South Africa In Luxury

Itinerary

• South Africa

  South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna.  Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent.

• Cape Town

  Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

• Johannesburg

  Johannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of the gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. It is the international flight gateway for most of southern Africa.

• Sabi Sands

  The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Reserve and the wildlife roams freely between the two game reserves. Some of the best and most exclusive private game lodges in the country are in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent.

• • Johannesburg
  • Intercontinental

  Day 1: Johannesburg

  Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met inside the airport and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues.

  Upon arrival you will receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

  Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

  Accommodation: Intercontinental Tambo Airport

  South Africa's first and only luxury hotel at an airport, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is situated within walking distance from the terminals at OR Tambo International Airport.

• • Sabi Sands
  • Singita, Boulders Lodge

  Day 2: Johannesburg - Sabi Sands

  Airport transfer to/from your hotel with private vehicle

  Luggage restricted to 12 kg per person in soft sided bags.   Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Singita Ebony & Boulders

  Singita Lodge offers travelers two of its Sabi Sand prime properties in South Africa. The Ebony and Boulders Lodges are small, private accommodations with 12 suites each, housing a total of 48 guests together. A true taste of the African safari is seen in the thatched roofs and locally designed throws that decorate the rooms. All the amenities of home are available to guests. Enjoy an explosion of flavors of the African and continental sort when dining. Bush cuisine and wine are in abundance. Later, hang out on the deck overlooking the river, or plan a guided safari walk through the area. Those who need some pampering can plan a spa treatment.

• • Morning Game Drive

  Day 3: Sabi Sands

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Singita Ebony & Boulders
• • Sabi

  Day 4: Sabi Sands

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Singita Ebony & Boulders
• • Cape Town
  • 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Camps Bay, Cape Town

  Day 5: Sabi Sands - Nelspruit (KMIA) - Cape Town

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  Travel today between your lodge in Sabi Sands and Kruger Mupumalanga International Airport. 

  Take your flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Cape Town today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hrs.

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Twelve Apostles

  The 12 Apostles is a warm, intimate hotel nestled among mountains of the same name, near Table Mountain and Cape Town. The 70 rooms all offer exceptional views of the countryside, with the option of soaking in the sun or the sea. Using contemporary decor with an African influence, rooms are spacious and promise comfort first and foremost. Meals are refreshing, with meats and vegetables creatively displayed. Savor local and international specialties in pleasant environments. Spend time on the hotel grounds, jogging through park trails or simply lying back in a garden hammock. Otherwise, plan a hike through the mountains. The city-lover can take a short trip into the heart of Cape Town and get familiar with its culture and arts.

• • Cape Town Helicopter

  Day 6: Cape Town

  This morning your private guide will collect you from your hotel and take you on a brief city tour orientating yourself with the city’s highlights before heading to the Cable way at Table Mountain for a spectacular view over the city and ocean. You will then descend and head to the V&A Waterfront where you will board your helicopter for a private tour of the city and surrounding beaches and coastline, Cape Point and Peninsula(approx 20 mins). You will get to view such highlights as the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Table Mountain as well as the city itself.

  You will be dropped off at the Twelve Apostles for lunch to be enjoyed at the Azure Restaurant (excl. drinks). After your leisurely lunch you will have a chance to hike the 12 Apostles Mountains behind the hotel on one of the trails which should take around 40 mins, before heading back to your hotel with your driver/guide. (B,L)

  Accommodation: Twelve Apostles
• • Kayak with Penguins

  Day 7: Cape Town

  Depart this morning at 08:30 for the small naval village of Simonstown on the shores of False Bay. Here we meet our paddle – guide and set off from Simon's Town Waterfront, paddling past the civilian and Naval Harbour and out to Boulder's Beach, the only land based breeding site of the African Penguin. These character-filled little birds will swim alongside you and hunt for fish and entertain you with their antics on the beach. We stop on a secluded semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkelling (snorkels provided) before heading back to the harbour. There is a good chance of seeing Cape Fur Seals and during the whale season from August to October there is the possibility of seeing whales as well. The double kayaks used are very stable and perfect for those with no paddling experience. We continue from here to the Cape of Good Hope, where you can either walk to the top of the Peninsula or take a funicular for dramatic views over the Indian Ocean and across to False Bay. The reserve is home to the Cape Chacma Baboon and you will see these as well as Cape antelope such as bontebok. The drive continues from here passing little coastal towns and wide seascapes, to Noordhoek, one of the longest stretches of beach in South Africa, with pure white sand, where we stop at the small charming village for lunch. Our final leg brings us to the harbour village of Hout Bay, where we join a ferry to Seal Island, where hundreds of Cape Fur Seals congregate on small rocky outcrop and play around the boat.

  Accommodation: Twelve Apostles
• • Winelands

  Day 8: Cape Town

  Today a resident Winelands guide will join you for a tailor made wine experience, exploring the best this area has to offer. Your day can include Paarl with its imposing Afrikaans Language Monument and estates such as Seidelberg and Fairview - and of course the Franschhoek Valley, including exceptional estates such as Haute Cabriere Moreson, La Motte and Grande Provence. You will delight in the cheese tastings in the 200 year old barn at La Grange Fromagerie, chocolate tasting at the Franschhoek Chocolate factory and lunch at one of the top estates (own account but wine tastings included). Return to Franshhoek town with some time to relax before heading back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Twelve Apostles

• Day 9: Cape Town

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The African Elephant is a notably intelligent animal due to their large brain, and has a distinct social conduct from other animals. Herds consist of related females and their young, directed by the eldest female, or matriarch. Elephants remain close to their families, the relationship between each elephant is very strong and they recognize each other even after long periods apart. During migration, the matriarch decides the route and leads the group to all the water sources she knows. The other members of the herd will memorize these places for the future. Males stay with the herd only long enough to remain self sufficient, and then go to form their own groups with other males. They will only approach a herd in response to a mating call, which can occur at any time of the year.

• Culinary Delights

  South Africa has emerged as a polyglot cuisine. European colonization, the adaptation of the native Bantu cooking, and mass immigration of migrant workers have all contributed. The Dutch brought their forms of agriculture, and British merchants imported "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. The French introduced the cultivation of vineyards. Malay workers and East Indians added curries and spice to the plain English-Dutch influence. Local game, and lamb, the famous South African lobster, and a vast repertoire of fish combine to create a truly cosmopolitan cuisine.

• Kid's Fun

  Butterfly is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. It is an enclosed garden boasting a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which fly freely around you, as well as loads of water features and exotic plants. The location of Butterfly World is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is no time limit on a visit to Butterfly so you can take as many photographs and videos as you like, or just sit down on a bench and admire these beautiful creatures fly around you. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant, and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.

• • Intercontinental

  Intercontinental Tambo Airport

  South Africa's first and only luxury hotel at an airport, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is situated within walking distance from the terminals at OR Tambo International Airport.

  • More information
• • Singita, Boulders Lodge

  Singita Ebony & Boulders

  Singita Lodge offers travelers two of its Sabi Sand prime properties in South Africa. The Ebony and Boulders Lodges are small, private accommodations with 12 suites each, housing a total of 48 guests together. A true taste of the African safari is seen in the thatched roofs and locally designed throws that decorate the rooms. All the amenities of home are available to guests. Enjoy an explosion of flavors of the African and continental sort when dining. Bush cuisine and wine are in abundance. Later, hang out on the deck overlooking the river, or plan a guided safari walk through the area. Those who need some pampering can plan a spa treatment.

  • More information
• • 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Camps Bay, Cape Town

  Twelve Apostles

  The 12 Apostles is a warm, intimate hotel nestled among mountains of the same name, near Table Mountain and Cape Town. The 70 rooms all offer exceptional views of the countryside, with the option of soaking in the sun or the sea. Using contemporary decor with an African influence, rooms are spacious and promise comfort first and foremost. Meals are refreshing, with meats and vegetables creatively displayed. Savor local and international specialties in pleasant environments. Spend time on the hotel grounds, jogging through park trails or simply lying back in a garden hammock. Otherwise, plan a hike through the mountains. The city-lover can take a short trip into the heart of Cape Town and get familiar with its culture and arts.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote