A Southern Escapade
Cape & Safari Splendor
Your Southern Escapade begins with the excitement of arrival at Cape Town International Airport, quickly transitioning to the grandeur and timeless elegance of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. Here, you soak in the vibrant city's charm and panoramic beauty, a luxurious prelude to the adventure ahead.
Next, a sense of tranquil escape and opulent beauty envelops you in Franschhoek, as La Residence offers a haven of gastronomic pleasure amidst picturesque vineyards. This serene interlude perfectly primes you for the wild.
The journey culminates with a growing anticipation as you fly to the Greater Kruger region. Arriving at Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve, you're immediately immersed in exclusive luxury blended seamlessly with raw wild beauty. Each game drive brings the thrill of discovery and exhilaration of encountering Africa's iconic wildlife. This safari leaves you with a deep sense of fulfillment and cherished memories of South Africa's diverse wonders.
Highlights
- Cape Town – Mount Nelson (Days 1-3): Arrival brings vibrant excitement. Experience grandeur and historic charm at your hotel. Discover cultural delight in Bo-Kaap, profound awe atop Table Mountain, and playful joy with seals and penguins at Boulders Beach, all while embracing the Cape's stunning beauty and wonder.
- Franschhoek – La Residence (Days 4-5): Transition to tranquil escape and opulent beauty in the Winelands. Indulge in gastronomic pleasure during wine tastings, fostering a sense of serenity amidst picturesque vineyards.
- Thornybush Game Reserve – Malewane Lodge (Days 6-8): Feel growing anticipation for the wild. Your arrival ignites exclusive luxury blending with raw wild beauty. Game drives bring thrilling discovery and exhilaration. Experience an intimate connection on bush walks and culinary delight at Royal Malewane. Golf excursions offer refined enjoyment.
- Departure (Day 9): Depart with a deep sense of fulfillment and cherished lasting memories of this diverse and extraordinary South African journey.
Itinerary by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town – Iconic Welcome & Grandeur
- Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), feeling the vibrant excitement of beginning your South African journey.
- Transfer to Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Step into a world of grandeur and timeless elegance, immediately embraced by its iconic charm.
- Settle in and enjoy the hotel's lush gardens or historic ambiance, unwinding after your travels.
- Dinner at leisure in Cape Town, perhaps enjoying a taste of local cuisine.
- Overnight at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel.
Day 2: Cape Town Exploration – City Charm & Mountain Majesty
- Morning: Embark on a captivating City Tour of Cape Town. Explore the colorful houses and vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap, feeling a sense of cultural delight and charm.
- Afternoon: Ascend the majestic Table Mountain via cable car (weather permitting). Be filled with awe at the breathtaking panoramic views, truly feeling on top of the world.
- Dinner at leisure, perhaps at a restaurant with stunning city or ocean views.
- Overnight at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel.
Day 3: Cape Peninsula – Coastal Wonders & Playful Discoveries
- Full Day: Journey along the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Begin with a scenic drive to Hout Bay, feeling the invigorating coastal breeze.
- Take a boat trip to Seal Island, experiencing playful delight watching the lively seal colony.
- Continue to the dramatic Cape Point and the legendary Cape of Good Hope, standing at Africa's southwestern tip – a moment of profound discovery and wonder.
- Visit Boulders Beach to observe the charming African penguins, bringing a sense of joyful observation.
- Dinner at leisure.
- Overnight at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel.
Day 4: Franschhoek – Tranquil Escape & Gastronomic Indulgence
- Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Franschhoek, the heart of the Cape Winelands (approx. 1-1.5 hours drive). Feel a serene sense of tranquil escape as you enter this picturesque valley.
- Check into La Residence, where opulent beauty and exclusive charm envelop you.
- Afternoon: Indulge in a sophisticated wine tasting experience at a renowned Franschhoek vineyard, savoring exquisite flavors and feeling a deep sense of gastronomic pleasure.
- Dinner at La Residence or a celebrated local restaurant.
- Overnight at La Residence.
Day 5: Franschhoek – Vineyard Serenity & Personalized Leisure
- Full Day: Immerse yourself in the serenity and captivating beauty of Franschhoek. You might choose to explore more award-winning vineyards, stroll through the charming village, or simply relax by the pool at La Residence, enjoying the breathtaking vineyard vistas.
- This day is for pure indulgence and peaceful contemplation.
- Dinner and overnight at La Residence.
Day 6: Journey to Safari – Anticipation of the Wild
- Morning: After a final breakfast at La Residence, transfer back to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
- Fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit - Eastgate Airport (HDS) (approx. 2.5-3 hours flight). Feel your anticipation for the raw African wilderness grow with every mile.
- Upon arrival, transfer to Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane within Thornybush Game Reserve. Be immediately enveloped in a world of exclusive luxury and unspoiled wild beauty.
- Afternoon: Embark on your thrilling first game drive, feeling the initial excitement of searching for Africa's iconic wildlife as the sun begins to dip.
- Enjoy an exquisite dining experience at Royal Malewane, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
- Overnight at Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane.
Day 7: Thornybush Safari – Raw Connection & Thrilling Discoveries
- Morning: Early start for a game drive, the air thick with anticipation. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of tracking big cats or encountering a majestic herd of elephants up close.
- Return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and relaxation.
- Mid-morning: Opt for an enriching bush walk with an armed ranger, fostering an intimate connection with the smaller wonders of the bushveld, feeling the earth beneath your feet.
- Afternoon: Another exhilarating game drive, seeking out different species and witnessing the captivating drama of the savanna, bringing renewed excitement and discovery.
- Dinner at Royal Malewane.
- Overnight at Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane.
Day 8: Thornybush Safari – Personalized Indulgence & Wild Beauty
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Thornybush, soaking in the last moments of raw wilderness and feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the encounters.
- Alternatively, for the golf enthusiasts, arrange a golf excursion to a nearby championship course (additional cost), blending refined sport with the stunning African landscape.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure, perhaps a spa treatment or simply relaxing by the pool.
- Afternoon: Another opportunity for a game drive, or simply relax at the lodge, savoring the peaceful ambiance.
- Dinner at Royal Malewane.
- Overnight at Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane.
Day 9: Departure – Reflective Farewell
- After a leisurely breakfast, filled with reflection on your incredible "Southern Escapade."
- Transfer from Malewane Lodge to Hoedspruit - Eastgate Airport (HDS).
- Fly from Hoedspruit to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
- Connect to your international departure flight, carrying cherished memories of comfort, wild beauty, and profound experiences.
