A White Lion

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a combination of posh spa-like accommodations and miles of wilderness, located three hours from Cape Town. It’s a luxury safari experience, with the world’s only free-roaming pride of white lions. There are tented lodges, like the Dwyka Tented Lodge, with its own deck and plunge pool.  This is the ultimate splurge vacation if you’re planning any South Africa travel.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has a White Lion Project which seeks to return white lions to the wild.  There are rare species here, too:  the riverine rabbit among others.  Remember, this is the largest private wild game reserve in all of South Africa, so there’s plenty of room for indigenous plants, wildlife, and also for you to escape and do nothing at all.  There are vast open plains, rugged mountains, endemic bird species, and very competent field guides to assist you on your safari.

The Blue Train is a passenger train outfitted to please even the most demanding guests, with marble bathrooms and original artwork.  This orient express-like passenger train is operated by South African Airways, and is part of a package tour operated by that company.

The package takes you to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve for two nights on a safari.  You also get to stay three nights in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.  The tour leaves from New York and Washington, D.C. and other gateways for an extra charge.  Contact SAA for info.