8 Days Safari Winelands and Beach Holiday

Day 1: Johannesburg - Thornybush Private Game Reserve

A light aircraft flight will transfer you from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, where a guide will meet you and take you on a short game drive to Royal Malewane.

Your stay in the Greater Kruger National Park will be in a luxury en-suite room with a private viewing deck and swimming pool. The spa offers optional wellness treatments and facilities at your service include a gym, heated lap pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and hot and cold African baths.

An afternoon game drive will be your first full game drive on your South Africa vacation. Sharing the greatness of the Kruger National Parks, the reserve offers exciting wildlife sightings. Enjoy a stop in a remote spot to watch the sunset with sipping on a sundowner before returning to the lodge for dinner. Dining in Thornybush is always an exciting experience. Whether it's a sophisticated indoor dinner, a romantic candlelit seating for two under the stars, or a festive evening in the traditional boma, dinner at this safari lodge is always a menu to look forward to.

Day 2-3 :Thornybush Private Game Reserve

An early wakeup call will signal the start of your day of adventure. After enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, get ready for your morning game drive. Alongside our trained guide, you might be lucky enough to spot the Big Five and an abundance of other wildlife species. The birdlife in the reserve provides endless hours of bird watching. Photographic opportunities are endless as game viewing excursions introduce you to endless vistas.

Return to the lodge for a full breakfast before venturing out into the bush on a guided walking safari. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to pursue your personal interests. Lounge on your private deck in full view of the untamed wilderness around you, select a book from the intimate library, or laze around the swimming pool with your choice of cocktail.

Afternoon visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre or the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can be arranged, as well as other optional activities such as helicopter flights, hot-air balloon flights, canyon cruise, horse riding, and a round of golf.

A late afternoon game drive will introduce you to the hidden creatures of the bush - the nocturnal birds and mammals, as well as the sought-after predators. Return to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks and a delicious meal served in a pre-arranged bush spot or in the indoor dining room or outdoor boma enclosure. Retire to your suite for a peaceful night's rest before continuing your adventure the next morning.

Day 4-5 :Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

Say goodbye to the bush in a flight from a bush airstrip to Johannesburg. At O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will board a flight to Cape Town International Airport. Your chauffeur will meet you upon arrival and drive you to the Cape Winelands for your stay at La Residence in Franschhoek.

Settle into spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley from your private balcony, and explore the facilities at the hotel, including an infinity pool, award-winning restaurant, or an optional pampering spa session.

Your days in this Cape Winelands valley can be spent at your own leisure, absorbing the laid-back atmosphere and French influences that are synonymous to Franschhoek. Stroll along the French-inspired streets and marvel at the numerous art galleries, boutiques and museums.

The highlight of a visit to the town is, of course, the many restaurants and cafés. Known as South Africa's Food and Wine Capital, culinary satisfaction is guaranteed. The various wine farms in the valley offer unique experiences in food and wine pairings. Whether you choose to add chocolate or cheese samples to your wine, or simply enjoy them on their own, sampling South Africa's finest selection of wines is a must in Franschhoek.

Day 6-7 :Hermanus, Western Cape

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for your final destination on a chauffeur-driven half day tour. Enjoy a scenic drive on your way to Hermanus, where you will stay at Birkenhead House.

Renowned for its land-based whale watching, the coastal town offers a variety of outdoor activities. Spend your mornings exploring the town's many restaurants, markets art galleries and boutiques. Appreciate the outdoors by trying to spot whales from the cliff-tops or laze on the beach. Various hiking trails are available, offering breathtaking beach and mountain views.

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve has an impressive display of 1100 plant species and an abundance of bird species, making it a nature lover's dream. Don't forget your binoculars and camera to capture the unsurpassed beauty of Hermanus. Explore the waters on a range of optional water-based activities such as boat cruises to Dyer Island, sea kayaking excursions and the more extreme option of shark cage diving.

Notify the hotel once you're ready to be collected and a shuttle will return you to the comfort of the hotel, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool along with your favourite drink.Optional spa treatments are on offer, adding to the relaxed feel that Hermanus exudes.

Day 8 :Hermanus - Cape Town

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast before departing from the lodge in a chauffeur drive from Hermanus to Cape Town International Airport. There, you will embark on your onward travel arrangements.