Bush To Sea, Big 5 Dreaming with Mauritius 14D13N

On your arrival at Cape Town, you will be met by our representative holding a name board with your name. You will then be transferred to the hotel, Cape Cadogan, your home for the next 5 nights.

The Cape Cadogan is a magnificent boutique hotel located on the thriving Kloof street of Cape Town. The resort is very well known for its luxurious, serene, and comfortable atmosphere exuding an immaculate sense of history as it is housed in a 19th-century national monument, blending the best parts of the past and present together. Make use of the hotel’s complimentary scheduled shuttle access to nearby icons including Long Street, Table Mountain, Clifton beach and bustling V&A waterfront.

Unwind in your stylishly well-appointed rooms. Take a walk around the garden and appreciate the décor, order a soothing drink from the lounge or go for a relaxing swim in the shimmering waters of the outdoor pool.

In the evening, be transferred to Gold Restaurant and enjoy the rhythm of African drumming before indulging into the local flavours that is Africa.

Luxury Plan: Alternatively, spend 5 nights at the award winning five-star boutique hotel, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Poised above the Atlantic Ocean of Camps Bay, it is flanked by the majestic Table Mountain a World Heritage Site, and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range. Where every room takes advantage of tis stunning scenery, enjoy ultimate luxury from a plush bar, white linen restaurant, holistic spa, private cinema, swimming pools, ornate rock pools to gardens that complete the scene.

Today, be captivated by Table Mountain (if the weather permits) and marvel at the panorama of the Mother City and Robben Island in the distance. Continue with a short walk through the Company Gardens, the oldest garden in South Africa and a heritage site. Enjoy the sights of this location, from squirrels and historic trees to aviaries and fishponds. As you walk along Wale Street, you will find the Arch for Arch monument, created to commemorate the life and work of Desmond Tutu. Step inside the Slave Lodge and learn the history of the unwilling immigrants and how they contributed to the richness and diversity of South African history.

You’ll journey to the historic Castle of Good Hope, the oldest building in South Africa. You can also choose to stop at Truth Café for a cuppa at this “steampunk” inspired coffee shop serving hand-roasted coffee.

A final stop see’s you exploring the pristine Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world with over 7000 species of plants found from Southern Africa. Enjoy meandering along the tree canopy walkway giving sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, Garden and Cape Flats.

Spend the rest of the evening unwinding at your hotel.

Today, take your time, plan the day to explore the many different attractions in the thriving region. With a place so rich in culture and a long history, there are so many activities for you to choose to do and see. The hotel also offers a free area shuttle to attractions nearby; Long Street, Table Mountain, Clifton beach and V&A waterfront.

Visit Robben Island, a World Heritage site and museum. The historical landmark is known for having jailed political prisoners such as the former president African Nelson Mandela. The island acts as a symbol of their triumph over the suffering and injustice. Tour the island, visit the museum, and learn its rich history and importance.

Uncover the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s most visited destinations, located in the oldest working harbour in South Africa. There are various activities for you to indulge here. Go on helicopter rides, leisure boat cruises, and stand-up paddling. You can also visit the Zeitz MOCAA, battery park or spend an entire day shopping with over 500 retail stores in the area. A delightful place for anyone to enjoy.

For an ocean escape, saunter the beautiful long white sand beach at Camps Bay surrounded by exotic oceanfront restaurants and cafes. Feel the sand in between your toes, soak in the views of the ocean and let the cool ocean breeze stream along your face.

Or simply spend the entire day relaxing at Cape Cadogan with the many resources available to you. Enjoy some alone time with a rejuvenating spa session, go for a swim or enjoy the tranquility lazing on its garden patio with a book. The choices are endless.

Today, travel to the naval hamlet of Simon’s town which is located on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula. Start with a splash on a thrilling sea kayaking adventure on a twin or single-seater fluid kayak in the company of an adept sea kayak guide. Set out to explore the waterways and secret coves hidden among pristine beaches and the natural habitat of the array of wildlife that calls this place home.

After a beach landing, return to Seaforth Beach to change into dry clothes and then continue to the world-renowned landmark, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This place is home to an array of fynbos, over 250 species of birds, bucks, baboons, and Cape mountain zebras. Set off on one of the trails and enjoy the awe-inspiring views from Cape Point Lighthouse and travel to the most South-Western point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope.

In the late afternoon, drive along the coastal route, Chapman’s Peak Drive, HoutBay, and the Atlantic Seaboard and be amazed once again by the natural splendours of Cape Town before arriving back to the hotel.

Today, you have two exploration options for the stunning Cape Winelands.

Option 1 - Franschhoek Wine Tram (Curated Wine Experience)

Be transferred to the breathtaking Cape Winelands where you'll embark on the Franschhoek double-decker railway tram. Enjoy a hop-on-hop-off experience curating and planning your own wine adventure. Choose where to eat, activities to partake and how long to spend in each winery.

Designed for true wine lovers and foodies, begin with a journey to a local wine estate where an expert wine guide weaves the facts, figures, and scientific aspects of winemaking into interesting stories about Franschhoek’s history of wine and culture. Voyage through 3 world renowned Franschhoek wine estates with a cellar tour before indulging in a specially prepared three-course lunch. Cap off the day savouring premium wine tastings and pairings before returning back to Cape Town where the evening is at leisure.

Option 2 - Stellenbosch Cycling Tour with E-bikes and lunch

Amuse your palates as you sip exotic wine, eat gourmet dishes and cycle your way into the Cape Winelands, where you will tour two wine cellars. You have a private transfer out to Stellenbosch where you start the cycling tour. Your interests will determine the exact route we pedal through.

Tonight, explore Cape Town’s nightlife with several excellent restaurants close to Cape Cadogan for a dinner of your choice.

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Cape Town Airport. (Flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport at own expense).

Upon arrival, you will take a road transfer trip to the Ulusaba Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. A lodge built along the banks of the dry Mabrak river bed, snuggled under a canopy of ancient trees. Rooms are linked with swing bridges known as ‘Heaven on Earth’ boasting views of majestic animals roaming the reserve or drinking at the waterhole, elevating your sense of adventure.

You'll stay at th spacious River Rooms, built tree-house style and perched on a hill. Enjoy your private balcony with snuggling seating areas giving awe inspiring views of the surrounding river bed and bush. Tonight, the evening meal is enjoyed in a boma, or even in the bush around an open fire, a very evocative experience.

Luxury Plan: Alternatively, spend 4 nights at Lion Sands River Lodge, famous for its record number of leopard spotting and perfectly set right on the banks of the Sabi River. Here, you do not need to leave the privacy of your room in search for wildlife. Being entirely private, with only 6 guests to a game viewer, take privilege in a truly intimate safari experience. The lodge’s setting is spacious with bright and open spaces, modern décor, wooden walkways that connect the main lodge with a spa, a gym, pool and outdoor dining areas. Add something truly special and spectacular to your stay with a sleep out under the stars at Lion Sand’s luxurious treehouses.

With a rich land encompassing thousands of acres, there are many activities to choose from. Everything from rejuvenating spa treatments and relaxing in the pool to exciting safari walks and game drives will be available to you.

The Ulusaba offers thrilling game drives in open Land Rovers twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting about three hours. With Sabi Sands sharing an open border with Kruger National Park, there are no shortage of majestic animal sightings including the famous ‘Big 5’ - the regal lion, the enormous elephant, the elusive leopard, the hefty rhinoceros, and the great buffalo. You will explore over 13,500 hectares of the private reserve with your expert Ranger and Tracker who will tailor the drive just for you. You can rent photographic equipment to capture rare moments on the trip.

Safari walks are a different thrilling experience. Just like with a game drive, you will go out with an expert ranger and tracker. The expert duo will guide you and point out various birds and animals, an excellent opportunity for you to spot smaller creatures you may have missed while on a game drive. Venture further afield with additional adventures offered at the lodge that will keep your adventurous spirit weld.

After long exploration hours. You can take a step back and choose to relax at the lodge with many luxury amenities available to you; pamper your muscles with a restorative session or spa treatment at the Safari Lodge Spa snuggled amongst the trees and away from the main lodge area. Laze with a soothing drink and relax at one of the two pools in the lodge surrounded by thriving nature.

For the eager oenophile, the resort has a delightful wine room overlooking the waterhole where various wildlife likes to gather. Spend your time tasting various samples of exquisite red and white wine with a fantastic view.

The lodge also has a Community Outreach Program, you can volunteer and tour the local villages, learn about the daily lives of the locals, experience the authentic Shagaan experience, give back to the community and help it thrive (at additional cost).

Savour one last safari breakfast before transferring to Skukuza Airport for your flight to Johannesburg (flight at own expense).

Enjoy a transfer from the airport to your tranquil haven at The Residence Hotel. Spend the rest of the day doing as much or as little as you please. Take a relaxing dip in the pool, laze by the bar, or indulge in a soothing session in undisturbed serenity at the spa.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before a transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Mauritius Airport (at own expense). Arriving at the airport, you will be transported to your luxury home for the next few days to the 5 star oasis, Karats Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Spend the day transitioning into barefoot island living. Located on the pristine Calodyne Beach, unwind in your spacious room, take a lovely beach stroll and soak in the turquoise colours of the Indian Ocean overlooking the spectacular islets. Unwind at the pool bar, pamper yourself at the spa village or escape to the library with a good book.

This evening, delight your tastebuds to gourmet island affairs to international flavours with a touch of Mauritian magic. From open buffets, themed dinners and live cooking demonstrations; you’ll be in for a surprise to tantalise your tastebuds.

Enjoy an exotic island breakfast before delving deeper into Mauritius’ island magic. Simply soak up the sunshine at the nearby picturesque beaches or for the adventure lovers' kayak into the isolated islets and gaze at the clear water beds. Take your luck with deep sea fishing to big game fishing that the island is renowned for.

Uncover the island on two wheels with a bike and pedal your way round town. Alternatively, discover an underwater wonderland with a submarine adventure. Experience marine life firsthand in their natural habitat and appreciate beautiful corals. Witness the colour change due to the water filtering out the infrared light rays as the full view gradually becomes blue as you dive 30 metres deep into the sea. Set sail on a catamaran cruise and uncover magnificent lagoons, untainted beaches, coral reefs, spike-and-span clean waters, and take a stop to snorkel in the amazingly diverse aquatic habitat. (Activities at own expense).

In between, spend time unwinding at your island resort. Let the exotic Karats Spa take you on a journey of serenity as the hands of qualified therapists nurture your body and mind to an ultimate state of relaxation. Laze by the beach bar or go for a soothing swim in the glistening waters of the pool.

As is the norm, all good things must come to an end. Reflect on the indelible memories of the past 2 weeks. Make the very best of your last moments as you wrap up your adventures and fun time with a last sumptuous breakfast while you say goodbye to the beautiful Mauritius island. Enjoy a transfer to Mauritius Airport for the journey onwards feeling inspired and renewed.

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