African Safari Adventures

Nestled between the Indian & Atlantic Oceans with iconic Table Mountain as backdrop, lies one of the world’s most vibrant & breathtaking cities. And with so much to see and do in Cape Town, we guarantee a holiday you won’t forget! Cape Town is a multi-faceted destination that deserves to be explored by everyone – from romantics & honeymooners who will love the luxurious accommodation & idyllic views to adventure lovers & families looking for an action-packed holiday. Not only is this beautiful city home to Table Mountain - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, but also boasts spectacular white, sandy beaches, luxurious accommodation & world-class shopping. As South Africa’s gourmet capital, visitors will be blown away by Cape Town’s wide selection of award-winning restaurants & exquisite wines (easily one of our top Cape Town Travel Tips - experience the food!). This cosmopolitan city is so easy to combine with other amazing destinations. A short drive away you will find the scenic Wine Route where you can sample some of South Africa’s best wines as well as the Whale Route that offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. The Garden Route with its breathtaking scenery & interesting coastal towns should also be added to a longer Cape Town stay. If there were ever a city that offers a long list of cultural experiences and other activities, Cape Town takes the prize! Some of these include visits to Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguin colony, the colorful Bo-Kaap, Kirstenbosch Gardens & the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its boutique shops & restaurants. Beach lovers should also make a stop at Clifton with its white, sandy beaches or the trendy Camps Bay with its cocktail bars & sidewalk cafes. Other exciting activities include helicopter flights, cooking courses, township tours & historical boat cruises to Robben Island. Cape Town enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry conditions from October to April – the best time to travel. Between December & February, temperatures peak which is the most popular time for a beach holiday. Winter is between June & August – the best time for a foodie-safari when you can enjoy fireside rainy days, vibrant indoor markets, shopping & wine tasting.

WINE ROUTE

Nestled between sun-kissed vineyards, majestic mountains & picturesque valleys, the famous Wine Route in South Africa (also referred to as the Cape Winelands) is renowned for its exquisite wines, grand old estates, pretty towns & award-winning restaurants. Within only a 60-minute drive from vibrant Cape Town, you reach one of the most breathtaking regions in South Africa where Alpine-style views, art galleries & quaint side-walk cafes are seen from almost every street. The Cape Winelands generally refers to the 3 most popular wine-growing regions surrounding Cape Town: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl, each countryside setting as beautiful as the next. Franschhoek is South Africa’s gourmet capital, so guests here can take their pick from a wide selection of award-winning restaurants & wine & gastronomy experiences. The oak tree-lined streets of Stellenbosch are dotted with art galleries, quaint coffee shops, boutiques & side-walk cafes while the quiet town of Paarl provides a relaxing, off-the-beaten-track Winelands experience. Explore the Wine Route, South Africa & its variety of accommodation options that suit every type of traveller – from luxurious manor houses & secluded boutique hotels to farm-style suites & family-friendly villas. Foodies & wine lovers should – most definitely – add the Winelands to their bucket list! But this breathtaking region offers so much more than just food & wine. Guests can enjoy a long list of activities, including mountain biking, quad biking, hiking & horse-riding. Other attractions include art galleries, museums, wellness spas & shopping. Families will be spoilt for choice in the Winelands. Fun family-friendly activities include animal encounters, grape juice & chocolate tastings, wine farm picnics, strawberry picking, acrobranching (treetop obstacle courses) & even eco-friendly, non-motorized scooter rides through the vineyards – great fun for the whole family. Some wine farms also offer authentic outdoor farm experiences specifically designed for the little ones. The best time to visit the Winelands is between October & April when days are warm, dry & sunny. Winter is between June & August, but foodies can still enjoy rainy days next to a cosy fire.

WHALE ROUTE

The scenic Whale Route is the Overberg region’s Indian Ocean coastline - & also considered one of the most breathtaking drives in the country. The Whale Route’s claim to fame is that it offers the best land-based whale watching in the world! Each year between July & November (the BEST time to do the Whale Trail), Southern Right whales & Humpback whales migrate here to calve & mate, so visitors can marvel at these gentle giants from one of the walking paths overlooking the ocean or from the comfort of a boat. For the ultimate whale watching experience, avid photographers can also take to the skies for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the whales while capturing an incredible shot of mothers with their newborn calves, or large mating groups. But whales are not the only reason to visit. The Whale Route has so much to offer – from majestic mountains & beautiful beaches to nature reserves & charming seaside towns. At the heart of the Whale Route, you will find Hermanus - an old fishing village that has become a bustling town & world-famed whale watching base. For a more exclusive whale watching experience away from crowds, head further up the coast to De Kelders. Thrill-seekers can head to Gansbaai for shark-cage diving while Cape Agulhas - the southernmost tip of Africa, is also worth exploring (It’s not just whale watching on the Whale Route!). Don’t miss Grootbos Nature Reserve & De Hoop Nature Reserve & the charming fishing village of Arniston. Located only a 2-hour scenic drive from Cape Town, guests can quickly switch from ‘vibrant city’ to ‘relaxing seaside living.’ Exciting water-based activities include whale watching by boat, shark cage diving, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding & swimming. Some land-based activities to choose from, include whale watching from one of the many viewpoints, hiking, golf, quad biking, horse-riding, bird watching & shopping. The best time to explore the Whale Route in South Africa is in Winter & Spring from July to November, so if whales are what you want to tick off your list, make sure to travel during these months. Summer is between December & April when days are sunny & warm – the ideal time for a beach holiday.

GARDEN ROUTE

South Africa’s world-renowned Garden Route is a sunny stretch of coastline that lies just a few hours’ drive from the vibrant city of Cape Town, featuring a wonderful blend of beautiful beaches, lush forests, tranquil lagoons & bustling seaside towns. The malaria-free Garden Route is a big drawcard to independent families who prefer to do self-drive holidays & explore at their own pace as well as nature lovers & outdoor enthusiasts who are eager to tick off a list of exciting activities. The short driving distances between the charming seaside towns that make up the Garden Route – of which Knysna, Plettenberg Bay & Port Elizabeth are the most popular – each offer something special. Wildlife seekers should add a Big 5 safari to their Garden Route holiday. The nearby Eastern Cape offers plenty of wonderful family-friendly options as well as luxurious lodges for couples or honeymooners. Our Guide to the Best of the Garden Route, South Africa hails this beautiful area as a long-time favourite for family holidays. The Garden Route offers a wide range of unforgettable African adventures like tree canopy tours, elephant encounters, sailing, hiking, climbing & visiting monkey & bird wildlife sanctuaries. Guests who are looking for a more relaxed Garden Route itinerary and holiday can spend their days basking in the sun at one of the blue flag beaches, play a round of golf – several of South Africa’s best golf courses are found here - or indulge in fresh seafood at an ocean-view restaurant. The Garden Route has an all-year-round temperate climate that is perfectly suited to an outdoor lifestyle. The best time to travel is in summer (between November & April) when temperatures are at their highest. Winters can be cold & wet, but temperatures rarely drop below 16 degrees Celsius & during this time hiking & whale watching are at their best.

EASTERN CAPE

Just a short drive from the famed beaches &amp charming seaside towns of the Garden Route, South Africa's Eastern Cape Province emerges as a realm teeming with wildlife, offering warm hospitality, &amp brimming with exhilarating activities. A defining feature of the Eastern Cape is its collection of game reserves, many of which are home to the legendary Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, &amp rhino. What sets this region apart is its status as a malaria-free haven, making it an excellent choice for families seeking child-friendly activities to keep the young ones engaged. Among the most sought-after private reserves in the Eastern Cape, you'll find: Addo Elephant National Park: This park is most renowned for its extensive herds of elephants, truly a sight to behold. Shamwari: Noted for its remarkable conservation initiatives, Shamwari is committed to protecting &amp preserving the region's wildlife &amp natural beauty. Kwandwe: Featuring four award-winning lodges, Kwandwe offers an unforgettable safari experience amid pristine wilderness. The Eastern Cape offers a diverse range of activities for travelers to enjoy. While on safari, guests can embark on open 4x4 game drives in pursuit of iconic wildlife. Expert-led walking safaris provide an intimate look at the flora &amp fauna of the region, while tranquil river cruises &amp thrilling horseback expeditions offer unique ways to explore this captivating landscape. For families, many lodges in the Eastern Cape have established Kids Clubs, which organize exciting activities such as scavenger hunts, arts &amp crafts sessions, educational games, movie nights, &amp even do-it-yourself pizza evenings. Wildlife viewing in the Eastern Cape is rewarding throughout the year. Thanks to the semi-arid climate of the region, animals are naturally drawn to water sources year-round. However, wildlife activity tends to be marginally more pronounced during the driest months, which span from June through September. During these months, the nights can become quite chilly, so it's advisable to pack warm clothing for game drives conducted in open vehicles.

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

Madikwe Private Game Reserve, sprawling across 75,000 hectares, stands as one of South Africa's most expansive Big 5 reserves. Nestled on the fringes of the Kalahari &amp bordering Botswana, Madikwe is renowned for its remarkable wildlife encounters, boasting the coveted Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, &amp rhino – as well as a rich array of other wildlife. For wildlife enthusiasts, Madikwe is nothing short of a paradise. It's undeniably one of the finest locations in the country to witness the rare &amp endangered African wild dog, a captivating sight that draws safari enthusiasts from across the globe. What sets Madikwe apart is its private ownership &amp management, which means day visitors are not permitted. This exclusivity ensures an intimate &amp private safari experience, as it should be. The reserve allows off-road driving &amp night drives, providing guests with extraordinary opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters &amp exceptional photographic moments. Furthermore, Madikwe boasts a malaria-free status, making it an ideal choice for families with young children. The reserve offers an extensive selection of family-friendly safari lodges that provide exciting children's activities, dedicated meals, &amp even babysitting services. Couples &amp honeymooners are not overlooked either. Madikwe is home to luxurious lodges, some of which offer private plunge pools &amp the chance to savor romantic al fresco dinners amidst the untamed wilderness. Visitors to Madikwe Game Reserve have the privilege of observing Africa's magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This is made possible through twice-daily open 4x4 game drives &amp immersive nature walks led by expert guides. Game drives are conducted both in the morning &amp afternoon, with evening sessions allowing guests to search for nocturnal animals with the aid of a spotlight. Off-road driving adds a thrilling dimension to safaris, ensuring wildlife encounters of the highest quality. The dry season, spanning from May to September, is the prime period for wildlife viewing throughout the region. During this time, the vegetation thins out, making it easier to spot wildlife. The months of April and October are considered shoulder seasons &amp also offer excellent game viewing opportunities. In contrast, the rainy season from December to March transforms Madikwe into a lush &amp vibrant paradise. This period showcases sensational birding opportunities &amp brings forth a wave of baby animals, a favored prey for the many predators that roam Madikwe.

PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK

Only a stone’s throw from the famous Sun City resort &amp a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, the easily accessible Pilanesberg National Park offers its guests an abundance of wildlife &amp a wide selection of activities for the whole family. Located in a malaria-free region, Pilanesberg National Park is the top choice for families, particularly knowing that the adventure-packed Sun City is right next door! Honeymooners are catered for too &amp can enjoy romantic extras such as spa treatments or alfresco dinners. Home to the famous Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo &amp rhino – the 55,000-hectare Pilanesberg never fails to impress when it comes to wildlife viewing. Great sightings of cheetah, brown hyena &amp a colourful collection of birds can also be seen here. The park is set within the slopes of an extinct volcanic crater &amp centred around a teeming lake, so visitors can enjoy spectacular views over striking landscapes as well as amazing photographic opportunities in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking reserves. Visitors get the opportunity to observe Africa’s magnificent creatures in the wild with twice-daily open 4x4 game drives &amp nature walks with expert-led guides. Game drives take place twice daily - once in the morning &amp once in the afternoon &amp evening so that guests have an opportunity to search for nocturnal animals with a spotlight. You can’t visit Pilanesberg without taking a scenic hot air balloon flight over the reserve! This is - most definitely - one for the bucket list. Family-friendly lodges have a host of fun-filled activities for the little ones, including children’s meals &amp babysitting services. The best time to visit the Pilanesberg is from July to October (during late winter, spring or early summer). The reason for this is that animals take time to feed longer in the winter months, as there is less nutrition. The mating season which occurs from late February onwards is something worth seeing, as well. Rainfall is most common in the warm, summer months, between October &amp March.

WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE

Welgevonden Game Reserve is a 36,000-hectare private game reserve in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The reserve is one of the most accessible premier malaria-free wilderness reserves in the country. After a pleasant 2.5-hour drive (or an easy 45-minute flight) from Johannesburg, guests will arrive in Big 5 territory. Here, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, &amp rhino roam freely – along with an abundance of other wildlife &amp a colorful collection of birds. The rare and unusual species like cheetah, brown hyena, caracal, aardwolf, &amp aardvark can also be seen here. Welgevonden offers an exclusive, intimate safari experience, with only a limited number of guests having access to the reserve at any one time. Because of this vehicle restriction &amp the fact that the animals have never been hunted means that they remain largely unphased by human proximity, allowing for particularly close-up encounters. At Welgevonden, guests will have the opportunity to see over 65 mammal species – including the coveted Big 5 as well as over 300 species of bird! Visitors can observe Africa’s magnificent creatures in the wild with twice-daily open 4x4 game drives &amp nature walks with expert-led guides. Game drives take place twice daily - once in the morning &amp once in the afternoon &amp evening so that guests have an opportunity to search for nocturnal animals with a spotlight. Welgevonden’s climate is generally described as warm and temperate, with three distinct seasons. The dryer winter months (May – July) are often considered the best time of year for big game viewing as the grass &amp savanna are shorter and less dense than in the wetter months, making the animals easier to spot. From August to October, the bush remains predominantly dry, though you will get the occasional thunderstorm rolling in across the plains. The wet season is from November to April. These wetter months are the best time to enjoy the region’s incredible array of birdlife.

MAURITIUS

Ask anyone who has been to Mauritius & soon you will discover why this Indian Ocean island remains a worldwide favourite. Not only are the beaches magnificently beautiful, but Mauritius offers an amazing year-round climate, world-class diving & a long list of activities that can keep you busy for days. What makes Mauritius so special, is that it appeals to absolutely everyone. Families, couples, honeymooners & friends are all catered for. Some resorts even have family-friendly pools & ‘adult-only’ wings. Kids Clubs will keep the little ones entertained from morning to evening, so parents can put up their feet & relax! Top-rated attractions in Maurit ius include exciting land & water-based activities which are ample. Visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing & paddle boating, among many others. Land sports include tennis, golf, bicycle tours, shopping, spa treatments & hiking, to name a few. Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed on the island. Most resorts offer a variety of restaurants, so guests can enjoy a different dining experience each night. Excellent service is of utmost importance to the Mauritian people, so rest assured - you will be treated like royalty. Accommodation on the island is geared toward all types of travellers. Honeymooners & couples will enjoy smaller, more intimate boutique resorts where the emphasis is on luxurious suites, fine dining & relaxation. Families will be happy in one of the larger, activity-based resorts where Kids Clubs & child-friendly pools keep the little ones entertained. Some of the resorts are located closer to Grande Baie, Mauritius’ main shopping district, while others are further south. Regardless of where you stay, your holiday will be filled with the pristine beaches of Mauritius, exciting water sports & plenty of relaxation. The island has a classic tropical climate with warm weather year-round, so the best time to visit Mauritius is any time! Comfortable weather can be expected during winter, from May to October when it is cool, dry & sunny. The wettest period is during summer, from November to April when temperatures are at their hottest & humidity sets in.

SEYCHELLES

This beautiful island republic in the western Indian Ocean boasts 115 islands with lush tropical vegetation, postcard-perfect beaches, & a wide variety of marine life. Seychelles, the combined name for all these islands, remains one of the world’s most beautiful & secluded beach destinations, offering visitors only the best in barefoot luxury. Here, honeymooners & romantics can enjoy elegant living in award-winning resorts or super stylish villas & experience world-class diving & snorkelling, against a backdrop of sugar-white sand & crystal-clear waters. Even though the Seychelles archipelago is made up of more than a hundred islands, the vast majority of them are completely uninhabited. Most Seychellois live on one of the 3 biggest islands - Mahe, La Digue & Praslin - all of which are home to luxurious resorts, stylish villas & pristine beaches. There are also a handful of private islands that are ideal for discerning travellers who are looking for a tranquil escape in unsurpassed luxury. The best beaches in Seychelles make it a romantic island destination where couples can enjoy private dinners, sunset cocktails & relaxing spa treatments – the perfect ending to an African holiday. Luxurious resorts & stylish villas are scattered throughout the Seychelles, offering guests the opportunity to live out their tropical island fantasy – in world-class luxury. The resorts & villas are built on the beach, offering spectacular views over the Indian Ocean & white, powdery beaches. Some villas offer private pools, outdoor showers & sundecks with hammocks – the ideal place to relax while watching the sun set over the picture-perfect beaches of Seychelles. Lying just below the equator, the islands of the Seychelles have warm, beach-weather year-round. The hottest months are December to April & the wettest are January & February – although it generally rains in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out again. Diving is excellent year-round, but for crystal-clear conditions & visibility up to 30 meters – travel between April & May or October & November. Between May & October, some beaches on the southern coasts of Mahe & Praslin are affected by seasonal trade winds that wash up seaweed onto the beaches – although a seaweed-free beach is never far away. (complimentary shuttles)

Garden Route Getaway

Liselle was amazing in structuring our holiday package! Along with the accommodation booking, she offered us a range of recommended activities in the area. All of which were great! We appreciated the attention to detail, it removed all the guess work & uncertainty from the trip, ensuring that we relaxed and enjoyed the itinerary. We’ll definitely make use of Africa Unwind in the future! From the moment we arrived at Christiana Lodge, the owner Christine treated us like family. The rooms were beautiful, with lovely large white towels, crisp, clean linen & sublime views. We were offered various dinner options with complimentary reservations done on our behalf. The service was excellent. Depending on your family, we’d highly recommend the self -catering cottage, which provided us with ample space - especially on the few rainy days we had. The highlight of each morning was breakfast. A delicious menu of which we sampled everything over the course of our holiday. Each member of the family had their favourite & there was often a debate over who should be having the pancakes…again…. Being walking distance to the beach was also brilliant. We enjoyed some sundowner strolls. The lodge is also really close to the Robberg Nature Reserve walk, which was one of the favourite memories of our trip. Ensure you have enough sunscreen & water. A truly remarkable walk of diversity; from sea cliffs, to dunes to beach. We really felt looked after. It was a wonderful stay in a beautiful, quiet part of Plettenberg Bay. Highly recommended! The Bilton Family