South Africa & Botswana Family Active Safari

Biking, the Big Five & Luxury Game Lodges

Luxury lodges, wild landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime cycling, hiking and safari expeditions where magnificent animals roam—all seamlessly connected by our private charter flights. Two countries, one grand adventure.

11 days, 10 nights
Luxury Hotels
10 nights, Luxury Hotels

Learn more about where you'll stay.

Activity Levels 1-3
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We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.

Activity Levels None (White)

See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.

Families with Teens & 20s

This trip is for:

  • Families with Teens & 20s – Best for ages 16+ (min. age 14)

Also available for:

  • Couples, Friends & Solos – Adults 18+
Best for ages 16+ (min. age 14)
Also Available for: Couples, Friends & Solos

From $17,999 - $20,799/person

Includes $5,600 internal air 

Snapshots from the Trip

Trip at a Glance

Highlights

  • Search for the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo—in open-topped Land Rovers with our expert local guides
  • Kick back poolside at spectacularly remote safari camps, where elephants and vervet monkeys play
  • Hike along the Great Escarpment to see diverse wildlife on the fringe of the forest
  • Follow the tracks of giraffes and elephants on a mountain bike route packed with wildlife
  • Learn about Backroads’ support of efforts to restore the critically endangered Clanwilliam cedar, a vital part of the Cederberg region’s ecosystem

This is a Special Departure. See Terms & Conditions.

Hike/Walk
Safari
Bike

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Cape Town Airport & Travel Details

Description
  • Follow the hiking trail along Table Mountain’s base to the extraordinary Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
  • Bike from Cape Point to Chapman’s Peak, looking for ostrich, baboons, rare Cape Mountain zebras and elands.
Accommodations
Cellars-Hohenort

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Nights 1-2

Cellars-Hohenort
Constantia

Luxury Hotel

A historic manor house in the Cape winelands with stunning views of Table Mountain. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Description
  • Rejuvenate, hike and mountain bike at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, where ancient Bushman rock art and red hartebeest embellish the scenery
  • Taste local vintages and learn about South Africa’s wine history with the on-site sommelier.
Accommodations

Nights 3-4

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat
Cederberg Mountains

Luxury Hotel

This wilderness retreat features a gorgeous landscape and is home to a wide variety of antelope and birds. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Description
  • In remote Mashatu, learn to track classic African animals on a guided safari mountain bike ride in a reserve teeming with wildlife, including giraffes, the big cats and hundreds of bird species
  • Bike in Botswana among elephants on their ancient paths
  • Tonight, dinner is served under the African sky around a blazing fire—an unforgettable family meal!
Accommodations
Mashatu Main Camp

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Nights 5-6

Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu Game Reserve

Luxury Hotel

A spectacularly remote luxury camp built around a water hole where one of southern Africa's largest elephant herds congregates. (pool)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Description
  • Fly via private charter to Mpumalanga, one of South Africa’s most diverse provinces
  • Watch for hippos and vervet monkeys from our resort on the river
  • Venture to the bottom of a deep canyon in a glass elevator to explore the lush and rare Afromontane forest
  • Hike the seldom visited Great Escarpment, where wild vistas of the bush await
  • Vacation in a tented suite set among 250 acres of rose gardens, macadamia and litchi groves, jackalberry and tambouti trees.
Accommodations
Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Nights 7-8

Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
Hazyview

Luxury Hotel

These sumptuous tented suites are nestled on a rose and macadamia farm along the Sabie River, where hippos sometimes bathe. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Description
  • At Londolozi, spot the Big Five and other fascinating creatures, like dung beetles and lilac-breasted rollers, during exhilarating bush excursions on foot and in Landies
  • Luxuriate in your private pool villa or take advantage of the lodge’s renowned spa and wellness activities
  • In a traditional Shangaan community, join our friends from the Africa Foundation to learn about local projects.
Accommodations
Londolozi Private Game Reserve

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Nights 9-10

Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Luxury Hotel

This elegant game lodge on the Sand River offers an unparalleled luxury safari experience, featuring superb hospitality, Big Five game drives, exceptional leopard sightings and immersive bush experiences—all with a deep commitment to conservation. Travel + Leisure World's Best. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Johannesburg Airport & Travel Details