100% customisable travel idea
A fresh perspective on South Africa Satyagraha, safari and farmhouse in the bush
South Africa - Johannesburg - Nambiti Private Game Reserve - Cradle of Humankind
100% customisable travel idea
South Africa - Johannesburg - Nambiti Private Game Reserve - Cradle of Humankind
Johannesburg - You stay in the Satyagraha House - from the Sanskrit satya (truth) and agraha (firmness). A name that, on its own, evokes the non-violent struggle against oppression. This white house with a thatched roof was Gandhi’s, a rural retreat once surrounded by bush. It is now part of the Orchards residential district, the tranquillity of which suits the spirit of Satyagraha well - a house built in 1907 by German architect Hermann Kallenbach, a travel companion of the Mahatma. Beautifully restored and expanded with a more modern wing, it now welcomes visitors seeking a spiritual journey in a handful of rooms - wonders of simplicity and freshness. In front of the large windows opening onto the garden, airy white curtains drift in the breeze. You hear birdsong, the nostalgic creak of a wooden floor; you smell the woody scent of a freshly lit candle… Because it is closely linked to its history, the house contains a small museum dedicated to Gandhi, with period photographs, correspondence, drawings, speeches, pamphlets and notebooks.
Nambiti Private Game Reserve - In the heart of this reserve, home to a wealth of animal and plant life, your lodge, perched atop a cliff, offers a splendid view of the Sunday River, the savannah and the wooded hillsides. In the main “building”, the decor combines handicrafts, art photography and elegant furniture. The wonderfully intimate site has only five suites - spacious bungalows with thatched roofs, each with an outdoor bathroom and a beautiful terrace. Gentle relaxation in the pool, exclusive safaris, dinners around the fire, and moments of pure contemplation: the programme truly lives up to the setting.
Cradle of Humankind - Just 50 km (31 miles) from Johannesburg, you’ll spend three nights within a community that believes in art, well-being, and the nature it protects. Much of what is eaten here is grown on site, and artists in residence and travellers on retreat are welcomed in the heart of a vast, wild estate. Life here is incredibly gentle, with days shaped by yoga and meditation, wandering, and letting go. The beautifully minimalist rooms celebrate a return to essentials. Asceticism with a devilish sense of aesthetics.
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the following day.
Upon arrival, fast-track airport formalities and private transfer to the peaceful, residential suburb of Orchards. Stay for two nights at Satyagraha House. The place is charged with energy, and was home to the wise Mohandas Gandhi in the early 20th century. It was here, under this thatched roof, that the concept of non-violent resistance took shape in the mind of the future Mahatma - a principle he would later take with him to India. The house, built in 1907 by a German architect who was Gandhi's companion, is a marvel of simplicity and freshness, tranquillity and delicacy. It's a striking example of ascetic principles. Everywhere - from the rondavels to the lounge, the dining room and the rooms - there are pristine white walls, charming antique furniture, woven mats, raw floors where you want to walk barefoot, and wooden doorways that play with the warm light of South Africa. Your room is a place for quiet introspection, while the garden is perfect for relaxing and chatting. The food is local, Indian or European but always vegetarian and made with organic vegetables grown in the garden. Meals can be enjoyed wherever you like, depending on the weather and your mood.
In your itinerary - Spend your first day at Satyagraha House exploring every nook and cranny and enjoying the wellness treatments and yoga sessions. Lunch is served in the setting of your choice. Make time to visit the museum dedicated to the spiritual leader. A member of staff will come with you as you explore the rooms to discover the house's history and secrets. Period photos and letters between Gandhi and his family and friends, as well as drawings, speeches, pamphlets, notebooks, newspaper articles, books and objects collected in India are all on show. Immerse yourself in Ghandi's philosophy and history. Later, you are invited to one of the intimate rondavels, where expert hands will give you a wonderful massage. At dinner, a different tea is paired with each of your five courses, crafted by talented chefs who use only the finest local ingredients.
In your itinerary - Private tour of Joburg with a local. Your companion for the day unveils the secrets of their city, the richest and most populous in South Africa. Johannesburg is bursting with creative and cultural energy. Its former industrial areas have been transformed into emerging neighbourhoods where contemporary art galleries, young designers' showrooms and recording studios flourish. You can go to exhibition openings and experimental theatre performances, savour fusion cuisine, and dance the night away. In spite of all this, Johannesburg continues to preserve the country's collective memory - sometimes painful, always profound and essential - along with the legacy of its great figures, with Nelson Mandela remaining its guiding light.
Pick up your rental car and drive to Nambiti Private Game Reserve, where you stay for two nights. The lodge, perched atop a cliff, offers splendid views of the Sunday River, the savannah and the wooded hillsides. In the main building, the décor combines handicrafts, artful photos and elegant furniture. The property has only five suites. The spacious bungalows with thatched roofs each have an outdoor bathroom and a beautiful terrace. The French owners have set high standards in the kitchen, serving their guests top-quality meals.
In your itinerary - Your days are shaped by safaris - one in the morning and another at the end of the day. That still leaves time to enjoy a "bush drink" at sunset and dinner under the stars around the boma, the local fire pit. You can also have a massage in the privacy of your terrace and unwind in the infinity pool during your free time, taking in the breathtaking views of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve's natural beauty.
Drive to the Cradle of Humankind for your third South African stopover. This place is more of a project than just accommodation. It is home to a community brought together by artistic creation, wellness and nature. Artists in residence share the space with people working in the vegetable garden, which supplies the restaurant with fresh ingredients. Only seasonal dishes are served here, prepared with produce from the estate or sourced from local small producers. They strive to minimise their impact on the environment. All of this was once a dairy farm. It has been transformed into a mixed-use space where visitors can, if they wish, take part in community life, help with the harvest, or set out on long walks in the heart of nature. The beautifully minimalist spaces combine the principles of Japanese wabi-sabi inspired design, that celebrates imperfection and a back to basics approach, with African touches. The minimalist look of the rooms is a perfect example. Raw grey walls are the backdrop for beautiful woven natural fibre light fittings and vintage furniture. The well thought out simplicity is quite simply beautiful. In every space, including the garden, life here is peaceful and centres on switching off, yoga and meditation. Recharge your batteries just a few steps from the Cradle of Humanity.
In your itinerary - Private tour of Nirox Sculpture Park. This unique estate near the Cradle of Humankind displays monumental works of art scattered across a vast park, watched over by hundred year old trees. The property, once a trout farm and fishing estate, stretches for 37 acres (15 hectares) in the heart of a nature reserve. Discover sculptures created by artists from all over the world as you follow the trails alongside streams and small lakes. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and culture all at the same time. You can also have lunch there at the excellent restaurant.
Not to be missed - Tour of the famous Cradle of Humankind. Uncover the secrets of our origins by exploring South Africa's UNESCO-listed Fossil Hominids sites. Stroll through the limestone caves containing fossils that date back millions of years. The site is also home to a diverse range of animal and plant species, some of which are endangered.
Specially arranged for you - A massage in the comfort of your accommodation.
In your itinerary - Before heading home, you have time for one last bit of exploring around your lodge with a member of the community who knows the property inside out.
In the afternoon, drive to Johannesburg airport, return your vehicle, and catch your international flight home. Night on board, arrival the following day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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