Royal South Africa: Silo to Tswalu

Itinerary Highlights

Experience luxurious South African landscapes with our luxury "Best of South Africa" itinerary. Stay at La Residence in the heart of the picturesque Winelands, surrounded by vineyards and majestic mountains. Indulge in exquisite wines, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious surroundings.

Next, enjoy oceanic bliss at Birkenhead House, a seaside retreat with pristine beaches and panoramic ocean views. Immerse yourself in coastal tranquility and relax to the sound of crashing waves.

Continue your journey in vibrant Cape Town at The Silo, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and Table Mountain. Explore the vibrant streets, visit renowned attractions, and indulge in curated local experiences showcasing the city's art, cuisine, and heritage. It's a perfect juxtaposition to the safari experience, with its contrasting urban landscape and diverse cultural offerings. At The Silo, you can also immerse yourself in the city's bustling nightlife, enjoy world-class shopping, and take part in thrilling adventure activities like shark cage diving or hiking up Lion's Head. The options are endless, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience that complements the untamed wilderness and majestic wildlife of the safari.

Venture into the wild at Royal Malewane, a premier safari lodge in the Greater Kruger Area. Encounter majestic wildlife and embark on thrilling game drives. Experience the difference in landscape and animals between the Kalahari and Kruger regions.

Combine stays at all four Royal Portfolio properties - La Residence, Birkenhead House, The Silo, and Royal Malewane - to receive a complimentary night at La Residence, allowing you to extend your stay in the enchanting Winelands.

Finally, conclude your journey at Tswalu Motse, an exclusive retreat in the breathtaking Kalahari landscapes. Enjoy a dedicated private vehicle, ranger, and tracker, along with a truly extraordinary dining experience at Klein JAN. Indulge in a culinary adventure like no other, as you savor the exquisite flavors and innovative creations prepared by renowned chefs. Encounter unique wildlife and immerse yourself in Africa's vast wilderness. Upgrade to the new Loapi Tented Camp for an even more luxurious experience.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Itinerary Details

Start your adventure with a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and charming towns. Immerse yourself in the rich wine culture, indulge in wine tasting, and savor delicious cuisine. Relax and unwind in the serene surroundings of the Cape Winelands before embarking on the rest of your journey.

Elevate your wine adventure on an exhilarating helicopter tour over the Cape. The heli flip from La Residence helipad offers a unique perspective of sprawling vineyards. Choose curated helicopter expeditions to explore South Africa's renowned wine regions in style. Sample and compare top varietals on specially designed routes, floating over stunning landscapes. Experience the thrill of flight combined with wine tasting in South Africa's celebrated wine regions.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and leisure. Take the time to unwind and indulge in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. Embrace the freedom to do as you please and make the most of this opportunity for self-care and personal enjoyment.

The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax at the beach downstairs or walk along the Hermanus Cliff Path. Consider scheduling an activity such as local mussel picking or a cooking class, or continue on your love affair with South African wine as you explore the lesser known yet equally impressive wine farms of the Hemel en Aarde Valley.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Big Five Marine Safari. Encounter majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat, from playful dolphins to graceful whales, vibrant coral reefs to colorful fish. Explore the ocean aboard a spacious 14-meter catamaran. Led by experienced marine biologists, observe larger marine mammals up close, including magnificent whales, playful dolphins, graceful seals, majestic sharks, and endangered African penguins. Gain valuable knowledge and insight on this educational and thrilling adventure for the whole family. After your marine experience, enjoy an art walk in downtown Hermanus or book spa treatments at the renowned Birkenhead House spa for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Journey from Hermanus to Cape Town, soaking in the scenic beauty along the way. Appreciate the lush green landscape of the Overberg region before arriving in vibrant Cape Town. Explore buzzing streets, visit renowned attractions, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Take this opportunity to discover unique experiences that showcase the city's art, culture, and heritage.

Relax and indulge in a serene setting, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Enjoy a delectable spread of gourmet food and wine while soaking in the breathtaking views. Engage in leisurely activities like exploring the vineyards, taking a stroll through the scenic trails, or simply unwinding with a good book. It's the perfect day to savor the beauty of nature and create lasting memories.

Day 8 is all about the exciting adventure of departing for Madikwe Game Reserve and checking in at Mateya Safari Lodge. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning wilderness and embark on thrilling activities. From exhilarating game drives to breathtaking wildlife sightings, this day promises unforgettable experiences.

Get up close and personal with the incredible animals that call Madikwe home, and indulge in the luxurious amenities and hospitality of Mateya Safari Lodge. It's a day filled with exploration, relaxation, and creating lifelong memories amidst the beauty of nature.

Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Royal Malewane, a premier safari lodge located in the Greater Kruger Area. Enjoy the luxurious accommodations amidst the African bush and embark on thrilling game drives that bring you closer to majestic wildlife. This is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the African bush.

Experience the Greater Kruger Area and all its magnificent wildlife. Go on game drives with experienced rangers and trackers who will share their knowledge of the African bush, from birdwatching to identifying animal tracks. Enjoy exquisite cuisine in the boma or indulge in a romantic dinner under the stars. Embark on an unforgettable journey that brings you up close to Africa's unique wildlife.

Experience the grandeur of South Africa's largest private game reserve. Tswalu is a pristine wilderness that offers an exclusive safari experience and the opportunity to explore over 110,000 hectares of diverse Kalahari habitat. Enjoy luxury accommodation at Motse Lodge with its unique blend of contemporary style and traditional African architecture.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a thrilling safari experience the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. With your personal guide and tracker, explore the rugged landscapes of the Kalahari, encountering unique desert-adapted wildlife and enjoying panoramic views of the vast wilderness. Return to Tswalu Motse for a sumptuous lunch and relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment.

After a morning safari and a leisurely lunch, prepare for a culinary adventure at Klein JAN. Renowned for its commitment to sustainable, authentic Kalahari cuisine, Klein JAN offers a unique dining experience that honours the local culinary heritage. Savour a meticulously prepared menu while overlooking the sweeping landscapes of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Kalahari as you board your privately chartered flight to Johannesburg. Reflect on your extraordinary journey as you fly over the stunning South African landscapes for the last time.

• 3 nights accommodation in La Residence, 2 nights at Birkenhead House, 3 nights at The Silo, and 3 nights at Tswalu Motse

• Daily breakfast and mini bar at all properties

• All meals and non-premium alcoholic beverages at Birkenhead House & Royal Malewane

• Shared chartered bush flight from Royal Malewane Airstrip to Johannesburg International Airport

• Third night on a complimentary basis at La Residence

• Tswalu Motse includes a guaranteed private vehicle, ranger and tracker.

• One dinner at Klein JAN is included.

• Tswalu Motse also includes round trip private charter flights from JNB to Tswalu.

• *Upgrade to the newly launched Loapi Tented Camp for an exclusive is possible

• *Complimentary transfers are offered on condition that the other transfers are booked by The Royal Portfolio

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or commercial domestic flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

Experience a Preview of Luxury at La Residence

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of La Residence, your first stop in this luxurious South African adventure. Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Franschhoek Valley, this elegant estate promises an experience of utmost comfort and an intimate glimpse into the beautiful Winelands. To give you a glimpse of what awaits you, we present a captivating video showcasing La Residence in all its opulence. Let this visual journey stir your senses and prepare you for the unforgettable journey that lies ahead.