Open to alumni UBC and friends STUNNING SOUTH AFRICA WITH UBC ALUMNUS TIMOTHY JACKSON CAPE TOWN, DRAKENSBURG, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK NOVEMBER 6 18, 2019 Join UBC alumnus and accredited safari guide Timothy Jackson to see awe-inspiring wildlife, world class wineries, and incredible scenery in a country of outstanding diversity. Taste fine wines in the Cape Winelands, our base for exploring Cape Town, a singularly beautiful and vibrant city, and for taking in the awesome scenery of the Cape of Good Hope. There s more incredible scenery in the jagged, green sweep of the Drakensberg; a vast sweep of exceptional natural beauty in basalt summits and escarpments that contribute to the otherworldly atmosphere of the Mountain of Dragons. Here we ll walk and hike, view the substantial assembly of San bushman rock paintings, or simply relax and take in those magnificent views. Safari time takes us to the one of the world s greatest wildlife-watching destinations. All of Africa s iconic safari species elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra plus many more and over 500 varieties of bird are here for us to discover. We ll be dividing our time between Umlani Bushcamp in the private Timabavati Game Reserve and Pafuri Camp in the northern Makuleke Concession, two exceptional and diverse sites. Local safari guides will introduce large concentrations of big game as we travel by jeep and explore on foot. Timothy s long-standing connections to the people and places we will be visiting make this a very special experience. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:
Drakensburg Mountain Range WHY TRAVEL WITH THE ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Vic. Falls ZIMBABWE BOTSWANA NAMIBIA Kruger N.P. Hoedspruit Johannesburg Drakensburg SOUTH AFRICA Durban Cape Town STUDY LEADER Timothy Jackson, (B.Ed. 99) divides his time between home in Nelson B.C. and time hosting and leading safaris in Southern & Eastern Africa. He undertook formal field and trails guide training in South Africa and completed his full trails guide training in northern Kruger where we ll be spending time on this tour. Timothy s long-standing connections to the people and places we will be visiting make this a very special experience.
DETAILED ITINERARY Boulders Beach Wednesday, Nov. 6: Arrive Cape Town Arrive in Cape Town where our local representative provides a transfer to our hotel in the heart the beautiful wine district of Stellenbosch. A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Meet this afternoon for a welcome briefing with your study leader and participants, followed by an afternoon walking tour of the town centre, taking in the beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries and craft shops. Overnight: De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch Meals: Dinner Thursday, Nov. 7: Cape of Good Hope excursion Cape Point separates the cold waters of the Atlantic to the west from the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean to the east. Today we explore the area, setting off on Chapman s Peak Drive, one of the country s most spectacular marine drives. We ll visit the Nature Reserve here where we find a variety of animals including unique antelope species, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora that is found nowhere else in the world. Travel to the Lighthouse for spectacular views. We ll also stop at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat. We return to Stellenbosch in the late afternoon. Overnight: De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch Meals: Lunch, Dinner Stellenbosch vineyard Friday, Nov. 8: Cape Town excursion Our day begins with a visit to Table Mountain (weather permitting). We ll drive up the Kloof Nek road to the Lower Cable Station and then take the exhilarating ascent up the mountain by cable car for a breathtaking view of the city. The energetic among us may prefer the invigorating hike up the mountain. We ll see many plant species on this mountain that appear nowhere else on earth. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lovely V & A waterfront setting or your option booked ahead to take the ferry the Robben Island, whose prison was once home to former South African president Nelson Mandela. This evening we ll enjoy dinner at Gold Restaurant, a Cape Town must. Overnight: De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch Meals: Dinner Saturday, Nov. 9: Fly to Durban This morning following check out, we transfer to Cape Town International Airport for the short flight to Durban. From here we travel to Umhlanga, where we will stop at The Oyster Box for a Traditional Indian Curry Buffet lunch and incredible sea views. Following lunch we continue with a visit to the Sharks board for an informative session around the Great White Shark. Enjoy free time to stroll the Golden Mile, the stretch of beautiful beach with year-round warm water. Overnight: Gateway Hotel, Durban Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Sunday, Nov. 10: Drakensburg The Drakensburg Mountain Range, or ukhahlamba in Zulu, is the highest in South Africa; it encompasses a World Heritage Site due to its range of plants (it s home to a largest number of endemic plants and nearly 300 bird species) and the largest collection of San rock paintings in Africa (over 40,000 works). This little-visited part of South Africa is sure to be a highlight of your tour. We ll stay for two nights in a lovely hotel in the heart of the mountains, where the choice and selection of food is first class. Overnight: Cathedral Peak Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner Monday, Nov. 11: Drakensburg The full day is yours to enjoy guided hikes - choose from a range of gentle to energetic options; an easy 30-minute walk to Belinda Falls, a moderate four-hour hike to Neptune s Pool or a strenuous four-hour hike to One Tree Hill. Each walk offers spectacular views. Or perhaps enjoy a round of golf at the 9-hole golf course ranging a glorious 5542m all across the valley. Overnight: Cathedral Peak Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Tuesday, Nov. 12: Southern Kruger (Timbavati Game Reserve) A morning drive takes us to Johannesburg Airport where we board the short flight to Hoedspruit. From here we transfer in 4x4 vehicles to the rustic Umlani Bush Camp in the Timbavati Game Reserve for a three night stay. The Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares a common, unfenced border with Kruger National Park and encompasses many exclusive private lodges. The region is best known for the white lions of Timbavati, two unusually pale lion cubs discovered here in the 1970s, their colour due to a rare recessive gene. The Timbavati is a Big Five Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely as do many more species of predators and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area. This, together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquility and the natural beauty of the land, ensures an adventure to be remembered. This location is said to have one of the most dense giraffe populations in the world. Overnight: Umlani Bush Camp Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Wednesday Nov 13 Thursday, Nov. 14: Timbavati Private Game Reserve While staying at Umlani you will enjoy the ultimate experience of true wilderness and seclusion in a rustic camp that accommodates just a maximum of 20 guests, in traditional African reed and thatch. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise deep in the bush before returning to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Spend the heat of the day with a cool box of refreshments at one of the hides watching birds swoop down to the water and mammals materializing out of the bush. During your evening drive, watch the white light of the moon take over from the flame-coloured sun while enjoying sundowners surrounded by the unique sounds of the African wilderness. Experience the thrill of two game drives in open Land Rovers every day. View lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, in more than 10,000 hectares (24,000 acres) of traversing area. Overnight: Umlani Bush Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including local brand drinks) Friday, Nov. 15: North Kruger Area Today we transfer to the Northern area of the Kruger National Park, spending three days enjoying bush walks with an expert guide who has outstanding knowledge of the reserve. You can expect fantastic sightings from a whole new perspective on foot, as you observe and learn about walking in big game country. The private Makuleke Concession, owned by the Makuleke people and leased to Kruger National Park, is part of the Transfrontier Park, and joins protected land in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Here, unlike Southern Kruger, you still find large herds of elephant and buffalo. You will have hopefully seen plenty of Lions in the South, and here they are rare, on the other hand Leopard which are habituated in the South, are far more shy but plentiful. Timothy has seen the changes in Leopard here over the last 10 years; they are now becoming more used to visitors observing them, and sightings are now much easier. Overnight: Pafuri Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Saturday, Nov. 16 Sunday, Nov. 17: Northern Kruger National Park (Makuleke Concession) Makuleke Park is a rich and unique ecological region which constitutes the northern most part of South Africa s extraordinary Kruger National Park. Makuleke is also known as the Pafuri Triangle due to the wedge-shape of this area of land which is formed by the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers at the tripoint Crook s Corner. This triangular expanse of remote wilderness covers a vast, unspoiled stretch 26 500 hectares of land which serves as a natural choke point for an extraordinary variety of wildlife. The wildlife roams without the hindrance of borders in a trans-frontier park that spans three countries. The diversity also brings a profusion of birds, with numerous specials in what pundits regard as South Africa s most rewarding birding destination. Overnight: Pafuri Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Monday, Nov. 18: Depart Hoedspruit Our guided journey comes to an end after a shorter final walk and relaxed breakfast, with the transfer to Hoedspruit Airport and the flight to Johannesburg. From here choose to fly home or join the optional extensions for a visit to Johannesburg and/or Victoria Falls. *Please ask for other options if interested. Giraffe Zebra
TOUR DETAILS Bushmen (san) rock painting of humans and antelopes, Drakensberg mountains Tour Cost (per person): C$9495 Single Supplement: TBA We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply. Group Size: 14 18 participants What s Included: Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels, lodges, and camps listed or similar Transportation in private coach (Nov. 6 12) and 4 x 4 jeeps, each with a safari guide/driver (Nov. 12 18) Bottled water on vehicles Three domestic flights: Cape Town to Durban, Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit to Johannesburg) All activities as listed, including guided safaris, park entrance fees, internal flights, and airport transfers Meals as indicated in the itinerary Services of local English-speaking driver-guide Fully hosted by UBC alumnus Timothy Jackson Gratuities Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home to the start and end points of the tour Beverages with meals (except as indicated) Items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, drinks, phone calls, excess baggage charges, etc.) Additional arrangements required due to an emergency Travel insurance Any item not mentioned in What s Included Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a place on this tour. A second non-refundable deposit of US$1000 per person is required 120 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest. 1-800-387-1483
WHAT TO EXPECT Joining Instructions This tour begins on November 6th upon arrival at the Cape Town Airport where a representative is on hand to transfer you to the hotel. Transportation We will be travelling by coach in Cape Town and in the Drakensberg areas. Throughout the safari portion we will be in a 4 x 4 safari vehicle either open sided or with pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography. Each vehicle is driven by an expert safari guide. Weather Expect mainly clear skies, and temperatures between 20 C and 25 C in Cape Town up to 30 C in Kruger. Just as when you plan a trip to Canada s Rocky Mountains in July, be prepared for 4 seasons in one day for this overall trip from the Indian Ocean to Atlantic cold water Cape Town to the peaks of the Drakensburg. Cape Town in November is heading into their blue skies months of mid-november through February. The rest of South Africa is starting to move into their rains. Which makes it wonderful, as Kruger in October is their hottest and driest month, of up to 40 C. November brings the first clouds forming, temperatures drop a little, wildlife is still staying near the last water remaining, and we might even get the first afternoon shower or two that will bring everything to life. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return date. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and nontransferable. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: 2667946 The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION The De Salze Lodge is a Cape Dutch style lodge on a working wine farm. It overlooks the lush vineyards and breathtaking Stellenbosch Mountains. Guestrooms have all conveniences and lovely views of the vineyards. Swimming pool. Golf course 600 metres away. Umlani Bush Camp s philosophy of simplistic accommodation and getting back to nature is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps and open-air bush showers fueled by wood fires. Located in a protected area of the Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak Hotel nestles below a towering mountain of the same name, flanked by a gallery of equally stark and imposing summits that enclose the hotel on three sides. Rooms are simple and modern. Swimming pool. Parfuri Camp has 19 luxury tents, all with en-suite bathrooms, expansive viewing decks, vast beds, and outdoor showers. The tents offer a gorgeous view over the Luvuvhu River. Swimming pool.