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 2 Weeks in South Africa
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 14 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Upon landing at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, you will be welcomed at the aircraft by a security approved airside supplier. If the aircraft is parked against the terminal building, you will be met at the sky bridge; if the aircraft is parked away from the airport building then you will be met at the entrance of the airport building. You will then be escorted to Immigration and to the baggage carousel to collect your luggage. Finally, you will be accompanied through Customs and into the arrivals terminal, where a Guest Service Officer will be waiting to welcome you to South Africa. You will then be assisted with the check in for your next flight and the airside handler will escort you through baggage screening then take you to your boarding gate.
Airlink 4Z861 (Economy Class): Fly from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 10:05 to Skukuza Airport (SZK), arriving at 11:05
Arrive into Skukuza Airport. Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where you will be met and transferred to Lion Sands Tinga Lodge.
Situated right on the Sabie River in a private concession within the Kruger National Park itself, you will find yourself surrounded entirely by bush and sky. Head into the wild on morning and afternoon game drives with your guide and tracker and discover a world usually only reserved for your TV screen during 'Animal Planet'. It is an escape that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime.
Kruger National Park
After you return from your morning game drive you will have time to enjoy breakfast at the lodge before you are transferred back to the airport where you will check in for your flight to Johannesburg.
Airlink 4Z862 (Economy Class): Fly from Skukuza Airport (SZK) departing at 13:35 to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 14:40
Connect with your onward flight down to Port Elizabeth.
Airlink 4Z785 (Economy Class): Fly from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 15:55 to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), arriving at 17:40
Collect your luggage then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will be waiting for you and holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be transferred to The Radisson Blu for an overnight stay.
Port Elizabeth
Your hire car will be delivered at 09:00.
10 Day Car Rental: Group H Elite Sedan - VW T-Roc or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)
Drive to the Garden Route (approx 240 km / 2 h 40 mins) and onto Tsala Treetop Lodge, set in stunning woodlands near Plettenberg Bay. The views are breathtaking, whether from the exotic dining room, intimate glassed-in lounge or large open decks high above the forest floor. As well as stylish accommodation and excellent food, all of the attractions of the Garden Route are within easy reach.
The Garden Route
Drive to Franschhoek (approx 465 km / 4 h 30 mins). Located on a private 30 acre estate, La Residence is surrounded by vineyards and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, breath-taking views of the undulating countryside and an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
The Cape Winelands
Allow an hour to drive to Cape Town. Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel is situated in the Gardens suburb, one of the city's oldest and most sophisticated neighbourhoods. This is authentic Cape Town at its loveliest, offering beauty, charm and a quirky personality in equal measure. Set just off the buzzing Kloof Street, you can live like a local but still be treated as a VIP guest. Comfort is never compromised and the warmth of the charming environment seeps its way through to every corner.
Experience the ultimate in luxury accommodation and an unparalleled riverside setting at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge. The lodge is located in the world famous Kruger National Park, the best wildlife reserve in Africa, on a private 5,000 hectare concession, where guests can view the wildlife on safari game drives or bush walks, whilst accompanied by experienced guides.
With only 6 guests to a game viewer and exclusive traversing on the concession, you’ll have minimal encounters with other people. You will see all of Africa’s iconic species - lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra - along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird.
While you are out exploring, you will by no means be roughing it. Your game viewer has cushioned bucket seats, waterproof device holders, blankets and ponchos - and stops off in a scenic spot for drinks and snacks.
If you enjoy a bit of adventure, and want to experience the bush in its rawest form,head out on an after-breakfast bush walk, or treat yourself to a night under the stars in the Tineyeleti Treehouse. You don’t get closer to Africa than this!
The 9 exclusive Suites are set apart on a high bank up from the Sabie River and feel definitely private. Step out through your suite’s glass sliding doors onto your private deck, where dining experiences can be set up just for you, or enjoy an al fresco shower under the stars or a dip in your plunge pool. From your suite, elevated wooden pathways lead off to a spa sala and the main lodge with its bar lounge, library, poolside and boma offering spaces to share good company or spend some quiet me time.
The Hi’Nkweni (pronounced Hing Kweni) Family Villa at Tinga Lodge is an exclusive and self-contained 2 Bedroom Villa, which comes with its own safari vehicle and field guide, giving guests the flexibility to craft their own experience.
Tinga is an escape that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime.
Nights: | 4 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Suite with Plunge Pool | ||
Includes: | 3 meals per day; tea/coffee; minibar in room; all soft drinks, a selection of local brand beers, spirits and house wines; 2 daily shared game drives; game drive refreshments/snacks; the Guest Conservation Contribution and Recovery/Rebuilding Levy; Skukuza airport transfers; and the Kruger National Park concession fee are included. Children under the age of 16 years are not allowed on guided walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Claiming to have the best climate and more sunshine than any other coastal resort in the country, Port Elizabeth is a popular holiday destination. Known more fondly as just PE, the warmth of the hospitality has also earned this major seaport the reputation of being 'The Friendly City'.
PE is renowned for its coastline and long sandy beaches. The calm waters of Algoa Bay, its shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, also make Port Elizabeth a mecca for all beach and watersport activities and it is rated as one of South Africa's best cold water dive sites.
The Boardwalk beach front complex is the lively heart of Port Elizabeth, and has many shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a casino, small fun fair and cinema.
For golfers, PE is home to one of the world's most challenging links courses, the Humewood Golf Course, which is consistently ranked as one of South Africa's Top 10 golf courses.
The nearby Addo Elephant National Park is home to over 450 elephants who roam freely among the 180,000 hectare reserve alongside buffalo, kudu, red hartebeest and the rare black rhino, as well as over 400 bird species - and not forgetting the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo has the greatest density of elephant per square kilometre in Africa and offers some wonderful elephant viewing opportunities.
With panoramic views to the sandy beaches of Algoa Bay, the Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth offers supreme hospitality, 173 beautifully designed guest rooms and world-class amenities, and is ideally located a mere 300 meters from the beach.
Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the large, outdoor swimming pool, or take some time out to get pampered in the spa. The gym will enable guests to keep up with their fitness routine.
Tabu Grill has a chic decor which is set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Diners can enjoy local, seasonal ingredients in unique combinations and pair any of the dishes with a glass of wine from the restaurant's expansive wine list.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Suite - Ocean View | ||
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 | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
La Residence lies at the heart of a private 30-acre working farm, complete with vineyards, plum orchards, a dam and fragrant manicured gardens. The majestic mountains that surround the idyllic Franschhoek Valley provide enchanting views in every direction.
Space is in abundance with panoramic views from every suite, and personalised service is the order of the day. In addition to the deluxe decor, La Residence has a reputation for world-class dining. Haute cuisine is served in the baronial dining room or on the tranquil patios.
A 5 minute drive from the charming curio shops and galleries of Franschhoek village, the hotel provides complimentary transfers so guests can explore at their leisure. There are excellent village restaurants to try as well as a range of activities from horse-riding to chocolate-tasting.
With sublime views, diverse pastimes, crisp mountain air and the stillness of the serene valley, this is an unparalleled luxury retreat.
The 11 opulent bedrooms open onto generous sunny balconies and verandahs, which offer the perfect place to relax, admire the view, and marvel at the synthesis of beauty and tranquility. They incorporate antiques, Persian carpets, fine fabrics and an eclectic mix of objects d'art.
On hot days, the shimmering infinity pool beckons. Sip drinks under a shady umbrella, or relax with treatments in the Spa. In addition, the air conditioned gym caters for the more energetic!
A stone’s throw from La Residence in a tranquil vineyard setting, there are 5 vineyard suites which offer privacy and space for families and groups of friends. There are stylish rooms for dining and relaxing, and luxurious bedrooms with marble en-suite bathrooms. All have private terraces and gardens; while 4 have their own pools.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
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.
The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, and was declared a national monument in 1984. The hotel is situated in the heart of Cape Town, just off the fashionable Kloof Street, so some of Cape Towns' finest restaurants are a leisurely stroll away, and you are just a short drive from the beaches at Camps Bay, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.
The lounge and breakfast room have been carefully designed to provide every creature comfort without sparing on the fine detail. There is also a garden and pool area, and a library where you can relax and read or research your itinerary from the computer terminal provided for your convenience.
Each of the 15 rooms are individually decorated, marrying a touch of yesteryear with contemporary chic and bohemian influence. The choice of room at Cape Cadogan is largely dependent on your personal preference and budget. Regardless of room category, comfort is never compromised and the warmth of the charming environment seeps its way through to every corner.
Nights: | 4 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Classic Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
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.