...Trip idea
Southern Africa Family Spectacular
Take in the best of Cape Town and the Cape coast from a stylish boutique hotel and exclusive-use beach house, delve into Big 5 country from a safari farmhouse and finish at dramatic Victoria Falls from a private game reserve.
DAYS 1 - 3
Cape Town has carved its niche as an innovative, buzzy and vibrant city infused by the flavours of its trading post past. Backed by the dramatic silhouette of Table Mountain on one side and the glistening Atlantic on the other, Cape Town offers a fresh and positive vibe where you are never far from nature. It also happens to have some of the finest restaurants in the southern hemisphere backed up by world class wineries.
Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, head inland to the famous winelands for gastronomic feasts or out on the ocean waves to see whales and extraordinary marine life.
STAY: TINTSWALO ATLANTIC
With uninterrupted views over Hout Bay from its mountainside perch at the foot of Chapmans Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic is within the Table Mountain National Park. Its suites are individually styled, elegant and comfortable with large terraces overlooking the the main star of the show, the ocean. Refined and yet homely, the atmosphere exudes relaxation while its tucked away location is just a short distance away from restaurants, bars and attractions.
Days 4 - 7
Your exploration continues along the coastline to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. This is where Cape Zebra and an array of antelope roam and the ocean is protected marine park where the Southern Right whales come to breed. Dolphins and seals can also be seen surging out of the water from the beach.
It’s hard not to experience a simple yet profound appreciation of this pristine environment. Take time to explore the dunes, expect bespoke picnics curated by your own chef, followed by campfires on the beach and safari dinners surrounded by hurricane lanterns.
STAY: MORUKURU BEACH LODGE
Picture an idyllic beach house, set above a private beach and surrounded by a vast nature reserve, then add a retinue of private staff to cater to all ages and requests, and you have the core of Morukuru Beach House. This is an exclusive villa with serious wow factor where staff can organise a range of activities in the reserve or along the shore – from snorkelling to game-spotting inland – you can of course just soak up the sunshine and relax by the pool.
Day 8 - 13
Madikwe Game Reserve is at the forefront of many conservation projects – relocating Painted or African wild dogs as well as rhino into its sanctuary. Morukuru enjoys everything that the main reserve has to offer but also its own private concession – all the wildlife but with no other people. This allows you to head out on walking safari as well as by 4×4 and leads to a far more interactive safari experience than is possible in the main reserve. With sundowner platforms overlooking productive waterholes you are not bound to rigid safari timetables and can stay out late into the evening if you wish. The guiding is absolutely first-rate and the experience rivals the best lodges anywhere in Africa.
STAY: Morukuru Farmhouse
Morukuru Farmhouse is an oasis of verdant calm in one of the most game-rich areas of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Designed as an open-plan plantation-style lodge focused around a cool central courtyard and surrounded by lush tropical gardens and lawns, the farmhouse fuses Scandi style with African charm. Beyond the perimeter fence you are immediately deep in the heart of Big 5 Country and its exceptional service and attention to detail is an ideal continuation from Morukuru Ocean House, its sister property.
Day 14 - 18
Victoria Falls needs little introduction with its vast cascade of water throwing mist high up into the clouds. This is the perfect destination to round off a trip and a real highlight, although the Falls themselves are just one attraction of the area. Enjoy relaxing sundowner drinks on boat cruises on the Zambezi River or head of to Zambezi National Park for some more game viewing. For the more adventurous, you might want to go ziplining, bungee jumping or white water rafting – there is masses to see and do.
STAY: MATETSI
Victoria Falls has become busier over the years it is now more important than ever to be upstream from the Falls, away from the noise of whirling helicopters and river traffic. Matetsi offers the perfect location as well as excellent service, food and drink. Incredibly stylish and on the banks of the Zambezi river, Matetsi sits within its own 136,000-acre reserve which is home to everything except rhino (yet!). Here you can spend a morning on safari then an afternoon/evening on the river watching the elephants come to drink from the water’s edge.
Ben Oxley-Brown
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 Ben.Oxley-Brown@baileyrobinson.com Read Ben’s profile
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