The Ultimate African Adventure

First published micebook Departure Lounge, February 2025.

From Wilderness to Elegance … Botswana to Cape Town with Belmond

One of the most challenging decisions in late 2024 was declining one of the most amazing invites of the year. Due to a diary clash, I reluctantly turned down a December invitation to what was billed as the ‘Ultimate African Adventure’ with one of my favourite brands, Belmond. However, when weeks later, my diary opened up, remembering the invitation, and as subtle as a brick, I sent a breezy, cheeky hint of new availability should a late place come available.

The sun was shining on me. Could I justify six nights on the ground and a night flight on each end? We’re into a record-breaking fam of nine days travelling. If honest, it took a whole nanosecond to justify, as I booked my travel jabs appointment, ordered some safari gear and accepted the kind invitation quicker than a cheetah chasing a screaming Pumbaa.

Our travel itinerary was to take us from the enchanting Belmond Savuti Elephant Camp and the serene Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana to the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa.

With our effervescent host Perrine Chapelain from Belmond and a ‘dazzle’ of event buyers from Seven Events, Black Book, The Collective by BCD Meetings & Events, søster, Yellow Fish and Strata, we all boarded in London Heathrow for our 11-hour overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Southern and Eastern Africa are long-haul destinations that are a planner’s treat. While a night flight at each end does eat into precious time, for some clients, the little time difference and early morning arrival / late departure at the end means one can jump into the programme with no jet lag and maximise time on the ground.

Feeling relatively fresh after a long flight and snooze, we arrive in Johannesburg with time to get to know our fellow travellers whilst enjoying the shops before our onward flight to Maun, Botswana and the gateway to its prime safari destinations of Chobe and the Okavango Delta. Following an easy scheduled flight to Maun, a final leg via light aircraft to the private airstrip of our first destination.

Day 1 – 3
Savuti Elephant Camp: The Heart of the Wilderness

If a place is a little more challenging to get to, it’s likely to be more memorable. Tourists, event planners, and groups tend to favour easy access but brush that aside as some places are worth the effort. Discovering luxury, style and adventure in Botswana was no exception.

The Belmond properties in Botswana are small and exclusive. Forget big groups and events. Think of small exclusive VIP experiences, private buyouts for superstar performers and chairman retreats. With just 12 tented rooms in each of their safari properties, these are really suited for more intimate experiences. Or if you have a group happy to split and endure some distance (approx. 45 min light flight apart), a rotation of the two properties would enable an event to 24 rooms / 48 guests with some shared, well-orchestrated experiences.

Nestled in the Chobe National Park, the first Belmond Savuti Elephant Camp is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This luxurious camp offers an intimate encounter with nature’s giants, the elephants. The camp is renowned for its eco-friendly design and conservation commitment, ensuring visitors experience the raw beauty of the African wilderness while minimising their environmental footprint.

Greeted with a glass of bubbles in the open bush, within minutes of landing, African newbies in our team were anxiously taking in this new, unknown environment, with ‘wow & wild’ being the order of the day. For several group members, it was a first-time, exciting experience on an African safari and the continent. What a place to start! Undoubtedly, this would be a tough act to follow as we were starting at the very top.

As if on cue, following a vibrant welcome choir of lodge staff, as we disembarked our safari vehicles from the airstrip, we were drawn to its teak terrace for the most spectacular of welcomes to Africa.

From the moment you arrive at the camp, you are enveloped by the sights and sounds of the wild. The camp’s elevated tents provide panoramic views of the Savuti Channel, where elephants were waiting for our arrival. It was simply breathtaking and the first of many emotional highlights (especially for the delightful Sian from Yellow Fish, who teared up frequently as the trip unfolded).

Morning and evening game drives provided opportunities to witness a plethora of wildlife, from lions and leopards to zebras and antelopes. The knowledgeable ranger shares their insights into the behaviour and ecology of these magnificent creatures, making each safari an educational and exhilarating experience.

Despite its remote location, the camp does not compromise on comfort. Each tent is elegantly furnished and features a private deck, air conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom. The communal areas include a lounge, dining tent, and swimming pool, all designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

Following our first evening game drive, we enjoyed a gourmet dinner under the starlit African sky, accompanied by the distant calls of the wild and a surprise performance of camp staff dancing with a chorus of traditional African songs.

Highlights: the spectacle of elephants upon arrival at the watering hole; stunning game drives with spectacular sightings, sundowners in the dunes and a surprise bush brunch at the end of a morning drive. Pure magic.

Day 3 – 5
Eagle Island Lodge: A Sanctuary of Serenity

A mere 45-minute light aircraft flight away, our onward adventure moved to the Okavango Delta, home of Eagle Island Lodge, a place that offered a contrasting yet equally captivating experience. This lodge is set on a private island within one of the world’s largest inland deltas, providing an oasis of tranquillity amidst the lush floodplains and crystal-clear channels.

Rumoured to be where Harry and Megan fell in love (although I’ve read of several lodges staking claim to this fact), the lodge has superstar appeal yet is all too discreet and stylish to drop names and confirm or deny.

While we visited during the dryer months, with no water on the floodplains, it was easy to imagine the spectacle of the wet season and abundant wildlife. Not that we were short on wildlife experiences: a pack of wild dogs at a kill, a dazzle of zebras, a pride of lions. We tested our collective nouns while in awe of each new sighting.

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Guests can explore this pristine paradise through mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, boat safaris, and guided nature walks. The Delta’s waterways are teeming with life, from hippos and crocodiles to a dazzling array of bird species. The lodge also offers helicopter flights, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of this natural wonder, as we discovered by a surprise heli flip over the Delta during our stay.

Eagle Island Lodge epitomises luxury in the wilderness. The spacious tented suites feature plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private decks with stunning views of the Delta. The lodge’s restaurant serves delectable dishes inspired by local flavours. Guests can unwind at the Fish Eagle Bar, where sundowners are served with a backdrop of spectacular sunsets over the Delta.

Highlights: The surprise helicopter for an epic flight over the Okavango Delta. Waking up at sunrise, drawing back the curtains to discover an elephant a few feet away slurping water from my private plunge pool. A stunning, surprise private dinner set up on the lodge’s private airstrip under the African starlit sky. All breathtaking.

After our stunning four nights and two lodge experiences, it was time to move on and experience a new, modern face of Africa. Onwards to Cape Town, South Africa.

Day 5 – 7
Cape Town & The Nellie

Onwards, our journey continued to the vibrant city of Cape Town, with a short return flight to Maun and an easy connection for a direct flight to South Africa’s Mother City.

Cape Town is a destination I know very well, having enjoyed many visits for client events and a couple of personal holidays. So, I was super eager to see if I would discover some new experiences and venues on this trip since my last visit in 2019.

The Cape Town chapter was hosted in partnership with one of the leading incentive pioneers of Southern and Eastern Africa, the award-winning Green Route Africa DMC. They brilliantly weaved a perfect 48 hours to satisfy the first-time visitor with some key highlights along with sufficient new ingredients to satisfy the returners and old-timers like yours truly.

A welcome return to The Mount Nelson Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Nellie’ has been a landmark of Cape Town since 1899. Its grand architecture and lush gardens exude an old-world charm, while the interiors offer contemporary luxury and comfort. The hotel boasts 198 exquisite rooms and suites alongside a stunning array of event spaces both on the grounds and in stylish function rooms.

Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, and the Mount Nelson Hotel offers a gateway to this vibrant city. Guests can explore the nearby attractions, such as the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Afternoon tea at the hotel is a must-try experience, with various delicacies served in the elegant lounge.

There were many highlights! A stunning chef’s table dinner on our first evening in Mount Nelson launched our whirlwind African city experience. The next day, we had a meander through the colourful Bokapp neighbourhood before the essential visit to Table Mountain. Sadly, there were no views from the iconic mountain due to a blanket of clouds. For first-timers, it was a bucket list tick and a chance to ride the super-fast cable cars and enjoy a coffee stop at the top.

This was followed by a rendezvous with some jeeps for a stunning drive over Chapman’s Peak, with a stop for bubbles before continuing along the epic coastline.

We stopped for a glorious lunch in Constantia at Buitenverwachting Winery, which is perfectly located on the other side of Table Mountain and has an easy route back to the Mount Nelson.

Off to dinner, surprise side cars whisked us to the V&A Waterfront for cocktails on the roof at the super cool Silo followed by a dinner at Cape Town’s newest and hottest restaurant Marble located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

Our final day was another surprise helicopter ride with a flight over the city before a Cape Malay cooking class at the modern eatery Spyced. Before heading to our flight home, a final surprise guest at our departure afternoon tea was an absolute treat. We were joined by the delightful Zelda la Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, now a motivational keynote speaker who shared some stories and insights into South Africa’s changes and her time with the legendary great man.

From the untamed wilderness of Botswana to the sophisticated charm of Cape Town, this experience offered a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Belmond’s Savuti Elephant Camp and Eagle Island Lodge provide an immersive experience in some of Africa’s most pristine natural landscapes. At the same time, the Mount Nelson Hotel offers a touch of elegance and comfort in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Undoubtedly, as billed, the hosts delivered the ‘The Ultimate African Adventure’. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or simply seeking relaxation, this travel itinerary delivered an unforgettable experience to suit incentive travel or corporate retreat.oes Here

Quote, Unquote

Don’t just take my word for it. I gathered a few comments from my fellow travellers and event professionals on their take on the ultimate African adventure, brilliantly hosted by the teams at Belmond, Green Route African, and their respective collaborators.

From the endless horizons of Botswana to the buzzing spirit of Cape Town, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the ultimate African experience to such a wonderful group of clients. Being a first-time safari goer myself, I just couldn’t believe how much we got to see in 4 days safari! Now Cape Town is a better-known destination, yet The Mount Nelson offers a unique experience as the only true urban resort in the Mother City. With the help of Green Route Africa, we were able to put together a program highlighting Cape Town’s coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes.

Perrine Chapelain – Senior Client Director, Groups & Events, Uk, Scandinavia, France & Benelux

“The surprises just kept coming as we ended our trip in Cape Town. Staying at the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel pretty in pink with welcome cocktails to match! We enjoyed Cape Town from above with our second helicopter ride of the week, a cooking experience with a celebrity chef, a unique transfer to dinner in sidecars, and a very special afternoon tea guest: Mandela’s former private secretary, who brought shivers to my spine!”

Heather Frei, Event Operations Director, Seven Events

The laid back yet exhilarating time spent on safari, was quickly contended by all the action of The Mother City. In just an easy connection and short flight, you can hop straight over to Belmond’s Mount Nelson hotel, which offers all the charm, luxury, glamour and convenience that you could hope for in a city centre hotel. Pairing this with Belmond’s equally beautiful safari lodges is a game changer.

Harriet Kendall, Client Engagement Director, søster

“Green Route was so excited to co-host this amazing group of event professionals in Cape Town! From unforgettable moments on top of Table Mountain to creative showcases in the Silo District, we got to show how Cape Town always has something new to offer”

Ilyaas Narker, Group Sales Manager, Green Route Africa DMC

“Loved Botswana! Each property is designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of Botswana while offering top-tier amenities. For incentive groups, the intimate size of the lodges fosters a sense of exclusivity and connection. The personalised service, incredible dining experiences, and the chance to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife make it an extraordinary reward for top performers”

Joe O’Connell, CEO, Blackbook

“Top tip … visit in June when the Delta floodwaters are at their peak, and experience unique water-based activities such as a Mokoro canoe safari. The exchange rate also makes South Africa a cost-effective option, and the variety of activities, landscapes and experiences you can enjoy in one trip is unrivalled – from spotting an abundance of wildlife across the vast plains of Botswana to the incredible views from Table Mountain and the rolling hills of the wine region, Africa has it all”

Rachel Ryder, Team Manager, Experience Design, The Collective by BCD Meetings & Events