South Africa Highlights Tour

Starting off in Cape Town, Jay and Kimberly’s family spent four nights based at Lawhill Luxury Apartments, situated in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, close to hundreds of shops and innumerable restaurant options. Big fans of adventure, the family opted for a full-day Cape Peninsula Wet and Wild Excursion, featuring a stop at a top surf spot – Muizenberg Beach – a visit to Kalk Bay fishing harbour and its bohemian, arty shops, followed by a snorkel and stand-up paddle in sheltered coves to spot the local penguin colony in Simon’s Town. The day was packed full with a hike at Cape Point to spot shipwrecks, whales, white sands and wildlife, followed by early evening sundowners along the Cape Peninsula. Leaning into the adventure even more, the family departed on their Lion’s Head and Cape Town Urban Adventure Excursion, starting the day with a hike up Lions Head ending in a 360-degree view over the beautiful ‘Mother City’. A leisurely lunch in the heart of the city game the family time to get refreshed before continuing their day with a walk through the most colourful neighbourhood of Bo Kaap, with brightly coloured houses dating back as early as the seventeenth century. The Promenade area of Sea Point is best explored on bicycles along the water’s edge to explore 11 art installations that tackle subjects ranging from Rhino conservation to the 18 years Nelson Mandela spent on Robben Island.

Day five took Jay and Kimberly’s family to the Whale Coast for an Overberg Adventure Day excursion, beginning in the scenic Elgin Valley with a four-hour ziplining adventure, followed by lunch and a light hike through the fynbos before heading to Grootbos. Home of the ‘Marine Big 5’ (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins); and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos was the perfect spot for a one-of-a-kind luxury African experience. The 11 freestanding suites are stylishly furnished with luxurious canopy beds, spacious en-suite bathrooms, separate lounges with cosy fireplaces and private wooden decks with spectacular panoramic views.

After an early check out, the family departed on their Marine Big 5 excursion. The day started with a full immersion into breath-taking coastal landscape en route to Hermanus for a whale watching adventure. After their boat trip they ventured to the small villages perched on the cliffs above the bay for an elevated vantage point to view the whales, and possibly even see some calves. The family could then choose to visit the pig artist, Pigcasso, at her OINK Gallery, head to Franschhoek for a Huguenot chocolate tasting, enjoy a Holden Manz picnic, explore Boschendal’s Tree House and Manor House wine tasting before checking in to their accommodation at Le Quartier Francais for two nights.

With an early departure for the airport, the family headed to Madikwe Hills Airstrip via a series of flights, followed by a road transfer to Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge for their three-night stay. The lodge’s daily programme included an early wake-up call and tea or coffee before a morning game drive, followed by a big breakfast. With lunch at 1pm, the family could explore the lodge or lean into some deep rest and relaxation in their secluded air-conditioned glass-fronted suites with uninterrupted views of the African bush, fireplaces and private plunge pools before their afternoon safari.

After a blissful stay, Jay, Kimberly and their family checked out and transferred back to their airstrip to begin their series of flights home.