After a leisurely breakfast, we set off for Marataba Safari Company, located in Marakele National Park, approximately three hours 45 minutes from Johannesburg. The friendly staff at Marataba Safari Company will check you into your luxurious tented suites and your safari experience in Africa has begun....depending on our arrival time, we will enjoy a fresh lunch and there will be a few hours to relax before embarking on your first game drive which departs the lodge after some fresh tea coffee with cakes and snacks at around 16h00...
Game drives are usually around two and a half to three hours and you can expect to see any of the big five as well as many other interesting animals and bird species that reside in Marakele National Park.

A delicious dinner awaits you this evening featuring local dishes and guests will enjoy time with Thomas, our head chef who will be coming out to chat to you giving you the "story" behind these traditional dishes and explain the various preparation techniques. After dinner sit around the fire and take in the stars and enjoy a few drinks with new friends....

Marataba...
There is a mystical, hidden place at the foot of the spectacular Waterberg Mountains on the ancient trade route from the north - sweeping through southern Africa, across the raging Limpopo River and past vast plains teeming with game.

Here lies Marataba, an extraordinary safari lodge reflecting Africa's ancient wisdom and culture; the glorious forms and colour presenting a vibrant haven at the epicentre of modern design. Inspired by primeval remains and in harmony with the environment and the energy of nature, Marataba is built of indigenous stone, sand and soil, enhanced by murmuring waters and vast vistas through glass walls. Embracing both the contemporary and ancient in an exciting union of innovative architecture, design and technology, Marataba resonates with the spirit of the African Renaissance.

Marataba is a 23 000 hectare private concession within Limpopo's Marakele National Park, a malaria-free reserve boasting the Big Five amidst spectacular bushveld scenery. Built of stone and glass, Marataba's magnificent main lodge celebrates both ancient Africa and modern architectural innovation. Fifteen air-conditioned, exotic tented suites with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers have private decks overlooking the magnificent plains below.

Providing opulent comfort between exhilarating game drives and fine gourmet dining, Marataba takes African safari to a new level.

A typical day on safari at Marataba....
06.30am Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee in bed...
07.30 to 08.15 a delicious breakfast awaits you at the lodge
08.15 to 10.30 Morning game drive...
12.30 to 14.00 Lunch is served
15.30 Meet at the lodge for afternoon tea...
16.00 to 19.00 Game drive - afternoon Safari...
19.30 Dinner is served...A traditional braai (barbeque)

This evening we have arranged a traditional South African Braai / Barbeque:
  
Red lentil soup / Mango & Prawn salad
Char-grilled Boerewors, Kingklip kebab, lamb cutlet
Corn on the cob, Pap & Sheba, Baked pumpkin
Gem squash
Roasted eggplant & Tomato
Roasted Amadumbe & Garlic (Yams)
Malva pudding, Rooibos Crème Anglaise

We will have a station set up on the breakfast deck after lunch (14h00 – 15h00) where the guests may join the chefs in a cooking class to prepare 2 or 3 of the dishes for the evening.
After dinner gather around the fire place and enjoy the night sky and few drinks.

A typical day on safari at Marataba....
In the evening enjoy and participate if you feel inclined in an interactive drumming session.

A delicious dinner specially prepared by our chefs awaits you this evening

After breakfast, we head to Knysna to experience the Knysna oyster festival. This oyster festival in Knysna attracts over 70 000 visitors annually; particularly food lovers who slurp and swallow their way through more than 200 000 oysters at over 20 dedicated oyster 'hot spots' where the delectable molluscs can be eaten au naturel or cooked in a variety of ways.

Return to lodge in the afternoon to relax and possibility book a massage in your room
Enjoy a communal feast for dinner this evening at Tsala Treetop lodge this evening.
UBUNTU! WELCOME TO OUR HOME!

Nelson Mandela once said about the spirit of UBUNTU: A traveller through a country would stop at a village and he didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him.

This is the spirit of UBUNTU and tonight we invite you to share our communal feast from around Africa. All the dishes will be served to the table at one time for you to then share and enjoy while spending time with friends and family.

Guests are welcomed with UMQOMBOTHI beer (a traditional beer served at African meals) served in a tin cup.

COMMUNAL FEAST MENU...

AFRIKAANS TRADITIONAL POT BREAD
Traditional South African bread

DUKKAH DIP
with aubergine and garlic

NORTH AFRICAN SAMBAL
a dip made from paprika & avocado

KAROO LAMB CUTLETS
with rosemary and garlic

BUTTERNUT CAKES

ZANZIBAR SALAD WITH A MANGO VINAIGRETTE

MOROCCAN COUS-COUS
flavoured with toasted almonds

ZIMBABWEAN MOROG DIP
spinach & tomato dip

CARROT PICKLE SALSA

COCONUT & LEMONGRASS CHICKEN SKEWERS

EGYPTIAN INJERA PANCAKES
with a biltong cream cheese

MOZAMBIQUE BLACK TIGER PRAWNS
infused with chilli and ginger

BOBOTIE SPRING ROLLS
curried beef mince with banana and fruit chutney

KOEKSISTERS
the sweetest South African finger dessert

TRADITIONAL MILKTART

COFFEE & TEA

Today after breakfast, you have the option of relaxing at Tsala or joining a tour of the region which takes you on a day trip to Oudtshoorn to visit the famous Cango Caves.
The Cango Caves are located in Precambrian limestone's at the foothills of the Swartberg range near the town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

The principal cave is one of the country's finest, best known and most popular tourist caves and attracts many visitors from all over. Although the extensive system of tunnels and chambers go on for over four kilometers, only about a quarter of this is open to visitors, who may proceed into the cave only in groups supervised by a guide.

08:30 Depart from the lodge for Oudtshoorn
11:00 Arrive Cango Caves – 1 hour tour
12:30 Lunch at a quaint local restaurant in Oudtshoorn
14:30 Return to the comforts of the lodge

Dinner with wine pairing will be enjoyed at Zinzi Restaurant this evening...

After breakfast we bid farewell to Tsala Tree top lodge and this beautiful region and take a very scenic drive towards Port Elizabeth and on to Addo Elephant Park which will take approximately three hours and Gorah Elephant Camp awaits you...

GORAH ELEPHANT CAMP
Winner of the Relais & Chateaux Welcome Award in 2011!

On arrival you will be welcomed by the staff at Gorah and enjoy lunch. Settle into your tented rooms after lunch and return to the main lodge for afternoon tea and game drive.
The incomparable thrill of quietly observing a passing herd of elephant while being served tea on the veranda of a stately Colonial manor house is the stuff of dreams and legends - at Gorah it's an everyday occurrence. 

This exclusive safari lodge recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safari of centuries past - the awesome natural world of Africa merged with colonial nostalgia and modern sophistication to deliver an unforgettably unique 5 star adventure. Gorah is the only private concession and camp situated in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Gorah is malaria-free, Big 5 and a member of Relais & Chateaux.

Sheltered beneath thatched canopies, Gorah's 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s, and enhanced with the fine comforts and excellence associated with Hunter properties. 

Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom with shower, an interior relaxation area and a private deck offering panoramic views across the endless savannah plains. Other facilities include solar-powered lights, ceiling fans and in-house communication between the tents and the Main House.

Enjoy a South African inspired set menu dinner in our candle-lit dining room

South African Inspired Menu...

Butternut & Coriander Soup
Topped with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Or
Pan-Fried Franschoek Oyster Mushrooms
Served with Wild Rocket & Herb Rolled Chevin
Granita
Trio of Karoo Game
Grilled Ostrich Fillet, Glazed Springbok Short Rib & Warthog Loin
Accompanied by Morogo and Garlic Putu Fritters
Complimented with a Red Wine Infused Venison Jus Or
Confit Guinea Fowl
With Roasted Root Vegetables, Oven Blushed Vine Tomatoes
Finished with a Rich Date & Sherry Sauce Or
Cape Malay Vegetable Curry
Served with Basmati Rice and Sambals
Traditional Malva Pudding
Served with Butterscotch Sauce Or
Cheeseboard
Selection of South African Cheeses
Presented with Crackers, Fruit and Preserves

A typical day on safari at Gorah...a special luncheon with head chef has been arranged for today....

07.30am wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee in bed...
08.00 to 09.00 a delicious breakfast awaits you at the lodge
09.00 to 11.00 morning safari set off into Addo Elephant Park...
12.30 to 14.00 A special luncheon with the chef in Boma has been arranged...
15.30 Afternoon Tea at the lodge...
16.00 to 19.00 enjoy the afternoon game drive...
20.00pm Dinner at the lodge...

Drinks around the fire place round off an amazing day in the African bush...

An added interest today would be to listen to the stories of the Eastern Cape told by
the resident "Historian" and Story Teller.

After breakfast we depart Gorah and travel back to Port Elizabeth to connect with our flight to Cape Town. On arrival, you will be met at Cape Town International airport by our representative who will be transferring you to the magnificent Cape Grace hotel on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town.

Enjoy dinner in the Signal restaurant, Cape Grace; couples will have separate tables to enjoy a romantic dinner as a couple...

Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest whilst it's unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience.

Table Mountain & Half Day Cape Malay Cooking Experience...

This morning after a delicious breakfast at the Cape Grace and weather permitting, we head up Table Mountain via cable car and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and the city from above on a clear day. On our decent we learn some Cape Malay cooking secrets and get involved in the cooking process, then relax and enjoy the meal...

Cape Malay cooking safari...

Visitors get to know aspects of the cultural diversity that Cape Town has to offer on our interactive guided walk through the historical heart of the Bo-Kaap with a mini shopping safari. Our focus lies on the Cape Muslim people with their South-East Asian heritage, their culture, their community and their food.

The mini shopping safari, which stops at a local spice shop and halaal butcher, offers opportunities to interact with locals and to discover typical ingredients. The shop-keeper himself, when available, or our knowledgeable guide will take you behind the counter to taste, smell and touch typical ingredients. This is a true sensory delight!

The highlight is to visit a local family's home and participate in a hands-on fun-filled cooking session & demonstration before savouring a full traditional lunch.

Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking Table Bay, the Bo-Kaap is as idiosyncratically 'Cape' as the spicy scents and flavours that waft downhill from its eccentrically colourful cobbled streets. Our walk through the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town takes us through its nooks and crannies, its legends and secrets, as we hunt for the sources of those wonderful aromas and discover the distinctive cuisine of the Cape Malay community. The Cape Malay Cooking Safari is a truly special Cape experience, and a model example of the philosophy of giving back to the communities that welcome us. A number of home businesses have sprouted up in this area as a direct result of the interest generated by this unique tour. The adventure begins at the Bo-Kaap Museum, where an intimate group of no more than ten people will meet to enjoy the photo exhibition, and get a feel for the history and tradition of the area. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll through some of the more historic streets, giving you a chance to appreciate the extraordinary collection of pre-1840 architecture that resulted in this area being declared a national monument.

Then its time to follow our noses towards the scents of ginger, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and chilli which drift tantalisingly from the storefronts and cafés, as we shop for ingredients to make a typical Cape Malay dish. It's "hands-on" during the informal cooking workshop which follows in a Bo-Kaap family home. We learn how to mix Masala, fold Samoosas, and how to balance the delicate flavours of a Cape Malay curry. Over a mug of faloodah (a traditional, lightly rose-scented milk drink) our hostess and cooking instructor will tell you more about the ways in which food, history and religion are interwoven in the Bo-Kaap culture.

Then it's time to sit back, relax, and appreciate your handwork as you dig in to a full course traditional Malay Meal.

Clients may take as many pictures as they wish – but please do not forget to inform them of asking any other individuals they may wish to photograph in advance should they not be our hosts, service providers and guides.

Please: note we do not encourage giving children in the streets sweets or money. Donations or gifts are very welcome and we are happy to assist in determining the appropriateness of clients' kind gesture.

Guests are to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing in respect to this predominantly Muslim community (e.g. no mini skirts/shorts, bare shoulders, sexy clothing, flashy jewellery). Women are requested to bring a scarf to cover their heads in case we are invited to visit the mosque. Bring sun, rain and wind protection.

We recommend guests bring a little cash for personal purchases

We return to the Cape Grace at approximately 15h00. You have some time before dinner to do some shopping at your leisure all within safe walking distance from the Hotel...Dinner this evening is at the V&A waterfront at a wonderful South African restaurant with good wine and great company

After breakfast, join the tour this morning to the world renowned Cape winelands...

09h00 Depart on a full day Winelands experience.

Whether it is its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage or its world-renowned wines, the Winelands Region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town brings you to this area where splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history. Come experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, & Franschoek. The diversity of the Winelands will capture every heart.

Departing Cape Town, our first stop in the Winelands will be Plaisir De Merle Wine Estate – where you will enjoy a Premium Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour

The farm Plaisir de Merle has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to 1687, when as a result of poverty and religious persecution, the Huguenot Charles Marais and his family left the Hamlet of Le Plessis Marly, France, and sailed to the Cape of Good Hope to begin a new life.

In 1688 the Marais family, together with other Huguenots, was settled by Simon van der Stel in the area of Drakenstein, amidst the mountain splendour of the Berg River Valley. Charles Marais called his farm Le Pessis Marly, (which gradually became evolved to Plaisir de Merle) as a tribute to his birthplace.

In 1964 Plaisir de Merle was purchased by Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery (now Distell) from its most recent owners, the Gray family, and today is one of the largest wine farms in the Cape. Covering 974 hectares, it consists of five adjoining sections, namely Plaisir de Merle, Rust-en Vrede, Drostersnes, La Rochelle and Rachelsfontein.

It has often been said that good wines begin in the soil and at Plaisir de Merle the quality of the arable land is undeniably excellent. This factor and an abundant supply of fresh mountain water, contribute to the excellence of the end product.

We depart Plaisir de Merle and head to the French Huguenot town of Franschoek – with time to explore the village and shops prior to lunch.

Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands; lies the magnificent Franschoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories.
Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history cantered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.

In the village you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants.

13h00 Enjoy lunch at one of the top Franschoek Restaurants

Departing Franschoek, we proceed over the Helshoogte Pass – The Link between Stellenbosch and the Drakenstein Valley is Helshoogte Pass (Hell's Heights'). This scenic pass crosses the saddle separating Simonsberg from the Jonkershoekberge, and at its summit are the Delaire and Thelema wineries. The road winds through a landscape adorned with fruit farms, Cape Dutch houses and vineyards before reaching Boschendal, a wine estate at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains.

Spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the town of Stellenbosch.
Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors as you stroll along the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country. Our colourful history comes to life in the splendidly restored Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings in each town. Monuments such as the Huguenot Memorial and Afrikaans Language Monument and the many outstanding museums provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The excellent wines produced in this area are world-renowned You will be spoilt for choice between small, boutique wineries and the larger, more commercial wine estates. Taste the fruit of the vintner's labour in the magnificent surrounds that are so characteristic of the Winelands, or join the winemaker on a tour of his cellar where the precious harvest is lovingly transformed into every wine lover's delight.

We end our day with a Chocolate and Wine tasting at the Award Winning Wine Estate of Waterford.

Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120-hectare property boasts ancient citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender beds.

The winery was designed by architect Alex Walker and created from quarried local bedrock, stones from the vineyard and timber grown on the estate. It was styled along the engaging terracotta design of the classic Bordeaux chateaus of France. The centre piece of the magnificent courtyard is the Waterford fountain. This feature has been immortalised in the Waterford label and represents a fundamental component of our philosophy.

After a wonderful day sampling award Winning wines and enjoying the beauty and rolling vineyards of this beautiful part of the Cape – return to your hotel late afternoon.

Dinner this evening will be in the Signal Restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel, a wonderful menu has been selected accompanied by excellent South African wines..

After breakfast the morning is at leisure to do some last minute shopping and prepare for your departure.

Transfer to Cape Town's International Airport at approximately 11h30 to connect with your flight to Johannesburg and onward to the USA.

One night accommodation (bed & breakfast) at Emperor's Palace with dinner at Tribes restaurant with limited wines included...Transfer from Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo), to Emperors Palace

Three nights luxury accommodation at Marataba Safari Company, including all meals, teas, coffees, two game drives daily and one evening of Interactive Drumming. Drinks are not included at Marataba. Limited select wines is included

Transfer by road from Emperor's Palace, Johannesburg to Marataba and return to OR Tambo

Flight from OR Tambo, Johannesburg to George

Transfer by road from George to Tsala Tree Top Lodge

Three nights luxury accommodation at Tsala Tree Top Lodge, including breakfast, dinner, and tour as specified in the itinerary, Kynsna oyster festival experience. Lunch is not included, guests will be free to sample a variety of food at the festival at own cost.

Cango Caves tour with lunch included Drinks and coffee's/ teas are not included at Tsala Limited select wines are included with dinners

Transfer by road from Tsala Tree Top Lodge to Gorah

Three nights luxury accommodation at Gorah Elephant Camp, including all meals, teas, coffees, two game drives daily and Story Telling. Drinks are not included at Gorah. Limited select wines are included with dinners

Transfer from Gorah to Port Elizabeth by road

Flight from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

Transfer from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Grace

Three night's luxury accommodation at the Cape Grace, on a Dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Check out on final day is 12h00 noon Drinks are not included. Select wines are included with dinners

Specified tours; Table Mountain & Cape Malay Cooking Safari, Winelands tour,
Lunch is included for both tours. Select wines are included on wine lands tour

Transfer to Cape Town International to connect with outbound flights to USA (flight from Cape Town to Jnb not included). Lunch has not been arranged on this last day of departure

International Air from resident country (USA).

Flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Travel insurance – strongly recommended.

Any meals or drinks that have not been specified as included.

Any item not specified as included.

Tips