Southern Africa Luxury Bush & Beach Escape
Overview
From vineyard valleys to wild savannahs and Indian Ocean shores
This 17-night Southern Africa luxury safari captures the full spectrum of the region — urban elegance, world-class wine, untamed wilderness, and barefoot beach bliss. Begin in Cape Town, where Table Mountain meets culinary creativity. Continue into the Winelands for vineyard valleys and art-filled estates before heading into the bush. Experience thrilling Big Five encounters at Marataba, then the soulful connection of Jabulani’s elephant sanctuary. After a seamless overnight stay in Johannesburg, end your journey in Mozambique at Villa Santorini, a private oceanfront escape where time slows and the only agenda is relaxation. It’s Southern Africa, reimagined for the discerning traveller.
Highlights
- Private villa stay in Cape Town
- Art and wine in the Cape Winelands
- Big Five safaris in Marataba’s mountains
- Elephant encounters at Jabulani
- Barefoot luxury at Mozambique’s Villa Santorini
Destinations
Mozambique | South Africa
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 1-3
Cape Town
Flanked by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is Africa’s most iconic city. Here, world-class dining, art, and design meet dramatic landscapes. A cosmopolitan base for adventure, culture, and coastal beauty.
Day 4-5
Cape Winelands
Franschhoek and Stellenbosch offer vineyard valleys, art-filled estates, and some of Africa’s best dining. A blend of Cape Dutch heritage and modern refinement, it’s the ultimate escape just an hour from Cape Town.
Day 6–8
Marakele National Park
Set in the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele is a malaria-free wilderness of cliffs, plains, and diverse wildlife. It is home to elephants, rhino, and lions, with safaris that balance untamed adventure and eco-luxury.
Day 13–17
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago
Vilanculos shimmers with turquoise waters, coral reefs, and island rhythms. From dhow sails and ocean dives to barefoot villas, it offers serene barefoot luxury and one of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic escapes.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1–3
Day 1–3
Arrive
Cape Town
Check-in
Cape Cadogan
Begin your journey in Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Stay at Cape Cadogan, a boutique retreat in the vibrant Gardens district. Explore the city’s natural icons, from Table Mountain to Cape Point, and its cultural treasures, including museums, design quarters, and waterfront dining. Evenings are for sunset cocktails, fine dining, and strolling through lively streets.
Accommodation
Cape Cadogan
Cape Cadogan is a historic Georgian townhouse turned boutique hotel. With just 15 rooms, it offers personalised service, elegant interiors, and a quiet location close to Cape Town’s top attractions.
Experiences
Take a private guided tour of Cape Town’s highlights – Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the Cape Peninsula. Sample the city’s culinary scene with fine dining or street food experiences, or opt for a helicopter flip over the coast.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 4-5
Day 3–4
Arrive
Franschhoek
Check-in
Leeu House
Continue into the Cape Winelands, where vineyard valleys and art collections set the scene for indulgence. Stay at Leeu House, an intimate boutique property at the heart of Franschhoek. Enjoy leisurely wine tastings, explore galleries, and dine at some of South Africa’s finest restaurants.
Accommodation
Leeu House
Leeu House blends Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary flair. Its 12 rooms are surrounded by lush gardens, while guests also enjoy access to the wider Leeu Collection’s restaurants and art-filled estate.
Experiences
Spend your days exploring wineries, enjoying long vineyard lunches, or wandering Franschhoek’s galleries. The estate’s sculpture gardens and curated collections add an artistic dimension to this gourmet stop.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 6-8
Day 6-8
Arrive
Marakele National Park
Check-in
Marataba Mountain Lodge
Fly north into Marakele National Park, a malaria-free reserve framed by rugged mountains. For three nights, Marataba Mountain Lodge immerses you in the wild. Twice-daily game drives bring you close to elephants, lions, and rhino, while scenic walking trails reveal smaller wonders.
Accommodation
Marataba Mountain Lodge
Marataba Mountain Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat with just five suites, blending stone and glass with panoramic views. Designed for minimal impact, it offers intimacy, exclusivity, and uninterrupted wilderness.
Experiences
Explore the reserve on game drives and bush walks. Spot Big Five wildlife, track predators, and enjoy sundowners overlooking vast plains. Stargazing and bush dining add an unforgettable atmosphere.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 9-11
Day 9-11
Arrive
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Check-in
Jabulani Safari Lodge
Continue to the Kapama Private Game Reserve for an intimate safari with a difference. Jabulani Safari Lodge combines luxury with purpose, supporting rescued elephants and conservation initiatives. Alongside classic Big Five safaris, meet Jabulani’s herd and learn their remarkable stories.
Accommodation
Jabulani Safari Lodge
Jabulani features luxurious suites with private decks and plunge pools. Its warm hospitality, conservation ethos, and elephant focus make it one of South Africa’s most unique safari lodges.
Experiences
Enjoy daily game drives and bush walks, complemented by unforgettable encounters with the Jabulani elephants. Dine under the stars, unwind at the spa, and connect deeply with Africa’s wildlife.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 12
Day 12
Arrive
Johannesburg
Check-in
InterContinental OR Tambo
Pause in Johannesburg for an overnight stop at the InterContinental OR Tambo, located directly at the airport. It’s a seamless transition point between bush and beach.
Accommodation
InterContinental OR Tambo
This award-winning five-star hotel offers spacious soundproofed rooms, excellent dining, a spa, and heated indoor pool, ensuring your layover is restful and refined.
Experiences
Relax with a spa treatment, enjoy fine dining at Quills, or simply unwind with wine and city views from your room. A smooth reset before your final escape.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 13–17
Day 13–17
Arrive
Vilanculos, Mozambique
Check-in
Villa Santorini
End your journey at Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast. Villa Santorini, perched above the turquoise waters of Vilanculos, combines Mediterranean-inspired design with barefoot luxury. Days unfold at your own pace – sailing to the Bazaruto Archipelago, diving coral reefs, or simply enjoying the villa’s private spaces.
Accommodation
Villa Santorini
Villa Santorini features five suites, airy living areas, pools, and ocean views. Exclusively yours or shared with a few guests, it offers privacy, attentive service, and relaxed coastal luxury.
Experiences
Sail by dhow to the Bazaruto islands, snorkel or dive pristine reefs, and kayak through lagoons. Onshore, enjoy spa treatments, fresh seafood feasts, or simply soak up the coastal calm from your villa terrace.
Enjoy daily game drives and bush walks, complemented by unforgettable encounters with the Jabulani elephants. Dine under the stars, unwind at the spa, and connect deeply with Africa’s wildlife.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 18
Day 18
After a final breakfast overlooking the ocean, transfer to Vilanculos Airport for your onward flight home – carrying with you memories of vineyards, wild savannahs, elephants, and island shores.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this itinerary yours
Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our LuxVenture® Designers and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.
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