With a vaccine in sight, Covid protocols firmly in place and the South African borders now open to everyone, could it be the time to start to get excited about planning amazing itineraries for your clients. The nights are drawing in and the wind is biting. Snuggle down with your loved ones and an ipad and start to turn those dreams into a reality.
To get those ideas flowing we have put together the ideal extension to a Cape Town holiday showcasing The Blue Train, The Ant Collection and the Garonga Safari Company. This is the perfect combination of train travel and self-drive, soaking up the natural beauty of South African along the way.
There is no better way to move from Cape Town to Pretoria than on the luxurious Blue Train. This 2 night journey will take you through the stunning winelands, arid Karoo, Kimberley diamond mine and more. Whilst you are cocooned in luxury within the fully refurbished train, sit back and enjoy a glass of South African wine from the extensive onboard selection.
Spend a minute taking in The Blue Train experience for yourself here
2021 rates start from R23085 per person for 2 nights (today that would be £1131 per person for the experience or approximately £560) per night. Don’t forget that The Blue Train rate is all-inclusive of accommodation, meals, drinks and the off-train excursion to the Kimberley Diamond Mines. In addition to being a mode of transport!
On arrival in Pretoria pick up a car for the short and very easy one and a half hours drive to Ant’s Hill or Ants Nest, the 2 bush homes that make up The Ant Collection, hidden away in their own private reserve within the Waterberg. Its beauty lies in its superb vistas, mountain gorges, crystal clear streams and rolling bushveld hills. The Waterberg’s charismatic beauty and bio diversity which covers 14500 sq km has been recognised worldwide in being awarded the status of a World Biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the only savannah biosphere in the world.
These breathtaking views and incredible scenery can be taken in on game activities via foot, vehicle or more uniquely, on horseback. Choose from one of the 90 horses that are meticulously cared for by the team at Ants but who are allowed to roam free on the reserve. Their daily interaction with the plains game ensures the most awe inspiring opportunity to have a thrilling “up close” experience.
2021 Rates start from UK£300 per person per night and include your accommodation, all meals, all local drinks and onsite activities which include horse-riding, game drives, game walks, archery and air rifle shooting. We would recommend a minimum of 3 nights here.
Choose from either bush home - Ant's Hill or Ant's Nest
Enjoy your last hearty breakfast at Ants before hopping back in your car for the 5 hour journey to the Garonga Safari Company located in the Makalali Private Game Reserve, just West of the Kruger National Park. Garonga is made up of 3 luxury camps that excel in giving you the ultimate “Safari for the Soul.”
Garonga offers the unique combination of laid back luxury, restorative activities for the mind and body along with thrilling encounters with not only the Big 5 but the elusive cheetah and wild dog and the misunderstood hyena!
What better way to spend your days – tracking Africa’s famed wildlife with a local and very passionate guide. Then, on your downtime, choose from a massage, yoga class or, in the evening, the star bath. Bliss!
2021 Rates start from R16,375 per room (today that would be £800 per room) per night and include your accommodation, all meals, all drinks, game drives, bush walks, sleep out experience, bush bath, star bath and yoga sala. We would recommend a minimum of 3 nights here. Guests staying 5 nights however will only pay for 4.
Choose from one of the three camps at Garonga including the brand new MCH Private Tented Camp.
If that has inspired you to find out more then please don’t hesitate to contact either Alison or Amanda for more information.