On arrival at Johannesburg ORTambo International Airport proceed thru customs/immigration formalities into the arrivals hall and look for a sign with your name. Your driver from the African Rock Hotel will collect you for transport to the hotel.
Enjoy your stay in this lovely area of Kempton with its tree lined residential streets. Dinner is available at the hotels restaurant.
This morning return to ORTambo after breakfast by included transfer for your scheduled flight to either Skukuza ( Mala Mala Camp) or Hoedspruit ( Tanda Tula Camp),
On arrival you will be met by your safari guides for transfer to the reserve:
Mala Mala Camp, Sabi Sands Wildtuin
Here meet your ranger, who will share their wealth of knowledge as they introduce you to the game reserve's diverse wildlife, prolific bird species and unique vegetation. Experience a night drive that brings you closer to the magic of the nocturnal wildlife for the next three nights.
On arrival at the camps within the reserve, guests are introduced to their ranger who acts as host, guide and educator. While an itinerary is suggested (as detailed below) to take advantage of the more comfortable temperature ranges and the enhanced game viewing opportunities, it is also important to have time to relax and enjoy the camp surroundings, and to immerse oneself in the environment.
Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 40,000 acre private reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another to keep each other informed about the location of wildlife. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to interrupt the sounds of the African bush. The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with close up game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.
Alternate Option: Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati Reserve
On arrival meet your ranger / safari guide who will transfer you to the lodge and introduce you to the reserves diverse wildlife. Continue to the lodge for checkin and get settled in your home away from home for the next two days.
Awaken at dawn, accompanied by the early morning sounds and smells of the African bushveld, is an experience unique to early risers. This is often the best time for game viewing. Keep your camera ready! This reserve has the big five and wonderful birdlife just waiting to be photographed.
Walks through the veld with an experienced tracker and day and night-time drives in an open landrover are all included. In the evening, the fire roars, and laughter fills the air. But no more than a little walk away, the wind blows over the river. Suddenly the air is split by an elephant’s trumpeting. A primordial warped note of oldest Africa.
Return to the hotel and check out. Depart with your driver to Kasane where you will meet your safari guide from Chobe Savanna Lodge and transfer with game drive to the lodge. fThere is time after getting situated in your room for a late afternoon game activity before returning to the lodge for dinner/overnight.
Situated on a peninsula on the northern bank Chobe River in the East Caprivi Strip along the Namibian banks of the Chobe River, Namibia, at the northern extremity of the Chobe National Park. The lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats and is located approximately 90 kilometres due west of Victoria Falls. Access is by boat transfer from Botswana and it is also seasonally accessible by 4x4 vehicles from the Namibian side.
The charm of Chobe Savanna Lodge, with its sweeping views and wide vistas, lies in its beauty, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowds of large cruise boats and game drive vehicles. The emphasis here is on complete relaxation and solace. Unlike other properties, wherein regimented game activities are prioritized, Chobe Savanna Lodge offers guests the choice of just taking 'time out' or joining in on one of the many safari activities offered at the lodge. Depending upon the time of year, guests are also able to take a canoe excursion along the river, guided walking safaris along the river by professional guides and boat excursions to a nearby traditional village, where one can witness tribal African life.
As this is a water-based lodge,over the next two days guests have a choice of aquatic activities. River excursions in small boats are ideal for close encounters with the wild visitors to the river’s edge.The lodge overlooks the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. The Chobe River is home to large herds of Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo, as well as dense concentrations of other wildlife – including the rare Puku antelope – which come down to the river’s edge to drink and graze. Fishing is also a popular pastime; our catch-and-release fishing trips for Bream or Tiger Fish are a firm favourite with guests of all ages. Additionally, those wishing to experience some of the local Namibian traditions will enjoy a cultural village visit to one of the surrounding communities, where one can observe the ancient heritage of the local people.
Depart this morning after breakfast by Helicopter to Vilanculos and meet your scheduled flight to Cape Town (Via Johannesburg). On arrival you will meet for transfer to Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands for the next two days.
Less than an hours drive from Cape Town and the international airport this is an ideal haven from which to explore the Vineyards, Galleries, country shops and other interesting towns of the Western ape. Golf courses and other facilities are within easy reach.
Le Quartier Francais
This small, privately owned inn is situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands . “We like to keep things simple, but exceptional and we pride ourselves on our reputation for warm, world class service … and the little touches that make the difference.” The atmosphere at our auberge is peaceful and serene. Emphasis is on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy. Le Quartier Français is legendary for its innovative cuisine. With an endless list of awards and renowned executive chef Margot Janse at the helm, it is a superbly rated restaurant. The cuisine is contemporary and creative, using seasonal local ingredients. Guests have a variety of dining options: At the Auberge there are The Tasting Room and iCi. Further afield in the village are Delicious and Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant which is situated at our family wine estate Môreson.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Set in the picturesque valley of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands of South Africa , flanked by the majestic Hugenot Mountains, Franschhoek Country House & Villas offers luxury accommodation and one of the top rated restaurants in South Africa. The ambience is one of a French provincial village, complete with water features, fountains, cobblestones and olive trees. All suites enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, fountain courtyard and swimming pools. Breakfasts served are a feast to behold with fresh homemade breads and pastries and any hot meal desired. Visits to the FCH spa for private sessions can be prebooked. The in-house Monneaux Restaurant is rated as one of South Africa's best and serves an inspired fusion of Western and Eastern influences. Lunch is served on the magnificent fountain terrace and dinner in the relaxed, yet elegant dining room. The wine list emphasizes some of the top wines of the region.
Following breakfast this morning you will be collected for a full day Private tour of the Cape’s wine regions which are arguably some of the most scenic in the world, set around the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, surrounded by vine-covered hills and towering sandstone mountains. A mere forty-five minute drive from the city, almost two hundred wineries produce a range of red and white wine styles to suit all palates.
The university town of Stellenbosch is a great place to start. Known locally as Eikestad (translated as Oak City, after the multitude of eponymous trees) , the town boasts some of the finest and well-preserved examples of Cape-Dutch architecture in the country. Browse some of the many quaint shops and galleries, or watch the passing parade from the veranda of a vibrant coffee shop.
Wine estates visited will vary according to your preferences, with the stand-out varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and the unique local red, Pinotage. There are also many excellent Cap Classique sparkling wines to sample – our local version of Champagne. Fine cheeses, charcuterie and olive oils are also produced here, with many estates offering tastings to pair with wine.
Regarded as a foodie capital, the region is home to some of the most highly rated restaurants in South Africa. After lunch, and a final wine tasting, a stroll through Franschhoek is a must for any serious shopaholic or souvenir-hunter. For chocolate lovers, a visit to a boutique chocolaterie to sample delicious, hand-crafted confectionary should be high on your list of things to do in this historic town.
Return to the hotel this afternoon, dinner on own - reservations can be made at any of the local restaurants.
Activities for your last day in Franschhoek will depend on pending on the time of international flight departure. A half day tour of Cape Town with visits to the V&A Waterfront for last minute shopping or a trip up Table Mountain on the Rotair Cable Car can be arranged for exceptional views of the Coast. This can easily be explored on your own or private guided arrangements can be made.
Return to the hotel for check-out then meet your driver/guide for transfer to the airport and say farewell to the adventure.
