Your Adventure in South Africa
Welcome to beautiful South Africa! On this family adventure, you'll experience the thriving city of Cape Town and its incredible history, jaw-dropping scenery, sparkling coastlines and, of course, world-renowned wildlife. This incredible destination's diversity and utter devotion to luxury makes it the perfect choice for an unforgettable family adventure.
June 3 - 6
- Cape Town | 3 nights | The Silo Hotel
June 6 - 9
- Sabi Sand Game Reserve | 3 nights | Mala Mala Camp
June 9 - 12
- Tswalu Kalahari | 3 nights | Tswalu
You may reach our local partners in South Africa at any time during your trip. +27 is the international dialing code for South Africa. When dialing within South Africa from a local phone, remove +27 and add 0.
Our Local Partners in South Africa
A number will be provided (during local business hours)
A number will be provided (after hours)
You can always reach a member of the scenset team via the app as well.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Movies to watch
- Books to read
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
Plus more!
On arrival into Cape Town International Airport off a flight expected to arrive in the evening, a representative will meet you off the plane and assist you through passport control, immigration and help you with the collection of your luggage. They will then guide you out to the arrivals hall and connect you with your driver who will be waiting to transfer you to The Silo Hotel.
Tel:
+27 21 686 3788 (during office hours)
+27 83 822 1420 (after hours)
Booked by Scenset
Meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel in Cape Town for check-in.
This is a drive of approximately 25 minutes, traffic permitting.
Tel:
will be provided (during office hours)
will be provided (after hours)
Booked by Scenset
Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away. Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.
The Silo is a sanctuary in the city celebrating art, style, and design. This architectural masterpiece towers above the V&A Waterfront and is defined by its shimmering pillowed-glass windows which offer panoramic views stretching from Table Mountain to the Table Bay harbour. Our luxury accommodation occupies six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art.
The Silo Hotel
Two Duplex Suites
The double-story Duplex Suites are situated across the sixth and seventh floors with either mountain or harbour views.
Inclusions: Full breakfast, guest liaison, access to gym & spa facilities, parking, wireless internet, mini bar & in-room snacks.
Tel: +27 21 670 0500
Booked by a guest
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby.
Pickup Time: early morning
Tel:
will be provided (during office hours)
will be provided (after hours)
Our morning begins early as we wander through the inner city, soaking up the magical vibe of Cape Town, through a combination of tales of the past combined with modern day culture, and meet some of the absorbing communities which form the town's vital building blocks. Through food, design, arts and crafts, we discover historical sites like Company's Garden, Green Market Square and St George's Cathedral, which served as the backdrop for memorable icons who changed the world.
Depending on your interests, touch on the fascinating and controversial politics that have shaped the city - delving into recollections of the once-vibrant District 6 community or perhaps the occasion where Mandela made his first free speech.
Afternoon at leisure, choose between extending your guided tour through cultural gems or returning to your hotel for a tranquil retreat, embracing the city's vibrant options at your own pace.
You'll be with a private guide today who can tailor your tour however you wish.
- Explore - Urban City Bowl History
- Explore - Urban Exploring the Colourful Streets of Bo Kaap to the Historic Company Gardens
- Local Lunch - Cape Town
- Afternoon at Leisure
Booked by Scenset
The Nines
9th Floor, Station House, 19
Kloof Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Reservation Time: Evening
Contact: +27 21 745 6609
Make your own way to the restaurant. It is about a 10-minute drive from your hotel. You may arrange for a taxi with the front desk or take an Uber.
A deposit was paid to make the reservation. This will be deducted from your bill at the restaurant.
If you decide to cancel, we kindly ask you to call and cancel 24 hours prior.
The Silo Hotel
Two Duplex Suites
Booked by a guest
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby.
Pickup Time: Morning
Tel:
will be provided (during office hours)
will be provided (after hours)
Rising to just over one thousand meters directly from sea level, Table Mountain ranks in status alongside famous African giants such as Kilimanjaro and the Atlas Mountains. For the more energetic, your experienced nature guide will interpret the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom on a private guided hike.
Your private guide will meet at your accommodation in Cape Town as transfers to the start of the hiking trail are included. Various options are available as you can hike at your pace and time constraints.
On the morning of departure, your hiking guide will discuss a few of the local favorite routes which are listed below. An optimum route is chosen from this selection, based on your fitness and according to the Cape’s unpredictable weather at the time.
Hiking up Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge is an invigorating adventure that offers both challenge & reward. As you ascend the steep and rocky path, your senses are overwhelmed by the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The gorge, flanked by towering cliffs, provides stunning views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean below. Each step brings you closer to the summit, where a sense of accomplishment awaits along with breath taking panoramas stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, this iconic trail promises an unforgettable experience.
Descending back to the city, we make our way to lunch, a gastronomical delight in the rich city center, with local eateries offering an array of culinary delights.
Afternoon at leisure. Choose between extending your guided tour through cultural gems or returning to your hotel for a tranquil retreat, embracing the city's vibrant options at your own pace
Booked by Scenset
Il Leone Mastrantonio
Corner of Prestwich, 22 Cobern St.
Green Point, Cape Town
Reservation Time: Evening
Contact: will be provided
Make your own way to the restaurant. It is about a 15-minute drive from your hotel. You may take a taxi or Uber.
If you decide to cancel, we kindly ask you to call and cancel 24 hours prior.
The Silo Hotel
Two Duplex Suites
Booked by Scenset
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby.
Pickup Time: Morning
Tel:
will be provided (during office hours)
will be provided (after hours)
It's time to head to the bush! After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver for a transfer to the Cape Town Airport for your flight to Skukuza.
Upon arrival at the airport, make your way to the Airlink check-in counter for your flight, scheduled to depart in the morning.
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival, you will be met for a transfer to your safari lodge in the Sabi Sands for check-in. Get your cameras ready - this transfer is a safari drive!
For any issues with your pickup, call our local partners:
+27 21 686 3788 (during office hours)
+27 83 822 1420 (after hours)
Booked by Scenset
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, named for the Sabie and Sand Rivers which flow through it, is renowned for its wildlife density and predator interactions; seldom will a visitor not see the Big Five. Although it shares a fenceless boundary with Kruger National Park, much of the wildlife in the Sabi Sand stays more or less in the reserve. Over the years, the animals have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, resulting in close encounters, particularly with the elusive leopards.
Roaming packs of African wild dogs, territorial lions, and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings. As well as having a consistently high density of wildlife, the reserve's conservation ethos keeps vehicle numbers to a minimum at wildlife sightings. This offers a more exclusive safari experience while ensuring the welfare of the habituated animals. Being in the private reserve generally affords more flexibility with opportunities to off-road, enjoy night drives and bush walks, all of which make visiting this area a truly unique experience.
MalaMala Camp is a haven of understated luxury combining warm comfort and superb service with unrivalled views of the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. It is truly a place of legends where rare photographs, old maps, and extraordinary mementos rub shoulders with the works of renowned contemporary wildlife artists. The camp is an unfenced oasis in the middle of the bush.
Every aspect of MalaMala Camp is designed to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns are filled with birdsong, with the occasional antelope or elephant seeking the succulence of greenery.
Mala Mala Camp
Two Luxury Interleading Rooms
Enjoy a panoramic view across the bushveld and the wilderness beyond. Large sliding doors and an intimate private deck offer the opportunity to appreciate one's surrounding between game drives. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with double vanities, a shower only, and separate WC. Facilities include 24-hour temperature control, a large cupboard, direct-dial telephone, a mini bar, tea station, and in room safe. Each room has twin 3’6” beds which can be made up to a king size double bed on request.
Inclusions: All meals and snacks, drinks (excluding premium brands), safari drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by an experienced ranger, nature walks, transfers to and from the MalaMala airstrip, limited laundry service, and a daily community levy.
Booked by a guest
Activities include Big 5 viewing, bird watching, game drives, walking safaris, and wildlife tours. The capacity on game drives is limited to six guests per safari vehicle.
Mala Mala Camp
Two Luxury Interleading Rooms
Inclusions: All meals and snacks, drinks (excluding premium brands), safari drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by an experienced ranger, nature walks, transfers to and from the MalaMala airstrip, limited laundry service, and a daily community levy per person.
Booked by an individual
After a quick morning game drive and breakfast, meet your driver for a transfer to the Mala Mala Airstrip.
Booked by Scenset
Take a shuttle flight from the Mala Mala Airstrip to the Federal Air Lounge in Johannesburg. This is scheduled to depart Mala Mala in the morning and arrive in the early afternoon.
Tel:
will be provided (during office hours)
will be provided (after hours)
Booked by Scenset
After landing at the Federal Air Lounge, collect your luggage and move on to the arrivals area where a representative from Fireblade Aviation will be waiting to transfer you to the Fireblade Aviation Hangar for your scheduled charter flight to Tswalu.
Booked by scenset
Take the 10-minute transfer to the private Fireblade Aviation Hangar.
Booked by a user
Take a shared charter flight from the Fireblade Hangar in Johannesburg to Tswalu Kahalari. This is scheduled to depart in the early afternoon and arrive in the early afternoon.
For any issues, call our local partner:
+27 21 686 3788 (during office hours)
+27 83 822 1420 (after hours)
Booked by Scenset
Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space. The green Kalahari is nature at its most diverse and surprising, and to spend time here is to be touched by exuberant, soulful beauty. It offers an escape to a place that’s governed by the ancient rhythms of the seasons, rather than the clock and the calendar. It offers a vision of hope that brings together conservation, research and unrivalled safari experience.
At Tswalu you’ll encounter species you may have seen elsewhere, along with drier area specialist species that you probably haven’t. While zebra, buffalo and giraffe will be familiar if you’ve been on safari before, this will likely be your first opportunity to capture iconic Kalahari images such as dainty springbok with a backdrop of red sand, or the silhouette of a gemsbok atop a dune. Many of the species found at Tswalu are of particular significance to the San people, as evidenced by their inclusion in ancient galleries of rock art.
There is a timeless quality to Kalahari – it’s a place where humans have wandered and wondered since the dawn of creation.
This luxury safari camp is designed with individual couples and families in mind, and accommodates a maximum of 18 adults in nine legae or suites. Indigenous gardens throughout the camp are a haven for antelope and birds, while a waterhole in front of the main guest area attracts a variety of wildlife, especially in the dry season. The main camp’s communal guest area comprises a series of generous spaces for relaxing and dining indoors and outdoors.
The main camp’s communal guest area comprises a series of generous spaces for relaxing and dining indoors and outdoors. Covered verandas lead to two swimming pools and a fire pit for sundowners. The main lounge has a feature stone fireplace, mezzanine library and walk-in wine cellar stocked with premium South African wines. An intimate boma is the setting for barbecue dinners under the stars. The Tswalu Spa is situated at the Motse, along with a Gym, Photographic Studio and the Gallery, a boutique stocked with art, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.
Motse Family Suite
The Motse camp is a secluded ‘village’ of nine “legae” (the Tswana word for ‘dwellings’) including three family legae which have 2 en-suite bedrooms separated by a large lounge and deck. Each room has a fireplace and a separate dressing area with ample cupboard space. The bathrooms have been created with private gardens, luxurious bathtubs, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Inclusions: Private game viewing vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker, walking safaris, nature walks, habituated meerkats experience, horse riding and bird watching. Short hike to view some of the oldest bushman rock engravings in Africa, a visit to the community clinic and pre-school, a visit and/or introduction to The Tswalu Foundation research projects. Involvement in wildlife project work on property when available. Luxury full board accommodation, all meals (a variety of dining experiences from boma dinners to dune picnics), dinner at Klein JAN Restaurant, all beverages and full selection from the award-winning wine-list.
Tel: +27 44 501 1111
Booked by someone
With your own dedicated guide and vehicle, you can experience Tswalu exactly the way you want to. Tswalu offers a fully inclusive guest experience including private game viewing vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker for all bookings, walking safaris and nature walks, including traditional plant use interpretation, experiences with habituated meerkats, horse back riding, exploring some of the oldest bushman rock engravings in Africa, and learning about the Tswalu Foundation research projects.
No two Tswalu experiences are the same. That’s because the way you see and touch this magical place will be shaped by your particular interests and will happen at your own pace. Tswalu is a generous landscape and as the sun rises above the Korannaberg Mountains each morning, new opportunities to learn, play, and explore come to life.
Motse Family Suite
Booked by someone
After one final morning game drive, bid farewell to the magical Kalahari and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg.
Booked by Scenset
Take your shared charter flight from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve to Fireblade Private Hangar in Johannesburg.
Departure Time: Morning
Arrival Time: Late Morning
Booked by Scenset
You will have access to the Fireblade Lounge and its facilities to relax this afternoon before your evening flight.
Booked by a scenset member
In the afternoon, you will be picked up from the Fireblade Lounge and transferred to the international terminal in time to check in for your flight to Paris.
Booked by Scenset
Once at the international terminal, you will be met by a representative who will assist you with onward check-in procedures for your flight to Paris, through passport control, security, and to your gate.
Booked by Scenset
Safe travels! We hope you've had the trip of a lifetime!
Please let us know if you would like for Scenset to make dinner reservations on your behalf!
- Aubergine Restaurant: Aubergine has been featured as a top restaurant numerous times and has a loyal following. Owner and Chef Harald Bresselschmidt uses classical techniques, and both European and Asian influences appear through the degustation, à la carte and winter bistro menus. Menus change regularly, and you’re encouraged to mix and match items. This historic old house, which used to be the home of the first Chief Justice of the Cape, dates back to 1830 and is packed with character. Aubergine is sophisticated but not stuffy.
- Belly of the Beast: This online-bookings-only fine-dining restaurant sprang up rather quietly on Harrington Street in August 2018. Owner-chef Neil Swarts sold his wildly popular Arugula Bistro in Welgemoed to pursue dreams of unhindered culinary creativity, which he has done with co-owner and Anouchka Horn in their secret daily set menu. The industrio-mod eatery serves a maximum of 20 guests per service, which Neil explains: “Cooking dishes on a smaller scale enhances the depth of flavour of each element.” An entirely exposed kitchen lines one side of the small space, with a street-facing window on the other. The food is exceptional!
- Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantina: In a sleek dining room overlooking the Constantia wine valley, this is laidback, refined dining at its best from one of Cape Town’s most influential chefs, Liam Tomlinson, in partnership with co-owner and head chef, Ivor Jones. The glass cube that houses the restaurant is a welcome dash of modernity in a suburb where most restaurants are houses in 100-year-old Cape Dutch buildings. The menu changes weekly and features nine plates to share, from local line-fish sashimi to venison, all with ingredients grown on the on-site farm - about which the staff know every last detail.
- Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo: Dining at the incredible seaside setting of Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive, is unlike any other, with the Atlantic Ocean lapping below your table - and like with Liam Tomlinson’s other projects, this Chefs Warehouse (CW) is steered by a young and talented team of chefs. Head Chef, Braam Beyers from CW Beau Constantia has taken over the reins here under the guidance of Liam and Chef Patron Ivor Jones. The contemporary tapas is a set menu of small plates for sharing over 4 courses with an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainable that pays homage to its ocean setting. The restaurant and deck have been completely revamped to incorporate the Chefs Warehouse signature style and personality, ranging from furniture and décor to tableware.
- Foxcroft: The food at Glen Foxcroft Williams’ bustling fine-dining restaurant (which he co-owns with feted La Colombe chef, Scot Kirton) is inspired and utterly sensational. Scot is known for his rigorous attention to detail, immaculate plating and boundary-pushing dishes, while Glen - who is behind the restaurant’s name and inspiration - is a patisserie whiz. The menu, remarkably simple at first glance, delivers bold, thoughtfully put-together dishes and the wine list is comprehensive but not overwhelming.
- La Colombe: Perched atop the Silvermist Estate against the slopes of Constantia Nek, La Colombe is one of the country’s exemplary beacons of culinary mastery. Long likened to a treehouse, due to its unique eye-level views of the tree canopies, the restaurant is an inviting, airy and superb designer dining room with an adjacent al fresco seating area. Executive chef Scot Kirton’s philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards. The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Impeccable service and an award-winning wine list.
- Salsify at The Roundhouse: Salsify burst onto the Cape Town scene with its exciting, juxtaposed décor, elegant food and sensational Camps Bay views. Perched on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head, the Roundhouse building looks out over Camps Bay’s leafy glen to the ocean and Twelve Apostles mountains. The space overlooking the incredible view has been kept beautifully classic - featuring white tablecloths and Persian rugs - but the entrance room and back lounge have been given an electric shock with some more modern graffiti.
- Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro:The ever-changing seasonal tapas has the same Mediterranean-inspired flavours as sister restaurant La Boheme, only at Bouchon the dishes are more elegantly plated and are served in smaller, refined portions. Owner Faisal Khakoo and co-owner and winemaker Christophe Durand are a hands-on duo, often present and happy to chat about the food and wine offering. This inner-city restaurant capitalises on the earthy, industrial charm of its urban wine cellar setting. A glass wall that separates the working cellar from the restaurant space lends the feeling of being in a quaint winery in the heart of the winelands. If you’re looking for an intimate venue for a truly special occasion, reserve the exclusive cellar table - between the wine tanks and barrels!
- Kloof Street House: Buzzing Kloof Street House is often packed to the rafters over weekends with locals setting in for long social gatherings and the menu here can best be described as a bistro-style eatery, with a showcase of Mediterranean and Moroccan-style dishes. The wine list is impressive, and the service is friendly and swift, even during the busier periods. The interior oozes glamour with a dark colour palette, chandeliers and beaded lamp shades, combined with a touch of Moroccan mystery. Attracting both beautiful young things and well-to-do middle-aged patrons, the space is divided into several dining areas, including a busy bar.
For safari, we recommend layering your clothing. Game drives take place early morning and evenings and it is quite cold before the sun rises and after it sets. The day-time temperatures can be warm and sunny and it can get quite hot. Light, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended for during the day (shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses around the lodge) and in the evenings, layer up with long trousers, long sleeve vests and a warm jacket. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges – you are free to come straight from game drive into dinner.
- Long trousers or denim jeans
- Long sleeve vests/t-shirts
- Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses
- A warm jacket, fleece or windbreaker
- Woolen hat/beanie, gloves and scarf for morning drives
- A good pair of walking shoes
- Longer socks to wear with walking shoes – especially if you plan on going on Bush Walks
- Sandals or flip-flops for during the day at the lodge and some closed shoes or sneakers for evenings
- Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Some lodges do provide spare sets of binoculars on game vehicles and at the lodges if you don’t have your own.
- A small flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp
- Anti-allergen medication such as Zyrtec
- Insect Repellent with DEET
- Lotions, tissues, moisturizers, chapstick
- Personal cosmetics, toiletries
- Money belt or fanny pack for cash and travel documents
- Power bank for charging of phone on safari drives
- A good book to read during down time at the safari lodge
- Passport
- Cash for personal expenses
Please note that luggage (must be soft sided bags) is restricted to a maximum of 44 pounds (20 kg) on Tswalu scheduled flights, inclusive of hand luggage. Extra seats may be purchased, should guests wish to travel with excess luggage (will allow for 50 kg / 110 pounds extra in soft sided bags).
South Africa
- No tourist visa is required if visiting for 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa and you will need at least 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages).
- Please see up-to-date information here on the U.S. State Department's website.
Travelers entering South Africa from WHO-designated countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission must present their current and valid International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) (“yellow card”). See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s South Africa page.
You may read more here on the U.S. State Department website.
Malaria is prevalent in South Africa and we recommend taking anti-malarial tablets. Note that Tswalu is Malaria free.
The most important defenses against malaria are:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing from dusk into the evening.
- Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are commonly used insect repellents.
Always check the latest recommendations with your travel clinic or doctor.
Tips are always appreciated and enthusiastically received. Tipping is only recommended if you are satisfied with the service you have received and is entirely at your discretion. Tipping guidelines are as follows:
- Airport or hotel porters: per bag
- Transfers: tips not expected
- Day Tours: per person for a full day tour
- Restaurants: 10% - 15% of the total bill depending on service
- Car guards and filling stations in South Africa: tip for fuelling attendant or ‘donation’ for car guard (in urban areas you’ll find formal and informal characters offering to watch your vehicle)
On Safari: For rangers between per person per day and trackers between per person per day. General lodge staff gratuity is between per day. All tips can be paid by credit card.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.