Southern Africa Highlights Tour

Kicking off with three nights in Cape Town, Carine and her friends were met at Cape Town International Airport by a VIP agent who escorted them through immigration, also assisting with baggage collection and their onward road transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront where they could relax and recover from their long-haul flight. After an early breakfast, the group was met by their expert local guide for a full day exploring Cape Town’s highlights. Ascending Table Mountain by cable car, the friends were guided on a tabletop walk stretching to both sides of the mountain. After their visit to the mountain, they headed to the Company Gardens – the oldest part of Cape Town – for a walk through this historic area to spot the oldest fruit (pear) tree in the Cape. The group could choose between a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or the historic Constantia Winelands region, with an opportunity for a guided tour of the ZEITZ MOCAA to see some contemporary African art, too. Day three of their stay in Cape Town was dedicated to a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, taking them along the False Bay coastline, past the Navy town Simonstown to Boulders Beach where they could view the resident Penguin colony. After a bustling start, day four was dedicated to a rest day, where the group could split up or remain together for a day at their leisure shopping on Long Street, wandering around the V&A Waterfront’s clothing stores, gift shops, sports retailers and music outlets, art galleries, African curio stores, jewellery shops and more.

After a relaxed day in the Cape, the group departed after breakfast for a tour of the Whale Coast towards Hermanus for a one-night stay at The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection . With a scenic drive along one of the most beautiful coastal roads, Clarence Drive (also known as Whale Drive) connects Cape Town with the town of Hermanus and meanders between sheer cliffs on the one side and atlantic ocean on the other. The shuttle was able to stop at various little holiday villages along the way as well as spectacular viewpoints for photo opportunities. The Marine is located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year.

After all the fresh sea air, Carine and her group enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before departing to wine country for a full-day tour and plenty of speciality food tastings, too. Idyllically situated in the Cape Winelands, the peaceful country retreat of Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. The once sleepy little village was named Franschhoek, meaning ‘French Corner’ as it was founded by French Huguenots. The fertile valley of Franschhoek boasts a rich heritage showcased at the fascinating Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village remains remarkably well preserved. A full day of wine tasting and gourmet dining landed with a one-night stay at Boschendal Farm, with guest accommodation ranging from the historical Herbert-Baker-designed Cottage 1685, to beautifully restored farm cottages. With privileged access to the farm, Carine and friends could join a farm tour or explore the estate on foot, following trails through orchards and mountain fynbos. They could also opt for mountain biking routes, walking paths, cave explorations, wine tasting, cellar tours, swimming in the dams with plenty of pristine spots to sit, read, relax and generally take in the goodness of life. The group wasn’t short of dining options, and were able to choose between eating at The Werf Restaurant, The Deli, Rhone Homestead or the picnic area. All cottages have a full kitchen (kitchenette in the smaller cottages), even giving Carine and her group the option to prepare their own food, too.

From the winelands to the wild, the group checked out for their scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga, Nelspruit Airport. Upon arrival, the travelling companions were transferred by road to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and onwards to Inyati Game Lodge, arriving just in time for afternoon tea and their first game drive. Game drives last for about three hours and include a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sundowner drink stop in the evening. Inyati generally adjusts safari times accordingly to the seasons in order to maximise game-viewing opportunities and ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable experience. Set on the lush banks of the Sand River, Inyati Game Lodge offers the ultimate safari experience combining diverse wildlife with authentic African hospitality. From the warm welcome you receive upon arrival, to their comfortable chalets, hearty home-style cuisine and highly experienced rangers, Carine and her friends departed with unforgettable memories and the imprint of Africa in their soul.

Departing South Africa, the group moved on to the tranquility of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, primely located just 15 minutes from the falls themselves. Booked in for two nights at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, the group could explore or simply relax and take advantage of the hotel’s thoughtful comforts, attentive service, and excellent food. From helicopter flips over Victoria Falls, to sundowner cruises and game spotting, there were plenty bucket list options for guests to choose from. The friendship group wrapped up their tour of Southern Africa by crossing the Zimbabwe-Botswana border by road for a two-night stay at Chobe River Front’s Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge – a luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush. From the lodge’s hilltop position, the group could take in far-reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplain below. Guests are able to relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full service spa complete with a treetop treatment room. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush, with all of the facilities of a larger resort. The main area commands fabulous views over the Chobe River which borders Chobe National Park to the north, as well as the elephants for which the park is famous for. Daily activities included game drives, sundowner cruises, photographic safari cruises, fishing excursions and community tours.

After a lifechanging African holiday, Carine and her travel companions were transferred to Kasane Airport, Botswana for their flight to Johannesburg, where they were met and assisted to International Departures and their check-in counter for their return trip.