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Three nights at Morukuru Ocean House
The landscape became mountainous as we flew southwest towards Cape Town, where we were met for our road transfer to Morukuru Ocean House, set in the spellbindingly beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve.
With the choice of four ocean-facing rooms, we joked that we could each have our own, but although I loved the idea of my very own bathroom, I couldn’t imagine a night without my partner! While I sat captivated by sweeping views into the fynbos-coated dunes and aquamarine ocean of De Hoop, the excited shout from my son brought us all to the lounge to take turns on the telescope, watching whales passing by. The afternoon saw us enjoying our own pursuits – reading by the swimming pool, yoga and mountain biking, while our private chef whipped up an early dinner.
The next morning, we left the lodge in a helicopter, which gave us a bird’s-eye view over the ocean and any migrating whales. Our pilot had an eagle eye of his own, and soon spotted a telltale spout of water. Soon, we were soaring above a pod of them, getting as low as possible – without intruding – to observe mother-and-baby pairs swimming side by side. My daughter was uncharacteristically silent, while my son – with some clever tips from our guide – snapped pictures like a paparazzi photographer, until even he joined us in silent wonder, awestruck at witnessing this miracle of nature.
We made the most of our last full day at Morukuru Ocean House by snorkelling among the rock pools and, later, sandboarding on the dunes. The kids had built rather elaborate kites with the help of the skilled staff, and while our butler brought us sundowners and snacks, they practiced flying their kites until the red orb of the sun disappeared behind the dunes. We all jumped in the hot tub while dinner was prepared (with several vegetarian options for my daughter), and dined under the stars before falling asleep in rooms warmed by roaring fires.
As the morning mists parted, my son woke us up to watch whales as they passed our window, almost as if paying a last tribute to us before we left for Cape Town.
Three nights at Cape Grace in a three-bedroomed suite
We arrived to a warm welcome at Cape Grace, set on its own quay next to Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront. After a quick pitstop at the three-bedroomed suite that was our family’s base camp, we met at hotel’s Signal restaurant for lunch, where we were astounded by views over the marina and the cloud-covered Table Mountain. Lunch exceeded expectations and prompted another indulgence – afternoon whisky at Bascule Bar. This gave the kids time to go shopping, before we all met at the hotel’s exclusive yacht, Spirit of the Cape, for a superb sunset cruise.
Our second day started when our private guide collected us from the hotel for our Cape Peninsula tour, which took us along a cliff- and coast-hugging road until our breakfast stop at Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Stopping to see shipwrecks, coves and busy harbours, we snorkelled among Cape fur seals, drove up the steeply stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive, and enjoyed a private lunch near Cape Point. Other highlights were the African penguins at Boulders Beach and quaint Kalk Bay, where we stopped for ice cream and a stroll. What an unforgettable day!
We woke up early to catch the sunrise from the top of Table Mountain, spurred on by my son, the budding photographer. The view of the city and peninsula was humbling as we gently ascended in the cable car – more so from its peak as the rising sun lit everything with a warm yellow glow, glinting off the turquoise ocean. We hiked around for the full 360-degree view, only leaving when my daughter reminded us that we’d miss out on the city excursion and Cape wine experience if we didn’t make our way down immediately…
What sets it apart
Our luxury family safari gave us a wonderful window into the life and culture of South Africa, from its wildlife and beaches to its vibrant people. We spent time in the beautiful Maputaland, discovering the Elephant Coast, known for its diverse wildlife. Indeed, rhino, giraffe, countless bird species and a kaleidoscope of marine life captivated the whole family at Phinda Mountain Lodge. We also experienced the wonders of the Western Cape, from pristine white beaches and dunes lapped by the warm Indian ocean to rock pools, coral reef and coastal fynbos.
When southern right whales migrate to the shallow coastal basins off the Overberg coast
PHOTOGRAPHY: &BEYOND, MORUKURU FAMILY, CAPE GRACE, ISTOCK