3 nights at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in a luxury suite on a full board basis. Nestled between mountain and sea, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible Flora and Marine life of the Southern Tip of Africa. Home of the “Marine Big 5” – whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins; and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers you a one-of-a-kind luxury African experience. Only 2 hours from Cape Town on the way to the worldrenowned Garden Route, Grootbos is perfectly situated between the classic attractions of the Cape and is most certainly a highlight on any itinerary.

The name Grootbos, an Afrikaans word meaning Big Forest, is derived from the presence of our ancient Milkwood Forests. It is amongst these ancient forests that Grootbos has artfully laid out its exquisite two 5-star Lodges and exclusive Villa, with breath-taking views across the fynbos plains towards the sparkling whale sanctuary of Walker Bay in the distance.

Whether one’s interests are birding, wild flowers, whale watching, diving with great white sharks or relaxing on unspoilt beaches, Grootbos has it all. The gourmet cuisine on offer at this luxury destination is crafted from the finest and freshest local ingredients, including seafood specialties and excellent South African wines.

Grootbos is about more than just luxury accommodation and eco adventures. Your visit directly contributes to the conservation efforts of the Grootbos Foundation as well as the development of sustainable nature-based livelihoods amongst local communities.

3 nights at Duba Plains Camp in a luxury suite on a full board basis.

Duba Plains Camp is a wildlife connoisseur’s getaway to the Okavango Delta. Built on a wooded island, connected to the prolific wildlife area by an elaborate set of bridges, the camp is the base of manyfamous wildlife documentaries by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The intimate camp consists of five traditional-style tented suites and the 2-bedroom Duba Plains Suite. All sit on raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past. Each suite has a lounge area, a private veranda, beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths. Guests will be able to enjoy their own private plunge pool and outdoor under cover sala/day rest area. The main area consists of a large raised dining room, and a comfortable lounge with private dining areas, wine cellar, library, and chef’s kitchen with ample space for guests to either find a privacy or come together. The camp’s centre-point is the gathering place of all bush experiences, the fire place on an extended deck into the swamp. Duba Plain’s Toyota Land Cruisers are uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. Duba Plains offers Botswana’s best land safari as well as an Okavango Delta experience, from wildlife viewing and birding or fishing from the boat, to walking and exciting driveswith knowledgeable guides and friendly hosts.

2 nights at Zarafa Camp in a luxury suite on a full board basis. Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented camp located on the 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Its villa, the Dhow Suites, consist of two suites and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this one of only three Relais & Châteaux properties in Botswana. Overlooking the crystal waters Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds.

Zarafa Camp and Dhow Suites are the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. As a consequence, Zarafa may in fact be the “greenest” luxury safari camp on the continent. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm while a ‘bio-gas’ system recycles vegetable waste into usable cooking gas.

The Zarafa Camp guest suites, 1000 sq. ft in size are under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Each suite has a full lounge and a gas fireplace. The large bedroom is connected to an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins.

Decking around the suite leads to the private plunge pool and outdoor shower, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. Under an impressive canopy of African ebony trees, the camp has a sizable main lounge, with adjacent library and dining area. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and adventure. With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. While drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, full day drives, walks and boating (water level dependent) are great ways to fill the day at Zarafa.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US

They have a variety of authentic camps and mobile experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in Southern and East Africa.