Best Of South Africa's highlights

South Africa is a dream destination, offering the best of Cape Town, award-winning wines from the Winelands, and exceptional safaris in the private reserves bordering Kruger, such as the renowned Sabi Sands. This itinerary showcases the luxury that South Africa has to offer!

Specific highlights of this South Africa safari:

• A perfect introduction to South Africa’s best regions
• Ideal for first-time safari-goers
• Luxurious accommodation throughout the journey
• Excellent opportunity to see the Big Five
• Stay at one of the world’s most sought-after vineyards

Overview of the suggested South Africa safari lodges and activities:

This 9-night South Africa highlights tour begins with three nights in Cape Town. While in the Mother City, you’ll stay at Clarendon Bantry Bay, a charming deluxe guesthouse offering romantic, boutique-style accommodations. Your next stop is two nights in the picturesque Winelands at the luxurious Babylonstoren vineyard and working farm. The final part of your trip takes you on safari to Kirkman’s Kamp, located in the eastern Sabi Sands. Owned and operated by &Beyond, this camp guarantees top-tier accommodations, activities, and service.

Clarendon Bantry Bay provides an excellent concierge service, arranging a wide range of excursions around Cape Town. During your time in the Winelands, Babylonstoren offers numerous activities on the working farm and vineyard. Finally, at Kirkman’s Kamp, your focus will be on safari activities, including expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, astrophotography lessons, and local community visits.

Who is this South Africa trip for?

This trip has been specifically designed with couples and honeymooners in mind (two adults traveling together). However, as every trip is tailor-made, we can suggest alternative accommodations for groups or families. We can also adjust the itinerary’s length and components according to your preferences.

Days 1–4 CAPE TOWN

Upon arriving in Cape Town, you’ll spend three nights at Clarendon Bantry Bay. This intimate, elegantly designed guesthouse is nestled in the quiet suburb of Bantry Bay, on the slopes of the iconic Lion’s Head. Located on the road linking Sea Point and Clifton, the Clarendon is a peaceful retreat, away from the bustling tourist areas of Cape Town, offering a sense of private sanctuary. The stylish lounge and dining areas provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the lush garden features a sun deck and a refreshing swimming pool. Clarendon Bantry Bay serves as an ideal base for exploring Cape Town, with the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, the vibrant city center, and the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay all just a short distance away.

Days 4–6 WINELANDS

From Cape Town, it’s a short journey to the Winelands, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay at the boutique hotel and working wine farm, Babylonstoren. Nestled in the picturesque Drakenstein Valley, this property features meticulously restored Cape Dutch-style buildings set amidst over 3.5 hectares of lush gardens, including a charming prickly pear maze. The communal areas evoke a warm, homely farmhouse ambiance, with thick whitewashed walls and inviting fireplaces. Babylonstoren offers a selection of fine dining options, including Babel, which sources ingredients directly from the farm’s gardens and is housed in a beautifully repurposed old cow shed. The estate also boasts a wine-tasting room where you can sample the farm’s own exceptional wines. Guest accommodation comes in a variety of options, all either garden- or vineyard-facing, with access to an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a hot spa area featuring a sauna, salt room, and vitality pool. Ideally located for exploring the Winelands, Babylonstoren offers daily tours, and guests are encouraged to engage in the farm’s activities and experience farm life firsthand.

Days 6–10 SABI SANDS

The final leg of this South Africa highlights tour takes place in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where you’ll spend four nights at Kirkman’s Kamp. This historic property, dating back to the 1920s, exudes charm and character. The lounge and dining areas are elegantly furnished, offering stunning views of the expansive rolling lawns. In the gardens, you’ll find a magnificent infinity pool, perfect for relaxing while overlooking Kirkman’s Reserve. Each suite is designed to blend old-world charm with modern comforts, ensuring a luxurious stay. The glamorous en-suite bathrooms feature large, freestanding claw-foot tubs, adding to the sense of indulgence. Activities at Kirkman’s include morning and afternoon game drives, tracking, and photographic safaris, with private safaris also available. The game viewing is exceptional, as Kirkman’s shares a direct border with Kruger National Park and overlooks the Sand River, making it a prime spot for wildlife sightings – it’s not unusual to have wild visitors passing through the lodge itself.