Sample Trip

Ultimate 21-Night Journey through Southern Africa

"The best of Southern Africa, spanning incredible wilderness, stunning beachside havens & vibrant cities"
Budget level: Top-End
Country
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
When to Go
All Year
Duration
21 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge
Location
Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Central Kalahari, Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Northern Botswana, Okavango Delta, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Victoria Falls
Kids Min Age
12

Venture into the heart of Southern Africa on an unforgettable 21-night journey that takes you from the pristine wilderness of Eastern Cape to the breathtaking beaches of Plettenberg Bay, the ecological haven of Grootbos Nature Reserve, the wine-rich region of Franschhoek, the vibrant city of Cape Town, the big game territory of Sabi Sands, the iconic Victoria Falls, and finally the unique landscapes of Okavango Delta and Kalahari. With stays in Founder’s Lodge, Robberg Beach Lodge, Grootbos Nature Reserve, La Clé des Montagnes, Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Tintswalo Manor House, Old Drift Lodge, Shinde, and Dinaka, this journey promises a diverse and awe-inspiring exploration of Southern Africa’s wonders.


Itinerary in Brief

1 Night Founder’s Lodge, Port Elizabeth

3 Nights Robberg Beach Lodge, Plettenberg Bay

2 Nights Grootbos Nature Reserve, Hermanus

2 Nights La Clé des Montagnes, Franschhoek

3 Nights Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Cape Town

3 Nights Tintswalo Manor House, Sabi Sands

2 Nights Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls

3 Nights Shinde, Okavango Delta

2 Nights Dinaka, Kalahari

botswana central kalahari dinaka luxury lodge 23

Embark on an extensive 21-night exploration of Southern Africa, a region celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty. Your adventure begins in the untamed expanses of the Eastern Cape at Founder’s Lodge, a sanctuary offering not only intimate suites designed for privacy and comfort but also thrilling game viewing experiences. Here, guests are given the unique opportunity to observe Africa’s wildlife up close, including the famed ‘Big Five’, in a malaria-free environment, making it an ideal start to your safari experience.

Proceed to the picturesque Robberg Beach Lodge, perfectly situated in the heart of the Garden Route. This idyllic retreat combines the charm of beachside living with easy access to the lush forests and serene lagoons that make the Garden Route a must-visit destination. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or adventurous activities like kayaking and hiking, Robberg Beach Lodge is perfectly positioned to offer the best of both worlds.

Next, immerse yourself in the unique eco-luxury of Grootbos Nature Reserve, where conservation meets luxury amidst the ancient Milkwood forests. Grootbos is renowned for its efforts in preserving the unique flora and fauna of the Cape Floral Kingdom, offering guests guided nature walks, horseback riding, and whale-watching experiences that highlight the natural wonders of the region. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability and luxury provides a serene backdrop to explore the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

Continue to the culinary and historical heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek, staying at La Clé des Montagnes. This exquisite retreat is nestled among vineyards and offers a taste of the good life with its sophisticated blend of French heritage and South African hospitality. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, sample world-class wines, and explore the quaint town’s galleries and boutiques, all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains.

Experience the urban pulse of Cape Town from the luxurious Steenberg Hotel & Spa, set against the backdrop of the Constantiaberg mountain range. Steenberg offers a tranquil retreat with its award-winning spa, championship golf course, and refined dining experiences, all within easy reach of Cape Town’s famous attractions, including Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the historic Robben Island.

Venture into the heart of African wildlife at Tintswalo Manor House in Sabi Sands, a private game reserve known for its exceptional leopard sightings and luxury safari experiences. Tintswalo offers personalized game drives and bush walks, allowing guests to witness the grandeur of African wildlife in an exclusive setting.

Marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, from the vantage point of Old Drift Lodge. Nestled within the Zambezi National Park, this lodge offers panoramic views of the falls and the Zambezi River, along with activities such as guided tours of the falls, sunset cruises, and helicopter flights, providing a unique perspective on this magnificent spectacle.

Your journey then takes you to the heart of the Okavango Delta, staying at Shinde, where the serene waters and abundant wildlife offer a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the Kalahari. Shinde provides an intimate delta experience with mokoro excursions, motorboat safaris, and guided walks, allowing guests to delve into the rich ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclude your extensive tour amidst the ever-changing landscapes of the Kalahari at Dinaka, offering a unique desert safari experience. Dinaka invites guests to explore the vast, open savannahs, experience cultural interactions with the San people, and observe the remarkable adaptations of desert wildlife. The camp’s luxury accommodations and personalized service ensure a memorable end to your Southern African odyssey.

Highlights

  • Founder’s Lodge, Eastern Cape: Begin your journey with intimate wildlife encounters in a malaria-free environment at Founder’s Lodge, offering private suites and thrilling game viewing experiences, including sightings of the ‘Big Five’.
  • Robberg Beach Lodge, Garden Route: Experience the charm of beachside living combined with access to lush forests and serene lagoons, making for a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Garden Route.
  • Grootbos Nature Reserve: Delve into eco-luxury amidst ancient Milkwood forests, with activities like guided nature walks, horseback riding, and whale-watching, all dedicated to conserving the unique flora and fauna of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
  • La Clé des Montagnes, Franschhoek: Indulge in the culinary and historical richness of the Cape Winelands, enjoying a blend of French heritage and South African hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and world-class wines in the scenic vineyards of Franschhoek.
  • Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Cape Town: Enjoy urban luxury with a tranquil retreat at Steenberg, featuring an award-winning spa, championship golf course, and refined dining, set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s famous attractions like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Founder’s Lodge

Kick off your journey at the Founder’s Lodge, tucked away in the Eastern Cape. This private reserve is built by the co-founder of Shamwari Game Reserve, Adrian Gardiner. The intimate six-suite lodge stands as a tribute to the birthplace of private game viewing in the Eastern Cape. Besides the main lodge’s common areas, including the lounge, dining room, bar, and outdoor boma, you can also explore the surrounding wilderness on safari, led by experienced guides. Enjoy a unique wildlife viewing experience in the comfort of a vehicle or on foot, depending on your preference. After an exhilarating day of game viewing, retreat to the lodge and savour traditional South African cuisine meticulously crafted by local chefs.

Days 2-4: Robberg Beach Lodge

Your adventure continues to the sandy shores of Plettenberg Bay, where you will check into the Robberg Beach Lodge. The lodge is nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Garden Route, a natural paradise filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique local flora and fauna. Enjoy luxurious accommodations that feature enchanting views of the ocean, mountains, and indigenous gardens. Explore the area’s diverse offerings, from spotting whales and dolphins on a boat cruise to walking on miles of pristine beaches, or hiking in the Robberg Nature Reserve. Savour fresh seafood dishes in the nearby local restaurants to complete your coastal experience.

Days 5 & 6: Grootbos Nature Reserve, Hermanus

Embark on a nature lover’s paradise as you head to Grootbos Nature Reserve in Hermanus. Set between mountain and sea, Grootbos showcases the finest of South Africa’s fynbos plant species and offers an immersive experience in this unique landscape. Each suite in this luxury eco-reserve offers breathtaking views of the ocean or the majestic mountains. Experience the unique local flora and fauna on guided nature walks or horse riding trails, and even whale watching tours during the right season. Unwind in the evenings in the tranquil setting of your luxury suite, surrounded by the untouched natural beauty.

Days 7 & 8: La Clé des Montagnes

Your journey then takes you to the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, where you will stay at La Clé des Montagnes. This enchanting boutique hotel offers the charm of village life, combined with the luxury of world-class accommodation. Each villa is individually styled, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Franschhoek and offering a unique experience for its guests. Immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture with curated wine tours, visiting historical vineyards and tasting award-winning wines. To complete the epicurean experience, savour the exquisite culinary delights offered in the renowned local restaurants.

Days 9-11: Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Cape Town

The next part of your adventure takes you to the heart of Cape Town where you will stay at the historic Steenberg Hotel & Spa. Housed in the oldest winery in the Cape Peninsula, this hotel blends contemporary comfort with the charm of the 17th century architecture. Explore Cape Town’s iconic sights, such as Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, and Robben Island, all within a comfortable distance. When not sightseeing, savour the celebrated wines of the Steenberg Vineyards or unwind at the luxurious spa with a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Enjoy dining at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, offering a selection of local and international cuisine complemented by Steenberg’s finest wines.

Days 12-14: Tintswalo Manor House, Sabi Sands

Continue your adventure with a stay at the Tintswalo Manor House located in the Sabi Sands area of the Greater Kruger National Park. This luxurious, fully-catered villa offers a perfect blend of wild safari experience and the comfort of a family-friendly residence. Experience uninterrupted game-viewing opportunities and absorb the untouched beauty of the African wilderness right at your doorstep. Children can also enjoy personalized programmes and educational safaris making it a worthwhile experience for all ages. To add to the experience, treat yourself to a pampering session at the Bushwillow Spa, with the sounds and smells of the wilderness to accompany you.

Days 15 & 16: Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls

Next, visit the Old Drift Lodge, a stunning retreat nestled within the Zambezi National Park, just a short distance from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This luxurious lodge offers exclusive suites with elegant furnishings, an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool, and an outdoor bath where you can unwind amidst the sounds of the Zambezi river. Set out on an exhilarating game drive, a river safari, or walking safari and explore the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes of the National Park.

Days 17-19: Shinde, Okavango Delta

Your journey then takes you to Shinde, a classic safari camp nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta. Here, enjoy a unique safari experience with a combination of water and land-based activities. The camp is located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon which teems with animal and bird life. Be sure to make use of the unique main area comprising a multi-tiered dining room and lounge set under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees. The newly renovated camp offers a luxurious and comfortable stay while retaining its authentic, classic safari style.

Days 20 & 21: Dinaka, Kalahari

Finally, your tour concludes at Dinaka, a top-rated safari lodge on the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This private conservancy offers one of the most unique bio-diversities in Southern Africa. Accommodated in spacious twin and double-bedded thatched safari tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower, you will be perfectly positioned to enjoy the dramatic transformation of the desert landscape following the annual rains. Explore the Kalahari experience with wildlife ranging from giraffe to the antelope, small mammals, and predators including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown hyena. With activities including morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, and night drives exploring the nocturnal wilderness, Dinaka offers an unforgettable conclusion to your Southern African tour.

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