Cultural Safari in South Africa

Discover South Africa’s rich heritage on a cultural safari in Cape Town, Cederberg, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Johannesburg.

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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Cultural Safari in South Africa

Trip Highlights

Cultural experiences

Game drives

Cuisine

Walking safari

About this trip

In celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural diversity this trip pays homage not only to our magnificent wildlife, but also to the people who have contributed to our unique heritage. Your itinerary starts in Cape Town at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel located in the cultural and historical centre of the city. Discover the ‘Mother City’ on a cultural safari which opens the door to connect to the local residents in the Bo-Kaap, while participating in a traditional Cape Malay cooking class. Visit prolific museums to gain a better understanding of the country’s cultural history and discover local attractions such as the Cape Winelands and Cape Point Nature Reserve. Continue your cultural safari on the foothills of the Cederberg Mountain, renowned for its sandstone formations and ancient bush art dating back 10,000 years. Stay at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, while discovering ancient African culture, dramatic landscapes and nature experiences. Next up, your safari experience awaits in Kwa-Zulu Natal, a region steeped in Zulu heritage. Stay at the award-winning &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge to experience game drives, a unique Zulu village tour and walking safaris. Last but not least, you will reach your final destination, Johannesburg, for your stay at The Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa while discovering the cultural hub of Soweto and Maboneng by day.

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Your day-to-day- breakdown of this trip

Day one – five

Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

Check-in Belmond Mount Nelson

Your South Africa cultural safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you for your private transfer to the Belmond Mount Nelson, approximately 40-minutes from the airport. Check-into your Deluxe Junior Suite and enjoy the day at leisure. The next 3 days will be dedicated to a full day Cape Point Tour, a day in the Cape Winelands, a city tour and a cooking experience in the iconic Bo-Kaap, the historical centre of the Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. Here, you will have the opportunity to step into the lives, food and culture of the warm Cape Malay community while learning how to make your own Samoosa’s and curries. Optional visits to the District Six Museum, the ZEITZ Museum of Contemporary African Art and the Iziko Museum can also be included into your cultural safari itinerary.

Where you’ll stay: Belmond Mount Nelson

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, Belmond Mount Nelson is a Cape Town icon brimming with old-world charm. Explore the lush grounds, indulge in a high tea, plunge into the outdoor swimming pools, unwind at the spa and soak up Cape Town’s sunshine during your stay.

Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.

Location: Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Client: Belmond Hotels. Marketing Director: Louise Pheiffer. Stylist: Julie Kenney. Photographer: Mark Williams. 9-11/04/14.

Experiences:

Experience a cooking class in the Bo-Kaap and voyage into the life, food and culture of the Cape Malay community in Cape Town. Other experiences during your time in Cape Town include a full day Cape Point Tour, a day in the Cape Winelands, and a city tour to discover the city’s museums and galleries on your cultural safari.

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Day five – seven

Transfer to Cederberg

Check-in Bushman’s Kloof

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet your driver for you private road transfer to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve. Located in the Cederberg region, the scenically beautiful journey will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your luxury room and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of mountains, indigenous flora and fauna spread across 7,000 hectares of land. The highlight of your stay will be witnessing unique rock art sites dating back 10,000 years on rock art excursions. Bushmans Kloof is home to over 130 unique rock art sites and has been awarded the status of a South African Natural Heritage Site. In addition to this, you will also have the chance to visit the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre, an exhibition of artefacts, jewellery, musical instruments and digging sticks which will give you insight into the lives of the ancient Bushman people.

Other activities to be enjoyed during your stay include nature drives, canoeing on the Olifants River, cycling, fly-fishing, picnics and spa treatments.

Where you’ll stay: Bushman’s Kloof

Located in the Cederberg region, Bushmans Kloof is an award-winning lodge surrounded by pristine wilderness. The lodge boasts an impressive private art collection and luxurious spa that blends seemlessly with its natural surroundings.

Experiences:

The highlight of your stay will be witnessing unique rock art sites dating back 10,000 years on rock art excursions, as well as a visit to the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre. Other activites include nature drives, canoeing, cycling, fly-fishing, picnics and spa treatments.

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Day seven – ten

Transfer to Phinda Private Reserve

Check-in &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

our 7th day of your cultural safari in South Africa is off to an early start. After breakfast, meet your driver for your private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your 10h10 South African Airways flight to Nelspruit. Here, you will catch a second flight to the Phinda Airstrip in Phinda Private Game Reserve. A lodge representative will welcome you and transfer you to &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge. Check into your luxury suite and settle in for the day. An optional afternoon game drive will be at your own discretion. The next three days will give you ample time to relax, to witness excellent wildlife sightings of cheetah, lion, black and white rhino on daily game drives and to enjoy a spa treatment at the massage sala. One of the highlights of your stay will be the chance to learn more about the Zulu heritage in the area by visiting a community based just outside of the reserve.

Be invited into the traditional homestead to gain insights into the Zulu culture, their traditions and beliefs and have the rare opportunity to spend time with the highly respected, local Sangoma (a traditional healer).

Where you’ll stay: &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

Located on Phinda Private Game Reserve, Phinda Mountain Lodge features 3 accomodation options. Each features private decks with breathtaking views of the Lebombo foothills, as well as outdoor shower and private plunge pool.

phinda-mountain-deck-with-views-of-the-reserve

Experiences:

Witness excellent wildlife sightings on daily game drives and guided walking safaris. One of the highlights of your stay will be the chance to learn more about the Zulu heritage in the area by visiting a community based just outside of the reserve.

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Day ten – twelve

Transfer to Johannesburg

Check-in The Saxon Hotel

Your time at Phinda Private Game Reserve comes to an end on the 10th day of your trip. This morning, enjoy breakfast before your departure to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg via Nelspruit. Your private driver will be awaiting your arrival and transfer you to your home for the next two nights, the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa. Check into your luxury suite and reboot after a day of traveling. Your afternoon can be spent at the hotel spa and dinner can be enjoyed at the onsite restaurant, Qunu, one of the top restaurants in the city. The last day of your cultural safari in South Africa will be spent at the Apartheid Museum which will give you an insightful perspective on the 20th century history of the country. Last but not least, visit Soweto, a township synonymous with modern-day freedom struggles which has become a cultural hub for Johannesburg.

Where you’ll stay: The Saxon Hotel

Located in the exlcusive tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, the Saxon Hotel & Spa features a collection of South African art, a world-class spa and a variety of dining experiences. This award-winning hotel is the epitome of luxury.

Experiences:

Visit the Apartheid Museum to gain an insightful perspective on the 20th century history of the country and visit Soweto, a township synonymous with modern-day freedom struggles which has become a cultural hub for Johannesburg.

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Day twelve

Departure

Transfer to OR Tambo

Today marks the end of your cultural safari in South Africa. After a hearty breakfast at the Saxon, you will prepare for your departure. Meet your driver for your private transfer to OR Tambo International Airport which will take approximately 45 minutes and check into your international flight home.