Family Safari in South Africa
South Africa
10 days
A family safari suitable for all ages, this epic adventure begins in Cape Town, home to the beloved South African penguin, journeys to Grootbos Nature Reserve, an eco-reserve tucked between mountain, forest and the sea where you’ll search for the Marine Big Five, and into the secluded wildlife haven of Shamwari Game Reserve. Enjoy a variety of nature-based guided adventures, 4x4 flower safaris, horse riding and quad biking through forests and valleys of Grootbos Nature Reserve. Learn about wildlife conservation at Shamwari Game Reserve’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cats Foundation.
Highlights
Explore the wildlife rich Shamwari Game Reserve, home to the coveted Big Five and other enchanting creatures. Learn about wildlife conservation at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Discover Grootbos Nature Reserve on a variety of nature-based guided adventures. Treasure hunt in Milkwood forests, go on horse and pony rides, and explore secret beach caves.
Experience an eco-boat cruise in search of South Africa's Marine Big Five, southern right whales, great white sharks, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals and African penguins.
Enjoy gingerbread decorating, Africa-themed story-time, special kiddies' bath-time toys and menus while at the Cape Grace.
Accommodations
1. Cape Grace
South Africa, Cape Town
Cape Grace, a luxurious hotel situated on a private quay in Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront, offers an unparalleled experience of South African hospitality and elegance. With breathtaking views of the harbor, Table Mountain, and the yacht marina, Cape Grace boasts beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated to reflect the city's rich heritage and culture. Guests can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, relax at the spa, or explore nearby attractions and the bustling city center. Cape Grace is a sanctuary of sophistication, offering a memorable stay in the heart of Cape Town.
2. Grootbos Garden Lodge
South Africa, Gansbaai
True to its name, the warm and welcoming Grootbos Garden Lodge is set amongst an Eden of beautifully landscaped fynbos gardens and indigenous trees. The individual luxury air-conditioned suites provide the ideal blend of privacy and supreme comfort. Each suite offers a private wooden deck with outside shower, lounge with fireplace, ensuite bathroom with double handbasins, double showers and/or baths, heated towel rails and hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe, a well-stocked mini-bar, under floor heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and DVD player. The striking main building, fashioned from stone, thatch and fine timber merges with the natural environment. High beamed ceilings and endless windows enhance the lodge's natural light. An elegant restaurant, spacious lounge, beauty salon, library and children’s entertainment room ensure that all needs are satisfied. Savor delectable dishes prepared with organic ingredients produced by their “Growing the Future” project, a Food Production and Life Skills College established by the Grootbos Foundation. Enjoy the variety of nature-based excursions available at Grootbos, which include 4x4 flower safaris drives, horseback riding, bird watching, cave tours, beach visits, quad biking, walking trails and whale watching. Guests are accompanied by specialist guides such as botanists, nature conservationists and horse specialists.
3. Riverdene Family Lodge
Shamwari Game Reserve
An elegant family homestead, the Riverdene Lodge has a welcoming ease and warmth and is a place where families are always at home. Surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, Riverdene Family Lodge features fully air-conditioned rooms with a private patio. Each ensuite bathroom has a 'his' and 'hers' vanity basin, separate shower, bath and private toilet. Other room amenities include a minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, microwave, electronic safe, ceiling fan, hairdryer, television, telephone, and Wi-Fi access. The two elegantly furnished casual lounges and a glorious sunroom, a magnificent rim flow swimming pool with sun deck and poolside bar entice guests to relax and restore their energies. The dining room opens onto a spacious outdoor barbecue area. Activities from the lodge include morning and evening game drives or walking safaris, accompanied by your personal ranger. Shamwari Game Reserve prides itself on the knowledge and expertise of their rangers. The lodge offers a supervised Kids Club, Toddler Play area and a Kids Adventure Centre.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
After a warm welcome by our African Travel, Inc. representative you will be whisked away to your hotel, situated on a private quay in Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront. Settle into your elegant home, this is the very essence of Cape Town living at its best.
Cape Grace
Day 2. Cape Town
Spend the day exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. Drive past sparkling beaches, winding your way along legendary Chapman’s Peak to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coast to the delightful African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Did you know that the African penguin is also sometimes referred to as “jackass penguin,” because its mating call sounds like a donkey braying? (B)
Cape Grace
Day 3. Cape Town
There is plenty of family fun to be had in the Mother City. Enjoy a leisurely day discovering the diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at the Two Oceans Aquarium, go in search of semi precious stones at the Scratch Patch. In the evening, kick back and enjoy a family night in with popcorn and DVDs. (B)
Cape Grace
Day 4. Cape Town / Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Your family’s journey continues from Cape Town to the renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxury eco-retreat celebrated for its natural beauty. Stop in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley—South Africa’s Pinot Noir capital—for wine tasting, with fresh juices for young travelers. Arrive at the serene Garden Lodge, nestled among lush gardens and ancient milkwood forest. From your opulent suite, take in panoramic views over the pristine fynbos and Walker Bay. Soak up the tranquility and connect with nature in this unforgettable haven. (BLD)
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Day 5. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
The reserve is positioned on the doorstep of a marine paradise, and today you will head out for close encounters with Africa’s Marine Big 5. Spend the morning watching whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins as they feed, frolic and play. From June to December, the magnificent Southern Right Whales can be spotted. The whales migrate every year from the icy Antarctic to the warm, sheltered bays to mate, calve and raise their young and seeing them in their natural habitat is a sight that will leave you spellbound. (BLD)
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Day 6. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos is committed to transforming communities and conserving the environment through the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Participate in the "Progressive Tourism Tour" to learn about the heart of the entire Grootbos experience. It’s about every action we take benefiting someone else or having a positive impact on the environment. (BLD)
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Day 7. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve / Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Fly to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a secluded wildlife haven in the Eastern Cape, and one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Meet your ranger and set out for your first game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the graceful leopard, the powerful rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and a multitude of other wildlife. (BLD)
Riverdene Lodge
Day 8. Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Wake up with the chattering birds, early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the animals. Your experienced ranger will ensure that your safari drives are both rewarding and informative. Riverdene’s “Kids on Safari” program will entertain your little ones for ages. The Kids Adventure Centre caters to children of all ages, with activities like zipline, rock climbing walls, giant slide and elevated walkways among the trees. The Kids Club offers lots of fun activities to keep their young minds engaged with arts and crafts, cookie decoration and pizza making. An outdoor play area for toddlers has a sand pit, swings, slide, a maze and tricycles. (BLD)
Riverdene Lodge
Day 9. Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari knows how important it is to educate the future caretakers of the earth. That’s why they’ve established several awareness centers that aim to shine a light on the plight of nature and the environment. In between safari drives, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres highlights the circumstances of wild cats confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre helps to rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of a professional veterinary team, for release back into the wild. (BLD)
Riverdene Lodge
Day 10. Shamwari Private Game Reserve / Depart
Take in one last morning game drive before traveling to Port Elizabeth for your flight to Johannesburg and your onward arrangements. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Feb 1-13, Apr 1-5, Dec 16-31. Child prices based on 1 child, ages 3 - 10 years old, sharing with 2 adults.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Cape Town - Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg
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