South Africa & Botswana Family Insider
On this Insider Family Trip, we bridge vast distances to capture the astonishing diversity, complex history and spectacular natural environment of southern Africa. And we do so in style, staying at some of Africa's most exclusive retreats and linking regions by private charter flights. Near Cape Town, you and your family will discover the Cape Floral Kingdom's botanical riches, the local wine and cuisine, and the intricate Apartheid legacy. In the Cederbergs, view some of the best-preserved prehistoric cave paintings on the planet. Then journey to Botswana's Okavango Delta for a safari into one of the world's most wild and remote ecological systems. Return to South Africa for wildlife viewing so intimate you can hear the leopards breathe. Before our trip's end, meet some of our good friends from the neighboring tribal communities, who offer further insights into a nation reinventing itself.
Botswana's Miracle in the Desert
Often called the "river that never meets the sea," Okavango is the world's largest inland delta - a labyrinth of lakes, channels, lagoons and islands harboring a vast array of African wildlife that would otherwise not survive in the harsh Kalahari. Spend two unforgettable days exploring the region by mokoro (canoe) and Land Rover.
(Big) Five Reasons to Bring a Camera
Lions. Rhinos. Elephants. Buffalos. Leopards. (Plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, baboons ) Get amazingly close to big game at Londolozi Private Game Reserve, a 35,000-acre exclusive safari destination and prime wildlife haven. And benefit from Londolozi's excellent relationship with local villages - a friendship that allows for our unique access to tribal Africa.
South African Eats: the Best of all Worlds
The South African dining experience is as diverse as the country itself: think East meets West - and North and South. Savor Cape Malay cuisine, a sweet and spicy mix of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Indulge in decadent European-style afternoon tea. At our remote game reserves, dinner feels like an adventure as you feast beneath the star-filled African sky, serenaded by an occasional chorusof hyenas!
Cultural Close-Ups
Your family will get to know South Africa through the eyes of our charismatic regional experts, such as Thandu, our Xhosa guide, who provides insight into the everyday life and traditions of black South Africans. Meet Lotus, a young Shangaani, who coordinates community development projects for the villages bordering Sabi Sand Game Reserve. And enjoy a presentation by author Margot Winer, a South African archaeologist who now lectures at the University of Cape Town.
Prehistory on the Rocks
Bushman's Kloof wilderness reserve is home to 130 known ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites. Peer into South Africa's past during an interpretive walk to Fallen Rock, which contains some of the region's best-preserved images, exquisite in their subtle detail and fascinating in their depiction of the spiritual world.
Vintage South Africa
Thanks to tremendous progress made by local vintners in the post-Apartheid years, the world is positively gushing over South African wines. On this trip, we dive deeply into a heritage that extends over 350 years, tasting some outstanding regional wines you might never find at home, including the heralded pinotage, a blend of pinot noir and hermitage endemic to South Africa.
REMARKABLE RETREATS : Premiere Inns
The Cellars-Hohenort (2 nights): This luxurious winelands manor house, a Relais & Châteaux member, features two swimming pools, a tennis court, a spa, elegantly decorated guest rooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat (2 nights): You're sure to enjoy this Relais & Châteaux member and winner of the coveted Grand Award from Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, with its spa, swimming pools, sauna, delectable cuisine and magnificent surroundings.
Sandibe Safari Lodge (2 nights): Built in a natural clearing with eight beautifully decorated deluxe thatched cottages, this lodge offers open showers and private elevated game-viewing decks, ideally positioned overlooking the Santantebi River.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve (2 nights): At this unabashedly elegant Relais & Châteaux member, large and luxurious chalets are beautifully decorated with fine prints and handicrafts, and all have private balconies from which to observe elephants, hippos and other animals grazing below.
2008 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 12 years
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities
- 9+ difficulty of activities
- 6+ several long adult dinners; there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ activites are suited to young kids; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
Trip praise
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder