A Week in Cape Town: Sample Itinerary for Families

On July 5, 2010, In Family Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

It’s time to plan your annual family vacation, but this year, you’re looking to do something new and exciting. You want to visit a place that rewards your family with cultural enlightenment, historical insight, and precious family bonding time.

As a culturally and historically enriched region, Cape Town and its surrounding areas are prime destinations for those looking to broaden their horizons of worldly experiences and knowledge. Although the most popular tours and historic landmarks include Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Dies Bo Kaap, every family’s itinerary differs depending on their personal preferences and needs. No two itineraries are alike.

Below is a 7-day sample itinerary that is designed to give you a better idea for what you and your family could expect on an African family vacation to the Cape Town region:

Day 1: The Mother City Tour: This tour celebrates the best of what Cape Town has to offer. After your first, peaceful night in Cape Town’s luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel, you will awake to a nourishing, traditional English breakfast in one of the hotel’s fine dining areas. After your meal, you will embark on a journey through historic Cape Town.

First, you will enjoy a tour up Table Mountain via rotating cable car, and then a tour of The Castle of Good Hope. Continuing on your exploration, you’ll visit gardens, the Green Point Light House, The Cape Town Stadium, V & A Waterfront, Die Bo Kaap, District Six, and the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Once you arrive at the Gardens, you will enjoy a delightful lunch, where you can reminisce about the morning’s adventures.

Day 2: The Peninsula Tour: After a rejuvenating last night at the Mount Nelson Hotel, you will embark on your next journey to Hout Bay. Here, you will take a boat to the beautiful Seal Island where you can relax and enjoy the African ocean breeze. After a day in the sun, you will head over to your next accommodation, The Last Word Long Beach Guest House.

Once you have freshened up at the hotel, you’ll be escorted to Boulders Beach where you will visit an African penguin colony and observe the penguins in their natural environment. Cape of Good Hope will be your final destination for the day.

Day 3: Wine Tastings and Butterfly Sightings: Today, you will relish in some of the Cape’s most exceptional wines when you visit Ernie Els’ wine estate for delightful wine tastings and a cellar tour. And depending on your preference of wine (red or white), you will be escorted to another wine estate where you will enjoy additional wine tastings.

For lunch, you will be brought to the award-winning Overture restaurant where you will delight in the eclectic variety of Chef Bertus Basson and Craig Cormack’s contemporary, Mediterranean, and South African culinary fusions. And don’t forget to follow the Chefs’ wine pairing suggestions!

After a spectacular lunch, you’ll visit the Butterfly World, where you and the whole family can witness a variety of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and peculiar insects.

Day 4: Taking the Scenic Route: Today, you will begin your journey from the Long Beach Guest House to the renowned Birkenhead Villa in Hermanus. During your trip, you’ll stop at various points of interest along the way as you soak in your picturesque surroundings. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic on the way, visit the penguins at Stony Point, or browse some local shops, your trip to Hermanus will, no doubt, be a memorable one.

Once you arrive at the seaside Birkenhead House, you’ll be escorted to your villa where you can lounge by the pool or sit on your private balcony as you look for whales in Walker Bay.

Day 5: The Possibilities Are Endless: Whether your family is comprised of walkers and hikers, beach lovers, ocean enthusiasts, horse lovers, or a mix of all four, Hermanus has it all. Choose from a whale watching cruise, a hike through Hermanus’ Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a relaxing day on world-renowned Grotto Beach,  a Dyer Island cruise, deep sea fishing, horseback riding on the beach, or a rejuvenating day in the spa. Your every need and desire is met at Hermanus.

Is a African family vacation in the future for you? Let us know in our comments section.

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The Saxon: Escape from the Hustle And Bustle of Everyday Life

On December 7, 2009, In Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
Photo from The Saxon website

Photo from The Saxon website

With so many accommodations to choose from in Johannesburg, South Africa, it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you. From less expensive to high-end, Johannesburg offers every type of accommodation across the spectrum. But, if you’re looking for a personalized, highly luxurious experience, and an escape from day-to-day life, than The Saxon in Johannesburg’s Sandhurst suburb is for you.

Situated on six-acres of manicured grounds, The Saxon provides you with a magnificent ambiance inside and out, and for this reason was rewarded several international awards. Arguably South Africa’s most exclusive, boutique hotel, The Saxon has been receiving much attention thanks to its exceptional South African hospitality, eclectic design, superior services, convenient amenities, elegant suites, and stunning landscape.

Elegant Suites:

Each of The Saxon’s diverse-style suites is comprised of inviting earth tones, rich textures, and elegant touches of African artwork and sculptures. Of the 24 suites, you can choose from three types including The Saxon’s classic Egoli Suites, three Presidential Suites, or the prestigious Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite.

With an open layout, fine linens, inviting tones, and elegant details, the classic Egoli Suites are nothing short of exceptional. These suites also have convenient features including an open lounge area, in-room dining area, and large workspace with wireless Internet at your finger tips.

The three Presidential Suites are a bit larger than the Egoli Suites and feature a private balcony overlooking the lush gardens or pool area. Each suite also has its own entrance hall, lounge area, guest bathroom, dining area, and butler’s kitchen.

If you’re looking for a highly-exclusive experience, the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite has everything you’ll need, including an expansive dining room and lounge area, an open bedroom, Jacuzzi, steam room, and exceptional entertainment system. This distinguished suite is located on the first floor with private passages into each entrance. Guests who have stayed in this one-of-a-kind suite include royalty, heads of state, and world-famous celebrities.  

Spa and Studio:The Saxon’s award-winning spa is one of the world’s most exclusive, as it stays up-to-date with the latest in revolutionary treatments. The spa’s long menu of services includes everything from facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hydrotherapies and more. Each of the spa’s rejuvenating treatments takes place in private facilities including outdoor gazebos and indoor and outdoor treatment areas. One of the spa’s most famous treatments, The Signature Sound Therapy, incorporates color therapy and sound therapy using gongs, cymbals, and bells for a completely holistic experience.  

In addition to its wide spectrum of deluxe services, Saxon’s Spa is raising the bar across the world for spa services. Featuring outdoor Sensational Showers, a color-enhanced steam room, and a wet treatment room, this state-of-the-art spa facility is unlike any other.  

 

Photo from The Saxon website

Photo from The Saxon website

Restaurant and Bar:

 

The sheer elegance, minimalist design, and inviting tones are enough to pull you inside the restaurant at The Saxon for every meal. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’re guaranteed to have a fine-dining experience throughout your entire day.

Only using the freshest, local ingredients, the restaurants exquisite, five-star chefs pride themselves on their impeccable culinary creations. Dishes at the restaurant change seasonally and are comprised of African game meat and fresh seafood.

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It Takes an African Family Vacation to Help Local Communities Thrive

On December 4, 2009, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaEmerging as a key influencer in sustainable tourism efforts, South Africa is taking great strides to promote a sustainable economy and community through eco-tourism companies. When the proceeds from eco-tourism companies are given to employees—who are locals—the money then goes directly back into the local economy. This means that schools can be rebuilt, education programs restored, homes built, families fed, and locals employed. When you participate in eco-tourism companies, you are not only helping to sustain the local economy, you are also bringing joy to a community that has been struck by the devastating effects of poverty, and giving the environment the chance to thrive and live on.

With an array of accommodations and touring companies that pride themselves on sustainable tourism efforts, you can choose to take part in this incredible movement to bring happiness, education, and jobs back into local communities, while experiencing a luxurious and adventurous South African family vacation or honeymoon.

The official certification for eco-tourism companies is the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) certificate. Several accommodations throughout South Africa that bear this prestigious certificate include:

Cape Town's Table MountainCape Grace in Cape Town, South Africa: Radiating elegance from every intricate detail, Cape Grace is nothing short of exceptional. Its location in Cape Town’s famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront make it a close walk to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated shopping hubs, restaurants, and hot-spots.

Designed with elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated décor, each of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms is individually designed with subtle reflections of Cape Town’s bright spirit and accents of authentic Cape culture.

In addition to its luxurious décor and prime location, Cape Grace prides itself on its personalized and exclusive services and amenities, including its private yacht charters and the Spa at Cape Grace.  

Djuma Vuyatela in Kruger, South Africa: With privacy, intimacy, and eclectic style as the main characteristics of this lodge, you’re sure to find complete relaxation in Djuma Vuyatela. Located on the private Djuma Reserve, the Djuma Vuyatela offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and its magnificent wildlife. Each of the lodge’s eight chalets feature king sized beds, and a private plunge pool and teak deck that overlooks the sprawling Savannah.

Adding to its luxurious appeal and African spirit, Djuma Vuyatela features an exceptional dining and socializing experience as well as a deck equipped with a fireplace to sip a cocktail as you peer over the African bush.

Buffalo Ridge in Madikwe, South Africa: For the ultimate wilderness retreat, Buffalo Ridge is the place to go. Sitting atop the Tweedepoort Ridge, Buffalo Ridge overlooks the vast plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most wildlife-abundant reserves. With a variety of safari tours to choose from, Buffalo Ridge’s experienced guides take you deep within Madikwe Game Reserve to observe some of Africa’s most mesmerizing wildlife, including the black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, cheetah, lion, and more.  

Aside from its exceptional safari tours and magnificent views overlooking the Madikwe, Buffalo Ridge features eight thatched suites decorated with earth tones and materials that inspire complete relaxation. Inside each of the lodge’s suites you’ll find your very own outdoor patio, luxurious interior décor, and the finest bed linens.

In addition to South Africa’s many FTTSA certified accommodations, the country is also home to a handful of FTTSA certified touring companies. Sustainable touring companies in Cape Town include AWOL, Uthando, Marine Dynamics, and Anduela. AWOL is primarily famous for its bicycle tours throughout local townships, Marina Dynamics is renowned for its shark diving tours, and Anduela is known for its cooking tours in Cape Malay.   

To learn more about the FTTSA certification, visit their website at www.fairtourism.org.za.

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Having Trouble Finding the Family Destination That Fits Your Perfect Vacation Criteria?

On September 23, 2009, In Family Safaris, By Sandy Salle

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

For many people, bringing the whole family on vacation can sometimes mean fewer destination choices and conflicting desires on where to travel. Since there are so many family-oriented accommodations to choose from, it almost seems less stressful to choose a popular family vacation destination than to have to research unique places to take your family that are both safe and exciting.

Perhaps you stress about the safety and convenience factors of traveling internationally. Maybe you only feel safe going to trusted places you have heard about from friends or family. All of these reasons that lead to your stress are justifiable concerns. But what if there were a place you could bring the entire family that would introduce them to . . .

African Encounter girls

• An exotic world of adventure.
• Inspirational cultures.
• Unspoiled wildernesses.
• A safe traveling experience.
• Exceptional cuisine.
• Highly-acclaimed accommodations with superior service, and comfortable ambiances.
• A place less frequented by tourists, allowing you to get a real taste for the culture of the particular destination without having an overly westernized experience.

Your luxurious suite at Jao Camp in the Okavango Delta

If all the above reasons provide solutions and ease to your concerns, then an African family safari is the perfect trip for you and your family.

As one of the very few places in the world where you can experience unspoiled wilderness as it was from the beginning, Africa is an eye-opening continent that educates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression on you and your family for the rest of your life.

canoeing the Zambezi River on the Mana Canoe Trail

An African safari vacation isn’t just for couples or retirees who are looking to travel the world. A trip to Africa can be a very unique and rewarding family experience.

As a native of Zimbabwe, I have traveled throughout Africa as well as a wide spectrum of destinations around the world, and nothing compares to Africa’s unique and friendly spirit. Visiting and researching dozens upon dozens of accommodations across the southern countries of Africa, my team and I provide clients with only the best accommodations in Africa.

Now a resident of the United States, I frequently travel to Africa with my family and believe that the next best thing to living in Africa is sharing it with your family.

Experience the magic of Africa with your family. Let Hills of Africa Travel create a detailed itinerary, tailored around your every individual preference. Contact us today at 1.800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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