South Africa’s Big Five, Wine & Conservation Safari

A warm welcome to South Africa! After your arrival in Johannesburg, meet your driver for the commencement of your journey on South African soil, a road transfer to your first safari destination.

Kick off your safari at the beautiful Marataba Explorer’s Camp, just a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. The majestic Waterberg mountain range will serve as a backdrop to your first four days of an enlightening, conservation-driven safari. Marataba uniquely offers a wide range of activities apart from your usual daily game drives. Enjoy thrilling walking safaris and leisurely boat cruises on the river—great for keen birders.

The highlight is getting involved in the various conservation efforts on the reserve. This includes participation in various wildlife interventions, such as identification, monitoring, tracking, and behavioural assessments of the resident wildlife. Marataba is home to critically endangered white and black rhinos, both species under immense pressure from many threats. It is a fascinating and critical subject to take part in during your stay.

If you wish to connect with some welcoming locals, pop in for a tour of the community vegetable garden. Help harvest freshly grown produce for a delicious lunch and enjoy the warm company of those involved in the project.

While not out on the many experiences on offer, find a shady spot at the lodge to relax and enjoy the exquisite views and meandering wildlife. Enjoy your meals under the shade of the iconic Acacia trees of the bushveld, delighting in the attentive service of the friendly staff. A day out in Marataba will no doubt have enriched your knowledge of this reserve and its precious wildlife. As the evening arrives, settle around the fire to swap stories from the day while gazing upon a starry night sky.

After an enlightening safari experience at Marataba, make your way to the historic town of Franschhoek - a wine and food lover’s paradise. Just a short stroll from town centre, La Clé Lodge is a superb base from which to enjoy this picturesque corner of the country. The staff, and particularly the Chef, are wonderful and will ensure your stay is memorable.

There is plenty to do in Franschhoek and its beautiful surrounds. Sample wines at world-renowned wine estates. Enjoy diverse and award-winning restaurants. Wander the markets and shops or admire remarkable art collections within the many galleries. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive collection on display at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. And the many mountain trails, gardens, and the local fynbos–endemic to the Cape will enthral nature lovers.

By enjoying the town and all the activities, you are supporting the tourism dependent local community. Your travel spend at La Clé will also contribute to an incredible cause—the Kusasa Project. This initiative supports local children in raising school fees to ensure they have the opportunity for education.

Despite an incredible time in the Winelands, you will no doubt be craving the enticing safari air once more - the feeling of rising with the sun to head out on a game drive in the crisp morning air. And concluding your days out in the bushveld, sipping a sundowner, watching the horizon change colours as the cicadas serenade the ensuing night sky. Your next and final destination brings you back on safari.

After a short flight from Cape Town to Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), your driver will meet you for a road transfer to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, an approximate 2-hour drive. Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge will be your home away from home for the rest of your trip.

The luxurious suites at the lodge provide all the comforts for an indulgent stay. Cool off in your private plunge pool on an expansive deck overlooking the Great Fish River. Keep cosy in the evenings in the main lodge area next to a crackling fire, while sampling the wines from the well-stocked cellar.

Kwandwe is a pillar of conservation in the Eastern Cape, and you can get involved. Home to a population of rhino, Kwandwe takes on the critical responsibility of protecting these gentle giants from poaching and other threats to ensure the longevity of the species. Join in on tracking, monitoring, and other tasks involved in their safekeeping. A more in-depth rhino conservation safari is available at an extra cost for those wanting to experience larger scale endeavours such as DNA sampling, ear notching and micro-chipping.

Kwandwe also cares deeply for their people and the local community. To learn about how the community is being supported, you can visit the Mgcamabele Centre and the Ubunye pre-school in the Kwandwe Reserve.

Savour your last morning in Kwandwe’s tranquillity before your driver arrives to transfer you back to Port Elizabeth International Airport for your departure home, or the next leg of your safari adventure - with memories to cherish for years to come.