
- Signature
- 15-day trip
- From €29,995 p.p.
South Africa trip | Exclusive safari trip South Africa
South Africa is one of the best destinations in the world for a highly versatile, luxury trip. Of course, when you visit South Africa, a visit to the metropolis of Cape Town should not be missed. You will stay at the luxurious Belmond Mount Nelson, which offers an oasis in the city. During this trip, you will visit very exclusive places, including Grootbos Nature Reserve where you will learn about the flora and fauna of the coast. Your stay in the Cape ends in Franschhoek where you will enjoy culinary delights at the best wineries and restaurants, before flying north where you will spend several days in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which borders the world-famous Kruger National Park. Here you have a considerable chance of seeing many felines, such as lions and leopards, during game drives, a special experience! But the most exclusive stay at Tswalu Kalahari definitely promises to be one of the absolute highlights of the trip. You will experience insane safaris there, but the conservation work done there is also special. And with your stay, you will automatically contribute to the protection of the Kalahari. Enjoy excellent dining, discover breathtaking South African nature and experience amazing wildlife moments; you will lack nothing during this special South African tour!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to South Africa
- Day 2 Explore Cape Town and the surrounding area
- Day 3 Helicopter flight to the Cape of Good Hope
- Days 4–6 Explore the Fynbos in Grootbos Nature Reserve
- Day 7 – 8 Sample the finest wines in the Cape Winelands
- Days 9–11 On safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Days 12–14 Safari highlights in Tswalu Kalahari
- Day 15 Departure from South Africa
Accommodations
Experiences
Destinations
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and the clear blue sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star ecoparadise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life of Africa's southernmost tip. Home to the "Marine Big Five" - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins - Grootbos offers an unparalleled diversity of flora. Grootbos offers a luxurious African experience. With more than 750 plant species, including rare fynbos and the world's largest milk forest, it offers a lush environment where families can explore caves, ride horses, hike scenic trails, dive with sharks and spot whales. Expert guides accompany flower safaris, forest walks, 4x4 tours, bird watching and more.


Cape Peninsula
The rugged Cape Peninsula stretches into the Atlantic Ocean and is the southwesternmost point of the African continent. It boasts pristine white sand beaches with steep mountains interspersed with quaint small coastal towns. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope can be found on the southern side of this spectacularly beautiful peninsula, while the northern tip is crowned by the world-famous Table Mountain that towers over the city of Cape Town. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities, including: hopping on a boat trip to Seal Island from Hout Bay, exploring the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and watching the colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Don't miss the chance to take in the breathtaking views from the top of Table Mountain.


Tswalu
Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa's largest private game reserve and now protects more than 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. The reserve's vision is to "let the Kalahari restore itself." No more than 30 guests at a time can explore the beauty of this savannah, the diverse wildlife and tranquillity of, what may be South Africa's last great wilderness. At Tswalu there is a wide variety of activities, besides the regular game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, they also offer other options - from guided forest walks, quiet horseback safaris to visiting a meerkat family. Each booking gets a private vehicle, guide and tracker. This ensures complete flexibility and a personalised safari offer.


Cape Town
With the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lively yet relaxed, the city is like no other. It is often compared to Rio de Janeiro, Sydney and San Francisco. But many travellers agree: Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world. The location is fabulous, set amidst national parks of exceptional natural beauty. And the city is surrounded by two oceans, with beautiful, expansive beaches. It inspires countless visitors year after year. Cape Town’s fascinating 350-year history, its variety of historic and modern buildings, its multicultural flair, the city’s maritime character, the laid-back lifestyle of its residents and the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront all contribute to the city’s unique appeal.
Be sure to admire the mix of different architectural styles too. Nestled amongst the tall skyscrapers in the city centre are the old Victorian houses, most of which have been restored and are being preserved. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Narrow streets and the large Muslim community in the Bo-Kaap enhance the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Enjoy the sun on Camps Bay beach, or relax in one of the many cafés along the promenade – the perfect spot for people-watching amongst the city’s flamboyant residents.
A short distance from the city, you’ll find the colourful Kirstenbosch Gardens, repeatedly named one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. A visit to Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach is also highly recommended.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, the local cuisine or simply a great place to shop, this beautiful city has it all!


Western Cape
The Western Cape, perhaps the most scenic and diverse of South Africa's nine provinces, serves as a key spot for visitors to South Africa. Located in the south-western corner of the country, the province is blessed with beautiful coastlines, breathtaking mountains, indigenous forests, historic wine estates and scorched stretches of a strikingly beautiful semi-desert. Visitors can enjoy everything from the beautiful city of Cape Town with its iconic Table Mountain and the stunning surrounding Winelands, to the exciting outdoor activities and spectacular natural scenery of the Garden Route. Also be sure to visit the fynbos-covered sand dunes, white beaches and remote fishing villages on the less-discovered West Coast. The Western Cape is an absolute must when visiting South Africa!
South Africa
The Cellars
The Cellars is a small town in Walker Bay, about two hours' drive from Cape Town. Protected bays and inlets provide ideal conditions for Southern Right Whales to mate and give birth, and every year between July and November these giant creatures can be spotted in the waters. Klipgat is home to some of the oldest human remains and stone artefacts, while Drup Cellars is a freshwater pool cave, perfect for swimming and decorated with striking stalagmites and stalactites. The tranquil cove at Standford's Bay is another perfect spot for swimming, surrounded by 150-year-old fig trees. Visitors can also go hiking, fishing, quad biking and horse riding in the area, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Also be sure to visit one of the local restaurants, which serve delicious fresh seafood.
The Cape Whale Coast
Close to the southernmost tip of Africa, just outside Cape Town, lies the Cape Whale Coast, a place that can easily be described as ‘heaven on earth’.
This stretch of unspoilt coastline, running from the coast of Rooiels in the west to Quoin Point in the east, is flanked by stunning mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
The main towns in this area are Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai, but in fact the Cape Whale Coast comprises a variety of villages, farms, rivers, bays and valleys, each with its own unique character. Discover the whales, sharks, wine routes, fynbos, birds, golf courses, walking trails and adventure activities in this beautiful region, the Cape Whale Coast.
Overberg
Literally meaning 'over the mountain' in Dutch, the Overberg region stretches from the Hottentots Holland Mountains, east of Cape Town, to the start of the Garden Route near the historic city of George. It serves as the perfect base to explore the spectacularly scenic landscapes characterised by fertile farmland, a series of mountain ranges, huge plant diversity, including the unique South African fynbos and a rocky coastline that make it a haven for outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities, such as: 4x4 trails, kayaking, swimming, horse riding, sunset cruises, wine tasting and whale watching. Popular attractions include: Agulhas National Park at the southernmost tip of Africa; the rich birdlife in Bontebok National Park and the seaside resort of Hermanus, a mecca for whale watching.
Franschhoek
For culinary delights in the wine region, Franschhoek is ‘the place to be’. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, Franschhoek has become the culinary capital of South Africa. Eight of the restaurants on the top 100 list are located in Franschhoek. The high street of this cosy village is also lined with restaurants and outdoor terraces. Finally, the guesthouses are no exception and often serve high-quality meals. Add to that the beautiful surroundings (vineyards on the hillsides) and the lovely climate, and Franschhoek is a fantastic place to spend a few relaxing days.
The French influence is still clearly recognisable in the village. First and foremost, of course, in the name of the village itself, which derives from the phrase ‘Franse Hoek’ – the corner from which the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sent the French Huguenots to establish their farms. It is therefore no surprise that many of the villagers’ surnames are of French origin, such as Du Toit and Villiers.
In and around Franschhoek there are numerous renowned wine estates, such as Boschendal, Plaisir de Merle, L’Ormarins, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence and Haute Cabriere. Most of these wine estates are situated along the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Route (R45), and most of them offer wine-tasting sessions.


Cape Winelands
You’ll enjoy yourself to the full in the so-called ‘Cape Winelands’, which encompasses the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek regions. This region is home to some of South Africa’s finest vineyards, whose wines have been popular beyond South Africa’s borders for many years now.
Many vineyards have wine cellars where you can learn more about wine production and sample the wines. The wine industry in South Africa has a long history, dating back to April 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck set foot ashore in Table Bay and quickly realised that good wine could be grown here, thanks to the excellent climate. No sooner said than done: the first vines from France arrived by ship as early as 1659, and the first wine was produced. In 1679, the second town in the Cape, Stellenbosch, was founded; it is now the centre of the South African wine industry.
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is a private game reserve on the western border of Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is directly connected to Kruger National Park and is therefore part of the Greater Kruger National Park. You have a very good chance of spotting the Big 5 here.
The reserve is also renowned as one of the finest in the whole of South Africa. This 65,000-hectare reserve owes part of its fame to the two rivers that flow through its territory: the Sabie River on the southern side and the Sand River, which flows right across the entire area from north-east to south-west. As a result, the vegetation is abundant, attracting plenty of prey (wildebeest, impala and other antelopes) and leading to a particularly high concentration of predators (lion, cheetah, leopard).
The reserve is home to lodges, mostly family-run, each beautifully situated in prime locations and with the rights to drive throughout the entire park, meaning you won’t encounter many other safari vehicles. Many have agreements with neighbouring lodges allowing them to drive across their land as well. You can expect them to pull out all the stops here – for example, by venturing off the beaten track in search of wildlife – to give you the best safari experience ever.

Kruger National Park
Thanks to its vast array of wildlife, vast savannahs and long history, the Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most visited attraction. And rightly so, as this wildlife park is one of the most beautiful and largest safari parks in the world. The park is no less than 352 kilometres long, an average of 60 kilometres wide and covers almost 19,000 km². The more than 1 million visitors each year come in search of the Big 5 (the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), hippos, antelopes, giraffes, impalas, zebras, gemsboks and much more. In total, there are more than 147 species of mammals, 507 species of birds, 120 species of reptiles, 52 species of fish and 35 species of amphibians. To see all of this, you’ll need at least two weeks.
The Kruger National Park has a long history. 25,000 years ago, the San, also known as the Bushmen, lived here. They left behind impressive rock paintings which can be viewed at Masorini and Thulamela, amongst other places. Towards the end of the 19th century, the South African government – then known as the Volksraad – recognised the need to protect nature. Under the leadership of Paul Kruger, the Volksraad banned hunting between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers in the southern part of what is now Kruger National Park.
In 1898, Kruger established the Sabie Game Reserve. In the years that followed, the park expanded and in 1927 it was opened to the public. Since then, it has been an important research centre and protected area for African wildlife. In 2002, Kruger, together with Gonarezhou National Park and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, became part of the vast Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.


Southern Kruger
The southern part of South Africa's most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty animals. The wildlife viewing area is also called 'Southern Circle' and is known for its rhinos and lions. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San petroglyphs. The Southern Kruger offers incredible wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful landscapes covered with African bushveld and savannah.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Located in South Africa's Northern Cape Province, the Augrabies Falls National Park encircles the mighty Augrabies Falls. The Orange River plunges down 60 metres in absolute splendour, through the 18-kilometre ravine of the Orange River Gorge. The landscapes are characterised by rocky outcrops, scrub-dotted plains, and clusters of 'quiver trees', also known as quiver trees. This sanctuary provides a home for an array of animals including springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer, various bird species and the endangered black rhino. Other commonly spotted species include giraffe, steenbok, kudu, eland, leopard, African wild cat, jackal, and caracal.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest and least densely populated province, characterised by wide open spaces and mostly dry terrain, though the Orange River meandering along the northern border creates a compelling contrast to the arid desert landscape. It is home to several prominent national attractions, including the majestic Augrabies Falls, the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and, in spring, the blooming Namaqualand wildflowers. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the red dunes of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, visiting the impressive Big Hole in Kimberley, and going on adventures along the Orange River.
Kalahari South Africa
The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert with vast sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand that covers most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the San people, with the modern world having taken over all other areas they once inhabited. The endless sand dunes of the Kalahari form the largest continuous sand plain on earth. Here you can enjoy the clear night sky, the perfect place for stargazing, the many special wildlife, nature walks, horseback riding and exciting 4x4 adventures across this beautiful desert. Common wildlife includes water buffalo, the black moon Kalahari lion, antelope, ostrich, vervet monkey and numerous bird species.
South Africa trip | Exclusive safari trip South Africa
We offer the described trip from €29,995 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flight Cape Town – Skukuza in Economy Class (including 20kg of hold luggage)
• Scheduled charter flights to/from Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve (including 20kg of hold luggage in soft-sided travel bags without wheels and 5kg of hand luggage)
• Accommodation in excellent and distinctive lodges, tented camps and hotels
• All meals, as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions, as listed in the ‘programme’, including a helicopter tour over Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National Geographic travel guide or similar
• Comprehensive day-by-day itinerary in Dutch, including local tips and directions
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €100 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Staying at accommodation providers that operate responsibly through various wildlife and humanitarian projects
Not included
• Intercontinental flights to and from South Africa
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses/tips
• National park entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals and excursions not specified
• Contribution to the emergency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)













