Where in the World is Cheryl? Enjoying Scenic Views and Wild Encounters in South Africa

Cape Town and Sabi Sabi: A Curated Incentive Journey

Warm welcomes, coastal adventures, vineyard flights, and shared moments in the wild—perfect for VIP groups.

Cape Town and Sabi Sabi are two extraordinary stops on one seamless journey, where oceanside sophistication meets the untamed heart of the bush. From coastal beauty and wine flights at a local vineyard to wildlife encounters and open‑air dinners under the stars, Cheryl Hammerschlag, our Director of Sourcing and Business Development, recently joined host Dragonfly Africa and DMC Group to experience how effortlessly these destinations pair for top‑tier group incentive travel. 

Here’s what she found: 

• Ideal for small luxury incentive travel programs of 50–80 guests 

• High‑touch hospitality and luxury accommodations 

• Once-in-a lifetime surprise and delight moments 

• Engagement opportunities

 
Day 1: Arrival and a warm welcome at the One&Only

After departing Dulles aboard United Airlines, Cheryl landed in Cape Town and checked in at One&Only Cape Town, a phenomenal, service‑oriented property that proved to be an ideal home base for an incentive program. Guests were welcomed in a private space at Nobu with small plates, champagne, and wine, gathered around a relaxed shared table. The experience reflected what Cheryl described as the brand’s signature “hand on heart” approach to service—genuine, thoughtful, and personal—setting the tone for the experience ahead.

Day 2: Cape Point by motorcycle 

The next morning, Cheryl and industry colleagues stepped outside to find rows of motorcycles and drivers waiting. The coastal ride to the Cape of Good Hope offered stunning views, followed by a surprise oceanfront lunch complete with a private tent, blankets, and a beautifully styled tablescape. That evening, the Cape Grace Hotel offered a relaxed poolside reception.

Day 3: Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, and Winelands finale

An early hike up Lion’s Head kicked off the morning, followed by a VIP‑style visit to Table Mountain with cocktails and snacks at the summit, where sweeping, 360‑degree views stretched from the city to the Atlantic coastline below. The day continued with a serene trip to the Winelands for a tasting, ending magnificently with a helicopter flight back to the V&A Waterfront for a memorable dinner to cap the visit to Cape Town.

CAPE TOWN: INCENTIVE PLANNING TAKEAWAYS

🌍 Well‑suited for small incentive groups: Ideal for programs hosting 50–80 guests 
🏨 Depth of luxury options: High‑end hotels available across multiple price points and group sizes 
✨ Highly customizable experiences: Knowledgeable local partners make it easy to tailor moments that feel personal and elevated 
🌄 Naturally impressive setting: Iconic landscapes and scenery elevate every activity 
🌊 Vibrant and easy-to-navigate waterfront: The V&A Waterfront offers a safe, walkable, and guest‑friendly hub for dining and events

Day 4: Arrival and immediate wild welcome

After the quick flight from Cape Town to Sabi Sabi, Cheryl boarded a safari vehicle waiting on the tarmac, and the game drive began immediately with wildlife sightings, from giraffes to water buffalos and gazelles. 

Luxury lodge check-in and easy togetherness 
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge accommodates approximately 25 guests and offers a warm, intimate setting. Nearby lodges—including Earth Lodge (12 guests) and Little Bush Lodge (6 guests)—allow groups of up to 80 guests to share dinners and signature experiences across the reserve. 

Day 5: The safari rhythm that brings people together

Early morning drives were paired with seamless tea stops in the savannah, where guides transformed their vehicles into pop‑up break stations with coffee, tea, and fresh biscuits. Guests stepped out to stretch, mingle, and take in the setting before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afternoon drives followed with cocktail stops that encouraged easy connection and time to share experiences. This was a perfect chance to mix groups of guests, creating natural opportunities to meet, and reconnect throughout the stay. Downtime at the pool or spa and dinners under the stars rounded out a rhythm designed for bonding on this amazing day.

Day 6: Shared adventure and connection

By day three, Cheryl, industry colleagues, and local partners were sharing moments that felt effortless and authentic, from wildlife sightings—including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo—and photo opportunities to quiet reflection in the bush. With savannah guides handling every detail, guests were free to stay fully present. The shared adventures and thoughtfully built‑in gathering moments made the experience both meaningful and memorable.

The ideal stay: Three nights

Paired with three nights in Cape Town, three nights at Sabi Sabi balances the vibrancy of the modern city with the unparalleled experience of encountering wildlife in its true habitat in one of the world’s more important reserves. Together, it creates a well-paced six-night itinerary and will make lasting memories for every program participant.

SABI SABI SAFARI: INCENTIVE PLANNING TAKEAWAYS

🌍 Intimate incentive experience: Ideal for 50 guests, with the ability to scale up to 80 by utilizing two lodges 
🧭 Optimal safari duration: Three-night stays deliver full immersion without overextending the program 
✈️ Easy access: Daily commercial flights from Cape Town simplify logistics 
🦒 Immediate immersion: The safari experience begins the moment guests arrive 
🏨 Purpose‑built lodges: Distinct accommodations naturally encourage networking and shared moments 
🥂 Built‑in connection points: Tea stops, cocktail breaks, and boma dinners create effortless bonding 
🛻 Shared adventures: Game drives and communal experiences foster unforgettable, collective memories 
✨ Flexible luxury: Multiple lodge tiers allow planners to tailor the experience without sacrificing quality 

Ready to plan your next bucket list incentive program? 

Meet Cheryl Hammerschlag 

As our Director of Sourcing and Business Development, Cheryl crafts unforgettable incentive experiences. Connect to design tailored itineraries that foster connection, adventure, and lasting memories. 

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