Planning a Company Retreat in South Africa | A How-To Guide‍

A delightful tapestry of traditions, breathtaking landscapes and game-rich wildlife reserves are all seamlessly woven together to create a place like no other. Feel the pulse of Africa, from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to a Big Five safari. With world-class hotels, shops and restaurants that easily stand up to their international counterparts - South Africa is the ideal destination for your next corporate retreat.‍

Safety and Security: South Africa receives a lot of bad press, but just like any other tourist hub anywhere in the world, remain vigilant with your belongings, stay in the tourist areas and don’t stray into unknown areas, especially after dark, and you will leave with only good memories. ‍

South African Corporate Retreat Itinerary‍

The perfect South African corporate retreat itinerary will have the group spending 2 nights in Cape Town (3 if you have the time and budget) and 2 nights at a game lodge. 

Most international flights fly direct to Johannesburg (JHB) but recently more and more airlines are offering direct flights into Cape Town (CPT), ensuring you waste no time with connections.‍

Cape Town ‍

Flanked by an unmistakable mountain range and the untamed Atlantic ocean, Cape Town has an innate beauty with a distinctive urban edge. Cape Town can easily stand up as a retreat destination in its own right with a never-ending list of experiences and sights ranging from a cable car up Table Mountain, township tour, marvelling at the vibrant Malay Quarter, sparkling beaches, shark diving, whale watching, Robben Island (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and of course, no trip would be complete without a day spent in the Winelands. ‍

Moniker’s Top Hotel Picks in Cape Town 

• The Table Bay Hotel: Complete with all the trimmings of a 5-star hotel, this iconic property in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, affords each of the 329 rooms either sweeping Table Mountain or harbour views, making it a perfect property for the more refined corporate retreat. 
  

• Radisson RED V&A Waterfront: A fairly new industrial-chic hotel a stone’s throw away from the bustling V&A Waterfront. Hip rooms, minimalistic decor with pops of red and state of the art technology make this a uniquely playful experience. This 252 room hotel with its unconventional hospitality and coveted rooftop pool bar is ideal for the young at heart.  
  

Safari Experience 

Disconnect from your daily life and connect with nature in the African bushveld. Be woken by roaring lions, grunting hippos or the sounds of breaking branches as a herd of elephants gracefully stroll by your room. 

South Africa, home to numerous private reserves and no fewer than 20 national parks, Kruger National Park, being one of the biggest in Africa and arguably the most famous, measures in at roughly the size of Israel, or a little smaller than Belgium. 

Within these protected reserves there are a myriad of luxury lodges made up of anything between 9 to 60 rooms. With multiple lodges of equal standard sprinkled around, groups will be divided up around the game park. This more intimate environment is an excellent option for remote teams, giving them the opportunity for uninterrupted bonding. Over the 2 nights, the entire group can be brought together for boma dinners, game drive sundowners and evening fireside chats.  

‍Moniker's Top Safari Lodge Picks

This decision is like choosing a favourite child, an almost impossible ask. andBeyond and Lion Sands, in Kruger National Park offer superior hospitality, spacious accommodations with rooms that open to private pools, stunning common areas and observation decks. 

Ivory Tree Game Lodge: in Pilannesburg, is a 5-star lodge with 60 rooms and conference facilities, is a fitting spot for groups that wish to reside together at all times and squeeze in a few meetings and workshops. ‍

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Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town 

After arriving and checking in, you have the day at leisure to refresh and partake in some optional activities before the group is whisked away just before sunset for a cocktail on Signal Hill. With an artisan gin and tonic sundowner in hand, get a panoramic view of the Mother City. Follow this epic experience with a team dinner at the bustling V&A Waterfront. 

Day 2 | Amazing Race Challenge around Cape Town 

Today we really pick up the pace with an Amazing Race style corporate team building challenge. Divided into smaller teams everyone will race around the city in authentic South African taxis searching for checkpoints and completing some uniquely South African tasks  - Teams are in for a ride of a lifetime. 

Bargain in Greenmarket Square, gumboot dancing lessons, a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak to visit the endearing penguins at Boulders Beach, and a pitstop at Muizenberg Beach Hut rounds out the team challenges before dashing off to the scenic Winelands for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting, vineyard tours. End the day with a private gourmet alfresco dinner and wine pairing amidst the grapevines.    

Day 3 | Cape Town to Safari Lodge

After an exuberant few days in lively Cape Town take it down a notch as you check into one of the luxurious game lodges peppered around the country. Spend the late afternoon on a game drive with a knowledgeable driver and tracker taking the helm in search of the Big Five. Extending well into the evening, witness the expansive sky filled with more stars than not, before heading back for a hearty dinner and fireside chats.  

‍Day 4 | Safari and Group Boma Dinner 

With the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, the day begins early (very early), with a hot cup of coffee and rusks. Huddle together in an open Land Rover and set off on a morning game drive, stopping midway to stretch your legs and partake in some refreshments. Take the rest of the day at leisure or use the time for team workshops and brainstorm sessions. By late afternoon its time to hop back in the Land Rover for an afternoon drive. As night falls meet up with the entire team for a traditional boma dinner under the stars.‍

Day 5 | Depart

Under the acacia trees, surrounded by the natural splendours out in the middle of the open reserve the groups will come together for a bush breakfast complete with fresh fruit, pastries and eggs to order. Time to pack up and depart for the airport bringing this action-packed week to a close. 

In summary, South Africa is as vibrant as the landscapes and cultures that inhabit it, and is a veritable playground for once in a lifetime experiences and breathtaking sights. Making it a unique destination to collect unforgettable shared memories that will be talking points long after the retreat is over, making it the perfect destination to host your next corporate retreat.