Your safari begins today as you catch a flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and fly directly into the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park. On arrival at the airstrip you’ll be met and transferred to Dulini River Lodge, a luxurious safari lodge situated underneath a canopy of ebony trees and enjoying superb views of the Sand River.

It is a serious Big 5 country and you spend the following three nights here. Settle in, relax and unwind before setting out on your first exciting spotlit evening game drive through the teeming Sabi Sands. For the next few days you can explore your surroundings on a range of fantastic game viewing activities. Whether you go on guided walking safaris or thrilling early morning and late afternoon game drives, you get some of the best game viewing in Africa.

The Sabi Sands is well-known in particular for its excellent Big 5 game viewing and has recorded some of the best leopard sightings in the Greater Kruger area, making this a definite tour highlight. In the evenings you can enjoy delicious African-inspired meals around the boma fire, swap wildlife stories with other guests and sip on a glass of exquisite South African wine under the stars.

This morning you leave the Sabi Sands behind and fly back to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg where you will be transferred to the luxurious Saxon Hotel. The Saxon is situated in the extremely plush enclave of Sandton, location to some of the largest and wealthiest homes in South Africa. Former president Nelson Mandela completed the edits on his famous autobiography Long Walk to Freedom at this almost-perfect hotel.

Once you have settled into your spacious suite, indulge with a pampering treatment at the in-house spa – which is one of the best in Joburg – or sip on a cocktail next to one of the swimming pools or at the koi pond. The day winds down with dinner at Qunu, one of Johannesburg’s top restaurants.

The next day, head out on a half day tour of Soweto, the township synonymous with the freedom struggle. Visit sites such as the Hector Pieterson Museum, Vilakazi street and the original Soweto home of Nelson Mandela.

Today you leave the City of Gold behind and fly directly into Tswalu Game Reserve, an expansive private wilderness on the edge of the vast Kalahari. You will check into The Motse, a true oasis in a land of white-blond grasses, rust-red sand and thorn trees. Spend your days enjoying morning, afternoon and evening game drives, not to mention guided walks across the Kalahari’s incredible red dunes and trips to view original Khoisan rock engravings.

Tswalu is also home to some of Africa’s most unique and unusual species including pangolin, aardvark and sable antelope. When you are not being mesmerised by the landscape, you can also relax with a range of treatments in the Sanctuary Spa or merely laze around the pool, drink in hand. One night here is a true treat: you and your partner sleep out in the open under the stars at the Malori Sleep-out Deck, a safe and private retreat where nothing comes between you and nature.

The last leg of your South African holiday sees you leaving the Kalahari behind today as you catch a chartered flight from the Tswalu airstrip and head south to Cape Town International Airport. Here you are met by a private transfer to the exclusive Cape Grace, situated in the V&A Waterfront.

The Cape Grace offers nothing short of excellent luxury and elegance and is known for its superb service, fine dining, and opulent but unstuffy accommodation and atmosphere. Cape Town is perhaps the most beautiful city in Africa and is famous for its many exciting attractions and scenic destinations. Ride to the top of Table Mountain in the cable car, visit the scenic Cape Winelands, take a boat trip out to Robben Island or go picnicking in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

In summer, the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are a must, while a leisurely trip out to iconic Cape Point offers a lovely coastal drive – be sure to stop to see the endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach. For those who love shopping, the V&A Waterfront offers a host of fabulous retail options, while local markets like Greenmarket Square are popular for authentic African mementos. In the evenings you can stroll around the bustling streets and dine one of the many top restaurants in the city, enjoy sundowners on a boat cruise from the Waterfront or watch the sunset from a buzzing cocktail bar in Camps Bay.

This morning you will be met by your private transfer and will head back to Cape Town International Airport where your flight home awaits.