14 Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari Tour. Quintessential South Africa and Victoria Falls Adventure

Transcription

1 14 Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari Tour Quintessential South Africa and Victoria Falls Adventure

2 14 Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari Tour Quintessential South Africa and Victoria Falls Adventure From $ $8, PER PERSON SHARING Price excludes International and Regional airfares DURATION : 14 NIGHTS WHERE : GARDEN ROUTE, CAPE TOWN, WINELANDS, JOHANNESBURG & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE Tucked into the forest canopy, Tsala Tree Tops is an enchanting luxury hideaway on the garden route, magical Cape Town & the Winelands, Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) aka Victoria Falls and complete your trip with a safari at Rattrays on MalaMala Game Reserve. DAY 1: GARDEN ROUTE SOUTH AFRICA Many imagine a land of manicured gardens, while the Garden Route is actually a 300km area of natural beauty with its Indian Ocean coastline, dense indigenous forests, dramatic ravines, lagoons and Outeniqua Mountains. From Still Bay and Mossel Bay in the west, to Stormsriver and Port Elizabeth in the east, the region encompasses the picturesque towns of George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, including Oudtshoorn, where the landscape undergoes a remarkable change and becomes semi desert ideally suited to ostrich farming, which gives the town its fame. Stay a while in this are in order to take in all the many highlights and activities, see the picturesque Swartberg Pass and explore the Cango Caves, enjoy a choice of excellent golf courses, watch whales, eat oysters and cholesterol-free ostrich meat, do a tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, abseil, bungi jump, glide between platforms on a treetop canopy tour, hike, mountain bike and round it all off with an unforgettable sunset cruise. Accommodations for 3 nights at Tsala Treetops Lodge in a treetop suite including breakfast TSALA TREETOPS LODGE Ideally situated in the heart of the Garden Route between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, is the magical, lavish and five star, Tsala Treetops Lodge. High above the forest floor, set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala has

3 breathtaking views encompassing lush forests and extending across rolling valleys towards the distant hills. Tucked into the forest canopy, this enchanting luxury hideaway offers 10 private suites, and six two-bedroomed villas (perfect for families). Constructed of stone, wood and glass these ultimate abodes comprise of a plush bedroom and spacious bathroom, an elegant sitting room with a fireplace, and a private deck extending into the forest with your own infinity pool. Superbly equipped with modern comforts, each suite features bathrobes and slippers, under floor heating, air-conditioning, fully stocked minibar, tea and coffee facilities and complimentary WiFi. The impressive stone-masonry entrance leads to a magnificent foyer from where the AfroBaroque décor flows. There is an exotically appointed glass walled dining room, a spectacular dining deck, relaxed dining or sun-downers at Zinzi, a hidden wine cellar, an intimate glassed in lounge, a well-stocked library and various large open decks high above the forest floor. The lodge and suites are linked by wooden elevated walkways. Perfectly positioned to explore and enjoy the Garden Route highlights, Tsala also offers inroom massages (on request, additional charge) or a chance to relax and immerse yourself in the delights of forest magic. DAY 2 3: GARDEN ROUTE SOUTH AFRICA Full day private guide and vehicle DAY 4: CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become one of South Africa s most visited destinations. Since 1988, the harbor is continually undergoing changes, with the redevelopment of land and the restoration of buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins, creating a

4 mix of shopping and entertainment venues, intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. Aside from the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there is a more cultural side to the Waterfront, focused around the historic Clock Tower, which was the original Port Captain s Office in 1882 and part of a collection of well preserved turn of the century buildings. It is near here that the ferries depart for Robben Island (from the Nelson Mandela Gateway), while the Two Oceans Aquarium is a short walk from here. With ferries and boats continuously on the go, Cape Fur Seals playing in the harbor water, and a mix of both locals and international visitors, the Waterfront is a wonderful place to soak up some typical Cape Town vibe. Accommodations for 4 nights at Cape Grace in a Superior Room including breakfast CAPE GRACE HOTEL The Cape Grace is a five star luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of Cape Town s V&A Waterfront. Positioned on its own private quay between the working harbour and the international yacht marina, and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, this world class establishment epitomizes style and sophistication in an atmosphere alive with genuine warmth and hospitality. The hotel has 120 luxury rooms and suites, all custom-designed and decorated with stylish interiors that celebrate Cape Town s heritage and floral kingdom in ways that juxtapose modern and period. The feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by large French windows that afford elevated views of the yacht basin or the working harbour. Common room features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and satellite channels, ipod docking station, fully stocked private mini-bar, deli snacks, tea/coffee making facilities, limited complementary Wi-Fi, private safe, as well as fresh flowers and personally selected books. Bathrooms are finished in elegant marble and include separate bath, shower and toilet.

5 The main guest areas include a spacious lounge, a private library, the Signal Restaurant (serving fine Cape and South African cuisine), the Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar with a collection of over 400 whiskies, a 15 meter heated swimming pool, rooftop fitness studio and Spa. Complimentary value added services include a luxury chauffeur transfer service within a 20km radius, a selection of newspapers daily and day use facilities for early arrivals and late departures. Children of all ages receive a special kiddie s turn-down, with gingerbread decorations and African stories. Don t miss out on the daily Cape Orientation and Wine Tasting, which is an intimate, informative and fun introduction to the history of the Cape and the hotel s facilities. DAY 5: CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA Private Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour. Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman s Peak, one of the world s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay. After lunch (for your own account), continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight DAY 6: WINELANDS SOUTH AFRICA This delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to the wine country via the N2 to the heart of South Africa s wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice when we enjoy our first wine tasting of the day. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. We enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award winning restaurants (lunch not included in cost).

6 Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape s first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Our last stop for the day is at a wine estate on the Paarl wine route. We return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside, arriving back at the hotels at approximately 17:30. Note: Alternative estates may be visited over weekends and public holidays. The suggested routing is a guide-line only and can be tailor-made according to clients pickup and drop-off. DAY 7: CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA Private Half Day City & Table Mountain Tour Explore the city of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa s oldest building), the lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain, which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula (the cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent and is usually closed for annual maintenance from the last week of July to Mid August). As you come back down from the mountain, make a stop at Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses. From here you have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs or at your hotel to end the tour. Please note: The cable-way is usually closed for annual maintenance from the last week of July to Mid August. Excludes Table Mountain Tickets. Rates for the Cable Car are subject to change without prior notice DAY 8: VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE The iconic town of Victoria Falls, which is affectionately known as Vic Falls, is set on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, at the western end of the mighty Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe s prime tourist destination and a magnet for visitors from around the world Vic Falls has a rich and romantic history. Discovered in 1855 by explorer and missionary David Livingstone, the railway from Cape Town arrived in 1904 and the landmark 198 meter long Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the immense Zambezi River gorge and linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, was built in One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls is one of Africa s greatest geographical features. At 1700 meters wide and

7 over 100 meters in height visitors cannot fail to be inspired and amazed by the sheer size, power and beauty of the thundering curtain of water which can be gazed upon from 16 view points along a network of trails through the surrounding rain forest. Reaching their zenith in April/May, the Falls are at their most powerful and impressive between the months of February and July. At high water the dense plume of spray can rise up to 500 meters into the air and is visible from as much as 20 kilometres away, justifying why the falls are still commonly referred to by their local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya the smoke that thunders. Even during the low water months of October and November when the Falls become dry for much of their length the view from the Zimbabwe side won t disappoint. With its welcoming small town atmosphere Vic Falls is home to a seemingly endless number of activities there is literally something for everyone. The world s wildest white water rafting, canoeing, helicopter flips, elephant back safaris, canopy tours and adventure slides, river cruises, golf and bungee jumping. An impressive array of arts and crafts is showcased by talented local artists in the open air curio market as well as at a number of gallery s and shops throughout town. Accommodations for 2 nights at Victoria Falls Hotel in a Deluxe Central Block Room including breakfast VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL Over a century old, the Victoria Falls Hotel is an African classic. With its iconic backdrop of the Victoria Falls Bridge the Grand Dame of Victoria Falls has long been a favorite with discerning travelers from all corners of the world. With its distinctive white walls and red roof it provides a perfect balance of modern comfort combined with Edwardian elegance and old world charm. Echoing its glorious past the long carpeted corridors of the main building are lined with drawings of maps and photographs of pioneers and famous explorers. Here one finds 119 front facing deluxe rooms, suites and standard rooms which have courtyard or garden view. The adjacent Stable Wing houses two honeymoon suites and a further 42 spacious deluxe rooms.

8 Public areas are extensive and include a choice of three dining venues, two lounges, gift shops, hair salon and beauty therapist, chapel, swimming pool and tennis courts Set in acres of lush lawns and attractive landscaped gardens where monkeys play and warthog graze, the hotel is a short walk from Victoria Falls town and a ten minute walk to the Falls and rainforest. 2 Hour Zambezi Explorer Luxury Sunset Cruise A luxury catamaran that cruises the Zambezi River, the Zambezi Explorer is the sleekest and largest cruise boat operating on the Zimbabwean side. This modern catamaran lets you enjoy the best of this mighty river, its abundant wildlife and scenic Zambezi sunsets, in comfort and style with seating capacity for 150 passengers spread across three decks. After a leisurely breakfast, you will board a light aircraft flight back to Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport, where your adventure with us will end. Deck 1 and 2 seat 60 passengers each, bench style, or bar chairs and stools with cushions. Deck 3 is the Signature Deck with capacity for 30 passengers in comfortable lounge chairs and sofas. The vessel can be booked exclusively as a whole for a minimum of 112 passengers, or just part of the vessel can be booked for a smaller group. The Explorer s Jetty has an attractive setting 4km upstream of the Victoria Falls. The cruise duration is two hours departing in summer (01 August 30 April) at 16h30 and in winter (01 May 31 July) at 16h00. DAY 9: VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE Tour of the falls followed by Village visit The Victoria Falls reaches its zenith in about May each year. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience the sight, the sound, the smell and the humbling feeling that here indeed, is Natures Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon and is 2 hours in duration. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a

9 qualified Guide, who gives a brief history of the Falls and the surrounding flora, fauna, bird and wildlife. Raincoats and camera protective bags are provided when needed. Scheduled Mpisis Village Meet the People Tour This cultural experience takes you to an authentic rural village, approximately 20km from Victoria Falls town. Here you are given the opportunity to observe local villagers going about their normal daily tasks. This tour shows you rural life first hand, you get to see the rural homes and learn how the fields are tended. You may even get the chance to help with some of these chores. Mpisis Village Meet the People Tour operates on a minimum number of 4 passengers and passenger numbers determine departure times. DAY 10: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg stems from gold and diamond mining, dating back to the 1800 s, and the city s local name, Egoli, means The City of Gold. Today Johannesburg is the powerhouse of Africa and home to the continents busiest airport. Johannesburg is a wealthy and fast-paced city, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, earning its reputation as the New York of Africa, while also being considered as one of the largest man-made forests in the world. The political history of the region is highly prevalent in the Apartheid, Hector Pieterson and Constitution Hill Museums, with a tour of Soweto, wrapping up this emotional experience. A stay in Johannesburg would be incomplete without a visit to Gold Reef City a theme park created around a 19th century gold mine, the De Wildt cheetah rehabilitation centre and the award winning Maropeng cradle of humankind, a world heritage site. Accommodations for 2 nights at The Michelangelo in a superior room including breakfast THE MICHELANGELO HOTEL Overlooking the heart of cosmopolitan Nelson Mandela Square, in the northern suburb of Sandton in Johannesburg, is The Michelangelo. This renaissance styled hotel offers world-class facilities in a stylish and elegant setting with easy access to Africa s finest shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres.

10 The 242 rooms are located from floor one to floor six of the hotel and boast exceptionally high standards. En-suite bathrooms have separate baths and showers, the spacious lounges are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite television, well stocked minibars, tea and coffee facilities, 24 hour room service and complimentary WiFi. Hotel facilities include the ornate fountain at the main entrance, the Piccolo Mondo restaurant for global tastes in a fine dining atmosphere, a cocktail bar & lounge, a health and fitness centre, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, indoor heated swimming pool, the Michelangelo Spa, high tea daily and a residents lounge with a shower and change room facilities for early arrivals or late departures. The hotel has access to Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City and the Apartheid Museum is a short drive. DAY 11: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA Private full day Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour Soweto (South Western Township), which is the largest black residential area in South Africa. This sprawling city within a city is home to many who work in various parts of the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. The tour includes points of interest, such as the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela s former home. After lunch (for your own account), the tour continues to the Apartheid Musuem. This extraordinarily powerful museum has become a leading tourist attraction, with its large photographs, metal cages and numerous monitors displaying apartheid scenes. It is best to follow a knowledgeable guide around the museum, or you are welcome to explore it on your own. Your tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel later this afternoon.

11 DAY 12: SABI SAND RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA The Sabi Sand Reserve is a hectare reserve, pioneered by the landowners in the 1950 s, when the internal fences were dropped and a shared environmental management programme was put in place. Today, many of these families are now third and fourth generation land owners, their legacy being the successful conservation of the highest density of big game in South Africa. Even though there is a 50km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, the game in the Sabi Sands reserve is well habituated resulting in unforgettable close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard. The Sabi and the Sand Rivers run through the reserve, which add further dimension to the bio-diversity of this area. Accommodations for 3 nights at Rattrays on Malamala in a Khaya including All meals, snacks, safari activities and transfer to and from the MalaMala Game Reserve airstrip and laundry (maximum 10 items per room per day).community Levy; Drinks RATTRAYS ON MALAMALA Strategically sandwiched and sharing unfenced borders between the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, on the western side of the 13,500 hectare Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, is Rattray s on Mala Mala. The epitome of regal colonial safari-style, Rattray s merges seamlessly into the open bushveld surrounding the lodge and through which the Sand River flows. Rattray s hosts 16 guests in eight luxury khayas (the Zulu word for home ). Each acting as an exclusive home with hand-selected furnishings, crystal and leather, Rattray s is a treat of the finer things in life. Khaya s boast a private verandah with grand river views and a private heated plunge pool, a private indigenous garden, en-suite bathrooms with double vanity, ball-and-claw bath and double indoor shower and outdoor shower; outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, heating, overhead fans, hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee facilities. Satellite television, DVD player and laptop with wireless connectivity are available on request. The guest areas include an elegant African-themed

12 air-conditioned dining room, a historic bar featuring photographs of the early days and its pioneers, a large wooden safari deck for outdoor dining and game viewing, a large infinity pool with river views, fully-stocked wine cellar, small fitness facility and wellappointed safari boutique. Rattray s offers exclusive guided game drives with only four guests per vehicle. These are conducted in the early morning and afternoon into early evening. Bush walks are available on request. Enjoy afternoon game activity (Time Permitting) DAY 13 14: SABI SAND RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA Enjoy morning and afternoon game activities DAY 15: DEPARTURE After morning game drive (Time permitting) you will be transferred from MalaMala to Skukuza Airport for your returning flight back home. You may leave Africa forever but Africa will never leave you.