Escape Winter's Chill to the Southern Hemisphere: Spectacular Seasonal Action For 2025/26 Silly Season

Less than two hours on a South African Airways A320, will land you in the tourist town of Victoria Falls via OR Tambo (Johannesburg). Or land at Cape Town International Airport. You'll be assisted with clearing customs and luggage handling by your host. A short 15-minute flight, with a scenic turn over the falls en route, in a Bell 206L-3 Longranger or Eurocopter Squirrel AS350 BA helicopter, will find you in the lap of luxury at your private villa at Matetsi Victoria Falls, just in time for lunch. Set out on a 15-kilometer private stretch of Zambezi river frontage within the exclusive Matetsi Private Game Reserve. The property lies within the Kavango Zambezi transfrontier conservancy spanning five countries. This vast conservancy, more than twice the size of the United Kingdom, allows an abundance of wildlife to roam freely across borders.

Arrival day

Upon check-in, the camp's slower pace becomes apparent as you acquaint yourself with the residents. Zebras, impala, giraffe, warthog and bushbuck graze peacefully unperturbed, while the summer’s influx of birdlife provides a vibrant, buzzing contrast along the water's edge. The warbles, whistles, rattles, trills, chatter and smooth liquid sounds of ruffs, long-toed lapwings, bee-eaters, skimmers, hornbills, starlings, rollers, kingfishers, cuckoos and greater painted snipes create a familiar soundtrack.

In the distance, the rumbles and snorts of elephants echo as huge breeding herds make their way to the waterhole after a morning spent browsing the mineral-rich Namakana forests along Kudu Alley.

Adding to the symphony, hippos greet with their distinctive "wheeze honk," a prelude to a vocal range that includes grunts, bellows and the occasional squeal.

Make yourself at home. A dedicated team, including a private chef and butler, will cater to your group's every need. A private guide, tracker and safari vehicle are at the ready for a personalized safari experience.

Once settled, enjoy a thirst-quenching Malawi shandy (Orange juice — fresh or Mazoe (Zimbabwean orange squash), ginger-beer and lemonade with angostura bitters) before embarking on a river adventure. Try your hand at tiger fishing or enjoy a sunset "booze" cruise, where you'll spot crocodiles, hippos and some of the 366 bird species along the way as you meander between the two countries. As the sun sinks low and the sky changes color, watch out for an elephant herd crossing through deep water, trunks raised high in the air.

After dinner and a debrief around the fire, wash away any residual airport and travel fatigue. Indulge in the luxury of an open-air outdoor shower before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Swim on the edge: Devil's Pool experience

A sunrise game drive is always an option (I recommend they should never be missed). But feel free to wake up naturally and at your own pace on your first full day in the bush.

When you're ready for the day, a riverside al-fresco feast awaits. Today's highlight is an SUV or heli transfer to the Zambian side of the river. You'll be escorted by experienced guides from the Zambian jetty to Livingston Island and across into Devil's Pool. Here, you'll have the unique and exhilarating opportunity to swim at the edge of Victoria Falls. This activity is only possible during the low-water season (September through January). This is determined based on real-time water levels, making December a safe bet.

Enjoy a picnic on Livingston Island or lunch at Elephant Café, Zambia's number one-rated restaurant. It is, most importantly, a sanctuary to connect intimately with rescue elephants.

Return to your private villa for an afternoon siesta, then embark on a thrilling night drive. As darkness falls, the bush comes alive with nocturnal creatures like the surprisingly large white-tailed mongoose, large spotted genet, fearless honey badger, porcupine, African civet, African wild cat, small spotted genet and the elusive serval.

Day 3: Experience Matetsi your way

Enjoy the fullness of the Matetsi safari experience. Relax by the 23-meter lap pool, work out in the gym or unwind with a book and a cocktail while taking in the sights and sounds of the bush. For the avid game enthusiast, spend the entire day out with your private guide and tracker scouring the bush for special sightings and enjoy lunch at a thoughtfully chosen location deep in the bush.

As night falls, gather around the fire for long conversations and listen for the calls of nocturnal birds. These include the huge resident Pel's Fishing owl, and the adorably tiny Scops and Pearl Spotted owlets.

Day 4: Zambezi Adrenalin

Thrill-seekers can experience a unique view of the falls during the low-water season. Begin your white water rafting experience in the Boiling Pot, directly in the spray with unrivaled views of the Falls and the Bridge. Navigate intense grade five rapids (1 to 10 or further if desired) before being lifted out by helicopter.

For more adrenaline-fueled fun, try quad biking, bungee jumping or the Batoka gorge swing. Alternatively, enjoy more leisurely activities such as horseback riding, canoeing or high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

If the timing is right, and the moon is full, experience the unique phenomenon of a lunar rainbow boat cruise to complete your Zambezi adventure on a high.

Day 5: Onwards to Cape Town

Enjoy a late wake-up and a lunch-time flight to Cape Town with premier South African airline, Airlink, business class, if your group is under six. For larger groups, Kenya Airline's 737 has more business class seats and flies direct to Cape Town after breakfast.

At this glorious time of year in the Cape, I recommend dedicating more than just a single day to touring the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. I've allocated four days for what I believe to be a truly world-class experience. This destination boasts a location, contemporary amenities and climate that rivals any peak-season European hotspot.

For unparalleled luxury, stay at the Owner's Villa at Delaire Graff Estate.

Day 5: Wine-down time

You'll arrive at Cape Town International around lunch or in the late afternoon. Either way, you're at your villa in time for a sundowner and a chef-prepared wine-paired dinner. The villa's giant picture windows frame breathtaking vistas of Botmaskop Peak and Table Mountain in the far distance. Take this opportunity to sip on select wines as the sun finally disappears, taking with it the last of the light. Your home for the next few days boasts a private art collection of seventy pieces selected from owner Laurence Graff's private collection. Features include a wine cellar, private gym, jacuzzi and heated infinity pool, butler and chef. With all your meals, select wines, canapés & Icon wine tasting included (as well as the captivating views and amenities), it may be hard to drag yourself away.

Day 6: Hot air balloon ride & Babylonstoren

After a full night of blissful slumber in your elegant westward-facing villa bedroom, (before the sun begins to illuminate the views towards Stellenbosch, False Bay and Cape Town), enjoy a preflight coffee and then lift off for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Cape Winelands landscape below. As the sun rises, take in breathtaking views of picturesque Cape Town in the distance.

Enjoy breakfast and bubbly at the renowned Babylonstoren's Babel, a short drive away.

Take a leisurely stroll through Babylonstoren's charming grounds, where history, nature and viticulture intertwine. Admire the timeless beauty of Cape Dutch architecture and discover the art of winemaking in the estate's vineyards. Babylonstoren offers an enchanting experience that will captivate all your senses.

The rest of the day is at your leisure in the comfort of the private villa or exploring the grounds of Delaire Graff Estate. Dinner is always available in the villa, prepared by your chef, or can be enjoyed at any number of trending restaurants in the nearby surrounds. (Rust en Vrede, Tokara, Bertus Basson's De Eike, Post & Pepper, Hōseki, Chef's Warehouse at Maison, Le Coin Francais, La Petit Colombe)

Day 7: Art, town, wine

Start your day slowly with a delicious breakfast & morning mimosa prepared by your in-house chef. Take your time enjoying the luxurious surroundings of your villa and appreciating the stunning views from atop Stellenbosch's Helshoogte Pass.

• Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden: Explore the rugged mountain wilderness of the Winelands and discover over 60 sculptures by artist Dylan Lewis, thoughtfully placed along 4 km of paths.

• Stellenbosch Town: Wander through the university town and admire the restored Cape Dutch architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy lunch at De eetkamer.

• Private Capensis Wine Tasting: Learn about the vineyard's history, wine heritage, different vines and the wine-making process at this private tasting. Capensis specializes in Chardonnay. Indulge in the cultivar and taste its variations. Or with over 500 vineyards in the Cape and an ideal climate, savor some of the world's best wines during an afternoon tasting.

Day 8: Horse or e-bike, wine valleys & foodie hotspots

For a more active morning, discover the beauty of the Cape Winelands on horseback or e-bike. Enjoy local wines, flavors and food as you explore Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience for lunch at The Werf Restaurant. This is another foodie hotspot in the Winelands. If you're still keen for more, try the three-hour wine safari, touring more incredible estates in a safari-style vehicle.

Day 9: Transfer day

After a lazy morning and delicious breakfast, enjoy the villa's amenities at your leisure.

Later, take a 50-minute transfer to Cape Town, with the opportunity to stop for a coffee or snack at a wine farm you may have missed.

Ellerman House exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making every arrival feel like a homecoming celebration. Upon arrival, your luggage will be promptly taken for unpacking, shoes polished and laundry whisked away for washing and pressing. In your villa, you'll find a fully stocked bar and delightful snacks. But for a more social experience, head to Bar Roc, where a Gin trolley, Perrier-Jouet cocktails, canapés and jazz await. Indulge in the Dom Pérignon Experience, brandy tastings or the Signature Constantia Experience and get settled in.

If you're feeling adventurous on your first night in town, immerse yourself in Cape Town's vibrant restaurant scene. Savor the culinary delights at La Colombe. Or enjoy relaxed, unfussy Italian pasta handmade at The Cousin's Trattoria. The truffled tagliatelle rolled in a Parmesan wheel at your table (- carb heaven), or the black tagliolini allo scoglio seafood pasta. For an intimate experience (and an even easier walk home), dine in at Ellerman House's Restaurant. Relish Chef Kieran Whyte's perfectly prepared Kalahari Beef or Ostrich filet with triple-cooked fries, followed by vanilla brûlée or a decadent chocolate fondant.

Day 10: Indulge in luxury or explore the city

Today you'll enjoy the luxury of waking up to gentle ocean breezes wafting through expansive windows in your private oceanfront villa. Although separate and private, your villa is conveniently adjacent to the main hotel, Ellerman House. It was recently voted Africa's best city hotel by Travel + Leisure. Located in the exclusive Bantry Bay area on Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard, this sought-after destination offers:

• Prime position and unparalleled views: Enjoy a north-facing aspect with mesmerizing sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain range as your backdrop.

• Sheltered location and beachside living: The villa's location provides protection from the southeasterly winds. This allows for more time to enjoy the nearby beaches and the relaxed oceanside lifestyle.

• Convenience and amenities: Stroll to pristine beaches and jog or cycle along the promenade. Experience the best of Cape Town's modern conveniences, all within easy reach.

Start the day slowly on the couch surrounded by an important South African art collection. It traces the evolution of the country's art history. Relax by the infinity pool or rejuvenae in the polar plunge in your private spa while your private chef prepares breakfast (the eggs benny are a must-try!). Or if you're eager to explore, venture out with your local guide and luxury SUV for brunch at Hemelhuijs. Enjoy poached free-range farm eggs on 'mosbolletjie' toast with lemon roasted artichoke and hollandaise, washed down with an apricot and clementine bellini.

Discover the vibrant street art of Woodstock and the city center, grab a coffee at Truth or Espresso Lab and immerse yourself in South Africa's rich cultural and political history by visiting District 6 and the museums, markets, shops and studios downtown.

Savor an early dinner in the colorful laneways of Bo-Kaap, where you can learn about Cape Malay culture and try your hand at rolling your own samoosas.

As the day winds down, enjoy priority access up the cableway for sundowners at the top of Table Mountain. Or if the timing is right, experience the magic of hiking Lion's Head under the full moon. A local favorite.

Day 11: Private Cape Peninsula tour

Hit the ground running with pain au chocolat & coffee at Olympia Cafe in the quaint and funky fishing village of Kalk Bay.

Visit the penguins and swim in the rock pools at Boulders Beach.

Enjoy a picnic or braai (BBQ) for lunch surrounded by fynbos and pristine nature at the southern-most tip of Africa, Cape Point.

Visit the Norval art gallery, the art studios and shops at Imhoff Farm. Return via the scenic and breathtaking Chapmans Peak Drive — fondly referred to as ‘Chappies’.

Day 12: Live like a local

Any Sunday in Cape Town should begin with a mandatory visit to Oranjezicht City Market at the V&A Waterfront. Here’s my list of not-to-be-missed treats, drinks and dishes.

Coffee is good everywhere, so grab that first and a chocolate breadstick from Woodstock Bakers (or the Olive… or the cheese… or all three).

As an alternative, try a freshly squeezed fruit & veg juice or a red espresso (rooibos cappuccino) or red chai cappuccino (caffeine-free heaven). Or Moro Gelato’s hot chocolate. Think of molten lava.

Hoghouse Brewing Co's Pastei de Nata (classic or flavor de jour).

Foraged mushroom skewers, Shashuka, Vegan bounty bars from Thank Goodness Foods, craft beer, bubbly for as the day draws on and shopping bags accumulate.

After a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool or a spa treatment in your private spa to reboot, grab a picnic basket and head to The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for an evening of live music at the foot of Table Mountain. The Summer Sunset Concerts run throughout the warm months, providing a selection of sets from the young 'up and coming' as well as 'the oldies but goodies'. Fine local and International talent.

Day 13: Cultural immersion

Grab a coffee to go at Vovo Telo at the V &A waterfront and then board your helicopter or boat for Robben Island. Explore the unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice”. Understand the rich 500-year-old multi-layered history, honoring the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents with your private ex-convict guide or with a friend of, and warden to Nelson Mandela, Christo Brand.

Upon returning, enjoy lunch from any one of several pop-up restaurants at the Timeout Market, Cape Town. This is also conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront. Chef Peter Tempelhoff brings his flair for elevating Asian cuisine, so if you’re into Ramen, try Ramenhead.

If that doesn’t appeal try Nøsh Café. Brewing up three of the city’s finest artisan roasters alongside all-day breakfasts, light meals and fresh bakes.

After a refuel, head out for a memorable tour of Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. Hosts iSiviwe and Nela specialize in eye-opening guided tours. On a typical walking tour, you’ll see four housing and socio-economic areas, including worker hostels and informal settlements. Greet residents along the way in local language, called isiXhosa. Experience traditional music and gumboot dance, as well as an after-school program called Happy Feet Youth Project for local children in Langa Township.

Experience authentic, engaging and respectful visits to a broad range of innovative and inspiring community projects via Uthando (Love), South Africa. This is an award-winning Fair Trade in Tourism certified non-profit organization that creates a unique link between tourism and community development projects. These programs bring enormous benefits to local communities.

Day 14: Yours to explore

Your summer days in Cape Town can be spent exploring the many beaches, as well as cycling between them, along the promenade from the V&A to Camps Bay. Evenings can be dressed up or down at any number of fine-dining (and more relaxed) foodie and cocktail hotspots. Enjoy live music concerts, jazz and dance music sets in house at Ellerman as well as pop-up locations on the beach and up the mountain. Staple favorites are Gorgeous George's Gigi rooftop on a Sunday and The Lawns at the Roundhouse for a vibe. Enjoy Cape Town's finest food at Belly of the Beast, Fyn , Pot Luck Club and the many Chef's Warehouse locations across Cape Town, to name only a few.

Day 15: Overnight and briefing for Antarctica

And when in Cape Town, you'll want to capitalize on ticking off your bucket list and launch into the mystical world of White Desert Antarctica. A luxe, earth-sensitive fly-in option for exploring Antarctica, accessible from December through February. Departing from Cape Town International Airport. Perfect timing. Perfect location.

Day 16: Wolf's Fang and beyond

The day after a full briefing on life in Antarctica (happens in Cape Town) fly in first class comfort (on an Airbus A340 or private jet) across the Southern Ocean. Experience night turn to day as you enter 24 hours of continuous sunshine on your 5-hour flight to Wolf's Fang Runway.

Groomed and treated for business and commercial jets by an experienced ground crew, who also manage weather monitoring and ground-to-air communication. Landing here, on glacial blue ice is an experience to behold.

Days 16–23: Stay, explore, enjoy

Whether you arrive alone or in a group, for a few hours of exploration and a champagne picnic (called The Greatest Day) or for an extended exploration with family and friends, you'll be forever changed by this white continent and the pristine untouched landscape.

Exclusive use with tailored activities offers the choice of multiple accommodation types and locations as well as a plethora of activities.

Accommodation

• Whichaway Camp: Six heated 'polar pods' with state-of-the-art exteriors and traditional-style interiors, located on the coast of a freshwater lake in the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis.

• Echo Camp: Six heated, advanced polar pods with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views. Crafted from composite fiberglass and featuring retro space-age details and luxurious furnishings.

Adventure

• Visit the Geographic South Pole: Fly 5 hours to refuel at Dixies Camp, located on the polar plateau. Disembark to walk around and experience the vastness of Antarctica. Reboard for a 2-hour flight to the South Pole, landing at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Stand at the designated marker — the lowest point on Earth, where there's no East, West or South, only North. Walk around the world in just a few paces!

• Encounter 28,000 emperor penguins: You’ll be fortunate enough to encounter the hatching season in the colony. Withstanding the harshest conditions on Earth, these fearless birds, who've never encountered humans, often walk straight up for a photo opp.

• Hike over ice waves and explore ice tunnels: The surreal ice tunnels, sculpted by seasonal meltwater, are a photographer's dream.

• Climb Nunatak: With expert guides, scale a blue ice glacier and reach Nunatak's summit for epic 360-degree views.

• Experience the Mighty Abseil: Descend from a 100m clifftop surrounded by an amphitheater of blue ice.

Activities

• Fat biking, ice climbing, rock climbing, rope walking and zip-lining.

• Enjoy adventurer picnics, polar talks and visits to science bases.

• Savor gourmet meals prepared by your private chef. Enjoy a sauna with views of the glacier. Sip cocktails by the fire. Sit back and chat in the communal lounge, library and dining area, amazing spaces to relax with amazing views.

When your time has come to an end on the white continent, return on a five-hour flight back to Cape Town and onto Vilankulo, Mozambique.

A three-week+ fully tailored ultimate Antarctic experience complete with Legend Ice Breaker Exploration Yacht, Helicopter, Submersable, Kayaks, SUPs and Gaucho experience in Patagonia also available as an option and end point in South America.

Benguerra Island four days with the ocean's big five

Days 23-27: Benguerra Island with the oceans big five

From the Atlantic to the Southern and now the warm Indian Ocean

Day 23: From the Atlantic to the Southern and now the warm Indian Ocean

Upon arrival in Vilankulo, your Kisawa host will meet you and assist with immigration and luggage collection. You will then be transferred to the Kisawa Helipad, which takes 7 minutes by air, or 20 minutes by boat for larger groups.

Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island offers an exclusive and serene experience. Each of the eight residences is uniquely positioned to ensure ultimate privacy. Stay as a hotel guest in one residence or reserve them all and create a private island experience for your favorite people. You'll soon feel like an islander. Explore the 300 hectares of dunes, coastal forest and pristine coastline with the electric mini-mokes allocated to each residence.

Indulge in unlimited spa and healing treatments at the world-renowned, award-winning Natural Wellness Center, exclusively for you and up to 28 guests. This exceptional spa seamlessly blends Japanese technology (Iyashi Dôme) and ancient Ayurveda, providing an unparalleled wellness experience throughout your stay.

Day 24: Island Time

Indulge in the luxury of your expansive residence. Each is complete with a private pool and outdoor dining area, nestled within an acre or more of island paradise. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking ocean views and the gentle symphony of waves. Take in the ever-changing natural light that dances throughout your home, creating a captivating ambiance. The impeccable design exudes a personal and effortless elegance, while the harmonious atmosphere, comfortable furnishings and vast, private setting will transport you to a state of blissful tranquility.

Fill the day with swimming, lounging and reconnecting in the comfort of your stylish residence, and choose to do as much or as little as you desire.

Feasts can be prepared at any of the three oceanfront restaurants. Options include castaway island picnics, permaculture garden lunches, moonlight BBQs and pizza tuk-tuk set up on the beach. Or simply dine in the comfort of your residence — a perfect option for a day like this.

If the mood grabs you, sail around the cove sipping Champagne on a sunset dhow cruise.

Day 25: Action Above the Waves

Spend the morning with your guide spotting flamingos, hearing local stories about crocodile sightings and hiking to the top of the Red Sand Dune to learn about its changes over time. Visit local villages, chat with fishermen and observe women preparing freshly harvested vegetables for their communities. Learn about local life, including the education and medical systems. Watch children playing in their yards and vibrantly colored clothing drying on the lines.

In the early afternoon, helicopter off to Santa Carolina Island for a private champagne picnic on the beach.

Later, enjoy poolside foot massages under the stars back at your private residence, listening to the waves crash below.

Day 26: Dive and snorkel the reefs

Under the expert guidance of Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), explore the vast ocean and many dive sites* around Kisawa.

Marvel at migrating humpbacks and scan the water for the magical sight of the ocean giant, the whale shark.

Once submerged, discover clownfish, scorpionfish, powder blue surgeonfish and red fang triggers swimming among the colorful coral. At greater depths, find sea fans, manta rays (with 4m wingspans) at cleaning stations, and squadrons of devil rays.

If you're lucky enough to encounter the whale shark, take a deep breath and dive down to swim alongside it at eye level. Observe how the giant of the deep remains unperturbed as she makes her way along the coastline.

Other adventures include group snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, taking frequent cocktail breaks to sample the creations of the island's talented mixologists.

World-class dive sites are plentiful, and dives are arranged according to the specific interests and experience of the divers. Don't miss the chance to spot the rare Dugong in these waters.

Day 27: Departure

Fly from Vilanculos Airport, carrying cherished memories to last a lifetime.