CONNOISSEUR SAFARI PORTFOLIO - "Private" Cape to Kenya Safari

Expert tips:

DAYS 1 - 4: ELLERMAN HOUSE, CAPE TOWN

3 nights at Ellerman House in Villa One, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Ellerman House is Cape Town’s most luxurious grand hotel. Situated in the prestigious Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay (only 10min from the bustling city centre), this Cape Edwardian mansion demands your attention with its terraced lawns, outstanding art collection, unparalleled service and unique experiences. For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront of hospitality innovation while embracing the classic elegance of the regal building. Prepare to be immersed in the rich South African culture while enjoying a leading South African art collection, tasting local flavours, enjoying the sounds of local musicians in one of country’s most exclusive addresses.

With only 11 rooms, 2 suites and 2 three-bedroom villas, the property boasts two lounges, library, bar, dining room, three dining terraces, pantry, spa, fitness centre, heated swimming pool, brandy lounge, Wine Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery and Champagne cellar – all exclusive to its guests.

Villa One is defined by its contemporary architecture and breathtaking private location, offering all the benefits of hotel living with the advantage of complete exclusivity, flexibility and highly personalised service. Built on multiple levels, Villa One offers spacious entertainment and relaxation areas that come with a private chef and host, en-suite bedrooms with private terraces and a private infinity pool with the best ocean views Cape Town has to offer.

In the heart of a coconut grove, this boutique hotel inspired by a Mauritian Creole style is decorated entirely by the prestigious Belgian decorator, Flamant. Member of “Relais et Chateaux”, the hotel 20 ° Sud is recommended for adults and does not admit children under 12 years old. Everything is done to make your stay in Grand Baie particularly pleasant...

You will be staying in one of the suites at this intimate and discreet hotel. Unique and personalized by theme, they are distributed in one-storey buildings and face the lagoon. Some of them even have a hot tub or a small relaxation pool for added privacy

At the Secret Spa, our art is the rituals of well-being. We do not only take care of your skin, we do take care of the person and make your inner beauty be revealed by the magic hands of our therapists together with our branded products of Comfort Zone. Our higher purpose is to help and encourage people to take care of themselves and to live more soulfully.

Included:

Inclusive of accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport, drinks (excluding wine and Champagne), minibar, pantry, laundry, shoe cleaning, sunset cocktails and canapes, WiFi, wine tastings and art tours, Zeitz MOCAA access, Private transfers from and to Cape Town Airport.

Expert tips:

DAYS 4 - 6: DUBA PLAINS CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA

2 nights at Duba Plains Camp in the Suite, on a full board basis

Duba Plains Camp is a wildlife connoisseur’s getaway to the Okavango Delta. Built on a wooded island, connected to the prolific wildlife area by an elaborate set of bridges, the camp is the base of many famous wildlife documentaries by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Duba Plains Suite is a private, exquisite two-bedroom tented villa located on the 33,000 hectare private Duba Plains Reserve. Tucked into pristine Okavango Delta wildlife habitat with views across floodplains filled with iconic African wildlife species, there is simply no other safari experience like this in the Okavango Delta.

The perfect partner to the Zarafa Dhow Suite, the Duba Plains Suite is raised on recycled railway- sleeper decking and offers guests amazing views and a steady stream of wildlife parading past.
The heart of the Suite is an indoor lounge and dining area. Each of the two large bedrooms have their own private verandah complete with plunge pool and shaded outdoor sala. Each bedroom room is beautifully appointed with en-suite facilities including indoor and outdoor showers and a luxurious bath. Ceiling fans, an environmentally friendly air-conditioning system over the guests bed, and careful tent design maintain a comfortable climate. Guests of the Duba Plains Suite automatically enjoy the services of a private vehicle and guide as well as a host and chef. The Duba Plains Suite has a luxurious yet clearly African feel and has no equal in its environmental credentials and careful appointments.

Included:

Private Air Charter from Cape Town International to Maun Airport.

Fully inclusive of accommodation, Great Plains’ conservation levy, scheduled wildlife activities, meals, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brand spirits and champagne), Privately guided and hosted.

Private Air Charter from Maun Airport to Duba Plains Camp.

Expert tips:

The Duba Plains Reserve region prides itself on extraordinary wildlife experiences. Many consider this region to be the Okavango Delta’s Maasai Mara because of the sheer volume of wildlife. This is the area that Great Plains Conservation owners, National Geographic filmmakers and conservationists, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, chose for their home base. Great Plains Conservation is the only operator on the concession, thereby offering guests the ultimate opportunity for private wildlife sightings

Expert tips:

DAYS 6 - 9: SELINDA CAMP, SELINDA RESERVE

3 nights at Selinda Camp in the suite, on a full board basis

Set in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on our planet, the brand new Selinda Camp rests on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, as it enters the Linyanti River. The private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve boasts elephants by the thousands, regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs as well as the famous Selinda Lion Pride recently feature in the National Geographic film “Birth of a Pride” by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The area has a sense of remoteness, a true spirit of Africa, and is a great example of Botswana bush embodying a variety of species and rare animals.

The new Selinda Camp represents the meeting place of three cultures; European, Mokololo and Bayei and is themed to resemble that of the thatched village of Sangwali, one that used to house 3,000 warriors and sufficient enough to loan David Livingstone 200 men during his travels.

Spears, shields and an African version of Robinson Crusoe is the enduring theme through the camp, and its architectural design elements centre around Water, Air, Earth and Fire, all of which ground the design.

Selinda Camp’s design pays homage first and foremost to Water, with splashes of blue and crystal- clear swimming pools offering views over the equally immaculate Selinda Spillway to ease your arrival, usually by boat. The billowing silks, which adorn the ceilings of the lounge area, are a tribute to Air and the afternoon breezes that ripple the endless sea of nearby grasses. Earth is represented in the cornucopia of home-grown meals lovingly prepared in our kitchens, fresh from the earth, and the bright flames of our evening Fire complete the ethos of being in harmony with nature’s natural elements.

The safari drives, walks, boating, tracking, birding and other bespoke viewing activities are designed to place you in front of the best wildlife the area has to offer for a unique one on one life changing experience, from leopards to elephants and hippos and aim to tick off as many as the 200 or more bird species in the area.

Included:

Private Air Charter from Duba Plains Camp to Selinda Camp

Fully inclusive of accommodation, Great Plains’ conservation levy, scheduled wildlife activities, meals, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brand spirits and champagne), Privately guided and hosted.

Expert tips:

The Selinda Reserve is a 320,00-acre private concession in northern Botswana at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas; upstream from Savute Channel and Chobe National Park and north of the expanding reaches of the greater Okavango Delta. This unique position gives it the advantages of both of these famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and varied landscape that boasts staggering wildlife populations in diverse habitats year-round. Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, Red lechwe, zebra and giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, cheetah, roan and sable antelopes.

Selinda  Camp sits in prime predator habitat, in a location, which we handpicked based on exploring this area for years. Lion, leopard and cheetah and the recently discovered Selinda's Pack of African wild dog hunt these parts regularly. Giraffe, buffalo, roan and sable are possible sightings. At the peak of the dry season in late September, the Selinda Reserve has been documented to hold up to 9,000 elephants. There is phenomenal bird life along the Spillway’s banks for those looking for some ‘lifers’.

Expert tips:

DAYS 9 - 11: MATETSI VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

2 nights at Matetsi Victoria Falls in a River Lodge Suite, on a fully inclusive basis

The ultimate location from which to explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site Victoria Falls. Matetsi offers a whole new way of experiencing the world’s greatest waterfall in luxury.

Set on a private 15 km stretch of the mighty Zambezi, just 40 km upriver from Victoria Falls, Matetsi is unique in its offer of both world-class safari experiences and an idyllic retreat from which to visit the Falls.

River Lodge comprises of two intimate river-facing camps. Each camp includes eight suites and one family suite.

• Spacious and air-conditioned

• Sumptuous king-size bed

• Large circular bathtub

• Indoor and outdoor rain showers

• Private plunge pool and deck

• Views of the Zambezi River

   

River Lodge guests are looked after by a personal butler, and have the option of booking a private safari vehicle.

In addition to private dining with a private chef and butler provided, Matetsi River Lodge and River House guests enjoy open-space East and West camp bars, bomas and social dining facilities, as well as the intriguing cellar with an extensive wine list.

Zimbabwean Executive Chef, Shane Ellis, provides a fresh and evolving menu of international and local fine foods including Zambezi bream (fresh-water fish), vegetarian and vegan options and local highlights including venison, sadza (white cornmeal) and peanut butter rice which is much loved in the area.

Included:

Private Air Charter from  the Camps to Kasane and to Victoria Falls International.

Fully inclusive of accommodation, wildlife viewing activities, meals, daily laundry, return Victoria Falls International Airport transfers which may be a combination of road and boat transfers or purely road transfers, one return road transfer to Victoria Falls town, one entrance ticket to see the Victoria Falls per guest’s stay on a self-guided basis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brand spirits and champagne), mandatory nightly conservation levy and park fees. Privately guided and hosted.

Expert tips:

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY

Matetsi Private Game Reserve lies in the North-West corner of Zimbabwe, a country globally renowned for being the first country in Africa with a visionary approach to managing natural resources from as early as 1975. The country has the second largest elephant population in the world and still holds significant tracts of African teak. Both of these are evident within the pristine 55,000-hectare wilderness that is Matetsi Private Game Reserve. The property holds a key position within the enormous Kavongo-Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA), the largest TFCA in the world and incorporating five countries; Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. (www.panda.org) At Matetsi we have taken deliberate steps to ensure minimum impact on our environment.

• Camps were set up within original campsite footprints and materials re-used and sourced locally, as far as possible.

• Local labour and talent ensured distinctly African, contemporary design and support for local artisans and talent.

• A vital, clear-roads network was installed throughout Matetsi Private Game Reserve – essential for anti-poaching and game viewing.

• Solar-powered boreholes and wide-reach radio networks have been installed to ensure vital care and protection of the wildlife

  and botanical treasures.

   

At Matetsi, we know that it is our responsibility to conserve our natural resources and to build environmental awareness.

• We have installed Natura water bottling plants at all camps and pure still and sparkling water is served in recycled glass bottles.

• Our knowledgeable safari guides are assisted by passionate trackers who have the opportunity to learn directly from the experienced guides. The pair engage with our guests to share knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna in this

  beautiful part of Africa.

Expert tips:

DAYS 11 - 14: MARA PLAINS CAMP, OLARE MOTOROGI CONSERVANCY, MAASAI MARA

3 nights at ol Mara Plains Camp in a family suite on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks. The image of acacia trees on endless wildlife filled grass plains epitomises Africa for many, add Maasai warriors and the conversation need go no further.

The greater Maasai Mara Reserve offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional open game drive vehicle safaris and guided walking safaris or hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara plains has become almost essential.

Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind, seven tented camp located in the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This intimate camp blends the finest wildlife viewing with outstanding hospitality and guiding. No other camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, with access to a total of 100,000 acres of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration.

Each of the seven tents has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) plus the extensive private verandah complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. Each guest tent has a set of professional Canon camera and lenses available for guests to use on a complimentary basis. Add in a pair of Swarovski binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.

Included:

Private Air Charter from Victoria Falls International to Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi.

Fully inclusive of accommodation, National Park fees, scheduled wildlife activities, meals, laundry and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brands and champagne). Private Vehicle.

Private Air Charter from Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi to Mara North and back to Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi.

Expert tips:

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. There is only one guest bed per 350 acres, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive, as nature intended. By day and night, the camp is a sanctuary for resident animals, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species. After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus.

Mara Plains also offers walking safaris and day & night game drives. Hot air ballooning is available and should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.