Hi Jalen500!

Just a few thoughts for you...

I think 10 days is a perfect amount of time. I would suggest 6 nights on safari and I would split this between 2 lodges that pair well. Both Sabi Sands and Timbavati Private Game Reserves would make for great choices and I would split your stay with 3 nights in 2 different lodges. It's great to see other lodges and perhaps even switch up your lodging so that you could experience different lodges with different style, style of lodge etc. A luxury tented camp would make for a great option. Transferring between lodges is easy and wouldn't disrupt game viewing.

Luxury is somewhat a subjective word. What's luxury for one may not be near enough luxury for another. So you have to ask yourself how do you like to travel, what amenities are you looking for, what style of accommodation or decor excites you. For some, they want that classical Out of Africa look. For others, they want something a little more trendy or artsy in decor. It's really a personal preference. Trust me, you can find luxury in the bush no matter how you define it!

Here are some other luxury lodges in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve: Londolozi's Founders and Pioneer Lodges as well as the ultimate in sublime and romantic, their Private Granite Suites! I also like Sabi Sabi's lodges. For example, their Earth Lodge is surreal, artistic and architecturally fascinating. Singita is beautiful as well.. While these are all considered top in terms of luxury and with nice traversing area, they all have a different "look and feel" and, as I said, it really depends upon your style of travel and the vibe you are looking for.

And there are others, some of which have been mentioned already in this thread. For example, while Kirkman's may not be as expensive, it still is a beautiful lodge with great service and pairs well with one of their sister lodges, Ngala Tented Luxury Camp (Timbavati), which would then entitle you to a nice discount for your stay. Also, in reference to Ngala Safari Lodge (main camp), they are currently undergoing a renovation and will re-open in June as much more luxurious than before... Bottom line is that there are many choices available to you but it does mostly depend upon what you feel is luxury and what you want to spend!

One thing that you should know is that most lodges want your stay to be exceptional and incredibly memorable so they are eager to please and will fulfill special requests as much as they can. For example, private dinners, private jeeps, couples massage etc etc are all possible to create that special experience!

Seeing Cape Town is a great extension to safari. It's a vibrant and colorful city full of history, culture, great food & wine, and incredible views. Just imagine a massive mountain (Table Mtn) that hovers over a city situated where two massive oceans converge! And so much to do amidst this splendor of nature!

As for Cape Town lodging choices, you could stay at the V&A waterfront which is where there is a concentration of shops, restaurants and the larger hotels. There, I'd recommend the beautiful Cape Grace Hotel or the One & Only. Both great luxury options. There's also a new hotel opening this summer called The Silo which will be another amazing option on the waterfront. And if you want to eat at the famous Test Kitchen in Cape Town, then I'd recommend getting your reservation in months in advance..

Alternatively, you could stay in more of a boutique-style hotel in one of the many fascinating neighborhoods near to the waterfront for that local vibe. There are some beautiful luxury guest houses/small hotels.

If you wanted, you could add a night in the Winelands with its incredible vineyards, beautiful vistas, luxury accommodations, and superb wine. With the Rand converting so low, such a great time to go! Again, something for everyone. Plenty of options!

While it is possible to start your trip on Safari, I recommend it as the grand finale and ending to your incredible trip. With this in mind, here's a fairly typical and efficient flight route: JNB - CPT - Kruger airports (there are a number of them) - JNB. There are plenty of flight carriers and flight times to satisfy the route.

Happy to help!

Best
Dianne
Africa Direct USA