Cape Town to Kruger Safari

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to the Cape Cadogan. Free evening to explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the original Cape Town wharfs renovated as an upbeat gathering place full of restaurants, bars and cafes on the water.

About Cape Cadogan Hotel

Converted from a farmhouse in 1912, the stately Cape Cadogan was declared a national monument in 1984. This Victorian style South Africa hotel is comprised of 12 luxurious bedrooms decorated with a mix of contemporary and antique furnishings. Each bedroom has satellite TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe and comfy robes and slippers. The reception area is designed for comfort and tranquility, and public areas comprise a welcoming lounge with an open fireplace, a garden and pool area, and a library where you can relax and read or enjoy a cup of tea. These common areas all carry the theme of Oscar Wilde’s wanderings throughout Europe and New York during the late 19th century. The hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood just off bustling Kloof Street, with its many cafes, restaurants and bars. Consider the Cape Cadogan not only a hotel, but also a luxury vacation experience.

Today you’ll nibble your way through Cape Town, exploring the city with a local who weaves together history with the city’s burgeoning food scene. From Bree Street to local food stalls, your personal guide will take you to the out of the way places only a local knows. Pro tip: do NOT eat breakfast this morning! Overnight Cape Cadogan or More Quarters.

Today you’ll head off to the wine country and the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, Stellenbosch. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. You are truly spoilt for choice when you enjoy your first wine tasting of the day at the Waterford Estate (or similar). Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. This charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. Enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award-winning restaurants (lunch not included). Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape’s first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Our last stop for the day is at a wine estate on the Paarl wine route. You’ll return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside.

Our tour begins at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbor and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectibles along the main strip. Before heading into the Cape Peninsula itself we search for our own rogue penguins – a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site – on a beach known only to locals. Our tour ends with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, shipwrecks and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula and stopping for a little wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards, producer of some of South Africa’s finest Sauvignon Blanc. Lunch options are a choice of local eats, fine dining or a wild picnic lunch (lunch at an additional cost).

Option A: Timbavati Game Reserve
Tanda Tula is located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, on the western border of Kruger National Park. There is no border between the reserves so wildlife moves freely. Home to breeding herds of buffalo up to 1000 strong, leopards, rhino, elephant families and particularly the rare white lion, open vehicle game drives are always exciting. The Timbavati Reserve encompasses only 9 lodges in nearly 200 square miles, meaning plenty of space not only for wildlife but for private game viewing by guests in the reserve.

The three guides at Tanda Tula bring over 50 years of combined experience to your open vehicle game drives. Their extensive knowledge and training ensures that your game experience will be exciting, informative, and most of all unforgettable. Enjoy bush walks to experience the bush at a slower pace, and in-between game drives watch wildlife at the watering hole from your tent.

Option B: Sabi Sand Game Reserve:
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a 250 square mile reserve with a 30 mile unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. The oldest private reserve in South Africa, this area has only ever been a wilderness area and is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa. Enjoying one the highest densities of wildlife populations in South Africa the Sabi Sands Reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as cheetah, plains game, and a large assortment of bird species.

Savanna lies in an area where ‘Big 5’ sightings are so frequent, it is not unusual to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. Famous for having the best leopard viewing in the world, the Sabi Sand area is known worldwide as ‘The Land of the Leopard’.

About Savanna Private Game Lodge

The nine beautifully appointed suites nestle amongst indigenous bush and trees that provide privacy, quiet and a haven for birds. The epitome of elegance and comfort, the décor is a blend of colonial and classic with hand crafted furniture, fine linen and beautiful artwork. Three Executive and four Luxury Suites offer a unique ‘Out of Africa’ experience with canvas roofs above draped ceilings set on permanent structures. All have magnificent bathrooms and decks looking onto waterholes in the bush. In addition, the larger Executive Suites have plunge pools.

Relaxing in the comfort of the public lounge with its spacious patio, or at the main pool looking out over lush gardens and floodlit waterhole, guests are frequently treated to fantastic views of birds and game drinking and bathing, A barman is constantly in attendance to ensure the humans’ thirst is just as adequately taken care of. A viewing loft above the lounge makes a pleasant nook for a quiet game of chess as well as a bird’s eye view of the waterhole, while an adjoining library provides wireless broadband internet access. A close-knit team of friendly staff provides personalized service with each guest regarded as a valued friend.

About Tanda Tula Camp

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is situated within the pristine wilderness of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve which shares an unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The lodge is set on the banks of the Nharalumi riverbed, under the shade of huge old trees, overlooking an active waterhole. The main area comprises a cozy open plan thatched lounge and fireplace, merging into an open-sided bar. Meals are served around log fires in the traditional open air boma. There is a secluded, open air therapy hide at the edge of the watering as well as an inviting infinity pool also overlooking the watering hole.

The 12 luxurious tented suites are privately situated along the banks of the Nhralumi River, surrounded by lush riverine bush. The canvas structures are shaded by thatch and the interiors have a calm and elegant décor. En suite bathrooms have traditional Victorian bathtubs and outdoor showers overlooking the bush and riverbed. All the suites open out to private decks with lounge deck chairs. Highly skilled ranger and tracker teams guide you through more than 20,000 hectares of “Big Five” country on early morning and evening game drives. Daily guided bush walks are also offered.

Tanda Tula also offers a separate rustic, yet luxurious, field camp for a special overnight experience of old world Africa and a bygone era. No technology is allowed; no phones, watches, alarms etc (cameras okay), which makes for a special African experience.

The typical day starts with an early morning game drive, then after breakfast a bush walk gives you the opportunity to learn about the smaller wonders of the veld. Conclude your afternoon game drive at a carefully selected natural site to enjoy a sundowner whilst watching the sunset over the awe-inspiring wilderness.

Safari activities in Kruger region

There is time for an early morning game drive and breakfast before your transfer back to the Kruger Airport in time for your departing flight.

Consider extending your stay in Africa with a visit to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the thundering Victoria Falls, trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or relaxing beach side in South Africa or Mozambique.