This private tour itinerary is designed with the esteemed safari-seeker with limited time in mind and offers a comprehensive look into Africa’s unofficial “Big 6”: whales, penguins, lions, buffalo, rhino, and elephants. With a guaranteed window seat, you’ll be sure to see ever exhilarating moment first.
Day 1: Cape Town to Botlierskop (D)
After an early-morning pickup, set out from Cape Town and head along the spectacular Clarence Drive, winding along the coastal road and marvelling at the dramatic twists where the ocean meets the mountain slopes. From a visit with adorable Betty’s Bay African penguins to spectacular land-based whale watching, your first day is a coastal dream with picture-perfect views of dramatic ocean scenes.
Continue on to the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. Set off on a light hike amongst the indigenous fynbos to get the perfect vantage point to see the jumping whales. June to November is whale season in Hermanus, and the bay sees huge numbers of calving southern-right and humpback whales pop in to wave a fin at onlookers. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the magnificent surrounding scenery and intricate sights and smells of fynbos lining the paths.
After lunch time, travel via Cape Agulhas (to visit the most Southern Tip of Africa) before heading towards your luxurious base for the night, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. This 4200-hectare private reserve has sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean. Home to four of the Big 5, Botlierskop offers a host of unrivalled wild game viewing options. Your hideaway takes the form of a colonial-style tented suite, taking glamping to a whole new level and offering all the creature comforts of luxury living. Dinner under the brightly sparkling sky is included at the African-inspired lodge.
Day 2: Botlierskop Lodge (B,L,D)
Start your safari day with a 3-hour sunrise 4x4 game drive. Rise early as the bush awakes, and expect wild encounters with giraffes, elephants, Cape mountain zebra, buffalo, vervet monkeys, waterbuck, endangered white rhino, and more. Your expert game ranger is meticulously trained to spot animals and follow their tracks to ensure you get sensational sightings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive apex predator, the lion.
This adventure will be followed by a full breakfast. Then, choose to enjoy the day at the pool or optional activities (with extra cost) at the lodge; an immersive 1-hour horseback safari or a 30-minute indulgent bush spa treatment. After lunch you'll get another chance to search for more wildlife on the second safari drive of the day. After the included dinner, enjoy another night of pure bliss, relaxing surrounded by the sounds of nature at your luxury tented suite.
Day 3: Botlierskop to Cape Town (B)
After breakfast, travel back along the N2 national road to arrive back in Cape Town by late afternoon.
