Designed for travelers with a keen interest in rhino and wildlife conservation, this conservation experience sees you meet the pioneering all-female Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and gain unique insight into the work they are doing to protect South Africa’s vulnerable wildlife.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > South Africa Conservation Experience with Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit
Designed for travelers with a keen interest in rhino and wildlife conservation, this itinerary sees you meet the pioneering all-female Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and gain unique insight into the work they are doing to protect South Africa’s vulnerable wildlife. This itinerary combines some of South Africa’s most luxurious and eco-conscious properties with sought-after destinations – Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Coast and Greater Kruger National Park.
As one of Ker & Downey® Africa’s valued Legacy Partners, this unique trip includes a $100 per person donation to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit. This donation will play a valuable role in the organization’s ongoing conservation efforts, as well as give back to their youth education program The Bush Babies.
Your South Africa experience starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to Ellerman House in a private luxury vehicle. Located in one of Cape Town’s most exclusive suburbs, the award-winning boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect base to explore the Mother City. Your time in Cape Town can be enjoyed visiting the city’s classic attractions, and a private full day tour of the Cape Peninsula which takes you to the scenic Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach – home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in South Africa. Back at the hotel, you can look forward to sunset cocktails and canapés on the terrace each evening, and exceptional dishes prepared by Executive Chef Rudolph Blaauw at Ellerman House’s restaurant.
Located in Bantry Bay, the award-winning Ellerman House offers guests one of the most exclusive stays in Cape Town. The property features thirteen suites and two exclusive-use villas each individually-styled. Guests can enjoy the property’s luxurious spa, fully-equipped gym, large swimming pool and stocked pantry.
Enjoy a fresh breakfast spread with 180 degree sea views before meeting your dedicated guide who will transfer you to the Cape Winelands. Enroute, you will visit two wine farms and enjoy a tasting experience and cellar tour before your final stop, Babylonstoren. Located in the heart of the Winelands and set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, this award-winning property offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat. Check-in to your Farmhouse Suite before exploring the property’s award-winning restaurants, vineyards, wine cellar and spa. Your time at Babylonstoren includes a mountain drive in a custom-built 4×4 vehicle, a private guided tour of the gardens and farm followed by a bread baking experience in the bakery.
Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, award-winning Babylonstoren offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat with award-winning restaurants, vineyards, a wine cellar and spa, set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The 22 whitewashed cottages are impeccably stylish and blend the old with the new.
There are an array of activities to enjoy during your stay at Babylonstoren. Explore the farm by bicycle or join a guided garden tour and farm walk, a morning harvest excursion alongside the farm’s gardeners and bread baking experience in the bakery. Other activities include olive oil and wine tasting, world-class farm-to-fork dining and luxurious spa treatments.
After breakfast in the Babel Restaurant, your dedicated guide will meet you and transfer you to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The scenic drive will take you over the Franschhoek Mountain Pass, through the Elgin Valley and towards South Africa’s renowned whale coast. Ranked as a leader in sustainability, the reserve covers 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, Overberg Mountains and the cliffs of Walker Bay. Check-in to Grootbos Forest Lodge to enjoy 180-degree views of the eco-reserve and the bay from your private deck or walk along the cliffs to encounter pods of migrating whales swimming within meters of the rugged coastline. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sunset drink on the cocktail deck followed by a world-class dining experience. The restaurant at Grootbos Lodge proudly serves only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally.
Grootbos Forest Lodge features 16 spacious suites dotted amongst the foliage – ensuring utmost privacy for guests seeking a private escape. Each suite consists of an ensuite bedroom, separate lounge area, guest bathroom and wrap around deck with views of the reserve and coastline.
Today, you will journey to South Africa’s wildlife haven, Kruger National Park. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. On arrival, a lodge representative will meet you and accompany you to Pondoro Game Lodge – a luxury safari lodge located in Balule Nature Reserve. Enjoy daily safari game drives and walking safaris in the Great Kruger National Park alongside expert guides, as well as a unique sleepout experience and private dinner at the lodge’s Treehouse Hide.
During your stay you will have the opportunity to meet some of the members of the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit – one of Ker & Downey® Africa’s Legacy Partners. This exclusive conservation experience will take you behind the scenes to the unit’s operations room and give you an inside look at how this all-female ranger unit is protecting South Africa’s vulnerable rhinos and wildlife. Your trip will directly give back to the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and help fund their ongoing operations in Balule Nature Reserve.
Located in Balule Private Nature Reserve, in the Greater Kruger area, Pondoro Game Lodge offers guests a luxurious and intimate safari experience. The award-winning lodge features three stylish chalets, five spacious suites and an incredible Treehouse Hide for a unique overnight sleepout experience. Your suite has a private patio, lounge area, outdoor shower and jacuzzi.
Enjoy morning and night safari game drives, walking safaris in the Great Kruger National Park alongside expert guides, as well as a unique sleepout experience and private dinner at the lodge’s Treehouse Hide. The highlight of your time at Pondoro will be meeting the all-female Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit for a unique conservation experience.
Today marks the final day of your South Africa Conservation Experience. After a morning game drive and breakfast at Pondoro, your guide will transfer you to Eastgate Airport for your onward journey.
We recommend extending your trip to include an experience at Victoria Falls or Mozambique.
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 who can create something unique, just for you!
Head office:
7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.