Safari In Style with Relais & Châteaux

What's this trip about?

Commence this amazing adventure in gorgeous Cape Town. Explore her peninsula, at the Cape of Good Hope. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Winelands; tour a vineyard and stroll the quaint streets of Stellenbosch.Kruger National Park – South Africa’s finest wildlife refuge, the Park is home to all the Big Five. Venture forth on morning and afternoon guided game drives, in open safari vehicles.Then wing your way to Johannesburg, the vibrant and pulsing capital city. Only a brief stop here, as you are bound for Victoria Falls … what the locals call the “Smoke that Thunders”. Delight in a guided tour of the Falls and ply the famed Zambezi River on a sunset boat cruise.The allure is Africa is undeniable. And what better way to fall under her spell than to start this amazing adventure in gorgeous Cape Town? Explore her peninsula with its quaint fishing villages, colonies of barking seals and a most improbable collection of arctic penguins. At the Cape of Good Hope – witness the angry Atlantic and sanguine Indian Oceans meet and mingle. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Winelands; tour a vineyard, sip some of the famous local wines, and stroll the quaint streets of Stellenbosch.Kruger National Park – South Africa’s finest wildlife refuge. Prepare for heart-stopping adventures as the Park is home to all the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and hippo. Venture forth on morning and afternoon game drives, in open safari vehicles, expertly maneuvered by professional game rangers. During the quiet midday, let your five senses roam unfettered through the bush … on a fascinating walking safari.A reluctant ‘farewell’ to Kruger as you wing to Johannesburg, the vibrant and pulsing capital city. Only a brief stop here, as you are bound for Victoria Falls … what the locals call the “Smoke that Thunders”. Delight in a guided tour of the Falls and ply the famed Zambezi River on a sunset boat cruise.As a special treat:  a 30 minutes opportunity to meet and interact with Jabulani’s elephants. Always accompanied by their handlers, the elephants are relaxed and there is the opportunity to observe  their herd dynamics, as the younger elephants play under the watchful eye of the adults. There’s plenty of opportunity for photographs during the half-hour interaction time, and handlers will provide information on individual elephants and fascinating herd behavior.Established over half a century ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Relais & Châteaux has redefined luxury hospitality by emphasizing holistic experiences that transport its guests, taking them on a sensual journey and introducing them to a deeper, truer understanding of the Art of Living.The story of Relais & Châteaux begins in 1941 when two former music hall entertainers, Marcel and Nelly Tilloy purchased “La Cardinale”, an estate in the Rhône Valley. In 1952 the Tilloys began recruiting other hoteliers and restaurant owners that shared the same level of quality and excellence and passions for fine cuisine and Art de Vivre. In 1954, this group of kindred spirits merged together to create Relais & Châteaux. In the beginning, there were only eight establishments along the road between Paris and the French Riviera. Today, there are more than 520 members that are a part of Relais & Châteaux.Day 1 Depart USA. Bound for exciting South Africa!Day 2-4 Cape Town (3 nights). Spy penguins, seals, ostriches and cavorting baboons on a full day drive to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope. Standing at the edge of the continent, perhaps you can see where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Take in the defining highlights of the city and popular waterfront and then enjoy another full day of glorious scenery traveling through the Winelands: tour a vineyard, samples the wines and admire the old Cape Dutch architecture at Stellenbosch.Stay at Relais & Châteaux’s Ellerman House in Cape Town – The quintessential urban retreat for discerning luxury travelers wanting complete exclusivity in Cape Town. Sprawled over one-and-a-half landscaped acres, this privately owned hotel has been influential in redefining luxury accommodation in South Africa. (Deluxe House Room)Day 5-7 Kruger Park Private Reserve (3 nights). Kruger Park… where the wild things roam, is the approximate size of Rhode Island and teaming with wildlife. Daily drives put you within touching distance of lion prides, unpredictable buffalo and herds of elephant feeding in ghostly silence. Keep a keen eye out for shy leopard and endangered rhino. If you’re in the mood, don’t miss the chance to feel nature “close up” on a walking safariStay at Relais & Châteaux’s Jabulani in Kruger National Park – This camp is a perfect translation of the African bush, seamlessly blending classic and elegant interiors (fit for princes and kings, but warm enough to make the most “down-to-earth” feel completely at home) with the natural bush beyond.Some of Jabulani‘s notable offerings include the daily safari drives in the Big Five private Kapama Reserve, and visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which are all included in your stay. Additionally, they offer optional indulgent treatments at the outdoor Therapy Lapa, and hot air balloon excursions over the reserve. (Fully Inclusive)Day 8 Johannesburg (1 night). Fly to the big city… busy reinventing itself as a trendy metropolis. A private car promptly delivers you to the hotel for a long and luxurious night’s rest.Stay at Relais & Châteaux’s AtholPlace Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg – Contemporary-classic glamor and understated elegance ensure an unforgettable stay. Their stylish suites have each been individually decorated to give you a sense of relaxed elegance. (Superior Suite)Day 9-10 Livingstone (2 nights). While at the natural wonder of the world, Victoria Falls, “mosi oa tunya”, or the “smoke that thunders”, you can enjoy the many activities that your accommodation has to offer. While some cost additional, the activities include a multi-hued sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, an impressive Victoria Falls guided walking tour, superb fly fishing on unstressed waters, canoe tours, and more.Stay at Relais & Châteaux’s Royal Chundu River Lodge at Victoria Falls – A sanctum of quiet solitude and untouched beauty, this luxurious lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Created in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and embracing the tradition and geography of the area while incorporating stylish and sophisticated accommodation, world class service and sumptuous pan-African cuisine. (Full Board)Day 11 Depart Johannesburg. Wing back to Johannesburg and your departure flight.Day 12 Arrive USA. With wonderful memories and a few thousand photos!

Accommodation