2017 Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association

Transcription

1 2017 Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Cape Town, South Africa U nforgettable moments await you in Southern Africa this autumn. Wake up in a luxurious tented camp to watch elephants soaking in the morning sun and splashing in a neighboring water hole. Cross paths with hippos cooling off in the river outside your camp. Take stock of untamed beauty over cocktails in the setting sun. Spend plenty of time with the wildlife. Surround yourself with magnificent natural scenery in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. But let s not forget about the more civilized parts of your journey. Full-bodied reds of the Cape Winelands. A history lessons on Robben Island. And time in sophisticated Cape Town, a city we adore. We spend our first night at the lovely Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg s Sandhurst neighborhood, known for its quiet A bloat of hippos cools off. Moremi. tree-lined avenues. Nelson Mandela stayed here after prison, and it was here that he wrote his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. We gather this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. The following morning, we fly to Maun, Botswana, jump-off point to our safari camps. Upon arrival, our group splits in half; all travelers, however, spend two nights at each of two exceptional safari camps: Khwai River Lodge in Moremi Wildlife Reserve, and Savute Elephant Lodge in Chobe National Park. The Okavango Delta is central to any visit to Southern Africa. It mustn t be missed. Unlike most rivers, which flow towards the ocean, the Okavango fans inland, forming a 4,000-square mile network of islands, lagoons, and waterways (the delta) that eventually evaporates in the parched Kalahari Desert. Such a water-filled environment supports a great range of wildlife elephants, zebras, buffalo, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, kudus, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son

2 Open 4x4 safari vehicles take us close to the action. plenty of birds. It s no wonder that UNESCO has declared the delta a World Heritage site Our time at the camps is filled with wonder each day bringing with it incredible, indelible experiences. Venture out in open-top 4x4 safari vehicles to see the wildlife up close. Enjoy champagne brunch served in the open bush. Dine under the stars, the only sounds around you the night songs of the birds and mammals. Try your hand in a cooking class, learning to make popular local specialties. Perhaps you d enjoy a pick-up game of soccer with the local residents a great way to get to know them? Attend interesting presentations about the region s history and people. Hear the story of Lake Makgadigadi, an ancient body of water that once covered what is now the Kalahari Desert. Learn about jewelry handcrafted by local women. Opt for flightseeing aboard a helicopter. After four days of safari camps, we board bush planes to Kasane, where the group reunites. From here, drive to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In the nation s westernmost tip, the wide Zambezi River plunges over the edge of a 30-story cliff. This is Victoria Falls. It is enormous so big, in fact, that it cannot be seen in its entirety from any one vantage point on land. In 1855, David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, was the first European to view Victoria Falls. Bush-style luxury at Khwai River Lodge (left) and Savute Elephant Lodge (right). Think you can rough it? Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son

3 Table Mountain towers over Cape Town, perhaps the finest city on the African continent. South Africa. Today, the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Settle into our hotel, the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, before we take a walking tour. A winding path allows us to view the falls many parts, each separated by islands in the river. Rainbows, ambient mist, and the roar of water add to the drama. Our afternoon ends with a relaxing sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. Dinner this evening is in our hotel s Edwardian-era Livingstone Room. The following morning, consider taking an optional Flight of the Angels helicopter tour over the falls, if you wish. We can also arrange bungee jumping, if you re feeling brave. Now, board a flight to Cape Town, South Africa. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the lovely One&Only Cape Town, our home for the next four nights. Cape Town was established in the mid-1600s by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Today, as the seat of the national parliament, it is the country s legislative capital, famous for its harbor, its stunning natural outlying areas, and such beloved landmarks as Table Mountain. Tour Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years as a prisoner before the fall of Apartheid. Today, it is a UNESCO site. Stellenbosch, in the Cape Winelands. Then a panoramic driving tour of the city, including Adderley Street, past the Cultural History Museum, St. George s Cathedral, the Company Gardens. Ride a cable car up Table Mountain, weather permitting. At the top, we enjoy splendid views over cocktails. After a good night s sleep, we take a full day to explore South Africa s premier wine country, the Cape Winelands. Commander Jan van Riebeeck planted the first vines here in They grew surprisingly well. In the late 1600s, French vintners arrived to bring their own traditions to bear. From this 350-year-old history comes wines that rival the best in the world, but the estates themselves and the towns we visit are equally fine. Our last full day of touring is devoted to an exploration of the Cape Peninsula, the thin finger of land in the southwesternmost corner of Africa. Drive along the Atlantic seaboard passing the Twelve Apostles, a series of picturesque coastal mountain peaks. Continue through village, old mining towns, and outposts thick with history. Ride a funicular out to Cape Point Lighthouse at the very tip of the African continent. Walk among a penguin rookery at Boulders Beach. Back in the city, we gather for a farewell dinner before flying home the next day. On Saturday, 28 October, arrive home Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son

4 2017 Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association. Day 1: U.S. Monday, 16 October 2017 Fly overnight to South Africa. Note: Some flights may require departure on 15 October. Day 2: Johannesburg, South Africa Tuesday, 17 October 2017 Arrive, transfer to hotel, welcome reception. Saxon Hotel (cocktail reception) Day 3-4: Johannesburg; Maun, Moremi Wildlife Reserve or Chobe National Park, Botswana Wednesday & Thursday, October 2017 Fly to Maun, fly to Moremi or Chobe, game drives, option for bush brunch, cooking class, culture and history presentations, option for helicopter flightseeing, boma dinner. Savute Elephant Lodge (Chobe) or Khwai River Lodge (Moremi) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 5-6: Moremi or Chobe Friday & Saturday, October 2017 Bush flight to Moremi or Chobe, game drives, option for bush brunch, cooking class, culture and history presentations, option for helicopter flightseeing, boma dinner. Savute Elephant Lodge (Chobe) or Khwai River Lodge (Moremi) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 7: Moremi or Chobe, Kasane; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Sunday, 22 October 2017 Fly to Kasane, group reunites, drive to Victoria Falls, walking tour, Zambezi River sundowner cruise. Victoria Falls Hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 8: Victoria Falls; Cape Town, South Africa Monday, 23 October 2017 Option for morning helicopter flightseeing or bungee jumping, fly to Cape Town, transfer to hotel. One&Only (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 9-11: Cape Town, Winelands, & Peninsula Tuesday-Thursday, October 2017 Robben Island, panoramic city tour, cable car up Table Mountain, cocktails on Table Mountain, Cape Winelands including estate tours and tastings and lunch at Jordan estate with George Jardin, Cape Peninsula, funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse, Boulders Beach penguins, farewell dinner. One&Only (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) BOOKING DEADLINE: 31 MARCH Space on this tour is limited. Bookings are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Kiran Chand at kchand@rcrusoe.com or call Moremi Wildlife Reserve Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, & Cape Winelands Chobe National Park BOTSWANA SOUTH AFRICA Victoria Falls ZIMBABWE Johannesburg Day 12: Cape Town Friday, 27 October 2017 Option for dayroom or late check-out, option for additional touring (flight time permitting), transfer to the airport for your flight home. (breakfast) Day 13: U.S. Saturday, 28 October 2017 Arrive home. Prices Per person sharing room...$9,870 Single supplement...$4,280 Internal economy air per person...$1,850 Price based on a minimum of 38 participants. Limited internal air and hotel room upgrade options available first-come first-served, based on your sign-up date. Pre-tour sightseeing options for Johannesburg available for those interested. This itinerary is subject to change R. Crusoe & Son. 6 March 2017 R. Crusoe & Son Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son

5 REGISTRATION & PAYMENT FORM 2017 PAST CHAIRMAN S TRIP HOSTED BY THE IHG OWNERS ASSOCIATION BOOKING DEADLINE: 31 MARCH 2017 Please return both pages of this completed form by (kchand@rcrusoe.com), by fax ( ), or by mail to R. Crusoe & Son, 566 W. Adams Street, Suite 505, Chicago, IL Traveler Name (s) Date: Limited hotel and air upgrade options are offered first-come first-served, based on the date of your reservation. For details, contact Kiran Chand at kchand@rcrusoe.com or call TOUR RESERVATION q Per person sharing room...$9,870 q Single supplement...$4,280 Economy internal air per person...$1,850 TOUR RESERVATION Method of Payment: q Personal check (made payable to R. Crusoe & Son) q Visa q MasterCard $ Amount to charge Credit Card Number Cardholder s Name (as it appears on the card) Expiration Date Month/Year Security Code On Back of Card Billing Address City State Zip Code Shipping Address (if different from billing address) City State Zip Code Cardholder s Daytime Telephone Number Cardholder s Evening Telephone Number Cardholder s Address Cardholder s Signature q Yes, I have read and signed the Terms & Conditions below and on the following pages. Payment constitutes acceptance of the Terms & Conditions as stated. T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S On the advancement of deposit, the depositor acknowledges that he or she has read and understands the specific inclusions, exclusions, registration, and cancellation policies of the tour, the terms and conditions listed below, and that he or she agrees to be bound by them. Signature above authorizes payment to R. Crusoe & Son ( R. Crusoe ) for all tour charges. This tour is sold as described, and R. Crusoe makes no refund for unused tour portions. Cancellation penalties apply. Full terms and conditions are provided to IHG Owners Association members prior to booking. After booking, travelers receive a confirmation. Expect a detailed itinerary a few weeks before departure Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son

6 Traveler Name(s) Date: T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S Arrangements: Quoted tour prices include planning, handling, and operational charges and are quoted in U.S. dollars based on the current rate of exchange, tariff, and fuel prices. Responsibility: R. Crusoe and its operating partners purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant services, and other services from various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners cannot, therefore, be liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage to person or property that may occur due to (1) a wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary act by others not under direct control of R. Crusoe and its operating partners, (2) defects in, or failures of, any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, or other means of transportation not under its control, or (3) acts of God. R. Crusoe and its operating partners also reserve the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of any tour or part thereof any person at any time, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by airline schedule changes, delays, or events beyond its control. R. Crusoe and its operating partners are not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses. Travel Documents: All travel documents (transoceanic air tickets, passport, visa, destination-specific vaccination records, and inoculation verification) are the traveler s responsibility. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to obtain any necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable destinations and to comply with all customs requirements. The countries visited require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your tour and a blank page in your passport. Zimbabwe also will require a visa prior to arrival. R. Crusoe provides the documentation necessary for the visa application. Without the required documents, travelers may be denied entry into a particular destination. R. Crusoe is not liable for such denial. Baggage: Baggage handling is at the traveler s risk throughout the tour. Baggage restrictions may apply. If so, R. Crusoe is not responsible for excess baggage fees. Smoking: Smoking is not permitted during situations that involve fellow travelers. This applies when travelers are in restaurants, sightseeing vehicles, trains, boats and other water transport, air transport, and when participating in group activities. Eligibility: All travelers should be in good health and able to walk during touring. This tour requires travelers to walk on uneven and possibly slippery surfaces and to go up and down stairs. Many venues on this tour do not have elevators. Some areas prohibit coaches, so walking is mandatory. By forwarding the deposit for this tour, the traveler certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/her or others. It is essential that persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions inform R. Crusoe well before departure. All travelers are expected to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Arrival in Johannesburg: Your hotel room upon arrival in Johannesburg on 17 October is available for check-in at 2 p.m. If you would like guaranteed access to your room earlier than 2 p.m., you must purchase a pre-tour hotel night. Upgrades: Some hotel room and internal air upgrades are available on a first-come, first served basis. If you are interested in receiving information on these possibilities please let R. Crusoe know. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days included in the tour cost. Travel Insurance: R. Crusoe strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. Information on insurance coverage will be supplied upon receipt of the registration form. Insurance premium would be at an additional cost and is based on the total cost of the trip. As an example, coverage for between $10,000-$12,500 would cost $840. Prices: Prices are per person and based on a minimum number of 38. If fewer than the minimum number of travelers participates, or there is a major change in exchange rates, a price supplement may apply and/or the itinerary may be adjusted. Inclusions: Accommodations based on double occupancy; arrival and departure airport transfers; ground transportation and sightseeing as indicated; house wine and beer with included meals and drinks at camps in Botswana (excluding premium brands and French champagne); daily laundry service at camps in Botswana; hotel taxes; entrance fees and park fees; baggage handling; gratuities for local guides, drivers, and porters; tour development and planning; reservation management by R. Crusoe senior travel consultant; and preparation and delivery of preliminary and final documents. Exclusions: International airfare and internal airfare (priced separately); costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as laundry, beverages (mixed drinks) outside of Botswana, meals not listed; room service, excess baggage fees, sightseeing listed as optional; communication charges, and personal insurance coverage. Registration: A deposit of $2,500 per person is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, or MasterCard. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. Cancellation: Cancellations must be made in writing and received by R. Crusoe. Cancellations are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of full tour/air costs: up to 180 days prior to departure, 10 percent; from days, 25 percent; days, 50 percent; 59 or less, 100 percent of the tour cost R. Crusoe & Son. 6 March 2017 Signature(s) Date: Printed Name(s) Past Chairman s Trip Hosted by the IHG Owners Association Southern Africa with R. Crusoe & Son