Enjoy South Africa in style and luxury,
Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Game Reserve in Kruger Park, Sun City, a Royal Suite on Rovos Rail and accommodation at the Cape Grace Hotel,"Africa's best hotel"
Overall operator rating 9.3/10 from 3 trip reviews
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I would like to say that my wife Anna and I experienced a fantastic time in my recent trip to South Africa. The country and the places I visited in particular (Cape Town/Garden Route/Port Elizabeth/Idwala Lodge were brilliant and better than I expected. My accommodation was well thought out and the tourist guidance by Colin was first class.
Colin would bend backwards in making sure that everything was fine, and I would not hesitate in using him again, for a country that I will definately be returning to sometime.
2
Client:
Paul Egerton - from United Kingdom
Trip:
currently unavailable
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
Our holiday was excellent, it went very smoothly.
We had no issues with any of the bookings, the accomodation was as described and the people very friendly and accomodatiing. All details were as agreed and the operator was always helpful.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to South Africa and felt that the 11-day itinerary arranged for us was excellent and gave us a the opportunity to see so many different places of interest, beautiful landscapes and memorable experiences. The accommodation was simply first class, and all the "optional" suggestions we found very useful. We loved the South African people - so friendly and courteous, the weather, and the delicious food.
A couple of things which were disappointing - Bush Sands no longer has predators, so although the safari was enjoyable, my much anticipated chance to see big cats in the wild did not materialise. Bush Sands removed the predators back in May 2005. Also, in Storms River, they were not doing the black water rafting - something to do with their licence, but again, this had been the case for some while, and my husband was very disappointed to miss the opportunity to experience that.
At the vineyard in Franshoek, they had a large function on the only day we were there, so we were unable to eat in their highly recommended restaurant overlooking the valley or to tour the vineyard and sample the wine.
These are disappointments which could be avoided if the operator regularly check that everything on offer is currently available.
However, overall we had a wonderful holiday and would certainly recommend this operator to our friends back in the UK.
Itinerary
THE ULTIMATE LUXURY TOUR
I T I N E R A R Y
See South Africa in ultimate style and luxury. No expense spared for this trip of a lifetime.
Day 1. Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport.
Transfer in private plane to Ulusaba Reserve, which is Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Reserve.
Richard Branson set out to create the most beautiful game reserve in Africa and has exceeded all expectations.
The Reserve is located in the Western section of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
There are two Lodges in the Reserve:-
Rock Lodge which is perched at the top of a koppie (a small hill) which gives a spectacular panoramic view over miles of bush, the wildlife roaming within, the beauty of the lowveld, all set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain Range in the far distance.
Safari Lodge, which is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. The rooms are built “tree house” style and you really get the feeling of being at the heart of the bush. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby waterhole.
The accommodation at Rock Lodge is stunning, wonderful views from all windows and strategically placed telescopes. Look out of any window for a reminder of just how spectacular nature can be. There is a freshwater pool set in a magnificent wooden deck perfect for relaxation having seen the big five.
Safari Lodge rooms are all quiet and secluded with strategically placed bathtubs so you can lie back and watch the animals go by, each room has private lounge and deck.
You can choose between Cliff Room at Rock Lodge and the Elephant Room at the Safari Lodge or split your stay between the two properties.
Included.
• All meals served in a variety of locations around the lodges • All beverages including a top quality wine list and fine champagne. • Twice daily game viewing drives traversing an area of 10,000 hectares frequented by the Big Five. A fully trained and experienced ranger and tracker will accompany you. • A daily walking safari accompanied by your ranger and tracker (subject to favourable conditions). • Informative talks on flora, fauna and conservation can be done on request. Really nice staff!
Day 2-3. Two full days at your choice of Lodge at Ulusaba.
Day 4. Leave after breakfast for return flight to Johannesburg airport.
Collection and transfer to Sun City which is approximately 2 hours by road.
Sun City is a no expense spared resort dedicated to the art, wildlife and legends of Africa. It is the most luxurious resort in Africa, containing casinos, cinemas, restaurants, world class golf courses, and the Lost City Complex, surrounded by 25 hectares of tropical jungle.
Stay in a luxury suite at the Sun City Hotel, which overlooks the internationally acclaimed Gary Player Golf Course, the Sun City Hotel is home to the Sun City Casino. The ambience of the hotel is one of glamorous sophistication tastefully combined with magical fantasy. The hotel's view comprises a magnificent landscape of subtropical gardens and a sparkling swimming pool. Suites are spaciously luxurious with dining facilities, private patios and sun lounging facilities.
Day 5-6 At leisure to enjoy the Sun City resort and casino and the world class restaurants. Accommodation is in a luxury suite on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7 Leave after breakfast for transfer to Pretoria and Rail Trip on Rovos Rail to Cape Town. Train leaves at 15.30.
Since its establishment more than 15 years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-paneled coaches - classics remodeled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
We have included one of the Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are named after colourful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa, including Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit. Spacious and elegant, the Royal Suites measure 16 sq metres in size (172 sq ft). Each one has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
Day 8-9 Aboard the train with excursions along the way.
Comment from a previous client:
“The Rovos train is exceptional in that everything is first class, to the extreme, so you feel really "pampered". Examples - Cold towels and champagne on the platform when you return from the Kimberly tour (which included lunch at the Kimberly Club of Cecil Rhodes era) - hors d'hoevres in ones compartment before dinner - best wines - real crystal glassware - beautiful wood paneled suites (2 or 3 per carriage) with everything you needed - own fridge, stocked with your favourite beverages - bed turndowns with chocolates on the pillow - 1911 restored dinning car and Edwardian observation car - coat and tie for dinner - 5 course dinners with printed menus - everything included. They just make everyone (50 on our trip - max 75) feel special. Takes 50 hours instead of the Blue Trains 24 hours with the max speed set at 60kpm for a smoother ride in these older carriages. Connect the train to a Steam locomotive for the last 50 kms into their own separate station and yards in Pretoria. It’s an experience not a trip!! You should try it - it was the highlight of our visit to SA.
Arrive 6 pm in Cape Town.
Transfer to the Cape Grace Hotel, with accommodation in a one bedroom suite at the Five Star Cape Grace Hotel, which is perfectly positioned on its own quay in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain a Private yacht marina and Cape Town’s captivating harbour.
This is voted by Conde Naste as Africa’s best Hotel.
Day 10-13. Accommodation at the Cape Grace Hotel, on Bed and Breakfast basis.
You will be provided with a dedicated vehicle and guide to show you the best of Cape Town
Day 14. Breakfast at Cape Grace, leisure time with guide and vehicle and transfer to airport.
