy to arrange hiking and biking excursions for you, as well as golf, fishing, and visits to local wine estates, such as Leeu’s own site, where you can enjoy a free tasting!

Board basis and activities:
B&B accommodation, including in-room mini-bar and Nespresso machine, one tasting of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines at the Leeu Estate per guest per stay, and scheduled shuttle services within a 10-kilometre radius.

Now it’s time to go on safari! You’ll return to Cape Town International Airport via private road transfer and fly to Hoedspruit Airport. From here, you’ll transfer privately to Ngala Safari Lodge. This property has a beautiful setting under a canopy of tamboti trees, with breathtaking views out over the seasonal Timbavati river. The communal lounge and dining spaces are both cosy and stylish, while the outdoor areas include a traditional boma and a sparkling swimming pool flanked by inviting sunloungers! The property also has a spa and a gym. You (and your party) will spend three nights in a Standard Cottage, which features a pleasant double bedroom, en-suite full bathroom, and private courtyard with open-air shower, beautifully lantern-lit at night. Activities from Ngala focus on morning and afternoon/evening game drives as well as walking safaris, but tracking, rhino notching, and photographic safaris are available too, in the wildlife-rich Big Five Ngala Reserve. And the WILDChild programme offers plenty of things to do for youngsters, such as nature rambles, arts-and-crafts, and more!

Board basis and activities:
All-inclusive accommodation, featuring three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local-brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, safari activities, 1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability), emergency medical evacuation insurance, VAT, transfers between the lodge and the airstrip, and a laundry service.

The final two days of your vacation are spent at MalaMala Main Camp, in the Sabi Sands. On Day 11, you’ll have a private road transfer to this camp from Ngala. MalaMala is situated in its own reserve, on the banks of the Sand river. The property’s lounge provides a super-comfortable space for relaxation, while the air-conditioned dining room offers a very stylish venue for delicious meals. There’s also a well-stocked bar, a library, a gym, a deck, an infinity pool, and massage services! The accommodation option we’ve chosen here is the River View Luxury Suite, featuring exquisitely presented bedroom, en-suite washroom, and, of course, gorgeous views over the river. MalaMala’s activity list includes expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, and photographic safaris. The reserve hosts its own Big Seven – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, and wild dog! Other predators and herbivores are numerous, and there’s plenty of birdlife. Every family visiting the camp is assigned a ranger, who’ll get parents and kids alike involved in animal tracking and bush survival techniques, to name just two highlights.

Board basis and activities:
All inclusive accommodation, featuring all meals and snacks, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, game drives in open 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles conducted by an experienced ranger, nature walks, transfers between camp and the MalaMala airstrip, and a limited laundry service.

On the last day, you’ll have a shared road transfer from MalaMala Main Camp to Skukuza Airport. You’ll fly from Skukuza to Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport, arriving in good time for your flight/s home.