Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Eastern Cape,Madikwe & The Waterberg
100% customisable for you
You'll land into Cape Town this morning to be met by one of our friendly ground team and whisked to your waiting transfer. The journey to your first holiday stop - Grootbos Nature Reserve, home to one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World - is about two hours, so you'll arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy your first South African lunch and then head out to start exploring with your expert guide. The reserve is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only six (and by far the smallest) floristic kingdoms on Earth, and exemplified by the many endemic species of plants that make up the so-called fynbos landscape here.
You may be in South Africa to spot the Big 5 animals and marine species, but with a qualified botanist as your guide learning about the 'Floral 5000' (we may have just made that up, but there are about that number of different endemic plant species here) is just as interesting. This evening, a five-course dinner can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful reserve and coast beyond, or you can take an evening river cruise on the Lady Stanford boat.
Today you can begin properly exploring Tswalu with your guide on a morning game drive. As well as some of the more traditional game, expect to see some unusual and rare species here including black-maned lions, sable, tsessebe, meerkats and (if you're really lucky) pangolins, aardvarks and wild dogs. At 270,000-acres, Tswalu is South Africa's largest game reserve and yet there are only ever a maximum of ten vehicles, so there's a good chance you won't see anyone else at all.
When back at the lodge, enjoy a champagne lunch and unwind with a book before enjoying another drive or walk. Treat yourself to a massage at Tswalu Spa with its outdoor treatment area and indigenous spa garden before dinner is served at the lodge. Then spend some time sitting around the boma (encampment) fire enjoying the night sky views and chatting to the staff and dedicated researchers who are real experts in their field.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOWOur team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges