A Life-Changing Journey Through South Africa: From City Lights to Safari Nights
South Africa had been on our bucket list for years, and what better way to celebrate my 40th birthday than with the ultimate adventure? From the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the untamed beauty of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, every moment of this journey was filled with luxury, adventure, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Flying in Style: The Journey Begins
Our adventure started in British Airways Club World on the A380 from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. The BA Lounge experience set the tone for what was to come, with an excellent selection of food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere before the flight. Once onboard, the lie-flat seats ensured we arrived feeling well-rested for our connecting Safair flight to Cape Town.
Cape Town: A City of Beauty and Contrast
After a 30-minute drive from the airport, we arrived at our stunning accommodation, One&Only Cape Town. Our Premier Mountain View Room offered unmatched views of Table Mountain, and after settling in, we spent the day exploring the lively V&A Waterfront.
Dinner at Nobu was an experience in itself—world-class sushi and seafood, and surprisingly great value for money.
Table Mountain & Cape Town’s Culinary Scene
The next morning, we started the day with a delicious breakfast at One&Only before heading to Table Mountain, taking the cable car to the summit. Booking fast track tickets saved us time, and once at the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
We enjoyed a relaxing lunch with a glass of South African wine, then spent the afternoon unwinding by the pool at One&Only before heading out for another incredible dinner at Belthazar Steakhouse. The steak was one of the best we’ve ever had, and the South African red wine selection was out of this world.
The Garden Route: Hermanus & Whale Watching
The next morning, we embarked on our first Garden Route drive—90 minutes from Cape Town to Hermanus. The drive was stunning, but nothing compared to the moment we arrived at The Marine and saw whales breaching right from our suite’s balcony!
That afternoon, we drove to Gansbaai for a boat trip, where we saw South Africa’s Marine Big Five—whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and penguins. Watching these animals up close was surreal.
After returning to Hermanus, we wandered through the charming seaside village before enjoying a beautiful dinner at The Marine’s restaurant.
Wine Country: Luxury at Mont Rochelle
The next morning, we set off on another scenic 90-minute drive, this time to Franschhoek, the heart of South Africa’s wine country.
Our stay at Mont Rochelle, a small boutique hotel owned by Richard Branson, was incredibly special. The service was flawless, and our Cap Classique Suite came with a private pool overlooking the vineyards.
Franschhoek offers a wine tram experience, horse riding, and visits to other local vineyards, but unfortunately, we only had one night here and wished we had longer. Instead, we indulged in an afternoon of wine tasting and a gourmet lunch at Mont Rochelle, sampling some of the best wines South Africa has to offer.
Plettenberg Bay: Treetop Tranquility at Tsala
After a morning exploring Franschhoek, we flew from Cape Town to George Airport (a quick 40-minute flight), then drove 75 minutes to Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay.
Tsala is a hidden African gem—rich in culture and history, and surrounded by lush forests. Our floor-to-ceiling windows made for an incredible wake-up call, as we watched monkeys playing in the trees right from our room!
We spent the morning at Plettenberg Bay beach, where we saw great white shark warning signs, a thrilling reminder of how wild South Africa truly is! After an afternoon relaxing at Hunter’s Country House and enjoying lunch, we had a magnificent dinner at Zinzi Restaurant, a fusion of African and international flavours.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve: The Ultimate Safari
An early start led us on a four-hour drive to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the biggest privately owned game reserve in the Eastern Cape (larger than San Francisco!).
Now, there’s a safari experience, and then there’s a luxury safari experience—Shamwari is on another level. The attention to detail is unparalleled:
No conveyor-belt schedules—game drives are completely flexible. Want a 5am wake-up for a 4-hour drive? Done. Prefer a 7am start and a shorter drive? No problem.
High-end safari vehicles, with Swarovski binoculars for every guest.
Your favourite hot drink waiting for you before heading out.
Hot towels and fresh drinks upon returning from a game drive.
Fresh, gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—always a different menu.
Log burner in the room, a bath overlooking the plains (filled with petals on arrival), and an outdoor shower.
Option for a walking safari in the plains with expert rangers.
Our first game drive was unforgettable—we saw lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos. One of the best moments? Stopping for a sundowner at sunset, where the team had set up a full buffet and gin bar in the middle of the reserve.
“Unlike Kruger National Park and other northern regions of South Africa, Shamwari Private Game Reserve and the Eastern Cape are not classified as high-risk malaria areas, so malaria tablets are generally not required. However, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for the most up-to-date advice before you travel.”
An Unforgettable Connection to the Wild
The following morning, we were woken up by a lion’s roar at 5:30am—he was calling his pride. Hearing this from our room was mesmerizing.
Later, we visited Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where we had breakfast with Dr. Johan Joubert & Ecologist John O’Brien, the stars of Netflix’s “Shamwari Untamed”.
Our final morning started with a short game drive, before visiting the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary—an emotional yet inspiring experience.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Leaving Shamwari was hard, but we headed to Port Elizabeth Airport for our flight back to Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Airport Lounge was a great final touch before boarding our BA Club World flight home.
Final Thoughts: South Africa Stole Our Hearts
This wasn’t just a holiday—it was a life-changing journey.
After experiencing Shamwari, we promised ourselves we would recommend this trip to as many people as possible. We now have a strong relationship with the resort directly, and after sending many clients here, we are 100% confident that absolutely anyone would love it.
Some of our clients have already rebooked what they thought was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Others have called us in tears, overwhelmed by how deeply it touched them.
If you’re looking for an adventure that combines luxury, wildlife, culture, and natural beauty, South Africa is the destination for you.
Let us help you plan your dream journey!
Why not check out our Instagram Highlights Reel for our trip to South Africa here.
Links to our latest Shamwari offers are below for you to have a look at: