ITINERARY FOR TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE - LUXURY OPTION South Africa

Transcription

1 ITINERARY FOR TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE - LUXURY OPTION South Africa

2 Let your imagination soar Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 10-day philanthropic adventure through magnificent South Africa. Starting in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, experience a fascinating community excursion offering a humbling opportunity to learn more about the wonderfully diverse communities of KwaZulu-Natal. Gain first-hand knowledge of various projects, aimed at improving education, healthcare and access to water, as well as the development of local businesses in the area. Participate in a rhino notching experience and play an active role in rhino conservation. In Cape Town, interact with the locals on an authentic day tour, angled at any particular philanthropic interests. Move up the whale coast to the gorgeous town of Hermanus, where you will have the opportunity to meet future conservation leaders positively contributing to the region s unique biodiversity at the Green Futures College on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Choose to delve into the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, and splurge on a whale watching trip, where conservationists will have a chance to showcase their marine conservation initiatives along South Africa s magnificent coastline. What we love about this journey Gain insight into the amazing projects of the Africa Foundation on a community visit Marvel at abundant wildlife and safari experiences at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Treasure a life-changing rhino notching conservation experience Explore the scenic beauty and attractions of Cape Town with your choice of exciting activities Enjoy an authentic Day Tour visiting community and social projects in the city of Cape Town Delve into Grootbos s Green Futures College or the Siyakhula Organic Farm on the Cape Whale Coast Splash about at the African Seabird and Penguin Sanctuary or participate in a whale watching trip Perfect for Tour Wildlife enthusiasts Philanthropists Families, children and groups

3 At a glance 10 nights / 11 days 2 Guests Highlights Africa Foundation Community Trip Uthando Private Half Day Tour Eco Marine Trip/ Whale Watching Trip DAY PROGRAMME Day 1 Scheduled charter flight from OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] via Nelspruit to Phinda Airstrip Overnight: andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge Day 2 Included activities: Africa Foundation Community Trip Overnight: andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge Day 3 Included activity: Game drive Recommended activities (at additional cost): Rhino Notching - White Rhino, Rhino Notching - Black Rhino Overnight: andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge Day 4 Scheduled charter flight from Phinda Airstrip via Nelspruit to Cape Town International Airport [CPT] Private transfer from Cape Town International Airport [CPT] to Cape Town Overnight: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Day 5 Included activities: Uthando Private Half Day Tour Overnight: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Day 6 Included activities: Private Full Day Tour Overnight: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Day 7 Included activities: Private Tour - Half Day City & Table Mountain Tour Overnight: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Day 8 Private transfer from Cape Town to Hermanus and onwards to Grootbos Included activities: Private Hermanus Tour Overnight: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge

4 Day 9 Included activities: Grootbos Green Future Lodge OR Siyakhula Organic Farm Overnight: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge Day 10 Included activities: Morning activity (January to May): Eco Marine Trip Morning activity (June to December): Whale Watching Trip Afternoon activity (all year): African Seabird and Penguin Sanctuary Overnight: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge Day 11 Private transfer from Grootbos to Cape Town International Airport [CPT] Departure

5 Expect the extraordinary andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa Day 1 Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by a Menzies Aviation representative and assisted through customs and immigration. You will then be assisted with check in procedures for your scheduled charter flight (via Nelspruit) to andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Reawaken your soul during your 3 night stay at andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge in a suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, scheduled safari activities, refreshments on game drives, a 1 hour nature walk, emergency medical evacuation insurance and laundry. Day 2 After a mouth-watering breakfast you will embark on the Africa Foundation Community Trip A community excursion offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the wonderfully diverse communities of KwaZulu- Natal. Embark on an insightful tour with Africa Foundation, andbeyond s community development partner, which has been active within the rural communities surrounding &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve for 25 years. Gain first-hand knowledge of the Foundation s various projects, aimed at improving education, healthcare and access to water, as well as the development of local businesses in the area. You will have the opportunity to visit projects in the Mduku and Mnqobokazi communities, including the Khulani Special School, a community crèche, the Mduku Clinic, the Nkomo Full Service Primary School, the Mbhedula Craft Market or the Dongwelethu Poultry Project. These tours offer insight into the everyday lives of community members as well as the difficulties they may face. For instance, the Khulani Special School was created by two concerned community members to meet the needs of children with disabilities living within the communities of Mduku, Mnqobokazi and Nibela, who previously had to travel over 150 kilometres to the nearest formal special needs school. The Mduku Clinic was built by Africa Foundation in 1995, before which the closest hospital was 70 kilometres away and the only access to a nurse was a mobile clinic that visited the community once a fortnight. Now up to patients visit the clinic annually and the facility provides emergency care, treatment of chronic diseases and a wing dedicated to the healthcare of women and children. Nkomo Full Service Primary School was formed in 1997 by stalwart teacher Nomusa Zikhali, who used to teach 60 children

6 under the shade of trees. Now, Nkomo is a full service primary school with more than 20 classrooms and over pupils. Should you wish to make a donation it will go a long way in making a meaningful difference in the lives of the many people living in the rural communities surrounding andbeyond s lodges. The Africa Foundation Programme Officers can guide you on which projects are most in need of funding Day 3 Rhino Notching is a recommended activity at an additional cost. Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with a rhino at andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve while assisting in the conservation of this rare species. This adventure allows guests to witness the capture and darting of a rhino and assist the veterinary team in notching the sleeping animals ear for research and security monitoring. Ear notches, as well as microchips placed in the horn, enable researchers to correctly identify different rhino on the reserve. Groups of up to eight guests each (sharing the same vehicle) can participate in the entire process, from locating and darting the rhino by helicopter to the never to be repeated opportunity to touch the anaesthetised giant during the notching procedure. Guests will need to spend a minimum of three nights at Phinda. A private safari vehicle is at your disposal.

7 Expect the extraordinary andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the spectacular Forest Lodge at andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve fuses architectural design and conservation. The creation of this award-winning safari lodge was an exemplary exercise in building eco-sensitive structures with a light footprint (not one tree was felled during construction). Inventively designed in Zulu Zen style, each handcrafted, glassencased suite is a combination of glass, wood and minimalist design incorporating high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and crimson Zulu artefacts. These 16 private stilted suites each feature luxurious ensuite bathrooms and private viewing decks. Unwind in the lodge s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, or relax in the guest sitting areas with expansive viewing decks affording panoramic views of the game-filled plains. Visit the Safari Shop with its unique and colourful local Zulu artefacts. Dine in the traditional African boma, under a romantic canvas of stars, candles and lanterns. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT ANDBEYOND PHINDA FOREST LODGE Head chef, Sam Mnguni, has worked at Phinda for years and has a wealth of Phinda knowledge. Ask him to tell you some of the fascinating stories of Phinda s early days. If you are travelling between November and February, then be sure to venture out to Sodwana Bay one evening to witness loggerhead and leatherback turtles laying their eggs on the beach. Enjoy a specialist walking safari with an expert ranger who will guide you through Phinda s seven unique habitats.

8 Expect the extraordinary Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Cape Town, South Africa Day 4 Scheduled charter flight from Phinda Airstrip (via Nelspruit) to Cape Town International Airport. Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will make your own way to the arrivals hall, where you will be welcomed by a member from our andbeyond team. As you drive toward the city, your view from afar will be Table Mountain, one of the most spiritual places on earth, with two oceans and the beautiful city of Cape Town at its feet. Unwind during your 4 night stay at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in a Luxury Room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes breakfast. Day 5 The Uthando Tour covers an extensive discussion on South African history, the legacy of Apartheid, political, social, economic, cultural and local issues. As Uthando is a Non-Profit Company focused on community upliftment, the core of our trips is taking people to visit interesting community development projects. We work with, support and visit many different types of projects, for example : day care / early learning centres, urban agricultural and environmental programmes, youth development / after school programmes where children are taught dance, music, sports etc, an old age project, animal care projects and many more. Visits depend on what projects are available on the day and tours are normally arranged the day before depending on availability of the projects. On every half day tour we take guests to visit 3 different community projects. Guests have an opportunity to interact with the locals at these projects, find out about the inspiring work they are doing. The projects showcase their work and lives to the visitors. Day 6 Embark on a private full day tour (entrance fees not included). Day 7 Begin this scenic tour of Cape Town at iconic Table Mountain or, if the weather is not favourable, at the flat-topped mound known as Signal Hill. Browse vibrant Greenmarket Square, one of the citys oldest markets, and take a walk through Company Gardens, established by Dutch settlers in Drive past the Houses of Parliament and the historical Castle of Good Hope, as well as the Slave Lodge, which used to house thousands of slaves belonging to the Dutch East India Company. Next you will

9 visit the traditional Malay Quarter in the predominantly Muslim Bo-Kaap, with its brightly coloured houses dating back as far as the 17th century. Pause to listen to the firing of the noonday gun from Signal Hill.Table Mountain Closed 28 July - 10 August annually.

10 Expect the extraordinary Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Cape Town, South Africa The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is flanked by the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Table Mountain on one side, and the crashing waves of the Atlantic on the other. The spacious rooms boast ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, entertainment centres and spectacular garden, mountain or sea views. The Azure restaurant, with its dazzling sea views, is famous for its indigenous and international cuisine. Follow dinner with an intimate viewing of a classic movie at the private cinema. For lighter fare, try the laidback Café Grill. A couple of shots of the 72 types of vodka at the Leopard Room Bar are a must. The adventurous can explore the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park, perfect for a hike and a picnic. For a more relaxing option, guests can head to the pristine beaches around Camps Bay. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA Spend an evening at the hotel s cinema and snack on popcorn, hot chocolate and other treats that are offered with every screening. Ask your hosts about their complimentary wine tastings during lunch or dinner. Pamper yourself with the hotel s soothing Bath Butler service, where a spa therapist prepares a bubble bath surrounded by aromatherapy candles. It s the ideal way to unwind after a rewarding day of sightseeing.

11 Expect the extraordinary Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge Whale Coast, South Africa Day 8 Leave Cape Town heading towards the seaside towns of Strand and Gordon s Bay, nestled below the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, with magnificent views across False Bay to Cape Point in the distance. Continue along the spectacular Marine Drive overlooking this rocky coast, past the white beaches of Koeël Bay and the villages of Rooiels, Pringle Bay and Betty s Bay. Drive over the Bot River to the charming village of Hermanus, pausing in the picturesque Hemel-en-Arde valley, whose cool, maritime climate favours the growing of pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay grapes, found at acclaimed wine estates like Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell and Whalehaven.Hermanus is known for its abundant sightings of Southern right whales, which come in very close to shore to mate and calve from June to November. There are excellent vantage points from the cliff paths that run from one end of the town to the other. Indulge during your 3 night stay at Grootbos Nature Reserve at Forest Lodge in a One Bedroom Luxury Suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes accommodation, breakfast, light lunch and a 5-course dinner. Activities include bird-watching, horse riding, guided walks (such as fynbos nature tours and milkwood walks), nature, marine and coastal drives, other walks, including Walker Bay Nature Reserve, De Kelders Cliff and Klipgat Cave, combined with land-based whale watching in season (roughly from June to December), as well as all activity transfers. Day 9 Guest can choose to either visit the Green Futures College or the Siyakhula Organic Farm: Visit to Grootbos s Green Futures College Established in 2003, our Green Futures College provides educational training to several unemployed young adults each year. We aim to give our student candidates the skills and confidence necessary to market themselves and become employable, while at the same time contributing to the conservation and promotion of our region s unique biodiversity through the Horticulture and Life Skills course, or empower of the local women of the community I the Hospitality and Tourism Training course. Siyakhula Organic Farm Historically, all Siyakhula initiatives were run from the Siyakhula Organic Farm, situated at the heart of the Grootbos Nature Reserve. This farm, established in

12 2009, provided skills development in organic agriculture, sustainable animal husbandry and beekeeping to members from the local community, particularly women. Today the farm employs a fulltime staff of eight, and is run as a commercial enterprise to provide an income for Foundation projects - all vegetables, herbs, lettuces, fruit, eggs, honey and preserves produced at this farm are sold to the Grootbos lodges. Beyond skills development and food production, the farm functions as research and experimentation space for our larger food security projects, specifically the innovative Green Box home garden system. Day 10 Morning activity (January to May): Eco Marine Trip This 1 to 2 hour journey takes you to Dyer Island and the adjacent coast. We frequently see Dolphins along the beach. At Dyer Island you look for interesting sea birds such as African Penguins, Terns, Cormorants, Petrels and Oystercatchers. A narrow channel known as Shark Alley separates Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to a colony of cape fur seals. This is a world-renowned location for viewing and cage diving with Great White Sharks. Morning activity (June - December): Whale Watching Trip You will depart on a Whale Watching Trip. Whales won t be the only things youll see on this unforgettable 2 hour adventure. Your boat will launch in the quaint harbour of Kleinbaai, in Gansbaai, and will make its way toward the Pearly Beach area which is home to the southern right whale. Afterwards, you will venture towards renowned Dyer Island for excellent penguin and seabird viewing, and then to Geyser Rock to view the curious antics of Cape fur seals. Between these two islands is the notorious shark alley where you may be fortunate enough to view the spectacular great white shark. Afternoon activity: African Seabird and Penguin Sanctuary The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) is a Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) project based in Gansbaai. A state of the art facility, designed and built by passionate experts, that strives to provide local marine avian species with a local rehabilitative centre where injured, diseased or distressed birds can be treated and rehabilitated. Although the facility was purpose built for rehabilitation of marine birds, it also caters for creating awareness around the perils marine birds face out in the wild. An Auditorium equipped with a big screen TV, which is linked up to the Rehabilitation area and the Bird Hospital, enables guests who visit the facility to see what is being done behind the scenes. This prevents added stress on the birds in rehabilitation by minimizing the amount of people allowed in the critical areas. The Auditorium has one way glass overlooking the Conditioning Pen - where visitors can watch birds in final preparation for release without any disturbance or interference. The greatest care is taken with cleanliness and

13 special flooring is used in the rehabilitation area to avoid a condition called bumblefoot that penguins are susceptible to. A curio shop selling penguin curios is on site. Coffee and cake is available. All purchases in this regard help support the sanctuary. Entrance is free. The sanctuary depends heavily on donations and a sponsorship brick can be purchased to contribute to the centre with tiered levels of support. Day 11 A member from our andbeyond team will collect you at Grootbos and drive you to Cape Town International Airport, in time for your onward arrangements.

14 Expect the extraordinary Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge Whale Coast, South Africa Flanked by the spectacular cliffs of Walker Bay, is the beautiful Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Large, private cottages include spacious bedrooms, lovely ensuite bathrooms, airconditioning and secluded balconies from where guests can admire the breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can savour hearty breakfast and lavish four-course dinners in the superb restaurant boasting sweeping views of the picturesque surroundings the passionate chefs work their magic in transforming freshly-caught fish, succulent meats and organic produce into delectable culinary creations, perfectly complemented by award-winning Cape wines. At the end of the day, guests can head to the bar for refreshing cocktails, whilst drinking in the sweeping views from Walker Bay to Cape Point, or retreat to the cosy sitting room for a comfortable spot around the open fireplace on chilly evenings. Adventures include flower safaris, birding tours, horse riding, scenic flights, mountain biking, shark-cage diving, whale-watching tours, guided nature walks, and visits to the renowned Grootbos Nature Reserve, home to the largest private fynbos garden in the world. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT GROOTBOS FOREST LODGE Join an experienced guide on a walk along a meandering path through the ancient Milkwood forest which surrounds the reserve, which is home to one thousand-year-old indigenous trees. The incredibly spacious baths are perfect for enjoying relaxing soaks in soapy, fragrant waters.

15 Journey overview Rates RATES VALIDITY Per person sharing 11 January 30 April 2018 ZAR May 30 June 2018 ZAR July 30 September 2018 ZAR October 15 December 2018 ZAR Important: The rates displayed on this itinerary do not reflect the recent incremental South African VAT increase to 15%. We apologise for the inconvenience, and are in the process of amending this on our itineraries. Please enquire for the most up to date pricing. Flights DETAILS OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] via Nelspruit to Phinda Airstrip Phinda Airstrip via Nelspruit to Cape Town International Airport [CPT] Transfers DETAILS andbeyond Phinda andbeyond Phinda Airstrip to andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge andbeyond Phinda andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge to andbeyond Phinda Airstrip andbeyond City Safaris - Cape Town Cape Town International Airport [CPT] to Cape Town andbeyond City Safaris - Cape Town Cape Town via Hermanus to Grootbos andbeyond City Safaris - Cape Town Grootbos to Cape Town International Airport [CPT] Accommodation DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge 1x Suite FI (Double) All meals and local brands of drinks

16 Cape Town Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa 1x Luxury Room BB (Double) 1x Free night (Double) Breakfast Whale Coast Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge 1x Forest Lodge One Bedroom Luxury Suite FB & Activities (Double) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

17 Journey overview What s included: Accommodation as specified in the itinerary Meals, drinks and laundry as per the inclusions Scheduled flights as specified in the itinerary Private/Scheduled transfers as specified in the itinerary Private/Scheduled sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary Scheduled game viewing activities as specified in the itinerary National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable: Munyawana Conservancy Fee, arrival by car & air - per person conservation fee Emergency medical evacuation insurance Domestic/international departure tax, fuel and safety levies from airports and airstrips unless otherwise stipulated Personal Travel Wallet (1 per couple) Rhinos without Borders Donation What s not included: Meals, drinks and laundry not specified in the itinerary or as outlined in the Includes Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes Gratuities and any items of a personal nature Sightseeing and excursions not specified in the itinerary OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Rhino Notching at Phinda (minimum 2 participants including private vehicle) White Rhino Notching: ZAR 31, per person Black Rhino Notching: ZAR 34, per person Flights and transfers not specified in the itinerary National parks and concession fees not specified in the itinerary Travel Insurance Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required) Bed levies at South African hotels and lodges Notes: The following activities are seasonal: Eco Martine Trip (morning activity) January to May Whale Watching Trip (morning activity) June to December The Fly Me to Phinda Flight Rebate offer has been applied to this Luxury Version of the itinerary The Twelve Apostle Hotel s Stay 4/Pay 3 Offer has been applied to this Luxury Version of the itinerary

18 The details are in the fine print