14–Day Ultimate Southern African Luxury Holiday 2018

Magically cocooned on its own private island, surrounded by palms and sparkling water, our award-winning One&Only Spa is Cape Town’s most comprehensive spa experience and an enchanting destination in its own right. With unrivaled amenities that include beauty treatments by StudiO and Biologique Recherche Paris, vitality pools, aroma-steam rooms, and experience showers, an extensive range of classic and exclusive holistic spa therapies will be tailored perfectly to your needs, for ultimate urban relaxation. One&Only Spa and StudiO are available for daily pampering, to both guests and visitors from 08.00 - 20.00.

Renowned for our love of all things energetic, One&Only Cape Town offers unrivaled active inspiration for all ages and abilities. Work out in our expansive, state-of-the-art gym, complete with expert personal trainers who can tailor the perfect programme. Try yoga or Pilates in our dedicated studios, or get closer to the sun and practice al fresco. Guided excursions promote fitness favorites with a side of sightseeing; Paddle Boarding through the canals, hiking Table Mountain, yoga in the park, and running along the picturesque promenade. The Fitness Centre is open daily from 06.00 - 20.00.

One&Only Cape Town is a renowned destination for family fun, designing incredible adventures all ages can enjoy in harmony, and featuring a complimentary KidsOnly club that’s fully supervised year-round. Bursting with age-appropriate, fun and educational pursuits, 4-12 year olds can enjoy the ever-popular Wii, Xbox and PlayStation hub, active sports, games, art, and outdoor learning, as well as thrilling excursions to a range of attractions including Butterfly World, the Planetarium, City Rock and more - perfect for a little parental down-time! Our KidsOnly club is open daily from 10.00 - 18.00 for hotel guests, and with the beautiful sunny Cape Town spring weather, children can enjoy daily outdoor activities. KidsOnly will require activity sessions be pre-booked, with one three-hour session at 10.00 and another at 15.00.

Cape Town is considered one of the best wine-producing regions in the world. For those wanting to enjoy and explore the wines on offer, One&Only Cape Town's Head Sommelier, Luvo Ntezo will host guests to an enticing introduction. With almost 700 references, One&Only Cape Town features one of the most balanced and diverse wine collections on the continent. The experience takes place in the resort Wine Studio, a sleek and sophisticated space showcasing a sampling of the resort’s impressive offering. Following a brief tour, guests will be presented with a decadent South African cheese and wine tasting experience, highlighting five prestigious vintages from the Cape's most exquisite wine farms.

When: Daily, 12pm-6pm (1 hour)
Meeting Point: Wine Studio
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Min/max persons: Minimum of 1 guest, maximum of 8 guests
Cost: R750 per person
Please note: This activity should be booked 72-hours in advance, there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Guests must be 18 years and older.

Guests can discover the Cape Winelands – a vast, lush green area in which many of the world’s top wines are produced. There are several areas that make up the Cape Winelands, most notably Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and together they are home to hundreds of exceptional wine farms - making it a challenge for visitors to know which to visit in a potentially limited amount of time. One&Only Cape Town’s expert Sommelier Team can lead guests on a premier wine tasting experience to remember. Each excursion is completely bespoke – according to personal preferences, and with the freedom to visit choice wine farms for the ideal day tasting, interacting with winemakers and learning the unique histories of the individual farms. The experience also includes luxury transport services and a spectacular winelands lunch.

When: Daily, 8am-6pm, full day tour and can be tailored as required.
Meeting Point: Porte Cochere
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Min/max persons: Minimum 2 guests, maximum 8 guests
Cost: R9000 per couple
Please note:
This activity should be booked 72-hours in advance, there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Guests must be 18 years and older.

One&Only Cape Town is home to the only Nobu Restaurant in Africa – part of the renowned group headed by World-class master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa. Nobu gives classical Japanese cuisine a contemporary twist with a Peruvian influence. Nikkei is the name for this culinary trend: combining Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.

Nobu Cape Town offers an exciting Masterclass where guests can learn how to prepare Nobu’s signature dishes, and enjoy sensational Sake pairings. This exceptional experience will include a Tempura or Toban Yaki cooking demonstration of cold dishes at the sushi bar and hot dishes in the main kitchen; a presentation of Sake and other beverages by Nobu’s Sommelier Team; a souvenir take-home recipe pack; and most importantly, guests will dine at the sushi bar, and have the hot dishes prepared and served family-style.

When: Daily, 12pm–3pm, 2.5 hours
Meeting Point: Nobu sushi counter
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Min/max persons: Minimum 2 guests, maximum 16 guests
Cost: R2500 per adult; R1500 per child
Please note: This activity should be booked 48-hours in advance, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Guests must be 10 years and older and over 18 for Sake or Wine Tasting. Guests to specify any dietary restrictions in advance

South Africa is often described as a Rainbow Nation, being home to many diverse cultures. As a result, there is a variety of influences to every aspect of South African life, including its cooking. One&Only Cape Town invites guests to join them on a ‘Cooking Tale of Two Sisters’. These ‘sisters’ are in fact edible delights, loved by locals, both of them made from the same ingredients, sweet and fried, however looking and tasting distinctly different because of their method, and who traditionally made them - their names are Koeksister and Koe’sister. The resort’s pastry team lead this hands-on session in the resort pastry kitchen as guests learn the secrets to making these ‘sisters’. Ideal for families, everyone will receive the Chef’s tried and tested personal recipes in a souvenir pack, as well as a One&Only apron.

When: Daily, 2 hours
Meeting Point: Pastry Kitchen
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Min/max persons: Minimum of 2, maximum of 8 guests
Cost: R650 per person
Please note: This activity should be booked 48-hours in advance, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Guests must be 12 years and older, or younger accompanied by parent. Guests to specify any dietary restrictions in advance.

Discover the mesmerising and private V&A Waterfront waterways by Water Bike or SUP (stand-up paddle board), with historic landmarks and breath-taking views of Table Mountain along the way. Both activities provide an exhilarating and unique experience, suited for people of all athletic abilities. Guides are available to coach and assist, and ensure guests feel at ease throughout the experience.

When: Daily, 30 or 60 minutes, weather dependent
Meeting Point: Vista Deck
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Min/max persons: Minimum 1 guest, maximum 8 guests
Cost: R300 per person for 30mins; R495 per person for 60mins
Please note: This activity should be booked with concierge 48-hours in advance, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Guests must be 10 years and older with parent’s consent.

Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa is a wellness sanctuary that offers authentic massages and holistic treatments by expert therapists. These tailor-made treatments were inspired by Africa’s rich heritage and traditional rituals. Premium organic products from the innovative Almora, Esse and TheraNaka™ ranges are utilised in the treatments. A range of treatments for children (aged six to 12) is also on offer.

Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.

Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue. The light-filled space, with its open roof trusses, tall windows, timber floors and natural finishes, perfectly complements the collection of art and sculptures by artists such as Deborah Bell and Stanislaw Trzebinski, among others.

Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has an elevator, is equipped with audio and video conferencing facilities, a 203.30-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi.

Indaba can accommodate up to 50 guests both inside and on the terrace overlooking the beautiful valley and mountain landscape. The well-appointed venue can host various events, from cocktails, high teas, private parties, exhibitions, product launches, press briefings and seminars, to business meetings and think tank sessions for up to 30 people.

Indaba is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.

The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.

Each of our in house guests receive a complimentary wine tasting at the Wine Studio during their stay.
The Wine Studio is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Leeu House. Transport between our properties is available.

Other activities within Franchhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:

- Complimentary use of the bicycles at each property
- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Village Walks
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)

Join us for a leisurely afternoon tea at Leeu Estates, located just 3km outside the Franschhoek Village and surrounded by expansive gardens and art.

A relaxing and rewarding way to spend a few hours is a visit to Leeu Estates, a five-star getaway ensconced in 68 hectares (168 acres) of landscaped gardens, manicured vineyards and indigenous fynbos in the Franschhoek valley, and to take a guided tour of the gardens interspersed with artworks. The tours provide an opportunity to connect with art and nature in serene and meditative spaces with exceptional views.

Within 10 000 hectares of the spectacular Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Here the Big Five, (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard), abound and viewing them at close proximity is our speciality. The Reserve comprises over 10,000 hectares of incredibly diverse ecosystems making Leopard Hills the ideal destination to view plentiful game in its natural habitat.

Your knowledgeable and professional ranger conducts early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives, in search of Africa’s big game. The latest state-of-the-art game drive vehicles, specifically designed for Leopard Hills, have individual bucket seats with fold down armrests, ensuring your optimum safety and comfort. Leopard Hills prides itself with the best rangers in the business, and they offer a safari experience like no other, from sightings of big game in their natural surroundings, to the smaller flora and fauna, which make this piece of ‘paradise’ a place we are privileged to call home.

Those with a passion for wildlife photography will be able to get various tips from their ranger on taking the perfect picture, while on their game drive or walking safari. Our rangers are avid fans of photography, many of them having entered renowned international and local competitions with great results. Please do not hesitate to ask your ranger for assistance in this regard.

Enjoy an informative guided nature walk with your experienced Ranger

Experience an array of bush spa treatments in the privacy of your suite, or in the glass walled massage sala overlooking the tranquil ambience of the surrounding bush. While you are being pampered or working out in the gym you may see a herd of elephant drinking at the waterhole!

Africa has an air of romance that sets her apart from anywhere else in the world. However, it is upon stepping into the Victoria Falls rainforest that guests are truly swept off their feet. There is no finer ambience than the gentle roar of the waterfall. The trees grow so closely together that their branches entwine, and their soft, wet drip across the stone path that weaves through this natural wonder. Submerge yourself in the fragrance of the fauna and the playful fauna in this enchanting and awe-inspiring space. A guided tour is included in the nightly rate, excluding park fees. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the more beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Wild Horizons concession appears like a flame lily in a bouquet of roses- unique, intriguing, captivating, and drenched in natural beauty. Over 420 bird species flock to this bush paradise, nesting in the trees, drawing stencils across the sky, and flitting around the streams to create an aura of opulence that beckons keen ‘twitchers’. The experienced eye of your accompanying guide will show you the clever weavers west-side nests, the tawny brown Falcons perched between Baobab branches, and the scarlet feathers of the lilac breasted rollers that dance among the leaves. Zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, kudu and warthogs have also made the concession their home, and curiously survey you as a guest exploring their world.

Embark on a trip to the one-of-a-kind Lookout Café, perched 120 meters above the turbulent rapids of the Zambezi River. This all-inclusive activity is set against the backdrop of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, which hangs over the spectacular chasm of the Batoka Gorge. During the rainy season, wisps of the spray from the rainforest curl around the edge of the rock face near the bridge. Creative cocktails and other beverages are included in the activity. From the vantage point of the café, guests can watch the bright rafts plummet through the rapids below, or adrenalin lovers soaring through the air on one of the exciting high wire activities.

In between the lips of the cavernous Batoka gorge, rages the Zambezi river. Indulge in a selection of cocktails and canapes while nestled on the edge of a steep rock face that is hugged by trees and shrubs and blanketed by an endlessly wide sky. When the wind plays with your hair, the setting sun kisses your skin, and the birdsong floats down from the tree branches, you will realise that this is one of the most perfect positions on the planet. The Batoka Gorge is more than a deep fissure in the Earth. It symbolises decades of Mother Nature’s hard work, chiselling an icon onto her surface. It is evidence of the earth’s immense age. It is a humbling sight that will engulf you and fill you with a sense of appreciations and contentment. This incredible spectacle is just a short drive away from the camp and is the ideal location for relaxation and reflection. With a sight so lovely, it is impossible not to leave with exquisite photographs, which will be developed into small hard copies of the wonderful memories you have made. A selection of wine, refreshing beverages and delectable canapes await guests in this secluded and serene spot.

There is an African proverb that tells us that “Wisdom is like fire. People take it from others”. By visiting a local rural village and interacting with the people who live there, you not only forge new friendships, you will also discover a different lifestyle, a new way of doing things, and a broader perspective of life without modern luxuries. Africa is rich in culture, and by immersing yourself in another culture, you foster an understanding of it. We travel to learn, to broaden our perspectives, and to gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity of the world we live in. This is a wonderful experience for all, but especially beneficial for children, because, as the Moroccan proverb reminds us, “Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone”. You will fill your suitcase with souvenirs and your camera with photographs, but for an authentic and rewarding African adventure, you should fill your mind with knowledge.

The black basalt of the Batoka gorge stretches 100 meters skywards and is enrobed in thick vegetation, creating an idyllic space for zip lines to whizz through and unveil a stunning perspective of this breath-taking natural setting. Embark on a two-hour eco-adventure lead by two professional guides across nine unique slides. The adventure unfolds from the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, perched above the cove that forms at the first bend of the river below the waterfall. This is where your senses awaken to the excitement to come as the overwhelming view of this cavernous gorge rises to greet you. The turbulent rapids rage below, their steady roar climbing up the canyon creating an ambience of adventure. The awe-inspiring fauna and flora that sprouts across the lips of the gorge entice Trumpeter Hornbills, Schalow’s Turaco, Peregrine Falcons- and if you are extremely lucky, the rare Taita Falcon. The gentle nature and moderate speed of the slides entices those who want to experience an adrenaline rush minus the scare factor. This is the activity where tranquility meets titillation and can be enjoyed by nature lovers, families, thrill seekers and corporate team building groups. The canopy tour can even be appreciated by those who get sweaty palms and a tingle in their toes just thinking about heights, as the slides traverse over a thick tangle of trees and vegetation.

Guests visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFTW),a non-profit whose mission is to advance environmental conservation through hands-on wildlife research, the management of a veterinary laboratory and rehabilitation facility and the education of local peoples in the sustainable usage of natural resources.

Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).

Staying on board the Zambezi Queen is like being on a permanent game viewing vehicle, but with a much higher comfort factor. Situated in the heart of the Chobe region with access to river frontage of the Chobe National Park, we also offer water-based game drives by tender boat, allowing you to experience the enormous diversity and concentration of wildlife up even closer.

Game viewing on the Chobe River is at its most exceptional from March to November when the weather is drier and the animals are more mobile as they search for food and water. Summer and spring also offer unique opportunities though, as you watch the landscape burst into life after the first rains of the season. Catch sight of huge herds of elephant as they swim across the water, as well as buffalo, lion, crocodile, lechwe, puku, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and the occasional leopard as they gather to quench their thirst at watering holes. Besides animal life, you’ll also see a huge variety of birdlife and plant life as you listen to the sounds of a hippo grunting and breathe in the sweet smell of African grass.

The Chobe is known as a photographer's paradise and for good reason. The soft early morning light and the sunsets at dusk, combined with striking animal behaviour, make for dramatic and unusual photo opportunities. Before your game viewing excursion, remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. You should also bring along a jacket for the chillier temperatures in the early mornings and evenings.

Enjoy the ultimate in game viewing safari decadence as you sip on a drink and cruise along the river in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

No trip to the Chobe is complete without trying your hand at a fishing safari where if you’re lucky, you may even catch a tiger fish. One of the greatest fighting fish in the world, the tiger fish is the most sought after prize of these waters and is known for its ferocious spirit. It's not all about tiger fish though. You may also hook one of the many bream species, African pike, tilapia, catfish or upper Zambezi yellowfish as you explore over 100 kms of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, as well as the winding Kasai Channel and thrilling Chobe and Mambova rapids.

We offer both conventional equipment as well as flyfishing equipment for our fishing safaris, because we know that the area is renowned worldwide for its flyfishing. We supply rods, flies, lures, lines, leaders and reels and all equipment is included in our rate.

Because of our unique location, we offer excellent fishing safaris all year round – from the annual floods starting in March to the feeding frenzies in the winter months. Our highly knowledgeable guides, the tackle and bait we supply as well as well stocked cooler boxes make fishing in Africa an experience to remember. Land an eight pounder or more and earn bragging rights for years to come, as you enjoy a fishing trip that's second to none.

With over 450 species, a mix of terrains and a dramatic African backdrop, the Chobe River is the perfect setting for a highly rewarding birdwatching safari. Birding season starts in September, when the first migrants arrive, boosting the bird population sometimes by 20% compared to the winter months. From December through to March birdlife on the Chobe is extremely busy and the colourful breeding plumage on display is an extraordinary sight.

Experienced birders and even eager amateurs will delight in spotting distinct birds such as African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African finfoot, either through their binoculars or with the naked eye. Having access to your own knowledgeable guide and tender boat lets you spend many hours on your birding safari also viewing cattle egrets, fish eagles, open-billed storks, lesser-striped swallows, pied kingfishers and the striking carmine bee-eater. The slow drift of the tender boat means that you won’t disturb the peaceful silence and can also get up close to the birds and observe their fascinating behaviour.

Sit patiently and absorb the beauty around you and soon you’ll be rewarded with a unique sighting that you’ll want to photograph. Because you’ll have access to the Chobe National Park and the Caprivi wetlands, you’ll get exposure to a wide variety of species you may have never seen before. The distinct sounds of the call of an African fish eagle mingling with the grunt of hippos will stay with you long after your Chobe River birdwatching safari is over.

Uninterrupted access to wild animals. Absolute silence. Golden light. The Chobe River is an unforgettable photographic safari destination, and one of the wildlife photographers’ hotspots in Africa. To help you capture that perfect moment, our custom-designed photographic safari boats are available on request and cater for 6 clients in individual photographic seats. The boat contains custom-designed swivel chairs that give you greater stability and 360-degree views for a wider range of subject matter. Every seat is equipped with a mounting for resting SLR cameras of all types and you’ll get your own experienced safari guide who’ll help you find that perfect shot.

Bring your own photographic equipment as we don’t supply this - the optimal lens to bring is an 80 - 400mm zoom. Because this is a water-based safari, you'll be able to take unique shots in a safe environment, being able to view the animals in the Chobe National Park surrounded by that magical golden light Africa is renowned for. Tea and coffee will be offered in the morning during the winter months and soft drinks, local beers and wines will be served in the afternoon. Light snacks are also served during your excursion, providing you with a photographic experience that's also about pure comfort.

Departure times are early morning and late afternoon and the safari takes three hours. Please let us know at the time of booking your holiday if you’d like to use our customised photographic safari boat. Capture your stay with breathtaking photos of the unique African landscape and the wild animals that surround you.

One of the best ways to learn more about a country is to experience its culture. A village tour while on board the Zambezi Queen will take you by tender boat to a local Namibian village called Ijambwe, situated on the floodplains of the East Caprivi. Meet village elders and locals and gain a greater understanding of how the inhabitants of this 100-year old village live, including their daily challenges and traditions.

Wear a large sun hat and apply sun lotion, bring a bottle of water with you and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll start by taking a slow, non-strenuous but sandy stroll through the village as you snap a few photographs and meet the Headman of the village as well as his children. The men of the village either fish to provide meals for their families, while the women and younger children perform the chores and produce handmade crafts. Pick up a woven basket, beaded jewellery or a carved wooden animal as a memento from your trip – sales of these crafts empower village inhabitants by helping them earn a living. If you want to give the children of the village gifts, bring along school stationery, books or clothing – all will be highly appreciated. Finally, enjoy a display of traditional dancing and singing at the end and join in the fun!