Multi-Gen Family Exploration of Southern Africa

Annie and her family arrived at Cape Town International Airport and were met by the VIP airport assistance team who connected the travellers with their driver for their private road transfer to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Day two of the family’s vacation was full of adventuring around the city, beginning with a cable car ride to the top of the iconic Table Mountain. After incredible views of the city, next on the itinerary was an exploration of the colourful streets of the Bo Kaap and the historic Company Gardens, followed by a visit to the Watershed Market to take in township-inspired designs. Day three and four were reserved for full-day private tours of the Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula, where activities could be scheduled according to the family’s preferred pace and interests. Their final day in Cape Town was free for the family to design their own adventure out in the city, or to simply relax and enjoy their exquisite hotel.

After an early breakfast, the family was transferred back to the airport for their private charter flight to Camp Kalahari on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. From up-close encounters with habituated meerkats to walks through the desert with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen and day and night game drives in custom-built 4x4s, the family could also opt for an adventurous two-hour horseback safari to take in the second-largest migration of zebra and wildebeest in Africa. On day eight of their trip Annie and her family chartered a private flight from Kalahari Airstrip to Little Duma Tau Airstrip in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in Botswana’s far north. Sharing DumaTau’s lagoon and river frontage and access to diverse habitats, Little DumaTau promises prolific game viewing on both land and water – by game vehicle, by boat or barge, on foot, or from the air; helicoptering over the Linyanti.

Situated just to the north of DumaTau on the same lagoon frontage, Little DumaTau is a haven of sophisticated elegance. With just four supremely spacious tented guest suites, each with its own lounge, private plunge pool, bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, this intimate camp promises an exceptional Linyanti safari experience. The Linyanti is recognised as an important bird area, so the hides and platforms in the area are ideal for birding and photographing wildlife.

The family transferred to the airstrip for their private charter flight from DumaTau Airstrip to Kasane Airport for an immigration stop en route to Livingstone Airport where they transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel via a water taxi. By day, the could head out white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, abseiling down Batoka Gorge, bungee jumping or walking with lions; by night, the adults could enjoy a Pimms on the waterside terrace before savouring perfectly-cooked Zambezi bream and sinking into their ultra-comfortable king-sized beds. Whatever it is the guests felt like doing, the concierge and their private butler were on hand, leaving the family to make the most of their time at ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, the Smoke that Thunders.

On day twelve of their trip, the family transferred from Livingstone, Zambia to Kruger Nelspruit, South Africa for an overnight stay at Perry’s Bridge Hollow. The country hotel is located in the gateway town to the Kruger Park, Hazyview, is close to great restaurants and shops and offers fantastic country-style accommodation with a relaxed, informal feel.

After an early breakfast and check out, the travellers were transferred to Elephant Whispers for an elephant interaction followed by a private transfer to Singita Boulders Lodge, set in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve on the banks of the Sand River. Sunrise and sunset game drives with professional rangers and skilled Shangaan trackers ensure close encounters with the Big 5. The reserve is particularly famous for its leopards and boasts an unrivalled record for the regularity and quality of sightings. If the family ever tired of the spa or lazing beside their private plunge pool, guided nature walks and visits to a local village offered more active ways to unwind. The close of each thrilling day brought them home to Singita’s famous fine dining and the exceptional Boulders’ wine cellar.

After their final safari activity, Annie and her family were transferred to Nelspruit Airport for their flight to Johannesburg where they were met and assisted to their boarding gate to begin their journey back home.