Where It All Began

Family Friendly South African Safari

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Price Per Person Sharing

$3,860

Country

South Africa

Duration

9 Nights

What to expect on your...

Family Friendly South African Safari

Cape Town to Kruger Park: A South African Adventure from City Sights to Safari Nights!

YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS
DAY 1 in Cape Town
Welcome to the "Mother City"
Your Accommodation

As you arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), you’ll be whisked away to Welgelegen House, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Cape Town. For the next six nights, this cozy retreat offers a serene environment, originally two separate family residences (Hofmeyr House and Stephenson House) now seamlessly integrated with a lush leafy courtyard. The hotel features an outdoor pool with panoramic views of Table Mountain, a rejuvenating spa area, and a cozy in-house library. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable stay. A delightful breakfast is served in the peaceful courtyard, providing a variety of delicious options to start your day.

Welgelegen House

https://welgelegen.co.za/

6 Stephen St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

021 426 2373

Your Travel Time

From Cape Town International Airport, you’ll be transported directly to Welgelegen House, where you’ll stay for six nights. The content doesn’t specify exact travel times between locations, but all activities and accommodations are conveniently located in Cape Town.

Your Activities

During your stay, you’ll embark on a fascinating walking tour of Cape Town’s historical and cultural landmarks, including Bo-Kaap, District Six, and the Old Town. Begin with a stroll through Bo-Kaap, where you’ll marvel at the brightly colored houses and cobblestone streets, while learning about the area’s rich cultural heritage. Led by your guide, Chris Hannival, a proud native of District Six, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of the neighborhood’s history, including the forced removals during apartheid. The walking tour also includes a visit to the District Six Museum, offering a poignant look at the area’s once-vibrant community and its forced displacement.

Your Food

While staying at Welgelegen House, enjoy a delightful breakfast served in the peaceful courtyard, overlooking the lush garden and offering a variety of delicious options. For lunch, head to Bo Kaap Kombuis, a traditional Cape Malay restaurant with panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. Here, you’ll indulge in mouthwatering dishes prepared by the Larrney family, known for their authentic Cape Malay cuisine.

DAYS 2 - 4 in Cape Town
Marine Marvels and Scenic Splendors
Your Accommodation

Welgelegen House, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Cape Town. This cozy retreat will be your home for the next six nights. Welgelegen House has been a proud member of the Return Africa Collection since 2017 and is the result of the clever integration of two former family residences, Hofmeyr House and Stephenson House, connected through a serene leafy courtyard, adding to the hotel’s unique charm. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool with breathtaking views of Table Mountain, a rejuvenating spa area, and a cozy in-house library. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort throughout your stay. Start your day with a delightful breakfast served in the peaceful ambiance of the hotel’s courtyard.

Welgelegen House

https://welgelegen.co.za/

6 Stephen St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

021 426 2373

Your Travel Time

Day 1: The marine safari in Gansbaai is a short drive from Cape Town, likely around 2 to 2.5 hours one way. Afterward, you’ll continue your scenic exploration through the Hemel en Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Clarence Drive, and Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, all of which are within a few hours’ drive from Cape Town. Day 2: The Cape Peninsula exploration starts with a drive to Boulder’s Beach and Cape Point, both of which are about 1.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town. Then, travel to Muizenberg and Simonstown, which are relatively close by and easily reached within 30 minutes to an hour. Day 3: Uthando’s community projects are located within Cape Town, so there is minimal travel time involved, likely within the city limits.

Your Activities

  • Marine Safari & Gansbaai (Day 1): Begin the day with an exhilarating marine safari with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai, where you’ll get the heart-pounding thrill of encountering great white sharks in their natural habitat, as well as seals and dolphins.
  • Hemel en Aarde Valley & Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (Day 1): After lunch, continue your adventure with a scenic exploration of the Hemel en Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Clarence Drive, and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, taking in the stunning views of lush vineyards, dramatic cliffs, pristine lakes, and potentially whales.
  • Cape Peninsula Exploration (Day 2): Begin your second day with a visit to Boulder’s Beach, where you’ll meet the charming African penguins waddling along the beach, followed by a visit to Cape Point, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge.
  • Muizenberg Beach & Surfing (Day 2): Continue to Muizenberg, famous for its brightly colored beach huts and surf culture. You can even take part in a surf lesson with Gary’s Surf School if you’re interested.
  • Simonstown Visit (Day 2): Visit the historic town of Simonstown, known for its naval history and Victorian architecture.
  • Uthando Community Projects (Day 3): Dive into the vibrant culture of Cape Town by visiting Uthando’s community projects, where you’ll meet local changemakers and visit various initiatives, such as a community garden and youth development center. You’ll also have the chance to participate in hands-on activities like gardening and drumming workshops to experience the transformative power of local grassroots programs.

Your Food

  • Lunch (Day 1): After your marine safari in Gansbaai, enjoy a delectable seafood lunch at Rosemary’s Gansbaai, known for serving the freshest local seafood with stunning views of the bay.
  • Dinner (Day 1): The day concludes with a memorable dinner at Fyn, where you’ll savor Cape Malay-spiced line fish paired with fine local wines in a cozy, elegant ambiance.
  • Lunch (Day 2): On your exploration of the Cape Peninsula, enjoy lunch at Harbour House in the picturesque Kalk Bay fishing village, offering stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood.
  • Dinner (Day 2): After a day of exploration, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Miller’s Thumb in Cape Town, known for its eclectic, vibrant ambiance and creative seafood dishes infused with global flavors.
  • Meal Inclusions: Breakfast Only each day.

DAYS 5 - 7 in Umlani, Kruger Park
Bush Beats & Starry Retreats
Your Accommodation

After your morning transfer from Welgelegen to Cape Town Airport, you’ll board a flight to Hoedspruit Airport, followed by a brief road transfer to Umlani Bush Camp, your home for the next few nights. At Umlani, you’ll stay in one of the four family huts, designed for both comfort and an authentic bush experience. Each hut is furnished with a double bed and two single beds, with crisp white linen to ensure a restful stay. Enjoy the open-air bush shower, and rest assured that standard bathroom amenities, bottled water, and insect repellent are provided. The huts offer a serene and immersive experience, with the sounds of the bush surrounding you. Umlani’s peaceful and rustic atmosphere perfectly complements the thrill of safari.

Umlani Bushcamp

https://www.umlani.com/

Timbavati Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 7985

021 785 5547

Your Travel Time

After your morning transfer from Welgelegen to Cape Town Airport, you’ll board a flight to Hoedspruit Airport, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon landing at Hoedspruit, you’ll enjoy a brief road transfer to Umlani Bush Camp, which is about a 30-minute drive from the airport. From there, the rest of the activities and explorations at Umlani Bush Camp are based locally within the reserve, so no further travel is required.

Your Activities

Your adventure begins with an afternoon game drive in an open-top 4×4 vehicle, where you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five and other wildlife. Each day begins with an early morning game drive, offering prime opportunities for wildlife viewing. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before selecting your next activity. You can opt for a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding environment on foot, or simply relax at the camp by the pool or on the bush bar deck, which overlooks the riverbed. For a more intimate experience with nature, consider visiting Umlani’s secluded treehouse, located 2.5 kilometers from the main camp. From this treehouse, you’ll enjoy stunning views of a serene dam and the wilderness around you. The treehouse is equipped with blankets, pillows, and a cooler box for your comfort. After lunch, head out on another afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the reserve as the sun sets. Each evening ends with pre-dinner drinks around the fire, followed by a memorable dinner under the stars.

Your Food

Meals at Umlani Bush Camp are a highlight of the experience. Enjoy dinner in the open-air boma or riverbed, surrounded by flares and cauldron fires, creating a magical dining atmosphere under the stars. Each meal is crafted to be a memorable experience, enhanced by the stunning natural surroundings. On days 6 and 7, after early morning game drives, enjoy breakfast and a variety of dining options, including a choice of activities to complement the relaxation time after meals. Evenings feature pre-dinner drinks around a crackling fire, followed by a candlelit dinner either in the dining room or the riverbed, ensuring a unique and atmospheric setting for every meal.

DAYS 8 - 9 in Simbavati, Kruger Park
Wildlife Safaris and Bush Reflections
Your Accommodation

On your eighth day, you’ll transfer to Simbavati River Lodge, nestled within an acacia thicket in the heart of the African bush. This serene retreat offers chalets that provide privacy, seclusion, and a tranquil escape amidst nature. The chalets are designed for comfort, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness without sacrificing convenience. After settling in, enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading out for the day’s activities. The lodge offers a range of facilities to ensure relaxation, including a large swimming pool, a spa, and cozy spaces for unwinding in the bar and lounge areas.

Simbavati River Lodge

https://www.simbavati.com/

4, Timbavati Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380

087 151 4520

Your Travel Time

In the morning, you’ll begin with a game drive at Umlani Bush Camp, followed by a transfer to Simbavati River Lodge. The travel time for this transfer is not explicitly mentioned, but typically it could take around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on the location of the camps and the condition of the roads. Once at Simbavati River Lodge, all activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and relaxation time, will take place on-site, requiring no additional travel for the duration of your stay.

Your Activities

  • Game Drives & Walking Safari (Day 8): Start your adventure with an invigorating morning game drive at Umlani Bush Camp, where you’ll experience the early activities of wildlife in the bush. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the camp before transferring to Simbavati River Lodge. Once settled in, indulge in a delicious lunch before embarking on an afternoon walking safari led by expert rangers. As you explore the wilderness on foot, you’ll have the chance to observe the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo) as well as other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and antelopes.
  • Safaris & Lodge Relaxation (Day 9): On day 9, embark on early morning and afternoon safaris guided by knowledgeable rangers, offering further opportunities to explore the African wilderness and encounter its diverse wildlife. Between safaris, you can relax at the lodge, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere while enjoying amenities like the large swimming pool, spa, and bar/lounge areas. The serene surroundings offer the perfect space to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Your Food

At Simbavati River Lodge, meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience of African cuisine. After an exciting morning game drive and a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch to recharge before your afternoon walking safari. After a day of exploration, return to the lodge to relish a satisfying dinner, served against the stunning backdrop of the African bush. Meals are designed to complement the adventure and tranquility of the surroundings, offering both nourishment and indulgence.

DAY 10 in Simbavati
Homeward Bound
Your Travel Time

Road Transfer to Hoedspruit Airport: After your stay at Simbavati River Lodge, you’ll take a road transfer to Hoedspruit Airport, the duration of which is not specified, but typically this could take around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the exact location of the lodge and road conditions. Flight to Johannesburg: From Hoedspruit Airport, you’ll catch a 1-hour flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect with your international flight home.

Your Activities

As your unforgettable journey draws to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to Simbavati. You’ll take a road transfer to Hoedspruit Airport. From here you’ll take a quick 1-hour flight to Johannesburg where you’ll catch your flight homeward.

YOU'VE REACHED THE END OF YOUR JOURNEY!

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