Cape Town & Mashatu

Fantastic self-drive itinerary that combines the vibrant city of Cape Town with a safari in the “Land of Giants”, famed for its big cat safaris. This is great at any time of year!

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Day 1
Arrival in Cape Town where you will be met by our local representative who will assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle and answer any questions you may have about your upcoming adventure.
Depart from the airport for your short drive into the city. Your hotel is located in the new “Silo District” of the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, from where you can explore all the attractions of the waterfront on foot.
The rest of the day is at leisure to settle into your new surroundings.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Radisson Red Hotel 4****

Days 2/3/4
3 full days to explore the magical city of Cape Town at your own pace in your rental vehicle. The city is well known as one of the most beautiful in the world, nestled between the wild southern Atlantic Ocean and the towering granite of Table Mountain.
Makes sure not to miss a trip around the fabled Cape of Good Hope and explore the delights of the Cape wine country. Take a journey up Table Mountain and perhaps a boat trip to Robben Island to learn about the city’s darker past.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Radisson Red Hotel 4****

Day 5
Enjoy a final morning in Cape Town before heading to the airport where you will return your rental vehicle before your flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival in Johannesburg you will collect your new rental vehicle and start your journey north, for approximately 40 minutes to your country estate lodge for the night.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Irene Country Lodge 5*****

Day 6
Continue your journey north after an early breakfast for the drive to the Pontdrift border post. The drive is approximately 5 hours through rolling farmland and open “veld”. On arrival at the border post you will park your car in the secure parking, and having completed your border formalities to enter Botswana your guide will meet you to transfer you to your lodge.
Settle into your lodge before a high tea and then your first safari in an open 4×4 vehicle with an experienced guide and tracker team at the helm. Stop for sundowners in the bush before making your way back to the lodge after dark.
Dinner is served at the lodge.
Overnight on a full board basis at Mashatu Main Lodge

Days 7/8
2 full days on safari in the Masahtu Game Reserve. The reserve is commonly referred to as the “Land of Giants” thanks to its abundance of elephants, big cats, towering baobabs, eland (largest antelope in Africa), giraffes and kori bustards (heaviest flying bird).
The scenery is no less impressive with wide open grassy plains, riverine forests, rocky outcrops and impressive stone cliffs. The reserve is most famous for its exceptional sightings of big cats, with lions, leopards and cheetahs regularly sighted on drives.
During your stay you will enjoy twice daily safaris out in search of Africa’s big game. If, however, you want something a little different you could opt for a mountain bike safari, or for experienced riders, a horseback safari! For keen photographers there are special photographic safaris available at certain times of the year, where you will be accompanied by renowned wildlife photographers. Ask us about the supplements for these additional activities.
While not on safari relax on your private decks looking out into the bush or cool off in the beautiful pool or perhaps seek the shade of the “Gin Trap” bar and watch the waterhole with drink in hand!
All meals will be served at the lodge.
Overnight on a full board basis at Mashatu Main Lodge

Day 9
After a final morning safari and breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Mashatu. You will be transferred back to the border where you will once again cross into South Africa and drive back to Johannesburg where you will return your rental vehicle before your outbound flight.