South Africa Lions Safari (Jul-Aug 2021)

Chitwa Chitwa is hidden on the shores of one of the largest lakes in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Chitwa Chitwa offers seven suites, each of which is individually designed with private plunge pool and timber sun deck looking over the lake – a prime game viewing spot. The suites are very generously sized, and beautifully furnished with large four-poster beds, heavy rugs and fireplaces for the cold winter evenings. En-suite bathrooms feature both outdoor and indoor showers and bathtubs. Each suite has its own private viewing deck overlooking the lake.

The region offers spectacular game viewing and guests can enjoy the abundant wildlife on morning and evening game drives, or bush walks. The wildlife you may see includes leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, hyena, and if you are lucky enough, wild dog.

Breakfast and lunch are served under thatch in an open-air lapa which overlooks the lake. Dinner is typically served in the dining room or, on clear evenings, around an open fire in the boma. There's a cosy lounge and bar kept well-stocked by an underground wine cellar.

Facilities at the Chitwa Chitwa include private plunge pools, wellness centre, sunset deck, library, curio shop, central lounge area and dining area all of which blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings providing excellent game viewing opportunities from the comfort of the lodge.

Twice daily game drives or walking safaris are offered are offered during your stay at Chitwa Chitwa.

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Victoria & Alfred Hotel for 3 nights (Piazza room; B&B basis).

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is located right in the heart of the V&A Waterfront with views of the working harbour and Table Mountain. A wide array of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops are right on your doorstep. The hotel was originally a warehouse and was converted into this iconic hotel in 1990. There are 94 ensuite rooms equipped with the expected modern amenities.

The communal spaces at the V&A hotel are large and stylish. There are two restaurants, lounge and bar. Nearby, the Dock House Hotel offers a well-equipped gym, superb spa and swimming pool with loungers (accessible to guests staying at the V&A).

Evening at leisure.

Departing from central Cape Town, you’ll drive via the seaside suburbs of Sea Point and Clifton to reach Camps Bay, a beautiful coastal enclave famous for its eponymous white sand beach and ocean views.

From Camps Bay, you continue to the fishing harbour of Hout Bay, travelling via the coastal hamlets of Bakoven and Llandudno. One of the Cape Peninsula’s oldest settlements, Hout Bay is now an attractive suburb of Cape Town. You’ll have time to explore its original harbour turned market area and to take in the views of the Bay, where Cape seals are regularly sighted frolicking!

Leaving Hout Bay, you’ll navigate the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, a scenic coastal route that skirts the rocky contours of Chapman’s Peak, with spectacular views in all directions.

Arriving at the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park, you’ll have the option to either hike or take the funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, for fabulous views of False Bay and the South Atlantic Ocean. Then to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of several thousand African Penguins; wooden boardwalks allow you to watch and view the penguins from up close!

Making your way back towards Cape Town, you’ll pass through historic Simonstown, bohemian Kalk Bay, and the surfers’ hotspot of Muizenberg. Your final stop for the day will be at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, on the slopes of Table Mountain, where you’ll be able to learn more about the unique Cape Flora, or fynbos.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be returned to your hotel in Cape Town. Evening at leisure.

Please note that rugby tickets are not included with this itinerary. Our programme assumes that you will have secured your own tickets, and that you make your own way to the game at Cape Town Stadium, though we can organise a private transfer if required.

If staying on in South Africa for the third Test match in Johannesburg on August 7th, we can help with your further travel arrangements. There are so many interesting and varied places to visit in South Africa. You might like to take a self-drive journey along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, enjoy walking in the Drakensberg Mountains, drive along the spectacular Panorama route, or relax on one of South Africa’s many beautiful beaches. Let us know your preferences and we will do the rest!