On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your luggage and make your way through to the arrivals hall, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Radisson Collection Hotel on Cape Town’s spectacular Waterfront.

After your long flight, you might choose to simply unwind in your room and soak up the magnificent sea and harbour views, or perhaps treat yourself to a rejuvenating treatment at the hotel’s Amani Spa. If you’re feeling more energetic, the bustling V&A Waterfront is right on your doorstep, perfect for an evening stroll amongst the shops, bars and restaurants before settling in for your first South African dinner.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town

Spend the next two days sightseeing around Cape Town. With an expert guide you can explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront, wander through the colourful Bo-Kaap with its rainbow-hued houses and Cape Malay heritage, and find tranquillity in the Company’s Garden near the Parliament buildings. A highlight for everyone is to take the iconic rotating cable car up Table Mountain for spectacular 360-degree views across the city, coastline and mountains.

You can catch the ferry to Robben Island, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned. The moving tour, often led by former political prisoners, offers profound insights into South Africa’s apartheid history and journey to freedom.

After returning around lunchtime, enjoy free time to stroll the Sea Point Promenade, browse Kloof Street’s boutiques, or simply relax. Cape Town offers excellent restaurants throughout, from casual Waterfront eateries to fine dining establishments, perfect for sampling South African cuisine and Cape wines.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town

Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

Shamwari is one of the country’s most prestigious private game reserves, renowned for outstanding ‘Big 5’ game viewing and its strong focus on conservation. Flying directly into Shamwari’s private airstrip allows for a seamless arrival straight into the heart of this vast wilderness.

On arrival, you’ll be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your chosen lodge (see options below). The drive through the reserve offers your first taste of the Eastern Cape bush, with the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

After settling into your accommodation, there’s time to relax and soak up the surroundings before heading out on your first afternoon game drive. As the light softens, your expert ranger will introduce you to Shamwari’s varied landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the ‘Big 5’.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner, followed by stargazing with one of the rangers, where the clear Eastern Cape skies reveal an impressive display of southern constellations.

Your choice of Shamwari Lodge (see below)

Breakfast, Dinner

Over the next two days, you’ll enjoy a wonderful mix of safari adventure, conservation experiences and time to relax. Start early with morning game drives, one of the best times to spot predators and other wildlife, followed by breakfast back at the lodge. There’s also the opportunity to experience the reserve on foot with a guided bush walk, learning about tracking, plant life and the smaller details often missed on game drives.

Later, you can visit Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cats Sanctuary, offering a fascinating insight into the reserve’s long-standing commitment to conservation and animal welfare.

Afternoons are generally at leisure, ideal for unwinding at the Shamwari Spa, relaxing by the pool or simply taking in the views. Further highlights include excellent birding, a gentle boat safari for a different perspective on the reserve, and late-afternoon game drives with sundowners in the bush.

Each evening, return to the lodge for relaxed dinners under the African sky, rounding off your days on safari in style.

Your choice of Shamwari Lodge (see below)

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Following breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, there may be enough time for one last morning game drive or bush walk, before you will be transported back to the Shamwari private airstrip.

This time, your domestic flight takes you onwards to Johannesburg. On your arrival at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, collect your bags and make your way to the InterContinental Hotel, just opposite the terminal, and within easy walking distance.

Once settled you can relax, make use of the heated indoor swimming pool, or visit the spa and enjoy the local menu at the on-site restaurant.

InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

Breakfast

Following breakfast, check-out of the InterContinental Hotel, and make your way back to the International Departures area, to check-in for your direct flight to the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius. The flight time from Johannesburg to Mauritius is around 4 hours, so you will soon be relaxing by the beach.

On arrival at Mauritius International Airport, once again you will be met by your driver, and transported to the 5-star Sugar Beach Resort.

Sugar Beach Resort is a stylish beachfront resort on the west coast of Mauritius, known for its relaxed elegance, white-sand beach and beautiful sunset views over the Indian Ocean. With colonial-inspired design, excellent dining and a wide range of activities, it’s ideal for couples and families alike.

Sugar Beach Resort, Mauritius

Dinner

Spend the next five days unwinding at the luxurious Sugar Beach Resort on Mauritius’ stunning west coast.

Sitting on the edge of a crystal-clear lagoon with views towards the dramatic Le Morne mountain, this elegant resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Spend your days lounging by the pool or on the pristine beach, indulging in spa treatments, trying water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the tropical paradise atmosphere.

Beyond the resort, Mauritius offers plenty to explore if you fancy a change of scene. Take a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins or snorkel in the turquoise waters, visit the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel with its unique geological formations and nearby waterfalls, or explore the island’s colonial heritage at historic Eureka House.

The nearby fishing village of Flic en Flac is perfect for a casual beachside lunch, whilst Port Louis, the vibrant capital, offers colourful markets and Creole culture. The UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain provides a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic coastal views. Whether you choose to venture out or stay put at your beautiful resort, these five days offer the perfect tropical finale to your holiday.

Sugar Beach Resort, Mauritius

Breakfast & Dinner

After one last tropical breakfast, check-out from Sugar Beach Resort, and your driver will transfer you back to the airport in time to check-in for your flight home.

Breakfast

Long Lee Manor is a beautifully restored Edwardian-style lodge set within Shamwari Game Reserve, offering a classic safari experience with sweeping views across the plains.

With elegant rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and excellent game viewing, it’s ideal for guests looking for understated luxury and old-world charm.

Bayethe Tented Lodge is tucked away in the northern reaches of Shamwari Game Reserve, set among dense bush and overlooking a busy watering hole that regularly attracts a variety of wildlife.

The elegant canvas-and-thatch suites feature private decks and plunge pools, combining an authentic safari feel with just the right level of luxury.

An excellent choice for families, Riverdene Lodge offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with facilities for all ages. In addition to the usual ‘Big 5’ safari game drives, there is a kids club, and activity centre on-site.

Rooms have a private terrace and can be interlinked for larger families. After game drives there is a traditional Boma, overlooking Bushman’s River that is perfect for a bush dining experience.