Royal South African Safari

Departure from O.R Tambo International Airport and board your flight from the Fireblade Hanger to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Welcome to the barefoot luxury of Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, in the exquisite malaria-free ‘Green Kalahari’ region. Here, you will enjoy superlative game viewing and the chance to design your own itinerary with game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris and indulgent spa treatments.
experience the park's smallest creatures up close, visit the local meerkat colonies to see the charismatic animals in their natural habitat. Dedicated park researchers have gradually habituated two colonies to accept human presence without altering their behaviour. Visit the colony and experience natural meerkat behaviour first-hand. This afternoon set off on a guided safari through the Kalahari and watch for zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and a wide range of antelope species and other creatures. Tonight, sit down to a starlit feast served in an outdoor boma.

Each day’s activity will be discussed with you, from early morning game drives to walks there is plenty of options.

You will depart Tswalu on a flight to Cape Town Airport. The team from The Silo will pick you up and transfer you to the Hotel. The Silo will allow guests to indulge in the art and culture of Cape Town. On arrival you will check in and make your way to your room. When you ready you would be able to start exploring the beautiful mother city. From world famous restaurants to the iconic Robben Island or Table Mountain.

In our humble opinion, Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world.

There’s just something about the way Table Mountain gently rolls down to the bay, decorated by the sprawl of the city and the pulse of a vibrant, multicultural melting-pot society that is totally awe-inspiring.

There are just so many things to do in Cape Town that you could spend weeks there and not even scratch the surface. In one day you could hike up Table Mountain, take a tour through Mandela’s former Robben island cell, float in some of the best beaches in the world, sip wine at Stellenbosch, and watch pastel colours streak the horizon at sunset in Camps Bay - and before your head hits the pillow there’s world-class cuisine to enjoy in one of the many exquisite award-winning restaurants.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the winelands of Franschhoek. Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30-acre estate, La Residence is a tranquil haven of comfort and relaxation. La Residence is the epitome of relaxed living, La Residence is surrounded by vineyards and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, breath-taking views of the undulating countryside and an atmosphere of complete tranquillity. A new benchmark for luxury Franschhoek accommodation.

Visit nearby Wes-Eind Primary school and plant a tree (500L celtis sinensis) in their ‘Quiet Quad’ for the children to enjoy and to offset your carbon footprint in getting to South Africa.
In the afternoon visit the local community in Groendal with Madeleine – our resident flower lady and gain insights into local life in the Cape Winelands.

Optional Activities: Take a trip on the Wine Tram in Franschhoek, Visit the Huguenot Museum or walk around town and visit the local arts and craft shops with many well-known famous restaurants.

After breakfast at La Residence, you will transfer to Birkenhead House (approx. 90 minutes) where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Birkenhead House is in the seaside town of Hermanus and is surrounded by sea, pristine beaches, and towering mountains. Whether you’re in the mood for more gentle pursuits like a wine tasting on the main deck, or for a thrilling encounter with Great White Sharks, there is something for everyone at Birkenhead House.

Enjoy a half day Dyer Island Tour gaining fascinating insights into the marine world and the abundant life found in our oceans including whales (in season), penguins and sharks. In the afternoon you are welcome to enjoy a guided walk through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve learning about its unique ecology, the fynbos and the spectacular birdlife.
You can also visit Masibulele, an early learning centre supported by Birkenhead House. The Principal, Sweetness is the mother of one of our staff members –Sandile.

Optional Activities: Go Shark Cage diving with South Africa’s Great White Shark or do a Whale watching tour. Horse-riding is also available at Pearly Beach or book a sea kayak at Walker Bay.

Take some time out enjoying your suite and your first game drive with the most qualified guiding team in Africa who will offer precious insights into the natural world and the basics of conservation.

Spend a Morning experiencing rural African education at the Sigagule Crèche, an early learning centre in the local village just 30 mins from the lodge. The teachers will show you their productive vegetable garden and the children love to have an audience to sing to. The younger children would love you to read a book to them, so pack one for your favourites if you would like to. On the way home, you may wish to meet Brenda, the principal of the recently established Langutelani Crèche. She will share her story and her aspirations for her little school. The children are not accustomed to visitors so can be a bit shy, but Brenda will
encourage them to show off what they have learnt.

In the afternoon you can join the Outdoor Wildlife Classroom where you will be part of a training walk with one of our apprentice’s guides/trackers and their mentors. You will accompany them as they walk through the wilderness tracking wildlife and learning a few ‘bush secrets’ along the way.

Visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (not open on Sundays) in the morning and in the afternoon meet the heroes of our highly specialised canine unit. Spend time with the dogs and their handlers who protect our endangered rhinos and other wildlife from poachers. They will share interesting insights into the specialised training of these remarkable dogs. Spend your final evening talking to our expert guides and trackers around the fireplace. You will of course enjoy all the usual game drives and bush walks.

This incredible itinerary comes to an end after your morning game activity and breakfast. Your bags will be collected, and you will greet Royal Malewane. You will be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight back home.