Discover the exceptional natural beauty and diversity of a multitude of South African landscapes on this luxury self-drive safari.
Start with the Whale Coast, with its milkwood trees, coastal dune fields and Hermanus Lagoon, then head into the Great Karoo for wonderful views of the Milky Way, expansive views of the ‘Samara Mara’ and incredible adventures.
From there you’ll head into South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province for a full-scale Big 5 safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, and finding out more about the conservation initiatives taking place there.
Set your own pace and enjoy the scenery of South Africa, her landscapes and wildlife on this 10-day luxury safari.
Best Time to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Your Itinerary
3 nights in Stanford, near Hermanus
Your journey begins! Collect your car from your Cape Town hotel, and set off on a short road trip to the Whale Coast town of Hermanus. Slightly further afield and through the charming town of Stanford, you will find Mosaic Lagoon Lodge, a magical lodge situated in an ancient milkwood grove and promising adventure and relaxation.
Spend your days enjoying the lush Cape Floral Kingdom, quad biking to the beach for drinks and snacks, enjoying walking trails and even kayaking on the Hermanus Lagoon. There’s plenty of places to explore afield; why not head into the Hemel en Aarde wine valley and sample some of the region’s best locally grown pinot noir and chardonnay?
There’s plenty to do at the lodge itself, with the Mosaic Rain Spa offering a variety of treatments, the veranda offering a space for reflective reading and bird watching, and the heated plunge pool a relaxing space to unwind.
Head off on a whale-watching or marine tour, or simply relax and enjoy one of the incredible meals prepared by the inhouse chef, baker and local producers.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Fresh, locally produced cuisine is built around local seasonal ingredients for all main meals.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is situated on the scenic Whale Coast, and is the perfect coastal getaway. The suites are situated under an ancient milkwood grove, with access to the Hermanus lagoon and sand dunes towards the beach. A stay fully inclusive of meals, drinks and activities is what sets Mosaic apart.
3 nights in the Great Karoo
Leave the Whale Coast behind today and head into South Africa’s Great Karoo. Samara Private Game Reserve is a pristine wilderness protecting and conserving the wildlife and landscape. Karoo Lodge is a warm and inviting lodge, with charming colonial décor and modern touches to appease every traveller.
Enjoy Big 5 game drives, go cheetah tracking on foot, head off on a walking safari or spend the night in the sumptuous Milky Way Star Bed, a four poster under the stars!
Another lovely activity is a Wilderness Picnic, where you can enjoy a delicious meal either in the riverbed in summertime, or an iconic mountain picnic with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Dine in style in the large dining room with fireplace, or enjoy a candlelit dinner under in the stars or in the traditional reed boma.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Karoo Lodge at Samara
Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge at Samara combines colonial style with contemporary finishes. Experience Big 5 game drives, cheetah conservation and viewing, and incredible guided walks.
3 nights at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Today you’ll drive into the Eastern Cape Province and make your way to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, one of the premier wildlife destinations in the region. Shamwari is home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard) which your experienced guide will try spot with you on your twice daily game drives.
Shamwari is also home to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, which promotes conservation and protection of Africa’s big cats, rescuing captive animals and giving them a rewarding lifetime home in spacious sanctuaries. Make sure you visit to get a full sense and scope of the incredible conservation work being done here.
Shamwari also offers pro photo safaris for amateur and professional photographers, as well as deluxe wellness experiences. Eagles Crag has its own hydro bath, sauna, steam room and two treatment rooms for the ultimate indulgence.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Experience fine dining in the main area, or enjoy a sumptuously presented meal in the privacy of your own suite.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Eagles Crag
Eagles Crag has just 9 luxurious suites made out of stone and glass, with spectacular views of the nearby rock faces. The lodge is romantic and secluded, and is the pinnacle of luxury and tranquility at Shamwari.
Inclusions
Car rental for 10 days (includes GPS, collection at Cape Town Hotel, drop off at Port Elizabeth Airport)
3 nights at Mosaic Lagoon Lodge in a Luxury Suite on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, select drinks and activities)
3 nights at Karoo Lodge at Samara in a Lodge Suite on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, select drinks and activities)
4 nights at Shamwari Eagles Crag in a Junior Suite on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, select drinks, 2 game drives daily, walking safari)
Exclusions
International flights, air reservations and airport taxes
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities specified as additional / optional in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Notes
Our rates are per person sharing unless expressly identified. Please treat all pricing as a guide only: All rates are an estimation, subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply. Enquire now or speak to one of our expert Travel Planners for updated rates.
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Explorer is the inbound division of Grosvenor Tours, part of Cullinan Holdings, a member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.
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We are the industry leaders in private, tailor-made luxury travel, leveraging over 60 years of experience in creating bespoke safaris in Africa.
