Southern Africa Game Safaris, Vineyards, Victoria Falls & the World-Famous Rovos Rail March 21 April 7, 2019

Transcription

1 Game Safaris, Vineyards, Victoria Falls & the World-Famous Rovos Rail March 21 April 7, 2019 Game Drive Safaris Ndebele Village Victoria Falls Highlights South Africa: Cape Town, Moditlo Private Game Reserve, Johannesburg, Pretoria Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls Botswana: Chobe National Park Cape Town One of the most beautiful cities in the world, crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park Johannesburg The vibrant heart of South Africa and a rapidly changing city, optimistically looking towards the future. Moditlo Private Game Reserve Gasp at the wildlife only metres from the open 4x4, at an exclusive lodge, in a private game reserve. Intimate wildlife viewing opportunity. The Big Five Four game drives in a 4x4 set you on your way as you search for the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the buffalo, and the rhino. Rovos Rail One of the world s finest and most luxurious trains. Spend 3 nights in a deluxe suite cabin as you make your way from South Africa to Zimbabwe Victoria Falls An unforgettable display of Mother Nature s ferocious beauty. Small Groups Offering the best opportunities for a personal and authentic experience. Why do we encourage you to reserve now? As guests introduce their friends to us often and more guests return every year, our journeys fill very quickly. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE 30 GUESTS ONLY!!! Reserve Early and Save up to 5%. Ends October 26, 2018 Be the first to know! Join our private newsletter today Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 1 of 11

2 Your 18-Day Journey Day 1 Depart for Cape Town, South Africa Enjoy your private car home pick up service. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flights to Cape Town, South Africa. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the journey, enabling you to concentrate on your experience. Overnight flight Day 2 Welcome to Cape Town Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, Cape Town is a beautiful city with diverse multicultural pride a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes. On arrival, our local guide greets us and takes us to our hotel. Settle in to your room and get a good night s sleep tomorrow is a big day of sightseeing. Overnight Cape Town, Queen Victoria Hotel, 4 nights Day 3 Captivating Cape Town This morning, embark on a guided city tour of Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, and discover the rich culture and history of this awe-inspiring place. See the pentagon-shaped Castle of Good Hope the oldest surviving building in South Africa, visit the Company s Garden a large public park in the heart of the city, and journey to the top of the world Table Mountain. Marvel at the panoramic views of Cape Town and the ocean as the cable car climbs to the plateau summit 302 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and take some free time this afternoon to explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, situated on South Africa s oldest working harbour in the centre of Cape Town, before visiting Robben Island. Holding a significant place in South African history, this former prison island once housed the country s most famous political prisoner and freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. This evening, join us for a casual welcome dinner at one of the city s most popular restaurants. Day 4 Cape Point & the Kirstenbosch Gardens From its rugged, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs, to the fynbos covered plains, the Cape Peninsula holds much in store for us today. Relax on a morning boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island, a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds, and visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is globally recognized for its extraordinary land formation, unique flora, and rich and diverse fauna. Following a tasty local lunch, visit Boulders Beach and see the African Penguin colony that call this small piece of coastline home. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy a stop at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch against the eastern slopes of Cape Town s Table Mountain. Day 5 The Cape s Wine Region The day begins with a tour of Franschhoek, a little village nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town and situated in the heart of the Cape s wine region. Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum, displaying many artifacts that illustrates the early life of French Huguenot settlers in the late 1600s. After lunch at a local restaurant, meander through flavours and cellars with a wine tasting and cellar tour at Neethiling Wine Estate. Located just outside of Stellenbosch, this historic estate boasts a beautiful example of a Cape Dutch-style manor and produces a range of wines. Relive history at the Stellenbosch Village Museum before wandering through the oak-lined streets of this picturesque town during some free time. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 2 of 11

3 Day 6 Cape Town to Kruger This morning, we say farewell to Cape Town and board our flight to Kruger Mpumulanga Airport. Enjoy a local lunch in White River before checking in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure; relax by the pool, rejuvenate in the garden, or read a book on the patio it s completely up to you. Overnight White River, Country Boutique Hotel, 1 night Day 7 Blyde River Canyon Meander down a seemingly endless river canyon during a visit to the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke s Luck Potholes. This awe-inspiring stretch of landscape offers some of the most beautifully scenic vista in South Africa. The Bourke s Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Continuing on to Moditlo Game Reserve, we arrive at the lodge just in time for lunch. Part of the 36,000-hectare Blue Canyon Conservancy, Moditlo, which means place of the elephant, is a private game reserve lying adjacent to Kruger National Park. This afternoon, venture off on a 4x4 game drive through the reserve to view some of the incredible wildlife native to this land. Overnight Private Game Reserve, Moditlo River Lodge, 2 nights Day 8 Moditlo Private Game Reserve Moditlo is a Big Five game area and home to various antelope species such as impala, nyala and kudu, as well as predators like hippo and crocodiles. Its bushland borders the banks of the Nbesi River that are not only wildlife rich, but also support an astounding variety of indigenous flora. Rise early this morning for sunrise 4x4 game drive when the game is most active. Take the rest of the morning for breakfast and lunch to relax at the lodge before another 4x4 game drive late this afternoon. Day 9 Kruger to Johannesburg with Ndebele Village Embark on a final sunrise 4x4 game drive this morning before departing for Johannesburg. Along the way, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Middelburg, and delight in a visit to a traditional Ndebele Village. The Ndebele are among the most colourful and distinctive tribes in South Africa best known for their lavish beaded designs and brass rings worn around their necks, arms and legs. The tribe s homesteads all feature their trademark geometrical mural art and are instantly recognizable for their colour and beauty. Watch a cultural show on the Ndebele traditions, and if you re brave enough, try some of the delicacies including local beer and mopane worms. We arrive at the hotel late this afternoon and enjoy dinner before an evening at leisure. Overnight Johannesburg, The Palazzo Montecasino, 2 nights Day 10 Historic Johannesburg Today, we explore the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Begin with a visit to the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum, and get a glimpse into the history of racial segregation. This fascinating museum is dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of apartheid in 20 th -century South Africa. Enjoy a South African lunch in a traditional local restaurant that specializes in African cuisine. Then, tour the iconic township of Soweto, made famous for its role in the struggle against apartheid, and visit the Mandela House, Nelson Mandela s former home, now a National Heritage Site and museum. Dinner this evening will be at one of Johannesburg s most popular restaurants. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 3 of 11

4 Day 11 Pretoria & Rovos Rail Cross the Botswana Border Familiarize yourself with Afrikaans and African culture on a tour of Pretoria, the administrative and diplomatic centre of South Africa. See iconic landmarks that represent the old independent Transvaal as well as the new democratic South Africa. After an informative tour of the Jacaranda City (as Pretoria is fondly called), board the world-famous Rovos Rail and embark on one of the greatest rail journeys of a lifetime. Enjoy lunch served in the dining car as the train travels through the goldfields of Johannesburg and the incredible scenery of rural South Africa. This afternoon, we make our way to Mafikeng and cross the border into Botswana. Overnight Rovos Rail, 3 nights Jerry Van Dyke Difference Rovos Rail: The Pride of Africa Experience one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world as you travel from Capital Park Station in Pretoria to Victoria Falls aboard the Rovos Rail The Pride of Africa. This three night adventure winds you across Botswana and Zimbabwe, finishing at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. During your journey, you will dine in charming Victorian dining cars, on meals accompanied with South African wines. Day 12 Rovos Rail Cross the Zimbabwe Border Revel in a full day on board this luxury train as we continue our spectacular rail journey. Admire the breathtaking landscapes and take in the stunning vistas travelling north along the rails through Botswana s capital city, Gaborone. We cross the border into Zimbabwe Plumtree and make our way to Mpopoma for an overnight stop. Overnight Stop Mpopoma Day 13 Rovos Rail & Hwange National Park Today, we travel along the eastern edge of Hwange Park, along one of Africa s longest stretches of straight railway line 114 kilometres. At roughly 14,650 square kilometres, the sweeping Hwange Game Reserve is the largest nature park in Zimbabwe. We stop to enjoy an exciting game drive at The Hide and lookout for the Big Five, which roam free under the hot African sun. Overnight Stop Thomson Junction Day 14 Victoria Falls with Zambezi River Cruise After breakfast, we arrive at our rail journey s end in Victoria Falls, a small town with plenty of oldworld frontier charm, sitting at one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Check in to the hotel and enjoy lunch before soaking up the beauty of Africa and embarking on a serene river cruise on the Zambezi River. The immense, calm waters of the Zambezi River lend themselves to leisurely boat cruises amongst the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. As you peacefully drift along the river, watch the wildlife that congregates along the river banks in the coolness of the late afternoon. Join us this evening for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Safari Club, 3 nights Day 15 Victoria Falls: The Smoke that Thunders & Flight of the Angels Marvel at one of the world s natural wonders with a visit to Victoria Falls this morning. Shared by two countries, Zimbabwe to the south and Zambia to the north, Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometre and a height of over one hundred metres. Originally called Mosi-o-Tunya the smoke that thunders by the local tribes, the falls were renamed after Queen Victoria by famous explorer David Livingstone in After lunch at a close-by restaurant, take to the air with a stunning Flight of the Angels over these magnificent, thundering falls followed by a visit to a local craft market with some free time to admire the handiwork of local artisans. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 4 of 11

5 Day 16 Chobe National Park, Botswana Venture out on a full-day excursion to Botswana s Chobe National Park, famed not only for the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa, but also for having the densest population of game on the continent making it one of the best locations for game viewing. Cruise along the Chobe River this morning, and savour a tasty buffet lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge which sits wonderfully on the riverbank. This afternoon, we venture further into Chobe National Park on a game drive to enjoy the abundance of wildlife. Arrive back at our hotel in time for dinner and a leisurely evening. Day 17 Farewell Africa This morning, our exciting Southern Africa adventure comes to an end. We make our way to the Victoria Falls Airport and board our flight to Johannesburg to begin our journey home. (B) Day 18 Home Today, we land in North America. Guests arriving at the Toronto airport are greeted and assisted to their private car home. All information contained in this itinerary is correct at time of printing and is subject to the terms and conditions as listed on our website at or available from our office on request. We must reserve the ability to make improvements. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 5 of 11

6 Early Reservation Bonus Save up to 5%* Ends October 26, 2018 Since we first started our company over 38 years ago, we have been rewarding our guests for reserving early. We call this our Early Reservation Bonus (ERB)! Reserving early avoids disappointment by ensuring first pick of dates, staterooms, and flight options as our journeys do fill up quickly. It also ensures you peace of mind since your fare will note increase*. ERB: Save 5% Reserve prior to the Early Reservation Bonus date and pay 95% of the published fare at time of your reservation by cheque or electronic bank transfer, and we will deduct the remaining 5% off your journey fare. ERB flex: Save 2% Reserve prior to the Early Reservation Bonus date and pay 98% of the published fate at the time of your reservation by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, and we will deduct the remaining 2% off your journey fare. Should you not take advantage of the Early Reservation Bonus and decide to pay by cheque or electronic bank transfer at time of final payment, we will deduct $200 off your journey fare. Early Reservation Bonus ends October 26, 2018 *All journeys are subject to supplier fuel surcharges and new/increased government fess/taxes, should they arise. Please note: A deposit cheque and a post-dated final payment cheque are not considered payment in full. Final payment date is 120 days (or more, depending on journey) prior to departure. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer, unless noted otherwise. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 6 of 11

7 Your Journey Includes Outstanding Accommodation Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town, 4 nights Country Boutique Hotel, White River, 1 night Moditlo River Lodge, Game Reserve, 2 nights The Palazzo Montecasino, Johannesburg, 2 nights Rovos Rail, 3 nights in a Deluxe Suite Cabin Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls, 3 nights Air Travel International flights in economy with KLM Regional flights with South African Airways Toronto to Cape Town Cape Town to Kruger Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Johannesburg to Toronto Guests join us from across Canada. Contact our office for additional air gateways. Discover, Learn, Explore on Included Experiences Captivating Cape Town & Table Mountain Ndebele Village Cultural Show & Visit Cape Point & Kirstenbosch Gardens Johannesburg Tour with Soweto, Apartheid Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Tour Museum & Mandela House Neethlingshof Wine Estate Tour & Tasting Pretoria Tour Blyde River Canyon & Bourke s Luck Hwange National Park The Hide Game Drive Potholes Zambezi River Cruise Moditlo Private Game Reserve 4 Big Five Flight of the Angels over Victoria Falls 4x4 Game Drive Safaris Chobe National Park by Land and River Safari Necessities Know your total journey cost before you leave home! All taxes incl. HST, PST, VAT Services of a professional Journey Manager Private car home pick up & return service throughout the journey (where available), or a credit or hotel overnight Services of local guides & coach drivers, All fees, port & service charges for the local perspective Gratuities on all included items: all rail staff, Visas for Zimbabwe and Botswana Journey Managers, local sightseeing guides, Complete pre-trip information & assistance coach drivers, porters, etc. All meals included: Branded overnight carry-on bag or backpack 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners Porterage for one piece of baggage All sightseeing & entrance fees as listed Journey Fares from Toronto Canadian dollars per guest Twin/Double Single Deluxe Suite $18,250 On Request Fuel surcharges These journey fares include the current known fuel surcharges. Additional supplier fuel surcharges may apply at final payment date. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 7 of 11

8 Outstanding Accommodation Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classic elegance meets contemporary design. Its prime location in a quiet, historic precinct near the V&A Waterfront allows for a serene city escape as well as convenient access to a range of outstanding amenities. Country Boutique Hotel, White River A beautiful little gem perched on the outskirts of the quaint Lowveld hamlet, White River. Once the original homestead of a local avocado farming family, this charming luxury hotel has been entirely designed to offer guests an enveloping atmosphere of boutique style and proportions. It promises distinct quality with excellent service and guarantees a memorable experience in style, grace, and opulence. Moditlo River Lodge, Moditlo Private Game Reserve Situated at the heart of the Blue Canyon Conservancy, Moditlo River Lodge delights guests with its elegant charm and natural, unimposing position in the wilds of South Africa. The private game reserve offers memorable wildlife encounters, luxury accommodation and a stay tailored for discerning guests. Slip away into a world of majestic beasts and arresting terrain, and make memories you ll never forget. The Palazzo Montecasino, Johannesburg The award-winning Palazzo Hotel in Johannesburg is a luxury hotel, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and romantic hotels in South Africa, with an enviable reputation for elegant opulence. It features enchanting Tuscan-inspired architecture, reflected in the luxurious accommodation and spectacular gardens, and offers guests attentive service and the very best in superior amenities. Victoria Falls Safari Club Victoria Falls Safari Club is an exclusive 20-room boutique hotel overlooking the Zambezi National Park, with a central guest area featuring a modern fine dining restaurant, lounge, bar, and viewing deck. Facing ou towards the bushveld, the luxurious Club Rooms have sliding doors opening out onto a private balcony perfect for watching the superb African sunset. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 8 of 11

9 Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches, classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The trains which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Each one of the carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards vans, has its own story. A few dating back to 1911 were constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the first half of the last century. Some carriages have carried royalty, while others have ended up serving as restaurants or lying derelict and forgotten on sidings for decades. These coaches have been collected from the far corners of the country and are now cherished members of the Rovos fleet of 75 carriages. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt and the use fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and period décor has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains, and each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. Each of the trains has two Dining Cars to accommodate the 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. Additionally, each train has a rear, non-smoking Observation Car with enlarged windows and open-air balconies, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. At the centre of the train there is also, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which houses the Gift Shop. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 9 of 11

10 The Suites World-Class Comfort & Style The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering either twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. Deluxe Suites 11 sq. metres (118 sq. ft.) Deluxe Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 10 of 11

11 Personal Notes & Questions Journeys by Van Dyke Cambridge Ontario Canada Page 11 of 11