Explore the highlights of South Africa in this private villa itinerary, ideal for families or small groups wanting only the very best.
South Africa for the whole family
Johannesburg, Madikwe, Cape Winelands, Cape Whale Coast, Cape Town
Malaria-free and ideal for families or small groups
Enjoy sole-use villas and private guiding throughout
Explore historical, cultural, and natural landmarks
Experience the Big Five and other iconic species
Seasonal whale-watching and shark cage diving
Delight in top restaurants and renowned wine farms
Your journey at a glance
This exclusive and luxurious 13-day family journey through South Africa is the ideal spoil, uncovering an array of highlights the beautiful country has to offer.
This adventure incorporates a wide variety of included and optional experiences for family members of all ages, while staying at a selection of exclusive-use villas. Explore the country’s vibrant city-life, from the colourful history of Johannesburg to the magnificent scenery and golden beaches of Cape Town, plus some of its most iconic wildlife destinations.
1 night Johannesburg | 3 nights Madikwe | 2 nights Cape Winelands | 3 nights Whale Coast | 3 nights Cape Town
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Delve into the City of Gold on a specialist historic tour of the Cradle of Mankind in Johannesburg. Enjoy a Big Five safari at the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, tracking African wild dog and enjoying intimate wildlife encounters in the company of professional guides. Appreciate the beauty of the quaint town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, boasting world-renowned culinary fare and wines. Scan the horizons catching a glimpse of the Whale Coast’s vibrant marine life, and if brave enough, come face-to-face with a shark. Revel in the magnificent playground of Cape Town, a spectacular natural haven filled with unparalleled adventure, beauty, wine, and gastronomy. One of the best family holiday destinations across the globe, South Africa entices travellers of all ages, creating breathtaking family moments and cherished memories.
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A taste of what to expect…
Day 1-2:
Johannesburg
AtholPlace House & Villa
- Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by a Menzies Aviation representative and assisted through customs and immigration. You will then be assisted into the arrivals hall, where a member from the &Beyond team will meet you and drive you to your private villa.
- After settling in at Atholplace House & Villa, which is located within an upmarket garden suburb in Johannesburg, you will be transferred to the Cradle Boutique Hotel (roughly an hour away) for a half-day tour of the Cradle of Mankind.
- Here, you will be met by an expert guide who will accompany you through the Malapa Museum, starting with a video presentation by Prof. Lee Burger, detailing the exciting new finds at the Malapa, Gladysvale and Rising Star digs.
- An open game drive vehicle will then take you to the Motsetse Cave. The drive takes about 10 minutes and passes through pristine high altitude dolomitic grasslands which are second only to the Cape Floral Kingdom (fynbos) in terms of floral diversity.
- A geological overview of cave formation will be given there, including an explanation as to why they are so rich in fossils. At the nearby lime kiln, enjoy a brief history of lime mining in the area explaining how it led to the fossil discoveries.
- The Cradle of Mankind tour takes place in the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, which comprises the core of the UNESCO Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
- You will be given an insight into the important hominid finds in the area, specifically Homo Naledi at Rising Star Cave and Australopithecus Sediba at Malapa. These discoveries were rated by the Smithsonian Magazine as in the top ten scientific breakthroughs of the last decade and have provided new insights into the origin of man. The duration of the tour, excluding the return transfers, will be around 2.5 hours.
- Afterwards, you will be driven you back to your hotel, where you will have a chance to freshen up before dinner.
Day 2-3:
Madikwe
Morukuru River House
- After a delicious breakfast, you will be driven to OR Tambo International Airport, from where you will be flown in a private charter to Madikwe Game Reserve (an approximate 35-minute flight).
- Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your ranger, who will drive you to Morukuru River Lodge in a game drive vehicle.
- Experience an incredible Madikwe safari with a diverse combination of bushveld and semi-arid Kalahari scrub, Big Five game-viewing as well as endangered African wild dog encounters.
- Madikwe is famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise, successfully reintroducing more than 8,000 animals of 28 species, including lion, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino.
- It is also home to more than 350 bird species, several endemic to the Kalahari.
- The Madikwe region is rich in history, having seen the passage of the famed warrior Mzilikazi, as well as explorers, traders and missionaries that included Dr David Livingstone and Sir Cornwallis Harris. Renowned South African writer Herman Charles Bosman also celebrates the area in many of his books.
Day 3-5:
Madikwe
Morukuru River House
- Over the next two days, take advantage of your private vehicle and dedicated guide and tracker team to set the pace for your own safari adventure.
- Choose from the following available experiences to make up an ideal day at Madikwe Game Reserve:
- Set out on game drives that explore the beautiful landscape and search for the exceptional wildlife that makes it their home, including all the members of the Big Five, as well as the rare African wild dog.
- Enjoy a change of perspective as you set out on guided bush walks that explore the intricate details of the African landscapes, from insects and plants to birds and small wildlife.
- Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing in the river.
- Cool off with an afternoon spent water tubing at the nearby Molatedi Dam (seasonal).
- Indulge your taste buds in some local favourites with a cooking lesson from the villa’s personal chef.
- Experience a glimpse of authentic local life with a visit to the nearby Molatedi village and school.
- Absorb the sounds and scents of the African night as you spend a night in one of the reserve’s secluded hides.
Day 5:
Franschhoek
La Clé des Montagnes
- After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Madikwe East Airstrip, from where you will be flown in a private charter (via Kimberley for a fuel stop) to the Cape Town International Airport (an approximate 3-hour flight).
- Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by a member from the &Beyond team, who will take your luggage and see you off on your scenic helicopter transfer to Franschhoek.
- Taking off from Cape Town International Airport, soar over the famous Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront and fly above the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Enjoy magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles and taking in the aerial sights of the coastline from Llandudno to Hout Bay. Fly above famous Chapman’s Peak and admire the landmarks of Noordhoek, False Bay and Cape Points before landing at La Clé des Montagnes in Franschhoek.
- The valley of Franschhoek, tightly hemmed in by mountains, was originally established by a small band of French Huguenots who fled Europe in 1688 to avoid religious persecution. Although their skills as winemakers have been somewhat exaggerated over time, they did have in their midst the de Villiers and du Toit brothers, who taught them a thing or two about viniculture. The settlers soon developed impressive vineyards and homesteads, which to this day bear their original French names.
- With the impressive Huguenot Memorial, museum and rose garden at its heart, the town of Franschhoek has just one main street, which is lined with antique shops, cafés, and restaurants just waiting to be explored.
Day 6:
Franschhoek
La Clé des Montagnes
- Today you and your family will enjoy a full day guided bicycle tour of Franschhoek, starting at around 09h00 and ending at approximately 16h30.
- Considered an easy ride, and lots of fun, mostly flat with some gentle inclines, your cycle tour covers around 8 – 14 km (4.9 – 8.6 mi).
- After an engaging introduction and orientation, you will make your way to the first cultivated farm by the French Huguenots back in 1688. This fascinating bicycle tour highlights the history of the area as well as the natural flora and fauna. Stop at the Huguenot Memorial and weave your way through the vineyards which are steeped in tradition but also showcase innovative viniculture ideas such as seen at Mont Rochelle owned by Sir Richard Branson.
Day 7:
Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast
Grootbos Private Villas
- After breakfast, you will be collected from La Clé des Montagnes and driven to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (an approximate 3-hour drive).
- Spend the next three nights at the magnificent The Sunbird Villa, one of the Grootbos Villas.
- Your stay includes a wide variety of exciting experiences for the whole family including:
- Horseriding back through the reserve
- Botanical fynbos hikes at the reserve
- Milkwood forest walks
- 4×4 flower safaris
- Coastal drive with seasonal land-based whale watching (July – December)
- Beach picnics
- Ancient Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay nature reserve beach excursions
- Birdwatching
- Self-guided walks
- Day trip to Cape Agulhas, the most southern tip of Africa
- Shopping excursions to Hermanus
- Wine tasting experiences
Day 8:
Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast
Grootbos Private Villas
Today, set off for an exhilarating ocean experience. On offer are two incredible adventures, season dependent:
Eco Marine Trip: Morning activity (January to May)
This 1-to-2-hour journey takes the whole family to Dyer Island and the adjacent coast where dolphin are frequently seen. At Dyer Island, look for interesting sea birds such as African penguins, terns, cormorants, petrels, and oystercatchers. A narrow channel known as Shark Alley separates Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to a colony of 60,000 cape fur seals. This is a world-renowned location for marine life viewing and cage diving with great white sharks.
Whale Watching Trip: Morning activity (June – December)
The ultimate whale coast experience, these giants of the sea won’t be the only things you’ll see on this exceptional 2-hour hour adventure. Your boat will launch in the quaint harbour of Kleinbaai, in Gansbaai, which will make its way toward the Pearly Beach area — which is home to the southern right whale. Afterwards, you will venture towards renowned Dyer Island for excellent penguin and seabird viewing, and then to Geyser Rock to view the curious antics of cape fur seals. Between these two islands is the notorious shark alley where you may be fortunate enough to view the spectacular great white shark.
Day 9:
Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast
Grootbos Private Villas
- Today is the ideal day for the ultimate daredevils and pure nature enthusiasts of the family.
- Your day begins early in the quaint coastal village of Gansbaai, at the Great White House for an exhilarating shark cage diving experience.
- Here, you will top up your energy levels, with a delicious breakfast, before the day’s adventure kicks off.
- Safety is paramount and all guests will sit down to a brief introductory talk with a marine biologist, before being fitted with life jackets and heading out. All necessary equipment is included.
- Surrender your fears and delve deep into the ocean, coming face to face with a curious great white shark, from the protection of a submerged cage.
Day 10:
Cape Town, South Africa
Ellerman House
This morning, you will be collected from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and driven to Hermanus.
From here, you will travel to Cape Town in style as you are picked up in a chauffeur-driven vintage World War II motorcycle with a sidecar.
Vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, this laid-back city is as much at home with its 17th century castle – whose cannons have never been fired in anger – as it is with its sleek skyscrapers and trendy malls.
Revel in magnificent views of the Cape as you are driven to your hotel, Ellerman House where you will be staying for the next three nights.
Day 11:
Cape Town, South Africa
Ellerman House
- Discover the Mother City, beginning your family city adventure with a ride on the revolving cable car up to the top of iconic Table Mountain. Marvel at spectacular views over the city and the entire Cape Peninsula as you stroll along its flat top or, if the weather is not favourable, explore the smaller peak known as Signal Hill.
- From here, travel to Company Gardens, set up in the 17th century as a fresh produce garden used to supply ships stopping in the harbour and now home to the SA Museum, Cultural History Museum, Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, and St George’s Cathedral.
- Next, witness one of Cape Town’s oldest traditions as you head up to Signal Hill for the firing of the noonday gun. Taking place every day except Sundays, this involves the firing of the world’s oldest cannons charged by gunpowder that are still in daily use. Originally intended to provide a time signal for ships anchored in the bay, this maritime tradition continues to this day.
- From here, you will visit the traditional Malay Quarter, situated in the predominantly Muslim Bo-Kaap. Admire the area’s brightly coloured houses, which date back as far as the 17th century and get a glimpse into one of the Cape’s many vibrant cultures.
- The day’s adventure ends at the V&A Waterfront, with an opportunity to explore the Two Oceans Aquarium, which houses one of the best marine collections in the world. The Aquarium showcases the variety of marine species that live in both the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans, with a number of exhibits designed especially to provide up-close, interactive experiences for children.
- Once you have explored to your heart’s content, enjoy lunch at one of the many popular restaurants at the Waterfront.
Day 12:
Cape Town, South Africa
Ellerman House
- A wonderful family excursion for all, today you will cruise the beautiful Cape coastline, marvelling at rich marine life and magnificent views of the shore, with its golden beaches and soaring mountains. Stand up paddle boards can be pre-booked at an additional cost. (This activity is weather-dependent.)
- Enjoy your last night in Africa with the family by having the chef at your villa prepare your favourite local meal or enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 13:
Cape Town, South Africa
Ellerman House
- It is time to bid a fond farewell to South Africa.
- After breakfast, you and your family will be collected from Ellerman House and driven to Cape Town International Airport, where a Menzies Aviation representative will assist you through customs and immigration and onto your international departure flight.
Stay here on this journey
Adult Rates
per adult sharing for 13 days
What's included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals, drinks and laundry as per the inclusions
- Private charter flights as specified in the itinerary
- Private transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Private sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Private game viewing activities as specified in the itinerary
- National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Domestic departure tax, fuel and safety levies from airports and airstrips unless otherwise stipulated
- Oceans Without Borders donation
- Global Concierge Service
- Personal Travel Wallet
- Children's Safari Pack
- Administration fee
What's not included
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners.
Conditions
- The prices are based on four adults and two children under the age of 12 years sharing a villa; a different configuration will necessitate a re-quote
- The operator may re-route the itinerary or change the accommodation to similar villas when and where required
- The following activities are seasonal: - Eco Marine Trip (morning activity) January to May - Whale Watching Trip (morning activity) June to December
- The Table Mountain Cable Way will be closed for its annual maintenance from around 22 July to around 8 August (exact dates have not been finalised for 2024)
- Luggage limit: 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags, plus one hand luggage piece under 5 kg (due to the private charter flights)
- Apart from the luggage restriction, a passenger load/ratio breakdown of 2 adult males and 2 adult females plus two children under the age of 12 will also apply for the private charter flights·
- A single traveller supplement will be quoted on request
- Optional extras are not included
- Validity periods are as specified above; should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote
- The rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, ROE, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control
- Rates exclude gratuities and all items of a personal nature
- Rates are subject to currency fluctuations
- andBeyond Trading Terms apply
Child Rates
per child under 12 years sharing for 13 days
What's included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals, drinks and laundry as per the inclusions
- Private charter flights as specified in the itinerary
- Private transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Private sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Private game viewing activities as specified in the itinerary
- National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Domestic departure tax, fuel and safety levies from airports and airstrips unless otherwise stipulated
- Oceans Without Borders donation
- Global Concierge Service
- Personal Travel Wallet
- Children's Safari Pack
- Administration fee
What's not included
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners.
Conditions
- The prices are based on four adults and two children under the age of 12 years sharing a villa; a different configuration will necessitate a re-quote
- The operator may re-route the itinerary or change the accommodation to similar villas when and where required
- The following activities are seasonal: - Eco Marine Trip (morning activity) January to May - Whale Watching Trip (morning activity) June to December
- The Table Mountain Cable Way will be closed for its annual maintenance from around 22 July to around 8 August (exact dates have not been finalised for 2024)
- Luggage limit: 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags, plus one hand luggage piece under 5 kg (due to the private charter flights)
- Apart from the luggage restriction, a passenger load/ratio breakdown of 2 adult males and 2 adult females plus two children under the age of 12 will also apply for the private charter flights·
- A single traveller supplement will be quoted on request
- Optional extras are not included
- Validity periods are as specified above; should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote
- The rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, ROE, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control
- Rates exclude gratuities and all items of a personal nature
- Rates are subject to currency fluctuations
- andBeyond Trading Terms apply
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