Sophie Beraznik and family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Cape Town Arrival
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you’ll be met by a representative who will transfer you to Grootbos Forest Lodge. As you drive, be sure to gaze out at your first views of the coast!
Your hotel is nestled in an ancient Milkwood forest near Walker Bay, a whale sanctuary. Settle into your modern and spacious accommodation, looking out at the rolling hills and ocean. Take a dip in the heated infinity pool or explore the property, with meandering forest-lined paths designed to celebrate the environment. Later, watch the sunset over the bay and dine beneath a forest canopy decorated with fairy lights as the stars sparkle above you.
Overnight Grootbos Forest Lodge
Day 2
Whale Watching in Hermanus
After breakfast, set off towards Hermanus, renowned for its prolific whale viewing. Each year, hundreds of Southern Right Whales migrate here from the icy Antarctic to the warm bays that provide the perfect shelter for mating, birthing, and raising calves.
Delight in this unique opportunity to view these energetic creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll be in a small boat with whale experts for the day. Soak in the sun and look out for whales breaching and swimming nearby. You may also see dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks.
After a day on the water, return to your lodge with the evening at leisure. Learn more about South Africa’s celebrated wines with a visit to the wine cellar, or relax by the fireplace in your room, watching the sky explode with color as the sun sets.
Overnight Grootbos Forest Lodge
Day 3
De Hoop Nature Reserve
After breakfast, get ready to whale watch from a unique perspective! Board a helicopter and enjoy the thrill of a flight along the coast to your next accommodation. Below, look out at whales frolicking in the waves, expansive vineyards, towering mountains, and even a few shipwrecks.
Upon arrival at Morukuru Beach Lodge, you’ll have time to settle in and explore. This secluded, boutique eco-lodge boasts views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Your honeymoon suite features a private deck with an outdoor bathtub and sunloungers for the ultimate relaxation. In the evening, you’ll have exclusive access to Bites Beach Café, which offers outdoor seating perfect for land-based whale watching.
Overnight Morukuru Beach Lodge
Day 4 - 5
Exploring the Reserve
Enjoy two full days to explore the 36,000-hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve is part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Area. Situated at the southern tip of Africa, this tiny floral kingdom is a World Heritage Site. It also includes three nautical miles of protected marine area.
Based on weather conditions and tides, your guide will offer two daily activities. Options may include marine walks, fynbos walks, coastal hikes, sandboarding, mountain biking, nature drives, snorkeling, and swimming in protected rock pools. You’ll also have plenty of time for land-based whale watching.
Overnight Morukuru Beach Lodge
Day 6
Safari Arrival
After breakfast, transfer to Cape Town for your domestic flight to Skukuza Airport. Upon arrival, our representative will bring you to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. As you drive, notice the dramatic change in landscape from the coast.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is designed with sustainability and immersion in nature in mind. The clean lines and natural finishes are the perfect foil for the luxury, grandeur, and lavish touches that epitomize Earth Lodge – including individual splash pools for each suite, a butler, ultra-luxurious bathrooms, magnificent wooden carvings, sculpted furniture, and an underground wine cellar housing over 6,000 bottles of rare wines.
Visit the fine-dining restaurant, which features fresh, organic ingredients and traditional recipes. The lodge has numerous spectacular settings in which to dine. Opt to enjoy lunch with your toes dipped in water at the Day Bar Pool and, in the evening, dine under a blanket of stars in the heart of the bush.
Overnight Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Day 7 - 8
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
With three full days on safari, there’s so much to see! Each morning and evening, depart from your luxury lodge into the wilderness, either by open safari vehicle or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Delight in thrilling encounters with Africa’s beautiful wild creatures throughout the reserve.
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, named for the Sabie and Sand Rivers that flow through it, is renowned for its wildlife density and predator interactions. Although it shares a fenceless boundary with Kruger National Park, much of the wildlife remains within the reserve. Over the years, the animals have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, resulting in close encounters, particularly with the elusive leopards.
Roaming packs of African wild dogs, territorial lions, and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings. In addition to its consistently high density of wildlife, the reserve’s conservation ethos guarantees that vehicle numbers are kept to a minimum during wildlife sightings. This exclusive safari experience ensures the welfare of the habituated animals. Being in the private reserve affords more flexibility with opportunities to go off-road and enjoy both night drives and bush walks.
Overnight Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Day 9
Departure
After a final breakfast in the African grasslands, it’s time for your transfer back to Cape Town for your onward international flight. Leave South Africa having experienced exceptional wildlife encounters and the chance to unwind in luxury.
