South African Villa Vacation

The excitement will surely be running high as you disembark at Cape Town International and step into the waiting car that will take you to Ellerman House, your stop for the next three nights. Set on a beautiful strip of land between the Twelve Apostles mountains and the Atlantic, you’ll be ushered to Villa 1 or Villa 2. There’s so much to do: wine tasting in the vineyards, fine dining in the city and nature activities at Cape Point and Boulders Beach. Why we love Ellerman House Villas: Private sun-drenched infinity pools Unending views over the ocean Large dining, living and deck areas Personal chefs for every preference

A private charter whisks you to De Hoop Nature Reserve today, flying you over the Winelands, Whale Coast and farmland. De Hoop is a secret gem and Ocean House even more so. Slightly off the beaten track, it’s a beach villa set in indigenous coastal fynbos, pristine rock pools glittering in the southern sun. Again, kick off your shoes before going sandboarding, birding, mountain biking, hiking or even just settling in on the terrace with a pair of binoculars for spotting dolphins. Why we love Ocean House: True home-from-home atmosphere Long stretch of coast with few other visitors Private swimming pool and hot tub Hospitality team including driver-guide

A complete change of scene awaits you: from the crashing waves of the coast to the undulating bush of Kruger. From the De Hoop Airstrip you fly to Cape Town, changing for your flight to Hoedspruit Airport, where your guide will be waiting to give you your first game drive. The Kruger National Park is world renowned as the best place to see the Big 5, including rhino, and your team will work hard to deliver amazing sightings where possible! Enjoy the next two nights at Africa House, at Royal Malewane. Why we love Africa House: Touches of the Swahili Coast in Kruger Central courtyard with siesta daybeds Infinity pool overlooking the treeline Private safari guide and vehicle

It’s back to Hoedspruit for the short hop to Phinda Airstrip, in one of South Africa’s premier private reserves. Phinda has been carefully rewilded and now offers exceptional interactive wildlife activities such as rhino tracking, pangolin monitoring and assessing elephants. In addition to nature walks and night drives, you can head to Phinda’s sub-tropical coastline for seasonal turtle breeding and whale watching. The reserve is also home to rarities such as cheetah, suni antelope and one of Africa’s last sand forests. Why we love The Homestead: Interactive kitchen for lessons with the chef Own fitness and wellness treatment centre Totally flexible schedule for all activities Option for unique ocean safari

Time to slowly reintegrate with city life… Soaring about Phinda, you fly inland to OR Tambo International Airport and your last stay in South Africa, at the Saxon Villas. Among the country’s most prestigious hotels favoured by global superstars, you can expect discreet service all the way. For your final night, savour local wines and cuisine in your very spacious villa or at the restaurant. A visit to the spa’s hydro facilities will help you prepare for the long-haul flight home. Why we love The Saxon Villas: Beautiful garden settings Round-the-clock butler service Full mini-bars and snack pantries

As a blowout family safari holiday, it’s hard to beat the journey you’ve just enjoyed. As you take off after a restorative night at The Saxon, you can hopefully recall plenty of fond memories: the view from Table Mountain, the antics of waddling African penguins, the chuckle of a spotted hyena and the joyous hospitality throughout. From dawn game drives to nights around the campfire, one thing is almost certain: you’ll want to do it all over again soon…