Each corner of the world shyly touts its unique mystery; humble offerings to provide the traveler with not just new sights and experiences, but fresh feelings and awakenings. The allure within Africa we find undeniable is a powerful draw to reconnect with the Earth, and in this, a paradoxical harmony of feeling grounded and rooted, yet lifted. It is a place where primitive reality connects to poetic ethereality. Our ideal itinerary, a balance of raw nature and lush luxury, unfolds below.
CAPE TOWN
Those who refer to America as a melting pot have likely never passed through Cape Town, which is a flurry of unexpected cultural congruencies. They seamlessly unite as they weave a common thread of this vibrant, creative energy unlike anywhere else. A bespoke itinerary will cut through an otherwise overwhelming volume of prospective experiences.
PROPERTIES
ELLERMAN HOUSE
Cape Town boasts the title of Africa’s art capital, and one of the defining features of the Ellerman House property is the owner’s extensive art collection, containing original works both contemporary and from the turn of the last century. The property itself is a work of art in its own right, presenting an opportunity to interact with the unique Cape Edwardian architecture style, overlooking uninterrupted views of the upscale Bantry Bay neighborhood and Clifton beaches.
Reside in one of the 13 individually decorated rooms and suites, while enjoying the hotel’s shaded verandas, terraced indigenous gardens, and private infinity pools. Delivering exceptional hospitality is the team’s utmost priority, displayed among other ways via the daily menu of modern classics, paired with private tastings from the resident sommelier who accesses the property’s 7,500 bottle wine cellar.
Ellerman House embodies the mindful purpose of the conscious hotel movement in a unique way: through their Click Foundation. The Harris family, property owners, has created this foundation to assist with educational development for underprivileged South African youth. A stay here aids in forging a brighter future within the education system.
THE SILO
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront neighborhood of Cape Town is the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, dramatically backdropped by sweeping views of Table Mountain. The V&A waterfront is home to Cape Town’s most exclusive luxury hotel: The Silo. Uniquely designed into the grain elevator of the grain silo complex, yet seated above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the property is a delightful blend of historic importance and stylish contemporary glamour.
Heatherwick Studio is responsible for the exterior design. Maintaining the integrity of the original structure, the team added ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These mutli-faceted structures glisten by day and glow by night as an iconic beacon along this distinctive skyline.
As The Silo is part of The Royal Portfolio you can guarantee a genuine warmness will permeate the services provided. Prioritizing a family ethos to promote belonging and comfort in the midst of your stay is at the heart of this family owned portfolio.
TOURS
CAPE PENINSULAR
Tour the Atlantic seaboard coastal road with a private driver on the Cape Peninsular excursion, winding by the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, passing through Chapman’s Peak into the coastal towns that await below. Simonstown and Kalk bay offer a glimpse into fisherman’s villages. Beyond awaits the sheltered granite inlets of Boulders Beach, home to the rare African penguins, part of the Cape Nature Conservation. Interact with wildlife again at the Cape Point Ostrich Farm. A lunch stop at Noordhoek’s trendy Foodbarn is a welcome reprieve before continuing on past Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. Overall, a day that delights in a variety of spirited sights.
CAPE TOWN CITY & TABLE MOUNTAIN TOUR
Explore the collision of nature, art, design, history, food and wine that characterize Cape Town’s vibrant cultural scene all in one day with the Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour. Begin by soaking in breathtaking views from a cable car ride up Table Mountain. Marvel at the sights from the top with a brief stroll along the ridge. Tour the Castle of Good Hope, a slice of history revered as the best preserved Dutch East India Company fort. Pause for lunch at Beau Constantia before continuing on through the Greenmarket Square flea market and V&A Waterfront.
THE WINELANDS
Wind your way an hour east of Cape Town to valleys of vines silhouetted by a backdrop of mountains and you are in South Africa’s Winelands region: a trio of three primary towns — Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Among some of the first European settlements, a Dutch influence is still apparent, though Franschhoek is known as the ‘French corner’ (and also as the food and wine capital of South Africa). Between the Mediterranean climate, the merit of the soil and the hilly terrain it is one of the world’s most premium sites for modern viticulture, though its agricultural history dates all the way back to the late 1600s.
PROPERTIES
DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
A choice recommendation is the Delaire Graff Estate, known as the jewel of the Cape Winelands. Between the world class spa, gourmet culinary delights and award winning wines, no luxurious amenity is spared in this perfectly idyllic setting. Complete relaxation is the priority of the estate, as is apparent in the attention to detail within the carefully conceived lodges. Generously spacious living areas are well lit, flowing into private plunge pools where the lodge butler is only happy to oblige guests with a chilled glass of wine.
THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
As our idealized itinerary of South Africa continues, we now reach a turning point in a shift away from the vibrant city culture of Cape Town and the Winelands in favor of a retreat deeper into our connection with nature. In this shift we discover a swap from the manicured estates to innovative eco-lodges that find themselves blending in with the raw natural environment. No excursion to Africa is complete without a dedication to finding onself in the presence of the imfamous big five game: the lion, the elusive leopard, the rhinocerous, the elephant and dangerous Cape buffalo. A special handful of properties allow this objective to unfold with greater ease.
PROPERTIES
SABI SABI EARTH LODGE
The nomenclature of the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge implies exactly what you will discover on site: that everything within the property is inspired by nature, thoughtfully designed around touches such as impala horn shapes for table legs, water lily leaf shapes for table designs, and tree branches for countertops. The aim is to invite a sense of calm and restorative spirit into its visitors as their world and the natural world blend together in perfect harmony.
Despite traditional bush lodge style and an emphasis on nature, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge maintains a distinctly futuristic and elegant style, easily apparent in the design of the 13 luxurious suites. Each contains its own private pool, butler, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, outdoor shower and custom furnishings. Overlooking a waterhole and vast span of bush, visitors will not have to wait long for a glimpse of African wildlife, particularly considering the twice daily open vehicle safaris. Between these exciting tours, take advantage of the lodge’s library, underground wine cellar, Zen garden and Amani Spa.
SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE
Tucked away in the northeastern-most corner of the country awaits the Kruger National Park, an enormous game reserve — one of Africa’s largest. Protection for this sacred land began in 1898, and in 1926 it was awarded the title of South Africa’s first national park. Natural geographic barriers serve as the boundaries of the park, which is bordered by the Limpopo and Crocodile rivers to the north and south respectively, and the Lebombo Mountains at the east. Within awaits some of the most rare sightings of flora and fauna that you can find at any African game reserve.
Singita Lebombo Lodge defers to the natural landscape within which it finds itself, evidenced in the construction which is almost entirely wood and glass. The result is an experience of feeling oneness with the African bush to the greatest extent possible, yet without sacrificing modern amenities and comfort to be revelled in between the daily game drives through Kruger National Park.
SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE
Adjacent to the Kruger National Park awaits the Sabi Sands game reserve, privately owned by dedicated custodians of this precious wilderness who aim to protect the wildlife populations for future generations. Conscious of the footprint on the Sabi Sands, owner Japie van Niekerk has developed clean energy solutions for both the hospitality and safari elements of the Cheetah Plains experience. Solar renewable energy, grey-water recycling and a dedication to local employment are some of the tangible outpourings of this holistic approach to sustainability.
The lodge itself consists of three designer homes, allowing between four to eight guests each. Every bush home has its own outdoor boma area, two lounges, a wine cellar and heated swimming pool.
Participate in the twice daily game drives aboard the zero-emission Land Cruiser Electric safari vehicles, exploring the bush at its busiest times: early morning and late afternoon. Tours include sunrise and sunset stops and stargazing. Further opportunity to sharpen yourself to a deeper appreciation of nature and our own place within its ecosystem comes with the guided bush walks also offered at Cheetah Plains.
ROYAL MALEWANE
Condé Nast Traveler accolades should never go underestimated, which is why we note that Royal Malewane achieved mention on the Top 20 Resorts in the World list, keeping company with The Silo as another gem in The Royal Portfolio’s collection. Part of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve at Kruger National Park’s Western border, the lodge is made easily accessible due to the private landing strip on site.
Royal Malewane divides itself into two halves with The Farmstead being the more private counterpart. It consists of three luxury farm suites, each with a spacious bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The Farmhouse suite itself has its own chef, housekeeper, butler, private safari vehicle complete with a ranger and tracker. Meals are considered celebrations, crafted to linger on one’s palette after the sun has gone down and the African stars have twinkled their way into view.
While this detailed itinerary has been carefully complied in conjunction with our trusted partners, as with any Paper & Diamond production, it can be entirely customized and adjusted based on each client’s individual preferences and priorities. A dazzling array of additional excursions could be considered in conjunction with South Africa, including but not limited to exploration of Zimbabwe and/or Madagascar. In partnership with our expert friends at Ker & Downey® Africa it is our honor to bring you an elite experience of the Motherland. To learn more, visit our Contact page to submit an inquiry.