Family Private Safari Whale Coast & Madikwe

Overview

Perfect for families or groups of friends, this 10-day journey showcases the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa’s southern Cape, the energetic city of Johannesburg, and the thrilling wildlife experiences of Madikwe Game Reserve.

Your adventure begins at Morukuru Ocean House in De Hoop Nature Reserve, regarded as Southern Africa’s premier coastal reserve. This pristine haven of fynbos flora and diverse wildlife also serves as a nursery for southern right whales between July and October. From here, journey to Johannesburg for a two-night stay at the luxurious Athol House, paired with a visit to vibrant Soweto, a neighborhood central to South Africa’s recent history.

Conclude your journey in the untamed wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve, where you’ll enjoy exhilarating big game sightings while staying at Morukuru Farm House.

With private villa accommodations throughout, this itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace while savoring world-class hospitality and cuisine in some of South Africa’s most stunning settings.

Highlights & Activities

What’s on offer during this itinerary?

• Exclusive private villa accommodations
• Personal chefs & dedicated staff
• Sleep under the stars at Morokuru Hide
• Seasonal whale watching
• Guided nature walks & mountain biking
• Day & night game drives at Madikwe

Summary

• Tour Duration: 10 Days
• Start: Whale Coast, South Africa
• End: Madikwe, South Africa

Days 1-3: De Hoop Dreams | 3 Nights

Whale Coast, South Africa

Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted on a picturesque drive to De Hoop. The journey winds through majestic mountain passes, rolling farmlands, and quaint towns, with occasional glimpses of the sparkling Indian Ocean. As you approach De Hoop, you’ll continue to Ocean House, a stunning stone-clad villa nestled on a fynbos-covered slope overlooking the ocean, just a short stroll from the pristine beach.

With a private staff and dedicated chef at your service, your stay is tailored to your preferences, whether you desire restful relaxation or thrilling exploration.

Your personal guide is available to lead you on a range of activities, including 4×4 excursions to uncover the fascinating fynbos ecology, birdwatching expeditions, scenic tours, and coastal nature walks. The reserve boasts 51 kilometres (32 miles) of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and limestone cliffs, offering endless opportunities for adventure. During whale calving season (typically July to October), the bay’s crystal-clear waters become a playground for southern right whales, which can be seen breaching and frolicking with their calves from the beaches and cliffs.

Days 4-5: Electrifying Johannesburg | 2 Nights

Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon landing in Johannesburg, you’ll be greeted and transported to the serene Athol Place, located in the leafy, tranquil suburb of Sandton. This elegant villa, surrounded by sprawling gardens with mature trees and a sparkling swimming pool, offers a perfect balance of understated sophistication and refined glamour. Attentive staff, including a host, manager, and private chef, are on hand to ensure your stay is both indulgent and stress-free. For those seeking a dose of retail therapy or culinary delights, the upscale precincts of Mandela Square and Sandton City are just a short distance away.

When you’re ready, your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of Soweto, a neighbourhood brimming with energy and history. This is where much of South Africa’s modern history was written, encompassing everything from vibrant, colourful ‘shanty towns’ to the affluent suburbs of prominent figures such as Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Hector Peterson Memorial and the Apartheid Museum, both of which serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.

Days 6-8: Into the Wilds | 4 Nights

Madikwe, South Africa

After returning to the airport, you will board a charter flight to Madikwe Private Game Reserve, where your guide from Morukuru Farm House will be waiting to greet you.

Nestled within a 100-hectare fenced area, the 5-suite Morukuru Farm House offers a serene sanctuary where children can freely explore and play in safety, and you can wander at your leisure. The house combines elegance with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, offering a true sense of home in the wild. The fenced surroundings are an ideal space for nature walks with your guide, allowing you to learn about the area’s diverse ecosystems, identify antelope tracks, observe the fascinating world of smaller creatures like dung beetles, and marvel at the complexity of termite mounds.

Beyond the fence lies a vast expanse of big game territory, and a walking safari here promises an exhilarating experience. The reserve is home to the Big 5, and you are likely to encounter them, as well as other magnificent wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog. Your expert guide and tracker will reveal the hidden wonders of the wilderness, from fresh spoor on the ground and flattened grass where a lion has rested, to the distinctive call of a go-away bird.

To elevate your adventure, you have the unique opportunity to sleep under the stars at the Morukuru Hide, a raised platform overlooking a popular waterhole. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at an elegant linen-clad table, followed by a night in comfortable beds beneath protective mosquito nets. Surrounded by the sounds of the African night, you will rest in perfect safety, gazing at the stars as the wild world carries on around you.

Day 10: Farewell, South Africa

The time has come to say goodbye. After a final morning game drive or nature walk, you’ll enjoy a delicious brunch, savoring the last moments in the heart of the African wilderness. Then, it’s time to head back to the airstrip.

As your flight back to Johannesburg takes off, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past days— the sun-kissed beaches at De Hoop, where southern right whales danced in the azure waters beyond the breakers; the majestic sight of ochre-clad elephants drinking in harmony by a riverbank… Each moment now etched in your memory as you journey home, filled with joy and gratitude for this remarkable adventure.