A&K SOUTH AFRICA
WHY YOU SHOULD GO
No amount of African film, literature or annual camping experience can quite prepare you for what is one of the most thrilling and adventure filled travel experiences, especially when your guided by Abercrombie & Kent, pioneers of the luxury African safari. With their signature blend of authenticity and adventure A&K together with Sanctuary Retreats safari lodges and camps, share a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, without compromising on comfort or luxury. Getting it just right, the lodges and camps reveal an understanding of place, the architecture sympathetic towards the natural beauty of their surrounds and the experience kept real by the expert local guides keeping you safe and informed!
STAY
At the Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, situated within the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province with the enviable reputation for great service, outstanding cuisine and an award winning wine cellar. Boutique in style and size, it caters for just sixteen guests which will ensure personal attention and exclusivity for the most discerning of travellers. Experience being on safari without having to leave your secluded suite, with glass-walled rooms overlooking the Marico River offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding wild life and bush. Although nothing quiet beats the thrill and trepidation of an early morning game drive, complete with blankets, hot water bottles and the wealth of knowledge shared by the guides. Or for those who wish to immerse themselves in the complete camp experience, hidden deep in the bush is a secure raised hide with a second-story sleeping deck, creating a unique opportunity to experience the ultimate nocturnal bush experience. Lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo and leopard are all here in abundance, as well as cheetah, giraffe and both spotted and brown hyena. Keep an eye out for the elusive wild dog, Madikwe being one of the best places in Southern Africa to spot these rare animals, on the brink of extinction.
In contrast – a playground of urban sophistication, cultural diversity and stunning scenery, Cape Town doesn’t disappoint as a cosmopolitan city with a contemporary and eclectic vibe. Not only is it becoming a hot culinary destination, but is an ideal base for vinous discovery with easy day trips inland to the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, or further a field to many of the wineries dotted around the Western Cape.
Stay at the One&Only Cape Town, on the spectacular and quintessential waterfront location. Immerse yourself in this very vibrant and urbane resort, while experiencing the history and culture of South Africa’s oldest city and modern day harbour. With breathtaking views of Table Mountain, One&Only just about covers everything from glamorous interiors to michelin stars, celebrity chefs and one of the best collections of wines in South Africa. Inovative Japenese cusine is parred with South African spices at Nobu, the only African outpost in the global empire of Michelin-starred Master Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa. Add a spa situated on its own 1,000m² private island in the midst of the resort and an infinity-edge pool surrounded by lush gardens and you could be forgiven for not venturing out to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, only minutes from the city.
For a private indulgence stay at the luxurious Tintswalo Atlantic located between Hout Bay and Cape Town on the jaw dropping scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Literally nestled on the shore of the Altantic Ocean, the view over the bay to Cape Towns harbour is nothing short of spectacular. Individually designed suites are luxurious yet cosy, along with fine food and wine, intimate lounges and sun decks, the atmosphere is more like staying in a private club or dear friends holiday home. Ultimately it is the superb service and unique character of the lodge that makes the Tintswalo experience one not to miss. From Tintswalo follow the coastal road south to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, with magnificent ocean and beach views along the way and walking tracks that will lead you to the spectacular Cape Point.
VISIT
The Victoria & Albert Waterfront shopping and dinning precint in Cape Town. Find time to wonder around the Watershed, which houses an eclectic mix of contemporary artisian stalls selling everything from contemporary art and design to traditional crafts. Follow through to the historical Pumphouse building for lunch, serving authentic market street food accompanied by live music and craft beer!
Robben Island, a major highlight on any trip to the Mother City where many of South Africa’s most famous freedom fighters were incarcerated, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years on the island. The island museum is situated about 11 km off the coast of Cape Town (30 minute ferry ride) and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 1 1997. Private tours of the island are led by former political prisoners, who share a unique glimpse into their experiences and the ‘triumph of the human spirit’.
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek is the legacy of French Protestant Pierre Joubert, one of the many Huguenots who fled Provence to avoid religious persecution from the Catholic church in 1694. Still uniquely French, many of the 300 year old buildings have been restored to create one of the most beautiful corners of the cape, the area now known as the Food and Wine Capital. We love the simplicity of the Cape Dutch architecture that sits graciously among the vineyards and contemporary sculpture garden, including The Gallery at Grande Provence which exhibits South Africa’s finest and emerging artists. But for a longer stay book the luxurious Owners Cottage, which comes complete with private lounge, conservatory, pool and garden, leaving you time to indulge in all the inclusive food and wine activities on the estate.
Pack your togs and hiking boots to experience some of Cape Town’s best beaches and walking tracks, from Clifton Beach follow the coast around to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. For a beach with a unique twist, be hypnotised by the African Penguins at Boulders Beach, which lies about 40km south of Cape Town, just beyond the naval base in picturesque Simon’s Town, it makes a great stop on the way to and from Cape Point.
EAT & DRINK
At Luke Dale-Roberts, award wining Cape Town restaurant, The Test Kitchen or try your luck at his more casual The Pot Luck Club, a glass box perched on the top floor of a silo, perfect views to match the modern, experimental food served inside. Watch out for Luke’s new venture The Shortmarket Club, recently opened in July! Bascule whisky and wine bar, serves over 500 whiskeys and the best vintages from the Cape vineyards, located in the Cape Grace Hotel. Schoon Bakery in Stellenbosch for great pasteries, bread and coffee. Try the local Biltong at the Eikeboom Butchery, Stellenbosch. For afternoon tea pop into the charming, discreetly glamorous Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel, then take a delightful stroll past museums and shaded lawns into the city centre. For great seafood with amazing sea views, the Harbour House at Kalk Bay is a perfect spot for a cozy lunch after discovering the Cape Peninsula.
HOW YOU SHOULD DO IT
South Africa is considered a year-round destination, spring (mid-September to November) and autumn (April-May) are the best times to visit. From customised private and hosted journeys to luxury small groups, the Abercrombie & Kent style of travel combines high standards of service, specialising in extraordinary destinations and specially tailored itineraries. Please contact us to find out all the finer details about the Abercrombie & Kent difference!
HIGHLIGHTS
Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.com.au. Sanctuary Retreats www.sanctuaryretreats.com. One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Cape Town. www.oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-cape-town-south-africa Tintswalo Atlantic, Chapmans Peak Dr, Cape Town. www.tintswalo.com/atlantic The Pot Luck Club, Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road Woodstock, Cape Town. www.thepotluckclub.co.za, The Shortmarket Club, 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town. Robben Island, Nelson Mandela Gateway, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands Cape Town. Bites and Sites, Cultural Food Tours, Stellenbosch. www.bitesandsites.co.za. Grande Provence Estate, Franschhoek, www.grandeprovence.co.za. Bascule Whisky and Wine Bar, Cape Grace Hotel, Victoria & Alfred Hotel Waterfront, W Quay Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town. www.capegrace.com Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town. www.belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town/ Harbour House, Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay.
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