Itineraries for South Africa

Upon arrival at O R Tambo Airport, transfer by air to Singita Lebombo Lodge, an architectural icon perched along a rugged cliff and overlooking a river in a private concession in Kruger National Park. This incredible lodge was inspired by eagles nests with its glass suites perched on the rock face offering panoramic vistas.

Daily game drives provide the perfect opportunity to encounter Africa’s incredible wildlife, while spotlit night drives reveal the magic of differeng species under a cloak of darkness. Track animals on foot or mountain bike amidst magnificent landscapes. Wildlife includes elephant, leopard, large prides of lion, white and black rhino, buffalo, cheetah and sable.

After a final game drive, depart on a short flight to Singita Boulders Lodge, set along the banks of the Sand River in the renowned private Sabi Sand Reserve. This area is famed for frequent Big Five as well as a host of other African wildlife sightings, viewed on guided game drives and nature walks. 

The Lodge features a contemporary African flair inspired by a boulder buttress amidst which it is built. Innovative design and natural hues create a sense of space that flows in from surrounding vistas through floor to ceiling glass "walls". Rejuvenate in the signature spa or unwind with a selection of wine from the earth cooled underground cellar.

After a final activity, depart by air to the "Mother City" of Cape Town and transfer to the indulgent tranquil paradise of La Residence, surrounded by a leafy plum orchard. Glittering chandeliers hang from vaulted ceilings, amidst otiginal local artworks and plush furniture and antiques.

Light streams into each glamorous suite which are uniquely decored, complete with design influences drawing from as far away as Tibet and France. Relax in total tranquility at the in-house spa or library, enjoy fresh garden produce and explore the vignerons and some of South Africa's top restaurants close by. Let us design your perfect wine tour, according to your personal tastes and preferences.

With Cape Town a mere one hour drive away, this vibrant, eclectic city is a destination not to be missed! The so called "Mother City" surrounds the flat top Table Mountain and is located on the south western tip of Africa. Take a cable car to the mountain top and enjoy endless Atlantic ocean vistas, amble through the World Heritage gardens of Kirstenbosch or visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. 

Whether you choose to indulge in fine wine and delectable meals at the country's best eateries, explore the urban art galleries or shop at the Victora & Alfred Watrfront, let our experts help you design the perfect extension at one of the city's unique hotels.

After arriving at Dulini's airstrip, nature drive to Dulini Camp, set amongst a peaceful grove and embraced by a leafy canopy of giant Ebony trees in the exclusive Sabi Sands Reserve. Favoured for the boutique luxury and warm service, each of the six exquisite suite's epitomise romance with billowing white cottons, expansive bathrooms, plunge pools and shady decks. 

Committed to culinary excellence and a celebration of African flavours, meals and their settings compliment the extraordinary wildlife seen. From open land rovers by day and night, enjoy sightings and guides stories of the Big Five, including a wide variety of Africa's other unique species.

Fly to Tswalu, deep in the vast and magical Kalahari Desert. Tswalu's Motse Camp rests at the foothills of the Korannaberg mountains and looks across the rolling grasslands of the desert - the soulful place to relax. Each of the thatched suites are built of local stone and red clay and boast a spacious bedroom with an open fire, private deck and en-suite bathroom.

The Kalahari attracts wildlife enthusiasts and include enormous black-maned lions as well as charismatic meerkats. Home to rarities such as pangolin and aardvark, Tswalu is a perfect combination with Dulini. Activities are equally diverse and include horse rides, walks, game drives and Bushman rock art site visits.

Depart the arid Kalahari and fly to Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel, located at the vibrant and bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The hotel's rooms look out across the harbour or onto Table Mountain and meld the modern comforts of a luxury hotel with traditional Cape culture. Traditionally styled and hand painted curtains blend to ancient cutlery "chandeliers" adding a unique flair to this iconic hotel.

Excursions are diverse, take a cable car ride up Table Mountain, amble through the World Heritage gardens of Kirstenbosch, saunter around the modern V&A Waterfront, explore the historic vignerons of Franschhoek or visit Robben Island.

The pristine deserted beaches and warm clear azure waters that lap against them create the ultimate in this romantic tropical paradise. Often described as "Eden on Earth" these Indian Ocean Islands abound with life on water and land. Meet giant land tortoises, dive and snorkel on bustling reefs discovering parrot fish and spotted eagle rays or hike up granite peaks with cascading waterfalls, the Seychelles is a rejuvenating retreat.

Let our island experts design the perfect sojourn to remote islands like North Island, Desroches and Fregate, where "bare foot" luxury lulls you into total relaxation.

On arrival at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg, you will be met and escorted onto your awaiting flight to Madikwe Safari Lodge, in a game rich malaria free private reserve. Everything about this reserve is vast – the landscapes, heavens and wildlife.

Home to unsurpassed topography and richly blessed with wildlife, sightings can include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra and giraffe.

Family game drives, walks and childrens' activities await. The property has three small luxury lodges, and we recommend Lelapa Lodge for families - an intimate enclave where families enjoy a "home away from home".

After a morning activity, fly to Cape Town and check in to "classic contemporary" More Quarters with its "flat topped" Table Mountain backdrop. More Quarters combines apartment living with fine hospitality, which makes for a relaxed professional ambiance in the "Mother City".

Within walking distance are artisanal eateries and stylish shops while the Cape Peninsula invites daily explorations of Table Mountain, scenic Chapman's Peak, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, nearby vineyards in the picturesque Franschhoek valley and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

After a sumptuous breakfast depart for the coastal town of Hermanus. Grootbos is an eco-paradise within the world's most diverse plant kingdom with stunning marine life at the southern tip of Africa nearby. It is renowned for the "Marine Big 5" - migrating whales, great white sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins. Revel in a vast array of activities and indulge in the country's finest Pinot Noir wines close by.

Fashioned from stone, thatch and timbe, Grootbos offers unparralleled floral diversity and views of the ocean stretch before you. Each suite is furnished with luxurious canopy beds, separate lounge with cosy fireplace and private wooden deck.

Cradled between the towering Drakenstein (Dragon Stone) Mountains lies the idyllic Franschhoek Valley, commanding awe-inspiring views and abounding with highlights for those who linger longer. Relax, unwind and immerse yourself.

Tasty charcuterie, olives, cheeses and many more are produced in the same valley of the countrys' finest vignerons! Settled 300 years ago by French Huguenots, their age-old French wine tradition has today created an astounding range of delicious cultivars. Visit at your leisure and sample many noble varietals, each vigneron in their own sublime setting.

Upon arrival at Phinda by air, transfer to the majestic Mountain Lodge, poised up on a rocky ridge with panoramic views of the Zululand bush. This private reserve protects and conserves 7 distinct habitats, boasting a diverse landscape and a myriad of game, including the Big Five! The area shelters more than 400 species of birds and is also renowned for Africa's high speed hunters - cheetahs.

Each suite features wonderful views from a private deck. Luxury interiors and finishings make this a family, honeymoon and adventurer's paradise. Activities include game drives, canoeing, boating and even rhino "notching", for an immersive conservation experience!

Set above a secluded bay and nestled between coastal forest that spills out onto deserted beaches rests Thonga Beach Lodge. Accessed by road a mere 2 hours from Phinda, this romantic setting is also brimming with ocean life. In the dead of night, witness enormous leatherback turtles heave themselves up abandoned beach to lay eggs, snorkel with whale sharks, dive untouched reefs or just relax in the sun.

Air conditioned rooms emulate a Robinson Crusoe type beach cottage, with white washed rooms decored with ocean blue and white cotton linens, it is a perfect place to rejuvenate and unwind after the wildlife experiences of Phinda.

Depart Thonga for a road transfer to meet your flight to Cape Town, transferring to the leafy oasis of Kensington Place, arriving in the afternoon. In the foothill of Table Mountain and close to the world renowned V & A Waterfront, this fine 8 suite boutique hotel resonates warm, friendly service and a modern luxury charm.

The so called "Mother City" surrounds the flat top Table Mountain, a wonderful experience by cable car to enjoy endless Atlantic ocean vistas. Amble through the World Heritage Site garden of Kirstenbosch or visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated or venture into Franshhoek, home of the country's finest vignerons.

Venture toward "The Smoke that Thunders!”, the locals' name for Victora Falls. Part of the mighty Zambezi River, this is the widest curtain of falling water in the world and plumes of mist can be viewed from afar. Sweeping views from a myriad of vantages can be enjoyed while exploring the Victoria Falls by foot and the air. 

Activities can include guided walks at Victoria Falls, nature drives, sunset boat cruises and even catch and release fishing searching for the feisty Tiger fish! Known as the adventure capital, additional activities should include a helicopter flight, micro-lighting or even white water rafting and bungee jumping.

Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, road transfer to "Jewel of the Eastern Cape" Shamwari Game Reserve's splendid Long Lee Manor, originally built in 1910. This restored Edwardian Manor House offers refined comfort & service and enticing cuisine in the African bush boma (traditional enclosure), the diningroom or around a blazing fire at the barn.

Shamwari is a premier private game reserve with a proud history and is home to the coveted Big Five. Stretching 25,000 hectares over malaria free landscape, the reserve offers in-depth nature drives by day and night, as well as walks.

Transfer to Port Elizabeth and collect your rental vehicle and drive to the homely Hunter's Country House, located in picturesque Plettenberg Bay.  Hunter's is set in the heart of the Garden Route and along some of the country's most beautiful stretches of beach. Each thatched cottage suite with private patio is tastefully decorated in a pale green palette and is accented with a sparkle of crystal trimmed chandeliers.

Hunter's is located out of town, yet conveniently close to the area's leisure activities including a forested canopy tour, sea kayaking, monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, an ocean cruise in search of whales or an oyster feast in Knysna!

After an early breakfast enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful coastal town of Knysna and then inland through farming towns Swellendam and Riviersonderend into the coastal town of Hermanus.

Grootbos is an eco-paradise within the world's most diverse plant kingdom with stunning marine life at the southern tip of Africa nearby. It is renowned for the "Marine Big 5" - migrating whales, great white sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins. Revel in a vast array of activities and indulge in the country's finest Pinot Noir wines close by.

After a leisurely morning, drive through the Cape Fold Mountains or along the Whale Route coastal road into Cape Town. The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is located in historical Constantia Valley on the slopes of Table Mountain. Each luxurious room boasts panoramic views of the mountain or its manicured gardens.

Experience the Cape's highlights: Cape Point, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Constantia Valley Wine Route, Cape Town's glamorous beaches and world-class restaurants. Facilities at this luxury boutique hotel include dining at Greenhouse, spa indulgences and a Gary Player putting and chipping green.

Upon arrival at Hoedspruit airport, enjoy a leisurely transfer to Tanda Tula Camp, situated along a forested riverbank in the Timbavati Game Reserve. This owner run safari camp is small and intimate, exuding African warmth, charm and service. "Hemingway" style tents of early explorers is mirrored here with thick draped canvas and elegant simple luxury interiors, with en-suite bathrooms.

This private wildlife enclave is part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is blessed with rich wildlife. Deeply knowledgeable guides and expert trackers lead guided game drives and walks deep into the remote wilderness to reveal the Big 5 and more.

After a final morning game drive fly to Cape Town, arriving at the "urban sanctuary" of Welgelegen Boutique Hotel. Located in the foothill of Table Mountain, this restored Victorian house with metal gables and high ceilings is bedecked in contemporary furnishings and eclectic African art.

Staff welcome you like family and make every effort to ensure your every whim is cared for, while you explore the Cape's rich experiences. From the continent's best wines, fine dining and artisanal shops to the grandeur of the scenery, coastline and historical gardens, Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and experiences.

The Garden Route is a stunning stretch of South African coastline with rugged mountains and cliffs, pristine forests and fynbos dominating the landscape. In the ocean, migrating whales calve in Walker Bay, while great white sharks patrol nearby islands and penguins sometimes waddle between your feet.

Hermanus is a beautiful coastal town outside of Cape Town. The area is famous for its exceptional land based whale watching and great white sharks can be seen by boat at Dyer Island, some exceeding four meters in length. A favourite of A2A Safaris, our team know the best boats and guides, seasons and places to stay to create memories of a lifetime!