A Family Adventure in South Africa
Johannesburg, affectionately referred to by locals as “Jozi” or “Joburg,” is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world. Though not traditionally a tourist destination, Johannesburg is a transit point for connecting domestic and international flights and has become a cultural hub, with museums, theaters, art galleries, and libraries. There are opportunities for shopping at upmarket shopping centers like Sandton City, the Mall of Africa, and Nelson Mandela Square and, for souvenirs and African art, at flea markets like Oriental Plaza and the Rosebank Flea Market. Johannesburg is the home of the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa, and tours to the Apartheid Museum often combine a visit to Constitution Hill. Other attractions include former townships like Alexandra and Soweto where visitors learn about South Africa’s apartheid history. The Mandela Museum, located in the former home of Nelson Mandela, is located in Soweto.
Johannesburg | Mid-June | Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff
Madikwe Private Game Reserve | Mid-June | Morukuru Madikwe
Mozambique | Late June | Azura Benguerra
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB), you will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board. Should your aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal building, you will be transported to the terminal by bus where your Meet and Greet will be waiting for you as you step off the bus. You will then be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs and on to your private car transfer.
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Receive a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for check-in.
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High up on the rocky Witwatersrand is where guests will find this property. Despite being in the middle of South Africa’s largest city, The Westcliff Hotel feels like a chic hillside village, with nine sun-splashed villas woven with courtyards, fountains, and gardens.
Take a ride up the glass elevator to meet friends for seasonally inspired dishes at Flames, visit the destination day spa that captures the serenity of the region with its nature-inspired treatments, or simply step out onto your room’s balcony to enjoy a quiet moment as guests admire the endless treetops that stretch out before the eyes.
Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff
Panoramic View One-Bedroom Suite connecting to Panoramic-View Deluxe Room
Airy and welcoming, these spacious suites are filled with natural light that brightens every corner, from the living room to the separate bedroom, while the private terrace provides a breath of fresh air. Guests can step onto their private balcony to watch the sun rise over the city, or enjoy a starlit nightcap before lounging on the king-size bed, surrounded by African-inspired touches.
Inclusions: Breakfast
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After breakfast and check-out, you will transfer to the Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.
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From the airport, you will depart on a private charter flight in a King Air 200 to your safari stop in Madikwe Private Game Reserve.
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Upon arrival, your safari will begin immediately as you are met by your safari guide for transfer via game vehicle to your hotel for check-in. Be sure to have your cameras ready as you look out for wildlife during your drive!
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Madikwe is a large game reserve that offers malaria-free Big Five game viewing. The primarily flat landscape is a mix of grassland and woodland interspersed with kopjes and small mountains, and it boasts a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. This is one of few reserves with consistent viewing of the endangered African wild dog, as well as elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, antelope, and hundreds of bird species, including the large kori bustard. Sunset is a great time to see animals gathering at Madikwe Dam to drink.
Located just north of the Pilanesberg and right up against the Botswana border, Madikwe is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa, though it remains one of the lesser known.
Morukuru Family Madikwe is located on a private concession in the south-east corner of Madikwe Game Reserve and consists of three exclusive-use safari houses: a 2-bedroom Owner's House, a 3-bedroom River House, and a 5-bedroom Farm House. Each house operates completely independently and is fully staffed, including a private game drive vehicle. All meals, drinks, and activities are included. Children of all ages are welcome (and can join on game drives), which makes Morukuru Family Madikwe the perfect destination for a malaria-free multi-generational family safari. All three houses are fenced and off-grid (solar).
For larger families/groups, it is also possible to combine two or more houses. Owner's House and River House are situated on the banks of the Marico River, a few hundred meters apart. Farm House sits on the other side of a mountain, approximately 15 minutes' drive away from the other two houses. Thanks to the 'Morukuru Freedom Concept,' guests can tailor-make their stay from A-Z with no fixed timings and total flexibility to do whatever they want, whenever they want. Guests can also get involved in conservation and community support through the optional 'Safaris with a Purpose' package.
Morukuru Family Madikwe
River House
Morukuru River House comprises three double en-suite bedrooms. Each features a super-king size bed, romantic gas fireplace, cooling and heating air-conditioning, full bathroom with bush views, outdoor shower, and tree-shaded private deck. Four children (under 16) bunk in the fun, comfortable family room (study). River House is the perfect place for a malaria-free family safari and can easily be combined with nearby Owner's House for a large family getaway.
See the exterior of the house here and see the house interiors here.
Inclusions: Private and exclusive-use of the house. Complimentary Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth). Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, local soft drinks, water, juices, coffee, tea, local house wines & local spirits. Private chef, butler, host and housekeeping staff. Private guide & tracker, safari drive vehicle and bush walks (16 years and older). Sundowner drinks, picnics, road transfers within Madikwe Game Reserve, entrance fee/reserve gate fee and laundry service.
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Thanks to the exclusive-use concept at Morukuru Family Madikwe, guests have total freedom to decide when they want to go out for a game drive, with no fixed schedules. Children of all ages can join as well. Adults (16 and older) can also go on Big-5 game walks; for children under 16, a guided nature walk in a fenced-in safe area is possible. Other activities include fishing in the Marico River, bush meals, romantic sleep-outs, and massage treatments and interactive African drumming lessons.
The optional 'Safaris with a Purpose' package at Morukuru Family Madikwe includes a visit to the local school in a nearby village; one of the researchers in Madikwe will give a talk on their important work, and guests can participate in rhino notching or similar activities. This package can only be booked with a minimum 4-night stay at any of the houses.
Morukuru Family Madikwe
River House
Inclusions: Private and exclusive-use of the house. Complimentary Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth). Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, local soft drinks, water, juices, coffee, tea, local house wines & local spirits. Private chef, butler, host and housekeeping staff. Private guide & tracker, safari drive vehicle and bush walks (16 years and older). Sundowner drinks, picnics, road transfers within Madikwe Game Reserve, entrance fee/reserve gate fee and laundry service.
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Say good-bye to your safari during one last game drive to see the incredible wildlife.
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Depart on your private charter flight in a King Air 200 to Vilankulo Airport (VNX) which includes a single stop.
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The coastal town of Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a paradise consisting of five islands. Second in size is your home for the next few nights, an island in the archipelago. A wide diversity of wildlife inhabits the area, which is a striking fusion of freshwater lakes, woodlands and open grasslands. Forests of coconut, palm and casuarina trees throw shade over the landscape, and sand dunes rise up from endless beaches bracketing stunning coral reefs. The blues of sea and sky merge with green foliage brought to life by the abundance of brightly colored migratory birds and varied marine life.
Upon arrival, you will have a helicopter transfer to Benguerra Island in the sparkling Barazuto Archipelago.
Imagine an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas criss-crossed by local boats plying their trade, sunny days and star-studded nights. This is the enchanting island escape always imagined. Azura Benguerra, the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it.
Just 20 villas are nestled along one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for: sparkling private pools, butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, a fantastic range of activities and experiences, an African spa to relax in, all at a community based project where the local islanders benefit as much as you. Azura Benguerra Island is paradise found.
Azura Benguerra
Villa Amizade
Villa Amizade means friendship villa in native Portuguese. This two bedroom en-suite villa is located at the western end of the property, with fantastic views out to sea and towards the setting sun. It is perfect for families or couples requiring more space and facilities. It offers a sitting area with flat screen TV, DVD, Sound Dock and selection of games, opening onto extensive decking, dining and relaxation areas, including a ‘wine bar’. Guests can opt for a private chef service, will be provided. All the normal Azura design touches and finishes. Maximum occupancy five people including children.
Inclusions: All meals including main beach dinners, local beers, spirits, a selection of house wines, soft drinks, tea, coffee, waters. A sunset cocktail of the day is served to Sala. Use of Peri Peri Beach Club, weekly speciality gin bar, Mozambican host service, Wi-Fi access in the public areas and in rooms, a Land Rover island drive, a sunset dhow cruise, try scuba session in pool, use of snorkelling equipment, use of kayaks and paddleboards, stargazing. Various honeymoon special treats, various childrens activities and EVAC medical insurance.
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Activities include a Red Dune and Crocodile Lakes drive, Southpoint Beach picnic & drive, island hopping by speedboat, deep sea fishing, scuba diving (with a PADI Five Star Dive Center), horse back riding, island soccer, paddleboarding, sailing, and sunset cruises.
There are many experiences on offer at Azura Benguerra Island which you may explore here.
Azura Benguerra
Villa Amizade
Inclusions: All meals including main beach dinners, local beers, spirits, a selection of house wines, soft drinks, tea, coffee, waters. A sunset cocktail of the day is served to Sala. Use of Peri Peri Beach Club, weekly speciality gin bar, Mozambican host service, Wi-Fi access in the public areas and in rooms, a Land Rover island drive, a sunset dhow cruise, try scuba session in pool, use of snorkelling equipment, use of kayaks and paddleboards, stargazing. Various honeymoon special treats, various childrens activities and EVAC medical insurance.
Booked by scenset
You will be transferred via helicopter to Vilankulo Airport in good time for your onward flight to Johannesburg.
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If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime African adventure, just let your Travel Curator know and scenset will send through payment instructions.
We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.