WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
South Africa Cape Buffalo hunt & photo safari combo!
Hunt in the game-rich North-West province, home to the infamous Cape Buffalo and a long list of top-quality plains game species.
Next stop: Experience the dazzling wonders of Cape Town,
Cape Town, nestled at the southwestern tip of Africa, beckons with its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
With its diverse culinary scene, lively markets, pristine beaches, and stunning wine lands, Cape Town is a captivating tapestry of experiences that seamlessly weave together nature, history, and cultural vibrancy, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching journey for every traveler.
A truly astonishing safari adventure, filled with magical experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 10 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-8 | South Africa
Cape Buffalo Hunting
◽️ DAY 9-10 | South Africa
Cape Town & surrounds
◽️ DAY 11-12 | South Africa
Stellenbosch
◽️ DAY 13 | South Africa
Hermanus
◽️ DAY 14-16 | South Africa
Garden Route
◽️ DAY 17 | Return
Departure
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0 | May 8, 2025
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1 | May 9, 2025
JOHANNESBURG
Overnight
📍 African Sky Boutique Hotel
AFRICAN SKY HOTEL
Guest House Overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.) | Wifi available | No Laundy service
Welcome to South Africa! Johannesburg (JNB / OR Tambo) Airport arrival with meet & greet service.
Your arrival night overnight accommodation: AfricaSky Boutique Hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International airport. A short drive will have you arriving at an oasis, rooms beautifully appointed and nestled in a peaceful lush garden. Enjoy dinner, bed & breakfast all on-site. True African hospitality and service excellence.
Just look out towards the information desk located in the arrivals hall for your pick-up with your name on it. 10 Minute road transfer to your overnight accommodation.
DINNER, B&B
GUEST HOUSE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-8 | May 10-16, 2025
HUNTING
Plains Game hunt
📍 North-West Camp
NORTH-WEST CAMP
Overview
Cape Buffalo hunting take place in the Malaria free North West province of South Africa, between the small towns of Schweizer-Reneke and Vryburg.Driving time from Johannesburg is approximately 4 hours.
Proud home of Buffalo, Sable, Roan, Tsessebe, Eland as well as 45 other wildlife species. Also rich in birdlife and indigenous flora, making it a hunting, photography and safari paradise.
Hunting days
A typical day of hunting begins by waking up before sunrise and gathering for breakfast and coffee. Following this, the hunting party leaves the camp in vehicles to engage in spotting and stalking for the day. The hunting activity continues until mid-day, at which point everyone returns to the lodge for lunch and a break.
After a brief rest or siesta, the afternoon hunt commences. For those exploring remote areas, packing a lunch is likely. At the end of a successful day of hunting, participants convene at the campfire to share their experiences. A delightful dinner is served once all hunters have returned, and many choose to unwind by the fireplace with post-dinner drinks before retiring for the night in preparation for the next day's hunt.
Accommodation
Luxury accommodation, 5 star catering and epic Africa sunsets! Welcome!
The bushveld with its scattered thorn trees and shrubs will make your African safari dreams come true…bring your family and friends and let's give them a hunt of a lifetime. Whether you choose to lounge by the pool area with a drink in hand after a successful hunting day or sit by the fire at the boma and exchange stories with fellow hunters, is totally up to you. The exclusive luxury safari lodge will serve as an awesome African destination with a homely atmosphere. Two chefs that prepare and serve world class cuisine of your choice. Furthermore, the lodge feature 8 air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a lookout Lapa with boma and a large fire pit, a beautiful swimming pool with sundeck, indoor fireplaces and lounging areas as well as a Gym, Spa and an indoor man-cave with bar and snooker (pool) table. A place where we aim to amaze! Africa awaits you!
FULL BOARD
LODGE
HUNT
DAY 9-11 | May 17-19,2025
CAPE TOWN
Explore
📍 Primi Seacastle
CAMPS BAY
Area Overview
...at leisure!
One of the most popular suburbs offering luxury accommodation in Cape Town, Camps Bay lies just beyond the four beaches of Clifton in an exceptionally beautiful setting amongst the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, on the other side of Table Mountain.
Camps Bay is one of the most vibrant and trendy suburbs in Cape Town, and lies just beyond the four beaches of Clifton. Its exceptionally beautiful setting is set by the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, on the other side of Table Mountain. Camps Bay accommodation ranges from luxury boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, and it assures anyone touring South Africa of the utmost in natural beauty combined with a liberal dash of glitz.
The beachfront of Camps Bay is a long stretch of white, palm tree-lined sand, and along its length is a boulevard that forms part of a series of pavement cafes, bistros, and restaurants specialising in Mediterranean fare that has earned Camps Bay its trendy and cosmopolitan character. It hums all day and, in particular, at night when Cape Town’s trendier set comes out to play.
Homes in Camps Bay fetch a few cool million with ease, and staying in the much-sought-after suburb has become something of a practice for many visitors, who return again and again to soak up the sun and mingle with the pavement culture. Homes up in the reaches of Lion’s Head offer fantastic views over the Atlantic, and the bay is relatively calm during the summer months, offering protection from the wind and pleasant swimming conditions.
The Table Mountain cableway is only minutes away from Camps Bay, over Kloof Nek, as is the city centre with bohemian Long Street, trendy Kloof Street, and the many museums and galleries that make a good day’s trawling worthwhile.
Otherwise, Clifton’s four beaches offer some rare people-watching opportunities, and the lawn overlooking 4th beach is a popular paragliding landing spot.
Cape Point & Cape Peninsula tour! Discover Cape Point, the scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the continent. Journey past base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, along bucolic Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbor and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to rare bonteboks and chacma baboons.
At Boulders Beach, visit its colony of endangered African penguins; accustomed to humans, they provide endless photo opportunities.
The Cape Peninsula boasts warm sands on Clifton’s secluded beaches and trendy cafés in Camps Bay. Explore the stunning Atlantic Seaboard feasting your eyes on rugged coastlines and other unblemished geographic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and the impressive slopes of Lion’s head.
Explore the village of Hout Bay wondrously framed by mountains before meandering along Chapman’s Peak, precariously aligned along the edge of the mountain. World famous this 9 km route with 114 curves, makes it one of the most magnificent marine drives in the world.
Simons Town is a must see offering gemstone hunting, jewellery sales and the wobbly penguins of Boulder’s that show-off gloriously. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to African Penguins. Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches. Head to the Cape Point Lighthouse, an important icon of the Cape Peninsula, ascend to this rugged, craggy spot and gaze at the rocky coastline and the ocean tumbling below, and Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of Africa
*Please see your safari itinerary for details
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Tour: City & Cultural
This tour explores the vibrant Cape Town City Bowl and showcases its heritage landmarks. The bustling central business district of Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain.The city is rich in history and home to a multi-cultural population. This tour will give you just a glimpse of what the city of Cape Town has to offer.
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town City Hall and Parliament Buildings
- Iziko South African Museum & Company Gardens
- Bo-Kaap
- Signal Hill
- Lions Hill
- Clifton and Camps Bay
*Weather permitting, take the cable car up Table Mountain to take in an inspiring panorama of the city. Cable car tast track tickets not included, approx. U$ 50 pp and for guest account
*See your safari itinerary for logistics
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Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
PRIMI SEACASTLE
The Primi Seacastle guest house is located on the Atlantic Seaboard on Camps Bay's Golden Mile which is Cape Town's most prestigious coastline address. Situated virtually on top of the beach (25 yards) with Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop, the hotel boasts sweeping, panoramic, perfect postcard views of the bay and the mountain.
Have sundowners on the deck, taking in the glorious sunsets that Camps Bay is most famous for!
GUEST HOUSE
B&B
TOURS
DAY 12 | May 20, 2025
STELLENBOSCH
Explore the wine lands!
📍 Coopmanhuijs Hotel
STELLENBOSCH
Area Overview
Tour: Winelands
Explore the captivating allure of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyard-covered hills intersect with historic charm, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey of wine tasting at world-renowned estates, indulge in gourmet dining that harmonizes with the local flavors. Stroll through oak-lined streets adorned with Cape Dutch architecture.
Surrounded yourself with a serene and breathtaking landscape, that seamlessly marries the old-world elegance with the vibrancy of South African wine culture.
Visit various wineries in and around the stunning Stellenbosch area. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the way. This is the Cape wine lands!
*Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
COOPMANHUIJS
Bed & Breakfast | Wifi available | Laundry available at addl.cost
Coommanhuijs Hotel is the ideal destination from which our guests can explore the heart of South Africa's Wine Country, Franschhoek, and Paarl, or take a trip to Cape Town to enjoy visits to Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the peninsula, and the many other attractions offered by the Western Cape.
Built in 1713, it was one of the first grand residences located in the heart of historic Stellenbosch and is now surrounded by the town’s many stylish shops, galleries, and museums.
The beautifully restored Manor House has yellowwood and stinkwood doors, sash windows, and yellowwood ceilings. The rooms in the Manor House, as well as the newly built rooms, overlook a heated pool and a walled courtyard. Guests can enjoy meals from the Provençal kitchen and dine at leisure with a glass of fine Cape wine in the courtyard or in the intimate restaurant.
ACTIVITIES
Explore historical Stellenbosch – you are guaranteed to fall in love!
B&B
HOTEL
WINE
DAY 13 | May 21, 2025
HERMANUS
Explore
📍 Abalone Guest House
HERMANUS
Area Overview
Best whale watching location in the world!
Wedged between the mountain and the sea, the quaint hamlet of Hermanus has been rated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the twelve best whale watching locations in the world, and it is often regarded as the heart of the whale route.
Hermanus is a mere 50 miles from Cape Town - the ideal base from which to explore the Western Cape and the Cape Overberg. Here is something for everyone. Contributory factors to the success are the mild climate, natural scenic beauty and the range of outdoor activities available. Pristine stretches of beach offer solitude to the walker and boating activities abound in the Kleinriver Lagoon, renowned for its birdlife. The Old Harbour complex in Hermanus offers the visitor an insight into Hermanus' past as a Fisherman's village and marine life.
Hermanus is firmly established on the Epicurean map with its myriad of restaurants, fine wine, fresh vegetables cheese and fish.
ABALONE GUEST HOUSE
Guest house overview
Dinner & Breakfast (drinks excl.)
Abalone Guest Lodge offers luxury accommodation for travel, business, or leisure and is located on Siever's Point, a landmark seafront position midway between the town centre and Hermanus' beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Hermanus is only 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town.
It is easily accessible from the main road and is a unique whale watching location due to the well-known scenic cliff path to the front. For your convenience, there is a restaurant, sauna, treatment room, and gym. We look forward to welcoming you to our tastefully decorated en-suite accommodation, which provides every luxury as well as breath-taking views of the ocean and mountains.
B&B
GUEST HOUSE
TOURS
DAY 14-16 | May 22-24, 2025
GARDEN ROUTE
Explore the Garden route!
📍 Emily Moon
PLETTENBERG BAY & KNYSNA
Area Overview
The Garden Route! of South Africa encompasses many coastal towns along the south-western coast of the Western Cape. It spans from Hermanus (whale birthing haven) in the west to Plettenberg Bay’s in the east. The Garden Route natural assets (just for starters) will have you questioning ever wanting to leave this idyllic spot! With miles of pristine beaches to choose from, it’s no wonder that lazing on the beach is so popular with visitors, but for those that manage to pry themselves away, there are charter boat cruises, hiking, canoeing, and abseiling to choose from, to name but a few. Another attraction well worth a visit is the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the world’s only multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary.
Featuring rolling oceans, white sandy beaches, blue skies, and spectacular mountain ranges! Here you can find indigenous fynbos, ostrich antics, and lots of local hospitality. Sun-drenched orchards, pin-drop-silent forests, sweeping in-land lakes, and bird-eye passes add to the mix.
Beach junkies are spoiled for choice. Stilbaai’s assets include treasures from the Stone Age and the Khoi people. Mosselbay and Albertinia share the pleasure of bungee jumping thrills with Plettenberg Bay. Mosselbay prides itself on offering the diverse experience of game viewing and that of stringing a hammock along beaches that serve up the world’s second-most temperate climate.
ACTIVITIES
Leap into paragliding oblivion at the Wilderness or embark on Mosselbay shark cage diving shenanigans. Try the bungi jump from the Gouritz River Bridge, which is flanked by Albertinia and Mosselbay.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
The Elephants are all orphans rescued from culling operations in the Kruger National Park, except for Thandi who was born in the park. The Knysna Elephant Park provides these elephants with the best board and lodging and their diet is scientifically supervised by veterinarians. The elephants have free range of the 60-hectare camp on which there is plenty to eat, some big trees to rub up against and two large dams for bathing and drinking.
At night the elephants are housed in a boma. The Elephants are fed a high protein porridge and black wattle branches at night. Their stalls are lined with sawdust providing a comfortable bed for them to sleep on. In the morning they are fed the high protein porridge and move onto the first dam for a drink of water.
Their stalls are cleaned and prepared for the evening. The baby elephants, Bulelo, Malaika and Jabari are bottle-fed on baby milk formula with added vitamins and minerals on demand throughout the day and the night. They each have to have a minder that stays with them constantly. The elephant minders are some of Africa’s most qualified keepers and they keep a watchful eye on the herd.
The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. KEP style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviours.
For twenty years, the Park’s primary objective has been to offer elephants in the need the chance of a new and better home; and have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
ACTIVITIES
Elephant experiences include Daily Guided Tours (departing from reception every 30 minutes), as well as Breakfast Picnic Walks in the morning and Elephant Walks in the afternoon.
EMILY MOON
Hotel Overview
Bed & Breakfast
Welcome to the Plettenbergbay, located in the heart of the Garden Route! The 200 km stretch of coast connecting Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth is commonly referred to as the Garden Route in reference to its beguiling diversity of wide sandy beaches, lovely lakes and lagoons, shady evergreen forests, and protea-studded slopes. Lined with family-friendly beaches, it is also ideally suited to hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts
With a quirky attitude and a uniquely African feel, it's located on the banks of the Bitou River in Plettenberg Bay. The hotel comprises sixteen exquisitely appointed lodge suites featuring rare artefacts and found items collected from the length and breadth of Africa and beyond. Each suite is set in an indigenous garden with magnificent views of the river, mountains, and wetlands beyond. Eight suites boast uninterrupted river views from high wooden decks, whereas two are set a little further back and have both private courtyards and their own raised decks, affording views of the surrounding bush and the river in the distance.
ACTIVITIES
A selection of activities is offered: spectacular birdwatching, canoes are available for a gentle paddle upriver. There are also a few walking trails in the vicinity of the lodge and along local farm roads. A 2km walk takes you to the Keurbooms marshland where the Keurbooms River meets the sea.
Nearby, you can explore the towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, with shops, markets, restaurants, and delis galore, and beaches, lagoons, and rivers offering a relaxing place to swim or a busier spot for adventure.
A warm welcome awaits arrival at the airport! Please be on the lookout for your driver with your name sign. Baggage assistance is followed by a 20-minute road transfer to your accommodation.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
B&B
HOTEL
SELF GUIDE
DAY 17 | May 25, 2025
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
SAFARI COST
Click button below to DOWNLOAD the PDF
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*pps=per person sharing
Minimum of 2 pax traveling
SAFARI DATES & DETAILS
Click button below to DOWNLOAD the PDF
* Always check the document date and refer to the latest version
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
PAPERWORK
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- A signed APPENDIX C / Indemnity is required for each person going on the safari. Click here to print more copies if needed)
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Safari Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari
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