African Family Safari: South Africa Highlights Package

Enjoy the ultimate South African family adventure! Featuring private touring in Cape Town, an epicurean getaway in the Cape Winelands, a Big 5 safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, and much more. Get a unique feel for South Africa’s highlights while staying in the best luxury hotels.

This African Family Safari: South Africa Highlights Package was created for 2 retirees and their adult children. They wanted a little bit of everything: a Big 5 safari, cities, nature, food, and wine. This trip was the perfect family adventure with something for everyone!

They started their African Family Safari: South Africa Highlights Package in beautiful Cape Town. They stayed at The Silo, South Africa’s hottest hotel. They had 2 days of private touring, which allowed them to see all the highlights of Cape Town and surrounds while avoiding the crowds and gaining personal insight from their local guide. One of their trip highlights was paddle boarding in the ocean and seeing adorable African penguins on the beach with no one else around!

Continuing their African Family Safari, they drove along the coast to Grootbos Forest Lodge and spent 2 nights at this nature lover’s paradise, enjoying scenic hikes in the private reserve and gorgeous views from their room. Then it was on to the fabulous Babylonstoren Farm Hotel in the Cape Winelands. This classic Cape Dutch wine estate is the ultimate indulgence for food and wine lovers.

Then it was time for their South African safari! They flew to the renowned Madikwe Game Reserve for 3 nights at Jamala Madikwe, an ultra-luxurious safari lodge that overlooks a waterhole bustling with wild elephants and other wildlife. They went on game drives to see abundant wildlife, enjoyed scenic sundowners in the bush, and spent their afternoons lounging in their enormous villa with their own rim-flow pool.

Johannesburg was the last stop on their African Family Safari: South Africa Highlights Package. They stayed at a beautiful hotel in the suburbs where they could simply relax after all their adventures. They capped off their trip with a private tour of Johannesburg and surrounds, then their guide dropped them off at the airport to begin their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! Fly into Cape Town, where you will receive a meet and greet at the airport and a private transfer to your hotel. Your home for the next 3 nights is The Silo Hotel, the hottest hotel in Africa. This stunning architectural work was converted from a 100-year-old grain silo into Cape Town’s most luxurious hotel.

Art lovers will be in heaven at The Silo: The hotel sits on top of the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and boasts an impressive collection of contemporary African art in its individually decorated rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer fabulous 360° views of Cape Town. Head up to the rooftop bar this evening to watch the sunset with cocktail in hand.
The Silo Hotel

Day 2
Get a true feel for Cape Town on a private, full-day tour of the city’s highlights and hidden gems. First, head to the top of Table Mountain, the cable car spreading the city out before your eyes as you rise above the rest of the world. Descend and wander through the inner city, soaking up the magical vibe of Cape Town. Focusing on food, design, arts, and crafts your guide will uncover a selection of historical sites, blending tales of the city’s past with insight into its modern culture.

Continue your exploration heading to the Bo-Kaap, with its brightly colored, 17th-century houses, cobblestone streets, Muslim shrines, and beautiful mosques. Uncover the immense talent exhibited in galleries, street art installations, and within the urban regeneration of historical suburbs. End the day mingling with locals at a cool city haunt, rooftop bar or beach cove, sundowners in hand.
The Silo Hotel

Day 3
Enjoy another private tour this afternoon, this time exploring the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town. Begin at bohemian Kalk Bay and the history-rich Simon’s Town. Then, see adorable penguins away from the crowds on a secluded beach known only to locals. Your tour ends with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, shipwrecks, and unique wildlife. Weave back to Cape Town via Table Mountain National Park, stopping for some beer tasting at a local surfer hang-out.
The Silo Hotel

Day 4 – 5
Pick up your rental car today and make the short drive to Grootbos Forest Lodge, stopping along the way to enjoy the coastal scenery, short hikes, and local attractions. Your home for the next 2 nights is a luxurious nature retreat featuring sweeping views of the mountains and coast. Guided nature walks, horseback riding, and more are included in your stay, or you can choose to simply relax and soak up your beautiful surroundings. Looking for more adventure? Cage diving with Great White Sharks makes a great day trip!
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Day 6 – 7
Continue your indulgence of the senses with a drive to the Cape Winelands. Spend 2 nights at Babylonstoren Farm Hotel, an iconic Cape Dutch wine estate surrounded by dramatic mountains. While you’re here, explore the world-class wineries of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This region is known as South Africa’s culinary capital, and Babylonstoren is no exception, showcasing the best of the local wine and produce. Wander through the grounds and along the secluded oak-shaded paths, or feel rejuvenated at the spa, gym, and pool.
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel

Day 8
It’s time for your safari adventure! Drive back to Cape Town today, drop off your rental car at the airport, and catch a flight to Johannesburg and onward to Madikwe Game Reserve. Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, overlooks open plains extending towards distant towering peaks. Exquisitely luxurious, the property exudes a colonial elegance and provides an intimate safari experience paired with award-winning cuisine and superb game viewing. Time permitting, you’ll embark on your first game drive this afternoon; otherwise, you can sip a sundowner cocktail on the expansive deck and keep an eye out for the animals that roam free around the lodge.
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Day 9 – 10
Spend the next 2 days on safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, where you’ll have the chance to see the Big 5, as well as the abundant African wild dogs that this park has become known for. In between game drives, enjoy an “armchair safari” back at the lodge, which overlooks an active waterhole. The rim-flow pool on your private deck provides a perfect place to cool off in the heat of the afternoon before you set off on another game drive. The evenings are spent enjoying gourmet cuisine in the formal dining area or under the stars.
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Day 11
Your safari adventure comes to an end as you fly back to cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Enjoy a private transfer to your gorgeous hotel, where you can lounge in the pool and gain further insight into South Africa’s fine wines with a visit to the wine cellar.
Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 12
A private guide will pick you up from your hotel this morning and take you on a tour of the Gauteng province tailored to your interests. Enjoy complete freedom to explore whatever you prefer: sightseeing, shopping, museums, art galleries, or even casinos. Your guide will drop you off at the airport, where you’ll catch your flight home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Based on
12 day stay
2 travelers

You might also be interested in

22 days

Ultimate East Africa Safari: Kenya, Tanzania, and Gorillas

Discover some of Africa’s most famous, sought-after wildlife experiences on this bucket list East Africa safari. See rare rhinos and the Big 5 in Kenya, witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and much more. This is a trip you’ll remember for life!

13 days

Classic Kenya Luxury Safari Package

Witness the Great Migration; experience safaris on horseback, camelback, or in a fixed-wing plane; and enjoy authentic interactions with local Maasai guides on this luxury Kenya safari.

18 days

Safari and Beach Package: Kenya, Tanzania, and Pemba Island

Discover adventure and luxury in East Africa’s most breathtakingly beautiful regions. Walk with the Maasai in the Chyulu Hills; witness the Great Migration; soak up views of Ngorongoro Crater from your luxury lodge; and enjoy 5 days of beach bliss on beautiful Pemba Island.

12 days

Best of South African Luxury: Relaxation and Adventure

Book a perfect trip to South Africa! Stay at the country’s top experiential luxury hotels: the fashionable new Silo Hotel in Cape Town, a grandiose getaway in wine country, a luxurious beach house, and an incredible Big 5 safari lodge.