SOUTH AFRICA IN DEPTH

Transcription

1 SOUTH AFRICA IN DEPTH TOUR DAYS: TOUR STYLE: 16 DAYS GROUP TOUR CANADA/USA - JOHANNESBURG HAZYVIEW KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SWAZILAND ZULULAND DURBAN DRAKENSBERG EASTERN CAPE COAST PORT ELIZABETH KNYSNA OUDTSHOORN CAPETOWN CANADA/USA TOUR SUMMARY: South African Surprise introduces travellers to the country s most famous sights, as well as some lesser-known spots that will impress the well-travelled visitor. Beginning in Johannesburg, the tour travels through the Lowveld to Hazyview, from where guests can visit the world-class Kruger National Park in search of game. The next stop is Swaziland en-route to the coastal town of St. Lucia, another wildlife haven. Following the coast towards Durban, the tour then heads into the stunning Drakensburg Mountains before returning to the city of Port Elizabeth on the southern coast. Guests will visit Tsitsikamma Forest and the incredible Cango Caves at Oudtshoorn before spending the last few nights of the tour in the scenic city of Cape Town. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy a game drive in the internationally renowned Kruger National Park Visit the World Heritage site of St. Lucia on the southern tip of Isimangaliso Wetland Park Indulge in some leisure activities in the awe-inspiring Southern Drakensburg Mountains See the towering rock formations in the incredible Cango Caves Relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the beautiful city of Cape Town

2 DEPARTURE DATES AND RATES: DEPARTURES FROM NEW YORK FROM TORONTO FROM MONTREAL FROM VANCOUVER 2016 February 20 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 March 19 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 April 23 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 May 14 USD 2795 CAD 3495 CAD 3595 CAD 3795 September 17 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 October 08 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 November 19 USD 2885 CAD 3585 CAD 3685 CAD 3885 Supplement for single accommodation: USD 650 / CAD 880 per person * Please note: Children under 8 years are not permitted on this tour TOUR LODGING INFO: 14 Nights accommodation Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis CITIES NIGHTS SUPERIOR HOTEL/LODGES Johannesburg 01 night Protea Hotel OR Tambo Hazyview 02 nights Hippo Hollow Country Estate Swaziland 01 night Lugogo Sun Umfolozi 01 night Protea Hotel Umfolozi Durban 01 night Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge Drakensberg 02 nights Drakensberg Gardens Hotel Chinsta East 01 night Crawfords Beach Lodge Port Elizabeth 01 night Paxton Hotel / Garden Court King s Beach Knysna 01 night Knysna Hollow Country Estate Oudtshoorn 01 Night Garden Court Mossel Bay Cape Town 02 nights Sun Square Seapoint TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: 14 Nights accommodation at listed hotels or similar International air from either New York/Montreal/Vancouver or Toronto Transportation in air conditioned coaches Services of a professional English speaking tour guide 14 breakfasts & 04 dinners Return airport transfers Hotel porterage Kruger National Park Conservation Levy Taxes and surcharges TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Domestic flights Meals not mentioned as being included Beverages with meals Items of a personal nature Optional tours Tips & gratuities Travel Insurance Visas if applicable

3 OPTIONAL TOURS AND EXCURSION COST: Full day open vehicle safari in the Kruger National Park - With a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area. (Excludes conservation fee) - USD 90 / CAD 120 Per person Afternoon elephant interaction USD 65 / CAD 75 Per person (Guests have the opportunity to touch, feed and brush down these magnificent animals) An afternoon open vehicle safari in the Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Park - an opportunity to spot both white and black rhinos and revel in the beautiful Zululand scenery. (Includes conservation Levi) - USD 55 / CAD 70 Per person Game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia - Getting up close to the sights and sounds of hippos and crocodiles and marvelling at the plentiful birdlife - USD 30 / CAD 40 Per person Kaapse Stories - Dinner Theatre, an evening of song, theatre and delicious Cape food serves as a perfect welcome to the mother city, at Richards Bistro - USD 50 / CAD 65 Per person (Excludes transfers) Full day Cape Peninsula Tour - A full day exploring the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve - USD 75 / CAD 100 Per person Full day Cape Winelands Tour - A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional Winelands region and the heavenly scenery - USD 75 / CAD 100 Per person TOUR ITINERARY: DAY 01: SATURDAY CANDA/USA DEPARTURE Your journey begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Johannesburg. Relax, recline and drift away as you fly to the largest city in South Africa DAY 02: SUNDAY JOHANNESBURG Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You are under own arrangements until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers. Overnight in Johannesburg DAY 03: MONDAY JOHANNESBURG - HAZYVIEW This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. Overnight in Hazyview Distance travelled today: 500 kms DAY 04: TUESDAY KRUGER NATIONAL PARK A bright and early start to the day; enjoy the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in your closed vehicle. Enter the park and keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Spend half day in search of game Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to the hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight in Hazyview Distance travelled today: 200 kms Optional: Discover the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in your open safari vehicle. A safari in an open vehicle into Kruger National Park isn t to be taken lightly. Our qualified, experienced field guides know the terrain and the protocol intimately, and their skills, combined with the superb visibility afforded by our specially modified safari vehicles, guarantee you re in for a wonderfully wild experience.

4 Optional: Afternoon elephant interaction - Guests have the opportunity to touch, feed and brush down these magnificent animals. DAY 05: WEDNESDAY HAZYVIEW - SWAZILAND This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture before arriving at the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Swaziland Distance travelled today: 290 kms DAY 06: THURSDAY SWAZILAND - ST LUCIA AND SURROUNDS This morning we journey through Swaziland into Zululand stopping en route to bargain for curios and souvenirs at the roadside markets. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in Hluhluwe for over your overnight stay. Overnight in Umfolozi Distance travelled today: 435 kms Optional: This afternoon visit the legendary Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park where a dedicated team made worldwide conservation history with their successful efforts to bring the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. You won t simply be enthralled with this game-rich reserve and the extraordinary beauty of the terrain, but also with the sense of history having been made here. Enjoy your tour in a specially modified open safari vehicle that will enhance your game viewing, and give photographers the very best vantage point to capture that perfect image. With your experienced guide, you will not only be one step ahead because of their intimate knowledge of the animal movements and habitats, but you ll learn more than you could have imagined possible about everything from trees, to animal spoor, to the rich bird life. You ll be in awe of the Big Five, but with increased knowledge, you ll be equally spellbound by the smallest of creatures, the most beautiful of trees. DAY 07: FRIDAY ST LUCIA AND SURROUNDS DURBAN Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Durban Distance travelled: 290 kms Optional: This morning board the comfortable Santa Lucia, a spacious double-decker boat on the St Lucia Estuary. Enjoy a two-hour relaxed interpretative cruise from the smartest vantage point the water. We ll get up close to the sight and sounds of hippo, crocodiles and other game species, and if we re lucky, we ll be serenaded by the haunting cry of the fish eagle... perhaps even watch one catch a fish. DAY 08: SATURDAY DURBAN - DRAKENSBERG This morning we savour the ocean breeze as we enjoy a gentle but fun cycle along the beachfront promenade. Durban's golden mile buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We continue with a visit to the 300 feet Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air. Overnight in Southern Drakensberg Distance travelled today: 255 kms DAY 09: SUNDAY DRAKENSBERG Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Overnight in Southern Drakensberg Optional (Can only be booked locally): (Passport Required!) For those with a sense of adventure, a 4x4 drive up the highest road pass in Africa will certainly provide you with a hefty dose of adrenalin. For your efforts, you ll be rewarded with its breathtaking scenery. From Drakensberg, we drive through the green hills of the Midlands towards the little country town of Underberg. Here, our 4x4 vehicle awaits us...the only form of transport equipped to tackle Sani Pass! You ll have your passport stamped as we enter the Kingdom of Lesotho, and we stop at a nearby Sotho Village for you to enjoy a taste of the local culture. Lunch is served at the highest pub in Africa truly and, it stands to reason, the views are utterly

5 breathtaking. Once you ve recovered your breath, we wind down the Pass very slowly, and wind our way gently back to Drakensberg. You ll certainly have had a day filled with altitude! DAY 10: MONDAY DRAKENSBERG EASTERN CAPE COAST This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Overnight in Chinsta East Distance travelled today: 520 kms DAY 11: TUESDAY EASTERN CAPE COAST- PORT ELIZABETH We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off after lunch heading south to Port Elizabeth. Overnight in Port Elizabeth Distance travelled today: 340 kms DAY 12: WEDNESDAY PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel, our base for the next 2 nights. Overnight in Knysna Distance travelled today: 300 kms DAY 13: THURSDAY KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the feather capital of the world because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Travelling back to the Eastern seaboard, we arrive in Mossel Bay in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mossel Bay Distance travelled today: 315 kms DAY 14: FRIDAY KNYSNA - CAPE TOWN Today s journey ends in Cape Town. After breakfast we explore Mossel Bay, visiting the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz museum and shell museum. In whale season (August to November) we travel to Hermanus and try to catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals from the world s most famous land based whale watching site. Out of whale season, we drive via the towns of Swellendam, Robertson and Worcester (Route 62), then through the Huguenot Tunnel. Iconic Table Mountain greets us as we arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon. Overnight in Cape Town Distance travelled today: 540 kms Optional: Kaapse Stories from the Mother City is an exciting vibrant new musical revue which offers a blend of humorous storytelling, powerful and emotional songs and likable performers unique only to Cape Town. Dinner Theatre, an evening of song, theatre and delicious Cape food serves as a perfect welcome to the mother city, at Richards Bistro. DAY 15: SATURDAY CAPE TOWN Enjoy a day of leisure in the Mother City and a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Overnight in Cape Town Optional: Full day Winelands A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery like the breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument near Paarl. The area s rich with history, and we can t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a wine cellar tour, where you ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. We visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, where else could we choose to enjoy lunch (for own account). We wind our way to the heady heights of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. We ve set aside ample time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and

6 sneaking into the odd shop or two! A trip to the winelands isn t complete without a wine tasting, so we organized two at different wine estates. And of course, you ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home! Optional: Peninsula tours The Fairest Cape and it surely is! You ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. Sit back and relax, we re going to cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire s Paradise from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. Back on terra firma, we wind along the legendary Chapman s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views, before arriving at our lunch spot of choice (lunch not included): the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. We meander back along the coast towards the city, visiting the historic naval port of Simon s Town and the endearing penguin colony at Boulder s Beach. The Fairest Cape of All that was Sir Francis Drake s opinion. DAY 16: SUNDAY CAPE TOWN CANADA/USA This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00 after which the remainder of the day will be under your own arrangements. In time Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight back home. END OF OUR SERVICES TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY: You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, which must be signed by the person that signed the Reservation Form. Amount of Cancellation Charges: à 100% non-refundable CHANGES BY YOU: If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $50.00 per revision per booking. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by us and our suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Any name changes must be provided to us in writing and are subject to any airline fees or penalties. HOW TO BOOK: If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this itinerary and would like to book, please forward your completed booking form and the deposit. If you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact us and we can prepare another version which will hopefully match your requirements. The deposit is 50% of the total cost, plus any applicable insurance premiums and can be paid by check, bank transfer or credit card. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to departure. PASSPORT & VISAS: All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler.