Extraordinary South Africa
South Africa
10 days
Extraordinary South Africa
Relax and enjoy the soul-revitalizing seclusion on this all-villa South African safari. With sweeping views of Cape Town and the Atlantic, the journey begins at the Ellerman House. Private tours of Cape Town, its natural wonders and Winelands are customized to guests' interest. Continue the idyllic getaway at Grootbos Forest Lodge, the ultimate way to restore, destress and reconnect with nature. Then fly to the exclusive safari hideaway at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the premier destination for leopard sightings, the most elusive animal of the Big 5.
Grootbos has coined Living the Futures to explain the way of life on this nature reserve and you’ll find it in every experience brought to life from the expert on the 4x4 botanical safari to the gifted staff.
Highlights
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and the surrounding winelands on privately guided tours.
Discover the birds, stars and wildlife through pre-loaded apps on two iPhone's provided in your Plains House suite.
Experience the essence of Cape Town's music, art and culture brought to life at Ellerman House by their award-winning chef, experts and in-house art guide.
Enjoy your own chef and a private art and wine gallery at each iconic villa.
Accommodations
1. Ellerman House
South Africa, Cape Town
For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront of hospitality innovation. With shaded verandas, tiered gardens, and beautiful interiors, guests from all over the world love the combination of luxury and service this serene getaway offers. Attention to detail ensures that no two rooms are alike. Daily a la carte menus feature modern, classically inspired cuisine with a South African twist. A highlight is the owner’s extensive South African art collection spanning original works from the turn of the century to current contemporary art. Additional facilities include a gym, heated swimming pool, rejuvenating spa, library, brandy lounge, champagne cellar and wine gallery. A stay at Ellerman House is an immersive experience embracing South Africa’s culture, art, music and cuisine.
2. Grootbos Forest Lodge
South Africa, Gansbaai
Grootbos Forest Lodge is a masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design reflecting the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The individual luxury air conditioned suites, beneath the overhang of Milkwood trees provide the ideal blend of privacy and supreme comfort. Each suite offers a private wooden deck with outside shower, lounge with fireplace, en-suite bathroom with double hand basins, double showers and/or baths, heated towel rails & hair dryers, tea & coffee making facilities, in room safe, a well-stocked mini-bar, under floor heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and DVD player. The contemporary main lodge with its expansive windows features the restaurant, bar, lounge, and curio shop. Spacious wooden decks and an infinity pool beckon you to relax, unwind and enjoy the soothing tranquility. In the evenings cozy fireplaces and subtle lighting enhance the warm, romantic ambience for the finest culinary delight. 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.
3. Cheetah Plains
Hluvukani, South Africa
Home of the definitive private, sustainable safari in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, Cheetah Plains’ multiple award-winning exclusive-use villas epitomise the ultimate luxury safari experience.
Each exquisitely appointed Plains House villa accommodates up to eight guests and boasts a formal lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool deck, entertainment lounge, wine gallery, curated art collection, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous Private Guest Suites.
A complete hospitality team consisting of an intuitive, accomplished host, private chef, spa therapist as well as best-in-class field guide and tracker team are dedicated to your Plains House villa for the duration of your stay. Together, this talented group of professionals deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
With a warm welcome, you'll be met and a private transfer will bring you to one of Cape Town's most exclusive neighborhoods, Bantry Bay and your private villa at the Ellerman House. A bastion of culture and elegance, the villas are perfectly suited for families, couples and loved ones traveling together. Upon arrival marvel at your villa's sweeping views over the Atlantic ocean and the private collection of art found throughout the property.
Ellerman House Villa
Day 2. Cape Town
Today's agenda includes a privately guided tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula. Drive past the sparkling beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Wind your way along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive to the rocky seascapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coast to find delightful penguin colonies. (B)
Ellerman House Villa
Day 3. Cape Town
Today’s private sojourn combines wine tasting and an unforgettable art experience in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Peruse select wine estates that pride themselves on their exquisite art collections and contemporary art gallery spaces. Your senses will be stimulated as you return to your villa to peruse Ellerman House's extensive wine collection and enjoy the dining experience curated by the hotel's Culinary Director, with over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. (B)
Ellerman House Villa
Day 4. Cape Town
The "Mother City" has so much to offer with its rich history and incredible beauty. It’s worth joining Ellerman House's in-house art guide on a tour of the properties substantial art collection. Or arrange an insider’s tour of Cape Town’s museums, gardens, neighborhoods or sights. (B)
Ellerman House Villa
Day 5. Cape Town / Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Travel to your next private five-star private villa set in the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxury eco reserve, renowned for its natural beauty. Accompanied by specialist guides, go on 4x4 flower safari drives, horse riding, bird watching, cave tours, beach visits, and walking trails. World-class meals from locally sourced ingredients are prepared by a personal chef are served to you at any time you desire.(BLD)
Grootbos Forest Lodge Villa
Day 6. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
The reserve is perfectly positioned for seeking out the Marine Big 5. Join an eco-friendly boat trip to observe Cape fur seals, Bottlenose dolphins, penguins, southern right whales and perhaps even a great white shark. Relax back at the lodge with a spa treatment, where buchu-scented beauty products are used to soothe and unwind, followed by a refreshing cocktail served by the pool. (BLD)
Grootbos Forest Lodge Villa
Day 7. Grootbos Forest Lodge Villa / Kruger Private Reserve
After a short flight, you’ll be on your way to your safari adventure within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to South Africa's flagship, Kruger National Park. Shortly after your arrival at Cheetah Plains, after snacks and drinks, you’ll be taken on the first of your exhilarating twice-daily game drives. Go on a personalized journey with your dedicated field guide and tracker to learn and see things you never thought possible. Guests are guaranteed exclusivity as they go on safari through Cheetah Plains and the surrounding area, giving guests the added privilege of peace, quiet and relatively undisturbed wildlife. (BLD)
Cheetah Plains Villa
Day 8. Kruger Private Reserve
Accompanied by highly skilled game rangers journey through the magic of the African sunrise. Bushveld inhabitants will also wake up for the day, or settle down to laze in the shade after a hard night’s hunting. An experienced field guide will take you through the reserve in specially equipped electric vehicles to for a nearly silent experience to view wildlife. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelope and more can be spotted among the gorgeous thorn and marula trees. The days are punctuated back at the villa relaxing in the entertainment lounge, pool deck or enjoying a treatment from your dedicated villa spa therapist. You'll then enjoy another thrilling game drive, with an unforgettable sundowner against the dramatic, inspiring African sunset. (BLD)
Cheetah Plains Villa
Day 9. Kruger Private Reserve
Specialized birding safaris, led by a local ornithologist are also on offer and guests will have the opportunity to try out exclusive models of Swarovski Optik scopes and binoculars. Photographic safaris are another unique offering with specially designed photographic seats and control arms have been custom built into the safari vehicle. Professional photographers are available to provide pre-and post-game drive tips and guidance to ensure you return home with the perfect shot! Back at camp, after the late afternoon/evening game drive, the emphasis at the reserve is on local South African fare and fresh ingredients are collected daily and prepared by the resident chef. Perhaps enjoy your dinner in your villa's private boma or the formal and informal dining areas. (BLD)
Cheetah Plains Villa
Day 10. Kruger Private Reserve / Depart
Your South African safari adventure draws to an end today. Enjoy one final morning game drive in search of wildlife before returning to the villa for a hearty breakfast prepared by your personal chef. Bid farewell to your safari friends and fly to Johannesburg and your onward arrangements. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply .
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
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