This tailor-made journey showcases Journey Africa’s expertise in luxury Africa safari travel, combining iconic destinations with quieter, nature-rich regions.
CLIENT PROFILE
Seeking Wild Luxury and Nature in Africa
John and Pauline had wanted to visit South Africa and experience an African safari for many years, with Kruger National Park at the heart of that dream. As keen birdwatchers and nature lovers, they were looking for a journey that prioritised wildlife, expert guiding, and time immersed in the natural environment without compromising on comfort.
South Africa offered the perfect introduction to a luxury African safari, while Journey Africa’s continent-wide expertise ensured the experience was seamless from start to finish.
CAPE TOWN
Culture, Coastlines and Iconic Landscapes
The journey began in Cape Town with three nights at The Three Boutique Hotel, an intimate and stylish base for exploring the city. Highlights included the cable car to Table Mountain, where clear conditions delivered magnificent panoramic views, and time spent exploring the V&A Waterfront.
Cape Town’s history came to life through visits to the Slave Museum, while nature lovers were drawn to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, long on John and Pauline’s wish list. A scenic coastal drive took them to Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony, before continuing to the Cape of Good Hope.
Their private guide, Shadley, played a key role in enriching the experience, combining expert knowledge with warmth, humour, and attentive care throughout.
3 Nights | The Three Boutique Hotel
HERMANUS
Coastal Beauty and Whale Watching
From Cape Town, the journey continued along the coast to Hermanus for two nights at Mosselberg on Grotto Beach, overlooking the ocean. A major highlight here was a whale-watching excursion, where they enjoyed superb views of whales breaching close to the boat, an unforgettable encounter with South Africa’s marine wildlife.
2 Nights | Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
Quiet Wilderness and Slow Travel
Next came three nights at the De Hoop Collection within the peaceful De Hoop Nature Reserve. Staying in a charming cottage, John and Pauline regularly spotted ostrich and eland outside their window, adding to the sense of immersion.
Nature walks and jeep safaris revealed the reserve’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, while the slower pace made this one of the most relaxing and restorative parts of the journey.
3 Nights | De Hoop Collection
Kruger National Park
Big Game and Birdlife in Abundance
Kruger National Park was the long-awaited highlight of the trip, with two contrasting safari regions offering depth and variety.
SIMBAVATI WATERSIDE
Klaserie Game Reserve
John and Pauline spent three nights at Simbavati Waterside, set within the private Klaserie Game Reserve. The lodge’s waterside location allowed wildlife viewing directly from their room, with animals regularly coming down to drink near their private deck.
Early morning and evening game drives delivered frequent Big Five sightings, often at very close range. Memorable moments included lions feeding nearby and a dramatic sighting of a leopard in a tree with a hyena waiting below. The area also offered excellent birdwatching, with eagles and other species providing outstanding photographic opportunities.
3 nights | Simbavati Waterside
PAFURI CAMP
Northern Kruger and Birdwatching Paradise
A short flight took the couple to Pafuri Camp, where they spent four nights in the remote far north of Kruger National Park overlooking the Luvuvhu River. This region is renowned for its biodiversity and is particularly prized for birdwatching safaris in South Africa.
Game drives explored rivers and lakes rich in birdlife, while time at camp allowed them to watch animals and birds gathering at the water’s edge. The surrounding fever tree forests and ancient baobab trees, some over 1,400 years old, added a powerful sense of scale and history to the experience.
4 nights | Pafuri Camp
WHY Journey Africa?
Wild Luxury Africa Safari Specialists
Client Feedback
“It’s difficult to name highlights as there were so many. Deciding to visit two different areas of Kruger National Park was a perfect choice. Another factor that enhanced the experience was the good planning in the first place, with everything running on time and a brilliant guide like Shadley.”
PLAN YOUR OWN WILD LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI
Whether you’re dreaming of a South Africa safari, a birdwatching-focused African journey, or exploring other iconic destinations across the continent, Journey Africa’s wild luxury specialists will design a tailor-made experience just for you.
