Southern Loves: from Urban South Africa to Wild Botswana

This morning, your driver will take you back to Jo'burg Airport, where you'll begin your journey to legendary Botswana. Land at Maun's international airport, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival, our representative will assist you with your entry into the country, before escorting you to the small air taxi that will take you into the heart of the bush. It takes about an hour and a half to fly to Maun, followed by a 20-45 minute journey by air taxi, depending on the stops en route. This light aircraft will fly at a low altitude over the meandering delta to your camp, occasionally landing on the way to drop off other passengers at different lodges before taking off again. It's a fun and unusual experience, especially when flying low over herds of giraffes or elephants. So much more than a simple transfer, flying over the delta is the best way to appreciate the topography of vast area of water. Stay for two nights in 1950s safari style at the Khwai Reserve, in a tiny tented camp featuring one main tent and four smaller ones surrounding it. During the heat of the day while the animals laze in the shade, cool off in the beautiful swimming pool or relax on your private veranda. The atmosphere here recreates the vibe of explorers' camps during the golden age of safari. In the morning, have an open-air shower surrounded by nature, already full of life. In the evening, enjoy a charmingly authentic meal under the stars, eating by the light of kerosene lamps and listening to the soundtrack of the wilderness.

In the northern part of the delta in far-northern Botswana, the small village of Khwai lies at the entrance to the Moremi Reserve, which has been focussing its efforts on ecotourism for several years now. While in Khwai, you'll meet the BaBukakhwe, River Bushmen who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The reserve is also home to some of the richest wildlife in Africa, including elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes and wildebeest. Between the Okavango Delta and the mouth of the Khwai River and its floodplains, a trip to Khwai offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities, especially to see waterfowl and birds of prey.
In the itinerary - Guided safaris on the Khwai Reserve Your camp is what's known as a land and water camp. This means that at dawn and sundown when the animals are still most active, you'll have the choice of viewing wildlife either from a 4x4 or on foot, or by boat or mokoro, a type of traditional long Botswanan canoe, all accompanied by rangers. Two totally different, yet equally memorable experiences.

Take the air taxi right into the heart of Botswana to explore one of the rarest ecosystems on the planet, the amazing Okavango Delta. The plane practically skims the tree tops and palms adding a splash of green to the flooded land below. Stay for two nights in a camp in a private spot among the trees in the delta, bordering a seemingly endless lagoon in the Boro River. Wooden suspension bridges connect five small thatched stone bungalows on stilts, while a swimming pool invites you to relax between safaris. Romantic African moments: in the evening, unwind by candlelight in a deep copper bath under the stars. You can even ask the camp staff to pull your canopy bed onto your bungalow's veranda to spend the night under the stars, too. Cocooned in your duvet and protected by a mosquito net, be lulled to sleep by the enchanting sounds of the bush.

This area is one of the best preserved in Africa and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural site. The labyrinth of canals and lagoons is a world in itself, with gentle light, carried sounds and brightly coloured flowers blooming. Water sustains the area's abundant and diverse wildlife, with an array of birds, reptiles and different-sized mammals.
In the itinerary - Two safaris each day. In the early morning and at again at dusk, head out with the rangers for safaris on both land and water. Hold your breath as you approach the amazing wildlife in a 4x4 or canoe. Staying in the heart of a private property means that you can head out after dinner to explore the bush in a 4x4 at night, which is a great way to see leopards.
Optional - Encounter with the camp's semi-tame elephants.

The next morning, bid farewell to the wilds of Botswana from the window of your air taxi and fly to Maun, before easing yourself back into civilisation on a short two-and-a-half-hour flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will assist you with entry formalities, luggage and collection of your compact hire car, a comfortable four-seater. Stay for three nights in a charming guesthouse run by a young French couple, and take in the warm welcome and stunning surroundings. This beautiful guesthouse overlooks a stunning garden, where you can enjoy a drink in the shade of the pomegranate trees. Completely renovated by local designers, this former 19th-century farm has retained all its character and charm. Borrow a book from the library, listen to your favourite jazz record or enjoy a cup of tea in an Alfred Meakin porcelain cup. Vibrant and creative Kloof Street is nearby, home to restaurants, cafés, young designers, art galleries and museums. The area is also known for its events, including tango evenings, brunches, exhibitions, outdoor cinema screenings and cookery lessons.

870 miles south-west of Johannesburg, South Africa reveals a different face. Cape Town is arguably the most beautiful city in Africa. It's a sparkling jewel, nestled between the ocean and mountains on the edge of the continent. Dominated by the spectacular Table Mountain, it opens out onto the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and extends to the east into harmonious countryside carpeted with lakes and vineyards. The city prides itself on its cultural heritage, with some of its more modernist designs softened by the Cape Dutch style of its many historic buildings. With an emphasis on the ocean and leisure time, this relaxed city offers a host of outdoor activities as well as an interesting food scene and vibrant nightlife.
In the itinerary - A tour of Cape Town with a local. Take a walk through Cape Town with a local guide. An impromptu walk through the city with the chance to share a slice of local life, discuss everyday living in South Africa and gather a wealth of tips for the rest of your trip.
Included in the itinerary - A romantic gourmet picnic. To add to your day of sightseeing, we'll provide you with a gourmet picnic of fresh produce including salads, fish, chicken or kebabs, cheese, fruit and sparkling wines to enjoy in the perfect romantic location. We'll take care of everything, and keep the location a surprise until the day before.

This morning, take a one-hour drive to South Africa's wine cellar. Established by the Dutch at the end of the 17th century, the area's wine industry was also heavily influenced by the Huguenots who fled from France to South Africa. The wineries at Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl therefore combine typical Dutch architecture with high-quality European grape varieties, such as Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet. The region, commonly described as Cape Town's hinterland, is also a cultural landmark, and has its own unique South African identity with influences ranging from the area's first occupants (Huguenots and the Dutch) to rugby, practically a religion in these parts, as well as wine and agriculture. A visit to this area isn't only about discovering South Africa's agricultural heartland, it's about discovering the country's roots. Stay for one night surrounded by vineyards and mountains in a beautiful farm, whose Cape Dutch architecture dates from 1712. The natural setting is truly beautiful, and only adds to the charm of the farm's manicured gardens and bright white character-filled mansion. The interior decor features a series of sophisticated variations on 18th-century style (regarded as a contemporary influence). It has a European vibe, with an air of far-flung travel. In the rooms, original elements blend to give the creative decor some substance. The chef serves up a variety of tasty seafood and game dishes in either the dining room or on the spacious veranda. Snuggle up around the fireplace in the tea room, Time for a few laps in the swimming pool, head to the spa and indulge in a treatment or take a trip to the tasting area to try out the valley's wines.
Optional - Dinner and wine tasting at the Vergelegen Estate.

Welcome upon landing, assistance and fast track through customs, personal welcome in the arrivals hall, luggage assistance and private transfer to your hotel around a 35-minute drive away. Stay overnight at a very special address: between 1908 and 1911, Gandhi lived in a thatched house in bushland near the emerging city of Johannesburg. Today, this heritage-listed house encompasses a museum and unique guesthouse in the suburb of Orchards, a middle-class residential area close to Johannesburg's main attractions. Featuring bright and simple rooms (two of which face directly into the museum area) and tasty and fortifying vegetarian cuisine, Satyagraha House pays tribute to the spirit of openness and peace that inspired one of the great political and humanitarian minds of the 20th century. Immerse yourself in the city, stay in a museum, get an insight into the lives of one of world's greatest minds and the country's history: a stay at Satyagraha House is more than just a hotel stay, or a stop along the way; it's an encounter with history, and offers an insight into an evolving country that's learnt from its past struggles.
In the itinerary - Satyagraha Wellness Programme. Upon arrival, feel instantly at home and enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch, followed by a relaxing one-and-a-half-hour massage to release any tension from the flight.
In the itinerary - A Special Dinner There is no restaurant at Satyagraha House, with guests invited to dine table d'hôte-style instead. The manager, who attended the Ritz Escoffier Institute for a year, has trained the guesthouse's three chefs to prepare original vegetarian dishes, made with the best produce in the region. Each dish is paired and served with a matching tea, contributing to this unique experience while remaining faithful to Gandhi's Hinduism by replacing wine with tea. Upon arrival, the guesthouse's staff will ask you when and where you'd like to enjoy this unique meal.
Optional - Dinner at Urbanologi

We'll make sure your room is available until you leave the hotel. Drive to Cape Town Airport in the late afternoon and return your hire car. Fly back overnight, arriving the next morning.