Southern Africa Adventure

Transcription

1 Southern Africa Adventure 19 DAY TOUR OCTOBER 21 - NOVEMBER 8, 2017 TOUR HOSTS: Wayne & Marlene Holst FEATURING: CAPE TOWN CAPE PENINSULA ROBBEN ISLAND OUDTSHOORN CANGO KNYSNA PORT ELIZABETH DURBAN LAKE ST LUCIA HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE SWAZILAND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK JOHANNESBURG PRETORIA SOWETO

2 Southern Africa Adventure The rainbow nation of South Africa is a remarkable country full of cultural diversity and epic scenery. This unforgettable journey brings together rich farmlands, arid landscapes, green vineyards, snow-capped peaks, rocky coasts and beautiful beaches. Plus, visit Kruger Park, one of the country s most famous of more than 300 game and nature reserves. With over 500 varieties of birds and almost 140 species of mammals, this could be your year to experience the thrill of an all-inclusive safari! Cape Town 5 Cape of Good Hope BOTSWANA Kruger Pretoria National Park 2 2 Johannesburg SWAZILAND 1 Piggs Peak Mkuze 2 Lake SOUTH AFRICA 1 St. Lucia Durban INDIAN Oudtshoorn OCEAN Knysna = overnights Port Elizabeth = first overnight = last overnight SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Day 1 Departure from Canada Today we depart Canada and begin our exciting journey to Africa. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Day 2 To Cape Town Our connecting flight takes us to Cape Town, the "Mother City" of South Africa, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Table Mountain, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. We are met and welcomed by our guide then taken to the hotel to rest after our journey. MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 BD Day 3 Cape Town - Table Mountain Today we'll be taken on a tour to view the splendid historical landmarks and fascinating sights around Cape Town. The highlight will be an exhilarating cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain to admire the panoramic views and a chance to see over one thousand different plant species, many of which appear nowhere else on earth. Our day also includes a walking tour of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where we will see many indigenous plants, including fynbos and the protea - the national flower of South Africa. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 BLD Day 4 Cape Peninsula This morning we travel along the Atlantic seaboard, stopping to view the magnificent 12 Apostles from Camp's Bay. Then we travel along Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Before lunch at the Black Marlin Restaurant we visit the Boulders Penguin Colony. Afterwards we continue our scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point - the dramatic promontory where the currents of the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. We can climb to the lighthouse for a tremendous view of the area. On the way back to Cape Town we stop at the Rhodes Memorial, which offers a panoramic view of the Cape Flats, False Bay and the Drakenstein Mountains. Tonight we are treated to a special dinner at the Africa Café. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 BL Day 5 Cape Winelands Today we travel outside Cape Town to visit the famous Cape Winelands. First we visit Stellenbosch, the second oldest and best preserved town in South Africa, renowned for its Cape Dutch buildings, university and wines. We explore the museum and have some time for shopping before driving to a wine estate for a cellar tour, wine tasting, and lunch. Then on to Franschhoek, founded by the Huguenots who introduced winemaking to the area. Here we visit the Huguenot Memorial and museum before returning to Cape Town. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 BD Day 6 Robben Island This morning we take a short cruise across Table Bay to Robben Island. It was here that Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years. The island is now a museum and conservation area and was declared a World Heritage Site (WHS) in Former inmates lead tours around their old cells - a very moving experience! After the tour we return to Cape Town to shop at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Tonight we are treated to a home-hosted dinner where we have the opportunity to interact with local South Africans. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 BD Day 7 Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn Departing from Cape Town we travel via Sir Lowries Pass with its magnificent views over False Bay and the apple orchards of Elgin and Grabouw to Swellendam, the farming capital of the Overberg region. At our morning rest stop we'll visit an Aloe Factory to discover the many benefits of this well known plant. Then we travel to Mossel Bay to visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex which depicts the history of the Voyagers of Discovery. Our journey continues to the town of Oudtshoorn - the "feather capital" of the world - in the heart of the ostrich farming country. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 BLD Day 8 Cango Wildlife - Ostrich Farm - Caves After breakfast we visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch to see endangered species such as cheetah, jaguar, wild dog and pygmy hippos. Next we stop at an ostrich farm for a BBQ lunch and a tour explaining more about this remarkable flightless bird. Then we visit the Cango Caves where we'll watch an audio-visual presentation before exploring a subterranean wonderland of glittering stalagmites and stalactites. Afterwards we travel over the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain Pass to George and continue along the famous Garden Route to our hotel. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 BL Day 9 Knysna - Elephants and Sunset Cruise This morning we will visit the Knysna Elephant Park for an exciting

3 opportunity to get close to the southern-most elephants in the world. The local guide will unravel the sad and mystical story of these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route. After lunch there is free time to relax or partake in a little retail therapy. Later today we will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon followed by a free evening. MONDAY, OCTOBER 30 BD Day 10 Tsitsikamma - Port Elizabeth Today we drive east through dense forests and precipitous gorges as we travel along the coastal plateau. We'll stop at Tsitsikamma National Park, an area of unique beauty, where we visit the "Big Tree" - a giant Outeniqua Yellowwood. We continue on via the beaches and dunelands typical of the Eastern Cape, to Port Elizabeth for a short city tour. Then we transfer to the airport for our flight to Durban. Upon arrival we are met and taken to our hotel. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 BLD Day 11 Zululand - Lake St. Lucia This morning we have a short tour of Durban as we leave the city towards the subtropical bushveld of Kwa-Zulu Natal, home of the Zulus. We arrive at Lake St Lucia (WHS) for a boat ride. This wildlife estuary is home to numerous species such as crocodiles, hippos and fish eagles. After lunch, it's on to Mkuze, a peaceful town found east of the Lebombo Mountain Range. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 BLD Day 12 Zululand - Hluhluwe Game Reserve Our first visit today is Dumazulu, a cultural kraal where customs and traditions practised during the reign of the historically famous Zulu King Shaka have been authentically captured. The cultural experience is climaxed with spectacular and vibrant Zulu dancing. After lunch we enjoy an open vehicle safari on the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, one of Africa's oldest reserves, and the former hunting preserve of Zulu Kings. It is now a haven for a variety of wildlife and home to the country's largest white rhino population. Get ready for the thrill of our first game drive! THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 BD Day 13 Swaziland Our journey today takes us to Swaziland, one of the smallest independent kingdoms in Africa. We travel north through the Swazi lowveld, passing many traditional villages on the way to Mbabane - the picturesque administrative capital; and the Ezulwini Valley - the heart and soul of Swaziland. Excellent roadside displays of a wide variety of locally made wares will entice us along the way and we will also visit the unique Swazi Candle Factory and the Ngwenya Glass Factory. After shopping for bargains we travel on to our hotel located in a dramatic mountain and forest setting in an area known as "Africa's Switzerland". FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 BD Day 14 Kruger National Park This morning we travel north out of Swaziland and back into South Africa, heading towards incredible Kruger National Park. We enter the park at the Malelane Gate and enjoy game viewing from our motorcoach in the largest National Park in South Africa - a two million hectare savannah. Hippopotamus and crocodiles can be seen along the rivers, and the acacia thicket is home to the white rhinoceros and wild dog. The grassland savannah area is the preferred home to wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala and black rhinoceros. Then we check into our lodge and after some time to relax and freshen up we are taken on an early evening open vehicle game drive - better have our cameras ready! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 BD Day 15 Kruger National Park We rise early today, with coffee and cookies, before departing on a full day of game viewing in Kruger National Park. We search for the "Big Five" in an open vehicle with a "picnic breakfast" enroute. After a break for lunch at one of the rest camps we continue our game drive then return to our lodge to compare stories. Tonight, as the dinner drum sounds and evening blankets the bushveld, we enjoy dining under the diamond bright stars. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 BLD Day 16 Mpumalanga - Johannesburg Our travel today takes us to Mpumalanga, an area of great scenic beauty. Towering above the arid Lowveld, the majestic Drakensberg Mountains provide endless forests, cool streams and impressive waterfalls to the rugged scenery. We take the "Panorama route" and visit God's Window, a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the lowveld; Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world; and Bourke's Luck Potholes, interesting geological formations created by the meeting of two rivers. Then we continue to our last hotel located near Johannesburg. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 BD Day 17 Pretoria - Free time This morning we enjoy a tour of South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria. We visit the fascinating Voortrekker Monument and Kruger House, then drive around the city to see Church Square and the City Hall. We also see the historic Union Buildings and Gardens, where in 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of the new democratic South Africa. Then we will enjoy some free time to prepare for our farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 BL Day 18 Soweto Tour Today we have a tour of Soweto to learn more about the history of Apartheid and the current way of life in the most populous black urban residential area in the country. We will start with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa. We'll also see Baragwanath Hospital - the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere, plus visit Nelson Mandela's house, the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Regina Mundi Church. Then it is time to say farewell to South Africa as we are taken to Johannesburg International Airport in time to board our flight. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Day 19 To Canada Our connecting flight brings us back home to Canada. TOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL Active Able to walk 4 km on uneven surfaces such as cobblestone streets and be able to climb stairs or steep inclines unassisted. HIGHLIGHTS Cable-car to Table Mountain Dinner at Africa Café Home-hosted dinner Wine-tasting and cellar tour Barbecue lunch on Ostrich Farm Sunset Cruise on Knysna Lagoon Boat ride on Lake St. Lucia Zululand cultural experience TOUR HOSTS Wayne & Marlene Holst 7432 Silverhill Rd NW Calgary AB T3B 3Y1 Home: (403) Office: (403) waholst@telus.net PRICES Calgary $9595 Prices from other cities available upon request. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. The supplement for a single room is $1450. This tour is not subject to GST/HST. PRICE INCLUDES Return economy class airfare Current airline taxes, fuel surcharges and airport fees Superior Tourist class and First class hotels First class motorcoach Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Professional tour guide Sightseeing tours including entrance fees Luggage handling at hotels Tipping for all included services Any visas required All foreign taxes Rostad Tours travel gift Comprehensive and personalized tour documentation Not Included: Meals not shown, Beverages, Items of a personal nature, Any airline luggage fees, Increases to surcharges, taxes or fees, Insurance. SAVE UP TO $500 PER PERSON Ask us about our Early Booking and Rostad Frequent Traveller discounts DEPOSIT INFORMATION Deposit of $300 is fully refundable until 100 days before departure Make cheques payable to Rostad Tours Ltd. Visa or MasterCard accepted Call

4 Tour Conditions & Information RESERVATIONS A deposit of $300 per person is required to make a reservation on this tour. This deposit is completely refundable up to 100 days prior to departure. A confirmation of your reservation will be forwarded to you after the deposit is received. FINAL PAYMENT The final payment is due no later than 100 days before departure. A reminder will be sent to passengers in advance of this date. If you are joining the tour within 100 days of departure, full payment is required. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS For payments made by credit card, we reserve the right to have credit card charges processed by the suppliers of travel services such as the airline, cruise line, etc. If this occurs, your payment will be split between Rostad Tours and the other suppliers and will appear as separate payments on your credit card statement. SHARED & SINGLE ACCOMMODATION Passengers must indicate at the time of booking whether they want to share a room or if they prefer a single room. Your roommate, if known, should also be indicated. If you do not have a roommate we will attempt to find a suitable travelling companion to share a room with you. If you join the tour by May 24, 2017 and we are unable to find a roommate, you will only be charged one-half of the single supplement. If you join the tour after May 24, 2017 and we are not able to find a roommate, you will be charged the full single supplement. Triple rooms, while not recommended, can be arranged. RESERVATION CHANGES If you want to change your reservation, such as change your departure city or plan an extended stay, you must submit your request to Rostad Tours in writing via mail or (flights@rostad.com) at least 100 days prior to departure. Please note that your airfare may increase if you travel on different dates than the group or if you travel to a different city. Any subsequent changes, cancellations of extension arrangements or changes requested within 100 days of departure are subject to a service fee of $100 per person in addition to any fees charged by the various travel suppliers. TOUR PRICE Prices are based on currency levels, airfares, fuel surcharges and taxes valid as of December 1, Although unlikely, we reserve the right to adjust prices if there are significant changes to any of the above elements. CANCELLATIONS Your deposit is fully refundable for any reason up to 100 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date are subject to the following maximum cancellation charges: 99 to 61 days prior to 50% departure 60 to 31 days 75% 30 to 0 days 100% If you cancel, you will receive back all money paid towards the tour less the applicable cancellation fee. The charges apply to the base price of the tour only and do not include cancellation charges for any extra arrangements such as single supplement, accommodation upgrades, additional tours, etc. INSURANCE We recommend that all passengers buy insurance to protect themselves against any possible cancellation charges or out-of-country medical expenses. An allinclusive policy which has cancellation, hospital/medical and baggage coverage will be offered to Alberta residents prior to making their final payment. For passengers residing outside of Alberta, we will explain how you can obtain travel insurance direct from our insurance porvider. As your deposit is fully refundable until 100 days prior to departure, you do not need to purchase insurance until that date. PASSPORTS A passport is required for all tour participants. For this tour your passport must be valid for at least three months past your intended return date. If you do not already have a passport, or if your current passport will expire within this period, apply for your new passport at least 125 days before departure. We require a copy of your passport 100 days prior to departure in order to issue your airline tickets. If you are not a Canadian citizen you are responsible to ensure you have all documentation required to enter the countries you are visiting and for your return to Canada. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS During walking tours you will likely experience uneven ground, cobblestone streets and various amounts of steps or stairs. For your enjoyment, and in fairness to your fellow passengers, you should be in good physical condition, with the ability to stand for reasonable periods of time and walk several kilometres easily. Should you feel a particular excursion may be too strenuous, you are welcome to forego the sightseeing tour and rest or explore on your own. At the time of printing, no inoculations are required for this tour. TOUR DOCUMENTS An extensive set of tour documents will be sent approximately 30 days prior to departure. Please notify our office in writing if you require any information in advance of this date. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE Typically airlines allow you to check one suitcase free of charge but this is subject to change. In order to avoid excess baggage fees, the dimensions of your suitcase should not exceed 60 (i.e. 30 length + 20 height + 10 width) and the weight should not exceed 23 kgs. Your suitcase will be portered at all hotels but tour members are responsible for their flight bags/carry-on luggage at all times. Rostad Tours accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any baggage or any tour member s personal belongings. ITINERARY VARIATIONS Rostad Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour due to airline schedule changes or any other circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to keep the tour as close as possible to the original itinerary. TOUR MEMBERSHIP Rostad Tours reserves the right to reject any person as a tour member and to expel from the tour any person whose actions are deemed to be detrimental to the enjoyment of the tour by the other passengers. Children 6 years of age and under at the time the tour departs are considered too young to travel on tour. RESPONSIBILITY Rostad Tours Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta act as agents for the various owners or contractors providing hotels, means of transportation or other services. Issuance and acceptance of the tour documents shall be deemed to be consent to the condition that Rostad Tours Ltd. shall not become liable or responsible in any way for any personal or property loss, damage or injury, howsoever caused or arising. In the event that we are forced to cancel a tour due to insufficient registrations, Rostad Tours Ltd. s sole responsibility shall be the refund of all monies paid to Rostad Tours by the tour participant Palliser Drive SW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2V 4W5 Toll Free: Phone: (403) Fax: (403) tours@rostad.com

5 PASSENGER REGISTRATION FORM Please complete this form and mail it to the Tour Host or directly To Rostad Tours If paying by credit card, you may also register by phone, fax or a pdf of this form to Rostad Tours PASSENGER INFORMATION South Africa Adventure Departs: October 21, 2017 Holst1710 (1): Date of Birth: 19 / / Title Last Name First Name Year/Month/Day (2): Date of Birth: 19 / / Mailing Address : City/Town: Prov/State: Postal Code/Zip: Phone: Home ( ) - Work: ( ) - Type of Accommodation Requested: Twin/Double or Single Departure City: Roommate (if known): If unknown, would you like us to find you a roommate? PRIVACY: Rostad Tours is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. The main purpose of collecting your personal information is to arrange travel products and services for you. Accordingly, personal information required for this purpose may be shared with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel insurance companies, tour operators and other travel-related vendors. It may also be used to provide you with information regarding future travel opportunities. We will not sell or trade your personal information with third parties. Our complete Privacy Policy is available at our website at or, if you wish, we can send you a copy via or by postal mail. PAYMENT INFORMATION Deposit Required (per person): $300x = Total: Deposit is fully refundable until July 13, 2017 Payment Method: Visa Mastercard Cheque (made payable to Rostad Tours) Credit Card # Expires: / Month/Year Cardholder Name: Please note that we reserve the right to have credit card payments processed by third parties such as Cardholder Signature: airlines, cruise lines, etc. Mail with payment to either address below: Rev Dr Wayne & Marlene Holst 7432 Silverhill RD NW Calgary, AB T3B 3Y1 OR Rostad Tours Palliser Drive SW Calgary, AB Canada T2V 4W5