We’re thrilled to have added South Africa to our ever-expanding portfolio, a year-round destination for sunshine and adventure, and there’s so much more to it than a safari holiday. There aren’t many other African countries where you can combine a chic city break, incredible wine tasting, gourmet dining, educate yourself in Anglo-Zulu battles as well as experience such incredible game sightings. Great for honeymooners and families alike, there really is something for everyone in South Africa and being in the same time zone as the UK, there is no jet lag to worry about.
Holly and Jo (our Africa expert) recently spent 12 days scouting out properties for our Africa collection with incredible game drives, unique experiences and the warmest of welcomes everywhere they went. They loved it so much they are already planning to return with their little nippers.
Jo has 20 years of experience working in luxury camps and creating bespoke itineraries, from safaris and overland odysseys to beach holidays. She’s on hand to share her honest advice and insider knowledge to create your tailor-made South Africa holiday. When you book with F&P, you will be looked after every step of the way. We take care of your flights, arrange your Meet and Greets on arrival at the airport, transfers to your hotels, car hire, and we’re on hand to book all activities and restaurants to make your holiday as seamless as possible.
Get a taste of everything Africa has to offer with our two example itineraries, designed for both families and honeymooners in mind.
Eastern Cape Safaris
The Eastern Cape has brilliant private game reserves that give guests the opportunity to enjoy excellent sightings of Africa’s ‘Big Five’, all in a malarial free environment. The guides here are incredible and create a wonderful safari experience for adults and children alike. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is recognised as one of South Africa’s leading game reserves with game drives every sunrise and sunset, as well as expert guided walks. At Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, safaris can be tailor-made to accommodate a variety of adventures and activities, making it a truly unique experience for each and every guest.
Cape Town
Rich in history, culture and natural beauty, you won’t be short of things to do in Cape Town. A trip or a hike up Table Mountain, a tour of Cape Point, paddle boarding at Boulder’s Bay with the penguins, a boat out to Robben Island, a helicopter tour around the Cape or sundowner drinks at the top of The Silos are a handful of our recommendations when you’re staying in Cape Town. Mount Nelson is an excellent base to begin your travels to South Africa since it is so central, while Ellerman House‘s impressive collection of 9,500 wines and celebration of local produce will entice the foodies.
Hermanus
Hermanus is known as one of the best places for whale watching, and Birkenhead House is an excellent spot for catching a glimpse of humpback and southern right whales in front of the hotel from July through to November. It’s also an excellent stop-off point on a road trip of The Garden Route – over 200km of beautiful coastline on the south-west coast of South Africa, taking you from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a self-drive holiday, and Jo can share all her recommendations.
Winelands
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards and no visit should be without at least one tour. There’s more to the Winelands than its vineyards – art plays a big part in the region with plenty of art galleries to discover and the trails of Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve are definitely worth a hike. Boschendal Wine Estate offers laid back luxury where you can expect farm to fork dining using local and ethically sourced ingredients. It’s also an excellent place to enjoy a wine tour.
AN EXAMPLE FAMILY ITINERARY – A 12-NIGHT SELF-DRIVE HOLIDAY
Begin your adventure with three nights in Cape Town. Mount Nelson is superbly located for exploring everything the city has to offer with lots of space for the children to run around.
Visit the Winelands with a two-night stay in Boschendal Wine Estate. It’s excellent for family adventures and getting out in nature with everything from farm tours, wine tours, mountain biking to picnics on the estate.
Stop off at Mokorukuru Beach Lodge for two nights where families can enjoy everything from snorkelling in the rock pools, marine walks, mountain biking and sandboarding.
Finish the holiday with three nights in Eastern Cape’s Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge where families have a private guide and vehicle for the duration of their stay so their whole safari can be tailored to them. The guides are also excellent at bringing the bush to life for children of all ages.
AN EXAMPLE HONEYMOON ITINERARY – A 12-NIGHT HOLIDAY
Start the honeymoon with three nights in Cape Town where you can do everything from surfing, to hiking up Table Mountain to marvel at the magnificent scenery.
A visit to the Winelands is a must with a two-night stay in Babylonstoren, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Guests can enjoy everything from guided mountain tours, to wine tastings and cellar tours.
For the ultimate safari experience, head to Kruger National Park for your chance to get up close to The Big Five. Spend four nights at Dulini Leadwood and enjoy daily game drives and bush walks with your own expert guides.
Fly from Kruger to Vilanculos, before hopping in a helicopter to Benguerra (we’ll arrange all of this for you!) before spending four nights on Benguerra Island with its untouched landscapes and crystal clear waters for a complete castaway experience.