South Africa Art & Wildlife Safari

Welcome to Johannesburg! You will be met at the door of your aircraft and assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs and then across the street to your airport hotel.

This morning return on your own to the Johannesburg airport for the light aircraft flight directly into Madikwe Private Game Reserve, where your guide stands ready to take you to your remarkable safari lodge. Located in the spectacular 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, Mateya Lodge exhibits one of the world’s finest collections of African art, with each piece hand-selected for its unique and enduring appeal. Experienced game rangers and trackers are on hand to take you on game drives and guided walking safaris. Experts on the natural intricacies of the Madikwe Reserve, they will reveal to you a world rich in ecological and cultural history, opening your mind to a truly unique and fascinating safari experience. Enjoy the thrill of encountering the Super 7 – Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Rhino (Black and White) and Wild Dog, in addition to which, the Madikwe Reserve boasts among the best array of plains game on the continent and over 350 species of birds. With a maximum of four guests per drive each guest is assured the personal care and attention of our rangers who will introduce you to the intricate and wonderful features of the reserve. Mateya’s vehicles are equipped with day and night vision binoculars for excellent viewing at all times.

As well as exploring by vehicle, you are invited to step out and learn about the wilderness on foot. The Xoi San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari were considered to be masters in the art of tracking. Specialist rangers and trackers at Mateya offer you a similar experience, opening the door onto a unique wildlife encounter. You will have the pleasure and thrill of viewing animals close up, as well as have a better understanding of how nature works in perfect harmony to sustain the delicate ecosystem that continues to thrive at Mateya.

Art at Mateya

It was Simonides who said, “Painting is silent poetry.” Taking a stroll through the lodge, guests can marvel at one of the world’s finest collections of African art, embodying the spirit of the continent and reflecting a plethora of cultures and artistic traditions. Exhibiting a range of techniques, from majestic oils to life-size bronze sculptures, each piece in the Mateya collection has been individually selected for its unique and enduring appeal. An artist experiences the world through emotions and thoughts that once rendered inspire others to feel and think in new ways. Sitting in the plush comfort of the lounge, recounting the day’s wildlife excursion, glinting in the corner of your eye the sculpture of a lioness taking a leaping impala might hint at tomorrow’s promise, and suddenly a twinkle of excitement dances in your smile.

Enjoy one last breakfast in the bush today before returning by light aircraft to Johannesburg to meet one of the many scheduled flights to Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town you are met and transferred to your exclusive guesthouse overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Ellerman Art Collection

Ellerman House is distinguished from other fine hotels in South Africa by the Ellerman House Art collection. A recent addition is the opening of the magnificent Ellerman Contemporary gallery which provides guests with a glimpse of the outstanding talents of contemporary South African artists which complement those of the Masters in Ellerman House. Featured artists include classic South African artists Maud Sumner, Francois Krige and Jacob Pierneef as well as contemporary artists including Georgina Gratrix and Phillemon Hlungwane.

Set off this morning on a privately guided Cape Point and Peninsula tour. Start at the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and then cross over to Hout Bay, where you can join an short cruise to Seal Island to see the breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals. From here, drive to the Cape of Good Hope National Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, where you will board a funicular (cable car) for an excellent vantage point from which to observe the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as spectacular views over False Bay. Continue to the naval base at Simonstown and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach.

For lunch, enjoy an extra-special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a wine paired lunch at The Flagship with chef Duncan Doherty! If time allows, we’ll make a stop at the famous botanic gardens of Kirstenbosch en route back to Cape Town. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. The Garden presents a variety of art exhibitions, both outdoor exhibitions of long and short-term duration, as well as indoor art shows and exhibitions in the various venues at Kirstenbosch. The Sculpture Garden houses a permanent but ever-changing exhibition of African stone sculptures. The artists depict spiritual, traditional and contemporary themes as well as topical and social issues in their work. Overnight Ellerman House. Breakfast, lunch.

Depart at from your hotel this morning and embark on a walk through the Company Gardens towards the city center. Stroll past the National Library, Cape Town Parliament and St George’s Cathedral on your way to The Cape Gallery set in the heart of the old city off the Church Street walking mall flanked by colorful Georgian and Dutch facades. Here you will find some of the oldest and prestigious galleries, antique shops and auction houses in Cape Town. Then return to the Company Gardens for a visit to the South African National Gallery, which houses outstanding collections of South African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art.

Travel to the village of Muizenberg and visit Casa Labia. Built in 1929 to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is the former Muizenberg residence of Count and Countess Natale Labia. Casa Labia is home to a contemporary South African art gallery, an uber-stylish Africa nova boutique as well as a celebrated Italian café, where you can enjoy a light lunch. Finish your day in the quaint seaside village of Kalk Bay where the pace is a little slower with its quirky shops, antiques, crafts and art. Visit the Kalk Bay Gallery which is reputed to be one of the most comprehensive selections of contemporary, original South African art. Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Tonight we recommend reservations at The Pot Luck Club & Gallery, renowned South African chef Luke Dale-Roberts which offers tapas and a rotating gallery of art work. Overnight Ellerman House. Breakfast.

Today take a unique look into the Cape Winelands with your private guide. Your first stop is Stellenbosch, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where you enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town center. You’ll hear stories about the origins of the Cape food and learn more about the history of South Africa’s second oldest town. This delightful tour is around 4 hours, and you’ll enjoy a variety of different snacks and wine tastings while meeting some colorful characters en route. You’ll savour a classic South African dish called bobotie and tuck into sweets from the oldest shop in town – Oom Samie se Winkel.

This afternoon spend time at the Delaire Graff Estate, situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. Striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artifacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection on display throughout, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. The personally curated collection has been a lifelong passion of Laurence Graff, who continues to discover promising South African artists. Works by Deborah Bell, Sidney Kumalo, Fred Schimmel, Durant Sihlali and Cecil Skotnes adorn the walls, while guests at the Lodge will particularly enjoy Stephane Graff and the intensity of Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi’s work. This evening we recommend reservations for you at any of the award-winning restaurants in Franschhoek before you are returned to Ellerman House for overnight. Breakfast and tastings.

On day 10, relax until it’s time to return to the Cape Town International Airport to meet your flight home or onward to your next adventure. Breakfast included.