SOUTH AFRICA 4 Airbases (confirmed); Airfields, Aviation Museums, with time for sightseeing PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) Tuesday, 11 th Monday, 24 th September DAY 1: SATURDAY, 22 nd SEPTEMBER After a gap of several years we return to Africa the Republic of South Africa. The tour takes place during the largest aviation event in Africa if not in the southern hemisphere - the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition and Airshow, where we will enjoy a full day at the event. We also visit: Rand airfield Grand Central airfield Wonderboom airfield Lanseria airfield SAAF Swartkop SAAF Makhado SAAF Ysterplaat SAAF Langebaanweg National Museum of Military History SAAF Museum, Swartkop SAAF Museum Ysterplaat All visits to the SAAF airbases are confirmed, subject to a passport security check. Whilst we are in Johannesburg we may charter a SkyClass Aviation DC-3 and/or DC-4! this will be optional and the cost subject to the final number of bookings. There will be free time in Johannesburg and Cape Town: in the latter we include sightseeing excursions to Table Mountain, Cape Point and the wine-growing region of Stellenbosch. We fly from London s Heathrow Airport on the scheduled services of South African Airways. In Johannesburg we stay at a de-luxe airport hotel highly recommended by aviation enthusiasts, with easy access to the terminal s 3 observation terraces. Our superior standard hotel in Cape Town is in the city centre: see page 6 for details of both. The tour is on a bed and breakfast basis throughout. Travel in-country is by air-conditioned de-luxe coach (see appropriate paragraph on page 7 General Information ). You will be accompanied throughout by one of our well travelled and experienced Tour Managers. Why not extend your time in this beautiful country with a Big Game Safari and/or the Victoria Falls etc! Please contact us to discuss your requirements. This tour is also perfect for non-aviation minded people who would prefer to spend their time sightseeing and/or going on excursions in and around Johannesburg and Cape Town. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 9
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: TUESDAY, 11 th SEPTEMBER Between 15:30 16:00 please check-in with South African Airways (SAA) who operate out of Terminal 2 at London s Heathrow Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be congregating in the immediate area. SAA recommend a latest check-in time of 3 hours prior to departure: 16:00 hrs. London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: SA 235 Departs: 19:00 DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, 12 th SEPTEMBER Johannesburg Arrives: 07:05 After the usual arrival formalities we transfer to the departure gate of our onward flight to Cape Town where boarding should start around 08:30. Johannesburg Flight: SA 317 Departs: 09:10 Cape Town Arrives: 11:20 On arrival we transfer to the Sun Square Cape Town City Bowl Hotel, staying 5 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. See details on page 6. Remainder of the day is free. DAY 3: THURSDAY, 13 th SEPTEMBER Today we visit SAAF Ysterplaat, home of 22 Squadron (Lynx 300 and Oryx s) and 3 Squadron s turbo-powered C-47TPs. We also look around the SAAF Museum Ysterplaat; aircraft on display include an Avro Shackleton, Canadair CL-13, Mirage F1 CZ, Mirage III R2Z, de Havilland Vampire, C-47, Lockheed Ventura, Harvard, Piaggio P.166 and a Westland Wasp. It is expected that some or all 4 engines on the Shack (pictured right) will be started up especially for us during our visit! We will ask to see their Blackburn Buccaneer which they are currently restoring. Website: www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/history/saaf-museum/locations/ysterplaat Other Buccaneers in South Africa, which we are hoping to see, are: Buccaneer S50 412 gate guard at AFB Waterkloof; Buccaneer S50 414 at the SAAF Museum, AFB Swartkop; Buccaneer S50 421 at the SAAF Museum, AFB Swartkop; and Buccaneer S50 422 at National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg. DAY 4: FRIDAY, 14 th SEPTEMBER Today is enjoyed at a leisurely pace, starting with a visit to Table Mountain, taking the cable car ride to the summit. Then to Stellenbosch and its world-famous winelands: we stop for lunch (at your own expense) in this historic university town. There will be optional wine tasting at an estate. The University of Stellenbosch had, until October 2017, an ex- SAAF Mirage Cheetah. This has been moved to the local flying club where we will drop by to see it, including inside the cockpit. Alternatively: a day away from the group to enjoy in Cape Town, at the airport - there is a viewing deck on the domestic terminal - or as you wish. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 9
DAY 5: SATURDAY, 15 th SEPTEMBER A free day to enjoy as you wish in Cape Town. DAY 6: SUNDAY, 16 th SEPTEMBER A full day sightseeing: we go to Cape Point, hopefully with a whale-watching stop en-route, a visit to Boulders Beach a favourite place for penguins, Cape lighthouse with the funicular railway. There is the option of 2½ hours whale watching cruise (which would mean missing some of the above) a truly memorable experience, getting up close to these huge and majestic creatures for only 65.00 proving good value for money! DAY 7: MONDAY, 17 th SEPTEMBER This morning we drive 85 miles to the northwest of Cape Town to the flying training airbase of SAAF Langebaanweg, which is also home to the PC-7 Mk IIs of the Central Flying School and the national aerobatic team, The Silver Falcons (pictured right). Arriving back in Cape Town we go directly to the airport and check in with SAA for our flight to Johannesburg; latest recommended check-in time is 17:20. Cape Town Flight: SA 366 Departs: 18:50 Johannesburg Arrives: 20:45 Our chartered coach is waiting to transfer us the very short distance to the ideally located Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Hotel where we stay 6 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Hotel facilities include onsite restaurant, bar, swimming pool, free wi-fi and shuttle coach to the airport. See details on page 6. Website: www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-or-tambo-international-airport The airport has 3 viewing decks: in the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal and in between both terminals. See details on the Airfield Guide pages of Scramble Aviation s website: www.scramble.nl Also, the hotel in the past has allowed aviation groups access to their roof in order to take photographs. We will put in our request and ask for rooms on the highest floors, facing the airport. DAY 8: TUESDAY, 18 th SEPTEMBER An early start as we return to the airport we will ask our hotel for a packed breakfast this morning - and check-in with SAA for our flight to Polokwane, the nearest airport to SAAF Makhado; we check in by 05:30. Johannesburg Flight: SA 8801 Departs: 06:35 Polokwane Arrives: 07:25 Boarding our waiting coach we set off on the 68 miles drive to Makhado airbase and our visit to the JAS-39s Gripens of 2 Squadron and the Hawks of 85 CFS. After our visit we return to Polokwane and check in with SAA by 16:30 for our flight back to Johannesburg. Polokwane Flight: SA 8816 Departs: 18:00 Johannesburg Arrives: 19:05 Our coach is waiting to transfer us back to the hotel. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 9
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, 19 th SEPTEMBER Today we visit SAAF Swartkop airbase, home to 17 Squadron (Oryx and A109s) and 41 Squadron (Cessna 206, Beech 200 and 300 and PC-12s). Then the fabulous collection of aircraft in the main South African Air Force Museum next to the airbase: there are 25+ aircraft on display in 5 hangars. Pictured right is their immaculate Mirage aka Cheetah. We will also ask to be shown around their restoration facility. www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/history/saaf-museum/locations DAY 10: THURSDAY, 20 th SEPTEMBER We leave the hotel at 09:00 for the excellent National Museum of Military History: this museum features military weapons, memorabilia and vehicles as well as aircraft. In the Sailor Malan Hall is a Me-109, Me- 262 and a FW-190; and in the GE Brink Hall, a Hurricane, SE5, Spitfire, Me-109, Mosquito and a Hawker Hartebeest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/south_african_national_museum_of_military_history Also today, a tour of the ramps at Rand Airport. DAY 11: FRIDAY, 21 st SEPTEMBER Departing at 08:00 we spend a memorable day visiting some of the area s other regional airports, specifically: Grand Central, Wonderboom and Lanseria with ramp tours at each. DAY 12: SATURDAY, 22 nd SEPTEMBER At 08:00 we depart for Waterkloof AFB, usually a 30-minutes drive away, the venue of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition and Airshow. Photo: courtesy of Robbie Shaw This is the largest aviation event in Africa, if not in the southern hemisphere, featuring civil and military aircraft, trade stands, and an afternoon air display. At the end of the flying programme we return to our hotel. We are looking at the possibility of flying into the show on a DC-4. Will advise details once bookings are received. DAY 13: SUNDAY, 23 rd SEPTEMBER At 10:00 we drive 30 minutes to the north of Johannesburg to the outskirts of Pretoria to visit the Voortrekker Monument which commemorates The Great Trek. Located inside a nature reserve around which we will also drive www.vtm.org.za/ Alternatively you can spend the day at Johannesburg Airport which has 3 viewing decks. Returning to Johannesburg, we check in with SAA for our flight to London; latest recommended check in time is 3 hours prior to departure: 17:00. Johannesburg Flight: SA 234 Departs: 20:00 DAY 14: MONDAY, 24 th SEPTEMBER London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 06:25 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we bid each farewell until we meet again! Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 9
PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: 227803 From 2,598.00 From 698.00 On request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a bed and breakfast basis. Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES All flights on the scheduled services of South African Airways from London s Heathrow Airport, as stated UK and South African airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge, (subject to change) All coach transfers and transportation as stated 11 nights hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis Admission to all aviation museums and collections as stated Gratuity for coach drivers Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager NOT INCLUDED Any optional charter flight in a DC-3 of SkyClassic Aviation Any optional charter flight in a DC-4 of SkyClassic Aviation Meals, other than those stated above Visa: not required by UK passport holders see General Information, page 7 Travel insurance see General Information, page 8 Any other optional pleasure flights, sightseeing or visits Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Other tips and gratuities Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 9
OUR HOTELS Sun Square Cape Town City Bowl Opened in September 2017, the Sun Square Cape Town City Bowl is the newest hotel in Cape Town s city centre, situated on the corner of bustling Buitengracht and Strand Street, with Table Mountain as a backdrop. The Vigour & Verve restaurant and bar serve food and drinks throughout the day with fresh coffee available all day in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The stylish 14 Stories Rooftop Bar is the place to relax in style. The bar also offers access to the enclosed pool deck and opens onto an outdoor deck overlooking the picture-perfect Cape Town harbour and Lions Head. Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport The very stylish and comfortable Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel, is ideally located adjacent to the airport terminal area. The hotel s 366 ensuite rooms are tastefully furnished, with a wide range of amenities, including free wi-fi, flat screen satellite TV, air conditioning and other in-room comforts and amenities. For relaxation guests can make use of the outdoor swimming pool and Bernoulli s Restaurant offers a choice of Mediterranean-themed dishes that are centred on grills, pastas, line fish, and fresh produce. There is a complimentary return shuttle service from the airport to the hotel, as well as a bus service to the nearby Rhodesfield station - part of the Gautrain high-speed rapid rail transit system. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 9
GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of 400.00 per person per tour should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide website: www.wtgonline.com for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter the Republic of South Africa as a tourist. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting, we suggest you visit: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provide an Information Line, telephone: 0901 201 505 (calls currently charged at 51p per minute). Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 16-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Baggage Regulations South African Airways (SAA) Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: SAA will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29½in x 25½in), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). Cabin Baggage: for travel out of London s Heathrow Airport you may take 1 carry-on bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in), including handles and wheels. You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided. Carryon baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead locker. Your bag must also fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft s hold. Hand, or cabin, baggage is limited to one item no bigger than 25cm (9.85 inches) deep x 56cm (22 inches) long x 45m (17½ inches) high, and which you must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft, plus one personal item, i.e. laptop, briefcase, etc.. Limited quantities of liquids are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: Shampoo, suntan lotions, Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 9
creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Hand baggage can include: Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. All electrical devices, e.g. cameras, laptops, i-pads, mobile phones etc, must be fully charged. If not they, and you, may have to undergo additional security checks which could result in you missing your flight; in which case depending on the co-operation of the airline - you may have to purchase new tickets (if you do not board your first flight then all other flights are automatically cancelled). Meals On this tour breakfast only is included. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended precautions for visiting the Republic of South Africa, however, we strongly recommend you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Currency Local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). You can withdraw cash directly from an ATM which are common in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, you should inform your bank of your travel to South Africa to forestall any blocks they may put on you using your card. Credit/debit card fraud and scams are very common in this country. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted, however, the hotel in Johannesburg is adjacent to the airport and will exchange them for Rand. Climate and Dress In September the average temperature in Johannesburg is 24 C and in Cape Town 19 C. During the month there are on average 2 and 7 days of rain respectively so we recommend summer attire but with a jumper or jacket for the cooler evenings. Also, don t forget to check the 14-day advanced weather forecast before you pack your suitcase! Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. These policies also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Cape Town (instead of travelling from London with the main group), we will be very pleased to provide a land only price on request. This price will NOT include any international or internal/domestic flights. You are strongly advised to contact us before making your own arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 9
Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, Ian Allan Travel Ltd will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc... Ian Allan Travel Ltd cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Tour 227803 South Africa Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 9 of 9