Two LUXURY Weeks Soaking Up the Best of South Africa

If you're following the mantra "location, location, location", then Belmond's property, The Mount Nelson is an excellent choice for your Cape Town stay (or at least the first few days). At the foot of Table Mountain and nestled in the heart of the vibey Gardens neighborhood, you are as central as it gets. Whether in residence or not, I recommend heading straight to the stately lounge of this grand old lady. Here, you can relax and unwind with a glass of bubbly or a cocktail. If that's not your thing, you can skip lunch and indulge in the iconic afternoon tea. Seatings are at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, so let tea time turn into chill time while you acclimate to your new surroundings. They don't get better than these plush interiors, sprawling lawns and charming gardens.

Foodie sunset

When the shadows start to draw long, take full advantage of the gorgeous summer sunsets from Chapman's Peak while simultaneously enjoying all the Cape Town foodie scene has to offer at Chef's Warehouse at Tintswalo.

This word "lekker" comes from Afrikaans and is a phrase with South Africanism meaning 'supporting local is cool'. So being in Cape Town on the weekend means one thing when it comes to cool locals and community. And that one thing is a solid day dedicated to the Oranjezicht Farmers Market. Don't be fooled into thinking this market is only for those cooking up local produce!

The market is a celebration of local community offerings and Cape Town renowned excellence. Their thick Italian hot chocolate by Moro Gelato, Artisan Coffee from many high quality roasters and coffee houses or a local favorite, the rooibos red cappuccino by Red Espresso will kick off the day and quench that early morning thirst. For breakfast try the Shakshuka (hot spicy eggs with soft, plump and steaming pita bread) or fresh field mushrooms on a stick. Then dig into some seriously delicious sweet offerings. The pastei de nata from Hoghouse Brewing Co. (they make an original and a flavor of the day... yum!) or try Thank Goodness Foods' Vegan Bounty Bar (it's to die for!). The vibe, location and retail therapy (think vintage, antiques, fresh flowers and plants) is simply sublime, making for an experience not to be missed. It's always worth sticking around for wine o'clock (or craft beer o'clock). There's plenty on offer, even if fresh made vegetable or fruit juice is more of your thing. Be sure to grab the Woodstock Bakery breadsticks (chocolate, olive, cheese and plain) and some cheese to go!

Up the Mountain

Round off another magical day in Cape Town with a compulsory trip up the cableway to the top of Table Mountain for sundowners to remember. The last cable car up runs at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm down during peak summer (and much earlier during winter), so be sure to check this out before you go. Fast track tickets are available at a small premium (both up and down will cost just north of $50).

Although Franschhoek can be taken as a day trip from Cape Town, I recommend enjoying it slowly over a few days. Two to three will give you enough time to sample from all of the best wine farms in the area without feeling rushed (or overindulged) .

Boschendal is a popular accommodation option for families given their guest houses, Tree House and kids play area, exclusive to their overnight guests. Be sure to inquire about their seasonal activities, too!

Babylonstoren and Delaire Graff Estate are at the top of my list when it comes to luxury and breathtaking beauty. These and many more wine estate hotels boast luxury accommodation and award winning restaurants on site. Additionally, they make for the perfect opportunity to dine (and wine) by night while using your digs as a base to explore neighboring farms by day.

But before checking in at your chosen hotel, stop at Terbodore for your caffeine fix. Then after a quick freshening up, make your way straight down to the wine tram.

For the finest of the Franschhoek wine selection, and greatest flexibility, choose the orange line as your starting point.

Rinse and repeat.

On day four, I recommend traveling to new breakfast venues daily when in the Winelands. With so many world class restaurants with gorgeous views, vistas, table gardens, play areas for kids, shopping opportunities and of course, wine, you really want to see this beautiful valley from as many perspectives as possible.

Either the deli at Boschendal or Babel Restaurant (if you happen to be in residence at Babylonstoren) will start the day the right way.

On day five, make your way from Franschhoek over Helshoogte Pass towards Stellenbosch for coffee and brunch at Tokara Deli. Take in the jaw dropping view from an outside table during the summer, or take in all of the light streaming in during the winter months as you choose a strategically positioned inside table close to the fire. The kids play area is noteworthy and complete with a "weavers nest" (or tree house) designed by local artist, Porky Hefer.

Transfer back into Cape Town for a lazy, but early, evening dinner and cocktail at Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous Gorge Hotel (Sunday nights are best).

Maybe best to check in and spend the night.

On day six, venture to a new hotel for the final two nights. This will give you a totally different experience of Cape Town, so if it was the city at the start of the itinerary (Gorgeous George, The Silo or Mt Nelson), I'd be opting for Ellerman House, 12 Apostles or Tintswalo Atlantic to take advantage of ocean vistas and beach vibes or Cellars Hohenort if the mountain holds more appeal. These final days in Cape Town can be utilized to their full extent with the convenient hop off, hop on Sightseeing bus, offering the unique experience of the whole of Cape Town and the peninsula.

Start from the V&A Waterfront in the morning (with a fresh coffee in hand from Vovo Telo Bakery & Cafe). Learn more about South Africa's rich history and District 6 before strolling through The Kirstenbosch Gardens for a restorative brunch. Stop at the Constantia wineries for a wine tasting or some lunch, then wrap up the day with fish and chips in Hout Bay or cocktails in Camps Bay. Be sure to check when the last sightseeing bus stops at your location or use the Uber app to make your way back when you're ready.

Either more of the same exists for day seven. Perhaps down time to rest or if it's about checking as much off of the "to do" list as possible, then be sure you've invested (under $200) in the Cape Town unlimited premium ticket. This gives you three or five days of hop on and hop off services, as well as 80 activities. This includes the cable way, with an additional premium experience (one option is a scenic helicopter flip). A 45 minute trip towards Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, will find yourself among a colony of endangered African Penguins. It's well worth the trip.

Start your eighth day with breakfast in Cape Town, an airport shuttle and a flight north to Kruger National Park. Should you arrive at camp before check in, join in for lunch and relax by the pool.

Five days of Deep Restoration

Flying into The Kruger National Park (8,000 square miles of pristine savannah or bushveld, the size of Slovenia), via Skukuza Airport is a quick and inexpensive option for travelers staying within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and other centrally located lodges, as well as those wanting to experience the authentic local SANParks self-drive option. Given the vast distances within the park (and low speeds required by vehicles in order to protect free roaming wildlife), daily scheduled charter flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg make accessing exclusive camps located further north (like Singita Lebombo and Sweni) easy too.

The afternoon may be slow. That being said, utilize your own time and excitement to get out and see what's happening in the bush right away. In which case, join the sunset game drive which should leave the lodge around 4:00 pm, depending on the time of year and the specific lodge.

On your final days, once on the ground, there's nothing more to plan or do. Nature's timeline takes over.

The most effort required is for sunblock, sunglasses and mosi-spray (if you're visiting during summer). A camera or binoculars are recommended too.

The warm winter days are mosquito free and also more advantageous for game viewing, making this my favorite time of year to visit the bush. All of the animals rely on daily water for survival and will congregate at waterholes where it's easy to find them. Whereas in the rainy summer months, there's plenty of water within the bush making it so the purpose of waterholes becomes less relevant.

No matter when you decide to visit though, there's always magic to find. The lambing (impala) and calving (buffalo and wildebeest) seasons and the emerald greens of summer are also a wow-stopping time.

Stillness, fresh air and alignment to a rhythm that's Wise, Old and Nurturing

There'll be ample time for long afternoon naps so take full advantage of the options provided to you by your guide for sunrise and sunset drives. These two blocks of time are when guests 'get lucky' with game sightings. The bush is alive and pulsing as day turns to night (and vice versa). Mornings will be crisp and cool, under blankets with hot chocolate or coffee to go around. Similarly special, sundowner venues will be curated by the discerning eye of the guide who'll be looking out for the perfect spot to stop the open air vehicle so that you can best take in the view of the sky as it changes colors while sipping on your Gin & Tonic.

Of course spotting the "big five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) is and always will be the pièce de résistance, I encourage you to open yourself up to delight in the small things too. Look out for (pearl spotted) owlets (the size of your hand) and bush babies (sometimes exciting to find in and around camp). Additionally, ask about the small five (the ant lion, buffalo weaver, rhino beetle, leopard tortoise and elephant shrew).

Luxury safaris are about losing the itinerary and going with the flow. Deep reconnection.