For The Hideaways Club Member and Chairman John Ott, travel is often at its best when it combines discovery with simplicity.

His recent family journey did exactly that: a week exploring Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, paired with a tailor-made safari in Botswana arranged through one of The Hideaways Club's travel partners, Far & Wild.

Travelling with his wife and son, John set out to create a trip that balanced relaxation, adventure and memorable family experiences, showcasing how seamlessly a Club stay can be paired with a tailor-made safari.

A vineyard retreat in Constantia

The family's South African adventure centred around The Hideaways Club home, Villa Steenberg, nestled within the secure and picturesque Steenberg Estate in Constantia. While the property's exterior appears understated, John was quick to note how spacious and thoughtfully designed the home feels.

"We've stayed in a lot of the villas, and we thought this one was really quite good. It's in a gated estate, yet you're surrounded by vineyards. The views back towards the mountains in the morning are stunning."

The location proved ideal for exploring Cape Town and its surrounding wine regions. Back at Steenberg Estate, the family enjoyed having acclaimed restaurants and a championship golf course on their doorstep, making it easy to alternate days of sightseeing with slower-paced afternoons closer to home.

Beyond the city

With much of the itinerary planned in advance, the family enjoyed a mix of iconic sights and local experiences, from exploring the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay to hiking Table Mountain and cycling through the Cape Winelands.

One particularly memorable outing was a cycling tour through the vineyards on electric bikes, allowing the family to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

For members considering a visit, John recommends allowing time to explore beyond the city itself.

"Getting out of Cape Town a little bit and exploring the wine region, the Cape of Good Hope, the Garden Route or the Atlantic Coast is part of why you go to a place like that. It's spectacular."

Seeing South Africa through new eyes

Although John has worked on projects in South Africa several times, this was the first visit for both his wife and son, giving him the chance to rediscover the Western Cape through fresh eyes.

"South Africans are phenomenally friendly. Everybody we met wanted to share their country, and we felt welcomed everywhere we went."

For John, the appeal of Cape Town lies in its remarkable combination of scenery, culture, food and accessibility.

"A lot of people don't realise that Cape Town is much closer than they imagine. You fly overnight, there's little to no time difference, and the climate is incredibly temperate. It's a very easy destination to enjoy."

While visitors should take the same sensible precautions they would in any major city, John believes the rewards far outweigh any concerns.

"If you stay in the areas you'd naturally visit and stay aware of your surroundings, you're perfectly fine. In fact, it's much better than it was when I first worked in South Africa 15 years ago."

From vineyards to wildlife

Before settling into Villa Steenberg for a week, the family began their trip with a safari adventure in Botswana, arranged through The Hideaways Club partner Far & Wild. Having experienced safaris before, John was keen to create an itinerary that prioritised quality wildlife encounters without spending too much time moving between camps.

Far & Wild tailored the experience around exactly what the family was looking for.

"They were great to work with. Everything was completely seamless. All the transportation was organised, all the connections worked smoothly, and the whole experience felt effortless."

Rather than rushing between multiple locations, the family chose to spend longer in two carefully selected camps, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

"The best thing about safari isn't constantly moving around; it's seeing as much wildlife as possible. Spending longer in fewer places worked brilliantly for us."

The Far & Wild difference

For members considering adding a safari to a Club stay, John believes the partnership offers a valuable way to enhance a Southern African itinerary.

"Far & Wild made the whole process super easy. You arrive, everything is arranged for you, and when the safari is over you simply continue your holiday. It all fits together incredibly well."

He was equally enthusiastic about Botswana itself, describing it as a destination defined by its people as much as its wildlife.

"Botswana is a great country. The people are incredibly friendly, proud of their wildlife, proud of their culture and genuinely happy to share it with visitors."

A journey worth repeating

Reflecting on the trip as a whole, John's conclusion is simple: more Hideaways Club members should consider South Africa.

From mornings overlooking vineyards in Constantia to unforgettable wildlife encounters in Botswana, the trip delivered everything his family had hoped for.

"It's such a great country. There's an enormous amount to see, the people are wonderful, and combining Cape Town with a safari makes for an exceptional holiday."

For members looking to experience the best of Southern Africa, Villa Steenberg and a tailor-made Far & Wild safari make a compelling combination.

Please note, all images shared on this page were taken by John and his family on their trip.