Compare Madagascar Hidden Gems by Aardvark Safaris vs Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari by Ker & Downey Africa
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 6,496 | $ 16,797 |
| Price Per Day | $ 591 | $ 1,400 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 9 Dinner |
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| Description |
Madagascar is home to an incredible diversity of habitat, scenery and wildlife, including several species of the much loved lemur. This comprehensive trip takes in the architectural attractions of the capital, the mountains and plateaus of the interior, isolated villages along the Pangalanes Canal, forest blanketed slopes, and a gem of an island that boasts one of Madagascar’s most breathtaking beaches, which is really saying something. Spot lemur in their native habitat, stay in a variety of fabulous properties, hike, and meet the locals to gain a better understanding of their everyday lives and vibrant culture. And, of course, be sure to soak up the sun on dazzling stretches of white sandy beaches and swim in sparkling warm water. |
A country of incredible diversity, South Africa’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and epic wildlife offer something special for every traveler. This 12 day itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the country’s most sought-after destinations, taking you to the vibrant city of Cape Town, the scenic Cape Winelands and concludes with a unique private safari experience in the Kalahari. In true Ker & Downey® Africa style, you will stay in some of the country’s most exclusive hotels and lodges, visit the top sights on private guided tours, savor culinary delights of the Winelands, and experience day and night game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris and visit habituated meerkats. A highlight of your Kalahari safari will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire. |
Day 1: Lokanga Boutique Hotel - 1 night - Bed and Breakfast
Accommodation: Lokanga Boutique Hotel
On arrival into Antananarivo (Tana) today you will be met by an English speaking guide who will accompany you until you depart mainland Madagascar for Nosy Be. You will be driven to Lokanga Boutique Hotel where you stay the night on a bed and breakfast basis
This intimate and freshly renovated hotel is situated atop a hill close to the old Queen's Palace in Madagascar. Designed in the traditional Malagasy townhouse style, Lokanga Boutique Hotel is built on the site that once housed the Queen's musicians, and is named after the Malagasy violin. This prominent viewpoint looks out across the city and is the perfect spot from which to enjoy magnificent evening sunsets.
Set in an ancient part of this beautiful city, Lokanga Boutique Hotel comprises six comfortable bedrooms, complete with en-suite facilities, mini-bar, television, heating, and Wi-Fi. The luxurious rooms are all decorated on an individual theme and adorned with elegant antiques. Most suites have a balcony with fabulous vistas across Madagascar. Perfect for an overnight stay or longer.
Day 2 - 5: Vakona Lodge - 3 nights - Half Board
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Vakona Lodge
From Tana this morning you will be driven to Vakona Lodge which is a journey of approximately two and a half to three hours on reasonably well maintained roads. The drive itself is very scenic and gives you the opportunity to see more of Madagascar including rice fields, villages and markets. There is an option to break your journey at Marozevo/Madagascar Exotic, which is about half way. This is a breeding facility for Malagasy reptiles, amphibians and butterflies and gives you the opportunity to view some species you may not see in the wild.
You will be staying at Vakona for three nights on a half board basis to include breakfast and dinner. You will have the chance to visit Andasibe/Analamazaotra, Vakona Private and Mantadia Parks during your stay as well as do a night tour to spot nocturnal animals.
The spectacular Vakona Lodge is located in the center of Madagascar's Andasibe (Perinet) Forest. A stay here puts you near Mantadia National Park and just a three hour drive east to Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo.
Stay in one of 28 beautiful bungalows complete with en-suite facilities. Vakona Lodge also has a swimming pool, and comfortable bar and dining room in which you can share your adventures with friends over a meal and drink.
During your stay at Madagascar's Vakona Lodge, discover Andasibe (Perinet) National Park. Enjoy a day or night walking safari under the guidance of an expert ranger to learn more about this beautiful and world respected reserve. The area is famous for its wealth of diurnal and nocturnal wildlife, most notably the indri indri, the biggest member of the lemur family. You will almost certainly hear its haunting calls penetrating the forest canopy as day breaks.
Day 5 - 6: Bush House - 2 nights - Half Board
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Bush House Lodge
This morning you will be driven to Manambato from where you take a boat transfer to Akanin' ny Nofy. This is generally a lovely one and a half hour trip along the old shipping canal, but if the weather is wet or windy it can be a choppy journey.
You spend the next two nights at Bushhouse which is a small, secluded property overlooking Lake Ampitabe on the Pangalanes Canal. Your stay is on a half board basis to include breakfast and dinner.
Beautifully hidden amid lush forest on a hillside with spectacular views across Lake Ampitabe on the Pangalanes Canal in eastern Madagascar is exclusive Bush House. The property is reached by boat via an old shipping canal interspersed with vast lakes. Most of Bush House is hand built using locally sourced materials. All 11 bungalows and two comfortable rooms are uniquely decorated and equipped with en-suite facilities. The public space comprises a relaxing bar and a restaurant with a great traditional Malagasy, Creole and French menu.
Investigate the exotic and beautiful area surrounding Madagascar's Bush House by boat, and take a relaxing walk through the local reserve that is home to a variety of endangered species, including lemur (crowned, red-bellied, ring-tailed, black and white ruffled), chameleon and radiated tortoise. Water based activities, including canoeing, are also available.
Day 7 - 10: Tsarabanjina - 4 nights - Full Board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will continue along the Pangalanes Canal on another boat journey of around three hours. You will be met and driven to Tamatave Airport in time to take a scheduled flight departing for Tana.
On arrival you will connect onto the scheduled flight to Nosy Be. You will be met on arrival into Nosy Be and transferred by boat to Tsarabanjina where you spend the next four nights on a full board basis to include all meals.
Famous for providing the exotic backdrop to a BBC castaway island series, Tsarabanjina is a small private island fringed by white sandy beaches, mature forest and the azure sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
The island is set to the northwest of Madagascar's coastline in the Nosy Be area. Tsarabanjina comprises 25 luxurious rooms traditionally constructed from thatch and woven reeds. Each room is equipped with en-suite bathroom and has a fabulous terrace with hammocks in which you can look out across the soft white sand to the blue Ocean. Enjoy a delicious evening meal and sundowner drinks in the dining room and bar.
During your stay at this Madagascan paradise, you can enjoy the fantastic diving and snorkeling for which this area is renowned. You can also organize deep sea fishing, sailing, boat cruises and waterskiing, which are on offer from local operators.
Day 11: Fly Nosy Be to Antananarivo
Today you will be flown by scheduled flight back to Tana. From here you will take an international flight, or continue with another African adventure.
Day 1-5: Arrive Cape Town International Airport
Check in: 21 Nettleton
Your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you, assist you through immigration and accompany you to 21 Nettleton. Located in one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town, on the slopes of Lion’s Head, this luxury boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ensures absolute privacy. Your time at 21 Nettleton can be enjoyed lounging by the pool, unwinding with a personalised on-site spa treatment, and indulging in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Discover the Mother City’s breath-taking surroundings on a half-day private tour or venture further afield to the Cape Peninsula to experience Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach – home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in South Africa.
Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton
Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighborhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.
Experiences:
Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Day 6-7: Transfer Cape Winelands
Check in Delaire Graff
After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, your driver will meet you for your transfer to the Cape Winelands. Located along the scenic Helshoogte pass outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estates offers luxury accommodation, each fitted with a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below. Spend the day at leisure or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour before enjoying a drink at the lodge bar before a world-class dinner at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff restaurant offering bistro chic cuisine, or Indochine – a bespoke Asian inspired eatery. You can also visit the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, known for their art, museums, shopping and award-winning wineries. End off your day in the Winelands with your favorite film in the private cinema.
Where you’ll stay: Delaire Graff
Located just outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate offers luxury living in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Each lodge on the estate has a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below.
Experiences:
You can enjoy the estate’s world-class spa or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour to sample award-winning wines followed by a unique fine dining experience at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff Restaurant or Indochine.
Day 8-11: Transfer Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Check in The Motse
After breakfast in the tranquil Cape Winelands, you will be accompanied to Cape Town International Airport for your light aircraft flight to Tswalu Kalahari. On touch down, your dedicated guide will meet you and transfer you to The Motse. With a private guide and tracker, your time at Tswalu Kalahari can be tailored exactly to your unique interests. There are an array of unique experiences available for you to enjoy, from day and night game drives and bush walks to horseback safaris and meerkat encounters. You Kalahari Safari will allow the opportunity to participate in conservation-management experiences during your stay alongside the researchers at the Tswalu Foundation. In the evening, you can enjoy the culinary delights at Klein Jan prepared by South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen followed by a world-class guided stargazing experience. A highlight of your time here will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire.
Where you’ll stay: Tswalu The Motse
Located in Tswalu Kalahari, The Motse features just nine luxurious suites, each fitted with a private deck, star-bed and open fireplace. Guests who stay at The Motse can enjoy the lodge’s outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym and photographic studio, as well as wine cellar, National Geographic library and gallery.
Experiences:
The Motse offers a completely private experience to its guests leaving you to design your day according to your mood. Join the conservation-management activities with the Tswalu Foundation and enjoy private game drives and bush walks alongside your dedicated guide and tracker, meerkat encounters and horseback safaris.
Day 12: Transfer Cape Town
Depart Cape Town International Airport
Day 12 marks the final day of your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari. Your guide will meet you after breakfast and transfer you to the reserve’s airstrip for your flight to Cape Town and onward journey home.
