Flights and transfers to Royal Malewane are not included. Guests can fly into Hoedspruit and get a road transfer to Royal Malewane, or fly direct to the private airstrip at Royal Malewane. Road transfers from Hoedspruit airport to Royal Malewane are at an additional cost.
The Kruger National Park is the ultimate place to go on safari in search of Africa's Big 5.
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and one of the world’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. The Kruger National Park is located in the Mpumulanga Province and is about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg with numerous flights to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport).
Approximately the same size as Israel or Wales, it covers some 19,485 square kilometres offering a rich diversity of ecosystems that support over 145 mammal species including the Big 5 and over 500 bird species.
The untamed environment stirs deep emotions. Visitors experience meaningful and often life changing encounters with wildlife replacing bustling city life with the tranquil sounds and splendour of nature. Time slows down as your body adjusts to the natural rhythms of the African bush.
The distinction between National Parks and Private Game Reserves is an important one. The benefits of a Private Game Reserve include:
- No restrictions on access or driving times
- Only specialised safari vehicles are permitted, no public vehicles Safari vehicles are permitted to go off road in search of the wildlife
- The accommodation is more luxurious
- You will be accompanied on your game drive by an expert ranger and tracker ensuring that your wildlife and game viewing experience is safer, superior and more informative
- Only two vehicles are permitted on a single sighting resulting in an intimate wildlife experience and fantastic photographic opportunities
Voted the best city in the world for the seventh consecutive year.
Cape Town is a colourful and vibrant city surrounded by dramatic mountains and sandy beaches. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world – presided over by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of The World – Table Mountain. The magic of Cape Town lies in the collision of natural wonder, diverse cultures, art, design and a thriving food and wine scene.
Cape Malay, Dutch and British architecture sit side by side with cutting edge 21st century loft apartments and slick skyscrapers. Sit a while in Cape Town and take in the buzz and bustle of flower sellers, buskers, food markets and Capetonians going about their daily lives.
The Houses of Parliament stand proudly in the Company Gardens, while the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most happening part of the city, with boutique shops, the Two Oceans Aquarium and innumerable restaurants from which to watch the comings and goings of the world’s ships, cruise liners and luxury yachts. A short ride away is the infamous Robben Island where you’ll find the erstwhile prison cell of the late Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela.
Part of the beauty of Cape Town as a holiday destination is the close proximity to a variety of destinations like the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route. Combine your time relaxing on a beach in Cape Town with whale watching in Hermanus, or cage dive with great white sharks off Gansbaai. From ambling through the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch to wine tasting at any of our legendary wine estates, Cape Town makes for a perfect holiday and travel experience.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN
Table Mountain – take the Cable Car to the top and savour the dramatic views or, for the more energetic, hike up Table Mountain on one of the many designated routes.
Lion’s Head – a wonderful way to orientate yourself in the city is to hike to the top of Lion’s Head – it’s a moderate to strenuous 45 minute hike to the top and the views are certainly worth the effort.
Robben Island – visit the cell where Noble Prize Winner, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison gaining remarkable insight into South Africa’s troubled past.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Kirstenbosch displays a wide variety of the unique plant life of the Cape known as fynbos. There are over 7,000 species in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, including many rare and threatened species. Kirstenbosch borders the Table Mountain National Park and merges seamlessly with the natural fynbos and forest of the mountain. Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Clifton Beaches – there are four Clifton beaches, each as beautiful as the others – pack your sunscreen, a cap, some water and your Frisbee.
- Camps Bay – the palm fronds of Camps Bay make for the most dramatic sunset pictures – a great spot for cocktails or a bite to eat.
- Surfing – head down to the Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg and take a surfing lesson with the local experts.
- Explore Bree Street – “The place to Bree” – Bree Street is the most happening street in Cape Town, barely a day goes by without a trendy new bar or restaurant opening up. Some of our favourite spots include Chef’s Warehouse, Seabreeze, Clarke’s Burger Bar and Grub & Vine.
- Explore Kloof Street – another wonderful neighbourhood destination with bars and cafés in abundance. Our picks of the bunch are Black Sheep, Kloof Street House, Power&Glory, Yours Truly and Rick’s.
- Cape Point & Boulders Beach – Explore the Cape Peninsula and see the fascinating penguins of Boulder’s Beach on a wonderful day trip from Cape Town.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive – hire a vintage car and meander along one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
- Visit the V&A Waterfront – Africa’s premier shopping and entertainment destination engulfed by the natural beauty of Cape Town.
- Explore the Cape Winelands – spend a day in Constantia, Franschhoek or Stellenbosch and sample some of the country’s finest wines in breathtaking surroundings.
- Sporting Events – South Africa is a sports-mad nation. See what’s on during your visit, but an excursion to the Cape Town stadium, Newlands Rugby Ground or Newlands Cricket Ground makes for a great day out with the locals.
- Art & Culture – Cape Town is dotted with private art galleries, niche museums and intimate theatres. Some of our recommendations include the Fugard Theatre, National Gallery in the Company Gardens, Theatre on the Bay, the Jewish Museum, District 6 Museum, Artscape Theatre and the Baxter Theatre.
Franschhoek is known as South Africa's Culinary Capital with over 60 restaurants in the charming town that has a distinctly French heritage.
Franschhoek (‘French Corner’ in Dutch) is a picturesque village where the laid back café culture has a distinctly French charm. The first French Huguenot settlers arrived in South Africa at Franschhoek in 1688 and their influence lives on, for this is a destination undeniably devoted to the creation and enjoyment of good food and wine.
Many of the original French Huguenot refugees were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek (“Elephants’ corner”), so named because of the elephants that crossed into the valley to calve. The name of the area soon changed to le Coin Français (“the French Corner”), and later to Franschhoek, with many of the settlers naming their new farms after the areas in France from which they came. La Motte, Champagne, La Cotte, Haute Cabrière, La Provence, Bourgogne, La Terra de Luc and La Dauphine were among some of the first established farms — most of which retain their original Cape Dutch farmhouses today.
Full of character, Franschhoek is distinguished by its fine colonial architecture, numerous gourmet restaurants, art galleries and curio shops. Despite its diminutive size, Franschhoek boasts an incredible range of snug cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer. From traditional English pub food to classic French bistro fare and from superb wood-fired pizzas to contemporary Indian cuisine – there is something for every palate.
