For more than 25 years, Sherry has helped travellers discover the beauty and depth of South Africa through carefully curated luxury stays. Her work is driven by a genuine love for creating memorable moments, building relationships, and introducing guests to the places and experiences that make Cape Town extraordinary. Through Cape Luxury Res, she brings warmth, precision, and personal attention to every journey.
Located beside one of the world’s great natural wonders, Cape Luxury Res curates South Africa’s most exceptional villas, boutique hotels, spa retreats, and select game reserves. With over 25 years of expertise, we craft bespoke stays for discerning travellers, supported by a
concierge service where every detail is personally considered. From seamless arrivals to rare insider access, we elevate every journey with the refinement expected by a global luxury clientele.
Experience a world that goes beyond the ordinary.
As we step confidently into 2026, the memories and milestones of 2025 continue to inspire and energize us. It has been an exceptional year, and we are delighted to once again bring you the very best of the African continent.
With trends constantly evolving, our mission remains clear: to share insightful features, compelling stories, and trusted suppliers and destinations that will elevate your travel planning and deepen your connection to Africa. We invite you to journey with us through this edition and to reach out to our highly recommended partners—each one dedicated to crafting seamless and memorable experiences.
As the number of GCC travellers visiting Africa continues to grow, we remain committed to offering expertly matched itineraries and premium service providers tailored to your expectations. Strengthening our relationships across the GCC remains a key priority, and we are excited to keep building meaningful partnerships and fostering new opportunities between our regions.
Our sincere appreciation goes to our valued advertisers, without whom this edition would not be possible. Your collaboration ensures that Africa’s finest offerings are showcased on a world-class platform. We also extend our gratitude to the diplomats, contributors, and collaborators across Africa and the Middle East whose support and insights have enriched our work. With record engagement this past year, we look forward to continuing our mission of connecting Africa and the Middle East even more powerfully in 2026.
May the year ahead be one of prosperity, joy, good health, and remarkable opportunities for us all.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Happy reading.
ROCCO OLIVIER Editor @roccoolivier
Welcome to another edition of Bespoke Destinations for 2026.
There are seasons in our lives when the worlds we inhabit shift and expand. Over the past year, mine have done exactly that. While my work in luxury travel continues to take me across coastlines, cities, wildlife havens and cultural corridors, a parallel path has been unfolding — one rooted in purpose, community, and the quiet resilience of people living within fragile economies.
My involvement with Amahoro Coalition has deepened this journey. Working across the continent in communities navigating displacement has become more than professional engagement — it has filled my cup in unexpected ways. It has reminded me that impact is not always loud; sometimes it’s found in a fellowship circle in Nairobi, in a youth entrepreneur’s first prototype in Kakuma, or in a conversation about possibility with someone whose life has been shaped by uncertainty. It’s work that has added dimension to my understanding of Africa — its challenges, its brilliance, and its boundless potential.
And it has made me appreciate, even more deeply, the privilege and responsibility of storytelling.
This issue of Bespoke Destinations brings these worlds together — celebrating the people and places shaping Africa’s tomorrow, while continuing to showcase the continent’s most exceptional destinations.
We spotlight Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, whose vision for Africa’s youth, economic mobility, and a reimagined displacement ecosystem is as compelling as it is urgent. His work is reshaping conversations across governments, boardrooms, and communities — and we are honoured to feature him.
We also spend time with Maps Maponyane — style icon, creative force, entrepreneur, and one of Africa’s most curious and passionate travelers. His reflections on movement, identity, and the soul of African destinations bring a personal warmth to this issue.
Closer to home, we challenge the long-held misconception that Joburg is a city to be skipped. Instead, we take you inside its rhythm: its galleries, food culture, bold creative spaces and its unmistakable pulse. It is one of the continent’s most thrilling metropolitan stories — and it deserves a reintroduction.
Beyond the cities, we explore new takes on beloved favourites — Kenya’s evolving luxury landscape, Mauritius’ next chapter of experiences — and spotlight hidden gems like Mozambique’s quiet boutique escapes and the soulful shores of Nosy Be.
This issue is a celebration of people making impact, places inspiring imagination, and a continent that continues to evolve in ways the world can’t help but watch.
As always, I invite you — our global community — to journey with us.
To share what resonates.
To explore corners of the continent you’ve never considered.
To connect with us on social throughout the year and see what’s new and happening across the continent — and to be inspired to discover more.
With warmth and anticipation for the travels ahead,
ZAHIRAH VARIAWA (MARTY) Associate Editor @mrszahmarty
cameron@bespokedestinations.co.za
Cameron Scott boasts an extensive 30 year tenure as a visitor to many African parks and of that has been operating as a private safari guide for the past 11 years. Over the years, he has cultivated an unparalleled passion for wildlife and has wholeheartedly dedicated himself to conservation efforts while continually expanding his knowledge of the natural world.
Following the attainment of his professional photography credentials, Cameron pursued an intensive field guide program within the esteemed Sabi Sand Game Reserve, renowned for its abundant predator population. For six months, he resided in a modest one-person tent amidst the spectacular array of wildlife for which Africa is celebrated. His exceptional performance led to his distinction as the top graduate of his class and subsequently afforded him the opportunity to serve as a guide and host for discerning luxury travellers from across the globe, a role he adeptly fulfilled for 11 years.
Cameron’s captivating commitment to educating his clients in a distinctive and engaging manner has fostered enduring friendships throughout his career. Those who have the pleasure of engaging with Cameron can anticipate forging a lifelong connection with this remarkable individual.
angela@bespokedestinations.co.za
Angela Yeung is a global traveller, mountaineer and jewellery entrepreneur whose life’s work is shaped by movement—across continents, cultures and extreme landscapes. Having lived in South Africa for over 35 years, she brings a deeply rooted African perspective to a global luxury worldview. With more than 25 years in the diamond jewellery industry, Angela possesses an innate understanding of craftsmanship, discretion and what defines true luxury beyond price.
Her journeys—most notably her ascent of Mount Everest via the North Side—inform both her creative output and her belief that the most meaningful travel is transformational rather than transactional. As the founder of Impilo Collection and the Impilo Collection Foundation, she continues to explore the
world with purpose, translating experience into stories, design and social impact that endure long after the journey ends.
raheema@bespokedestinations.co.za
I’m a seasoned property practitioner in Gauteng, bringing a wealth of diplomatic experience to my role at Bespoke Destinations. Fueled by a passion for travel and hospitality, my history with embassies offers unique insights into the Middle Eastern lifestyle. I thrive on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, weaving a tapestry of cultural appreciation in my journey.
taryn@bespokedestinations.co.za
With over 15 years of experience in the luxury safari industry, Taryn Scott joins Bespoke Destinations as our travel consultant.
Taryn’s career has seen her excel in pivotal roles across Southern African safari adventures, making her a true authority in the field. Beginning with a passion for showcasing Southern Africa’s untamed beauty, she has honed her expertise as a Sales and Marketing professional, Reservations Manager, and most recently, Revenue Manager for a high-end safari portfolio.
Her multifaceted background provides her with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in curating exceptional safari experiences, ensuring every guest’s journey is meticulously orchestrated to perfection. Taryn’s wealth of knowledge and handson experience enables her to seamlessly manage the operational details of Bespoke Destinations, delivering adventures with unparalleled precision and care.
Her passion for Southern Africa’s natural wonders and dedication to unforgettable guest experiences reflect the ethos of Bespoke Destinations. Taryn’s leadership and expertise will elevate our commitment to world-class luxury safaris, ensuring every journey is extraordinary.
We are thrilled to welcome Taryn Scott to the Bespoke Destinations family.
EDITOR
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
LAYOUT AND DESIGN COVER PHOTOGRAPH ONLINE
MBG MEDIA PRINTED BY ENQUIRIES
| 20 The summits we find at home | 26 Nkosi Ceramics | 30 Bo‑Kaap’s Boutique Hideaway | 34 Isaac Fokuo Jr.: African Visionary Spotlight | 36 Empire of Elegance | 38 Impilo Collection | 40 Maps Maponyane’s Africa | 42 Kilimanjaro: Africa’s Ultimate High Altitude Journey | 48 A Message from his Majesty the King of the Zulu Nation | 52 South Africa | 54 Joburg: Africa’s Electricmetropolis | 56 TAJ Cape Town | 58 TAJ The African Wilderness | 60 Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa | 62 Steyn City Hotel By Saxon | 64 Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa | 66 Tsala Treetop Lodge | 68 Gorah Elephant Camp | 70 Hunter’s Country House | 74 Leeukoppie Estate | 76 Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa | 78 Hayward’s Grand Safaris | 80 Abelana Game Reserve | 82 Labotessa Boutique Hotel | 84 Kwalata Game Lodge | 86 Zambia | 88 Royal Zambian Safari | 90 Botswana | 92 Royal Botswana Safari | 94 Atzaro Okavango Camp | 96 Mombo Wilderness | 98 Namibia | 100 Royal Namibian Adventure | 102 Little Kulala Wilderness | 104 Hoanib Wilderness | 106 Rwanda | 108 Royal Rwanda Experience | 110 Wilderness Bisate | 112 Zimbabwe | 114 Royal Luxury Zimbabwe | 116 Ruckomechi Wilderness | 118 Mozambique | 120 Royal Mozambique Experience | 122 Mozambique: The Quiet Heartbeat Of The Indian Ocean | 126 Tanzania | 128 Royal Serengeti Safari | 130 Kenya | 132 Royal Kenyan Experience | 134 Seychelles | 136 Royal Island Experience | 138 Madagascar | 140 Royal Madagascar Adventure | 142 Mauritius | 144 Royal Mauritius Experience | 146 Four Seasons Resort | 148 Egypt | 150 Egypt Luxury Honeymoon All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor, publisher nor Bespoke Destinations can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. The opinions expressed in the articles may not reflect those of the publisher.
Rocco Olivier rocco@bespokedestinations.co.za
Zahirah Variawa (Marty)
Eugene Kruger
Jeané Nel & Anelle Tewson
Chris Piason Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Lambert Van Sittert
eugene@mbgmedia.co.za | www.mbgmedia.co.za
Jetline | info@jetline.co.za | www.jetline.co.za publications@bespokedestinations.co.za www.bespokedestinations.co.za
In a world where privacy, precision, and peace of mind have become the ultimate luxuries, Growthonics Secure stands at the forefront of elite protection and bespoke security services.
Founded on the principle that true security extends beyond bodyguards and surveillance — it’s about trust, intelligence, and adaptability — Growthonics Secure has become the preferred partner for high-profile individuals, executives, and brands who demand nothing short of excellence.
With headquarters in South Africa and active operations across the African continent, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of services including VIP protection, event security management, residential guarding, and secure transport solutions. Each engagement is uniquely tailored, reflecting the understanding that no two clients or circumstances are ever the same.
“At Growthonics Secure, discretion and professionalism form the backbone of everything we do,” says founder Laver Bryce-Pease. “Our team blends military-grade discipline with a modern understanding of client experience — ensuring our protection feels seamless, not restrictive.”
The company’s reputation is built not only on operational excellence but also on technological innovation. Their Journey Management Platform represents a new era in safety, intelligence, and movement control — empowering clients and corporate partners with real-time tracking, route planning, and integrated threat analysis.
This intelligent system continuously assesses environmental, logistical, and geopolitical risks along each planned route — enabling proactive decision-making and rapid response in the event of emerging threats. Whether it’s a change in travel conditions, public unrest, or potential security concerns, clients receive early alerts and expert guidance to maintain safety at every stage of their journey.
Integrated with Growthonics Secure’s cutting-edge security app, clients can access live journey updates, monitor field teams, and receive proactive alerts in real time. It’s a solution designed for a world that moves fast — where safety, efficiency, and intelligence must operate in perfect harmony.
Whether it’s managing the security of international events, ensuring safe passage for VIPs across borders, or protecting private estates throughout Africa, Growthonics Secure brings a level of precision and dedication that transforms safety into an art form.
For those who live life without compromise, Growthonics Secure offers more than protection — it offers peace of mind, wherever your journey may take you.
Across Southern and Eastern Africa, where mountain passes dissolve into open savannahs and coastal roads flirt with the Indian Ocean, Do Epic Shit Adventures (DESA) is redefining luxury exploration. Their Safari Porsche Expeditions fuse the precision of Stuttgart engineering with Africa’s raw, cinematic beauty , a seamless blend of power, freedom, and refinement.
Each journey unfolds behind the wheel of a fleet of off-road Porsche 911s and Cayennes, meticulously built by Safari Projek, the South African specialists who transform these icons into rally-ready masterpieces. Raised suspensions, reinforced chassis, and rally lights equip them to conquer deserts, mountain passes, and wildlife tracks with equal grace — turning the African wilderness into the ultimate driver’s playground.
The reflection of sunset on polished metal. The moment when you realise you are driving through landscapes few will ever touch in your own Safari Porsche, guided only by instinct, skill, and the rhythm of the open road.
DESA’s philosophy is bold yet polished: escape the ordinary, but never the elegance. Every route is crafted with precision and passion — from the vineyards of the Cape to Namibia’s vast dunes, Botswana’s salt pans to Kenya’s highlands, Tanzania’s crater lakes to Zanzibar’s coral coast. Each day brings new horizons, each evening a sense of arrival. Expect hand-selected premium lodges and boutique retreats, regional cuisine with fine-dining flair, sundowners under acacia silhouettes, and a level of curation that leaves nothing to chance.
Yet what truly defines a DESA expedition is not luxury alone — it’s emotion. The quiet after the engine’s echo fades over the plains.
Participation is intentionally limited, ensuring exclusivity and camaraderie among a small circle of like-minded adventurers. For those seeking something even more personal, bespoke private tours can be created anywhere across the continent — same spirit, different path.
For those who believe the best roads are the ones less travelled, Do Epic Shit Adventures offers more than travel. It offers transformation — through precision, passion, and the promise to do epic shit across Africa’s most extraordinary frontiers .
For more information mark@doepicshitadventures.com
T C L U X U R Y T O U R S
Cape Town invites you to explore its winding coastal roads, serene vineyards, and dramatic cliffside views. With LTC Luxur y Tours, ever y journey between these destinations feels effor tless.
Our luxur y fleet offers space, comfor t, and privacy From airpor t transfers to Winelands excursions or Cape Point drives, we ensure travel is smooth, unhurried, and tailored to you
Your chauffeur is a professional f irst discreet, reliable, and focused on your comfor t Accredited guides can be arranged to enrich your experience with local histor y and culture, thoughtfully and authentically.
Day or night, planned or spontaneous, we operate 24 / 7 to suppor t your itinerar y. Romantic escapes, family trips, business travel. We make moving between them seamless.
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BY ANGELA YEUNG — EVEREST SUMMITEER NORTH SIDE, DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF IMPILO COLLECTION AND IMPILO COLLECTION FOUNDATION
There is a moment on Everest — somewhere above the North Col — when the world narrows into pure intention. The wind sharpens, the cold takes on a personality of its own, and you realise that every mountain is really a mirror. It reflects who you are, what you carry, and how much truth you can hold at once.
When I reached the summit in May 2025, I expected triumph. What surprised me was clarity. I understood, perhaps for the first time, that the mountains that change us most are not always the tallest; they are the ones that bring us home to ourselves.
South Africa offers trails that do exactly that. No oxygen tanks. No crampons. Just the kind of
raw, refined beauty that nudges you back into your own humanity — something the luxury traveller increasingly craves. Adventure, yes. But meaningful adventure. The kind that still feels elegant, curated, and deeply personal.
For the 2026 edition of Bespoke Destinations, here are two South African trails that — through an Everest lens — offer that rare blend of physicality, presence, and soul.
A COASTAL EPIC FOR THE BOLD AT HEART Garden Route National Park | 42 km | 5 Days
The Otter Trail is South Africa’s crown jewel of multi-day trekking — wild, immersive, beautifully uncompromising. Think of it as a “mini-Everest,” not in height but in mindset. It demands preparation, intention, and the willingness to let nature set the pace.
The route winds through ancient forests, cliffside passes, tidal crossings, and secret beaches that feel untouched by time. Every turn is cinematic. Every climb, a conversation with yourself. And every night, the reward is the same: silence, stars, and a sense that you’ve temporarily stepped outside the world’s noise.
What makes the Otter exceptional is not just its views — although they could easily headline a National Geographic cover — but the transformation it quietly initiates. Like mountaineering, it strips life back to essentials: breath, movement, presence. On Everest, you learn quickly that your greatest luxury is oxygen. On the Otter, it’s time — uninterrupted, analog, profoundly grounding.
For luxury travellers:
This trail appeals to those who want the authenticity of a wilderness experience but still value infrastructure, safety,
and exclusivity. Permits are limited. Cabins are rustic but perfectly placed. And the experience feels curated by nature itself.
Northern Drakensberg | 12–14 km | Full-Day Hike
If the Otter Trail is introspective, the Drakensberg is theatrical.
Standing before the Amphitheatre feels like walking into a geological symphony — a five-kilometre wall of basalt rising straight into the sky, commanding both reverence and awe. Few landscapes outside the Himalayas have this scale. Few carry this kind of ancient authority.
The Tugela Gorge trail begins gently, guiding you through grasslands and riverbanks before ushering you into a world of towering cliffs and sculpted rock passages. The closer you move toward the gorge, the more the valley seems to quiet itself. It’s not difficult — families, photographers, and weekend adventurers all manage it — but its emotional impact is disproportionately profound.
Having stood on Everest’s summit ridge with Tibet beneath my feet, I can say with conviction: the Drakensberg carries a familiar energy. It invites humility. It reminds you how small you are, but never in a way that diminishes — only in a way that expands your capacity for wonder.
For luxury travellers:
The area is rich with high-end lodges, wellness retreats, curated dining, helicopter tours, and tailored hiking experiences. It’s accessible, safe, and picture-perfect for travellers who want impact without intensity.
Luxury travel is undergoing its own quiet revolution. The modern traveller is no longer satisfied with passive beauty; they want a story to participate in. They want
And sometimes, the mountain that transforms you is the one right here at home.
meaning stitched between the vistas. They want to feel alive — not just pampered.
The Otter Trail and the Drakensberg Amphitheatre answer that call beautifully. They offer:
• Authenticity without sacrificing safety or comfort
• Adventure without unnecessary risk
• Transformation without the extremity of high altitude
• Connection to landscapes that reflect our national character — resilient, raw, magnificent
These are experiences that resonate with the traveller who reads with intention, books with discernment, and collects moments the way others collect vintage Champagne.
After climbing Everest, people often ask whether anything else can compare. The truth? Comparison is the wrong metric. The mountain that changes your life doesn’t need to be 8 849 metres. It only needs to meet you where you are — and move you.
Sometimes, the summit is stillness. Sometimes, it’s the sound of a tide folding into rock. Sometimes, it’s a long walk beneath basalt cliffs that have been standing longer than the concept of time.
And sometimes, the mountain that transforms you is the one right here at home.
A FAMILY WOVEN IN CLAY AND LOVE
When the world fell silent during the COVID-19 lockdowns, one South African family decided to fill that silence with creativity.
Out of long, quiet days and uncertain tomorrows, Nkosi Ceramics was born — a studio where clay meets love, and where the art of making became the art of healing.
At the centre of this story is Gwen Nkosi, the matriarch whose entrepreneurial spirit has always been her guiding light. She’s the kind of woman who finds opportunity in every challenge — from selling jeans to her classmates at university to building ventures that reflect her vision and determination.
So when the pandemic brought her family back under one roof, Gwen did what she has always done best: she turned a moment of stillness into one of creation.
Soon, the entire family found themselves drawn to the rhythm of the clay — the grounding calm of shaping something lasting with their own hands.
Her eldest daughter, Nonhle Nkosi, has walked beside her mother through every chapter of her entrepreneurial journey. Today, she brings that same dedication to Nkosi Ceramics, serving as the studio’s Client Liaison and the bridge between the brand and its growing community of collectors. Her warmth and precision have become part of the studio’s DNA. Beyond the family business, Nonhle’s leadership extends to her role as Chairperson of Ceramics Southern Africa’s Gauteng Region, where she continues to advocate for the craft she loves.
Gwen’s son, Sihle Nkosi, brings a dynamic energy to the mix. With a sharp eye for branding and a flair for storytelling, he has helped turn Nkosi Ceramics into more than a local studio — it’s now a name recognized across South Africa and abroad. Through his creative marketing, the family’s story has reached hearts and homes worldwide, positioning their work among the country’s most celebrated artisan brands.
Then there is Natalia Efremova Nkosi, Sihle’s wife and the studio’s head artist. Born in Yakutsk, Russia, Natalia’s artistry carries the softness and soul of her homeland. Each of her creations is a meeting point between two worlds — the earthy warmth of Africa and the refined subtlety of northern design. Her pieces speak in textures and tones, blending continents and cultures into one harmonious language of form.
And quietly anchoring it all is Simon Nkosi, the family patriarch. Since retiring, he has taken on the most sacred role of all — the keeper of peace and balance. While others mold clay, Simon molds the heart of the home,
caring for grandchildren, tending to the garden, and ensuring the family’s rhythm never falters. His steady presence gives the rest of the family the freedom to dream and create.
From those early lockdown experiments, Nkosi Ceramics has grown into a name synonymous with authenticity and craftsmanship. Their partnership with Tourvest has placed their handmade creations in airports across South Africa and Zambia, greeting travelers with the warmth of homegrown artistry.
And in 2021, the family reached another milestone: a partnership with HomeGoods America, introducing their ceramics to homes across the globe — a remarkable achievement for a family that began shaping clay in their backyard.
Every Nkosi Ceramics piece tells a story — of hands and hearts, of love and lineage, of clay mold ed not just into form, but into legacy.
Because at Nkosi Ceramics, it’s never only about what they make. It’s about who they are — a family bound by art, by purpose, and by the simple beauty of creating together.
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Perched high on Signal Hill overlooking the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, the Dorp Hotel feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully imagined home. Each room — from intimate suites to larger cottages — is individually styled with meticulous attention to detail: layered textiles, floral wallpapers, curated antiques, bespoke furniture and charming courtyards or terraces that open to sweeping views of Table Mountain. Every corner tells a story, and every detail feels intentional. The interiors are warm, whimsical and deeply personal, reflecting a design sensibility that values both beauty and comfort.
The hospitality here moves far beyond service — it is heartfelt, human and instantly disarming. Guests often describe the feeling of being welcomed like an old friend returning home. Staff offer genuine care, attention and kindness, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, grounding and quietly luxurious. Dorp is a place where hospitality is not performed — it is lived.
At the centre of the Dorp experience is its small but exceptional kitchen, known for soulful, honest cooking that celebrates simplicity done extremely well. The restaurant, The Salon, feels
like a shared living room filled with books, plants and soft light. The food is thoughtful and flavour-forward, but it is the legendary roast chicken that has earned near-mythical status — tender, caramelised, deeply savoury and unforgettable. Service is warm and attentive, embodying the same spirit of care found throughout the hotel.
Wander through Dorp and you’ll discover gardens, terraces and communal areas that feel collected rather than decorated. Artworks, curiosities and books create a sense of lived-in charm — a place shaped by imagination and affection. Whether you’re sitting beneath bougainvillea in a quiet courtyard or watching Cape Town glow from a rooftop perch, the hotel invites slow appreciation and quiet joy.
Set above one of Cape Town’s most historic neighbourhoods, the Dorp Hotel captures the essence of the city: creativity, heritage, warmth and soul. It is a place to rest, savour, reconnect and be inspired — a boutique hideaway that feels instantly like home, and impossibly hard to leave.
HOTEL & SPA
Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind just outside Johannesburg, Vivari Hotel & Spa redefines the concept of recovery and rejuvenation. This serene retreat, surrounded by ancient trees, natural springs, and lush gardens, o ers a seamless blend of five-star hospitality and advanced medical aesthetics — a concept designed for discerning guests seeking peace, privacy, and perfection.
For travellers from the Middle East, Vivari presents an extraordinary proposition: a sanctuary where luxury and healing converge in harmony with nature. The property’s elegant architecture, inspired by the earthy tones of African landscapes, creates an atmosphere of calm sophistication. Here, every element — from the scent of lemongrass in the spa corridors to the tranquil flow of water through stone pathways — invites guests to exhale deeply and rediscover stillness.
What sets Vivari apart from conventional hotels and clinics is its medical-hospitality hybrid model. Within the grounds lies Vivari Aesthetics Hospital, a fully licensed medical facility specialising in cosmetic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and aesthetic medicine. Led by world-class surgeons and supported by a team of skilled nurses and wellness practitioners, the hospital ensures the highest international standards of care and safety.
Patients enjoy the convenience of undergoing procedures in a state-of-the-art hospital and recovering discreetly in the luxurious comfort of the adjoining five-star hotel. The seamless integration of clinical precision and holistic care creates an environment that caters perfectly to privacy-minded guests — particularly those from regions where cultural discretion is deeply valued.
TRANQUILITY IN NATURE
natural water source — an ethos that aligns with the global movement toward eco-luxury and conscious living.
Guests can unwind at Vivari Spa, a destination in itself, o ering restorative therapies drawn from African healing traditions alongside modern wellness techniques. From deep-tissue massages to hydrotherapy, yoga pavilions, and detox programs, each experience is curated to support body, mind, and spirit.
Understanding the expectations of Middle Eastern guests, Vivari prioritises personalised service and cultural sensitivity. Private villas, halal-friendly cuisine, Arabic-speaking hosts, and dedicated concierge services ensure a seamless, comfortable stay. The property’s exclusive suites open onto private gardens or terraces, ideal for guests seeking quiet reflection away from the public eye.
At its heart, Vivari is more than a destination — it’s a philosophy. It recognises that true beauty arises from harmony between the inner and outer self. Whether one arrives for a rejuvenating weekend, a bespoke wellness retreat, or cosmetic surgery performed in absolute privacy, Vivari o ers an experience that is restorative, respectful, and rare.
Set amid the green hills of Mogale City, Vivari is a haven for those seeking a deeper sense of balance. The property is entirely o -grid, powered by sustainable energy and supplied by its own
For Middle Eastern travellers seeking tranquillity, greenness, and world-class discretion, Vivari Hotel & Spa is not merely a place to stay — it is a place to transform.
WORDS: ZAHIRAH VARIAWA (MARTY)
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
There are architects and policymakers. And then there are bridge-builders; people who turn ideas into action, dreams into possibility, and crises into opportunity. Ghanaian-born Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr. belongs firmly in the latter category.
As founder of Botho Emerging Markets Group, Curator of Amahoro Coalition, and business lead for Middle East & Africa of Propagate Content, Isaac has quietly redefined what leadership means in Africa today; not only in business or diplomacy, but through narrative, inclusion, and long-term social vision.
Amahoro Coalition was born from a conviction that the African private sector must play a sustainable role in addressing forced displacement. Rather than treating displacement as a humanitarian issue alone, Isaac envisioned a different path; one where displaced communities become active contributors to Africa’s economic future. Since its launch, Amahoro has mobilised leaders across government, industry and development, creating fellowship programmes, mentorship pipelines and job pathways for displaced youth across the continent.
Under his leadership, private-sector engagement becomes more than corporate responsibility; it becomes a force for systemic change. Isaac has built a team that refuses to accept marginalisation as destiny, instead designing pathways for dignity, talent and long-term economic participation.
This belief in agency and ownership also underpins Isaac’s work with Propagate Content, a purpose-driven storytelling and content studio reshaping how African stories are created, framed and shared globally. Propagate Content is built on a simple but powerful principle: that the most credible, resonant narratives are those told by people who live the experience, not those who speak on their behalf.
Through long-form film, branded content and cultural storytelling, Propagate Content centres African voices, creatives and communities as authors of their own
narratives. The studio challenges extractive storytelling models by prioritising collaboration, authenticity and lived expertise; ensuring stories are not translated about communities, but created with them.
In doing so, Isaac’s work with Propagate Content disrupts long-held assumptions about global audiences. It demonstrates that international markets are not only ready, but deeply receptive to stories rooted in truth, nuance and firstperson perspective. When narratives are told with integrity and ownership, they travel; across borders, cultures and industries. Propagate Content’s growing global footprint reinforces a defining theme across Isaac’s work: access is no longer the primary barrier; agency, authorship and trust are.
Botho Emerging Markets Group reflects this same philosophy. Operating across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and North America, Botho has facilitated strategic transactions, policy reform and investment frameworks across sectors including education, healthcare, technology and sustainable development. But Botho’s true value lies in Isaac’s ability to connect capital with purpose, ensuring that investment aligns with long-term social and economic transformation rather than short-term gain.
What defines Isaac’s mission is a deep belief that displacement should not be a permanent condition, but a turning point; one that allows individuals to rebuild, reimagine and rise. Amahoro’s programmes give forcibly displaced persons not just support, but agency: skills training, market access, career development and entrepreneurship pathways. These initiatives do more than change individual lives; they reshape communities, challenge stigma and reframe who is seen as a contributor to growth.
He sees the continent not through a lens of deficit, but of possibility.
Through his work in policy and government reform, Isaac remains equally committed to strengthening systems. He champions regulatory reform, investment frameworks and public-private partnerships designed to unlock opportunity while protecting vulnerable populations. In a continent navigating complex global pressures, his voice offers clarity: economic development and human dignity are not competing goals, but mutually reinforcing forces.
In a world where Africa is often defined by its challenges, Isaac is deeply focused on its potential; its youth, its creativity, and its cultural and economic power. He does not see the continent through a lens of deficit, but of possibility.
What he builds is not simply opportunity. It is authorship, ownership and transformation. And in an era increasingly defined by who gets to tell the story, that may be his most powerful contribution of all.
vetlana Nurislamova, the visionary behind Democraticrepublic Style Attire, has spent nearly two decades shaping women’s confidence through luxury fashion, drawing on her artistic roots in Kazakhstan and her architectural training to craft a brand where elegance meets empowerment.
After falling in love with South Africa in 2000, she channelled her rediscovered passion for design into launching her label in 2005, eventually opening a boutique in 2008 that attracted icons like Celine Dion, Carol Bouwer, Mam’Mkhize, and Siba Mtongana.
“a brand where elegance meets empowerment”
Despite the pandemic forcing the closure of most of her stores, her discipline, creativity, and loyal clientele kept the brand alive, now thriving through its Sandton City retail flagship and global online reach. Specialising in occasion wear, Svetlana continues to champion women’s self-expression, living by the philosophy that while creativity fuels the dream, discipline brings it to life—a testament to her belief that every woman deserves to “shine” and “set her life on fire.”
Some journeys are worn lightly. Others are carried forever. Impilo Collection’s Mountain Range and Big Five Range are born from the latter — inspired by the thin air of Mount Everest’s North Side and the untamed beauty of Africa’s savannahs. Together, they translate two powerful landscapes into jewellery defined by meaning, strength, and refined simplicity.
The Mountain Range draws from the clarity found at extreme altitude, where purpose sharpens and distractions fall away. Its clean silhouettes echo Himalayan ridgelines and summit profiles, while ice-inspired finishes and sculptural contours reflect the discipline, resilience, and quiet determination required to climb the world’s highest peak. These are pieces that speak softly yet carry immense presence — jewellery for those who understand that true ascent is a mindset, not a destination.
In contrast, the Big Five Range embodies Africa’s primal elegance. Inspired by the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, the collection captures strength through sleek, modern forms and organic curves. Each piece honours the inherent power of these iconic animals — bold yet restrained, instinctive yet timeless — creating talismanic jewellery for those who carry confidence without needing to announce it.
Together, the two ranges form a dialogue between extremes: the frozen roof of the world and the wild heart of Africa. Both landscapes shaped the designer’s personal journey and reinforce Impilo Collection’s belief that beauty is most powerful when rooted in purpose. Through the Impilo Collection Foundation, each creation also carries a commitment to uplift and impact beyond adornment.
This is Impilo Collection — jewellery that doesn’t simply travel with you but tells your story.
There are travellers who collect destinations, and then there are travellers who deepen them—who leave a place feeling as though they were part of its story, however briefly. Maps Maponyane travels this way. His journeys are not marked by stamps in
a passport, but by the connections he makes, the people he remembers, and the warmth he carries with him.
Those who know him—whether for five minutes or five years—will tell you the same thing: Maps moves through the world with a softness and sincerity
that people feel instantly. He is caring and kind in a way that lands deeply, and he is loved in every corner of every country he visits. It’s not just the charm, the style, or the quiet charisma. It’s the energy. He pays attention—to people, to culture, to small details—absorbing each destination in a way that allows him to carry it forward as a storyteller who paints places with passion and honesty.
For him, travel across Africa is not escapism—it is communion.
“Every country on the continent has its own heartbeat, its own rhythm, and its own unique way of expressing abundance— even in the face of challenge.” This deep reverence shapes how he travels, how he connects, and how he interprets identity as a young African creative.
Luxury, for Maps, is defined not by extravagance but by the emotional warmth of a place. “A place feels truly special when it offers a blend of comfort and authenticity. When I can sit down with locals, hear their stories, and feel like I’m part of the fabric of that place, even if just for a little while.” For him, luxury lives in sincerity, in human connection, in heritage, and in generosity of spirit.
This philosophy explains why certain destinations have left such a deep imprint on him. Rwanda sits at the very top. To hear Maps describe gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is to feel the awe yourself. “After a majestic hike through lush terrain, your breath is taken away as you’re stopped in your tracks. You’re left in awe of these beautiful beasts that share 96% of our DNA.” His telling transforms the experience from a wildlife encounter into something intimate, spiritual, and humbling.
Botswana offers a different kind of magic—its Okavango Delta unfolding like moving art, its wildlife encounters both powerful and gentle. Ghana brims with vibrancy: Accra’s architecture and markets, the tranquillity of the Boti Waterfalls, the gravity of Cape Coast. And its food—jollof, waakye, kelewele, fufu—evokes joyful, sensory memories for him to this day. Cape Town, with its blend of heritage, mountains, vineyards and ocean, remains one of his creative anchors, a place that nourishes both imagination and spirit.
Yet even in these remarkable places, what defines Maps is not what he sees but how he sees it. He notices people fully. He listens deeply. He honours every culture with humility and care. He brings a generosity of presence that makes strangers feel valued, and that sincerity travels with him, creating connection wherever he goes. It is why he is welcomed so easily across the continent—not as a celebrity passing through, but as a human being meeting others with intention.
Travel, for Maps, is also identity work. “Every journey adds another layer to my perspective. It reinforces how connected we all are.” This connection is the heart of his ritual: learning a few local words, walking or running through a neighbourhood, sharing a meal in a local spot. These simple acts anchor him, allowing him to experience a place not as an observer but as a participant.
What excites him most about Africa as a luxury destination is its depth and nuance; qualities he believes the world still misunderstands. “Africa offers untouched natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and experiences that go beyond the superficial. It’s luxury with a soul.” He sees, firsthand, the sophistication of African travel; its art, cuisine, design, storytelling and he champions it with pride.
Maps travels with intention. He travels with love for people, for stories, and for the extraordinary diversity of the continent he calls home. “Travel is how I write new chapters of my identity,” he says. In doing so, he also writes new chapters for Africa, helping to shape a global narrative that recognises its brilliance, resilience and infinite creativity.
He walks with stories, carries them with care, and offers them back to the world with grace.
WORDS: ZAHIRAH VARIAWA (MARTY). IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Rising alone above the plains of northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak—and one of its most powerful travel experiences. Snowcapped and singular, the mountain draws first-time trekkers and seasoned travellers alike, offering a journey that is as much internal as it is physical.
Often described as a “non-technical” climb, Kilimanjaro requires no ropes or mountaineering skills. Yet reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres demands respect, patience, and preparation. Success here is less about brute strength and more about how well one understands the rhythm of the mountain.
To unpack what that truly means, we spoke with Sean Burgess, founder of Impact Adventures, whose deep experience guiding climbers reveals what separates those who summit from those who don’t—and how to approach Kilimanjaro in a considered, premium way.
THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR: PACING AND MINDSET
If Kilimanjaro had a single defining lesson, according to Sean, it would be pacing.
On the mountain, guides repeat pole pole—Swahili for “slowly, slowly”—so often that first-time climbers initially mistake it for a gentle suggestion. “At the start, people feel strong and excited,” Sean explains. “They’re frustrated by how slow things feel. By day three or four, they understand exactly why pacing matters.”
Those who succeed are the ones who accept early on that the mountain sets the terms. “It’s a humbling experience,” he says. “Kilimanjaro isn’t about proving anything. It’s about managing yourself over multiple days.”
Mindset, he adds, is as critical as fitness. Climbers must be comfortable with discomfort—broken sleep, mild headaches, unpredictable weather—and trust the process even when progress feels slow. “People who fixate on the summit from day one often struggle more than those who focus on the day they’re in.”
Those who succeed are the ones who accept early on that the mountain sets the terms.
Preparation and route choice underpin everything. Sean emphasises the importance of arriving with a base level of aerobic fitness, choosing a route that allows proper acclimatisation, and understanding what the week will actually feel like. “At Impact Adventures, our goal is for climbers to be 99.9% prepared before they even step onto the mountain.”
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that non-technical means easy. “Yes, you don’t need ropes,” Sean says, “but that doesn’t make Kilimanjaro straightforward.”
The challenge, he explains, is cumulative. Long days of walking, changing weather, reduced appetite, and repeated packing and unpacking wear people down gradually. “There’s rarely a single dramatic moment where things suddenly get hard. It’s the repetition that surprises even very fit people.”
Strength alone, he notes, is rarely enough. “The mountain doesn’t reward intensity—it rewards consistency, patience, and emotional control.”
Routes on Kilimanjaro are not interchangeable. While scenery varies—from rainforest to alpine desert—the most important difference is how much time each route allows for acclimatisation.
“Shorter routes compress the ascent,” Sean explains, “which increases stress on the body and lowers summit success rates.” Longer itineraries such as the sevenday Machame, eight-day Lemosho, or nine-day Northern Circuit allow climbers to move more gradually, both physically and mentally.
“Interestingly, although these routes look harder on paper, most people find them easier and more enjoyable,” he says. Camps tend to be quieter, the scenery more dramatic, and climbers feel calmer and more settled as the days pass.
Crowds, too, play a bigger role than many expect. Busy routes can feel rushed and chaotic, particularly in camp. Quieter routes allow travellers to move at their own rhythm and connect more deeply with the mountain itself.
Altitude is the defining challenge on Kilimanjaro. At nearly 6,000
metres, oxygen levels are roughly half those at sea level.
“You can’t truly train altitude without being at altitude,” Sean says, “but you can prepare people to respond to it well.” Physically, this means building aerobic fitness and leg endurance. Mentally, it means understanding what altitude symptoms feel like so climbers don’t panic when they arise.
“Calm climbers acclimatise better than anxious ones,” he notes.
On the mountain, consistency is key: slow ascents, controlled pacing, hydration, regular meals, and daily health checks. Issues are addressed early rather than pushed aside. Sean also recommends Diamox (acetazolamide), noting a strong correlation between its use and summit success among his clients.
For travellers accustomed to mid- to high-end experiences— particularly those coming from the Middle East—Kilimanjaro can be both adventurous and refined.
“A premium experience isn’t about luxury in the traditional sense,” Sean explains. “It’s about care.” That care shows up in private climbs, longer routes, and strong guide-to-client ratios. “When guides aren’t stretched thin, they can pace properly, watch people closely, and adapt the climb to the group.”
Comfort is about things working properly: individual tents, quality sleeping systems, hot meals, and camps that run calmly rather than chaotically. Impact Adventures operates on an all-inclusive model, allowing climbers to focus their energy on the climb rather than logistics.
For those seeking additional comfort, premium camps with stand-up tents, camp beds, and even on-mountain showers are available—though Sean is candid about expectations. “A hot shower at altitude isn’t always as appealing as it sounds. The point is choice.”
Beyond the climb, travellers can opt for helicopter descents, private safaris, or recovery-focused itineraries, ensuring the experience doesn’t end abruptly at the park gate.
When executed well, food and logistics often go unnoticed—and that’s precisely why they matter. At altitude, recovery is limited. If climbers aren’t eating, sleeping, or staying warm, their chances of summiting drop quickly.
“A well-run expedition creates calm,” Sean says. Appealing meals, organised camps, and clear routines reduce mental stress, allowing the body to focus on adaptation.
“Kilimanjaro isn’t a sprint, it’s not even a marathon,” he adds. “It’s a multi-day ultramarathon. How well you’re looked after in the days
before summit night often determines success.”
Most climbers who sign up are physically capable of walking up the mountain. What changes is how they cope when things feel uncomfortable or unpredictable.
“Summit night is where it becomes mental,” Sean explains. Cold, fatigue, and slow progress test even the strongest climbers. “The people who succeed aren’t always the fittest—they’re the calmest. They break the task into small steps and don’t let discomfort turn into panic.”
For conscious travellers, ethical considerations matter. Sean suggests starting with simple questions: how are porters treated, how long have they worked with the company, and how are they supported?
“Ethical treatment isn’t a side issue,” he says. “It directly affects safety and professionalism on the mountain. A respected crew works better, communicates more clearly, and takes pride in the expedition. You feel it everywhere.”
A useful rule of thumb: operators who cut corners with their teams often cut corners elsewhere. Responsible tourism on Kilimanjaro, Sean stresses, is about long-term relationships— not box-ticking.
The most popular climbing seasons are December to February and June to September, when weather conditions are generally more stable. These periods offer clearer mornings, drier trails, and easier planning—ideal for first-time climbers.
Travellers seeking fewer crowds may want to avoid July and August, which coincide with European and US summer holidays. Shoulder months such as March, May, and October can be deeply rewarding, offering quieter camps and a more raw mountain experience, though with a higher chance of rain.
Long after the summit photo fades, what lingers for most climbers is the simplicity of life on the mountain.
“For a week, life becomes very basic: walk, eat, sleep, repeat,” Sean reflects. “No noise, no multitasking. People don’t realise how rare that is until they return home.”
Kilimanjaro offers space—mentally as much as physically. Space to struggle, to rely on others, and to discover a quiet resilience. “That shift in perspective,” Sean says, “is what makes the experience stay with people long after they leave the mountain.”
Airlink connects you seamlessly to the widest network, 45 destinations in 15 African countries including Madagascar and St. Helena Island. Book now on flyairlink.com or the FlyAirlink App, with Airlink Reservations on +27 (0)11 451-7300, or through your trusted travel agent.
It is with honour and warmth that I extend an invitation to the distinguished Royal Families and noble peoples of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the wider Gulf region. The Zulu Nation holds a deep respect for the heritage, leadership, and cultural continuity embodied within your societies, and it is my sincere wish that our worlds draw closer together.
KwaZulu-Natal—our ancient homeland—remains a place where the spiritual and the natural exist in harmony. From the rolling hills that cradle our ancestral stories, to the vast wilderness where Africa’s great creatures roam, to the sacred royal sites that echo with the footsteps of our kings, our land offers an encounter both majestic and deeply grounding.
“I warmly invite you to journey to the Kingdom of KwaZulu for rest, renewal, and discovery.”
His Majesty
MONARCH OF THE ZULU KINGDOM
Step into the untamed heart of South Africa’s Northern Cape, where conservation meets adventure in its purest form. Welcome to Rockwood Conservation—a 33000 Acre privately owned nature reserve protecting one of the planet’s largest populations of Southern White Rhinos. With over 450 thriving rhinos, Rockwood is not just a destination—it’s a movement.
Here, every hunt has purpose. Ethical, conservation-driven hunting directly funds our rhino conservation efforts and uplifts local communities. Whether you choose rifle, bow, horseback, or on-foot tracking, each pursuit is a thrilling chapter in a greater story—one of legacy, impact, and wild exhilaration. Our trophy selection is vast, varied, and of exceptional quality.
THINK ROCKWOOD. THINK RHINO.
Just two hours from Kimberley Airport, Rockwood offers five-star African-themed luxury in four private villas, accommodating up to 22 guests. Each villa is a sanctuary of comfort, blending rustic elegance with modern indulgence.
Savor the flavors of Africa at our lodge restaurant, where slow-roasted venison and bold South African wines await. Between adventures, unwind in our intimate spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, or stay active in our fully equipped gym.
And for a soul-stirring experience, visit our rhino nursery. Bottle-feed baby rhinos, play alongside them, and witness the future of conservation in your hands.
From the moment you arrive, you’re family. Our legendary hospitality begins with a personal welcome from the owners and continues with every thoughtful detail curated by our dedicated team. At Rockwood, luxury is personal, and every moment is infused with meaning.
JOIN US. HUNT WITH PURPOSE. LIVE THE LEGACY.
Be part of something wild, something lasting—something Rockwood.
South Africa is a mosaic of experiences—iconic wildlife, cosmopolitan cities, dramatic coastlines, and world-renowned wine regions. From the sophistication of Cape Town to the untamed beauty of the Kruger, the country blends culture, cuisine, adventure, and luxury in a way only it can. Richly diverse and endlessly captivating, it invites travelers to discover a world within one nation.
The best time to visit South Africa depends on your interests: May to September is ideal for wildlife safaris in Kruger and northern parks, while November to March offers warm weather for exploring the coast, Winelands, and cities.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
Johannesburg isn’t a city that whispers. It hums—alive, bold, creative, relentless. It crackles with the urgency of a place in motion. The pace is quick, the people charismatic, the skyline endless, and the energy unmistakable.
And yet, for decades, Joburg has been treated like a layover—an airport city, a quick overnight before safari. A place to transit through, not to explore. But talk to anyone who actually knows Johannesburg—artists, chefs, curators, entrepreneurs, travellers who gave it time— and they’ll tell you something different: Johannesburg isn’t just worth a stop. Johannesburg is the story.
This is Africa’s creative furnace: a metropolis that shapes music, fashion, art, and design across the continent. A place of exquisite food, thrilling nightlife, deep-rooted history, and the kind of human warmth you never forget.
In 2026, Johannesburg is having a moment— and the world is finally paying attention.
If Cape Town is the postcard, Johannesburg is the pulse—raw, dynamic, ever-evolving. The Art Scene
• Johannesburg Art Gallery
• Apartheid Museum
• Wits Art Museum (WAM)
• Museum Africa
• Circa Gallery
• Goodman Gallery
• Kalashnikovv Gallery
• Victoria Yards
• Maboneng – Street art, design studios, Market on Main.
• Braamfontein – Neighbourgoods Market, indie shops, cafés.
• Rosebank – Keyes Art Mile, galleries, concept stores.
• Sandton – Affluent, full of luxury hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
• Marble – skyline views and fire cooking.
• Saint – high-style Italian.
• Mamasamba – Latin American–PanAfrican fusion.
• The Pantry – 24-hour luxury deli.
• Shortmarket Club JHB – Cape Town import with flair.
• Sakhumzi – iconic Soweto dining.
• Urbanologi – industrial, Asian-influenced.
• Soweto tours by bike or tuk-tuk
• The Cradle of Humankind
• Shopping and design in Rosebank and Sandton
• Rooftops: Alto234, Living Room Maboneng, Radisson Blu Sandton
• The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
• Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg
• The Leonardo / The Michelangelo
• Hallmark House
• 54 on Bath
WHERE TO EAT
• DW Eleven-13
• Sakhumzi
• The Leaning Tower
WHERE TO SHOP
• The Zone & The Firs
• Victoria Yards
• Sandton City & Nelson Mandela Square
• Amatuli
Johannesburg is shaped by diversity, migration, creativity and relentless ambition. It is warm, fast-paced, culturally rich and full of soul. Music, heritage and football culture define much of daily life.
Johannesburg is not a stopover—it is a destination. Fierce, buzzing, sophisticated, artistic, delicious, and unforgettable.
WORDS: ZAHIRAH VARIAWA (MARTY). IMAGES: SUPPLIED
THE ART, CULTURE, FLAVOUR AND THRILL OF A CITY THAT REFUSES TO BE OVERLOOKED.
There are certain hallmarks that guests of Taj Hotels the world over have come to expect from the brand: the relentless accent on excellence that make your stay so exceptional, the plush comfort and unabashed beauty of each accommodation, the rejuvenating J Wellness Circle spa with its authentic Ayurvedic treatments and the renowned Bombay Brasserie, showcasing the signature pan Indian cuisine celebrated around the globe and an international food offering designed to make every guest feel at home.
Each of these elements has been replicated with perfect precision at Taj Cape Town, allowing travellers to experience the majestic beauty of South Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, the Taj way.
Central location
Taj Cape Town is the ideal base for your exploration of the majestic Cape, with the authentic Taj hospitality that is an inextricable part of every Taj experience ensuring your utmost comfort at all times.
This unique approach to hospitality is enhanced by a fresh take on design, which honours the heritage of the Taj brand while paying homage to Taj Cape Town’s dramatic backdrop. This is especially evident in the recently refurbished rooms and suites. The new look pays tribute to the colours and vibrancy of India, melding this palette with the naturally softer hues that are typical of the Cape’s stunning scenery: the delicate sage green of fynbos, or the blush pink of South Africa’s national flower, the Protea.
This clever use of colour has been juxtaposed against a play with texture, with fabrics that have a distinct sensory appeal, plush velvets, luxe leathers and woven fabrics, creating a multi-dimensional experience.
For guests seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity, Taj Cape Town’s Presidential Suite offers an experience of rare distinction.
This magnificent residence, complete with expansive living spaces, private dining, impeccable butler service and sweeping views over Table Mountain and the historic city embodies, refined luxury and discretion.
This recent refurbishment marks the completion of Taj Cape Town’s full transformation, where guests can now enjoy the beautifully refreshed spaces of the Lobby Lounge and Bar, the Whiskey Bar, the Taj Club, Bombay Brasserie, and the Mint Terrace Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill. Each venue has been reimagined with a contemporary new look and feel that honours the hotel’s elegant heritage while offering guests a vibrant, contemporary experience.
www.tajhotels.com
Experience the African continent with Taj
The very essence of a Taj experience is now available in a brand new destination: the African wilderness.
New experiences
From a single market presence on the African continent in Cape Town, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its premium subsidiary, the Taj brand, are expanding to create a regional portfolio across Southern and East Africa.
This means that travellers who have fallen in love with Taj through experiences in vibrant destinations can discover a different side of Taj in the bushveld.
Bespoke bush lodges
Taj will be opening three exquisite bush lodges in South Africa’s premium wilderness destination, the Greater Kruger National Park this year, before expanding to other safari areas, such as Kenya’s Maasai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania, as well as Botswana and Zambia.
In each special setting, the magic of the bush is amplified by the intimate ambience of small lodges, with the first two of the lodges set to open in Quarter One 2026 offering no more than seven tented suites, ideal for families or groups of friends.
Each lodge has been meticulously designed with bespoke features and attention to detail.
Comfort is guaranteed, thanks to features like climate control and mosquito nets, while private decks and outdoor showers bring you closer to nature.
Each room is a symphony of elements, like natural wood, thatched roofs and earthy tones, that allows the tranquillity of the lodges to cocoon you.
Enjoy languid meals at the Boma, lounge on the deck or splash away the heat of the day in the pool. Taj’s lodges also boast a gym and the ever popular J Wellness Circle spa, where signature transformative wellness journeys restore balance. Game drives for ‘Big 5’ viewing and guided walks add to the experience, while Taj’s inimitable cuisine completes the offering.
For guests seeking adventure, activities such as quad biking, boat cruises, hiking and a range of other thrilling experiences can be tailored to individual preferences or curated for groups.
www.tajhotels.com
Nestled in the prestigious suburb of Sandhurst, the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is a sanctuary of elegance and tranquility. Set on ten acres of lush indigenous gardens, this award-winning retreat blends contemporary African design with world-class hospitality. The Saxon is famed for hosting Nelson Mandela during the editing of Long Walk to Freedom, and continues to embody a legacy of excellence to the many guests including heads of state and dignitaries that have visited the hotel.
The hotel features 53 suites, including the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, a 400 sqm masterpiece offering a master bedroom with Jacuzzi bath, steam room,
guest suite, private lounge, dining room, and business area. This suite is the epitome of luxury, with curated African art, plush furnishings, and panoramic views of the gardens and pool terrace.
The Villa Presidential Suites, located in the Saxon Villas, span 200 sqm and offer kingsize four-poster beds, dual-sink bathrooms, walk-in showers, and separate lounge and dining areas. Each suite includes a fully equipped butler’s kitchen, 24-hour butler service, and a private patio overlooking the gardens.
Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, sparkling wine on arrival, high-speed WiFi, mini bar inclusive of a snack offering, and access to the Saxon Spa’s hydro facilities. The hotel also features fine dining at Qunu Restaurant, a cigar lounge, wine cellar, and a serene infinity pool.
Whether for leisure or business, Saxon Hotel offers a refined experience that celebrates South African heritage, luxury, and personalized service.
www.saxon.co.za
Located within the prestigious Steyn City lifestyle estate, Steyn City Hotel by Saxon offers a refined urban luxury experience. This apartment-style hotel features 50 elegantly designed rooms, including the opulent Penthouse 3-Bedroom Apartment, a 385 square metre retreat with panoramic views of the Piazza. Each bedroom has a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom, while the Penthouse also includes a private bar, fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge and dining area, and a balcony with Jacuzzi. Guests enjoy concierge services, daily breakfast at Guild Restaurant, and full access to the estate’s amenities.
by Saxon
Dining at the hotel is a sensory experience. Guild Restaurant offers thoughtfully curated dishes using fresh, local ingredients, while Nineteen Restaurant provides a sophisticated setting for contemporary cuisine. Guests can also enjoy cocktails or light bites at the hotel bar, perfect for relaxing after a day of activities.
Saxon Spa Steyn City is a sanctuary of wellness, offering treatments designed to rejuvenate the
body and mind. Guests can choose from deep tissue and aromatherapy massages, bespoke facials, and holistic wellness journeys. Spa facilities include hydrotherapy rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and a tranquil relaxation lounge. Treatments are complemented by skilled therapists and premium products, ensuring every visit is restorative.
Steyn City’s 2,000-acre estate provides a wide range of leisure activities. Guests can walk or jog along the 45 kilometre floodlit promenade, explore cycling trails, or enjoy padel and pickleball courts. The 300-metre lagoon offers kayaking, SUP boarding, and water slides, while families can explore themed play areas such as the dinosaur park and pirate ship. Golf enthusiasts can take on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, and adults can unwind at the rooftop pool.
Steyn City Hotel by Saxon is more than a stay. It is a lifestyle destination where elegant design, exceptional dining, indulgent wellness, and abundant activities come together for an unforgettable experience.
www.steyncityhotel.co.za
Set within the vast, unfenced expanse of the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa offers a rare kind of safari experience—one where luxurious comfort, meaningful connection, and conservation-led values blend seamlessly into an unforgettable African journey. This is a place where guests arrive as visitors and leave feeling part of something far deeper: a landscape protected, a community uplifted, and a story that continues to evolve with every sunrise.
Mhondoro’s intimate size allows for highly personalised service, but the lodge’s spirit is defined by its generous sense of space. The suites—each beautifully styled with a contemporary African aesthetic—open onto sweeping bushveld views, while the main lodge flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor living. Whether enjoying a spa treatment infused with local botanicals, watching elephants drink from the lodge’s iconic waterhole, or relaxing beside the pool after a morning game drive,
every moment at Mhondoro is designed to feel effortless and unhurried.
The culinary experience is a journey of its own, celebrating regional flavours, fresh ingredients, and refined simplicity. Guests enjoy beautifully prepared menus paired with South African wines, while surprise dinners beneath the stars highlight the lodge’s signature attention to detail.
For families or travellers seeking complete privacy, the Mhondoro Villa stands as one of South Africa’s most impressive privateuse safari homes. With its own chef, butler, private guide, dedicated vehicle, and exclusive swimming pool, the Villa redefines bespoke safari living. It’s a sanctuary for multigenerational families, groups of friends, and VIP travellers who value discretion and space without compromising on authenticity.
What truly sets Mhondoro apart, however, is its commitment to conservation. The
lodge actively supports reserve-wide anti-poaching initiatives, ecological monitoring, and community upliftment programmes that directly benefit the people of the Waterberg region. Guests gain a deeper understanding of how sustainable tourism can protect wildlife, empower local communities, and ensure that future generations inherit this extraordinary natural heritage.
From golden morning light spilling onto the plains to the quiet magic of evenings around the fire, Mhondoro is more than a luxury lodge—it’s a soulful reminder of why Africa stirs us, transforms us, and calls us back again and again.
www.mhondoro.com
Tsala Treetop Lodge is an encounter with the extraordinary — a sanctuary suspended above the forest, where architecture, atmosphere and nature combine to create an experience of rare beauty. It is a place designed not simply to host you, but to transport you.
Suites and villas float above the canopy, each with a private deck and infinity-edge plunge pool overlooking an endless sweep of indigenous forest. Interiors blend sculptural forms with handcrafted detail and warm, refined textures. Every element — from the curve of a wall to the flicker of candlelight at dusk — has been considered to evoke intimacy and quiet wonder. In-room treatments are available for guests seeking personal restoration amid the stillness.
Dining is an essential thread in the Tsala experience, woven across three exceptional venues shared with Hunter’s. Tsala’s own dining spaces offer a refined, romantic setting above the treetops; Hunter’s brings a classic, softly lit elegance; while Zinzi Restaurant
delivers vibrant, expressive dining in a dramatic forest environment. The result is a culinary journey that is both seamless and richly varied.
At Tsala, days seem to float — mornings on your deck as mist rises through the trees; slow explorations of forest paths; afternoons discovering beaches, markets and winelands. As evening falls, the lodge becomes its own world of soft light, deep quiet and a sense of privacy rarely found in a destination of this scale.
Tsala is, above all, an experience of enchantment — a place where luxury is felt, not performed, and where the Hunter Hotels signature of intuitive, restrained hospitality finds its most poetic expression.
Children 12 years and older are welcome at Tsala.
www.hunterhotels.com
Gorah Elephant Camp is safari in its purest form — soulful, atmospheric and deeply connected to a landscape where wildlife still shapes the rhythm of each day. Set within a private concession in the centre of the Addo Elephant National Park, Gorah offers a fully immersive Big Five experience in a setting that feels both timeless and profoundly alive.
The tented suites, with their billowing canvas and polished wooden floors, recall the elegance of a bygone era while offering a contemporary sense of comfort and quiet indulgence. Wide verandas look out onto plains where elephants, antelope and other
wildlife move freely. The lodge’s position near a natural waterhole makes for extraordinary viewing throughout the day, often without leaving the terrace.
Game drives are guided by specialists whose knowledge and sensitivity reveal the subtleties of the region — from the power of the elephant herds to the delicate tracks that trace the movements of lion and other predators. A defining experience at Gorah is the visit to a habituated meerkat colony, an intimate encounter that allows guests to observe these remarkable creatures as they rise with the sun.
Afternoons bring a rare stillness. Guests return to the manor house verandah, where views stretch unbroken to the horizon and the atmosphere feels steeped in the soul of old Africa. Evenings unfold beneath lanterns and endless stars, with dinner served in the
historic manor dining room — a moment that captures both the romance and authenticity of Gorah.
Gorah Elephant Camp is shaped by its landscape, its wildlife and its emotional resonance. It reflects the Hunter Hotels signature of sincere, unobtrusive hospitality, creating a safari experience that lingers long after the journey ends.
www.hunterhotels.com
GARDEN ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA
Hunter’s Country House is a place where time seems to move differently — slower, quieter, and with an elegance shaped by decades of thoughtful hospitality. Set within a private estate of deep lawns, rose-scented pathways and grand old trees, Hunter’s offers a refined Garden Route experience that balances heritage with contemporary comfort.
Suites and cottages are exquisitely composed: thatched roofs, private terraces framed by greenery, layered textures, fireplaces and gentle lighting that shifts with the day. Each space feels both intimate and expansive, offering a level of privacy that lends itself to quiet celebration — whether shared as a couple, with family or across generations. In-room treatments heighten the sense of calm, allowing guests to unwind entirely without leaving their sanctuary.
Dining is central to the Hunter Hotels philosophy, and at Hunter’s guests have the rare pleasure of choosing between three distinctive dining experiences across the estate. Zinzi Restaurant is vibrant and generous, set among forest canopies and known for
its expressive flavours. Tsala offers elevated, sensory dining with treetop views, while Hunter’s presents a more classic, candlelit country-house mood. Together, they create one of the most compelling culinary collections in the region.
Days unfold with an easy rhythm — breakfasts lingering under dappled shade, gentle walks in the gardens, afternoons exploring winelands, beaches and forests. Families experience a profound sense of ease here; space is abundant, and the atmosphere encourages connection without effort.
Hunter’s Country House is defined by grace, tranquillity and a timeless dedication to comfort. It reflects the Hunter Hotels signature: hospitality delivered with sincerity, restraint and an enduring respect for beauty.
www.hunterhotels.com
MfulaWozi Wilderness is a 5 Star Private Game Lodge found in the heart of KwaZuluNatal’s Zululand Bordering on the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed area on the African continent, mFulaWozi is home to two luxurious lodges - Biyela and Mthembu
Experience a fascinating combination of indigenous history, culture and wilderness that is found nowhere else in Africa. Walk in the footsteps of giants, including the military genius - King Shaka, the King of the Zulus and Dr Ian Player, the world renown conservationist
Every day guests are treated to a different exhilarating experience from our passionate and knowledgable staff
and guides. With daily game drives, unique dining experiences, wilderness trails and spa treatments - no day repeats itself. Each one is memorable.
Many have described this area as being as “close to a state of naturalness you can get.” mFulaWozi Wilderness and surrounds are home to diverse plant, animal and bird species, including the impressive Big 5. Welcome to this authentic African wildlife experience rooted in purpose.
BIYELA LODGE is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury, built into the hillside, perfectly positioned to maximise the sweeping views over the river below. Each of the12 private suites have their own private decks and most with plunge
pools offering unmatched views of the wildlife that traverse daily down to the river below.
MTHEMBU LODGE commands magnificent views of the river and their vast herds of wildlife. Relish the view from the idyllic comfort of your suite or gather around the the boma pit fires in the evenings to share the adventures of the day with your fellow guests. Enjoy this reclusive spot of exclusivity, created for the discerning traveller. A place to relax, regenerate and rediscover.
Scan our QR code to discover more BOOKINGS: reservations@mfulawozi.com
The Private Sanctuary of a Legend
In a world where true exclusivity has become increasingly rare, one name has always defined the pinnacle of outstanding hospitality: Sol Kerzner. The visionary behind Atlantis including The Royal Dubai, and the globally celebrated One&Only resorts, Kerzner didn’t just create destinations, he crafted experiences that transformed the very definition of luxury.
Now, for the first time, discerning guests can experience something even the world’s most distinguished travelers rarely access: Sol Kerzner’s private Cape Town residence.
Leeukoppie Estate was a family refuge. This 300acre mountaintop sanctuary overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was where The Sun King himself came home, where global leaders, cultural icons, and hospitality titans gathered beyond the public eye. Nelson Mandela was a personal friend. Royalty walked these gardens. Business empires were built over dinners prepared by chefs who have served the family for over four decades.
This is where Kerzner perfected the philosophy that would revolutionize luxury hospitality worldwide. Every detail at Leeukoppie reflects the same exacting standards that made his other brands legendary, expressed with the intimacy and authenticity reserved only for family and the most trusted friends.
The Estate, booked on an exclusive-use basis, offers complete privacy on grounds that feel worlds away from civilization yet remain within Cape Town. Five exclusive residences accommodate up to 30 guests across five-star suites, each with sweeping ocean and mountain vistas. A dedicated team of over 40 staff anticipate every need with the intuitive service that defines hospitality.
From sunrise yoga overlooking migrating whales to traditional boma dinners under African stars, from private beach access on one of the continent’s most protected coastlines to horse riding through pristine nature reserves, every experience is curated to reflect the legacy of authentic service.
This is not a property you discover through conventional channels. Leeukoppie opens its doors only through personal referral, ensuring every guest understands the privilege of stepping into living history. Here, families create memories in the same spaces where the founder of the world’s most iconic resorts chose to spend his most treasured moments.
For those who appreciate that true luxury isn’t about what everyone can access, but what few ever will, Leeukoppie Estate offers something unprecedented: the chance to live, even briefly, like an icon.
www.leeukoppie.co.za
A PLACE OF LUXURY, REST AND REPOSE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S FAMOUS STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS
Sea-tempered serenity
Breathe in cool, sea-kissed air infused with wild flowers. Take in open skies, whispering bulrushes, colourful gardens and birdsong. Wander among vineyards framed by towering mountains and discover striking outdoor artworks that explore the harmony between nature and humanity. Find calm in a labyrinth walk before indulging in a deeply restorative spa treatment.
Vergenoegd Löw invites you to let nature, light and tranquillity guide you in the peaceful privacy of our Stellenbosch Winelands ecoverse.
Though close to the city, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and scenic trails, the estate feels worlds away. Nearby lies the historic shrine of Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar, a cornerstone of South Africa’s Islamic heritage.
Once you enter the gates, the outside world falls away. Take in beautifully preserved 18thcentury Cape Dutch buildings, eco-grazing animals and bees at work—an idyllic, calming farm landscape.
Unwind in luxurious, spacious suites with vineyard or mountain views, private decks and pools. Décor draws from a rich tapestry
of heritage design, while service remains attentive yet unobtrusive.
Experience the healthy pleasures of farm-to-table gastronomy
Enjoy fresh, seasonal gastronomy across the estate: Cape-inspired dishes in the 1773 Homestead, inventive indigenous flavours at Geuwels, fine dining at Clara’s Barn, or private meals in the secluded Owner’s Villa.
Savour our estate-grown wines and luxury spirits, all rooted in regenerative, holistic farming that nurtures soil, crops, animals and people.
Everything served—whether in our restaurants or in-room—is grown on the farm or sourced from partners who share our eco-values.
www.vergenoegd.co.za
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For more than three decades, Peter Hayward has redefined luxury safari experiences presenting his tented safari expedition style camps that are aesthically magnificent yet fully functional, ensuring guest safety, comfort and a bespoke safari camp environments for VIP Opinion Leaders, heads of State and Royal Family visitations within the southern African environment.
Hayward’s Grand Safari Hospitality Services has an impressive track record that exemplifies the art of temporary mobile event camps, built specifically for each clients requirements.
As event specialists, their hospitality services include, but are not limited to:-
• Luxury tented safari camps for VIP events
• Custom catering for cultural or religious requirements
• Full laundry services
• Professional safari support crew for any event size
• Specialist security and medical contingency
• Expert wildlife guides
• Entertainment from opera to international performers
• Specialist activities: archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, game drives & guided walks
“Honesty never dates. Authenticity never expires. Credibility has a value. Reputation says it all.”
What makes Hayward’s Safaris different? It’s more than canvas and chandeliers — it’s an ethos. Every safari is a once-off, inspired by a client’s wish list and crafted with precision. Guests aren’t pushed through checklists; they are immersed in safari lore and cared for at every moment.
Imagine a camp set under trees in a magnificent wildlife reserve, a safari spa under canvas at the river’s edge, opera sung beneath a cathedral of stars, or an art workshop display beneath ancient baobabs. Game drives and guided walks unfold alongside fireside music, storytelling, and gastronomic dining journeys that rival the world’s finest food experiences. This is not about just ticking off the Big Five in a morning; it is about awakening every sense in an unencumbered environment.
Peter Hayward and his team continue to lead and protect the wild. Based at Hayward’s Safari Sanctuary in Dinokeng, just 80km from OR Tambo International Airport, and at Daniel’s Kraal in the Klein Karoo, 120km from George Airport, they offer access to Africa’s last great wilderness areas without long transfers. Their rare, luxury camps can be set up wherever needed.
For corporate circles, milestone celebrations, or global visionaries seeking absolute privacy, the Hayward’s semipermanent and nomadic tented camps deliver what no fixed lodge can: exclusivity, scale, and mastery.
Abelana Game Reserve is a 15,000ha (36,000 acre) Big Five game reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and the Selati Game Reserve, close to the town of Phalaborwa in South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld – the country’s prime big game region.
Abelana is home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, from the hippos and crocodiles that make the Selati River their home and the famed Big Five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo – as well as cheetah and wild dog, which are occasional visitors, to an impressive number of endemic bird species including the African fish eagle, peregrine falcon, thickbilled cuckoo, and bat hawk.
Abelana Game Reserve offers guests the chance to enjoy a unique feeling of exclusivity while on safari while offering exceptional value for money.
This stylish, newly rebuilt 20-room lodge offers spectacular views over the Selati River. The river is home to a plethora of wildlife such as hippo and crocodile and a variety of bird species.
The main area and swimming pool overlook the river and include indoor and outdoor dining areas and a bar, as well as a lounge and fire pit for sharing safari experiences and sightings in the evenings.
All rooms are under thatch with en-suite facilities, including an additional outside shower and spacious deck overlooking the river where guests can spend time relaxing
between activities. The rooms are airconditioned with ceiling fans and a mini fridge.
Various dining experiences are offered overlooking the river. Dining options are dependent on weather and guest preferences.
www.abelanagamereserve.com
Cape Town’s Modern Classic in the Heart of the Old City
Set on historic Church Square in Cape Town’s Old Quarter, Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel is a rare jewel—a property that blends 17th-century heritage with modern refinement, creating an experience that feels both timeless and intimately personal. With just seven suites, Labotessa offers a level of privacy and welcoming familiarity that larger hotels simply cannot emulate.
As guests step through the beautifully restored townhouse façade, they are greeted by a world of understated European elegance layered with distinctly South African charm. Every detail, from the handcrafted furnishings to the curated art and bespoke fragrance, reflects the owner’s uncompromising pursuit of quality. This is not luxury for show; it is luxury expressed through craftsmanship, warmth, and sincerity.
The six Signature Suites are expansive, light-filled, and thoughtfully designed to feel residential rather
than hotel-like. They overlook the historic square, and their interiors feature tailored textiles, plush bedding, and carefully selected décor that quietly elevates the entire experience. The crown jewel, the three-bedroom Presidential Suite Penthouse, is Cape Town’s most sophisticated urban residence — an extraordinary space for families, long-stay guests, and high-profile travellers seeking complete discretion.
Downstairs, the Labotessa Café & Terrace has become one of the city’s most loved local gems, serving beautifully prepared breakfasts, pastries, and all-day favourites to both guests and neighbourhood regulars. The café spills out onto the square, bringing new life to this historic public space and connecting Labotessa to the cultural rhythm of the city.
Beyond its aesthetics, Labotessa’s true distinction lies in its intimacy. Guests are welcomed personally, remembered by name, and cared for with an effortless combination of elegance and sincerity. The hotel’s small scale allows the team to tailor each stay with thoughtful touches, including securing reservations at the city’s culinary icons.
Labotessa is not simply a place to stay; it is a refined base for discovering Cape Town through a lens of authenticity, heritage, and quiet sophistication. For travellers who value privacy, character, and a deep sense of place, Labotessa stands as one of the city’s most exceptional boutique experiences.
www.labotessa.com
Kwalata Game Lodge is beautifully nestled within the malaria-free Dinokeng Game Reserve, a haven where the Big Five roam freely and plains game sightings are abundant. The reserve is also known as South Africa’s premier birding destinations, with +250 bird species. Conveniently located in the northern region of Gauteng, only 60 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
Guests can experience the thrill of the Big Five on a Guided Game Drive Safari journey through the reserve, to encounter the iconic “big five” elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and cheetahs, along with the many other species and more than 200 bird-species that thrive in this diverse ecosystem.
WALKING SAFARIS
For those seeking a more intimate adventure, we offers Guided Game Walks. These walks invite guests to explore the bush on foot and engage all their senses, like animal tracks, plants, insects, and enjoy the deeper understanding of fauna & flora.
For an unforgettable aerial perspective, guests can enjoy a hot air balloon safari at sunrise. Drifting silently over the pristine bushveld offers panoramic views of wildlife.
Those seeking tranquillity can unwind on a relaxing afternoon boat cruise, watch the sky transform into purple and gold hues while listening to the iconic call of the African Fish Eagle.
Kwalata also offers rare and meaningful conservation experiences, including rhino darting and monitoring of threatened or protected species—opportunities seldom available to everyday visitors.
Kwalata also encourages meaningful interactions with local communities through activities such as MTB cycling with a purpose, township tours, or participation in community projects. These experiences allow guests to connect with the cultural heritage of the region while contributing to positive social impact.
Come on a Township tour to neighbouring Village. Interact with local artists, the legendary Nursery and best local cuisine, with traditional Tswana dancing get the energy flowing.
For ultimate exclusivity, the lodge can be booked in full and transformed into a private safari retreat. This is ideal for executive family gatherings, conservation groups, and wellness retreats wanting a fully customised stay. Exclusive-use bookings include dedicated staff, personalised menus, flexible safari times, and full access to all lodge facilities offering complete privacy and freedom.
www.kwalata.co.za
Zambia is Africa’s hidden treasure—raw, powerful, and wonderfully authentic. Home to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and some of the continent’s most untouched national parks, it delivers safari experiences that are rich, exclusive, and deeply immersive. For travellers seeking adventure with understated luxury, Zambia offers a rare sense of discovery.
The best time to visit Zambia is the dry season (May to October). For roaring Victoria Falls with maximum water, visit from February to May.
DAY 1
Experience the soul of Zambia on a journey that seamlessly blends iconic wilderness, exceptional wildlife encounters, and refined luxury. The Royal Zambian Safari takes you from the legendary walking safaris of South Luangwa to the riverine beauty of the Lower Zambezi, before culminating at the majestic Victoria Falls. Carefully selected lodges, expert guiding, and unforgettable landscapes combine to deliver an authentic and indulgent safari through one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations.
Arrive at Lusaka International Airport, Zambia, where you will check in for your domestic flight to Mfuwe Airstrip in South Luangwa. Fly via scheduled charter flight from Lusaka Airport to Mfuwe Airstrip and road transfer by game vehicle to Chichele.
DAY 1 - 4
Chichele Presidential Lodge - 3 Nights
DAY 4
Depart after breakfast by game vehicle to Mfuwe Airstrip for your schedule flight to Jeki Airstrip via Lusaka. Upon arrival at Jeki Airstrip, your Guide will meet you and transfer you to Lolebezi for check in and orientation.
DAY 4 - 7
Lolebezi - 3 Nights
DAY 7
Depart after breakfast to Jeki Airstrip for your connecting flight to Livingstone Airport. Upon arrival your Driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and transfer you to the Lodge.
DAY 7 - 10
Thorntree River Lodge - 3 Nights
DAY 10
After your last morning at the Lodge, you will check out and be transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport for your connecting flight home. On the way to the Airport, your Guide will take you on a Victoria Falls Tour where you will capture the magic of the Falls before departing the Airport.
A land of boundless horizons and untouched wilderness, Botswana offers a rare sense of stillness that feels almost sacred. From the shimmering channels of the Okavango Delta to the vast silence of the Makgadikgadi Pans, this is Africa at its most pristine and profound. Luxury here is not manufactured—it is found in the rhythm of nature, the exclusivity of remote lodges, and the privilege of witnessing wildlife in its purest form.
The best months to visit Botswana are the dry winter months, May to October, for peak wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources, especially in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Moremi.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
Embark on a journey into the wild heart of Botswana, where untamed landscapes, exquisite camps, and unforgettable encounters come together to create a safari unlike any other. Your Royal Botswana Safari has been carefully hand picked to showcase the country’s most iconic wilderness areas—from the predator-rich Linyanti and the cultural richness of Khwai to the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta. Each stop blends adventure with refined comfort, offering you an intimate and deeply immersive experience in some of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
DAY 1
Arrive in Maun Airport, Botswana, where you will board your scheduled flight to Linyanti Airstrip. You will be met by your guide on arrival and transferred to the Camp Linyanti Bush Camp 3 Nights
DAY 1 - 4 DAY 4
Depart after your last game drive and breakfast for your scheduled helicopter flight from Linyanti Bush Camp to Khwai Leadwood.
DAY 4 - 7 DAY 7
Khwai Leadwood 3 Nights
Depart after your last game drive and breakfast for your scheduled helicopter flight from Khwai Leadwood to Atzaro Okavango
DAY 7 - 10
Atzaró Okavango Camp 3 Nights
DAY 10
Depart after your last game drive and breakfast for your scheduled helicopter flight from Atzaro Okavango to Maun Airport to connect to your flight home.
Atzaro Okavango Camp is a premier safari destination offering sustainable luxury in the heart of Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta. Designed for travellers who value both refinement and responsible tourism, the camp blends contemporary comfort with a deep respect for its pristine surroundings. Set within one of Africa’s most celebrated World Heritage wilderness areas, Atzaro Okavango is an invitation to experience the Delta at its most authentic and exclusive.
Surrounded by lush palm islands, winding waterways and vibrant delta vegetation, this eco-friendly oasis feels seamlessly woven into the landscape. Elevated above the floodplains, the camp provides uninterrupted views of the ever-changing Delta, where wildlife moves freely and nature dictates the rhythm of each day. Every detail reflects a
commitment to sustainability, ensuring that guests enjoy worldclass luxury while preserving the fragile beauty of this extraordinary ecosystem.
At Atzaro Okavango, guests are treated to an unparalleled combination of “savanna meets delta” adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From guided game drives and walking safaris to tranquil mokoro excursions through crystal-clear channels, each experience is designed to immerse you fully in the magic of the Okavango. It’s a place where luxury, wilderness and wonder converge— leaving a lasting impression long after the journey ends.
A luxury safari camp that will fulfill your wildest dreams. Revel in Mombo’s chic sustainability. The Okavango Delta has some of the best game viewing on Earth,and this luxury safari camp is in a prime position -where the main Okavango River splits into its primarychannels. Discover what some say is the best year-round gameviewing destination in Botswana, withthrilling predatorprey interaction dominated by bigcats.Wake up to an elephant silently ambling by your deck.Thrill to a lion hunt on the floodplain. Spot a rare Pel’sfishing-owl or an endangered wattled crane. With over45,000 hectares of exclusive private wilderness toexplore, each day at Wilderness Mombo surprises anddelights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Steeped in history, Mombo maintains the traditions of the legendary original safari camp. In a thicket ofgiant mangosteen and fig trees, the spacious woodand canvas suites entice with sweeping views over anOkavango Delta floodplain teeming with wildlife. Witha spacious family suite, bring the family and createlasting memories. Meals at Mombo are designed with conservation inmind, with healthy, delicious recipes that tread lightlyon the Earth.
Here, at this authentically African safaricamp, we celebrate indigenous heritage ingredientsand heirloom produce. Chief among these is the iconicbaobab, whose natural superfood powder provides anarray of health benefits.
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Namibia captivates with its dramatic landscapes—towering dunes, sculpted canyons, and coastlines where desert meets the wild Atlantic. It is a destination defined by space, silence, and surreal beauty. Luxury here is immersive and elemental, offering a profound connection to nature in some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking settings.
The best time to visit Namibia is from May to October, during the dry winter months, when wildlife is easier to spot and the desert landscapes are at their most dramatic.
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
DAY 1
Discover the raw beauty and vast horizons of Namibia on a journey designed for true explorers.
The Royal Namibian Adventure traverses the country’s most iconic regions—from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the rugged Skeleton Coast to the wildlife-rich plains of Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Seamless flights, exceptional lodges, and extraordinary scenery combine to create a luxurious and deeply immersive African adventure.
Arrive in Windhoek and fly to Kwessi Dunes in Namibrand Nature Reserve, where rolling desert plains, red dunes, and craggy mountains offer endless space, wildlife, and starlit skies.
DAY 1 - 3
Kwessi Dunes - 2 Nights
DAY 3
Take a scenic flight over the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck, Conception Bay, and Sandwich Harbour, then land in Swakopmund for lunch before continuing to Hoanib Valley Camp via the Skeleton Coast.
DAY 3 - 5
Hoanib Valley Camp - 2 Nights
DAY 5
Enjoy a scenic drive from Hoanib Valley Camp to Shipwreck Lodge (approx. 5 hours), passing desertelephants, rock formations, and arriving at the dunes and waves of the Skeleton Coast.
DAY 5 - 7
Shipwreck Lodge - 2 Nights
DAY 7
Fly north this morning for a two-night stay in Etosha Heights Private Reserve, a 60,000-hectare reserve bordering Etosha National Park.
DAY 7 - 9
Safarihoek Lodge - 2 Nights
DAY 9
After your final morning in the Reserve, fly back to Windhoek to connect with your onward journey home.
Your desert dreams realised. Peace and privacy can be found in all spaces at Wilderness Little Kulala. Sossusvlei entices with its adventures, its landscapes, its tranquility. An exclusive- use gate provides direct access to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the evocative panoramas of Dead Vlei. Climb the 300-metre red dunes and gaze upon the famed Namib SandSea World Heritage Site. Float above the world’s oldest desert in a *hotair balloon. See the desert come alive on nature walks and drives, e-bikes,or low-impact quad bikes.
Little Kulala’s décor echoes the local geology,reflecting the surrounding grey and pink limestone that makes this part of Namibia so special. Spot desert-adapted wildlife such as ostriches, springbok, gemsbok, black- backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, perhaps an aardwolf,or Namibia’s endemic dune lark. Stargaze in one of the darkest places on Earth, contemplating space, and your place in it.
Recently refurbished, Little Kulala effortlessly embraces its Namib vistas. Your suite’s private pool is where we’re sure to find you enjoying lazy afternoons, while your rooftop invites private sundowners and suppers. A roll- out bed on your shaded deck is perfect for a siesta, or heavenly night’s sleep.
At Little Kulala our menus highlight indigenous produce. Sample Namibian dates, edible fruit,venison, millet, and local beans. Have brunch in front of camp with your feet in the Namib sand. Indulge in a delicious oasis lunch in a dry riverbed in the desert. Treat yourself to African tapas on your sala overlooking the red dunes. Retreat to the wine cellar for a romantic dinner for two.
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, an elegant tented camp located amongst the towering mountains and sand dunes of north-western Namibia.
Activities at hoanib skeleton coast morning and afternoon desert game drives
Explore the breathtaking Hoanib Valley, home to desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, and, if lucky, the elusive desertlion. Spot springbok, oryx, klipspringer, and kudu amid strugged landscapes. Bird lovers can enjoy sightings ofMonteiro’s hornbills, Ruppell’s korhaans, and Verreaux’s eagles.
Guided nature walks
Embark on guided nature walks led by qualified walking guides to explore the Hoanib Riverbed and nearby floodplains, learning about the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Interactive research presentations
Attend engaging presentations from wildlife researchers working on-site. These sessions offer insights into ongoing conservation projects and research conducted in theResearch Centre.
Enjoy stargazing under the clear desert skies, guided by a laser pointer. Discover constellations and learn about the phases of the moon (weather permitting).
Pre-dinner discussions and movie screenings Join pre-dinner discussions led by staff about research in the area, or watch fascinating documentaries such as VanishingKings – Desert Lions of the Namib in the on-site ResearchCentre.
Participate in day excursions exploring the concession area.These trips often include a picnic lunch and visits to notable sites like Mudorib Springs in the south, and the North andEastern Hoanib area.
For guests staying three nights or more, enjoy an extended coastal excursion to the Skeleton Coast. Activities include exploring shipwreck remains, visiting seal colonies, and flying over scenic landscapes (subject to weather and availability).
Discover the region’s diverse birdlife with guided birding activities, perfect for nature enthusiast
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Rwanda is a story of renewal, elegance, and natural splendor. Mist-covered mountains shelter rare mountain gorillas, while serene lakes and modern, clean cities create a harmonious blend of nature and progress. With its warm hospitality and commitment to conservation, Rwanda offers an enriching, meaningful luxury experience rooted in resilience and beauty.
The best time to visit Rwanda is from June to September and December to February, during the dry seasons, when conditions are ideal for gorilla trekking and exploring national parks.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593
info@bespokedestinations.co.za
The Royal Opulent Rwandan Experience is a deeply moving and luxurious journey through the heart of Rwanda, where remarkable wildlife encounters, rich cultural history, and refined hospitality come together. From the vibrant streets of Kigali and its powerful memorials to the savannahs of Akagera and the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, this selected experience offers rare moments of connection—from tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to immersing yourself in Rwanda’s inspiring story of resilience, conservation, and renewal.
Arrive at Kigali International Airport with a personalised meet-and-greet. Transfer to your hotel for check-in, with a city tour of Kigali included, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on arrival time.
The Retreat By Heaven - 1 Night
2
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then transfer to Kigali Airport for your flight to Wilderness Magashi, where your guide will take you to your lodge for a three-night safari.
2 - 5
Magashi - 3 Nights
5
After your final morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Wilderness Bisate, then check in, have lunch, and relax before your gorilla trek in the morning.
5 - 8
Bisate Lodge - 3 Nights
6
After breakfast, depart at 06:30 for your gorilla trek, then return for lunch and a relaxing afternoon or spa.
7
After breakfast, transfer to the park for your Golden Monkey trek, then return for lunch and a relaxed afternoon at the lodge.
8
After breakfast, your Guide will transfer you to Kigali Airport, stopping at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Campus for a tour on Mountain Gorilla conservation. DAY 1 DAY 1 - 2
An award-winning eco-chic rainforest lodge nestled in a mesmerising volcanic landscape. Like giant birds’ nests tucked into the trees, the six Forest Villas that make up Wilderness Bisate at Volcanoes National Park are simply breath-taking. And arguably the finest base in Africa from which to trek to see the famous mountain gorillas of the Virungas. Wilderness Bisate is a celebration of life in Rwanda. It embraces a nourishing Earth-to- plate food journey, visionary reforestation programme, community initiatives, and rich wildlife, with a fierce passion to conserve and protect the beauty of this land, and all who call it home.
Since opening in 2017, Bisate has racked up 34 awards and continues to inspire. Six sublime en-suite forest villas, designed as an homage to Rwandan royalty, overlook unforgettable vistas over brooding Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes. A wine cellar, library, spa, restaurant, and tree nursery, woven through with warm hospitality complete this natural wonder. Bisate’s vegetable garden is established as an ecosystem designed for sustainability and self- sufficiency.
Their menu features seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness, with the majority sourced from their own garden. Additionally, they extend their support to local communities engaged in crop cultivation and procure red-skinned, wonderfully starchy potatoes, as well as organic, free-range eggs from neighboring supplier.
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Zimbabwe is a land shaped by beauty and resilience, where world-class wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and warm people come together to create unforgettable journeys. From the thundering might of Victoria Falls to tranquil reserves and ancient ruins, the country offers a luxurious blend of natural wonder and cultural depth. Zimbabwe is soulful, inspiring, and truly captivating.
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from June to October, during the dry season, when wildlife is easier to spot and Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular.
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CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
DAY 1
Embark on a curated journey through Zimbabwe’s most iconic landscapes, where luxury, adventure, and natural wonder come together in perfect harmony. From the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich plains of Hwange, the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba, and the untouched wilderness of Mana Pools, this experience has been designed to immerse you in the very best of Zimbabwe. Expect exceptional hospitality, world-class safari encounters, and unforgettable moments at every turn.
Arrive at Victoria Falls, transfer to The Palm River Hotel for lunch by the Zambezi, then enjoy a sunset cruise and starlit Riverside Dining.
DAY 1 - 3
The Palm River Hotel - 2 Nights
DAY 2
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls Town, explore local shops, then return to The Palm River Hotel for afternoon tea by the Zambezi.
DAY 3
After breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your scheduled flight to Hwange. On arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to camp.
DAY 3 - 6
Somalisa Acacia - 3 Nights
DAY 6
Depart after breakfast to Hwange Airstrip for your scheduled flight to to Bumi Airstrip. Upon arrival you will be met by your Guide and transferred to Bumi Hills.
DAY 6 - 9
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge - 3 Nights
DAY 6 - 9
After breakfast, transfer to Bumi Airstrip for your flight to Mana. Your guide will meet you on arrival and take you to Nyamatusi Mahogany.
DAY 9 - 12
Nyamatusi Mahogany - 3 Nights
DAY 9 - 12
After breakfast, transfer to Mana Main Airstrip for your flight to Harare and onward home.
Sublime safari camp at magical Mana Pools. Enjoy access to one of Zimbabwe’s most productive game-viewing regions, the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. Find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive in search of wildlife, or canoeing or tigerfishing on the Zambezi River. Or on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place. Elephants are frequent visitors at Ruckomechi, tempted by the nutritious albida trees that shade the camp.
Make yourself at home, as they do, between the en-suite rooms, the main area and the swimming pool. End the day the way days have ended in Africa for centuries; around a camp fire, under the stars, listening to nature’s soundtrack of frogs, crickets and jackals… Nestled in a lush albida forest on the banks of the Zambezi River, Ruckomechi’s 10 spacious suites (including two family units) offer an incredible Zimbabwe safari experience.
The wide floodplain behind the camp teems with wildlife, and after a thrilling day on safari, guests can sink into the ‘bath with a view’ for a blissful soak in the wild. Ruckomechi is known for warm hospitality and delicious, hearty cuisine. Savour an ice cold gin and tonic served as the glowing sun dips behind the horizon. Delight in a pancake breakfast out in the bush, dinner served under a blanket of stars or at the intimate Star Bed sleep-out.
www.wildernessdestinations.com
Blessed with warm waters, untouched islands, and soulful culture, Mozambique is the Indian Ocean at its most luxurious and laid-back. Its coastline stretches in endless blues, inviting travellers to private archipelagos, world-class diving, and barefoot-chic living. Mozambique’s charm lies in its simplicity—quiet luxury, warm hospitality, and natural beauty that never asks to be hurried.
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November, during the dry season, when the weather is warm and sunny—perfect for beaches, diving, and exploring coastal islands.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593
info@bespokedestinations.co.za
Escape to the turquoise waters and untouched beauty of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago on this exclusive island journey. The Royal Mozambique Experience invites you to slow down and reconnect in a pristine Indian Ocean paradise, where whitesand beaches, vibrant marine life, and refined barefoot luxury set the tone for an unforgettable stay. From scenic helicopter transfers to indulgent days on Benguerra Island, every moment has been thoughtfully curated for effortless relaxation and discovery.
DAY 1
Arrive in Vilanculos, Mozambique where a representative from Benguerra Lodge will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer to the Lounge to await your departure to Benguerra Island.
After a short 10 min helicopter transfer, you will arrive in the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago where your adventure will begin.
DAY 1 - 8
&Beyond Benguerra Island 7 Nights
DAY 8
After enjoying your last morning on the Island, a short Helicopter flight will transfer you to Vilanculos Airport where you will connect to your onward journey home.
Mozambique is one of those places that seems to whisper before it speaks. Its beauty isn’t loud—not the polished, picture-perfect kind—but raw, luminous, quietly magnetic. Turquoise shallows that stretch for miles. Dhows drifting across the horizon. Villages where children wave as you pass. Long, wild beaches that feel untouched by time.
For travellers who think they’ve “done Africa,” Mozambique is the unexpected answer: a coastal frontier that combines Indian Ocean serenity with notes of Arabia, East Africa and Portugal; a place where boutique luxury meets genuine discovery; a destination that feels both undiscovered and deeply authentic.
And at the centre of this new chapter is a collection of intimate hideaways that elevate Mozambique from best-kept secret to must-visit.
Mozambique’s magic has always been tied to its quiet, barefoot soul—so it’s fitting that the country’s most compelling stays are small, design-forward and deeply rooted in place.
Perched above the azure waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Santorini Mozambique feels like something dreamt up on a long, luxurious exhale. Whitewashed villas, Grecian-meets-Mozambican design, cobalt accents, private pools, breezy courtyards—it’s a coastal fantasy realised with impeccable taste. What makes it special is the intimacy: only a handful of suites,
each with sweeping ocean views; chefs who craft personalised menus; dhow-sail picnics on deserted islands; and a feeling that you’re staying at a friend’s private Mediterranean estate—just one magically transported to Africa’s most dazzling coastline.
Nearby boutique lodges on Benguerra and Magaruque islands follow a similar philosophy: slow living, refined design, immersion in nature. This is luxury that whispers rather than shouts.
Mozambique’s coastline stretches more than 2,400 km—a tapestry of mangroves, beaches, coral reefs and untouched islands. For travellers arriving from the Middle East, it feels both familiar and foreign at once: the warmth, the spice, the dhow sails that recall Oman—but layered with African rhythm, Portuguese heritage and a wilderness that still feels gloriously undiscovered.
Walk the markets of Vilanculos, and the scent of peri-peri prawns mingles with fresh cashews and coconut cake. Venture into the archipelago, and you’ll find sandbars that emerge at low tide—diamonds scattered across the sea. Snorkel off Bazaruto, and you may spot dugongs drifting slowly through the shallows.
Every day here reveals a different shade of blue, a different rhythm, a different texture of island life.
Island Hopping in the Bazaruto Archipelago
A mosaic of islands and sandbars, each one edged with luminous reefs and shallow lagoons. Days unfold
WORDS: ZAHIRAH VARIAWA (MARTY). IMAGES: SUPPLIED
slowly—snorkelling, gentle sailing, seafood lunches grilled over coals, sun-lounging on private beaches.
Dhow Sailing at Sunset
A wooden sailboat, a gentle breeze, and a horizon set on fire each evening. It is impossible to forget.
Horse Riding Along the Ocean
Vilanculos is one of the best places in Africa for beach riding—powdery sand, gentle surf, and freedom as far as the eye can see.
Exploring Local Villages
Life here is warm, welcoming and slow. Walk through colourful markets, meet artisans, discover the rhythm of Mozambican coastal living.
The Reefs and Marine Life
With some of the best snorkelling and diving in East Africa, Mozambique’s waters are home to turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, kaleidoscopic fish and the famously elusive dugong.
DUBAI → JOHANNESBURG → VILANCULOS
Daily flights on Emirates to Johannesburg, with seamless connections on Airlink to Vilanculos (approx. 13–15 hours total travel time).
DUBAI → MAPUTO → VILANCULOS
Emirates to Maputo, then domestic flights on LAM or charter options to the coast (best for travellers pairing city + beach).
PRIVATE CHARTER
For those staying in private villas or planning multi-stop safaris, charter flights from Kruger Mpumalanga, Nelspruit or northern Mozambique offer direct access to Bazaruto and Benguerra islands.
It is a place to exhale. A place to explore gently. A place to return to long after your footprints have faded from the sand.
In a continent rich with iconic destinations, Mozambique remains one of Africa’s most exciting coastal frontiers—not because it competes with its neighbours, but because it offers something entirely of its own. It is the Africa of slow mornings, soulful cuisine, deep blue horizons and barefoot luxury that feels honest and unfiltered.
For Middle Eastern travellers seeking somewhere different—somewhere that still feels like a discovery—Mozambique delivers beauty, serenity and authenticity in equal measure.
• Peri-Peri Prawns
• Matapa
• Pãozinho
• Grilled Fish & Seafood
• Rissóis de Camarão
• Visit a Local Market in Vilanculos
• Snorkel at Two Mile Reef
• Stargazing on the Beach
• Try Mozambique’s Famous R&R
(Beyond Santorini Mozambique)
• andBeyond Benguerra Island
• Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
• Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel
Tanzania offers the quintessential East African dream—sweeping savannas, the towering majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the exotic allure of Zanzibar’s spice-scented shores. Here, luxury unfolds in intimate safari camps, pristine beaches, and encounters with nature that feel both humbling and extraordinary. Tanzania is wild, warm, and wonderfully unforgettable.
The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing is at its peak and conditions are ideal for safaris and exploring national parks.
The Royal Serengeti Safari is a meticulously curated journey through one of Africa’s most legendary wilderness areas.
From the lush coffee plantations of Arusha to the vast plains of the Northern and Central Serengeti, this experience offers exceptional wildlife encounters, refined luxury camps, and seamless travel across Tanzania’s most celebrated safari regions. Designed for discerning travellers, it delivers the very essence of classic African safari at its most exclusive.
After breakfast, your driver will collect you at approximately 9am and transfer you to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Kogatende Airstrip. On arrival, you will be met by the camp vehicle and transferred to your luxury retreat camp for lunch, followed by your first afternoon game drive in search of the famous Big Five and other wildlife roaming the vast plains.
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - 1 Night
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Arusha Airport for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip. On arrival, the camp team will escort you to your luxury retreat for lunch, followed by your first afternoon game drive in search of the iconic Big Five.
Sayari Retreats - 3 Nights
After breakfast your guide will transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight to Seronera Airstrip. You will be met by your guide on arrival and transferred to your camp for lunch and after a bit of relaxation you will enjoy your 1st afternoon/evening game drive.
Namiri Plains Retreats - 4 Nights
After your last morning game drive and breakfast, your Guide will transfer you to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Dar Es Salaam Airport for your connecting flight home.
Kenya is the beating heart of East African adventure—where golden savannas stretch endlessly and wildlife roams in dramatic abundance. From the Maasai Mara’s iconic migrations to the serene shores of the Indian Ocean, the country offers a rare fusion of wild beauty and upscale hospitality. Here, tradition meets modern luxury, crafting journeys that inspire, thrill, and rejuvenate.
The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing is exceptional and the Great Migration can be seen in the Maasai Mara.
DAY 1
Royal Kenyan Experience is a meticulously curated journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, blending extraordinary wildlife encounters with world-class luxury. From intimate moments with giraffes in Nairobi to breathtaking safaris above the Maasai Mara and the elephant-rich plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, this itinerary offers a seamless flow of exclusivity, authenticity, and refined comfort. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to deliver an unforgettable safari experience that captures the very essence of Kenya.
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, where your Driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and transfer you to Giraffe Manor for your magical stay with the Giraffes roaming the surrounding forests.
DAY 1 - 3
Giraffe Manor - 2 Nights
DAY 3
After a leisurely breakfast and morning with the Giraffes, you will depart with your private transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, where your Guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your Lodge for the next few days.
DAY 3 -7
Angama Mara - 4 Nights
DAY 7
After your last morning game drive and breakfast you will be transferred to the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kimana Airfield, where your Guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your Lodge for the next few days.
DAY 7 - 11
Angama Amboseli - 4 Nights
DAY 11
After your last game drive and breakfast you will be transferred to the Kimana Airfield for your scheduled flight to Wilson Airport, where you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your connecting flight home.
The Seychelles embodies tropical perfection—granite islands rising from crystalline waters, lush forests thriving above secluded, powder-soft beaches. Renowned for privacy and ultra-luxury escapes, these islands offer a sanctuary for those seeking serenity, romance, and world-class indulgence. Every moment feels like a postcard brought to life.
The best time to visit the Seychelles is from April to May and September to November, when calm seas, warm temperatures, and light winds create ideal conditions for beach escapes and water activities.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
The Royal Island Experience is an exclusive escape to the remote Outer Islands of Seychelles, where untouched nature, barefoot luxury, and effortless island living come together. From a scenic helicopter transfer to seven nights on Alphonse Island, this curated journey invites you to unwind in pristine surroundings, enjoy world-class marine experiences, and reconnect at a pace defined entirely by the ocean and the tides.
DAY 1
Arrival in Mahé, Seychelles with your international flight. A representative of Blue Safaris will meet you in the arrivals hall of the Airport and transfer you to the lounge, where you will await your scheduled helicopter flight (1hr) to your destination.
Upon arrival at your destination, your driver will collect you and transfer you and the family to your Beach Retreat where you will be enjoying the Beach Paradise for the next 7 nights.
DAY 1 - 8
Alphonse Island Lodge 7 Nights
DAY 8
After a fun-filled, activity based or relaxing holiday, your driver will collect you and your family and transfer you to the Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Mahé, and your onward journey home.
Otherworldly and enchanting, Madagascar is a world unto itself. Its ancient forests, unique wildlife, and raw, rugged coastlines create an island atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth. For the curious traveler seeking the extraordinary, Madagascar blends eco-luxury with authentic culture, offering unforgettable encounters in landscapes shaped by time and isolation.
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing is at its best and conditions are ideal for exploring rainforests, beaches, and national parks.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
Journey to one of the world’s most remote and extraordinary island sanctuaries on the Royal Madagascar Adventure.
Set within the untouched Levens Archipelago, this exclusive escape combines barefoot luxury with rare wildlife encounters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and dramatic landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. With seamless helicopter transfers and a seven-night stay at Miavana by Time + Tide, this experience invites modern explorers to discover Madagascar at its most pristine and luxurious.
DAY 1
Arrive in Nosy Be, Madagascar, where a representative from Miavana will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer to the Lounge for your scheduled Helicopter flight to Miavana.
After a scenic 60 min transfer, you will arrive in the beautiful Archipelago where your adventure will begin.
DAY 1 - 8 DAY 8
Miavana By Time + Tide 7 Nights
After enjoying your last morning on the Island, a scenic Helicopter flight will transfer you to Nosy Be Airport where you will connect to your onward journey home.
Mauritius is the Indian Ocean’s jewel—a place where turquoise lagoons meet powder-white beaches, and refined hospitality is woven into every experience. Beyond its luxurious resorts lies a rich blend of cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders, from volcanic peaks to lush sugarcane valleys. It is a destination that captivates with beauty, warmth, and effortless elegance.
The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to November, during the dry, cooler months, offering pleasant temperatures ideal for beach days, water sports, and island exploration.
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS
CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM
+27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
The first glimpse of Mauritius, be it from the air or from the sea, is breathtaking. A volcanic island formed nearly 10 million years ago, the mountains and forests of the hinterland are encircled by exquisite turquoise lagoons on one side and indigo deepwater breaking onto volcanic cliffs on the other. The perfect tropical atmosphere and soft white sand beaches of this Indian Ocean island, coupled with the warmth and diversity of its people, make for a truly beautiful experience; days spent soaking up the sun at luxurious beachfront resorts are complemented by the adventures that beckon further inland.
DAY 1
Arrive in Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius where a representative from Belle Mare will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to the Hotel.
The scenic drive is approximately 1hr from the Airport and once you arrive, you will check in and orientate yourself around the Hotel, their activities and your Villa.
DAY 1 - 8
LUX Belle Mare 7 Nights
DAY 2 - 7
Your days will be spent enjoy the following inclusive activites: * Windsurfing * Pedal boat * Kayak * Aqua gym * Mini sails * Snorkeling * Glass bottom boat * Water skiing * Gym * Beach volleyball * Table tennis * Soccer balls * Tennis * Speedminton * Yoga * Tai Chi
DAY 8
After enjoying your last morning on the Island, you Driver will be transfer you to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport where you will connect to your onward journey home.
Mauritius has always had a way of staying with you. The colour of its lagoons, the warmth of its people, the scent of frangipani in the air—it all lingers long after you’ve left. There’s an ease to the island that seeps into your memory, a blend of tropical beauty and cultural richness that feels both indulgent and deeply comforting.
Return today, and Mauritius feels renewed. Along the island’s east coast, a quiet evolution is unfolding—one that elevates the destination without losing its soul. Two of the country’s most storied resorts, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and Shangri-La Le Touessrok, have emerged from transformative
redesigns, reimagining luxury for the modern traveller while honouring the natural landscapes that define them.
These refreshed icons reflect a more considered approach to island living: open spaces that invite the ocean breeze, refined interiors inspired by local textures, and experiences that balance indulgence with authenticity. Whether it’s barefoot mornings by the lagoon, sunset dining beneath swaying palms, or moments of stillness framed by the Indian Ocean, Mauritius once again reminds you why it never truly leaves you—because it continues to evolve, just as your memories of it do. www.fourseasons.com
FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS CONTACT THE BESPOKE TEAM +27 82 902 4593 info@bespokedestinations.co.za
Egypt is a living tapestry of ancient wonder and contemporary elegance. Along the Nile, millennia of history rise in the form of grand temples and timeless pyramids, while vibrant cities pulse with culture, cuisine, and modern sophistication. Whether drifting down the river on a luxury dahabiya or exploring sun-drenched desert landscapes, Egypt promises an unforgettable blend of mystique and majesty.
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring ancient sites, deserts, and the Nile.
DAY 1
Designed for couples seeking romance, refinement, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this 12-day Luxury Egypt Honeymoon is an intimate journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes and ancient wonders. From the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of Cairo’s museums to the timeless romance of a private Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, every detail is curated for comfort and exclusivity. Blending five-star heritage hotels, private guided experiences with an expert Egyptologist, and serene moments along the Nile and Red Sea, this itinerary offers a seamless balance of history, luxury, and unforgettable shared moments—perfectly crafted for a honeymoon to remember.
Begin your journey in Cairo with VIP arrival assistance, private visits to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Egyptian Museum, time to explore Coptic or Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili, and romantic dining experiences along the Nile, all complemented by luxury accommodation and a private Egyptologist.
DAY 4 - 5
Fly to Luxor for guided explorations of Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before embarking on an elegant luxury Nile cruise.
DAY 5 - 8
Sail the timeless Nile in style with visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Philae Temple by private boat, a Nubian village experience, sunset felucca sailing, refined onboard dining, and unforgettable river views throughout.
DAY 8 - 12
Disembark in Aswan with leisure time or an optional Abu Simbel excursion, return to Cairo before continuing to the Red Sea for beachfront relaxation, snorkeling or diving, and a romantic farewell dinner, concluding with your departure from Egypt.
We o er a variety of unique Educational Travel Programs to South Africa, specifically designed for international learners between the ages of 8 and 17, accompanied by some of their teachers.
Our own journey started as private school teachers in the Limpopo Province back in 2002, from where we passionately launched into Educational Youth Travel, after having followed up on a rare opportunity that came our way at the time. Since then, our main activities have been focused on the French International Youth Travel market, which we continue to serve at present, through the organization and facilitation of our unique brand of English language, and culture based Educational Programs.
Over the years, we successfully hosted more than 300 school groups from France, Reunion Island, Nigeria, DRC, and Gabon, which gained
us a solid reputation based on professionalism, appropriate and highly educational program content, as well as excellent value for money.
Most of our current trip-o erings aim at providing learners with an opportunity to improve their English language skills, while also discovering various aspects of the rich cultural and natural diversity of our country. An essential ingredient of many of these programs, is the establishment of a close contact with a local school, and more specifically with South African learners of around the same age. We achieve this by initiating unique contact opportunities with some of our local schools, and also by integrating an optional family homestay phase into the program, for older learners between the ages of 13 and 17. However, our Program content remains flexible and fully-negotiable, and can be adapted to all needs.
The most popular Program duration is between 10 and 15 days, and trips can be scheduled for any time of the year. Transport is by means of fully chartered, luxury, air-conditioned busses. We provide a qualified tour-facilitator who welcomes the group on arrival at the airport, and then accompanies the group for the duration of their Program, in order to assume his role as their guide and informer during the trip, while also being tasked with the smooth facilitation of the Program itinerary.
