DAY 1: FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA, JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Day Itinerary
Arrive off your international flight (OWN ARRANGEMENTS) into OR Tambo International, Johannesburg, South Africa – Flight Estimate Arrival Time: …..
Meet and greet by our Southern Africa representative in the International Arrivals Hall and move to the waiting air conditioned coach for the transfer to your chosen hotel in Johannesburg – the City of Gold
Transfer to your hotel and check-in on arrival. Light welcome snacks and drinks will be served on the Terrace. Guests will have time to relax and recuperate after the international flight to South Africa
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENT: A Light Dinner is available at the Hotel at leisure
Overnight: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
An upmarket sanctuary in Sandton, minutes away from the business hubs and shopping malls, the hotel is set in manicured gardens amongst mature trees, a haven for a variety of bird life. The 41 opulent suites are individually designed architecturally and decoratively, a suite for every taste. The Presidential suite and Villa residence are ideal for multi-generation or VIP travellers seeking privacy. An impressive gym, swimming pool and an enchanting restaurant complete the full range of services. Take time out in the lush balinese gardens of The Fairlawns Spa and experience unique moments of pleasure in our relaxation pavilions as well as outdoor massage areas listening to the sounds of nature. A true haven for wellness and restoration. Complimentary Wi-Fi offered and transfers within 5km of the hotel, including the Gautrain station, markets and malls.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Activities
Spa at Fairlawns
High Tea
Manor House Bistro
The Terrace
Muse Champagne Room & Courtyard
Spa at Fairlawns
Rejuvenate, relax and restore in the exquisite bamboo forest gardens of the Balinese-style Spa at Fairlawns. With a range of therapies and signature Asian-inspired treatments, a team of skilled therapists are able to bring you back to a state of calm and natural well-being. Five indoor treatment rooms with enhanced mood lighting sets the scene for your journey to relaxation and restoration. The Balinese Gardens are the perfect space to catch your breath after your massage. Featuring a heated plunge pool, Knipe Theraphy, spa bath and hidden escapes on a Chinese daybed or pod swing chairs it is an oasis to disconnect and refresh. Three outdoor treatment salas accommodate groups of two and more. Choose from a variety of facials for gentlemen and ladies, travel therapy treatments like a Jet Lag Massage, or the perfect manicure and pedicure combination.
High Tea
Discover heartfelt hospitality and elegance in the Manor Bistro lounge with windows opening out onto the gardens, serving daily classic afternoon tea. An ideal spot to dine on light meals, and ogle the cake trolley, inspired by the Ritz in London, this is also fast becoming very popular with events. Partake in a classic, with morning and afternoon tea served daily. You can also indulge in Champagne or sparkling wine served by the glass. High Tea is served from 11h00 to 17h00.
Manor House Bistro
Manor House Bistro features more casual, al fresco dining, in a contemporary setting that caters to eclectic tastes. The restaurant is elegant, yet still homely and welcoming, and features some of your favourite café style meals. Not to mention the Strawberry Daiquiri tea trolley serving decadent sweet treats. Partake in a classic, with morning and afternoon tea served daily. You can also indulge in Champagne or sparkling wine served by the glass.
The Terrace
Experience a haven of tranquillity as you overlook lush rolling lawns from the Terrace while enjoying your meal or sun downer.
Muse Champagne Room & Courtyard
The latest addition to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa. Brought to you in collaboration with French Champagne house, Perrier-Jouët, our champagne room and adjoining Courtyard is a sumptuous mix of things elegant and contemporary, using nature as its source of inspiration. The adjoining Courtyard is the perfect place for late afternoon sundowners. You can listen to the birdsong of the garden while experiencing an African sunset. MUSE offers an eclectic range of designer cocktails, as well as a signature Casse-Croûte menu.
DAY 2: FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA, JOHANNESBURG
Day Itinerary
Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel, prior before departure on your morning sightseeing tour. Depart on a Full Day Cultural Exploration tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. This tour includes: Soweto (South West Township – the largest township in South Africa)
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENT: Enjoy a partial cycle through the township & meet the locals!
- Nelson Mandela Bridge
- Sandton Shopping District
- Hector Peterson Memorial
- Apartheid Museum
- Vilakazi Street
Lunch is a traditional experience in Soweto at Chaf Pozi OR an African Flavour Celebration at Moyo Urban in Sandton. After lunch, depart back to the hotel.
Optional shuttles are available to and from Sandton Shopping District Guests meet at the hotel foyer and depart for dinner at Kitamu Taste of Africa, in Melrose Arch District.
Dinner is a casual affair, with outside seating (weather dependent), live entertainment and traditional African hand-washing. Return to the hotel after dinner
Activities
Downtown Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Soweto
Vilakazi Street
Apartheid Museum
Hector Pieterson Museum
Chaf Pozi
Nelson Mandela Bridge
Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton
Melrose Arch Shopping Centre
OPTIONAL
Cycle in Soweto
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Soweto
Bordering Johannesburg’s mining belt, Soweto is a township of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, South Africa. The name Soweto is an acronym for ‘South Western Township’. This township was developed for black South African’s during the apartheid system.
Today, it has evolved into a place of pride and social prestige, filled to the brim with vibrant culture and incredible history. Must-see sites include: Kliptown, the Hector Petersen Memorial and Museum, and the former home of President Nelson Mandela.
Visitors can explore the bustling Vilakazi Street, sample local cuisine one of the many traditional restaurants and enjoy a South African beer at a local shebeen. Thrillseekers can look forward to the Orlando Towers bungee jump, and Thespians can catch a show at the Soweto Theatre.
Vilakazi Street
Soweto’s version of the star-studded mile, Vilakazi Street has become famous for its history of high profile residents, including Nelson Mandela himself, who lived there between 1946 and 1961, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who still lives there with his wife Leah today. Two restaurants serving traditional African cusine – Nambitha and Sakhumzi – are located here and are popular with tourists visiting Vilakazi Street on day tours to Soweto.
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story.
The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.
The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga, known as apartheid.
A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.
For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental.
Hector Pieterson Museum
On 16 June 1976 in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, what began as a peaceful march in the name of educational reforms turned to chaos when police troops responded to the demonstrating students with a barrage of live bullets and teargas. One of the most tragic casualties of this debacle was 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was killed when he was caught in the cross fire. The Hector Museum, located close to the site of his death, was built to commemorate his untimely passing and the events that ultimately caused it.
Chaf Pozi
Chaf Pozi is a lively restaurant and bar located at the base of the iconic Orlando Towers in the lively city of Soweto. The robust menu offers braaied local specialities like beef, chicken, mutton, pork and wors – that can be enjoyed with a range of delicious side dishes, relaxing drinks from the premium bar, and vibrant local South African music.
Sandton
Sandton is one of Johannesburg’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, encompassing a multitude of businesses, shopping malls, restaurants and malls, as well as private residences.
Melrose Arch Shopping Centre
Melrose Arch captures the imagination, invades the senses and invites you into a sophisticated 21st century environment with its breathtaking new urban design that creates a rare quality of in and out-doors residential, commercial, retail and leisure spaces. Bustling with boutique browsers and café culture, Melrose Arch offers a truly international high street fashion experience, alfresco style, leading to the sparkling retail galleria that provides an open air stage in which over 100 of the country’s top retailers re-defines the face and future of shopping.
Savor the unique tastes of twenty restaurants and coffee shops arranged around the Square and Piazza. Live, work, play, shop or stay, you’ll discover Melrose Arch’s people-friendly meeting places, amazing buildings, curved streets and vibrant atmosphere. Discover why Melrose Arch has been voted the place to see and be seen for 8 consecutive years by the Leisure Options Best of Johannesburg Readers’ Choice Awards.
Cycle in Soweto
Cycle in Soweto offers private bike tours around world-famous Soweto Township. During the guided tour, visitors will have real personal interactions with locals, stop for a meet and greet or to take some pictures and enjoy a unique township experience.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 3 – 7: KAPAMA RIVER LODGE, KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Stretching across 13000 hectares, towards the Kruger area in South Africa, Kapama Private Game Reserve provides an authentic African safari experience. The reserve provides a range of stylish accommodation across four refined lodges and bush camps. Offering a wide range of options, from a traditional African safari camp to top-notch luxury suites. Kapama is home to the Big Five and is known for its diverse wildlife experiences which can be enjoyed on one of many game drives offering fascinating encounters with plentiful wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities including: excellent game viewing, enjoying a relaxing spa experience and stargazing after a lamp-lit dinner under the African night sky.
Day Itinerary
Arrive off your international flight (Own arrangements) into OR Tambo International, Johannesburg, South Africa
Meet your our Southern Africa representative in the International Arrivals Hall and move to the Domestic Departures Hall and connect to the flight to East gate Airport
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENT:
For early morning arrivals, make use of an airport hotel or facility in Johannesburg to refresh and shower, after the international flight
Main Luggage may be sent to Cape Town ahead of the group, with travellers continuing with only Safari Bags
Domestic Flight:
Johannesburg (South Africa) – Hoedspruit (South Africa) FOR OWN ACCOUNT
Flight Time is at 13h05. International flight to arrive before 10h00 to make connection
It can be booked by our Southern Africa correspondence on request.
Suggested to link with International Airfare routing
Arrive into Hoedspruit / Eastgate Airport, where you will be met by your Game Ranger in open safari vehicles. Board the vehicles and depart to the Lodge
Arrive at the Lodge and make your way to the Main Lodge for the official welcome. Meet your camp hosts and check-in after a brief welcome by the Lodge Management team and on conclusion of the safety briefing. The lodge team will discuss the program of the Safari
Game Package Commences:
Morning Game drive, followed by breakfast/brunch
Afternoon Game drive, followed by dinner
All meals at the tented camp
Selected activities at the lodge between Game Drives
Outdoor dining (weather permitting)
Arrival Dinner will be a Dinner under the Stars (served in the River-bed, subject to weather and water-levels)
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS WHILE ON SAFARI:
Private talk and show by a Wildlife Photographer
Hot Air Balloon Safari in the region
Visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and learn more about the amazing conservation work they do
GENERAL ORDER OF A SAFARI DAY:
05h30: Wake-up Calls
06h00: Morning Safari drive commences
09h00: Return to the main lodge for Breakfast
Optional leisure time or activities offered onsite
From 12h00: Lunch at the lodge
15h00: High Tea served at the Lodge
16h00: Afternoon Safari drive commences
19h00: Return to the lodge for dinner
Leisure time at the lodge
Overnight
Activities
Kruger National Park
Hoedspruit
Optional
Elephant Interaction
Kapama photographic workshops
Sun Catchers Hot Air Ballooning
Recommended
Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species
Game Drive
Across all of Kapama’s lodges, two daily game drives are offered and are included in the tariff. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, guests can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since this is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve.
The day starts with an early wake-up call between 0500hrs and 0530hrs. Tea, coffee and rusks are enjoyed together before heading out at first light. 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. Halfway through the game drive, there’s a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 0900hr for a full breakfast. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife around the lodge – nyala antelope and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon.
At around 1530hrs, everyone gathers for a decadent high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. En route, you’ll stop for a sundowner drink and will have a chance to stretch your legs as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.
As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. The skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight, which illuminates animals’ eyes. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. Arrival is at the lodge is usually around 0700hrs, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.
Bush Walks
Feel Africa underfoot on a guided bush walk with a highly trained game ranger. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, and medicinal and other plants are identified 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.
River Lodge Spa & Wellness Centre
Surrounded by stillness and sweeping bushveld, the Kapama Wellness Centre takes safari spa treatments to new heights. Considered one of the finest safari spas in Africa, the six sumptuous treatment rooms are arranged around a generous central lap pool that evokes a sense of calm.
While Dermalogica and Matisse products are used in the spa, five uniquely created African-inspired treatments are also on the menu to provide rejuvenation and complete relaxation. Soak up the signature four-hour Marula Miracle Moments – which includes a body wrap, facial, massage and more – or opt for other enticingly named treatments such as the Kapama Pinotage Bliss, which uses vine-infused products, or the Marula Sensual Steam Treatment. Various treatments are also available to couples. The luxury safari spa treatment menu includes a full range of body and beauty treatments. 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 luxury game lodge accommodation.
Alternatively, if you’d like to work up a sweat, the state-of-the-art mini gym is fully equipped. There is both cardio and weight-lifting equipment, depending on if you want to tone or build muscle. What is guaranteed is that a visit to the Wellness Centre will energise and uplift you for the day.
Kruger National Park
Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife.
The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.
Hoedspruit
Resting at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg, in the beautiful Limpopo Province, the town of Hoedspruit is surrounded by the largest privately owned conservation area in the world. It is sandwiched between the world famous Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon.
Hoedspruit serves as a great base from which to explore the surrounding game reserves and natural attractions. This spectacular landscape features towering cliffs shadowing over enormous stretches of bushveld that give way to marula, acacia and mopane woodlands. Within this wilderness paradise, some of Africa’s most captivating wildlife can be spotted.
Visitors can enjoy a number of activities including: Big 5 game drives, whitewater rafting, horse riding safaris, visiting the Khamai Reptile Park as well as the Daktari Wildlife Orphanage.
Elephant Interaction
The elephant interaction offered by Kapama, is a unique opportunity for guests to get extremely close to the world’s largest land animals. This activity offers visitors the chance to learn about African elephants, both wild and habituated, as they interact and feed these gentle giants.
This is an early morning experience starting at around 06h20. Bring a hat and sunscreen with you as the day will get hotter as the sun rises. Wear closed shoes preferably and don’t forget your camera! Then climb on board a game drive vehicle for your transfer to the designated location, where you will be met by one of the activity managers for a personal introduction to this unique elephant herd.
The elephant experience starts with a brief history of Jabulani and the rest of the herd that came to be part of this unique elephant experience. This is a fascinating story, made even more riveting as the Elephant Manager has shared the journey of each elephant since the start of this endeavour. Learn about the bonds formed between the elephants and their grooms, and what it takes to care for this special herd.
The interaction allows you to observe these animals in their natural environment as they peacefully go about their daily routine. Listen to amusing anecdotes about each individual elephant, each with their own quirks and antics.
You are then introduced to Jabulani and get the opportunity to feed and interact with him while learning some interesting facts about the anatomy of an elephant. Any questions are welcomed and there is plenty of time to take those once-in-a-lifetime photographs with Jabulani. Over the years five babies have been born into the herd.
Mambo – one of these special babies – is then introduced. This young bull elephant is full of character. He usually comes running out of the bush when called and loves being featured in any photographs being taken. While you interact with Jabulani and Mambo, the rest of the herd can be found browsing in the bush nearby. The herd consists of 14 elephants, ranging in age from 6 to 33 years. The 90 minute elephant interaction includes coffee and tea with biscuits. For some, this up-close interaction is a life-changing one, but for everyone it is a truly unforgettable encounter.
Kapama photographic workshops
Kapama Private Game Reserve is delighted to host world-class photographic training by a leading South African wildlife photographer – hands-on in the African bush. Kapama Private Game Reserve is offering this three-night photographic workshop package at its four diverse luxurious safari lodges.
Hosted by professional wildlife photographer Albie Venter, the workshop is aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers. It also aims to bring together like-minded people who enjoy both nature and photography. During the workshop, you will learn everything from operating a camera to how to compose and spot evocative photographs. You will also be able to put your newly acquired knowledge into action, and hone your skills during private game drives through the bush.
Whether you have never picked up a camera before or just want to learn to use the one you have better, the emphasis of the weekend is on learning both the technical and artistic sides of photography in a relaxing natural environment. All appropriate genres of photography will be discussed, and the theoretical aspects will be taught during two sessions hosted in the lodge conference room.
The six game drives during the weekend are aimed at putting knowledge into practice, with guidance from the professional photographer on your vehicle. Groups are kept small to ensure personal attention. A maximum of six people are accommodated on the game drive vehicle, to ensure all participants have ‘window’ seats.
This photographic can be customised for any number of days. Kapama is happy to quote on and accommodate specific guest requirements.
Sun Catchers Hot Air Ballooning
Experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight near the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment. One-hour long flights over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River, 15km West of Hoedspruit. The terrain is a mixture of farmland, private nature reserves and wildlife estates. The mountains to the South and West provide shelter from the prevailing winds, thereby affording good flying weather on most days.
As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife will provide photo opportunities. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights we see plains game like giraffe and wildebeest. The pilots and crew will ensure a safe, enjoyable and informative adventure that will be one of the highlights of your visit to the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. After the flight, guests making use of transfers will be returned to their respective lodges
Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species
To see rare wildlife up close, take a late morning trip – after the game drive and breakfast – to the nearby Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species. Here cheetah, wild dog, serval, caracal and various other species are rehabilitated and can be safely viewed from close range. Rare king cheetah can also be seen here. An educational video is shown as part of the tour and showcases the different projects undertaken by the centre. It’s followed by a guided tour to view cheetah and other fascinating wildlife. Guests to the centre will be accompanied by a Kapama lodge ranger.
Overnight: Kapama River Lodge
The majestic northern Drakensberg mountains form the backdrop to the 5-star Luxury, 64-suite River Lodge, which is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River. The lodge offers 3 types of accommodation options in spacious rooms, each featuring full en-suite bathrooms, coffee making facilities, mini bar fridge and air-conditioners. The lodge features a pool, boma, library and media centre. The Wellness Centre includes a spa, lap pool, and gym.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Included
DAY 7: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and enjoy the morning at leisure. Check-out of the hotel and spend the last few hours at leisure in the Mother City
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS:
Should you have a late flight from Cape Town, store luggage at the hotel and keep one or two refresh rooms available for the full day
Leisure time at the V&A Waterfront before departure (Lunch at the V&A Waterfront if departure is after 14h00)
Bid the City Farewell with a Helicopter Flight over the city, mountain and Atlantic Ocean
Depart from the hotel and make your way to the Airport to check-in for your International Flight out of South Africa (OWN ARRANGEMENTS) BON VOYAGE!
Activities
V&A Waterfront
Optional
NAC Helicopters Atlantico Tour
V&A Waterfront
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments. The Waterfront is the heart of the tourist industry in Cape Town.
NAC Helicopters Atlantico Tour
If you’re dreaming of admiring Cape Town’s vast ocean vistas, the Atlantico is an idyllic treat. Upon departing from NAC Helicopters’ base at the Victoria&Alfred Waterfront, you’ll soar over Cape Town’s scenic City Bowl, and out over the Atlantic Ocean.
To your right, you’ll see breathtaking blue-green water stretching past the horizon, interrupted only by the occasional whale or dolphin. To your left, the majestic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range stand proudly, rolling down into the sandy white beaches and seaside suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay – and further afield, Llandudno.
You’ll see Seal Island on your right, before crossing into Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak’s unspoiled cove. Then you’ll get to experience it all again, as you journey back along the Peninsula to the V&A Waterfront.
Basis
Breakfast
