Cape Town, Kalahari, Meerkats and Madikwe
Tour Introduction
This exceptional South African journey combines three very contrasting experiences – all truly fabulous. Firstly, an open vehicle safari in the vast Madikwe Private Game Reserve, right on the border with Botswana. Madikwe is particularly renowned for its frequent sightings of endangered African wild dog as well as the Big Five and plains game. Secondly, fly into the serene wilderness of Tswalu Kalahari Private Nature Reserve with its endless horizons. Here you will learn about all aspects of this magical semi-desert ecosystem while observing desert-adapted wildlife including troops of meerkats, unique Kalahari black-maned lion, pangolin, aardvark and more. Finally, enjoy beautiful Cape Town with its Mediterranean climate, iconic Table Mountain, lovely beaches, and historic and natural wonders both on land and offshore. This tour of contrasts constitutes an exclusive exploration of South Africa staying in luxury lodges and hotels, with ultra-convenient scheduled charter flights and no self-drive, and the reassurance of being malaria-free throughout.
Full Itinerary
Arrive Johannesburg and take charter flight to Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Afternoon safari in the reserve. The reserve is a transitional habitat between lowveld and Kalahari thornveld and supports a fantastic mammal and bird fauna.
Staying at Thakadu River Camp. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy safari activities in MadiKwe Private Game Reserve in search of the Big Five, and other wildlife. The reserve has a population of the highly endangered and charismatic African wild dog and guides can help to track them down.
Staying at Thakadu River Camp. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy another day of safari activities in MadiKwe Private Game Reserve.
Staying at Thakadu River Camp. Includes All Meals.
A last morning activity in the reserve. Transfer to the airstrip and fly to Jo'burg and take charter flight to Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve.
Staying at Tswalu Motse. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy the stunning wilderness of Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve on game drives, bush walks or horseback if desired. The 100,000-hectare reserve is the largest private reserve in the country and is committed to conservation and preservation of its natural habitats and wildlife.
Staying at Tswalu Motse. Includes All Meals.
A day of guided activities in Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, including wildlife watching on game drives or walks in the awe-inspiring scenery. The semi arid grasslands and open woodland make wildlife viewing very rewarding and there are over 80 species of mammal resident within the reserve and up to 240 species of bird have been recorded.
Staying at Tswalu Motse. Includes All Meals.
Day of activities at Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve. There is an excellent selection of wildlife to be seen in the reserve, among the more unusual species being black and white rhinos, African wildcat, aardvark, pangolin, cheetah, gemsbok and two habituated groups of meerkats that allow close approach for a memorable experience.
Staying at Tswalu Motse. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airstrip and take charter flight to Cape Town. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Then enjoy a private city tour including Table Mountain (cable car fee payable direct as excursion is weather dependent.) OPTIONAL: Visit the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens if time allows.
Staying at Camps Bay Retreat. Includes Breakfast.
Today take a private, full-day Walk to Freedom tour of Cape Town, including famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Staying at Camps Bay Retreat. Includes Breakfast.
Enjoy a private, full-day tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula, including the attractive sandy beaches, penguin colony, rugged coastline, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and the all-round beautiful mountain scenery. Later visit the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Staying at Camps Bay Retreat. Includes Breakfast.
A part-day to relax or venture into town (if time allows). Transfer to the airport and depart South Africa on your international flight.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Thakadu River Camp
Overview
Built in 2006 this luxurious lodge sits between the Marico River and its smaller tributary in the wildlife rich Madikwe Private Game Reserve close to the Botswana border. The lodge can accommodate 24 guests in 12 luxury tents. The main lodge building has an attractive open plan lounge and dining room made with beautiful natural wood. There is also an outdoor terrace with small swimming pool and sun loungers.
The tents are modelled on the classic African safari tent and have comfortable twin or king size beds, private attached bathroom with both indoor shower and bathtub. There is air-conditioning, telephone, digital safety deposit box and 220-volt electricity supply for charging of equipment, hair dryer and a private terrace with seats overlooking the river.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest private game reserves in Africa and is an excellent location for the observation of large mammals. Many species have been reintroduced including a thriving population of African wild dog and cheetah: this is also one of the best reserves to see the big five. The area also benefits from being malaria free so suitable for families with young children (there are nine family-friendly camps within Madikwe to choose from, including Thakadu).
The Madikwe Game Reserve is about a three and a half hour drive from Johannesburg, or alternatively it can be accessed on a one-hour flight.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, laundry service, air conditioning, ceiling fans, safety deposit box,
Local Wildlife
The Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the big five, (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo) but also white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, klipspringer, bushbuck and has the largest population of nyala in southern Africa. The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dog, of which there are 3 packs in the park, and cheetah, spotted hyena, jackals and aardvarks are also occasionally seen.
Optional Activities
Game drives, bush walks and specialist bird walks are all available.
Tswalu Motse
Overview
Tswalu Motse is a beautiful lodge in the pristine Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, the largest private game reserve in South Africa, which protects 110,000 hectares of savannah on the edge of the great Kalahari desert. The lodge is an ideal base for exploring the wild Kalahari region, and only accommodates a maximum of 20 guests, providing an intimate experience.
There are eight luxurious suites at the camp, built with local red sandstone and traditional thatch roofs all having a private sun deck overlooking the waterhole. Each suite has comfortable double beds, an open fireplace, both indoor and outdoor private showers, and a spacious dressing area and study desk.
Three of the suites are designed to cater for families or two couples travelling together. They offer 1830 sq ft of private space and consist of two separate bedrooms and private bathrooms but share a large living area. All of the suites have direct dial telephones, free WiFi access and seating areas.
The elegant main building – also built with local stone and thatch – matches the landscape with its neutral, warm desert colours and décor. There are plenty of comfortable seating areas centred around an open fire and a communal dining room serving delicious meals using local meat and other produce. There is an extensive wine cellar, a small library with satellite TV, and a small museum area where rare local artefacts are displayed. Outside is a sun terrace with loungers and an inviting infinity swimming pool.
A small gift shop is also on site of which all the profits are reinvested into research and conservation projects on the reserve.
A secluded spa and outdoors treatment facility is also on site where massages and other treatments can be taken.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, spa, massage treatment, fireplace, free WiFi, TV, library, wine cellar and gift shop.
Local Wildlife
The reserve supports healthy populations of elephants, both black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe and commoner plains game including kudu, eland, gemsbok, plains zebra, wildebeest, klipspringer and steenbok
There is a good diversity of carnivores too with lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, African wildcat, wild dog, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared and cape foxes, honey badger and several species of mongoose including several colonies of endearing meerkats.
The normally very shy and nocturnal aardvark, aardwolf and even ground pangolin are also seen on game drives at dusk on occasions.
Optional Activities
Game drives, nature walks and alfresco meals in the bush are available. The lodge also offers hot air balloon rides helicopter rides and massages treatments.
Camps Bay Retreat
Overview
Camps Bay Retreat is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel set amidst a four-acre private nature reserve in Cape Town. The accommodation is in a beautifully preserved Victorian manor house with stunning views over lush gardens to Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
There are 14 elegant, individually styled rooms, from premium rooms to spacious suites. All are large, airy and bright with smart and stylish décor and modern private bathrooms, air-conditioning, satellite TV, DVD players, safety deposit boxes, telephones and complimentary WiFi access.
The estate surrounding the hotel has four separate swimming pools, a tennis court, spa and trails to waterfalls and meditation spots. There is an emphasis on relaxation so the hotel offers a sauna with a full range of spa treatments and facials, and a gym.
There is a fine dining restaurant on site serving three-course gourmet cuisine produced with fresh local ingredients from the markets, and there is an excellent wine selection to complement the cooking.
Camps Bay Retreat is within walking distance of Camps Bay and the Glen beaches, and other city attractions can be accessed on a short drive.
The retreat is in the process of reintroducing native flowers, trees and plants to the estate and many are already well established. Guided walks with the resident horticulturalist can be arranged: the fynbos plant varieties are particularly interesting to see.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge, bar, air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, DVD player, safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi, swimming pools, tennis court, spa, in-room massage service, laundry service, private gardens and estate.
Optional Activities
City tours of Cape Town and excursions to Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Johannesburg, return from Cape Town.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
There are accommodation upgrade choices in Cape Town and Madikwe. If you have enought time, perhaps add 2-3 nights in Hermanus or Grootbos to enjoy the fynbos flora and whale-watching season (Jun-Oct).
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.
