Dear Lori,
I hope you are looking forward to your wonderfully diverse trip that will take you from the stunning setting of Cape Town, to the bush of Greater Kruger National Park, and ending on the extraordinarily beautiful shores of Benguerra Island, Mozambique.
Day 1: Depart US
Day 2: Arrival in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, there is nowhere like Cape Town. Cape Town, the “Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. The unique topography of the region makes it easy to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa.
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met airside (as soon as you enter the airport building) by our representative who will assist with immigration formalities and luggage collection before handing you over to a driver waiting in the arrivals hall. There will be a transfer in private vehicle to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
You will be staying at The Silo Hotel, a new hotel that provides a magical space towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has 28 rooms, including a spectacular penthouse. Each room will be individually designed and decorated by the stylish wand of Liz Biden. Colourful and eclectic pieces are juxtapose the modern, industrial architecture. The rooms are more spacious vertically than horizontally due to the unique architecture of The Silo and in particular the ingenious design of the pillowed window bays which are one of the key architectural features.
The building has been designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. Heatherwick Studio was tasked with the transformation of the elevator house and the adjacent storage annex of six rows of seven silos, while carefully retaining its cultural significance and creating a building that will be as synonymous with the Cape Town skyline as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure will be the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which will bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this will transform the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbour.
Day 3: The Classics
Breakfast at the hotel and then, with a guide and a private vehicle, spend a full day visiting the classic sights of the city: These might include an early morning hike up Table Mountain or a later morning funicular ride up; a walk around District Six or Cape Malay Quarter; a visit to Robben Island.
On a clear day from the summit of Table Mountain you get spectacular views of the City, its Waterfront, Camps Bay, the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to Cape Point to the south.
The Table Mountain cableway, a must for all visitors to the Cape, boasts revolving floors, giving passengers a 360 degree view. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the “Mother City” taking in Signal Hill – where the Noon Day Gun is fired at midday, every day except Sunday – through the colourful Bo-
Without a doubt it is Table Mountain that makes Cape Town the unique city it is. Rising up over 1000m above sea level, it is the icon that makes Cape Town instantly recognizable. It is a symbol, a playground, a spiritual retreat and a big draw card for tourists. So intertwined with the identity of Cape Town is Table Mountain that a visit to the city isn’t complete without having walked or taken the cable car to the top.
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 upon establishing a maritime replenishment station art the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Verenigde Oos-Indische Compagnie).
An icon of struggle, freedom and hope made famous by Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment here.
Day 4: To Cape Point
Breakfast at the hotel and then you have a full day with a guide and private vehicle on a “go-as-you-please” basis.
Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony, Simonstown, Kalk Bay and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Trips departing from Hout Bay Harbour ferry passengers across to nearby Duiker Island – also known as Seal Island – where thousands of Cape Fur Seals can be seen in their natural habitat. The boat trip provides beautiful views of the bay, the harbour, The Sentinel and Chapman’s Peak.
Cape Point lies at the south-western tip of Africa and offers great views, a restaurant and a funicular which takes you up to the old lighthouse. The spectacular scenery coupled with zebras, baboons, deserted beaches and plenty of fynbos to make this one of the Cape’s must see destinations.
The Boulders Visitor Centre is home to the famous colony of Jackass Penguins, so called for their hilarious braying call. This is a truly special experience and Table Mountain National Park staff are knowledgeable and offer guided tours. After you have fallen in love with the penguins, you may wish to take a swim in the comparatively warm waters of the False Bay.
Day 5: Babylonstoren
A mere one hour’s drive from Cape Town lie the valleys and mountains which have become synonymous with some of the world’s finest wines. Spectacular mountain scenery, fine hotels and guest houses, 300 years of wine making history and many of the country’s top restaurants combine to make the Cape Winelands into a much-desired destination. This is the center of South Africa’s award winning wine industry and places of interest include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and numerous award winning wine estates.
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and a sense of wellbeing.
Overnight The Silo
Day 6: Cape Winelands
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at the hotel and have a full day with a guide and private vehicle on a “go-as-you-please” basis
From Cape Town make your way out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines the area is renowned for its many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between.
South Africa’s most famous wine region, Stellenbosch was earmarked as a prime area for viticulture in the late 17th century, when the Cape’s first governor, Simon van der Stel, recognised the potential of the region’s unique terroir. Three centuries later, in 1971, Stellenbosch was also the first area to establish a designated wine route and today, it is still considered the country’s leading wine-producing district.
Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town and about 30 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport, the little hamlet of Simondium lies at the upper point of a triangle with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on the R45, and is surrounded by natural beauty in its glorious valleys and majestic mountains, making it a nature-lover’s dream.
The town has fast earned a reputation with regards to its cheese, wine and outstanding brandies. If you’re looking for a more rustic, off the beaten track type experience, then this little village is a must see! It is absolutely stunning and a true jewel of the Western Cape!
Day 7: Into the Bush
The Sabi Sands is South Africa’s premier private game viewing destination. It was here that the southern African safari began and today this famous reserve offers exceptional game viewing and equally exceptional accommodations. Two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand flow through this Game Park, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area.
The success of leopard viewing within the Sabi Sands is legendary. Elephants, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species can be closely observed in their natural environment.
Early breakfast at your hotel. There will be a transfer in private vehicle to Cape Town Airport in time for a scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. On arrival, you will be met and assisted onto a scheduled air shuttle flight to a lodge located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three days on safari.
Singita Boulders Lodge is found on the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River within the Sabi Sand Reserve. With its glass walls and open-air spaces the lodge provides a continuous connection with the prolific wildlife and birdlife for which Sabi Sand is so well known. Each suite has an ensuite bedroom, private sitting room and game viewing deck with private plunge pool overlooking the untouched wilderness. Rustic, handmade furnishings made from fossilised tree stumps, slabs of solid stone, wrought iron and leather are balanced with the soft, sensual feeling of sheepskin rugs and natural flax bed linen. Lodge facilities include a spa, a gym, a swimming pool and The Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique.
Day 8 – 9: In The Bush
Spend your mornings and afternoons in a private vehicle with one of Singita’s superb guides and trackers looking for the famous Sabi Sands leopards,rhinos and lions. The landscape is beautiful and provides habitat and protection for some of Africa’s most threatened species.
When not game driving, enjoy a massage in the spa or a bit of retail therapy in one of the beautiful shops on the property.
Day 10-12 Azura Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500km of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination, you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a wonderful tropical island get away with numerous accommodation options and plenty of activities on offer.
Breakfast at the lodge. There will be a scheduled air shuttle transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport in time for a scheduled flight to Vilanculos. On arrival, you will be met in the arrivals hall (no fast track available) and will be assisted onto a helicopter transfer to the resort. Rest of the time will be at leisure.
Imagine an unspoiled island within a pristine Marine National Park. Miles of deserted beaches with soft white sand. Sparkling turquoise seas, crisscrossed by local dhow boats plying their trade. Swaying palms, gentle breezes, sunny days and star studded nights. Welcome to Azura Benguerra Island.
Built entirely by hand in partnership with the local community, there are just 20 spacious ’beach-chic’ designer villas, each with their own private pool stretching out to the Indian Ocean beyond, and located a few steps from the pristine white sand beach. They offer guests every comfort, with handcrafted king size beds, feature bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, daybeds, lounging decks and salas right on the beach. They were designed for the ultimate getaway in this magnificent beach paradise.
There is a vast range of guided activities and experiences for guests to enjoy, including world class snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving from the Padi 5-star dive center. Take a tour of the island, visit the community, and the school that our Rainbow Fund registered charity built for the islanders. Go Island hopping by boat or by helicopter, enjoy a cocktail in your beachfront sala, drinks in the star bar, dinner in our wine cellar, or a relaxing massage at our unique African Spa. Your days are tailored around your wishes, to do as much or as little as you would like. Their ‘designed to give back’ ethos, whereby they support a range of community initiatives for décor items, is evident throughout Azura, and provides an added area of interest for guests.
Day 13: Departure (Mon, July 17)
Breakfast at the resort. Check out as per resort policy (around 11h00 am) and time at leisure until the transfer by helicopter to Vilanculos Airport in time for a scheduled flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, you will be met by our representative who will facilitate the check in for your onward flight.