Experience the ultimate villa vacation in Africa. Hosting up to 12 people, this 16-day journey boasts complete exclusivity and privacy while indulging in the continent’s most celebrated destinations. You’ll experience the glamour of Cape Town, the open expanse of the Kalahari, the Big Five luxury of Kruger National Park and the bliss of Mafia Island.
There’s little that can prepare you for your first sighting of Cape Town, as few cities in the world can compare to it for its combination of dramatic mountains, picturesque vineyards, stunning beaches and urban energy. It just has that special something that consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit. This is best showcased with a stay at 21 Nettleton, where the unique personal experiences and superb views are the best in the city. Each of the private and individually styled suites in this boutique hotel are appointed with the finest modern amenities and ideally placed to appreciate the expansive views and stunning landscape. The focus here is to provide guests with a memorable, personalized and tranquil stay.
Located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert in a remote corner of northern South Africa, Tswalu Private Game Reserve is the largest privately owned reserve in the country. With sprawling vistas and a sense of unending space, Tswalu is a place to fall into step with the rhythms of nature. You’ll rumble through this captivating landscape in search of cheetah, dark-maned Kalahari lions, brown hyena and herds of buffalo. Guided bush walks and horseback safaris will offer you the chance to glimpse desert-adapted black rhino, roan, sable, tsessebe and the Cape fox. Tarkuni Homestead in Tswalu offers a natural bush camp feel with a sense of luxury, relaxation and tranquillity. The private suites include a spacious bedroom with king-size or twin beds, a luxurious bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower, and comfortable seating and study areas.
Boasting over 12 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, Thornybush Game Reserve is characterised by open savannah, woodlands and shrublands. Situated within the world-famous Kruger National Park, the reserve is home to an array of African wildlife, including the mighty Big Five as well as giraffe, mongoose, zebra, pangolin, hippo and crocodile. Guided walks and drives will take you up close and personal with these favourite animals of the African veld. Africa House at Royal Malewane provides the perfect base for a group celebrating a special occasion. Situated away from the main lodge, it’s a totally self-contained bush paradise where guests can relax in the most opulent and easy-going style.
Mafia Island features mangrove thickets, coastal moorlands and lowland forest. Yet it’s the archipelago’s coral reefs and lagoons that steal the show. This spectacular, unspoilt area offers visitors rich, colourful reefs with over 50 hard and soft corals and over 460 species of fish and a variety of diverse marine life, making this area excellent for diving boasting numerous world-class dive sites. Situated here is Thanda Island, one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways and a paradise for you to enjoy in complete privacy with family and friends. This secluded island has a single luxurious villa and two traditional bandas (beach chalets). Situated in its own marine reserve, you can swim with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and watch sea turtles nesting.
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Day 5 - 8
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Day 11 - 16
Enquire now and our Travel Managers - Billy or Ingo - will get back to you within 24 hours.
Cooler Autumn, Winter and Spring months are best here. Summer months are bearable however even though daytime temperatures at Tswalu are known to soar between November and March. It is also important to note that the main rainy season in Tanzania (Thanda Private island) starts in March and ends in May and so it may be best to avoid those months unless you plan to include a different destination such as Mozambique, Mauritius or Seychelles.
South Africa and Tanzania are included here. Visas are required for entry into Tanzania for most nationalities and can be purchased upon arrival into the country. Visas can also be purchased online via an e-visa portal before arrival into Tanzania. For South Africa, you can check entry requirements here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas
Good advice for Travel in Tanzania is to make sure that you have US Currency in small denominations (and issue after 2010) for all purchases. Credit card payments are accepted as well for payments at hotels / lodges although it is better to have USD for tipping and for purchases from markets and shops. Many vendors do not accept American Express so it would be better to travel with either Visa or Mastercard. In South Africa, you will only be able to pay in local currency, the South African Rand or by credit card.
Not that easily customisable except to extend or reduce stays in each of the destinations. Tswalu has no alternative although the rest of the tour can be customised by changing properties if required. Additionally, Thanda Private Island in Tanzania can be exchanged for Mozambique, Seychelles or Mauritius as an alternative beach destination.
Generally safari stays are booked further in advance than your average city or beach destination and so we recommend 6 – 8 months minimum. In addition, many of the properties we recommend are small and exclusive with limited availability.
Payment is required in advance and can be made by credit card or bank transfer. A deposit is required to secure your bookings and the balance is due by 60 days prior to travel.
