The Journey
This journey begins among beautiful private gardens, the kind rarely opened to visitors, before drawing you into the magic of the African Delta, where waterways shift with the seasons and wildlife moves freely across the floodplains. From there the landscape turns dramatic with the raw natural beauty of the Cape, all wind-carved coastline and mountains falling to the sea. Throughout, you are looked after with next level hospitality and experiences designed around the places themselves, and because the group stays small, every encounter feels immersive rather than observed.
“I have visited South Africa and Botswana regularly for the past fifteen years, and each visit brings a new and profound experience. The thrill of seeing abundant animals in their natural habitat, without fences, where they have originated from for millennia. The aromatic scent of sage in the gentle heat, the golden African sunsets. The thrill of an ultimate safari. The vast landscapes of southern Africa, access to some of the finest beautiful private gardens, remarkable food and wine experiences, and the finest places to relax and immerse oneself. Join me for adventure on this intimate small group as we explore a unique and deeply considered slice of South Africa and Botswana.”
Richard Unsworth
Itinerary
Days 1–4
Arrival & Safari
Direct flights with Qantas from Sydney arrive at 4.30 pm, and from Perth at 8.00 pm, into Johannesburg. We overnight and start to acclimatise to the new time zone at the Intercontinental Hotel at Johannesburg Airport. The following morning a short flight takes us to Maun, Botswana and into the Okavango Delta where our animal adventure begins. A short helicopter transfer takes us to Mapula Lodge, sitting on a private island at the beginning of the Selinda Spillway, the waterway connecting the Delta with the Linyati wetlands. Our home for three nights, this brand-new lodge offers restrained understated luxury from which to experience one of the most magical of natural environments on our precious planet.
Days 5, 6 & 7
Cape Town
Following the animal escapades, we fly directly to Cape Town, known as 'The Mother City', for three days combining vibrant city outings, further private garden and nature adventures and sampling some of the best food and wine the country has to offer. Our home will be the elegant boutique hotel Noah for three nights, exclusively rented just for us and based in the CBD in the smart cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Tamboerskloof.
Joined by Barry Strick, our guide for the next five days, we venture to Cape Point to witness the dramatic coastal landscape and fynbos in full flower. We stop en route to see the penguin colony before stretching our legs at the old colonial lighthouse, waves pounding below.
We have access to private gardens created by South Africa's leading contemporary designers, and enjoy an intimate tour of the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens accompanied by a botanical expert. Sitting at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is world renowned for its unique collections of African and world species in an extraordinary setting.
On the shopping front, we explore the vibrant design markets and the immense collection of tribal African wares downtown in the city. Cape Town is extremely safe; we are in the hands of trusted locals. A private limousine bus will be transferring us throughout our stay.
Days 8, 9 & 10
Babylonstoren
An hour north-east of Cape Town, in the Franschhoek wine valley, lies Babylonstoren — one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of the Simonsberg. The working farm employs over two thousand people, growing stone fruit, grapes, olives, and sustaining a vast, vibrant productive garden that feeds the renowned restaurant Babel.
Using Babylonstoren as our base, and accompanied by our guide, we will explore beautiful private gardens in the area and experience the local produce and the finest wines. The itinerary allows for a full rest day, to indulge in the wonderful spa, pools, or just explore the huge rambling farm and myriad activities.
Days 11, 12 & 13
Grootbos Private Reserve
We transfer by road to our destination — Grootbos Private Natural Reserve, a two-hour drive south. Spanning over 3,500 hectares of pristine natural bush between mountains, forest and sea, Grootbos is a coastal haven of immense botanical diversity, comprising over 1,031 plant species, one hundred of which are endangered.
Be as adventurous or as still as you like. Horse riding, whale watching, shark cage diving — or gently explore the trails and immerse yourself in a botanical safari with local guides. Time here feels earned. On our final morning we return to Cape Town airport, flying to Johannesburg to connect with evening flights home. An optional overnight at the Intercontinental at the airport is available for those who wish to break up the journey home.
Curated Stays
Each property has been chosen for its design integrity, sense of place and quality of hospitality. These are not hotels that announce themselves — they are places that settle around you.
Intercontinental Johannesburg
1 night (arrival)
A well-positioned airport hotel providing a seamless start and end to the journey.
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Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta
3 nights
A brand-new lodge on a private island in the Delta. Understated luxury in the heart of one of the world's great wilderness areas.
Noah Hotel, Cape Town
3 nights (exclusive use)
A refined boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town, held exclusively for our group.
Babylonstoren, Franschhoek
3 nights
One of South Africa's most beloved properties. A working Cape Dutch farm of extraordinary beauty, generosity, and flavour.
Grootbos Private Natural Reserve
2 nights
A coastal wilderness reserve of rare botanical richness, where landscape and luxury exist in quiet balance.
The Details
Guide
Richard Unsworth
Locations
Johannesburg arrival – Maun, Botswana – Cape Town, Franschoek,
Stelenbosch – Hermanus – Johannesburg departure
Dates
October 2027
Duration
13 nights, 14 days
Group size
Intimate — limited places
Estimated cost
$28,000 per person, twin share
Single supplement $4,000
Inclusions
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2 international flights – Johannesburg – Maun – Cape Town.
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3 internal flights – transfer to safari return by small plane and Cape Town to Johannesburg.
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All accommodation, all meals, all drinks on Safari and at Grootbos, luxury bus, guide for 5 days in Cape Town and 2 days in Stellenbosch, tipping and gratuities, garden entry fees.
Exclusions
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Flights from Australia to Johannesburg (and return)
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Spa treatments and incidentals
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alcoholic beverages at Babylonstoren and in Cape Town
Upcoming trips
Morocco
United Kingdom
