We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Luxury Self-Drive Holiday for 12 Nights
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.
Arrive into Cape Town Airport. Collect your luggage then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where you will be met by your driver who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. You will then be transferred to One&Only Cape Town, situated in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
The One&Only Cape Town offers an unprecedented level of luxury and style. With its spectacular location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and its stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination in itself.
Cape Town
Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel at 09:00 this morning. With a hire car you can explore slightly further afield - maybe taking a day trip down to the Cape Peninsula, stopping en-route there or back at Boulders Beach which is home to one of only 2 mainland nesting colonies of African penguins in South Africa.
11 Day Car Rental: Group H Elite Sedan - VW T-Roc or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)
Allow about an hour to drive to Franschhoek. Franschhoek is nestled at the bottom of a valley surrounded by rolling mountains and is arguably one of the most prettiest villages in South Africa. There are over 20 wine estates in the region and staying in the area will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites. The main street in Franschhoek is home to many excellent restaurants, quite deservedly earning the town the reputation of being South Africa's 'Food and Wine Capital'.
The Cape Winelands
Drive to Tsala Treetop Lodge (approx 465 km / 4 h 30 mins), set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest. Use this as your 'base' to explore the highlights of the Garden Route during your stay here - if you can manage to drag yourself away from the beautiful views from the deck of your luxurious private suite.
The Garden Route
Drive to the Kwandwe Game Reserve (approx 370 km / 4 h 0 mins), a world-class Big 5 safari destination in 22,000 hectares of pristine private wilderness. Over the next few days you will set out every morning and afternoon in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with fellow guests, in the company of a ranger and tracker team who will attempt to track your favourite animals.
Kwandwe Game Reserve
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.
One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.
The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
One&Only Cape Town offers an unprecedented level of luxury and style in one of the world's most fascinating cities. With its spectacular location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and its stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination in itself.
Guests can dine in one of 3 top restaurants including the continent’s only outpost of the Michelin-starred Nobu, which fuses Japanese cuisine with South African flavours. Revel in the high energy vibe of Vista Bar or sample rare and undiscovered vintages at the stunning Wine Loft which has more than 5,000 bottles of wine from across the globe.
The sublime calm of the sophisticated One&Only Spa offers an indulgent escape, while the Fitness Centre offers a wide range of state-or-the-art equipment and yoga/Pilates classes. The temperature-controlled infinity-edge pool is the finest in Cape Town, framed with private cabanas and majestic palms.
98 of the rooms and suites are located within the 7 storey Marina Rise and feature expansive glass doors that lead onto private balconies offering unobstructed views of the picturesque harbourside and iconic Table Mountain. The remaining 40 rooms and suites are located on a secluded and lushly landscaped island surrounded by a waterway, each featuring a private balcony or terrace and waterway views. Sumptuously appointed bathrooms have oversized baths, a roomy rain shower and dual marble vanity units.
Nights: | 4 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Marina Table Mountain Room (Stay 4/Pay 3 offer applied) | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Set in perfumed gardens with mountain views, Le Quartier Francais (the French Quarter) is a romantic boutique hotel situated in the very centre of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The emphasis is on ultimate luxury and charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy.
Peaceful scented gardens with strategically placed sculptures and a 10m swimming pool provide a relaxing area for guests to enjoy after exploring the surrounding Winelands. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycle hire for those wishing to explore and get fit at the same time.
Protégé is a casual fine dining style eatery at Le Quartier Français under the guidance of Scot Kirton, founder of the La Colombe group of which this restaurant is a member. This informal yet stylish restaurant is perfect for visitors seeking an eclectic dining experience, featuring stylish casual fare created by a series of talented young chefs with Asian, French, and Italian influences evident in the cuisine. Also at LQF is Épice - an intimate fine dining restaurant, serving an array of delectably curated dishes which take you on a spice journey. The fine-dining restaurant is headed by chef Charné Sampson (previously sous chef at La Colombe).
La Petite Colombe at sister property Leeu Estates offers diners the highest level of excellence, from service to exquisite multi-course lunches and dinners for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. During the day, floor to ceiling glass gives you the feeling of being in the surrounding vineyards.
The sophisticated suites and rooms are located in the gardens and feature the ultimate in luxury fittings, fabrics and finishes complemented by artworks by local artists.
The Auberge Rooms boast extra spacious seating areas and spectacular views of either the central courtyard and the swimming pool or the surrounding mountains. All feature en-suite bathrooms with both slipper baths and walk-in showers. The generous double-volume Grande Rooms are 50 square meters in size and have contemporary styled bathrooms.
The Petite Garden Suites look out onto their own secret corner garden, and the Pool and House Suites boast 80 square metres of space plus their own private walled garden and secluded pool. Each of the 110 square metre sumptuously decorated Four Quarters Suites are set around a private courtyard.
Finally there is a 3 bedroomed and a 4 bedroomed LQF Villa, each with their own private pool and full kitchen. The villas are both close to the bustling main street and provide a home away from home from which to explore the village and its many attractions.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Auberge Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Part of the Relais & Chateaux group of exclusive properties, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a beautiful blend of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of the Garden Route, only 10 km west from Plettenberg Bay and 24 km east from the busy holiday town of Knysna. From dolphin spotting to coastal forests, and from adrenalin sports to relaxing on vast white-sand beaches or sunset catamaran cruises, there are endless options to fill your days here.
The magical allure of Tsala is irresistable to those who appreciate exclusivity and fine fare and who also want some romance. The afro-baroque décor with its earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings draws inspiration from the diverse cultures of Africa, yet remains integrated with the sophistication of the Western world.
The main lodge has a magnificent foyer featuring polished blackwood columns and a glass fronted lounge with views of the forest and valley.
Large open suspended decks are ideal for dining and sunset viewing, and the library features reference books on the area.
Superb and imaginative cuisine, reflecting the diversity of South African cultures, is a dining highlight and the wine cellar is stocked with the best South African Estate wines.
Elevated boardwalks high in the forest canopy allow easy access between the main lodge and the 10 exclusive and very private suites and the 6 luxury villas.
Each suite, rising to heights exceeding 6 metres, is a harmonious combination of the craftsmanship of ancient times and the indulgent luxury of every modern convenience. All have a private deck with sun loungers and infinity pool, a sitting room with a wood fire, and a spacious bathroom with inside and outside showers.
The villas are ideal for families or couples travelling together. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, so they are ideal for groups up to 4 people, as well as a private deck with an infinity pool overlooking the forest below.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Treetop Suite with Plunge Pool (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied) | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown. 22,000 hectares of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve. Experienced rangers and Xhosa trackers lead guests on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Guided bush walks and rhino tracking in Kwandwe's pristine wilderness bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best.
Elegant, intimate and contemporary, the Great Fish River Lodge boasts plush furnishings and majestic views of the reserve. Perched along the lush green banks of its namesake, Great Fish River Lodge has been designed to showcase the seemingly endless landscape in which it is set. Expansive viewing decks allow for a fully immersive experience in nature and is the perfect spot to enjoy an African sunset.
Décor is classic-contemporary and African-inspired, with natural palettes of earth-toned fabrics. Pewter and glass add an understated glamour to the furnishings, while artefacts such as ostrich eggshells, hides and horns create subtle points of interest and relevance to the lodge's surrounds.
Delicious African-inspired meals are served in the candlelit dining room or in the boma under a magnificent starlit sky.
The 9 air-conditioned and elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Relax by your private plunge pool on your private thatched terrace with unmatched views over the sweeping landscape beyond and observe playful Cape clawless otters swimming in the cool waters below. After days spent on safari, unwind in the supreme comfort of your kingsized bed and cocoon in fresh linens with a star-filled view.
Everything here takes place on a grander scale, but it is the attention to detail and expansive, unmatched vistas that keep visitors coming back year after year.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Chalet | ||
Includes: | All meals; tea/coffee; house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water; 2 scheduled shared game drives daily in an open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker; interpretive nature walks daily (one hour) accompanied by an experienced armed tracker; transfers in a game-drive vehicle from Heatherton (Reception and parking area) to the lodge; the Community and Conservation Levy; and a laundry/valet service are included. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on interpretive bush walks. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent. There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.
Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.
South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.
Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.
There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having transited through a yellow fever risk country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.
The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.
The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.