As South Africa gradually reopens its economy and hotels prepare to welcome guests back in the coming months, The Royal Portfolio is launching The Royal Portfolio Foundation Itinerary, encouraging travelers to “travel to Africa with purpose.”
The new 10-night itinerary will include each of The Royal Portfolio’s four properties, while also immersing guests in the Foundation’s local community outreach, grassroots education and conservation initiatives. Guests will have the opportunity to visit early learning centers and educational arts projects supported by The Royal Portfolio, including the Lalela Project in Cape Town for at-risk youth (some of whose work hangs in The Silo hotel’s art collection); the Masibulele early learning center supported by Birkenhead House in Hermanus (and run by the mother of one of its staff members); the Sigagule and Langetulani Creches near Royal Malewane safari lodge in Greater Kruger National Park; and the Wes-Eind primary school near La Residence in Franschhoek, where guests will plant a tree in the “Quiet Quad,” helping offset the carbon footprint of a flight to South Africa. Guests will also partake in community outreach programs, such as helping with food distribution in Cape Town, visiting The Potters Workshop community craft project outside of Cape Town and visiting a local community in Franschhoek with the resident flower lady from La Residence.
The Royal Portfolio Foundation Itinerary also provides travelers access to some of South Africa’s best nature and wildlife experiences, including: a visit to a coastal bird conservancy outside Cape Town, where they will be able to “adopt” a bird in need; a guided walk through Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus; and exploration of the abundant marine life off the coast near Birkenhead House, including penguins, sharks and whales (in season). And in addition to the extraordinary experience of game drives at Royal Malewane with the most qualified guiding team in Africa, guests will also be immersed in the Outdoor Wildlife Classroom, where they will be part of a training walk with one of Royal Malewane’s apprentice guides/trackers and their mentors. The final full day of the itinerary features a morning spent at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, followed by an afternoon with Royal Malewane’s highly specialized canine unit, learning how the dogs and their handlers protect wildlife from poachers.
The 10-night Royal Portfolio Foundation Itinerary includes all transfers (exclusive of flights to/from Royal Malewane), all activities mentioned above, all meals at Royal Malewane and Birkenhead House and all breakfasts at The Silo and La Residence, and a 20,000 Rand (approximately $1,200) donation to The Royal Portfolio Foundation. The itinerary can also be customized to individual travelers’ preferences.
Travelers can also support The Royal Portfolio Foundation’s work from afar by purchasing a Royal Portfolio Bond for future stays with The Royal Portfolio. Available for purchase through July 31, 2020 for redemption any time before the end of 2022, each bond includes 25 percent in added value for a future stay, as well as a 2,500 Rand (approximately $150) donation to the Foundation. The bonds have thus far raised more than roughly $18,000 to support The Royal Portfolio Foundation’s community outreach and conservation projects.
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