Royal South Africa

Our most-requested itinerary, Royal South Africa is certain to enthrall the most discerning clientele. The itinerary includes privately guided tours of historic Johannesburg, the breathtaking Cape, and then continues to explore the Hermanus coast and extraordinary safaris in the game-rich Thornybush Game Reserve.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg / The Saxon
• Day 2: Johannesburg / The Saxon (B,L)
• Day 3: Cape Town / Cape Grace (B)
• Day 4: Cape Town / Cape Grace (B,L)
• Day 5: Winelands / La Residence (B,L,D)
• Day 6: Winelands / La Residence (B,L,D)
• Day 7: Hermanus / Birkenhead House (B,L,D)
• Day 8:  Hermanus / Birkenhead House (B,L,D)
• Day 9: Thornybush Game Reserve / Royal Malewane (B,D)
• Day 10: Thornybush Game Reserve / Royal Malewane (B,L,D)
• Day 11: Thornybush Game Reserve / Royal Malewane (B,L,D)
• Day 12: Johannesburg / Departure (B)

Itinerary Description:

Royal South Africa begins in Johannesburg as you are greeted by a Ker & Downey representative with our signature “meet and greet” service. Enjoy the African-chic comfort of The Saxon and spend a full day touring through the apartheid past of Johannesburg’s townships with award-winning guide Robin Binckes. Move on to Cape Town and the stunning Cape Grace hotel located on the V & A Waterfront. Discover the city and explore the breathtaking Cape Coast while in the capable hands of your knowledgeable, private guide.

Next travel to the Winelands region and La Residence, a chateau-inspired all-suite villa. Expansive patios offer magnificent opportunities to relax, admire the view, enjoy the delicate scents of nature and marvel at the synthesis of beauty and tranquility. South Africa’s fertile valleys are world-famous for their crisp whites and classic French-style red wines. Explore the Winelands on a full-day private tour of the treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. The towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are on the wine tasting agenda, including a visit to the Groot Constantia Estate.

No trip to South Africa’s Cape Coast is complete without a discovery of Hermanus, where the Indian Ocean breathes life and beauty to its shores with every lapping wave. It is here where the Southern Right whale comes to give birth in the warm waters of South Africa, a sight to behold. Beaches, trekking, spirited hikes, or leisurely strolls as you browse the beautiful galleries and shops of the village make this destination unforgettable, and delightful accommodations at the award-winning Birkenhead House will please the most discerning traveler in every way. Should you choose a different type of experience, your Ker & Downey travel expert can arrange for whale watching by boat, a visit to the penguin colonies, or for those more daring, white shark cage diving! The activities at Hermanus are endless.

Finally, spend four unforgettable nights in exquisite safari luxury in the Thornybush Game Reserve at the multi-award-winning luxury safari lodge, The Royal Malewane. The Big Five roam freely here and the region is known for its many exciting wildlife sightings. Lion, buffalo, rhino, hippo, giraffe and elephants will capture your heart and imagination. Twice-daily game drives, both morning and night, and bush walks with experienced armed rangers are all included in your itinerary.

For those who choose the ultimate in South African travel, this itinerary lends itself perfectly to private jet options. No matter how you choose to experience it, this itinerary will deliver “wow” moments at every turn.