Tailor-made Holiday · South Africa
South African Adventure: Trek, Surf and Safari
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
From Cape Town’s soaring peaks to the untamed wilderness of Manyoni, this journey blends adventure, culture, and wildlife in a thrilling exploration of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Hike Table Mountain, surf the Atlantic waves, trek through the Drakensberg Mountains, and track the Big Five on safari—each day offers a new experience, weaving together the country’s wild beauty and rich heritage.
Cape Town is a city of contrasts, where rugged cliffs meet urban elegance. Begin by ascending Table Mountain’s rocky trails, rewarded with breathtaking panoramas before exploring the historic streets of Bo-Kaap. Feel the rush of the ocean as you ride the waves in a private surf lesson, then journey along the Cape Peninsula, where the cliffs of Cape Point give way to the playful penguins of Boulders Beach.
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Leaving the mountains behind, the call of the wild leads to Manyoni Game Reserve, a sanctuary where elephants roam free, lions prowl the plains, and rhinos graze beneath golden skies. With expert guides, track Africa’s most iconic wildlife on game drives that pulse with the thrill of discovery. At Leopard Mountain Lodge, the days end with bush sundowners and candlelit dinners beneath a canopy of stars.
In Durban, the adventure takes a cultural turn, from bustling markets to street art and the vibrant flavors of bunny chow. As the journey ends, the memories—of mountains conquered, waves ridden, and wildlife encountered in its rawest form—linger long after you’ve said goodbye to South Africa’s wild spirit.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town
Arrive in Cape Town, where a warm welcome awaits as a local representative greets you at the aircraft door. With assistance through immigration and baggage collection, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to Four Rosmead, a boutique hotel in a tranquil setting. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of this elegant retreat. Whether you choose to unwind after your journey or explore nearby sights, the adventure begins with a perfect balance of comfort and anticipation for the days ahead.
Day 2: Conquering Table Mountain & Exploring Cape Town
Lace up your hiking boots for a challenging ascent of Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks. Accompanied by an expert guide, tackle a panoramic trail offering breathtaking views of the city, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles. At the summit, celebrate your achievement before descending by cable car (weather permitting). In the afternoon, embark on a private city tour, exploring the historic streets of Bo-Kaap, the lively Greenmarket Square, and the storied landmarks of Cape Town. Choose to end the day at your hotel or continue exploring the V&A Waterfront, brimming with shops, cafés, and cultural attractions.
Day 3: Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach Penguins
Venture along the Cape Peninsula, a landscape of rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and diverse wildlife. Discover scenic walking trails in Cape of Good Hope Reserve, where dramatic coastal scenery meets rich biodiversity. Along the way, encounter the endearing African penguins at Boulders Beach, before exploring charming seaside towns. Midday, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With your expert guide, learn about the region’s ecology, history, and local traditions, before returning to Four Rosmead for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Surfing Cape Town’s Coast & V&A Waterfront
Feel the thrill of the waves with a private surf lesson at one of Cape Town’s premier surf spots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, your certified instructor will tailor the session to your skill level, ensuring a fun and exhilarating experience. The afternoon is yours to explore the V&A Waterfront, a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, meet playful Cape fur seals, browse designer boutiques, or take in sweeping harbor views from the historic Clock Tower.
Day 5: From Cape Town to the Drakensberg Mountains
Bid farewell to Cape Town as you board a flight to Durban, followed by a scenic drive to the Drakensberg Mountains. En route, witness the rolling landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, a region rich in natural beauty and Zulu heritage. In the afternoon, embark on a guided cycling tour through the rural village of Hambrook, gaining an intimate glimpse into local life. Meet welcoming community members, visit a preschool, and experience the traditions of Zulu culture. Settle into Three Tree Hill, a luxury retreat offering breathtaking mountain views.
Day 6: Hiking the Tugela Gorge
Embark on a full-day hiking adventure through the UNESCO-listed uKhahlamba National Park, trekking through protea-studded meadows, lush forests, and riverbeds. The 9-mile route winds through Drakensberg’s dramatic landscapes, culminating at the spectacular Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world. With your private guide, explore the rich biodiversity of this pristine wilderness, spotting rare birdlife and soaking in jaw-dropping vistas. This immersive journey showcases the raw beauty of South Africa’s great outdoors, making for an unforgettable active escape.
Day 7: From Mountains to Safari in Manyoni Game Reserve
Leave the Drakensberg Mountains behind as you journey to Manyoni Private Game Reserve, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier Big Five safari destinations. Initially established for black rhino conservation, Manyoni is now a thriving wildlife sanctuary set against breathtaking Zululand scenery. Arriving at Leopard Mountain Lodge, settle into your luxury chalet before embarking on an afternoon game drive. As the sun sets over the savannah, encounter majestic elephants, prowling leopards, and grazing antelope, before returning to the lodge for dinner under the stars.
Day 8: Safari Adventures in Manyoni
Wake before dawn for a thrilling morning game drive, when wildlife is at its most active. Traverse diverse landscapes, tracking the Big Five with expert guides who bring the bush to life with fascinating insights. After a leisurely afternoon at the lodge, set out once more as the sun begins to dip, offering the chance to witness predators on the move. Each game drive is unique, promising extraordinary encounters with South Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Day 9: Bush Tranquility & Travel to Durban
Savor a morning of relaxation at Leopard Mountain’s spa, where a soothing massage with natural ingredients provides the perfect complement to your safari experience. Enjoy a final bush breakfast before departing for Durban, a city famed for its golden beaches and cultural diversity. Arrive at The Oyster Box, a luxury seaside retreat offering stunning ocean views. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a cocktail on the terrace as you listen to the sound of the waves.
Day 10: A Taste of Durban’s Culture & Cuisine
Explore the vibrant city of Durban on a private guided tour, discovering its hidden gems and cultural treasures. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, home to a rare collection of cycads and orchids, before venturing into Glenwood, a hub for street art and contemporary culture. Meet Mama Nkosi, a curator of traditional Zulu artifacts, and sample Durban’s famous bunny chow, a unique culinary experience. The day ends at Distillery 031, where you’ll enjoy a gin tasting, celebrating the city’s emerging craft spirit scene.
Day 11: Farewell to South Africa
Your journey through South Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and wilderness comes to a close with a private transfer to the airport. As you depart Durban, the memories—of scaling Table Mountain, surfing Cape Town’s waves, hiking the Drakensberg, and encountering wildlife in Manyoni—will stay with you forever.
Our Experts
There's no better way to appreciate the natural world than by taking part in a South African safari. You'll have the chance to see the Big Five whilst never compromising when it comes to luxury.
The cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town is often overlooked as a fantastic travel destination. It has a palpably vibrant character and a flourishing food scene. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to experience something completely different.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.