Day /1
Arrive in South Africa
Depart London Heathrow for an overnight flight to Cape Town.
Cape Town, Paarl, Hermanus, Londolozi Private Game Reserve /Itinerary
Day /2
Cape Town
Taking it slow after an overnight flight, spend the day getting to know the surroundings of Ellerman House before a captivating dinner with Christo Brand – Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard. Defying all odds, the two became close friends during Mandela’s imprisonment on Robben Island and Brand will regale you with his stories about the former South African President. And if dinner is a little too formal, a helicopter ride with Christo taking in a bird’s eye view of Robben Island or a more sure-footed tour on the ground ensures everyone gets to hear his stories.
Ellerman HouseDay /3-5
Cape Town
A private cable car to Table Mountain’s chopped-off top means breakfast is enjoyed with 360-degree views as a guide brings the history of Cape Town to life over a cup of coffee, continuing the tour into Cape Town itself to discover its artist and foodie hotspots. There’s also a chance to visit with chef-to-the-stars Nicky Gibbs, who will prepare a lunch using ingredients entirely grown in her home or foraged from the surrounding landscape. Then, a performance from theatrical live act, Hot Water, brings the South African music scene of the 60s to life.
Ellerman HouseDay /6-8
Paarl
Anyone could go on a wine tasting tour of the Cape, but doing it with a qualified Wine Master with vino-making in his blood takes it to the next level. Joining Harry Melcks on a tour of some of the off-the-beaten-track wineries in the area, he imparts his industry knowledge (including how he can identify a wine with his eyes closed) through often unrepeatable experiences learning about local farming methods and the origin of wine in South Africa.
Brookdale EstateDay /9-10
Hermanus
Into Hermanus where the whales roam, donning walking shoes for a guided walk through Grootbos Nature Reserve for some of the best views of these gentle giants. Birkenhead House is your base, an independent bolthole looking out over the bay making the breaching whales visible even from your suite window.
Birkenhead HouseDay /11-13
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Most would deem a safari one of the most adventurous ways to end an itinerary, but at the Granite Suites of Londolozi Game Reserve, it can be the most relaxing too. Spa treatments and photographic endeavours accompany the game drives here, where a morning of animal-spotting seamlessly melts into yoga on the Healing House deck, watching the scene of elephants and giraffes from within the branches of a 500 year old Ebony tree. Alternatively, head out with camera in hand with a dedicated tutor who knows all of the great spots to get the best shots of the wildlife.
Private Granite Suites at Londolozi Private Game ReserveDay /14-15
Return home
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back home.