A waves, wine and wilderness journey through South Africa
Looking for a luxury holiday showcasing the very best of South Africa? Waves, Wine & Wilderness is a bespoke Relais & Chateaux journey to three top destinations in three diverse regions featuring a world-famous wine estate, a secluded beach getaway and a Big Five safari in the Greater Kruger National Park. Join us on a unique, six-day African adventure of breathtaking landscapes and experiences, indulgences and mindful interactions, with comfort, luxury and excellent service at every turn.
Wine - Your journey begins in the heart of the Cape Winelands at the prestigious Delaire Graff Estate on the Helshoogte Pass with spectacular panoramic views of the Stellenbosch Valley. Named the “Best Vineyard in Africa 2020”, Delaire Graff Estate’s award-winning wines are carefully crafted to reflect the area's unique terroir.
Pair your Cabernet with fine dining at the estate’s two flagship restaurants – the Delaire Graff Restaurant with its bistro-style dishes or HŌSEKI offering Japanese cuisine. Menus are seasonal, and only sustainably grown and ethically sourced ingredients are used.
After your meal, wander through the acres of botanical garden dotted with water features, pools and more than 350 indigenous plants. The estate is a living gallery of more than 400 artworks and sculptures by South Africa’s eminent contemporary artists, and part of the owner’s fascinating collection. Here, nature creates the perfect backdrop for their works. Or slip away to the sanctuary of the on-site spa for a world-class treatment.
Waves - Next, you will journey 3.5 hours from Delaire Graff Estate to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a pristine protected area of beaches, dunes, fynbos and wetlands, where the Morukuru Beach Lodge welcomes you for an all-inclusive stay.
Named South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel by the World Travel Awards 2020-2023, it’s easy to see why. Set among fynbos and white dunes and offering expansive ocean vistas, this stunning off-grid eco-lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings, putting sustainability first but without compromising on luxury. Amenities at your lodge may inspire you to stay in for a while, enjoying the hot tub, the pool or sitting around the fire pit with a glass of fine red. Fully staffed, your every need is met.
Outdoor activities include snorkelling and mountain biking, and guided marine or fynbos walks to discover rock pools or spot wildlife such as Cape Mountain Zebra, various antelope and bird species. Pop into Bites Beach Café for a delicious light meal on the terrace overlooking the ocean and enjoy the unique experience of whale and dolphin watching (season-dependent) at the same time!
Wilderness - End your journey with an unforgettable, “soulful safari” in the Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. Fly or drive to Jabulani, famed not only for its five-star hospitality, cuisine and guest experiences but also for its elephant orphanage and deep commitment to critical conservation efforts, community upliftment and sustainable tourism.
With only six luxury suites and two exclusive-use villas, Jabulani offers an intimate, exclusive bush immersion. The wooden decks and plunge pools overlooking the riverbed maximise the views and offer occasional small-game spotting, while a personalised butler service sees to every detail.
Naturally, a highlight of your stay is the elephant encounters on daily guided game drives and walks with rangers. You’ll observe the herd from a respectful and comfortable distance, as they go about their natural activities in the bush or swimming and playing in the water hole. The reserve also has an abundant Big Five population, making it possible to spot some others on your game drives – lion, rhino, Cape buffalo and even the elusive leopard.
Plenty of other activities offer something for everyone from exhilarating hot air balloon rides over the reserve and helicopter flights to the Blyde River Canyon to pampering at the unique bush spa set under a canopy of trees. Jabulani also has a gym and sauna on-site. In the evening, enjoy a private wine tasting or food and wine pairing experience in the well-stocked cellar or a barbecue under the stars in the boma.
These world-class destinations cater to every interest, from food and wine to beaches and wildlife, making the Waves, Wine & Wilderness package a spectacular way to experience the highlights of South Africa in under a week. For full package details click here.