Bucket List Family Adventure

Arriving at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, Dan and his family were met by a VIP representative who assisted them with customs and immigration before guiding them to their road transfer to their overnight hotel.

After breakfast and checking out, the group headed off for a morning tour of the city, where they visited the Genocide Memorial, the Gahaya Links and the craft market for a wonderful shopping experience. After shopping and lunch they were transferred to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, approximately two-and-a-half hours’ drive to Ruhengeri at the foothills of the Virungas, the chain of 15 000 foot volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The following day, Dan and his clan proceeded to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters where they were allocated a gorilla trekking group. Treks can last from two to eight hours, with one hour dedicated to sighting the gorillas and staying with them as they go about their daily life, feeding playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!

Day four was dedicated to another gorilla trek, followed by a post-lunch transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel for a one night’s stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

The family headed to Kigali Airport for a scheduled flight to Nairobi in Kenya, followed by another flight to Kilimajaro Airport, where the group was met and transferred to Lake Duluti for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, Dan and family were transferred to Lake Manyara with a packed lunch, joining an exquisite game drive before being dropped off at Noman Entamanu for two nights. Day seven of their journey was dedicated to a full-day game drive of Ngorongora crater including a crater descent. This mineral rich floor is largely flat, open and covered in nutritious grass, which attracts large herds like the zebra and wildebeest, while the extensive open plains are also home to herds of buffalo, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle and tsessebe. It’s also considered the best place to see black rhino in East Africa.

After a leisurely morning, the group checked out and departed the Manyara Airstrip for Kogatende, where they were met and transferred by road to Lemala Kuria Hills for a three-night stay in a family unit. Remotely located in the Wogakuria Hills of the Northern Serengeti, this scenic region is characterized by grassy rolling hills, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses – a habitat that attracts wildlife throughout the year. Afternoon tea is served before game drives, and cocktails at sunset are taken on one of the kopjes with distant views of the Isuria Escarpment in the Maasai Mara.

Day 11 was dedicated to travelling to the Maasai Mara, with a charter flight to Tarime Airstrip followed by a road transfer to Migori Airstrip, including a border crossing, which was followed by a flight to Keekorok Airstrip and a road transfer to the lodge for a three-night stay at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara. The camp enjoys stunning views over the Sand River and out to the neighbouring grassy hills and plains of Tanzania and sits on the migration route for the millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle that move between Serengeti and Maasai Mara every year. The family enjoyed exclusive views of the plains as well as being in the thick of the excitement of frenetic and famed river crossings, all from the comfort of camp.

After living their ultimate safari life for two weeks, Dan and his family flew to Cape Town International Airport where they were met by a VIP agent who assisted them with immigration, baggage collection and connecting with their driver who transferred them to the six-star One&Only Hotel at the V&A Waterfront for a three-night stay. In Cape Town they enjoyed a half-day city tour, including a walking tour through the Company Gardens, driving past Houses of Parliament, City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope.They also visited the brightly coloured Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter, Signal Hill, the Cape Town Stadium, the District Six Museum and the whole Table Bay, with all of these spots providing fantastic photo opportunities. After a jam-packed day, the family headed to dinner at the award-winning La Colombe for a spectacular dinner. The following day was dedicated to a full-day Cape Point Tour, followed by another award-winning culinary experience at Chefs Warehouse.

Checking out of the One&Only Hotel, the group made their way to Franschhoek for a Winelands tour, including lunch at the award-winning Tokara wine farm, ending with a drop off at the Leeu House hotel for a single night’s stay.

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, Dan and his family checked out for their meandering drive to Oudtshoorn for a night’s stay.

Day 19 of their trip took the trio to Knysna, but not before they stopped in at the Cango Caves, a local ostrich farm and the Cango Wildlife Ranch. With two nights at the five-star boutique spot called The Turbine Hotel and Spa, Dan and his family enjoyed luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine and the picturesque Knysna estuary.

With a vehicle is at their disposal for the day, the clan could visit the Knysna Elephant Park, enjoy the John Benn Experience – a 1,5 hour cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, the Featherbed Eco Tour with lunch or take a relaxed drive to
Plettenberg Bay to see Monkeyland, the Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuaries.

After breakfast, the trio headed to the George Airport to drop off their car and catch their flight to OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport, where they were met and transferred to their overnight hotel.

The final day of their African extravaganza, Dan and his family enjoyed access to a full-day private vehicle with a driver-guide to go and explore Johannesburg before boarding their flight home after a wonderful time away together.