Luxury Malaria-Free Family Fun in South Africa (Self Drive) 12D11N

As you touch down in Cape Town, be greeted by a representative for your first taste of how warm and welcoming South Africans are! You’ll be handed over a detailed travel bible with plenty of information on your new adventure. Pick up your hire car to begin your ultimate family escapade.

With you at the driver’s seat, spend the rest of the day exploring the breathtaking city of Cape Town. Your stunning hotel is ideally located close to many of the Mother City’s top attractions including the Company Gardens just outside. Stroll through the Gardens to reach the city centre and Parliament, or just sit on a bench on the tree-lined path and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. Drive to one of Cape Town’s exquisite white sand beaches at Cliffton and soak up the sun, take a stroll on the Sea Point Promenade before having dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in the area, or visit the trendy Camps Bay strip for oceanfront drinks and dining affair.

You’ll stay at the glamorous and elegant Mount Nelson Belmond Hotel. Unwind to a bygone era of a retreat located beneath the watchful gaze of the iconic Table Mountain. Refresh in one of the two pools, play a game of tennis or simply absorb the tranquility in its expansive lush gardens. Treat yourself to a couples massage while the children's club will keep the little ones entertained with fun educational activities.

Hit the road for an adventure discovering Cape Town’s legendary and hidden gems at your own leisure.

Alternatively, settle for an optional guided tour of a Family Fun Cape Town and Table Mountain adventure (additional cost). Begin with a morning cable car ride to the top of a seven wonder, the mighty Table Mountains with brilliant opportunities to photograph breathtaking 360-degree views of where the city meets the ocean. Keep eyes peeled for wildlife and unique fauna before enjoying a short hike atop the mountains. Indulge in home baked treats and fresh coffee before heading back down to sea level. At the V&A Waterfront, explore the award-wining Two Oceans Aquarium and experience up close the marine life that lives in the underwater world surrounding the Cape Peninsula. Gain insight into the quirky craft and design including the Watershed, an eclectic spot filled with artistic projects created by the community. Enjoy lunch at one of the city’s local favourites, an eatery where the kids can learn how to make their own bread and pizza.

This afternoon stroll through Bo-Kaap’s cobbled streets lined with 17th century houses painted in a kaleidoscope of colours filled with historical, artistic and culinary delights. Touch on politics when you view Parliament and the Company’s Garden or awaken your taste buds with samples from the food artisans in Bree Street. Discover both fine art and street art in Cape Town galleries or perhaps meet trend-setting local fashion designers.

Your journey continues as you head for the popular Sea Point Promenade, where you can cycle on cruiser bicycles if you wish, or just stroll along, watching the waves crashing against the rocks. Explore the 11 art installations that tackle subject ranging from Rhino conservation to the18 years Nelson Mandela spent on Robben Island. Delight your tastebuds at the nearby artisanal chocolate store, where hidden behind is a cheeky gin bar where adults can indulge in a refreshing concoction.

Venture further afield into Cape Town’s wide selection of amazing sights that are yours to explore at leisure today. Bask in the sunshine at one of the city’s beautiful beaches. Alternatively soak up some natural beauty at Kirstenbosch Gardens, visit the Cape Castle in the city, stroll through Oranjezicht Market and pick up delicious local fresh produce, or enjoy wine tasting at one of the famous estates in Constantia. Enjoy horse riding on an endless stretch of beach at Noordhoek, travel to Hout Bay for stunning views and a fresh seafood lunch, drive along spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive and explore the Cape Peninsula. Get up close to the unique penguin colony at Boulders Beach or escape to the southwestern tip of the African continent at Cape Point for a wilderness discovery…with easy reach, the possibilities are endless.

For a day of indulgent paired with relaxation, simply cocoon away and enjoy some of the fabulous luxury offerings at the Mount Nelson. Indulge in its legendary High Tea, a choice of two exquisite swimming pools, a world-renowned Spa, tranquil library and superb gourmet dining experiences.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before hitting the road 201km to Western Cape at De Hoop Nature Reserve, considered the very best spot to view Southern Right whales. This spectacular location offers towering sand dunes on the edge of the Indian Ocean, limestone cliffs, rock pools and indigenous coastal fynbos.

Unwind to your 5 star luxury boutique style ecolodge at the exceptional Morukuru Beach Lodge at the tail end of South Africa’s Western Cape. The surrounding plain are flecked with ostrich, zebra and antelope but the southern right whales during migratory seasons (July- October) are the creatures that steal the show. Simply sit back in your room’s cushioned window seat with a glass of wine in hand, fire on and get front row seats.

You’ll stay in a luxurious Ocean View Family Suite with huge en suite bathroom complete with walk-in rain shower and separate bath. Laze in the oversized daybed and soak up the spectacular views through a huge bay window.

With two guided activities included in your stay a day, the hardest part of being at Morukuru Beach Lodge is deciding which of the exciting activities to choose – one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Learn all about the area’s incredible marine life on a guided 1-3 hour walk in low tide. Boasting one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world with over 3000 different species, discover the incredible diversity of vegetation and fynbos around you on a guided walk/hike (1-3 hours). Enjoy mountain biking on a selection of different routes, nature drives in four by four vehicles, sand boarding, boardgames and make sure to catch a glorious sunset from the sand dunes.

Today leave the blue ocean paradise and journey 199km to another paradise boasting valleys and mountains at the iconic Cape Winelands. It is renowned for its spectacular location, superb wine and gourmet food.

You’ll stay at a beautifully restored farm cottage, with simple, stylish décor and every contemporary facility. Your luxury cottage is complete with kitchenette, outdoor dining areas for braais, a large shred swimming pool with spectacular settings among the Boschendal orchards. Breakfast is delivered to your door every morning, and after a delectable meal, you’re free to enjoy Boschendal at leisure.

Life at Boschendal is languid and offers a taste of the best of farm living. Savour your days soaking in farm living with access to the entire farm. Enjoy a tour of the estate, follow the trails through the orchards and mountains fynbos, go mountain biking, garden walking. Explore caves, go trout fishing and swim in the dams with the family. There is so much to see, experience and explore here balanced with opportunities to sit and read and simply take in the goodness of life. The little ones will be kept busy with the onsite Tree House Playground for an authentic outdoor farm experience while you can whisk away for a cellar and wine tasting tour. Dining affairs are a delight, whether you purchase ingredients from the deli, prepare them in the cottage or enjoy a gourmet experience at the famous restaurant on site.

Today you head for the airport where you return your rental car and fly to Johannesburg (at own expense). You’ll will board your charter flight to the vast and splendid Madikwe Game Reserve, situated close to the border with Botswana and the Kalahari Desert.

You’ll be staying at the stunning Madikwe Lelapa Lodge, located in the heart of this diverse, malaria-free reserve. Here, game viewing is exceptional. Madikwe is considered one of the country's prime safari destinations due to its long list of resident animals and its malaria-free setting. Spend the day relaxing in bush paradise. Your luxuriant suite features a covered outdoor living room with beanbags and cushions on the floor that create a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Unwind at your Indoor and outdoor showers, refresh in your private plunge pool and cosy up next to the wood-burning fireplace are just some of the added creature comforts to enhance Mother Nature’s subtle signature.

Tonight, delight your tastebuds to a traditional African bushveld Boma dining affair gathered around the bonfire and under the stars. Indulge in local flavours complimented by a selection of South Africa’s finest wines and other beverages.

Your time at Madikwe Lelapa Lodge will be filled with fabulous experiences. As luxurious as it is, the lodge is also welcoming, and as its name implies (‘Lelapa’ means family in the local dialect), guests are made to feel as if they’re home from home – personalised service is of the highest level. Spend your days at Madikwe Safari Lodge enjoying thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles accompanied by experienced rangers. It's home to Africa's famous Big 5 as well as cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and many species of antelope and other herbivores. You’ll be captivated by more than 300 recorded bird species in Madikwe, and there's an intriguing blend of familiar savannah animals and more unusual desert specialists.

While you’re not busy searching for wildlife relax in the outdoor sitting area, set on an expansive deck with lovely views over the reserve and complete with comfortable cushions and bean bags. Retreat at your private pool or indulge in a relaxing spa therapy while children are treated to an array of activities both fun and educational.

Your experiences are as diverse as your dining affairs. Indulge to the delights of a bush breakfast to picnic lunches at unique locations within the African wilderness. Revel in the lodge’s treats and traditions in between your safari stops with complimentary Amarula coffees, gin cocktails, refreshingly crisp lollies and biltong amongst the serene surroundings of bushland wilderness. End your days to an al fresco bush dinner of a barbecue bonfire with the vibrant African sunset to the starlit skies.

Today is another typical day out in safari paradise. The surprises come in what wildlife you’ll spot today.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast under the crisp morning air before engaging into the cultures and life of a nearby village. A cultural immersion for the whole family where you’ll meet the village elders, possibly even the chief and gain insight into lives and homes of the local village. Engage in a traditional local ceremony, traditional dance performance , schools and community projects as you find connection to the people and their land.

Spend the rest of the day indulging into the serenity of the lodge and its tranquil surrounds before enjoying a final game drive in the afternoon. Tantalise your tastebuds in another bush dining affair under the African sky as you recall the day's adventures and sightings in a relaxed family affair.

Savour a final breakfast bush affair, a perfect time to reflect on the incredible treasured memories created with your loved ones. Transfer to the airstrip to take your private charter flight back to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for your onward journey.

NOTE:This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.