South African Safari: Sabi Sands & Cape Town

Awaken to the smell of fresh sea air. After breakfast, consider using your free morning to explore the nearby sites. Why not visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, situated in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and in walking distance from your hotel. If you’re a diver opt to swim with sharks and experience magnificent ragged-tooth sharks close-up, alongside turtles and stingrays. This afternoon, you‘ll be collected for your scenic and unforgettable Mother City tour. Your first stop - the majestic 3,560 foot Table Mountain, which offers the best vantage point to fully appreciate the city. Travel to the mountaintop by cable car (for your account) and take in the spectacular sweeping views - from Robben Island, where the late Mr. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, to the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the nearby white sandy shores of Table Bay. Be sure to observe the mountain’s vibrant flora, known as fynbos –which is assigned UNESCO World Heritage Site Status.

After examining Cape Town from above, you spend the rest of the afternoon uncovering her many gems first-hand. As the country’s oldest city she has much to offer – enjoy the houses of parliament and various museums in the charming Company Gardens, where art lovers and history enthusiasts can soak up paintings and times gone by. Then, take in the atmospheric Greenmarket square – the location of a beautiful 1870s Victorian Gothic Methodist Church, before marveling at the Castle of Good Hope, finished in 1679 to provide supplies to traveling ships. Complete your day atop Signal Hill. Absorb breath-taking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and watch as the setting sun paints Cape Town in a multitude of pinks and purples. Now, raise your glass and bid farewell to the day.

Exceptional wine and striking scenery is on the agenda today. Your destination is the Cape Winelands. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before meeting your guide. Feel free to make suggestions, like what wine you enjoy - and your guide will tailor today around your personal preferences. The Winelands region has much to offer – from delectable fine-dining to awe-inspiring natural beauty, 300-year history and rich culture and heritage. Today, you’ll taste prizewinning blends at some of the region’s best wine estates, gain insight into the production process during an insightful wine cellar tour, and travel back 200+ years to explore a stunning Cape Dutch manor house on at a farm turned hotel. Afterward, tuck into a delectable lunch made from locally grown produce at the atmospheric farm restaurant – housed in a converted cowshed. Then, explore the scenic town of Franschhoek, meaning French Corner, regarded as the ‘food and wine capital’ of South Africa. Stroll down tree-lined streets, browse in one of the many shops, or enjoy the surrounding vineyards and majestic mountains. Paarl (Dutch for Pearl) is your next stop. Here you’ll discover the origins of the Afrikaans language, spoken by almost 7 million South Africans, during a visit to the Afrikaans Taal (language) Monument. Then, stop in at a local wine estate, the home of the 200-year-old Boschendal Manor House, a national museum. This Cape Dutch residence, complete with authentic furniture, follows the architectural style popular in the Cape during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is clearly recognizable by its whitewashed finish, thatch roof, and gables.

This morning, you leave the city and head for the bush – where your quest for the Big Five begins. You’ll fly to Johannesburg, from Cape Town International Airport, and catch your connection to the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the 10,000 hectare Savanna Private Game Reserve, located within the Sabi Sands. Parents with young children will find Savanna the perfect vacation destination. The Reserve’s Bushbabies program provides a variety of fun and educational entertainment for children. From spoor identifications (tracking) to the use of various plants, from game drives to star drives (stargazing) and arts and crafts activities. As you leave the airstrip, and journey through the reserve, keep your eyes peeled for Africa’s famous spotted cat - the leopard. The Reserve is a notable place to observe leopards, and they are commonly sighted here. This is unusual, since leopards are elusive cats and as a result are spotted less frequently elsewhere. Make sure you have your video camera on standby to record this magnificent cat when the opportunity arises.

Today, awaken to the smells and sounds of Africa. Rise early and explore the surrounding bush in one of the Reserve’s open-topped land rovers. The open safari vehicle enables unhindered game viewing and is a delight for accomplished and aspiring photographers. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the warm sun on your face as you traverse the savannah looking for game. You’re in a Big Seven reserve so keep your eyes peeled for cheetah and wild dog, as well as the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. Along the drive, you’ll stop for a coffee break. For an authentic taste of the African bush be sure to try the Reserve’s famous Amarula flavored hot chocolate. The local marula tree provides the fruit used to make Amarula, a creamy liqueur. If the warm drink excites your taste buds then ask your guide to point out the tree and take a closer look at its small, green fruit.

Afterward, search the majestic, indigenous trees which surround your luxury suite for any of the Reserve’s 400+ birds. Or, enjoy a glass of wine on your own private deck - which offers safe, panoramic views of the bush and nearby waterholes. Listen out for the characteristic call of hippos - a bit like a loud laugh, a ‘humph humph humph,' or the trumpeting sound made by a herd of elephants as they play in the water. The more active can relish in a round of golf. Savanna can arrange golf outings to either the nearby Leopard Creek course, where 18 holes can be played or Skukuza golf course – located in the Kruger National Park, where a nine-hole course is available. Both these courses offer to play the traditional game with a twist – as visitors to the course include the likes of baboons, impala, and warthogs, amongst others.

Start your day with a unique walking safari. Prepare to be amazed by captivating factoids as your knowledgeable guide shares natural history information about the various animals and plants you encounter – from their various medical properties to which tree provides the best twigs for a makeshift toothbrush. Meanwhile, your skilled tracker will locate nearby game by reading animal tracks. He’ll know the type of animal that left the print and the time that’s lapsed since it passed your location. Rangers are armed and walks offer a distinctive means to explore the African bush - enabling personal interactions with the area’s sights and sounds, from colorful wild flowers to fluttering butterflies.  Afterwards, opt to learn about Shangaan culture at a local village – where you’ll meet a traditional healer and watch resident dancers. Alternatively, consider a visit to Elephant Whispers, a nearby elephant sanctuary (about 1.5 hours away) which promises unforgettable up-close-and-personal encounters in a safe environment. Through this unique interaction you’ll get to feed, brush and even ride these amazing animals. Return to the Reserve in time for an afternoon safari. After taking in the sights, the ranger will stop for you to relish a specular African sunset. Enjoy a sundowner and listen to the ‘bush orchestra’ of crickets and cicada beetles ‘play’ as night begins to fall over the bush.

This morning, savor your final game drive before bidding farewell to Savanna Private Game Reserve. You’ll be transferred to the lodge airstrip for your flight back to Johannesburg. Be sure to comb the bush for your last few treasured game sightings. As your vacation draws to a close you can be sure that Africa made your soul sing and will leave a lasting impression in your heart.