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, Welgevonden, Cape Winelands, Cape Whale Coast, Cape Town
Malaria-free and ideal for families or small groups
Enjoy sole-use villas and private guiding
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 wine farms
Your journey at a glance
This exclusive and luxurious 14-day family journey through South Africa is the ultimate indulgence, showcasing the many highlights this 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 South Africa’s vibrant city-life, from the colourful history of Johannesburg and Pretoria to the magnificent scenery and golden beaches of Cape Town, plus some of its most iconic wildlife destinations.
Delve into the charm of the ‘Jacaranda City’ and the vibrant energy of the ‘City of Gold’ on specialist tours that uncover the unique cultures of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Enjoy a Big Five safari at the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, an ideal family-friendly safari destination to experience the magic of the African bush 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. Indulge in wine tasting by bicycle and travel from Hermanus to Cape Town riding in the sidecar of a chauffeur-driven vintage motorbike. Revel in the magnificent playground of the Mother City, 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.
2 nights Johannesburg | 3 nights Welgevonden Game Reserve | 2 nights Cape Winelands | 3 nights Whale Coast | 3 nights Cape Town
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1 | Arrival
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, a Menzies Aviation representative will welcome you and assist you through customs and immigration. You will then be guided to the arrivals hall, where a member of our &BEYOND team will meet you and transfer you to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa.
After settling in for your two-night stay at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, you’ll be picked up from the hotel for a half-day afternoon tour of South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria.
Known informally as the “Jacaranda City,” Pretoria’s streets are beautifully adorned with vibrant purple blooms when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom at the start of spring each year. During this tour, take the opportunity to stand in front of the heart of the nation, overlooking a city built on passion and determination. Admire architecturally significant buildings and explore iconic landmarks where statues of past leaders serve as gathering points for a proud and united nation.
Day 2
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Today is dedicated to exploring Johannesburg and the South Western Townships (Soweto), offering a deep dive into the history and culture of this vibrant area. This full-day tour provides a unique opportunity to visit sites where key uprisings occurred during the Apartheid era. Highlights include a visit to the house of former President Nelson Mandela and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which commemorates the youth who lost their lives in the struggle against Apartheid.
The journey continues with a drive past Diepkloof Extension, as well as Baragwanath Hospital, Elias Motsoaledi and Kliptown informal settlements, hostels, and notable homes, including those of Bishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous other points of historical and cultural significance.
A visit to the Apartheid Museum takes you through the harrowing and transformative history of Apartheid, from its beginnings to its end. The museum features an extensive collection of photographs, artifacts, and videos documenting the uprisings and segregation era. Discover stories about influential figures such as Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, Jan Smuts, Hendrik Verwoerd, and Robert Sobukwe. Learn about pivotal events and places, including Sophiatown, the gold mines, the Sharpeville Massacre, the June 16 Soweto Uprisings, and the momentous 1994 democratic elections.
Day 3
Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa
After breakfast, a member from our &BEYOND team will collect you at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa and drive you to OR Tambo International Airport for your private charter flight to Welgevonden Game Reserve’s Western Airstrip.
Upon arrival, you will be collected by your safari team and driven to Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. This is where you will be staying for the next three nights.
Day 4 and 5
Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa
The rich and varied Waterberg region offers a diverse variety of unspoiled habitats. More than 50 mammals, 300 bird species and 2,000 plant species can be found within these habitats.
Enjoy daily game drives accompanied by expert rangers, giving you the perfect opportunity to spot the Big 5 – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino – or at other times, to track the Little 5 – elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and ant lion. You may also encounter giraffe, kudu, warthog or large herds of zebra and antelope along the way, to name just a few of the many species found around the lodge.
Day 6
Franschhoek, Western Cape
After your last early-morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, you will be driven back to the Welgevonden Game Reserve’s Western Airstrip for your private charter to OR Tambo International Airport.
Upon arrival you will be met by a member from our &BEYOND team who will drive you to the airport’s main terminal, where you will be met by a representative from Menzies Aviation who will assist you with check in procedures for your afternoon’s commercial flight to Cape Town International Airport.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by another Menzies Aviation representative and taken through to the arrivals hall, where another member from our &BEYOND team will meet you and drive you to La Clé des Montagnes in Franschhoek.
Look forward to exploring one of the most beautiful and famous Winelands districts in the world. A discovery of top-class wines, locally produced cheeses, olives and much more awaits. 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 7
Franschhoek, Western Cape
Today you 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 18 – 25 km (11 – 16 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 8
Cape Whale Coast, Hermanus, Western Cape
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 9
Cape Whale Coast, Hermanus, Western Cape
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 10
Cape Whale Coast, Hermanus, Western Cape
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.
Please note: the sighting of great white sharks has become increasingly unpredictable and therefore cannot be guaranteed. However, numerous other shark species (such as bronze whaler sharks, seven-gill sharks and rays) do still abound.
Day 11
Cape Town, Western Cape
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, you will be collected from Grootbos and driven to Hermanus. From here, you will travel to Cape Town in style as you are picked up in a chauffeur-driven vintage motorcycle with a sidecar. Revel in magnificent views of the Mother City as you are driven to your hotel, located in the historical heart of Cape Town, opposite the Groote Kerk (oldest church in South Africa, dating from 1678).
As you drive toward the city, your view from afar will be Table Mountain, one of the most spiritual places on earth, with its heart, two oceans and the beautiful city of Cape Town at its feet.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel is built above the residence of Simon van der Stel, first governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, after whom Stellenbosch was named. Enjoy the next three nights at Labotessa.
Day 12
Cape Town, Western Cape
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Discover the Mother City, beginning your 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 13
Cape Town, Western Cape
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, an &BEYOND representative will collect you at Labotessa and drive you to the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront from where your next adventure will begin: a helicopter tour of the city. This exciting experience will start around 10h30 from the Cape Town Helicopter helipad at the V&A and will return approximately 5 hours later. Enjoy a 35-minute flight to Saldanha, where you will revel in a much-loved West Coast experience, which includes a seafood buffet in true West Coast style enjoyed just a few meters from the beach. Drinks and food are included and guests are advised to bring sun hats, sunscreen and swimming costumes. This activity is weather-dependent.
Back at the V&A Waterfront, you will have an opportunity to shop or to just stroll around taking in the harbour views until your sunset cruise on the IQ Catamaran. Once you have enjoyed dinner (at your own cost) and are ready to return to the hotel, a member from our &BEYOND team will collect you and drive you back to Labotessa for your last overnight in Cape Town.
Day 14 | Departure
Cape Town, Western Cape
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
It is time to bid a fond farewell to South Africa.
After breakfast, you will be collected from Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel and driven to Cape Town International Airport. Here a Menzies Aviation representative will assist you through customs and immigration and onto your international departure flight onward.
Stay here on this journey
Adult Rates
per adult sharing for 14 days
What's included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals, drinks and laundry as per the inclusions
- Return private charter flights between O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Welgevonden West Airstrip (for Mhondoro Safri Lodge & Villa) in a Cessna Caravan C208B or similar (single engine, turboprop with 2 pilots)
- Commercial flight between O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport
- Scheduled or Private transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled or 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 or suite; a different configuration will necessitate a re-quote
- The operator may re-route the itinerary or change the accommodation to similar villas or suites 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
- A supplement might apply for Cape Town accommodation over certain event dates (e.g. Mining Indaba and Opening of Parliament in February, Easter in March/April, AfricaCom and Oil Week in October/November) – exact dates often only available closer to the time
- The Table Mountain Cable Way will be closed for its annual maintenance from around 15 July to around 1 September (exact dates have not been finalised for 2025)
- Luggage limit: 20 kg per person in soft-sided bags, plus one hand luggage piece under 5 kg (due to the private charter flights)
- A single traveller supplement will be quoted on request
- The estimated rates for 2026 are provided, with the understanding that inclusions and room categories may change. Final costs are also subject to adjustments and will require a quote upon request.
- Optional extras are not included
- Apart from breakfast, only lunches and dinners at Mhondoro and at Grootbos are included in this itinerary, as well as the light lunch that forms part of the West Coast excursion by helicopter
- 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 above rates are grouped into seasons and exact costings will vary according the specific day of departure as there may be overlap between the seasons
- 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 14 days
What's included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals, drinks and laundry as per the inclusions
- Return private charter flights between O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Welgevonden West Airstrip (for Mhondoro Safri Lodge & Villa) in a Cessna Caravan C208B or similar (single engine, turboprop with 2 pilots)
- Commercial flight between O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport
- Scheduled or Private transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled or 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 or suite; a different configuration will necessitate a re-quote
- The operator may re-route the itinerary or change the accommodation to similar villas or suites 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
- A supplement might apply for Cape Town accommodation over certain event dates (e.g. Mining Indaba and Opening of Parliament in February, Easter in March/April, AfricaCom and Oil Week in October/November) – exact dates often only available closer to the time
- The Table Mountain Cable Way will be closed for its annual maintenance from around 15 July to around 1 September (exact dates have not been finalised for 2025)
- Luggage limit: 20 kg per person in soft-sided bags, plus one hand luggage piece under 5 kg (due to the private charter flights)
- A single traveller supplement will be quoted on request
- The estimated rates for 2026 are provided, with the understanding that inclusions and room categories may change. Final costs are also subject to adjustments and will require a quote upon request.
- Optional extras are not included
- Apart from breakfast, only lunches and dinners at Mhondoro and at Grootbos are included in this itinerary, as well as the light lunch that forms part of the West Coast excursion by helicopter
- 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 above rates are grouped into seasons and exact costings will vary according the specific day of departure as there may be overlap between the seasons
- 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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When should I visit South Africa?
Now is the time to visit vibrant South Africa
South Africa is a vast and diverse country, offering a mix of desert, tropical coastlines, temperate woodlands, and snow-capped mountains, so the climate differs from region to region. From dynamic Cape Town and energetic Johannesburg to wildlife-filled expanses of wilderness and pristine shores, South Africa has something for every kind of traveller. For this reason, choosing the best time to visit largely depends on what you want to see and do.
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