South Africa is a land of spectacular natural beauty, more than five times the size of the British Isles. From the lush forests of the Garden Route to the rolling sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert - from thousands of miles of sandy, uncrowded beaches to vast areas of savannah and bushlands. South Africa will not disappoint. The cuisine reflects South Africa's cultural diversity, while its wines are now ranked amongst the best in the world.

I have visited South Africa many times and I really can't wait to travel there again. Mr and Mrs Taylor from Church Crookham had always wanted to travel there but from talking to friends had been worried about taking the plunge - that was until they contacted me.

I chatted to them on several occasions about the lovely places I had visited on my travels and eventually they decided to go. Mr Taylor loves train journeys so I couldn't resist adding the wonderful Rovos Rail journey from Cape Town to Pretoria. They spent a few days in Cape Town first and when their train journey ended they had 3 wonderful nights in a private game reserve - what a way to end a holiday!

South Africa itinerary created by Lynne:

• DAY 1 Report to the South African Airways Check-In Desks at London Heathrow Airport for your flight to Cape Town.
  2015 hours - Depart London.
• DAY 2 0945 hours - Arrive Cape Town.
  On arrival you will be met and transferred to The Cape Grace Hotel, for 5
  nights accommodation.
  Set on a Quay in the V&A waterfront, this 5 star hotel has received numerous awards for its high standards of comfort and service. The 121 guest rooms and suites have views over the working harbour or towards the mountain. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool restaurant, bar superb wine cellar extensive health spa facilities and beautifully appointed public rooms.
• DAY 3 0830 hours You will be collected from your accommodation for the half day Cape Town City tour.
  Your tour begins with a trip up Table Mountain (weather permitting) for a view of the city and the Peninsula. Learn about the city's history with a visit to The Castle, South African Museum and the Malay Quarter. Your last stop is the exciting development of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
• DAY 4 0900 hours You will be collected from your accommodation for the full day "Cape Winelands" Tour.
  Enjoy informal wine tastings at well known wine estates whilst travelling through spectacular valley and mountain scenery. Step back in time and experience the history and culture of Franschhoek with a visit to the charming Huguenot Monument Museum. After lunch (own account) visit Oom Samies se Winkel, the world famous 19th Century shop, before returning to Cape Town.
• DAY 5 Enjoy a day at leisure.
• DAY 6 0830 hours Pick up today for the full day "Cape Peninsula" Tour.
  Venture along the winding Atlantic coastline to the Cape of Good Hope, meeting place of the mighty oceans of the Atlantic and Indian. Continue along the False Bay coastline to the Jackass Penguin colony in Simonstown before making your way back to the city through the historic Constantia winelands district.
• DAY 7 You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town Railway Station. Report for the departure of the Rovos Rail "Pride of Africa" Luxury Train to Pretoria.
  1100 hours - Depart from platform 24 and proceed inland via Worcester.
  1800 hours - Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein guests tour this quaint village.
  1900 hours - Depart from Matjiesfontein.
• DAY 8 1300 hours - Arrive Kimberley. On arrival in Kimberley you are transferred to the historic Kimberley Club for lunch and then take the electric tram from the city centre for a tour of the "Big Hole" and Museum. 1600 hours - Depart Kimberley.
• DAY 9 1200 hours - Arrive Pretoria Capital Park Station. A representative from Kloof House will meet and transfer you back to the ‘house’ for an overnight stay. Located in Pretoria's diplomatic area of Waterkloof, the house is in a peaceful setting and has sweeping views of the City. There are seven elegant bedrooms and suites each furnished to the very highest standard. There is a fine dining room, a welcoming lounge and a small plunge pool in the gardens.
• DAY 10 Kloof House will transfer you to Johannesburg International Airport. Report to the South African Express Check-In Desks for your flight to Hoedspruit. 1135 hours - Depart Johannesburg. 1245 hours - Arrive Hoedspruit Airport.
  A representative from the Kapama Private Game Reserve will meet and transfer you to the reserve for three nights accommodation at Kapama Lodge. Game viewing activities are included in your stay.
  A haven in the heart of 12,000 hectares of pristine African bush awaits the adventurous visitor to the Kapama Private Game Reserve. Nestled on the banks of a scenic lake, the exclusive Kapama Lodge offers the perfect blend of exotic African splendour and luxury living. Situated 48 kms from the Orpen Gate to the Kruger National Park, the lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding African bushveld. This idyllic retreat comprises only of 20 exclusive air-conditioned, en suite chalets with walkways that lead to a central reception, lounge and dining area. Wake up to the haunting sounds of Africa and join your game ranger for an early game spotting drive in to the heart of the bush to see an abundance of large and small mammals and a multitude of birds in their natural habitat.
• DAY 13 Return transfer to Hoedspruit Airport. Report to the South African Express check in desks for your flight to Johannesburg.
  1315 hours - Depart Hoedspruit.
  1430 hours - Arrive Johannesburg International Airport.
  Proceed to International Departures and report to the South African Airways Check-In Desks for your return flight to London.
  2105 hours - Depart Johannesburg.
  DAY 14 0625 hrs - Arrive London Heathrow Airport.
  
  For the cost of this itinerary or indeed any itinerary that you may want us to put together please contact me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 'phone 01252 627262.