First stop: Cape Town

The trip begins in Cape Town—a city defined by dramatic natural beauty, world-class dining, and a creative, effortless energy. From Table Mountain to the Atlantic coastline, every day feels cinematic and alive.

How I got there: International arrival at Cape Town Airport, followed by a private road transfer to the hotel. Nonstop flights available from Newark.

Where I stayed: Ellerman House—an iconic oceanfront hideaway in Bantry Bay offering art-filled interiors, Atlantic views, and one of the most refined boutique hotel experiences in Africa.

Second stop: Winelands

The Winelands at their most composed and atmospheric, where sculpted vineyards meet mountain backdrops, and everything moves at a slower, more intentional pace.

How I got there: Quick private transfer from Cape Town along the mountain passes into the heart of the Winelands.

Where I stayed: Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa—an ultra-luxury estate perched above the vineyards, known for its art collection, manicured landscapes, and deeply private lodge experience.

View from the game drive vehicle in Kruger

Third stop: Safari

A shift into raw wilderness, where safari begins to define time itself. Days are shaped by game drives, light, and silence, with wildlife movement guiding every moment.

How I got there: One domestic flight via Cape Town to Kruger National Park, followed by a charter flight into Phinda Airstrip and a final private transfer into the reserve.

Where I stayed: andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge—an intimate, low-impact safari lodge set in a secluded wetland setting, designed for close wildlife encounters and complete immersion in nature.

Cheetahs at Phinda Private Game Reserve

Elephant family spotting—feet away from our breakfast table!

Fourth stop: Safari (Kruger National Park)

A deeper expression of safari, where riverine forest and open bushveld create one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. The terrain here is completely different and much more desert-like. If you’re lucky, you will see one of the park’s rare white lions!

How I got there: Short charter flight from Phinda into the Kruger region, landing at Ngala Airstrip, followed by a game drive transfer into camp.

Where I stayed: andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp—a classic luxury tented safari experience set along a riverbed, where canvas suites open directly into the bush and wildlife moves through camp.

Mama and baby in Kruger National Park

Fifth stop: Beach (Benguerra Island, Mozambique)

Clients are shocked when I tell them this was my favorite stop of the trip, even more so than the safari. This stay was the epitome of privacy, seclusion, and escape—mixed with ultra-luxury service, where you didn’t stop off the beach without someone cleaning your feet!

How I got there: Scheduled flights from Kruger via Johannesburg to Vilanculos, followed by a helicopter transfer directly to the island.

Where I stayed: Kisawa Sanctuary—an ultra-private island estate on Benguerra Island offering expansive residences, personal butler service, and one of the most secluded luxury beach experiences in the Indian Ocean. This property soon became my number one stay of all time, the epitome of barefoot luxury at its best. It is truly in a league of its own!

View from the helicopter ride from Vilankulos to Benguerra Island

Sunset drinks on one of the beaches at Kisawa Sanctuary

Planning a journey like this through Southern Africa is far more logistics-intensive than most travelers realize. Between coordinating international and regional flights, bush charters, remote airstrips, private transfers, lodge timing, baggage restrictions, and constantly shifting safari routing, there are countless moving pieces behind the scenes that need to align seamlessly.

Beyond the logistics, the true value lies in knowing which on-the-ground partners to trust. Not all safari operators, guides, or touring companies deliver the same level of quality, ethics, or authenticity. Working with a travel advisor allows for access to deeply vetted local suppliers who prioritize conservation, community impact, safety, and genuinely immersive experiences—rather than generic, mass-market tourism. The difference is often felt in the smallest details: the quality of your guide, the pacing of the itinerary, the warmth of the service, and the ability to experience a destination in a way that feels personal, seamless, and deeply connected to the region itself.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our South Africa page.