Epic Landscapes and Wildlife Experiences of South Africa
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Cape Town with privately guided tours
- Tour the Winelands and sample delicious wines
- Discover the adapted eco–system that thrives in the Kalahari
- Spot big game on a Kalahari game drive
- See the marine ‘Big Five’ along the Whale Coast
- Marvel at the Whale Coast’s abundant flora and fauna
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Discover Cape Town's captivating sights
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Taste some of South Africa's finest wines
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Pangolins are one of the many desert adapted animals in the Kalahari
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See the Big Five on a game drive in the Kalahari
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Southern right whales can be seen from the Whale Coast
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Cape Town
- Days 4–7 The Kalahari
- Days 7–10 The Whale Coast
- Days 1–4 Cape Town
- Days 4–7 The Kalahari
- Days 7–10 The Whale Coast
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three nights in Cape Town
Start your journey with an exploration of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic city. Its most famous landmarks, such as Table Mountain, Boulders Bay and Robben Island might be well known across the world, but your travel designer will curate a selection of tours to help you get underneath the city’s skin.
Embark on scenic hikes and in–depth discoveries, topped off with delicious food and drink and hand–picked experiences.
Where you could stay
Cape Town
Highlights
- 11 rooms, two suites, two villas
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Contemporary art gallery
- Sommelier-led wine tastings
Overview
Ellerman House is a class act throughout. It feels very much like your own home but with top class service befitting a five-star hotel. Perched in one of the most spectacular and privileged settings in Cape Town overlooking Bantry Bay, it is the epitome of comfort and class with a relaxed, elegant style. Decoration is colonial, with a nod to the contemporary and recently refurbished to provide thoroughly modern comforts.
Where Ellerman House excels above others is the excellent house staff, who in these grand surrounds create such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Taking a (complimentary) evening cocktail from the lounge and strolling out onto the peaceful gardens overlooking the sea for sunset is the perfect end to a day in Cape Town as one feels both special and relaxing.
There are just 11 rooms, two suites and two private contemporary villas. Communal areas include a spacious lounge, large garden area (with outdoor pool) and a huge spa. There is an open kitchen you are invited to visit, a pantry that you can raid as well as the complimentary evening cocktails.
A particular feature of the property is its private art collection. This is simply outstanding, one of the best in South Africa with works from African masters inside the main building and then, underneath is a contemporary gallery. For anyone interested in art this will add an extra element to their stay.
Guests are also able to book Sleep Rooms at Ellerman House. A concept created by wellness expert Harry Jameson, each of the 13 rooms at the property can be converted into wellness rooms specially designed to optimise both sleep and recovery.
→ Find out moreCape Town
Overview
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a natural sanctuary that rolls into the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nestled in the midst of this World Heritage Site is a haven of Cape luxury. Within easy reach of Cape Town’s heartbeat – whether for Camps Bay cocktails and idyllic beaches, Waterfront retail therapy or Long Street’s vibrant pulse.
Each room is light, airy and peaceful, with calm colours, rich fabrics and staggering ocean and mountain views. The hospitality is generous, the service exceptional, with a host of complimentary extras and thoughtful personal touches that go beyond the expected.
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Make it mine
Wines and vines
Lion's Head
Wine and Vines
Explore the picturesque Winelands on a private guided tour. Discover wine farms, quaint historical towns and vine-blanketed hills as well as some of the country’s top restaurants and boutiques. Your guide will choose wine estates and a restaurant that suit your specific tastes, and will also be able to recommend any other artistic, botanical, historic or cultural stops you may be interested in.
Lion's Head Hike
A great option for a sunrise or sunset hike, on a clear day the top of this trail offers breathtaking views across all of Cape Town. Your private guide will help you navigate the trickier parts of this moderate hike, which is about a five and a half kilometre round trip.
Discover the Kalahari
Spread across Botswana, eastern Namibia and the north of South Africa, look beneath the Kalahari’s harsh exterior and you’ll find a well–adapted ecosystem that supports a spectrum of animal and plant life. It spans a variety of terrains, from semi–arid savannah to lush green grasslands that bloom with life.
Spend three days exploring these vast landscapes through bespoke activities, including game drives, bush walks and even horse riding safaris.
Where you could stay
The Kalahari
Highlights
- Swimming pool
- Spa & gym
- Wine cellar
- Mezzanine library
- Game drives, including evening drives
- Gourmet picnics
- Wildlife: black rhino, Kalahari lions, meerkats, cheetah, antelope, hyena, giraffe, zebra, jackal, cape fox and more
- Horse riding safaris & bush walks
- Visits to local communities and schools
- Excursions to ancient archaeological sites
Overview
The malaria free Tswalu Reserve, owned by the Oppenheimer family, consists of over 100,000 hectares of the ‘green’ Kalahari grasslands home to eighty mammal species and 340 varieties of bird.
Furthermore, the reserve is not further divided up into concessions or reserves and the only accommodation is the Motse Camp and Tarkuni House, which only allow for a maximum of thirty guests at one time in the entire of Tswalu. If you are staying for three nights or more you’ll also get a complimentary private vehicle, guide and tracker to make this your very own private Kalahari. The motto is, if you see another Range Rover on your game drives, complain.
And whilst you really couldn’t get any further from a package holiday, the accommodation at Tswalu truly does have it all ‘wrapped up’ as far as a five-star safari lodge goes, with more luxury, authenticity, exclusivity and conscientiousness than any other in Africa. Having won awards for both their spa and conservation work, you just have to see the efforts they make to look after the wildlife and support local communities to know the lengths they go to look after you.
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Wonders of the Whale Coast
Although rightly famed for its incredible whale watching opportunities, you’ll soon discover the Whale Coast has an abundance of many other kinds of wildlife too. Besides the southern right whales which can be seen from June–November, you can also spot the rest of the ‘Marine Big Five’ – sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins. Dedicate your time here to some awesome animal spotting, as well as learning about the rich fauna and flora you can find on land.
Where you could stay
The Whale Coast
Highlights
- Choose between a selection of lodges and private villas
- Go on a botanical safari and learn from knowledgeable guides
- Visit active beehives under the guidance of an experienced beekeeper
- Set out on special guided walks for incredible bird watching experiences
- Enjoy a variety of holistic treatments at the wellness spa
- Indulge in a delectable sea-to-table culinary experience
- Savour an exquisite wine pairing experience with expert sommeliers
Overview
Perched majestically on the headland between two stunning bays, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve spans an impressive 2,500 hectares at the very heart of the world’s premier whale-watching destination.
This extraordinary reserve offers an unparalleled blend of exhilarating activities, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Guests staying in its luxurious lodges and private villas are treated to panoramic vistas.
Imagine diving into the deep blue alongside majestic Great Whites, riding horses along the untamed Atlantic shores or witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of whales and playful pods of dolphins frolicking in Walker Bay.
Back at the property, you can savour the region’s finest wines meticulously selected by expert sommeliers and explore the diverse and fascinating flora and fauna through guided treks in the reserve’s lush valleys.
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The impact of your stay:
- As a guest, your stay helps Grootbos to conserve 22,000 hectares through the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, hosting nearly 1,000 indigenous fynbos species. Since 2017, their dedicated team has conducted extensive wildlife research and biodiversity studies, restoring habitats and increasing bee populations. They are also working with neighbouring landowners to create a wildlife corridor.
- The Grootbos Foundation’s community empowerment projects, including work with local children and schools, are significantly supported by guests’ stays. Their sports outreach program engages over 800 girls, and their Enterprise Development program equips young people with the skills and confidence to find employment or start their own businesses, addressing South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate.
- You help support the Grootbos Florilegium, a unique collection of botanical illustrations by local and international artists. This collection showcases rare and endangered plants from the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, highlighting the region’s ecology and Grootbos’s commitment to research and conservation.
Whale watching
A trip to the Whale Coast wouldn’t be complete without a whale watching excursion. Join a shared half day boat tour for the chance to spot southern right whales, as well as humpback whales, dolphins, seals and marine birds. The purpose–built boat has multiple levels to provide the best photographic opportunities and sightings that will take your breath away.
We had the most incredible experience visiting South Africa on our trip planned by Tor & Eugenia! Every detail of our vacation was curated to match our style, budget, and desired experiences. We were able to make adjustments and leverage the expertise of Jacada to build our dream itinerary. From our extensive exploration of Cape Town to our luxury safari…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised Design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic Experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
