South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation
Indulge in classic South African luxury. Enjoy a feast for the senses in wine country, then get ready for a breathtaking safari adventure at one of South Africa’s best tented safari camps. And then end in two of the best known safari destinations in Botswana.
We designed this South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation for a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They wanted a luxury in safari in South Africa, so we sent them to one of our favorite tented camps: Tanda Tula. Since they loved food and wine, we suggested they also visit the Cape Winelands, home to South Africa’s award-winning wines and innovative gourmet cuisine. And then sent them to Botswana to experience Chobe and the Okavango Delta.
They started their South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation with two nights in Johannesburg for some relaxation and to allow themselves to settle into the new timezone.
Next, for their South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation, they traveled to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve for an amazing, intimate tented camp experience at Tanda Tula. Their game drives did not disappoint: they had sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, vast herds of buffalo and antelope, and much more as they explored the private wilderness with expert guides. They even got to see the famous white lions in the area.
From there, the couple continued their South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation to Cape Town, a vibrant city in South Africa known for its stunning landscapes, including Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural diversity. The couple loved wine and food, so we sent them on a full day private wine tasting tour in the Winelands. They loved the exclusive experience of sampling world-class wines amid breathtaking vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
After Cape Town, they journeyed to Botswana for two different safari experiences. They started in the Okavango Delta. The couple stayed at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, a luxurious safari experience with elegant tented rooms overlooking the water. They enjoyed activities such as mokoro canoe rides, guided bush walks, and helicopter safaris to explore the stunning wildlife and scenery of the delta.
Next they traveled to the Chobe National Park on their South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation. There they stayed at the Savute Elephant Lodge. They spent their last 3 nights on safari. And went to the unique viewing hide at dusk, overlooking the watering hole, and where they saw elephants, hyenas and cheetahs in their element.
At last, their incredible South Africa and Botswana Safari and Wine Vacation came to an end. They flew to Johannesburg and onwards back home, filled with wonderful memories of a very special anniversary vacation.
Accommodation
- 2 Nights Saxon Hotel
- 3 Nights Tanda Tula
- 3 Nights Belmond Mount Nelson
- 3 Nights Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
- 3 Nights Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Transportation
- All airport transfers
- All transfers between lodges
- Flights to Tanda Tula, Eagle Island, Savute Elephant Lodge, to Maun
Touring
- Private wine tasting tour
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Johannesburg! You will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board and assisted through immigration, baggage collection, and customs. Enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the evening.
Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa
Day 2
Today is your day at leisure to explore Johannesburg. Explore the vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting the Apartheid Museum or stroll through the trendy Maboneng Precinct, known for its street art, cafes, and boutiques. You can also visit Soweto for a guided tour, including Nelson Mandela’s former home, to gain insights into South Africa’s history and heritage.
Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa
Day 3
Today marks the beginning of your South African safari adventure! Take a private transfer to Johannesburg airport, where you’ll catch a flight to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Your home for the next 3 nights is Tanda Tula, an authentic and immersive safari experience, with luxurious tented accommodations, intimate wildlife encounters, and exceptional guided game drives. Settle into your tent and perhaps cool off with a dip in the pool before heading out on a game drive in the afternoon! Return to the lodge for a delicious meal complete with premium wines.
Tanda Tula
Day 4 – 5
Enjoy 2 full days of safari on the nature reserve. You’ll have your own dedicated ranger and tracker guiding your adventure, and private wilderness to explore. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, zebras, and much more.
Tanda Tula
Day 6
Today, you will fly from the local Hoedspruit airport to Cape Town, a city with a unique blend of natural beauty, iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, and vibrant cultural diversity reflected in its history, cuisine, and art. The city’s coastal setting also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from exploring scenic wine estates to enjoying world-renowned beaches. You will spend 3 nights in the city. Enjoy walking to the many restaurants in your local neighborhood.
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 7
It’s time to enjoy some wine! You will have a private wine tasting tour, giving you an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to savor exceptional wines in the serene settings of historic vineyards. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore boutique wineries, enjoy gourmet pairings, and gain insights into the winemaking process, all while surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and lush vineyards. You will be back in time for dinner at one of Cape Town’s highly rated restaurants.
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 8
Today is your free day in Cape Town. You can take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, or hike up Table Mountain for panoramic city views. Alternatively, explore the bustling V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, or take a ferry to Robben Island for a historical tour.
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 9
After breakfast, you will transfer to the Cape Town airport and fly to Maun in Botswana. From there, you will take a shuttle flight to your next lodge. Staying at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge you will get a luxurious and serene escape in the heart of the Okavango Delta, and you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape and enjoy thrilling wildlife encounters.
Belmond Eagle Island
Days 10-11
These days are spent on safari in the Okavango Delta. A safari experience here puts you in a pristine wilderness where intricate waterways and lush landscapes teem with diverse wildlife, from elephants and hippos to vibrant bird species. Guided game drives and mokoro canoe trips offer intimate and exhilarating encounters with nature, showcasing the delta’s unique ecosystems and breathtaking scenery.
Belmond Eagle Island
Day 12
Today marks the last leg of your safari journey, and it takes you to the Chobe National Park and, more specifically, the Savute Game Reserve. You will fly from the Okavango Delta to your next game lodge, Savute Elephant Lodge. Situated in a remote corner of the Chobe Desert, various animal clans congregate at the Savute. Safari lovers are enamored by the region’s geology, along with the high concentrations of majestic elephants and lions in the area.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Days 13-14
These days are spent on safari in the area. The game reserve provides an exhilarating adventure through diverse landscapes, where you can witness dramatic wildlife interactions, from predator-prey dynamics to massive herds of elephants. The reserve’s unique features, such as the Savute Channel and its seasonal wetlands, offer varied and captivating experiences, including game drives that reveal the area’s rich natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a lovely glass of wine by the fire each night to talk about your days activities.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Day 15
At last your journey ends and you will be transferred to the airport for your flights home.
About this vacation
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