South Africa's Natural Wonders
South Africa
10 days
South Africa's Natural Wonders
Take in breathtaking views of Cape Town, then journey to the marine and wildlife kingdoms of Shamwari Game Reserve and Grootbos Nature Reserve.
How Your Trip Matters
This safari is perfect for friends, family or couples who want to stay at extraordinary places doing amazing work to protect South Africa’s natural wonders. From a donation made to wildlife conservation at Shamwari to a visit to a nature reserve tucked away in a biodiverse hot spot, your travels will help protect Africa’s flora and fauna.
Highlights
Explore the wildlife rich Shamwari Game Reserve, one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa, and home to the coveted Big Five.
Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Cape of Good Hope and see the amusing antics of the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
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 a variety of nature-based guided adventures, 4x4 flower safaris, horse riding and quad biking through forests and valleys.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have both on their communities, and on those who experience them: our guests. You can identify these experiences across our trips by locating the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal.
Accommodations
1. One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s waterfront, surrounded by restaurants, shopping, art and entertainment; on the doorstep of Table Mountain; and within easy reach of spectacular beaches, national parks, and Winelands, One&Only Cape Town is a tranquil enclave surrounded by mesmerising waterways and a traditional harbour. Guests can choose between spectacular balcony views of Table Mountain or of the resort’s private Marina and waterways, from the largest hotel rooms in Cape Town. The One&Only Cape Town's curated selection of restaurants and bars sparkle with unmistakable vibrancy. Guests can savour exceptional cuisine and rare wines in the most stylish spaces in 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. Long Lee Manor
Shamwari Game Reserve
Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari is the exquisite and elegant Long Lee Manor. Along with its rolling landscapes, this newly redesigned lodge boasts Edwardian styled suites and a breathtaking rim-flow pool and offers several unique features that will keep you comfortable during your stay. The accommodation is tastefully designed to enhance its location, while the original Manor House has been lovingly restored to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage, adding a bit of romance to any stay. The opulent rooms have air-conditioning, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, electronic safe, hairdryer, ensuite bathroom with bath and shower and a private patio or balcony. Pamper yourself with a host of spa treatments, perhaps a facial or body massage (additional).
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. and your ideal city sanctuary for your active holiday.
One&Only Cape Town
Day 2. Cape Town
Spend the day exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. Your private guide will share the natural wonders along the coast from the penguin colonies to the wonders found at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. (B)
One&Only Cape Town
Day 3. Cape Town
Relish a leisurely day in Cape Town. Stroll through the Malay Quarter or visit the top of Table Mountain. Chat with One&Only's Back to Nature Guide for inspiring ideas for where to trek or explore in the city. (B)
One&Only Cape Town
Day 4. Cape Town / Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is 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. (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)
Marine safari takes place on a purpose-built eco-friendly tour vessel. Enjoy a trip led by experienced marine biologists and guides. Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals basking in the sun, try and spot some fearsome Great White Sharks or delight as bottlenose dolphins surf right by the boat.
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Day 6. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Relax and enjoy the views and comforts of the carbon-negative eco-lodge. Admire the views from your suite or take a dip in the temperature-controlled pool while nature-gazing, Families can take advantage of the forest-inspired kid's playroom and programs. Spend some time marveling the Florilegium, Africa’s first collection of botanical illustrations by local and international artists. (BLD)
Take some time to participate in the Living the Futures Tour. Grootbos is committed to transforming communities and you'll learn about some of the unique projects and ways the lodge is creating sustainable livelihoods for the people who call this unique area home.
Grootbos Garden Lodge
Day 7. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve / Shamwari Game Reserve
Fly to Shamwari Game Reserve, a secluded wildlife haven in the Eastern Cape. 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)
Long Lee Manor
Day 8. Shamwari Game Reserve
Wake up with the chattering birds and get ready to explore this extremely diverse reserve with valleys, clifftop views, and bush plains filled with an abundance of big game, birds and standout rhino and elephant experience. (BLD)
Long Lee Manor
Day 9. Shamwari Game Reserve
Staying at Shamwari means you are participating in and experiencing an immensely successful conservation project, which returned the land to the rich biodiversity for which the region was once renowned. Between game drives and bush walks, visit one of centers to see how Shamwari continues to conserve a vanishing way of life. (BLD)
Join a wildlife caretaker to learn about conservation efforts. The Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary highlights the circumstances of wild cats confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world and their journey to the sanctuary where they can live in the wild. 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.
Long Lee Manor
Day 10. Shamwari 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 Jan 01-10, Feb 06-12, Apr 02-05, Dec 15-31 .
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Cape Town - Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg
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