Cape to Kruger: The Royal Experience

Cape Town and the South African Winelands are captivating destinations that promise an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and delectable experiences. Nestled at the southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town is a vibrant city with a stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and a diverse cultural scene make it a must-visit for travellers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food and wine lover, Cape Town has something to offer everyone.

The South African Winelands, located just a short drive from Cape Town, offer a delightful escape to lush vineyards and picturesque estates. Known for producing some of the world’s finest wines, this region invites you to savour award-winning vintages amid breathtaking scenery. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are renowned for their wine routes, where you can indulge in tastings, explore historic estates, and enjoy gourmet cuisine at world-class restaurants.

For an unforgettable travel experience, consider a helicopter ride to witness the breathtaking panoramas of the Cape Peninsula or a journey along the Garden Route, a scenic coastal drive teeming with wildlife and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a culinary adventure, Cape Town and the South African Winelands offer an exceptional escape to immerse yourself in the splendours of this incredible region.

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel is an architectural marvel, celebrating art, style, and design. This iconic building, with its shimmering pillowed-glass windows, offers sweeping panoramic views from Table Mountain to the Table Bay harbour. Set atop the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which houses the continent’s largest collection of contemporary African art, The Silo provides an unparalleled experience that combines the rich culture of Cape Town with the city’s stunning natural beauty.

Activities & Highlights
Guests can indulge in the culinary creations of Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert and her team while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. For those seeking relaxation, The Silo Spa is a tranquil haven, offering personalized treatments and the latest spa therapies to promote enhanced wellbeing. Visitors can unwind with afternoon tea overlooking Table Mountain, sip champagne by the rooftop pool, or stay active at the gym. Art lovers will appreciate the opportunity to tour the hotel’s private collection of over 300 contemporary African artworks, while the hotel’s location provides the perfect base for exploring Cape Town's rich cultural heritage and its natural wonders.

Accommodation
The Silo suites, each 44 square meters, are individually designed and decorated, featuring a vibrant and unique colour palette that compliments a curated collection of contemporary African art. These luxurious rooms come with a private balcony, offering stunning views, and a spacious en-suite bathroom. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to set a new standard for luxury accommodation in Cape Town.

Located about 75 kilometres east of Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. French Huguenot settlers first arrived in the late 1600s and began what has become a thriving agricultural industry focused primarily on winemaking. Much of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture has been preserved, making this one of South Africa’s prettiest places to visit, not only for the classic churches and farmhouses but also for its breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is situated in a picturesque valley nestled at the foot of imposing surrounding mountain ranges.

The main road is lined with art galleries, boutiques and small shops selling freshly baked goods, charcuterie, olive oil, jam, artisanal chocolate and, of course, wine. Also, some of the country’s top restaurants and most renowned wineries are here.

A variety of quaint boutique wineries and large cellars offer guided tours and tastings, which can be visited aboard the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there are a number of scenic walking trails in the surrounding mountains, particularly in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and around the Berg River. Other activities include cycling, horseback riding, polo, and golf.

Set amidst the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley on a 30-acre estate, La Residence is a romantic haven surrounded by vineyards, fruit orchards, vibrant flowers, and aromatic herbs. This luxurious property exudes elegance with its opulent interiors, featuring rich fabrics, exquisite artwork, and antique furnishings. La Residence offers an indulgent escape, providing the perfect blend of classic charm and modern sophistication in a tranquil setting.

Activities & Highlights
Guests can enjoy a wide array of activities, from lounging by the shimmering infinity pool on a sunny day to unwinding with a rejuvenating treatment in the spa. The air-conditioned gym is available for those seeking a more active experience. Just a five-minute drive from the picturesque village of Franschhoek, La Residence offers complimentary transfers, allowing guests to explore charming curio shops, art galleries, and exceptional local restaurants. Additionally, activities such as horse-riding, wine tastings, and even chocolate-tasting tours are available for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's culture and delights.

Accommodation
La Residence features eleven individually decorated suites, each with its own vibrant colour scheme and palatial en-suite bathrooms, offering a glamorous retreat with spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. For larger groups or families, the Vineyard Suites, located a stone’s throw from the main hotel, offer spacious accommodations for up to 20 guests, including children of all ages. Each suite includes luxurious bedrooms with marble en-suite bathrooms, private terraces, and gardens, with four suites boasting their own private pools.

Situated in the heart of the Cape Whale Route, the once humble fishing village of Hermanus has become a renowned tourist destination, offering some of the best land-based whale watching opportunities to be found anywhere in the world.

Southern Right and Humpback whales visit Walker Bay frequently and are announced by the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the coast. Hermanus offers visitors breathtaking scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops, endless adventure options, and a wide selection of restaurants and coffee shops. Despite its popularity and all its many offerings, the beautiful town of Hermanus maintains a simple, rustic charm.

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House delivers an extraordinary coastal experience. From its vantage point, guests can admire surfers riding the waves and, during whale season, witness Southern Right and Humpback whales breaching just meters from the shore. This stunning location offers a perfect blend of nature, ocean views, and luxury, creating a serene yet exhilarating atmosphere.

Activities & Highlights
Birkenhead House offers an array of activities designed to engage every type of traveller. The onsite spa, pool, and gym provide indulgent relaxation or a place to rejuvenate, while cliff and beach walks allow guests to enjoy the fresh ocean air. For more adventurous pursuits, Hermanus is home to an impressive list of activities including whale watching, shark cage diving, horse riding on the beach, golfing, hiking, and surfing. Nearby, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of South Africa’s most renowned wine routes, offers a wonderful wine-tasting experience just a short drive away.

Accommodation
The hotel features eleven elegant suites, each offering breathtaking sea or mountain views. Every suite is designed with comfort and luxury in mind, featuring amenities such as private balconies, underfloor heating, and large bathtubs - perfect for relaxation in any weather. The 40 square meter Standard Rooms come with mountain views from the private balconies. These air-conditioned rooms also offer a seating area, mini-bar, and flat-screen TV, along with a private bathroom fitted with both a bath and shower, ensuring guests a truly luxurious stay.

The Greater Kruger National Park is a destination that promises an unforgettable wildlife safari experience in the heart of South Africa. Stretching over two million hectares of pristine wilderness, this iconic park is renowned for its unrivalled biodiversity and the opportunity to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.

The Greater Kruger National Park is an expansive, open ecosystem that extends into the adjacent private game reserves, ensuring unrestricted wildlife movement. This unique feature means that you have a high chance of encountering the incredible African wildlife on thrilling game drives.
Accommodation options within the Greater Kruger National Park are equally impressive. From luxurious lodges with impeccable service to more rustic, immersive bush camps, there’s something to suit every traveller’s preferences and budget. Wake up to the symphony of the bush and savour delicious South African cuisine under the star-studded skies for an authentic and memorable experience.

What sets the Greater Kruger National Park apart is its commitment to responsible tourism and conservation. By choosing this destination, you are supporting vital conservation efforts and community empowerment programs. Your visit here isn’t just a vacation; it’s a contribution to the preservation of one of the world’s most cherished natural treasures. So, embark on a journey of a lifetime and let the Greater Kruger National Park amaze you with its boundless beauty and wildlife wonders.

Set in the heart of South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane and its three luxury lodges offer a blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. With breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld and an unparalleled safari experience, guests are treated to world-class game viewing led by one of the most qualified guiding teams in Africa. Whether staying at the classic Malewane Lodge, the contemporary Farmstead, or the colourful Waterside, each lodge offers a unique ambiance.

Activities & Highlights
Guests at Royal Malewane can expect extraordinary game viewing, immersive bush walks, and thrilling safari drives, all while guided by an exceptional team of wildlife experts. Between these adventures, indulge in fine dining with meals that are celebrated long after they end, including the unforgettable experience of dining under the stars. The award-winning spa offers a sanctuary of relaxation, with treatments designed to soothe the body and soul, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience.

Accommodation
Malewane Lodge exudes old-world elegance, offering a classic bush experience with timeless luxury. Once the Biden Family homestead, it remains a symbol of tradition and sophistication, where guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the bush. Malewane Lodge’s Luxury Suites feature private pools, outdoor gazebos, and luxurious bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, offering an elegant refuge amidst the wild.