A Private 10-Day Whale Coast And Madikwe Family Safari
A Private 10-Day Whale Coast And Madikwe Family Safari. The South African tour combining the Whale Coast and Madikwe Game Reserve offers a premier luxury experience, blending marine life with malaria-free “Big 5” safaris. The Whale Coast (Hermanus/Gansbaai) offers world-class whale watching, while Madikwe, north of Johannesburg, features savanna wildlife, including endangered wild dogs.
This 10-Day Whale Coast And Madikwe Family Safari itinerary is perfect for large groups of friends or families, and it combines exciting big game excursions in Madikwe Game Reserve with the beautiful southern Cape and the vibrant metropolis of Johannesburg.
Morukuru Ocean House, located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, is the starting point of your tour. Considered the finest coastal reserve in Southern Africa, De Hoop is a pristine fynbos environment teeming with endemic flora and fauna, as well as being a nursery for southern right whales between July and October every year. You will next spend two nights in the opulent Athol House in the lively metropolis of Johannesburg. During your stay, you will be able to see the dynamic Soweto neighbourhood, which had a significant role in the country’s recent history. Fly to Madikwe wildlife Reserve from the city lights and stay at Morukuru Farm House for exciting and personal encounters with large wildlife.
Because you will be staying in private villas the whole way, you can establish your own schedule and enjoy the finest hospitality and cuisine in some of the most breathtaking natural locations in South Africa.
A Detailed 10-Day Whale Coast And Madikwe Family Safari
Days 1-3: De Hoop Dreams | 3 Nights
After you touch down at Cape Town International Airport, a beautiful driver will be waiting to take you to De Hoop. Along the way, you’ll pass through mountain passes, stunning farmlands, and occasionally catch a view of the Indian Ocean. You will reach De Hoop and proceed to Ocean House after passing through several tiny towns and villages in the open countryside. This stone villa is situated on a slope that is thick with indigenous fynbos and has stunning ocean views. It is only a short stroll away from the perfect beach.
With a personal chef and staff to take care of every detail, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you desire during your stay.
From a 4×4 trip to learn about the area’s distinctive fynbos ecology to birding, sightseeing, and nature walks along the coast, your guide is available to take you on a range of excursions. There is an abundance of activities to partake in along the 51 km (32 km) of beach, dunes, and limestone cliffs. From the cliffs and beaches, you may watch the southern right whales breach and show off their calves in the bay’s pristine waters during whale calving season (about July to October).
Days 4-5: Electrifying Johannesburg | 2 Nights
You will be escorted to Athol Place, a serene and verdant enclave in Sandton, from Johannesburg Airport. Perched on spacious grounds with a well-kept garden, towering trees, and an exquisite pool, the home exudes a charming fusion of subtle sophistication and glitz. A private chef, manager, and host are all on hand to make sure you have a wonderful day in complete peace and quiet. If you need to do any last-minute shopping or want to try some amazing cuisine, you’re within walking distance of the posh retail and dining districts of Sandton City and Mandela Square.
A guide will come get you when you’re ready to see the lively neighbourhood of Soweto. A significant portion of South African history was shaped here. From the vibrant and lively “shanty towns” to the wealthy suburbs where famous people like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have lived. Two monuments that testify to the power of the human will to overcome adversity are the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Peterson Memorial.
Days 6-8: Into the Wilds | 4 Nights
After your time at Morukuru Farm House comes to an end, you’ll head back to the airport to catch a charter flight to Madikwe Private Game Reserve.
Set in a 100-hectare fenced-in safe environment with harmless animals, the 5-suite Farm House is an oasis where children may play freely and adults can stroll and explore at their leisure. With its spacious layout, tasteful furnishings, and understated elegance, this house is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Children can accompany their guides on nature walks in the enclosed space surrounding the Farm House, where they can learn about the many interesting aspects of the wilds, such as how to recognise antelope trails, look closely at tiny animals like dung beetles, or analyse a termite mound. Exhilarating walking safaris await you outside the gate, where you will find huge animals.
Along with the Big 5, you might see a plethora of other huge animals, such as the African wild dog, which is in risk of extinction. You will be shown the hidden wonders of the environment by your knowledgeable guide and tracker, who will also point out things like the smell of lion poop, the sound of a go-away bird’s call, and the flattened grass where the animal lay down. To take these feelings to the next level, you may spend the night under the stars at the Morukuru Hide, a raised platform that looks out over a popular waterhole. Bedding is made up behind billowing mosquito nets so you may rest perfectly safe beneath the stars while the nightlife of Africa envelops you. This is in addition to a romantic dinner at a flawlessly linen-clad table.
Day 10: Stay well, South Africa
Now that you’ve had your last morning game drive or stroll, it’s time to fuel up on brunch before making your way back to the airstrip. On the journey back to Johannesburg, you can’t help but reminisce about the wonderful things that happened the past few days. Images of sun-kissed beaches at De Hoop, whales playing in the blue water beyond the breakers, and ochre-clad elephants lined up on a riverbank all flood your mind.
End of the 10-Day Whale Coast And Madikwe Family Safari