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Depart at 1920 from London's Heathrow Airport on British Airways flight BA059 to Cape Town, South Africa, travelling in Business Class.
On arrival at 0900 you will be met and taken by private road transfer about twenty minutes to the luxurious Ellerman House where you stay for the first four nights of your safari holiday to South Africa and Botswana.
On the afternoon of your arrival a Hire car will be delivered to the hotel for your use throughout your stay in the Cape, South Africa.
Cape Town is a wonderful location to start to your African holiday as it has some of the most elegant and luxurious hotels in South Africa. The landscapes are breathtaking and the views are unforgettable.
Ellerman House is one of the finest and most luxurious smaller hotels in South Africa. It is located in a spectacular position off the coastal Kloof road just south of Cape Town and most of the eleven suites and rooms have fine views across the Atlantic.
Each of the Ellerman House suites is unique and differently priced, the finest being the stunning East Wing suite, with a luxurious long lounge/dining room, superb decor and excellent views from its private balcony. The older Ellerman Suite is much loved by regular guests, and the remaining suites are also outstandingly good.
The atmosphere at Ellerman House is friendly and informal, yet the standard of service and cuisine is among the finest in the country. The cellar is impressive, and guests can take advantage of the well-equipped gym and steam bath, and enjoy the beautiful private gardens and pool.
Cape Town is twenty minutes drive away and to the south lies the mountainous peninsula with its spectacular routes, views and mountain passes.
In 1662, Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay on the north Cape Peninsular and laid the foundations of South Africa's oldest settlement, Cape Town. Three hundred years of history have been preserved in much of Cape Town's architecture, mingling with the more functional demands of the 20th century.
The Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Museum and Planetarium are all within ambling distance of elegant shopping malls and colourful markets, which entice shoppers to browse and buy everything from souvenirs to gems and antiques. In a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dockland area evokes images of 19th century seafaring activities and provides a superb setting for an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. From here, you can take boat trips round the harbour and out across Table Bay.
Rising up over the city, flanked by Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, is Table Mountain. Majestically dominating the Peninsula's northern skyline, Table Mountain is without doubt South Africa's best-known landmark and the views from its peak are truly spectacular.
The western Cape is scenically outstanding; the Peninsular itself is well worth exploring and beach lovers have a choice of more than 100 beautiful sandy beaches and bays to visit. Some of the finest wines in the world are produced locally and there are many excellent restaurants, cafes and nightclubs offering cuisine and entertainment to suit all tastes.
Today drive in an easterly direction for approximately forty five minutes towards the Cape Winelands to exclusive Grand Roche where you stay for three nights in a two terrace suites (bed and breakfast).
The Grande Roche is a magnificently restored Cape Dutch estate in the historic heart of Paarl, offering a rare blend of European-style luxury and Cape charm and hospitality. Less than fifty minutes from Cape Town, the Grande Roche has sweeping views across vineyards to the Drakenstein Mountains.
The original farm buildings have been converted into individual suites, combining old world charm and modern day luxury. The manor house has a luxurious sitting room and superb restaurant serving award-winning food. There are two swimming pools, tennis courts and a fully equipped gym.
An hour east of Cape Town is the Cape Winelands, a beautiful area of hills and fertile valleys. Viticulture began here in the 18th century as Huguenot settlers brought their knowledge from northern Europe.
Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek each has a charming character with carefully preserved buildings, and estate houses with a mix of European and Cape Dutch architecture can be found tucked away throughout the area. One can spend two or three days exploring the Winelands, enjoying wine tasting independently or with a guide. Between visits there are numerous fine restaurants, golf courses and other pursuits.
Days 9 and 10
Drive back to Cape Town railway station and drop off your hire car. Board the prestigious Rovos Rail 'Pride of Africa' departing at 1100 to Pretoria, South Africa. (Your stay is in Royal Suites and is fully inclusive of meals and activities).
This beautifully restored deluxe train offers a unique journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa and can be drawn by either steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey.
The sleepers, observation and dining cars are furbished traditionally in the style of the period but with an eye for modern comfort, with special attention to detail, comfort and luxury. The accommodation offered is of the highest standard, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with modern innovations.
There is a complimentary bar service, as well as room service, which is available whenever required. Casual clothing is the order of the day, however, in keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, guests prefer to dress for dinner.
For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of the world's top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendour and scenic Winelands. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa's economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld's world-famous game reserves. From the coast, the 1600km route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the Winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo, and Kimberley (city of De Beers), the diamond boom-town that's home to the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation.
On arrival at Pretoria railway station at 1200 you will be met and transferred to Illyria House where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).
Illyria House is an exclusive privately owned residence situated just five minutes from Pretoria train station, set in tranquil gardens. It provides elegant accommodation in six luxury en suite double rooms, with fine cuisine and exceptional service.
Situated some 50km north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Pretoria's ambience is more sedate than that of her next door neighbour. It is quieter and more appropriate to the civil servants and diplomats who live and work in the shadow of the Union Buildings. Another striking architectural landmark, the Voortrekker Monument dominates the southern skyline, symbolising the courage and endurance of the early trekkers.
Surrounded by hilly country, Pretoria is renowned for its colourful gardens, shrubs and trees - particularly beautiful in spring when jacarandas envelop the avenues in mauve. An air of history pervades much of central Pretoria - in particular, Church Square, around which it developed. In the early days, church services were held there and it was the venue for trade and recreation. Some buildings of great historic and architectural value have been retained in the square, surveyed by a statue of President Paul Kruger.
Progress has brought it its wake high tech shopping centres, art galleries and multi-culinary restaurants. The modern State Theatre complex caters mainly for classical cultural interests: symphony and choral concerts, theatre, opera and ballet. Within easy reach of the city centre, day walks provide a relaxing introduction to the region's natural habitats, many inhabited by indigenous animals and birds.
In the morning transfer to the airport for the 1000 departure on Air Botswana flight BP212 to Maun, Botswana. On arrival at 1220 you will be met and taken by light aircraft in the Okavango Delta to stay for three nights at Jao Safari Camp (fully inclusive of meals and activities).
Jao Safari Camp is a sixteen bedded luxury tented camp located in the huge Jao Private Reserve which lies to the west of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Situated on a large elongated island with areas of dry savannah and heavily wooded regions of palm, mangosteen and fig trees, the camp is raised up on stilts beneath the shady canopy overlooking the expansive floodplains.
Accommodation is in eight superb canvas-walled rooms with proper beds, furniture and en-suite facilities with flush w.c., and a shower and basin with hot and cold water, pure luxury.
This location in the Okavango has a particularly wide range of wildlife and plains game including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo and elephant, also zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and abundant plains game. As Jao Camp is set on a private concession rather than within the Moremi Reserve, the normal rules and restrictions do not apply, making game viewing here particularly flexible. The main activity is open vehicle game drives both during the day and at night with a spotlight, and in addition guided walks and mokoro canoeing or boat trips are possible.
After your morning activity you will be transferred by light aircraft about twenty minutes to Mombo Safari Camp where you stay for three nights (fully inclusive of meals and activities).
Mombo Camp is situated on a private concession on Mombo Island, adjoining the northern tip of Chief's Island, inside the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.
The camp is situated beneath a shady canopy of huge trees on the edge of a broad floodplain. Mombo accommodates a maximum of twenty guests in huge luxurious tented rooms, each with proper beds, furniture and en suite facilities. The dining room, bar and living area overlook the open plain in front of the camp and there is a plunge pool for relaxing in during the heat of the day. Mombo is possibly the most luxurious camp in Botswana
The Moremi Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful area with rich and varied landscape, including Giant umbrella thorns, Ilala palms and expansive savannah plains. Activities at the camp are principally game drives in open vehicles both within the camp concession and the Moremi Reserve.
Mombo has established a reputation as the finest camp in southern Africa for sightings of predators and has excellent general wildlife. Lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and elephant and packs of wild dog are regularly sighted. Birdlife is also prolific with kestrels, cranes, Meyers parrots, owls and many others often seen. Botswana combines fantastically with Cape Town for perfect safari and town locations.
After lunch you will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun for the 1500 departure on flight BP211 to Johannesburg, arriving at 1740. Depart at 2015 on flight BA056 travelling in Business Class to London's Heathrow Airport, arriving the following morning at 0525.