South Africa. and the Wonder of Victoria Falls. September 23 October

Transcription

1 Carefree Journeys South Africa and the Wonder of Victoria Falls September 23 October

2 The World Awaits. Let Blowes Travel take you there... South Africa is the ideal des na on for those seeking to combine a face-to-face wild game Safari with cosmopolitan ci es, excellent cuisine and stunning scenery. It truly offers the ideal des na on for blending tradi onal African lifestyle with modern luxury. Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres Inc. is pleased to offer you this carefree i nerary where you are completely cared for and guided every step of the way. From Cape Town - which was named Trip Advisor s Best Des na on of the Year in to the Kapama Private Game Reserve near Johannesburg to one of the seven wonders of the world: Victoria Falls! We leave nothing out in this 12-day fully escorted all-inclusive trip. We have also added three add-on op ons to extend your stay and further enhance your African experience. I had the pleasure of visi ng this amazing area of the globe recently. My experience with many of your stops will give you peace of mind as I am your personal guide for the en re journey. Our partner in this package, Lion World Travel, has specialized in group tours to Southern Africa for 50 years. Lion World Travel is a member of The Travel Corpora on group of companies that is family-owned with African roots. They have passionately run the business with four genera ons of management. Their exper se in this niche market makes them the largest North American agency for this exo c con nent. We can t wait to have you join us on this Carefree Journey! Rob Blowes, CTC CWT Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres Inc. Photo: Rob Blowes, centre, flanked by a guide and tracker at the Kapama Reserve, SA.

3 Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Depart Toronto Depart from Toronto to New York, NY (JFK) or Washington, DC (Dulles) where you will then connect on your international South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. Thursday, September 24, 2015 Johannesburg/Cape Town On arrival at Johannesburg s Oliver Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and then clear Customs & Immigration. Re-check your bags for your domestic flight to Cape Town where you will be met on arrival by a Lion World Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. The gracious Table Bay Hotel is situated in Cape Town s famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its array of wonderful shops, restaurants and bars. Guests enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean to Robben Island while behind soars Table Mountain. The hotel offers sea or mountain views from its 329 fully air-conditioned rooms which include luxury rooms, superior luxury and suites. Bathrooms have separate showers and baths. Vanities include a personal hidden dryer and a full range of internationally acclaimed cosmetics and toiletries. There are make-up mirrors and Mediterranean-style bathrobes and slippers. The hotel recalls the era of the great cruise liners and elegant hotels that served them. Table Bay Hotel Meal Legend: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

4 Friday 25 September 2015 Cape Town After breakfast, you will be taken on a full day Cape Peninsula Tour including Table Mountain. On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as we drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire s Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay; if you choose, you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (your own account). The tour then winds its way along the legendary Chapman s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account) visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views! On the way back along the coast towards the City, visit the historic naval port of Simon s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Later take a cable car ride to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain weather permitting for panoramic views, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa, returning to your hotel in the late afternoon. Table Bay Hotel (B)

5 Saturday, September 26, 2015 Cape Town After breakfast this morning you will be picked up for your 3/4 day Winelands tour. First you will transfer to the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa s Cape Winelands. The first stop will be at La Bourgogne Farm for an olive oil tasting and wine tasting. This is a working farm producing quality wines, export quality fruit and some extremely good olive oils from their olive trees. The farm has approximately 2500 olive trees and the majority of the trees planted are Frantoio, with along with some Corantino, Lecchino and Mission. There will be a stop in Franschhoek for lunch (for your own account) and some shopping. The quaint village of Franschhoek is known locally as well as internationally as the gourmet capital of South Africa. Here visitors are spoiled with a wide range of award-winning restaurants and wine producers amid spectacular settings of mountains, fynbos (local unique vegetation) and of course vineyards. Franschhoek offers a variety of boutiques, specialty and high quality retail shopping including handmade chocolates, crafts and curios of all kinds, art galleries, health and beauty and a market. Thereafter you will visit Haute Cabriere Wine Estate for a wine tasting. Situated on opposite ends of the breathtaking Franschhoek Wine Valley, Haute Cabrière is something extraordinary. A rich history, a whimsical setting, a seductive approach to wine and a magnetic proprietor ensure that it is a decadent affair for any visitor. The core belief that wine is grown not made makes the farm's ethos incredibly real and intrinsically human. Table Bay Hotel (B)

6 Sunday, September 27, 2015 Cape Town After breakfast you will have a half day coach for a morning township tour to Langa and Khayelitsha Townships. On your return the afternoon will be at leisure. Dinner tonight will be at Gold Restaurant with return transfers. From the moment you arrive, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant in Cape Town. GOLD Restaurant will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine from Cape Town to Timbuktu with its set multi-course menu served at your table. Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session which will get you in tune with the African rhythms and songs for the rest of the night. The vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening. Table Bay Hotel (B, D) Monday, September 28, 2015 Cape Town/Kapama Private Game Reserve After breakfast you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit via Johannesburg. On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport you will be met and transferred to your safari lodge. Kapama Southern Camp offers luxury accommodation with warm hospitality and friendly service. Kapama Southern Camp is the proud new addition to the Kapama Game Reserve family and is situated on the southernmost section of the Kapama Private Game Reserve. It offers luxury safari accommodation, warm hospitality and friendly service in a tranquil setting which will satisfy even the most discerning nature lovers' taste. Kapama Private Game Reserve - Southern Camp (B, D)

7 Tuesday, September 29, 2015 Kapama Private Game Reserve Enjoy an early morning game drive in this wildlife paradise. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool, or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call. In the late afternoon you will be taken on another safari in the African bush. Kapama Private Game Reserve Southern Camp (B, L, D) Wednesday. September 30, 2015 Kapama Private Game Reserve Kapama Private Game Reserve covers hectares/ acres of bushveld in prime Big Five Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard - country. The reserve enjoys panoramic views of the nearby Drakensberg Mountain range and the area supports a wide variety of game. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena. Kapama Private Game Reserve Southern Camp (B, L, D)

8 Thursday, October 1, 2015 Kapama/Johannesburg After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, followed by breakfast, you will be transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. DaVinci Hotel & Suites on Nelson Mandela Square is centrally located and features a stylish restaurant and bar, an infinity pool and a luxurious spa with fitness centre. The spacious rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, minibar, satellite TV and a work desk. For fine dining, guests can visit the Maximillien Restaurant, which offers French cuisine, seafood and sushi. The inviting DaVinci s lounge provides a nice setting to relax with a drink. To complete your stay, visit the DaVinci Spa offering a full relaxation area with a hydro pool and outdoor pool. Services include organic treatments, facials, massages and much more. Guests can enjoy the convenience of luxurious shopping at the Legacy Corner Mall and Sandton City - an elevator trip away. DaVinci Hotel & Suites (B)

9 Friday, October 2, 2015 Johannesburg/Victoria Falls After breakfast you will be transferred from your hotel to Johannesburg Airport for your regional flight to Victoria Falls where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Dinner is at the hotel tonight. The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as the grand old lady of the Falls has over the years played host to stars, statesman and presidents. Built in 1904 when the planned Cape to Cairo railway reached the Victoria Falls, the ambience of the hotel is steeped in history with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe s colonial era. The Terrace is famous for its high teas and has been a rendezvous for adventurers for over a century. The hotel has an atmosphere steeped in history, combining the charm of the old with the comfort and convenience of today. With its old world charm, guests are assured of a memorable stay in what is undoubtedly one of the few remaining hotels of its kind in the world. The hotel is only a few minutes walk from the center of Victoria Falls Town and a ten-minute walk along the hotel s private path from the actual Falls. Victoria Falls Hotel (B, D)

10 Saturday, October 3, 2015 Victoria Falls After breakfast you will be taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (on the Zimbabwe side only). This walking safari takes you through the magnificent rain forest where you are able to view the Cataracts, Livingstone's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya the Smoke that Thunders. Livingstone was so touched by what he saw that he wrote: Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight. Complete the day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The area of the Zambezi that the cruise is on is one of outstanding natural, scenic beauty with a wide diversity of game and bird life. One has a unique vantage point to spot large animals such as elephants, hippo and crocodiles, as this area lies within the Zambezi National Park. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. Victoria Falls Hotel (B, D) Sunday, October 4, 2015 Victoria Falls/Johannesburg/Depart After breakfast you will be transferred from the Victoria Falls Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport for your regional flight back to Johannesburg. (B) On arrival at Johannesburg s Oliver Tambo International Airport connect with your international flight back to Canada via the USA. Bid farewell to Africa until the next time! Monday, October 5, 2015 USA/Canada Return home with a lifetime of memories!

11 Option 1: Kapama Southern Camp Standard Suite Rate per person based on double occupancy. Based on minimum 10 travelers: $7,999 CAD Single supplement: $1,809 CAD RATES AND DETAILS Option 2: Kapama Southern Camp Luxury Suite Rate per person based on double occupancy. Based on minimum 10 travelers: $8,699 CAD Single supplement: $2,099 CAD NOTE: $75 extra pp is payable in US cash to travel operator (Blowes Travel) for Zimbawbe Visa. Medical Insurance for this trip is Mandatory. Deposit of $3,000 per person is due at time of booking (partially non-refundable). Balance due June 10, INCLUDES: Personalized tour hosted by Rob Blowes Toronto/New York or Washington/Toronto flights International economy flights: New York or Washinton/Johannesburg/ New York or Washington Domestic flights: Johannesburg/Cape Town/Johannesburg/Hoedspruit/ Johannesburg Regional flights: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls/Johannesburg Round trip luxury coach transfers from Stratford and London to Toronto All services as specified All transfers as specified Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles Accommodation as specified Meals as specified (B, L, D) Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by English-speaking guides Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated Game viewing as arranged by Kapama (am & pm daily) Services of Rangers/Trackers Gratuities/Tips for rangers/trackers and tour guides/drivers Airport and Hotel porterage for group in South Africa & Victoria Falls Lion World Travel Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival Full documentation package and travel bag

12 EXCLUDES: Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc. All other services not mentioned Costs of obtaining Passports Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance New Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases beyond our control IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Visas: Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa for a visit of less than 90 days. Visas: Canadian passport holders require a visa for Zimbabwe which is obtainable on arrival at the point of entry. A SINGLE ENTRY VISA charge of US$75 per person is payable in exact cash upon entering Zimbabwe. If you have purchased a single entry visa upon arrival and then leave Zimbabwe, even for a few hours, you will need to buy a other visa to re-enter. (Visa charges are subject to change without notice). PASSPORTS: Please ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport with at least FOUR BLANK PAGES marked VISA (two for each country) and that this is valid for at least 6 months after your intended return date from Southern Africa. If you are visiting other countries, please establish entry requirements and have additional blank visa pages for those countries as well. Malaria: We strongly advise you to take precautions against malaria prior to the commencement of your holiday. Please contact your physician or travel clinic for advice as to which prophylactic is recommended. Luggage: Most scheduled regional & domestic flights within Southern Africa carry a luggage restriction of 44lbs/20kgs inclusive of one piece of checked luggage and one piece of carry-on luggage. Zimbabwe Currency: All monetary transactions in Zimbabwe are now in US Dollars. You are advised to carry USD CASH when travelling through Zimbabwe. Hotels will only accept US$ notes printed after Zimbabwe/Camouflage Clothing: It is illegal for civilians to wear or carry any form of clothing made from camouflage/military-inspired material whilst in Zimbabwe. Valuables: Some areas you visit will be quite poor by our standards and it is thoughtless to flash money or jewellery. We urge you to leave valuables, passports etc. in hotel safes or with camp managers at lodges that do not provide safes. Johannesburg Airport Luggage Storage: Storage is located on BASEMENT LEVEL From International Arrivals head towards the Exit, take escalators down one level, and Luggage Storage is on your left. Rate is ZAR per bag per day; payment is CASH ONLY (no credit card facilities) Import regulations: Please note that the import of meat or any products thereof (dried, canned etc.), plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, livestock, endangered wildlife species and products thereof (for example clothing and accessories) into the United States and Canada is prohibited. This includes Ostrich eggs and animal skins for sale in Africa!

13 TRAVEL EXTENSIONS DURBAN OPTION October 4, October 7, 2015 Are you a beach lover? Enhance your South African journey with a visit to beautiful Durban. Stay at the distinguished Oyster Box Hotel north of the City in Umhlanga Rocks. You will have a sea-facing room and the colonial Palm Court serves traditional English high tea! Here you will see sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access. The golden sandy beaches stretch north more than 200 kilometres all the way to a world heritage site and endless fields of sugar cane. COST: $1,125 CAN Single Supplement $550 BOTSWANA OPTION October 4, October 7, 2015 If safaris are your thing then sign up for the truly unique Botswana extension. You will stay in the Elephant Valley Lodge in the heart of a rich game reserve. The lodge holds only 40 guests in luxurystyle safari tents and over looks a regular elephant path. activities include daily safaris and boat cruises into Chobe National Park. Chobe has the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. A life changing trip you won t want to miss! COST: $1,929 CAN Single Supplement $550 MOZAMBIQUE OPTION October 4, October 7, 2015 After a night s stay at the DaVinci Hotel and Suites in Johannesburg, you will take a regional flight to Vilanculos, mozambique where you can take a boat or a helicopter to Dugong Beach Lodge. This lodge offers miles and miles of sandy beaches and an ocean panoramic views of African sunsets. After indulging in their spa, fine cuisine, influenced by the island setting and abundance of fresh seafood awaits! Activities include a wildlife sanctuary, dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing for marlin and barracuda. Think pink as you will marvel by the flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans! COST: $2,749 CAN Single Supplement $750

14 September 23 - October 1, 2015 October 2 - October 4, 2015

15 Booking Information: Any of our Travel Consultants at Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres Inc. would be pleased to provide you with more information or book you on this trip of a lifetime. We have five locations in Southwestern Ontario to choose from: Stratford (Head Office): 28 Wellington Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2 (519) info@blowestravel.com Listowel: 150 Wallace Avenue N., Listowel, ON N4W 1K7 Tel: London: 431 Boler Road, London, ON N6K 2K Mitchell: 94 Ontario Road, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N Strathroy: 40 Caradoc St. N, Strathroy, ON N7G 2M6 Tel: Call us Toll Free: TICO: # Photos courtesy of Rob Blowes and Lion World Travel