WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Discover some of the most wonderful destinations in Southern Africa. Days packed with our handpicked selection of the best sights, experiences and accommodation in South Africa.
Few destinations rival South Africa when it comes to offering a wide range of attractions combined with easy and convenient regional travel. Home to the Big 5 and breath-taking natural beauty, a South Africa safari experience is ideal for families, honeymooners and adventure seekers of all ages. Game reserves are teeming with lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, rare cheetah, and all the plains game favourites like zebra, giraffe and gazelle!
This amazing South African adventure combines the beautiful city of Cape Town with the nearby Cape Winelands.
Next up: The spectacular Garden Route!
Highlights include:
- Manyeleti Game Reserve Game Safari
- Cape Town: City, Cape Point, Cape Peninsula & the Waterfront
- Stellenbosch Wine Lands
- Plettenberg Bay & Surrounds
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | South Africa
Manyeleti GP
◽️ DAY 5-6 | South Africa
Cape Town
◽️ DAY 7-8 | South Africa
Stellenbosch
◽️ DAY 9-11 | South Africa
Garden Route
◽️ DAY 12 | Return
Departure
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 African Sky Boutique Hotel
AFRICAN SKY HOTEL
Guest House Overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.) | Wifi available | No Laundy service
Welcome to South Africa! Johannesburg (JNB / OR Tambo) Airport arrival with meet & greet service.
Your arrival night overnight accommodation: AfricaSky Boutique Hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International airport. A short drive will have you arriving at an oasis, rooms beautifully appointed and nestled in a peaceful lush garden. Enjoy dinner, bed & breakfast all on-site. True African hospitality and service excellence.
Just look out towards the information desk located in the arrivals hall for your pick-up with your name on it. 10 Minute road transfer to your overnight accommodation.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-4
MANYELETI GR
Safari Days
📍 Khoka Moya
MANYELETI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
Discover the ultimate safari experience at Manyeleti Nature Reserve, a wilderness area bordering the Kruger National Park in South Africa. With high densities of herbivores comes predators aplenty. As such, you can be absolutely sure to only experience the best game viewing possible. As there are no fences between the national park and the private game reserves, wildlife is able to roam freely!
Manyeleti means “Place of the stars” in the local language. It truly is a unique safari destination well off the beaten path. You can be certain not to encounter big tour groups traveling around in busses, but rather expect a pristine bush experience in one of the world's most beautiful places.
Manyeleti is prime Big-5 territory, offering exceptional possibilities for viewing the elusive leopard. Other Big-5 animals (lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant) are also often spotted on a very regular basis. Furthermore, with more than 300 bird species present in the area.The Manyeleti is renowned for its lion, leopard and cheetah as well as great sightings of the endangered painted wolf (African wild dog). Also serval and caracal, dwarf mongoose and genet.
ACTIVITIES
A great safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.
Game drives are interpretive drives in the bush specially adapted 4-wheel drive vehicles, with the purpose of finding wildlife in a natural habitat. On a game drive you will be accompanied by ranger / guide (sometimes armed) with a comprehensive knowledge of all flora and fauna found in Manyeleti. Besides the ranger normally a "tracker" joins the ranger, who is being seated on the front of the car and scans the environment for (big) game. These are all very passionate people, who have a special ability to teach you about nature.
Just as with a game drive you will go out with a ranger / guide on a game walk. On foot you get a completely different experience: it is sometimes even possible to approach wildlife to a very short distance. It indeed is a very thrilling experience observing wildlife without the protection of a car. We do encourage participating in a game walk as it really is a very different experience. The minimum age for participating in a game drive is usually eight years, for a game walk this is fourteen.
Game drives or game walks coming up!
Game drives are interpretive drives in the bush specially adapted four wheel drive vehicles, with the purpose of finding wildlife in a natural habitat. On a game drive you will be accompanied by ranger / guide (sometimes armed) with a comprehensive knowledge of all flora and fauna found in Manyeleti. Besides the ranger normally a "tracker" joins the ranger, who is being seated on the front of the car in a small seat and scans the environment for (big) game. These are all very passionate people, who have a special ability to teach you about nature. As you are residing in a natural environment you might get a bit unlucky and only see small numbers of game, the rangers will then pay more attention smaller things in the bush (such as plants and insects). Just as with a game drive you will go out with a ranger / guide on a game walk. On foot you get a completely different experience: it is sometimes even possible to approach wildlife to a very short distance. It indeed is a very thrilling experience observing wildlife without the protection of a car. We do encourage participating in a game walk as it really is a very different experience.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
Safari days!
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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KHOKA MOYA
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks.
Khoka Moya in the heart of the Manyeleti Game Reserve bordering the un-fenced Kruger National Park on the east, the Timbavati Game Reserve in the north and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the south, sharing in the vast game and rich ecosystem - prime Big 5 territory!
Situated on both sides of a river bed and offering an authentic African experience without sacrificing luxury, safety or comfort, guests are welcomed at the large, colorful lounge and dining areas of the camp overlooking the green lawns which lead to our swimming pool.
Each of the 15 large tents are furnished in a comfortable, contemporary style. The tents measure 60 square meters and can comfortably accommodate families of 4, all protected with mosquito nets. Each tent has a king-size bed which can be converted to twin single beds, and a large sized day bed. The tents are en-suite with double showers, his-and-hers basins and a separate toilet.
Food at the camp is a highlight, and is a communal affair, usually served outdoors at a long table, with log fires and torches to create a really authentic bush feel. Simple homemade dishes, using predominantly local produce, are plentiful and exquisitely presented.
ACTIVITIES
Experience the African bush and its diverse wildlife during the game drives in open-air vehicles where you can spot the Big 5 and guided walks, all supervised by qualified and experienced guides and trackers!
*Morning transfer to local airstrip for your scheduled chartered flight to Hoedspruit regional airport. Airport meet & greet followed by 1 hr road transfer to camp. Let the safari begin!* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
TENTS
GAME VIEW
DAY 6-7
CAPE TOWN
Explore
📍 Azamare Guest House
CAPE TOWN
Area Overview
Cape Town has has it all! Much more than just a stunning backdrop! It is a vibrant, fun and cultural city. Strikingly modern and contemporary, Cape Town is actually the oldest city in South Africa. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a bustling modern marina full of restaurants and shops, but venture deeper into the city to explore Cape Town’s genteel, cobbled walkways and colonial buildings.
Natural Beauty: Prepare to be captivated by Cape Town's awe-inspiring natural beauty. The city is nestled between the iconic Table Mountain, with its mesmerizing flat top, and the stunning Atlantic coastline. Explore the rugged Cape Peninsula, where the crashing waves of the Cape of Good Hope meet towering cliffs. Witness the vibrant floral display of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rich biodiversity and colorful landscapes.
Wine lands: Cape Town is a gateway to the renowned Cape Wine lands, an idyllic region where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Discover the art of wine making through wine tastings at world-class estates. Savor the flavors of exceptional wines while enjoying breathtaking views of vine-covered hills. Indulge in gourmet cuisine paired with exquisite vintages, creating a sensory experience you won't soon forget.
Rich Culture and History: Cape Town is steeped in a vibrant cultural tapestry, shaped by its diverse heritage. Visit the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and gain insight into South Africa's struggle for freedom. Stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its brightly painted houses and learn about its Cape Malay history. Immerse yourself in local markets, museums, and galleries, all reflecting the city's rich cultural fabric.
Adventure Awaits: If you seek adventure, Cape Town delivers! Dive into thrilling activities like shark cage diving, where you come face-to-face with these incredible predators. Take to the skies and paraglide over picturesque coastal cliffs, or brave the heights with a hike up Table Mountain. For water enthusiasts, enjoy surfing, kayaking, or simply bask in the sun on the pristine beaches.
Private tour: Cape Point & Peninsula
Cape Point & Cape Peninsula tour! Discover Cape Point, the scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Journey past base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons.
At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities.
The Cape Peninsula boasts warm sands on Clifton’s secluded beaches and trendy cafés in Camps Bay. Explore the stunning Atlantic Seaboard feasting your eyes on rugged coastlines and other unblemished geographic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and the impressive slopes of Lion’s head.
Explore the village of Hout Bay wondrously framed by mountains before meandering along Chapman’s Peak, precariously aligned along the edge of the mountain. World famous this 9 km route with 114 curves, makes it one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world.
Simons Town is a must see offering gemstone hunting, jewellery sales and the wobbly penguins of Boulder’s that show-off gloriously. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to African Penguins. Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches. Head to the Cape Point Lighthouse, an important icon of the Cape Peninsula, ascend to this rugged, craggy spot and gaze at the rocky coastline and the ocean tumbling below, and Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of Africa
*Please see your safari itinerary for details
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Tour: V&A Waterfront
Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront! Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain, in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views. Two Oceans Aquarium, boat trips, Robben island, arts, crafts, curios and more!
*See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics. Spend the day at the V&A Waterfront and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Tour: City & Cultural
This tour explores the vibrant Cape Town City Bowl and showcases its heritage landmarks. The bustling central business district of Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain.The city is rich in history and home to a multi-cultural population. This tour will give you just a glimpse of what the city of Cape Town has to offer.
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town City Hall and Parliament Buildings
- Iziko South African Museum & Company Gardens
- Bo-Kaap
- Signal Hill
- Lions Hill
- Clifton and Camps Bay
*Weather permitting, take the cable car up Table Mountain to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Cable car tast track tickets not included, approx. U$ 50 pp and for guest account
*See your safari itinerary for logistics
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AZAMARE
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast, excl. drinks.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 8
STELLENBOSCH
Explore the wine lands!
📍 Coopmanhuijs Hotel
STELLENBOSCH
Area Overview
Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
COOPMANHUIJS
Bed & Breakfast | Wifi available | Laundry available at addl.cost
Coommanhuijs Hotel is the ideal destination from which our guests can explore the heart of South Africa's Wine Country, Franschhoek, and Paarl, or take a trip to Cape Town to enjoy visits to Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the peninsula, and the many other attractions offered by the Western Cape.
Built in 1713, it was one of the first grand residences located in the heart of historic Stellenbosch and is now surrounded by the town’s many stylish shops, galleries, and museums.
The beautifully restored Manor House has yellowwood and stinkwood doors, sash windows, and yellowwood ceilings. The rooms in the Manor House, as well as the newly built rooms, overlook a heated pool and a walled courtyard. Guests can enjoy meals from the Provençal kitchen and dine at leisure with a glass of fine Cape wine in the courtyard or in the intimate restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Explore historical Stellenbosch – you are guaranteed to fall in love!
B&B
HOTEL
WINE
DAY 9-11
GARDEN ROUTE
Explore
📍 Emily Moon
GARDEN ROUTE (Plettenberg Bay)
Overview
The Garden Route! of South Africa encompasses many coastal towns along the south-western coast of the Western Cape. It spans from Hermanus (whale birthing haven) in the west to Plettenberg Bay’s in the east. The Garden Route natural assets (just for starters) will have you questioning ever wanting to leave this idyllic spot! With miles of pristine beaches to choose from, it’s no wonder that lazing on the beach is so popular with visitors, but for those that manage to pry themselves away, there are charter boat cruises, hiking, canoeing, and abseiling to choose from, to name but a few. Another attraction well worth a visit is the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the world’s only multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary.
Featuring rolling oceans, white sandy beaches, blue skies, and spectacular mountain ranges! Here you can find indigenous fynbos, ostrich antics, and lots of local hospitality. Sun-drenched orchards, pin-drop-silent forests, sweeping in-land lakes, and bird-eye passes add to the mix.
Beach junkies are spoiled for choice. Stilbaai’s assets include treasures from the Stone Age and the Khoi people. Mosselbay and Albertinia share the pleasure of bungee jumping thrills with Plettenberg Bay. Mosselbay prides itself on offering the diverse experience of game viewing and that of stringing a hammock along beaches that serve up the world’s second-most temperate climate.
ACTIVITIES
Leap into paragliding oblivion at the Wilderness or embark on Mosselbay shark cage diving shenanigans. Try the bungi jump from the Gouritz River Bridge, which is flanked by Albertinia and Mosselbay.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
KNYSNA ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Overview
The Elephants are all orphans rescued from culling operations in the Kruger National Park, except for Thandi who was born in the park. The Knysna Elephant Park provides these elephants with the best board and lodging and their diet is scientifically supervised by veterinarians. The elephants have free range of the 60-hectare camp on which there is plenty to eat, some big trees to rub up against and two large dams for bathing and drinking.
At night the elephants are housed in a boma. The Elephants are fed a high protein porridge and black wattle branches at night. Their stalls are lined with sawdust providing a comfortable bed for them to sleep on. In the morning they are fed the high protein porridge and move onto the first dam for a drink of water.
Their stalls are cleaned and prepared for the evening. The baby elephants, Bulelo, Malaika and Jabari are bottle-fed on baby milk formula with added vitamins and minerals on demand throughout the day and the night. They each have to have a minder that stays with them constantly. The elephant minders are some of Africa’s most qualified keepers and they keep a watchful eye on the herd.
The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. KEP style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviours.
For twenty years, the Park’s primary objective has been to offer elephants in the need the chance of a new and better home; and have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
ACTIVITIES
Elephant experiences include Daily Guided Tours (departing from reception every 30 minutes), as well as Breakfast Picnic Walks in the morning and Elephant Walks in the afternoon.
EMILY MOON
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast
Welcome to the Plettenbergbay, located in the heart of the Garden Route! The 200 km stretch of coast connecting Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth is commonly referred to as the Garden Route in reference to its beguiling diversity of wide sandy beaches, lovely lakes and lagoons, shady evergreen forests, and protea-studded slopes. Lined with family-friendly beaches, it is also ideally suited to hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts
With a quirky attitude and a uniquely African feel, it's located on the banks of the Bitou River in Plettenberg Bay. The hotel comprises sixteen exquisitely appointed lodge suites featuring rare artefacts and found items collected from the length and breadth of Africa and beyond. Each suite is set in an indigenous garden with magnificent views of the river, mountains, and wetlands beyond. Eight suites boast uninterrupted river views from high wooden decks, whereas two are set a little further back and have both private courtyards and their own raised decks, affording views of the surrounding bush and the river in the distance.
ACTIVITIES
A selection of activities is offered: spectacular birdwatching, canoes are available for a gentle paddle upriver. There are also a few walking trails in the vicinity of the lodge and along local farm roads. A 2km walk takes you to the Keurbooms marshland where the Keurbooms River meets the sea.
Nearby, you can explore the towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, with shops, markets, restaurants, and delis galore, and beaches, lagoons, and rivers offering a relaxing place to swim or a busier spot for adventure.
A warm welcome awaits arrival at the airport! Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance is followed by a 20-minute road transfer to your accommodation.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 12
RETURN
RETURN
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR
SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED