Day 1 - Marakele National Park

On arrival at O.R Tambo International Airport, please clear customs and immigration formalities and collect your luggage.

Proceed into the Arrivals Hall where a representative will meet you, hand over further documentation and assist you to your onward, private, road transfer to the Marakele Reserve. The transfer time is approximately three hours.

Located in the Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, Marataba Trails Lodge has become a ‘place of sanctuary’ for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. Delight in tented safari suites that are tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist, and have spectacular views down into Waterfall Valley, which is particularly magical at sunset. Marvel at the area surrounding the lodge with its sweet savannah grasslands in the valley below, and broad leaved sour veld habitat on the hills above, while some of the gorges are filled with riverine forest habitats. Be adventurous as you embark on gorge, riverine and mountain trails as you explore the natural beauty of your surroundings and engage in spectacular moments with the wild.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the activities offered by the lodge. 

Overnight: Marataba Trails Lodge

Meal Plan: L,D

Day 2 - Marakele National Park

This day is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing.

In the company of your Field Guide, you will learn more about the Big Five and the many unique animal species found on the Marakele National Park. Two safaris a day (one early morning and one late afternoon, into the evening) are each approximately 3-4 hours long, and include a scenic coffee and sundowner break to purely appreciate just being in the moment. Predators are accustomed to the vehicles at Marataba and do not see them as a threat. This enables guides to get into very close proximity with Africa’s most impressive animal species, allowing for spectacular photographic opportunities.

Overnight: Marataba Trails Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Marakele National Park

This day is at leisure to enjoy the camp activities on offer.

If your stay falls on a weekend - we recommend an exclusive yoga retreat program, in an environment that promotes healing. It is the antithesis of an urban studio – just nature, pure and simple. Follow a trail through the bush, possibly encountering animals along the way, to find a scenic spot to lay your mat for meditation or yoga. Or practice your discipline on the lodge’s deck, overlooking Waterfall Valley.

Overnight: Marataba Trails Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Kapama Private Game Reserve

After breakfast, take a private road transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Depart O.R. Tambo International Airport on a scheduled flight to Hoedspruit Airport. 

On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you are met and assisted with a shared road transfer to Kapama Karula, by means of a game drive transfer. Transfer time is approximately 25 minutes (depending on the game viewing en route).

Set on the banks of the Klaserie River which flows throughout the year, Kapama Karula Camp exudes calmness and depicts the pinnacle of luxury safari accommodation. The luxury tents and exclusive chalets are exquisitely decorated with generous private space and private outside deck where you can enjoy sundowners as you watch the passing wildlife on the river that glides smoothly and forms sparkling pools that attract smaller riverine animals and a myriad of birds in every season. Refresh yourself in the swimming pools or lounge on the main deck with a book from the in-house library.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the activities available. 

Overnight: Kapama Karula Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Kapama Private Game Reserve

The morning is at leisure. We recommend more game viewing - on a walking safari! 

Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since this is a Big Five reserve, seeing lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos is possible over a two-day safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve.

Feel Africa underfoot on a guided bush walk with a highly trained game ranger. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife. Also, identify both medicinal and other plants en route.

Rangers also teach walkers to track wildlife in the traditional way, using animal footprints and scat. Expert trackers are able to tell the gender of many animals just from their footprints. Large and dangerous animals are avoided on walks, but many other species can be viewed from a safe distance at ground level. A bush walk through Kapama Private Game Reserve is a truly memorable and authentic encounter.

Overnight: Kapama Karula Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Kapama Private Game Reserve

Today we suggest a relaxed, laid back day.

Surrounded by stillness and sweeping bushveld, the Kapama Wellness Centre takes safari spa treatments to new heights. Highly trained and experienced beauty therapists remain abreast of global treatment trends, while giving them a uniquely African twist for Kapama’s Wellness Centre. After your treatment, take a swim in the lap pool or relax under bushveld skies before heading back to your lodge.

This evening, experience the magic of Africa on a sleep-out platform.

The Kapama sleep-out offers a million-star overnight experience. Sleeping in the open air on the reserve, elevated high above the ground under the African night sky, is a unique experience. A raised platform is evocatively furnished with an over sized bed festooned in white linen and billowing mosquito netting. It’s completely safe, while being surrounded by only wilderness and wildlife. The experience is guaranteed to take your breath away.

You’ll arrive before sunset to watch the changing colors of evening and sip a sundowner. The African bush fairytale continues with a five-course dinner served to you by a personal chef on the platform. Or you can enjoy dinner at the lodge and arrive at your sleep-out venue afterwards. By night, it will be encircled by a ring of golden lantern light.

The platform and luxury bathroom underneath are both animal-proof, but a two-way radio and cellular phone are supplied for additional peace of mind. The bathroom has all comforts catered for.

Your private night in the African bush continues until after dawn, when you will call your ranger by radio to transfer you back to your lodge. An appointed pick-up time may also be arranged in advance.

Overnight: Kapama Karula Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Kapama Private Game Reserve - Cape Town

After breakfast you are transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward flight to Cape Town. On arrival a representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. The transfer time is approximately 50 minutes.

At a place where the earth, sea and sky meet, life begins. Here lies the luxurious Twelve Apostles, poised on the Atlantic edge and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles. Barely ten minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town and its historic tourist attractions, Table Mountain cableway, V&A Waterfront & The Castle. Nature's nearby attractions include prime diving spots, nature trails, seals, dolphins, whales and penguins. Luxurious guest rooms, deluxe suites and a presidential suite make up this stunning hotel with a breath-taking pool garden magically perched above the ocean and the glorious Azure Restaurant offering endless seductive sea-views. Take advantage of first class catering for weddings and events which are a specialty of The Twelve Apostles.

The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: The Twelve Apostles

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Cape Town

A great way of exploring the city is on a Table Mountain Hike and City Bowl Adventure! A day of contrasts exploring on foot the fascinating stories that tell Cape Town’s history and modern day make up. We combine this with a visit to the top of Table Mountain, leaving the crowds to get your bearing of the city from its highest point.

We will begin the day exploring the Sea Point promenade on two wheels, viewing the art installations that tackle subjects ranging from rhino conservation to the 18 years Nelson Mandela spent on Robben Island. The cycle will finish in the V&A Waterfront by the clock tower. Here you will continue towards the canals where you will explore on stand up paddle boards in the secure environment with the backdrop of Table Mountain.

From there you will hike to the city, enjoy lunch and explore the colorful Bo Kaap, walking along the cobble stoned streets to experience a lively suburb filled with brightly colored houses from as early as the seventeenth century, Muslim saint shrines and many beautiful Mosques. The day will end at the top of Table Mountain where you will do a short hike away from the crowds whilst your guide brings alive the history of Cape Town combining the elevated view over the city with turn of the century photographs to highlight the changes the city has been through.

Your evening is at leisure.

Overnight: The Twelve Apostles

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Cape Town

Our suggestion for the day is a Cape Point Sidecar Tour. 

Your guide will discuss your individual interests and preferences and tailor make the day's routing and sightings accordingly. All sidecars are decommissioned military bikes used during World War II, which have been restored and fully refurbished. You will be supplied with retro leather jackets, helmets, goggles as well as a complimentary bandanna.

Depending on your interests you will visit all the iconic attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope (including the Cape Point Funicular ticket) and the Boulders penguin colony. Stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant including local wine and refreshments. Top off the day with a scenic coastal drive back to your hotel.

After your day's touring, you will be dropped off at your hotel to spend your evening at leisure.

Overnight: The Twelve Apostles

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 10 - Depart Cape Town

Please meet the representative in the reception area of the hotel for your private transfer to Cape Town International Airport. The transfer time is approximately 50 minutes.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B