Outstanding Lodges
Stay at Grootbos in the Western Cape and The Motse, Tswalu in the Kalahari.
From Cape Town to the Kalahari, explore spectacular yet contrasting habitats and encounter black-maned lions, meerkats, sunbirds and humpback whales on guided safaris, all while supporting vital wildlife and habitat conservation.
Grootbos is a wilderness reserve comprising 907 different plant species, overlooking the cetacean rich waters of Walker Bay in the Western Cape while Tswalu is a private wildlife reserve in the southern Kalahari, dedicated to protecting the biodiversity that occupies the region’s wide-open spaces and hills. At each of these places, experience outstanding hospitality at two of South Africa’s most sustainable properties.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Iconic Wildlife
From black-maned lions and meerkats to humpback whales and great white sharks.
Unique Flora
70% of the plant species on Grootbos’s reserve are found nowhere else in the world.
Community Tourism
Visit community projects with our partner, Uthando in Capetown.
Why Steppes?
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Day 1
Cape Town (Twelve Apostles Hotel)
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Day 2-3
Cape Town (Twelve Apostles Hotel)
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Day 4
Cape Town - Grootbos Reserve (Grootbos Forest Lodge)
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Day 5-6
Grootbos Reserve (Grootbos Forest Lodge)
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Day 7
Cape Town - Tswalu (Tswalu Kalahari - The Motse)
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Day 8-9
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (Tswalu Kalahari - The Motse)
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Day 10
Tswalu - Johannesburg
Day 1
Cape Town (Twelve Apostles Hotel)
Arrive into Cape Town and transfer to accommodation.
Day 2-3
Cape Town (Twelve Apostles Hotel)
Visit community projects in and around Capetown, explore the city with a guide and visit Table Top Mountain.
Day 4
Cape Town - Grootbos Reserve (Grootbos Forest Lodge)
Drive around two hours to your accommodation in the Western Cape.
Day 5-6
Grootbos Reserve (Grootbos Forest Lodge)
Spend two days exploring Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on guided botanical walks, coastal treks and marine safaris.
Day 7
Cape Town - Tswalu (Tswalu Kalahari - The Motse)
Journey back to Cape Town for a flight north to Tswalu Kalahari, landing on the lodge airstrip.
Day 8-9
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (Tswalu Kalahari - The Motse)
Over the next two days, take guided walks and 4×4 safaris in search of wild dogs, black-maned lions, meerkats and sun birds.
Day 10
Tswalu - Johannesburg
Fly to Johannesburg for onward travel.
More Details
Community
Visit community projects in Cape Town
In Cape Town, Steppes works with Uthando, a non-profit organisation that seeks to connect tourism to community development projects that uplift those in need. Along with your Uthando guide, meet with inspirational community leaders running projects based in urban areas away from the usual Cape Town tourist attractions. You can expect an exceptionally warm welcome and a fascinating insight into projects focussing on food, gardening, sport and the arts. Some of our favourite projects include Eziko Fireplace Cooking School, the Hanover Park Cricket Club and the Cape Town Opera Outreach
Tswalu
Private safaris in the Kalahari
At Tswalu you will have your own exclusive guide and private safari vehicle, which means you will have the freedom and flexibility to explore the Kalahari at your own pace. In addition to private game drives, there will also be the opportunity to encounter habituated meerkats, take game walks, go horse riding and meet with visiting scientific researchers and conservationists. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has seen the reintroduction of several indigenous species, and sightings of black-maned lions, wild dogs and even pangolins are not uncommon.
Grootbos
Home to 879 different species of plant
Grootbos is a private eco-reserve, located between mountains, forests and the ocean at the tip of the African continent. Whether you look north, south, east or west, the landscape and views from the lodge are spectacular. Located in the Cape Floral Kingdom, Grootbos is a UNESCO Heritage Site and the most diverse of all the six floral kingdoms in the world. It isn’t just flora as the reserve is home to 23 different mammals and myriad butterflies, insects, lizards and birds. Take guided walks and 4×4 drives to explore the reserve or take to the seas to encounter whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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The largest private reserve in South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has restored former hunting and farmland, revitalising the Kalahari’s biodiversity, using eco-tourism as a commercial driver for conservation. Their 2021 Impact Report attributed the protection of 114,000 hectares of land to Tswalu’s commercial tourism enterprises, claiming to have ‘invested USD5.779 million in nature and people.’ The Tswalu Foundation has been created to conduct ecological research in the Kalahari. A member of The Long Run, Tswalu closely monitors waste, energy and water use.
The conservation efforts at Grootbos are spearheaded by a team of botanists and entomologists who work under the auspices of The Grootbos Foundation to monitor fauna and floral diversity with a strong focus on the clearing of invasive species. This team have successfully identified 879 different plant species on the Grootbos reserve, seven of which are new to science. While the Grootbos Reserve comprises 3,500 hectares, the foundation brings together 49 local landowners and stakeholders to protect a total of 21,700 hectares in the region.
On any holiday we create that includes Cape Town we urge our clients to consider a half-day experience with Uthando. Uthando is a non-profit organisation that seeks to connect tourism to community development projects that uplift those in need. South Africa has many social challenges, with many people living in poverty. Respectful and culturally sensitive tourism can help shine a light on unsung community heroes and allow overlooked communities to benefit from Cape Town’s lucrative tourism economy.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
Suggested Extension
South Africa: The Cape Winelands
Drive around 60 minutes north east of Cape Town into the mountainous scenery of the Cape Winelands and spend time exploring some of the world’s most renowned vineyards. Sample fabulous wines and gastronomy, chill out at the spa, explore on foot, bicycle or on horseback and if travelling with children, enjoy family friendly activities, from tractor rides to grape juice tasting.
3 days from $0 pp
Suggested Extension
South Africa: Madikwe Game Reserve
Drive from Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve for a stay at Jacis Safari Lodge, to explore this remarkable landscape, home to a diversity of wildlife. Once barren farming land, this area now teems with species, including a healthy wild dog population. For an alternative safari join the conservation team to get hands on, notching and micro-chipping rhinos or collaring elephants – a privileged and memorable experience.
4 days from $0 pp
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creating your tailor-made holiday.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $11,604 Per person
When to travel
South Africa in January
A great time to visit around Cape Town and the Garden Route, as it is hot and dry. Further north in the Kruger, it is also hot, but there is a much greater chance of rainstorms.
South Africa in February
Peak season in the Cape continues, and it is often the hottest time. It is worth booking well in advance to get your preferred accommodation.
South Africa in March
It is an excellent time to visit all parts of the country, as the weather is still warm and the rain eases in the north. In the Kruger, it is lush and green after the rainy season.
South Africa in April
Visitor numbers drop, and lower temperatures make for ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg mountains. It is warm and dry across the country, making it a great time to explore multiple regions.
South Africa in May
A quieter time of year and a good time to visit, especially if you are not looking for balmy heat. The north and especially the Kruger enters its dry season, with cooler temperatures.
South Africa in June
Midwinter brings the rainiest time in the Cape, but it is still pleasantly mild in the day with the sun shining. The dry season in the north makes for excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around watering holes.
South Africa in July
Clear skies and crisp sunshine dominate in the north, as it is the driest month. It is low season so parks are generally quiet and it is easier to spot wildlife around the sparse waterholes.
South Africa in August
A fantastic time to see KwaZulu Natal as is one of the warmest places in the country at this time. In the Western Cape, it is starting to dry out in time for whale watching season.
South Africa in September
The West Coast springs into life as the flowers bloom and temperatures rise across the country. A chance to spot newborns and it is prime time for whale watching in the Cape.
South Africa in October
A great time to see both the north and south, as it is relatively dry everywhere. Flowers carpet the countryside as temperatures continue to rise.
South Africa in November
The start of the rainy season in the Kruger and the north, as temperatures heat up. Impressive thunderstorms become more regular in the afternoon. The last chance to see whales in the Cape, and a good time to see inland areas before they toast in the summer heat.
South Africa in December
Summer approaches and with it visitor numbers rise, especially in the south. If you want to travel around Christmas and New Year, you should book well in advance to secure the best spots.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
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