JEFF NICHOLS
South Africa April 2026
DESIGNED
DAYS 1 TO 4
Tuesday 21st - Friday 24th April 2026
JOURNEY
Arrival into Cape Town International Airport under own arrangments
Meet and greet service on arrival
Pick up hire car for use over the next four days
Self drive to hotel
ACCOMMODATION
Cape Cadogan
Double Superior Luxury Room
4 nights INCLUSIONS
Breakfast
In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay on the north Cape Peninsula and laid the foundations of South Africa’s oldest settlement, Cape Town.
Three hundred and fifty years of history have been preserved in much of Cape Town’s architecture, which combines attractively with the more functional demands of the 21st century.
The Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Museum and Planetarium are all within ambling distance of
elegant shopping malls and colourful markets, which entice shoppers to browse and buy everything from souvenirs to African art, gems and antiques. In the last ten years, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dockland area evokes images of 19th century seafaring activities and provides a superb setting for an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. From here, you can take boat trips round the harbour and out across Table Bay.
Dominating the city’s skyline and flanked by Devils Peak is the looming mass of Table Mountain, and visitors should not miss the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain by cable car. The view of the city and the South Atlantic from the summit is quite magnificent.
There is a wide range of excursions and activities in and around Cape Town including visits to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner and
visits to Townships where you can enjoy lunch and exposure to Africa’s vibrant urban culture. To the south lies the scenic Peninsula with its attractive sandy bays and pretty little towns. There are remote penguin colonies which can be visited by boat and canoe, and from July to November you can set off further afield in search of southern right whales. The more adventurous can even go looking for sharks in special “caged diving” facilities.
The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storied Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a National Monument in 1984.
This boutique hotel is well known for its comfortable, luxurious atmosphere. Bohemian chic is the hallmark; the reception areas are individually decorated and designed for comfort and tranquillity. It is themed on the Irish literary figure Oscar Wilde who was renowned for his bohemian lifestyle throughout Europe and New York during the latter part of the 19th century.
There are 19 luxuriously appointed en-suite bedrooms that are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furniture using dramatic fabrics to maximum effect. All rooms have air-conditioning, king-sized bed (or ¾-sized twins), mini-bar and Nespresso coffee machine.
The public areas comprise a comfortable lounge with an open fireplace, the distinctive buzz of the locally-renowned Upper Union restaurant, two swimming pools set among the gardens, a dedicated spa and fitness area, and a library where you can relax and read. Complementary shuttles services are provided twice a day, running to the V&A Waterfront, while additional private transfers can be easily arranged at additional cost. The staff will be only too happy to help you arrange days out, local excursions or make restaurant recommendations and bookings.
COMMUNITY
The MORE Collection runs the More Community Trust. The purpose of the trust is to give long-term, meaningful assistance to the communities that surround their camps and hotels. Fulfilling this through their development projects, they further education, skill development, support local black business enterprise development, improve living standards and provide access to clean, running water.
Cape Cadogan’s parent company; The
properties
They ensure the safari reserves, within which certain camps are located, prioritise conservation of the rare and critically-endangered rhino.
ENVIRONMENT
Where lighting is used at Cape Cadogan, all bulbs have been changed to LEDs – these use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last around 40 time longer, while producing the same level of light. MORE are also replacing air conditioners with more energy efficient inverter air conditioners. Across the board, the MORE collection has a policy of procuring only the highest energy-efficient rated equipment.
DAYS 5 TO 7
Saturday 25th - Monday 27th April
JOURNEY
Drive to Franschhoek
ACCOMMODATION
Le Quartier Français
Double Grande Room
3 nights
INCLUSIONS
Breakfast, WiFi, one complimentary wine tasting at Great Heart Wine Boutique at Le Quartier Francais and a complimentary shuttle service between Leeu Collection properties
The Cape Winelands are renowned for beautiful undulating scenery covered in ancient vineyards and fruit orchards creating a kaleidoscope of colour. There are dozens of wineries, many of which are open for tastings and lunch while the
villages of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek each have a charming character with carefully preserved buildings and estate houses where a mix of European and Cape Dutch architecture can be found.
Franschhoek itself sits in a wonderfully scenic valley, where the legacy of the French Huguenots abounds. The main road is lined with dozens of restaurants, art galleries and speciality shops. The wine estates of the valley produce some of the country’s best vintages, and the superb standard of cuisine in the village has earned it the title of “The gourmet capital of Africa”.
Le Quartier Français is a beautiful Cape Provençal property situated in the heart of Franschhoek and a part of the renowned Leeu Collection. Located just off the main street, it is a splendid base from which to explore Franschhoek itself as well as the surrounding vineyards and wineries.
The original buildings here were labourers’ cottages and when Susan Huxter bought the property in 1989 it was already a popular restaurant. The intimate cloistered Cape-Victorian design is in tranquil surroundings all set against the lovely backdrop of the Franschhoek Mountains. Landscaped gardens and a natural pool create a haven of tranquillity and the private courtyard with its old-fashioned street lamps recreates the charm of a village square in a bygone era.
There are rooms and suites to suit all tastes at the hotel from the sumptuous yet traditional Auberge and Grande rooms to the magnificence of the Four Quarters Suites, each with a separate lounge and bedroom and surrounding a terrace and large pool reserved exclusively for guests staying in the Four Quarters. The Petite Garden and Auberge Suites offer something in between and with a small second floor and private plunge pool the Auberge Suites in particular are ideal for accommodating families of up to four.
Other than beautiful accommodation, Le Quartier Français is well known for its world-class dining options. Protégé is a casual-style eatery under the guidance of celebrity chef Scot Kirton, with Asian, French and Italian influences in the cuisine. Meanwhile, Épice - derived from the French word for spice – is an intimate fine-dining choice, a venture from the team behind La Colombe and other world class dining establishments. Guests also have the option of dining at The Dining Room or award-winning La Petite Colombe at the nearby Leeu Estates.
Wine tastings are of course a feature of any stay at Le Quartier Français, either at the Great Heart Wine Boutique on the property or at The Wine Studio at Leeu Estates. All curated tastings are presented by dedicated hosts, guiding you through the finer nuances of the premium Mullineux & Leeu family wines. One complimentary tasting session is offered per guest per stay.
DAYS 8 TO 11
Tuesday 28th April - Friday 1st May
JOURNEY
Drive to Cape Town International Airport
Domestic flight to Skukuza
Game driver transfer to camp
ACCOMMODATION
Lion Sands River Lodge
Double Superior Luxury Room
4 nights INCLUSIONS
Meals, soft drinks, local beers, wines and spirits, bush meals, WiFi and shared game-viewing activities: twice daily game drives, guided bush walks and stargazing
The Lion Sands area makes up some 5,000 private hectares of Sabi Sands, where four stunning safari lodges are the only properties with access to the perennial Sabi River, which refreshes the area and acts like a magnet for wildlife.
Whilst here you stand an excellent chance of seeing almost all the main kinds of African plains game including black and white rhinoceros, while exceptionally good numbers of lion, leopard and cheetah are able to thrive due to the high concentrations of plains game.
Sophisticated River Lodge has a light and contemporary décor and has been designed to showcase a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, with plenty of space in which to relax.
There are eighteen luxurious rooms and suites spaced along the pathways, each with wonderful river views. All have air-conditioning and fans, are decorated in light cream colours and elegantly furnished with comfortable chairs, dressing table, lamps, African artefacts, a huge king-sized bed (which can be converted to two twins) and luxury bathroom. Outside is a private deck where you can relax with a cool drink, a book and a pair of binoculars watching the river drift by.
Wooden walkways lead away from the main lounge, bar and dining area to a spa, gym and swimming pool, while the elevated deck and water features give the impression of floating on the river.
Private meals and tastings can sometimes be arranged in the well-stocked wine cellar, while there is also a photo gallery and creative lab where budding photographers can enhance their skills create professional prints or canvases.
The expert guides will identify every bird and animal and explain the fascinating interrelationship between the flora and the fauna. On day and night drives by open vehicle you can move further afield seeking out the larger herds, while on guided walks you can track animals, reach out and touch things and feel very much ‘at one’ with your surroundings.
COMMUNITY
Lion Sands parent company, the MORE Collection runs the More Community Trust. The purpose of the trust is to give long-term, meaningful assistance to the communities that surround their camps and hotels. Fulfilling this through their development projects, they further education, skill development, support local black business enterprise development, improve living standards and provide access to clean, running water.
ENVIRONMENT
MORE’s collection use LED bulbs - these use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last around 40 time longer, while producing the same level of light. MORE are also replacing air conditioners with more energy efficient inverter air conditioners. Across the board, their collection of properties have a policy of procuring only the highest energy-efficient rated equipment.
JOURNEY
The price of this itinerary (subject to availability) on the basis that you book directly with us, departing in April 2026 travelling as a party of two adults is: $11,045 per person
Inclusions:
• Domestic flights
• Use of a hire car for 4 days (Toyota Fortuner or similar)
• Accommodation as detailed
Exclusions:
• International flights
• Any items not detailed in the travel itinerary
Notes:
• Meals and drinks as listed
• Game viewing activities as listed
• Pre-payable park/concession fees
• Tips
Inclusions are subject to change at the discretion of the property.
Luggage is restricted to 20kg per person on light aircraft flights within South Africa, it is usually possible to store additional luggage if required at a nominal additional cost.
In some circumstances passengers weighing 100kg or more may require an extra seat on light aircraft flights for comfort and safety purposes. Please note that additional charges for those exceeding the above weight restrictions may be made by the aircraft operators at check-in, alternatively we can book additional seats in advance to avoid additional costs once your holiday has commenced.
All the photos contained in this itinerary are illustrative of the lodges, transport and sights you will see on your holiday. Please note however that we cannot guarantee that you will see all the animals and birds shown as these are wild creatures and not under our control. Equally where specific food or drink, or furniture/furnishings are shown, these may not be identical to those you will experience.
If flights have been included within your booking then unless provisionally held for you, these are subject to change and any increases in fares at the time of booking will be passed on. Similarly, if booking a trip inclusive of flights more than 11 months in advance we will try to give as accurate an indicative cost as possible, but exact flight costs will need to be obtained once flight fares become available and as such, any variance will be reflected in your final balance.
The nature of our holidays means that they may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility. If you have reduced mobility or any specific medical requirements, please ensure that you discuss these with your travel designer prior to booking your holiday.
VISAS, PASSPORT & VACCINATION INFORMATION
VISA INFORMATION
COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED
SOUTH AFRICA NATIONALITY AMERICAN VISA REQUIRED NO
VISA COST (PER PERSON) N/A
Whilst we endeavour to keep up with the latest information regarding visas and entry requirements for each country, we recommend that clients contact the relevant Embassy or High Commission to obtain further information and up to date fees.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED
SOUTH AFRICA REQUIRED VALIDITY 6 MONTHS NO. OF BLANK PAGES PER ENTRY 2
The passports required validity period is from the date of your departure from that country (note: regulations on this vary so please double-check with us if you have less than specified duration on your passport). Please ensure you have sufficient blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) available in your passport for the countries to be visited.
VACCINATION INFORMATION
COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED
SOUTH AFRICA MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ADVISED NO
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION ADVISED NO
YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE REQUIRED NO**
** This country requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination (or exemption certificate) only if you have recently visited a place where yellow fever is endemic.
