From jaw-dropping scenery to spectacular cuisine, Lion King-worthy wildlife to pristine beaches, there’s a reason South Africa holds a special place in so many travellers’ hearts. And, if you’re someone who likes to travel in style, then you’re in luck as there’s a treasure trove of luxe hotels and private experiences that will take your South African adventure to the next level. For a spot of pure indulgence, read on for our favourite trips to see South Africa in luxury.
The original
If you have ever dreamt of a South African adventure, you’ll probably have pictured Cape Town’s beautiful cityscape, the delectable Cape Winelands, and perhaps a spot of safari in the country’s most famous park, Kruger. Well, great news! This trip ticks every one of those boxes and better still, there are plenty of gorgeous hotels to stay in (and bliss out in) at the end of a busy day. Begin in the Mother City, dining in some of the country’s best restaurants, seeing Cape Town from the sky on a helicopter flight, and chartering a yacht to admire the views from the sea. Next up, enjoy a spot of R&R, glorious vinos, scenery and spa treatments in the gorgeous Cape Winelands, before finishing your time in South Africa at one of the world’s most famous game reserves, Kruger National Park, ticking off all the wildlife on your safari must-see list.
Opulent spots to stay
In Cape Town, treat yourself to a stay at the Silo Hotel. Designed by world-renowned architect, Thomas Heatherwick, and luxuriously bedecked throughout, be sure to try the afternoon tea and sip on a sundowner at the rooftop bar. You’re more than spoilt for choice in the Winelands, but it doesn’t get more opulent than La Residence. Lavishly-decorated rooms and impeccable interiors are the name of the game at this chateau-style spot overlooking the Franschhoek Valley – and a candlelit dinner in the Great Hall is not to be missed. In wildlife-packed Kruger National Park, might we recommend a stay at the exclusive Londolozi Private Granite Suites? The name Londolozi is already synonymous with ‘luxury safari’ but these suites take it a step further still, and you can expect rooms that open out onto the Sand River, complete with private plunge pools and outdoor showers.
Take to the open road
South Africa’s Garden Route is famous for its epic scenery and has become a must-drive for many visiting the country. The renowned route takes you from Cape Town, through the lush Winelands, before heading onto the open coastal road for expansive ocean views and dramatic cliffs. In Cape Town and the Winelands, it’s all about food, with both places offering your fix of top-notch gastronomy (and wine!). Work it off with a hike: in Cape Town, climbing Table Mountain with a private guide is an experience to remember, and in the Winelands, there are plenty of local trail routes to explore. Our top tip? Ask your hotel to pack a picnic (and a bottle of bubbles) and make a day of it… Next up it’s off to the bustling seaside town of Hermanus and the Hemel en Aarde wine valley, a gorgeous wine route that slips under most travellers’ radars. Hire a driver for the day and discover a plethora of boutique wine estates and award-winning restaurants. And if you’re here between June and December, watch out for the whales drifting past the shore – Hermanus is one of the premier whale-watching spots on the continent. Finally, end your journey in Knysna. Artsy, easy-going and packed to the brim with great food, there are also all manner of hikes and water-bound activities to keep you busy.
Opulent spots to stay
Quietly glamorous and utterly gorgeous, Ellerman House is one of Cape Town’s best. The private house contains an incredible collection of artwork and beautiful furnishings; ask for a tour to dig into the history behind the paintings. In the Winelands, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa is ready to welcome you into the lap of luxury. Rooms with private plunge pools open out to views across the vines and gardens, and the restaurant and spa are heavenly. In Hermanus, you’ll be more than content at Birkenhead House with her dramatic, cliffside placement and luxe interiors. Then, finish your trip in style in a suite at Kanonkop House. The views overlooking the iconic headlands have to be seen to be believed, and there’s even a private boat if you want to get closer to that tempting water.
Safari with a difference (and a splash of wine, of course)
Kruger is of course South Africa’s most famous wildlife haunt, but if you’re looking for something truly unique, how about journeying from that well-beaten track and heading for more exclusive ground? Our ‘Grapes and Game Parks’ trip will show you some of the secrets of South Africa and the luxury in finding your own slice of safari paradise. You’ll begin in the wilderness of Madikwe, a private reserve that is home to the Madikwe ‘Super Seven’ – the Big Five plus wild dog and cheetah – against a dramatic mountainous landscape. Next up is Tswalu Kalahari, a desert reserve in the far north of the country and packed with all manner of rare wildlife including desert black rhino, pangolin and aardvark – and that’s not even to mention the fine dining. At the end of the trip, spend a few nights soaking up the beaches, restaurants and sights of Cape Town, before heading to the Winelands to sip on some of the world’s finest grapes.
Opulent spots to stay
Start your trip on a high with a stay at the super-exclusive Morukuru Owners House. With a private butler, chef, game ranger (and even a nanny if you plan on travelling with the littles), your every wish will be catered for as you safari like royalty. A private wine cellar, bathtub under the stars, and a dreamy setting on the banks of the Marico River will see to it that you never want to leave. Next, head to Tswalu Motse Lodge, which takes desert chic to a new level. Think private pools overlooking the vibrant red earth, a spa to work out any travel kinks, and even a romantic sleepout deck set under the star-filled sky. The cherry on top is Restaurant Klein JAN by the globally celebrated chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. In Cape Town, let the iconic ‘Nellie’ (the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel) win your heart with her views of Table Mountain and afternoon teas fit for a queen, before ending in one of La Petite Ferme’s Vineyard Suites and the unrivalled views across Franschhoek straight from bed.
A Western Cape Escape
Did you know that the Western Cape has a plethora of secret finds that only those who are truly in the know have discovered? Before diving into the hidden gems on this trip, begin in the beautiful Mother City, soaking up everything this colourful metropolis has to offer. Then, whizz off for a few days in the Winelands to learn about (and taste!) South Africa’s grape varietals and picnics amongst the vines. Then, it’s time for the jewels of the Western Cape. Start in the mountains of the Cederberg, an otherworldly landscape that’s sure to set your heart racing. Breathtaking hikes, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock art sites are the name of the game here, and it’s an experience like no other. Finally, you’ll end at the picturesque enclave of Paternoster. This quietly-beautiful, whitewashed fishing village will immediately steal your heart as you settle in for beach walks, sundowners in the dunes and some unique dining experiences. Sometimes it really pays to head off the beaten track…
Opulent spots to stay
Give yourself the luxury of privacy at Moondance Villa in Cape Town. Set on the slopes of Lion’s Head, this opulent home looks like something from a Bond film – and the view must come with a capital V. Soak in the Winelands at Babylonstoren, one of the Western Cape’s most beloved destinations where the chic interiors will have you wanting to renovate as soon as you head home. For the ultimate in mountain style, try Cederberg Ridge. The perfect pastel rooms will wipe away any stresses, whilst meals looking over the rocky landscapes are sure to blow your mind. Finish your Western Cape adventure with a little boutique luxury at the oceanside Strandloper, a perfectly private beach escape that is blissful to a tee. In summer, swim in the ocean and explore the beaches, and in winter, curl up in front of a crackling fire with a glass of wine and a good book. Whatever the season, Strandloper will steal your heart.
The road less travelled
South Africa means business when it comes to road trips, but just because you’re taking to the road doesn’t mean your trip should be anything less than luxurious. Welcome to the ‘alternative’ Garden Route, a trip that never fails to surprise and delight. This route will wind you through the country’s Karoo, a desert land that really encapsulates what it means to be on the open road. We recommend beginning with a few days in Cape Town, enjoying everything from mountainscapes to the vibrant nightlife, before starting your journey to Robertson. This picturesque town is full of quaint Cape Dutch architecture and the nearby vineyards produce some spectacular wines, ripe for the tasting. You’ll then head into the Karoo to the charming artist’s enclave of Prince Albert whose surrounding arid landscape is sure to capture your heart along with its quirky spirit. Then it’s deep into the Klein Karoo, through tiny Victorian towns, ostrich farms and orchards, until you find yourself at a boutique safari lodge, set amongst the desert surrounds. Finally, end in the Eastern Cape with what feels like more of a traditional safari and a chance to see the famous Big Five.
Opulent spots to stay
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and just a short car ride from the centre of buzzing Cape Town, is Camissa House. From the spectacular city views to the chic and sophisticated interiors, you’ll feel right at home in this boutique bolthole. Next up is the stylish Robertson Small Hotel, a beautiful Victorian home full of local artworks, and Dennehof Guest House, a historic farmstead where your every need will be met in Prince Albert. When it comes to safari, your first stop will be Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp in the heart of the desert and surrounded by mountains, and then Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. Here, there are just a handful of traditionally thatched private suites each with beautiful bush views, outdoor showers and private plunge pools…
