Luxury South Africa Trip Review: Safari, Winelands, Cape of Good Hope, Boulder Beach, Franschhoek, Robbin Island

We have traveled extensively over the years, but we always viewed a trip to Africa as a true bucket list experience. And that it was!!! The two safari lodges our travel agency recommended were outstanding, and the opportunity to see nature up close is almost beyond description. We cannot say enough about the lodge at the game reserve in South Africa. There are only five standalone villas at this property that typically accommodate up to 10 guests, so there is plenty of personal attention to your every need and wish. The General Manager and his entire team were wonderful. The food was outstanding from breakfast to high tea to dinner under the stars! The attention to detail at this property is simply amazing, including hot water bottles ("bush babies") to warm your lap during the early morning game drives. We saw the "Big Five" animals on the very first safari drive and then added a cheetah and multiple wild dog viewings later in our trip. 
Our tour of the Cape of Good Hope was also a memorable experience. My wife's favorite was the African Penguin colony at Boulder Beach in Simon's Town. And I would highly recommend the visit to Robbin Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. 
Finally, the Winelands area almost puts Napa to shame in terms of combined scenery, restaurants and wine quality. The property we stayed at was right in the heart of a vineyard and easy walking distance to Franschhoek. It was our second favorite property and outstanding as well!