With a boutique stay in Nelson Mandela’s one-time place of residence, guided safaris in Thornybush Game Reserve, and a trip to the mighty Victoria Falls, this bespoke exploration of South Africa is one not to be missed. In fact, this incredible trip was recently undertaken by Sammy Duder, better known as theturquoiseflamingo on Instagram, and you can experience it too! The following is a taster of what to expect, but it’s a trip that can be tailored to your exact needs and wishes by your Travel Counsellor.
"The beauty of using a Travel Counsellor has been that we can choose exactly what we'd like to do, when, and where we go on our trip. We gave them our wish list and they curated a dream trip, just for us."
Johannesburg, Kruger & Victoria Falls
Johannesburg | Thornybush Private Game Reserve (2 nights) | Sabi Sands Game Reserve (2 nights) | Victoria Falls (3 nights) | Johannesburg
This once-in-a-lifetime getaway starts out in Johannesburg’s leafy suburb of Houghton, staying in a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with nine curated rooms together with retreat spaces for reflection, healing, and thought-provoking experiences inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela, who lived here after returning from Robben Island.
On arrival at Sanctuary Mandela, you’ll be treated to a three-course meal as part of its Sunday jazz event, combining great music with a carefully crafted menu of contemporary cuisine inspired by Mandela's favourite dishes, created by his long-time personal and family chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya.
From here, you’ll head back to Johannesburg Airport for the journey to your next destination, Thornybush Game Reserve in the gorgeous Limpopo Province, near South Africa’s northeastern border. Its open savannah, woodlands, and shrublands are home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) as well as giraffe, zebra, and many more.
Staying at the fully inclusive Thornybush Game Lodge, you’ll enjoy morning and afternoon safaris, plus local cuisine by master bush chef Solly (including bush dinners surrounded by lanterns, candles, and the sound of the African wilderness), and you can also book yourself a rejuvenating spa treatment. The lodge’s main thatched area overlooks a waterhole and riverbed frequently visited by elephants, buffalo, and other large game, making it a great spot to take a moment to yourself.
Next, you’ll transfer to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which shares a non-fenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. Your equally amazing base here is the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, where you’ll also enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, plus environmental-awareness walking safaris. Its 25 luxury suites all have indoor and outdoor showers and naturally sourced decor, the Amani African Spa offers unique treatments, and there are two swimming pools and vast covered viewing decks overlooking a waterhole.
For your grande finale, you’ll fly to Victoria Falls on the Zambia– Zimbabwe border. Your five-star base will be the Elephant Camp, where your scheduled activities include a guided tour of the Falls, a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River, morning and afternoon game drives in the Zambezi National Park, and a canopy tour. The eco-friendly canvas tents house luxury suites each with a private plunge pool and viewing deck.
Sammy said: "We asked our Travel Counsellor to book us in to see Victoria Falls and it didn't disappoint! My top tip: go early to avoid the crowds and it's much cooler too. It's also quite wet so don't bother doing your hair before you go"
Finally, you’ll return to Johannesburg for an indulgent night at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa with its 24-hour butlers. Before flying home you’ll get under the city’s skin with a tour that includes learning about its graffiti and its ties with hip-hop culture.
To book your Johannesburg, Kruger, and Victoria Falls holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Yearning for a brief escape that promises to enchant, refresh, and invigorate? Europe’s mosaic of cultures, history, and breathtaking landscapes offers some of the most spectacular weekend getaways and short breaks for a whole host of travellers. Here's our curated list of top European cities that need to be on your radar this year.
Ideal for those looking for an authentic Maldivian feel to their tropical island escape in this gorgeous part of the world, this intimate hideaway of villas on a teardrop-shaped island in the North Malé Atoll offers unique curated experiences as part of its boutique luxury experience.
Sri Lanka is a stunning tropical paradise, where every corner unveils a new treasure waiting to be discovered. Vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes meet to create an enchanting tapestry of wonders. From pristine beaches to lush tea plantations, ancient temples to wildlife-rich national parks, Sri Lanka beckons with a promise of unforgettable experiences and soul-stirring encounters making it a destination like no other.
