South African Odyssey - Gold P a g e 1
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P a g e 3 South African Odyssey - Gold Johannesburg - Lowveld - Swaziland - KwaZulu Natal North Coast - Port Elizabeth - Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Stellenbosch - Cape Town 16 Days / 15 Nights 0 Persons Reference: SVJC16G Date of Issue: 16 January 2016 Click here to view your Digital Itinerary
P a g e 4 Overview Destination Accommodation Nights Basis Room Type Johannesburg Sandton Sun 1 B&B Lowveld Casa Do Sol Hotel 3 B&B Swaziland Royal Swazi Spa 1 B&B KwaZulu Natal North Coast Protea Hotel Umfolozi River 1 B&B Port Elizabeth Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre 2 B&B Knysna The Rex Hotel 2 B&B Oudtshoorn Hlangana Lodge 1 B&B Stellenbosch Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa 1 B&B Cape Town Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel 3 B&B Key RO: Room only SC: Self Catering HB: Half Board B&B: Bed and breakfast D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily FI: Fully inclusive Price From $4,499.00 per person sharing Meet and Greet services English-speaking, highly educated driver-guide 15 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 1 Dinner Accommodation Transportation Porterage at hotels Kruger National Park with game activities Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve option available
P a g e 5 Explore the scenic Garden Route Swaziland and Zululand with visit to Traditional Zulu Village Game drive in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Explore Knysna and Oudtshoorn Visit Stellenbosch for wine tastings Discover the history and beauty of Cape Town Cape Peninsula Full Day Tour City and Table Mountain Half Day Tour Day 1: Sandton Sun, Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg is one of Africa s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg s most popular tourist attraction. Overnight: Sandton Sun Elegant and legendary, the Sandton Sun offers guests a distinguished and memorable stay. Linked to the Sandton Convention Centre and the Sandton City Shopping Centre, this hotel combines business services, contemporary dining and fashionable shopping, appealing to both leisure and business travellers. Located in the heart of Sandton CBD this hotel is 40 minutes by road from O.R Tambo International Airport and 900m from the Gautrain Station, and offers convenience and easy access to the city s finest amenities. On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure & unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax at your hotel.
P a g e 6 Day 2: Casa Do Sol Hotel, Lowveld Lowveld The Mpumalanga Lowveld lies between the northernmost reaches of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Kruger National Park. It is renowned for its sub-tropical climate, excellent farming areas and great access to the game reserves and attractions of the Panorama Route. Overnight: Casa Do Sol Hotel This luxury estate hotel situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens. The cobbled streets, exotic gardens, coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere make Casa do Sol a destination of choice for a large variety of travellers. Just beyond the boundaries of the hotel lie some of the jewels of creation - God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon and many other scenic glories of Mpumalanga. And the world famous Kruger National Park is just a hop away. The crystal waters of two swimming pools are surrounded by luscious tropical gardens which have won awards for their vibrant colours and serene beauty - an environment sure to lull you into a state of gentle euphoria. Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as Paradise Country. We ll drive along the spectacular Panorama Route, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon and historic God s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. Continue to an area near Hazyview for your overnight stay.
P a g e 7 Day 3: Casa Do Sol Hotel, Lowveld Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Kruger National Park with a packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional & for own account). Optional Guests are transferred to the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. In the late afternoon, enjoy an open vehicle game drive. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Deep in the bushveld overlooking a waterhole and an open plain, lies a lodge that pulses to the rhythm of Africa s heartbeat. Bush Lodge has earned a reputation of a luxury home in the bush, service excellence, personalised attention and offers an unrivalled 5-Star family safari. Each stunning air-conditioned suite features sumptuous linens and fabrics, beautiful leather and wood furnishings, and an en-suite glass fronted bathroom with indoor and al-fresco shower leading onto a private patio. Families with children of all ages are welcome and well-catered for at Bush Lodge and at the EleFun Centre where fun and games with trained caregivers are aimed at nurturing a deeper understanding and love for the surrounding bush. There is ample space to relax, unwind and savour the tranquility of the bush. The two swimming pools and enormous covered viewing decks overhanging the Msuthlu riverbed are an invitation to cool off in the filtered water or sit in comfort while spotting game at the nearby pan. An exquisitely furnished lounge, atrium and intimate bar area are perfect meeting places for friends old and new. As an extra indulgence, the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge offers the ultimate African spa experience. Sabi Sabi is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife - including over 200 mammal and 300 bird species. Morning and evening safaris are enjoyed in open safari vehicles where close encounters with the Big 5 are a regular occurrence. Day 4: Casa Do Sol Hotel, Lowveld The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive (with an English speaking game ranger) through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world and the visitor will soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel or you can join us on our Community visit to
P a g e 8 the Sizabantwana Children Care Centre for a tour and a brief look into the lives of the children that attend the center. This visit offers you the opportunity to understand more about the rural communities and their lifestyles and to interact with them in a secure and optimistic environment. Return to your hotel where open -vehicle game drives are available (optional and for own account). an open vehicle game drive. Optional Guests will depart on an early morning game drive and return to the lodge for breakfast. Guest will later be met by our tour vehicle. Day 5: Royal Swazi Spa, Swaziland Swaziland This tiny, land-locked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful Valley of Heaven, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Overnight: Royal Swazi Spa In the kingdom of Swaziland is a lush and verdant valley named heaven. In this valley lies a sensational casino resort and its top hotels is the 5-star Royal Swazi Spa. The combination of luxury accommodation conference centre, country club, casino and an elegant new Health Spa, make it the ideal destination for leisure visits, conferences, incentives, as well as sporting events. The Royal Swazi Sun has 149 rooms. The Royal Swazi Spa s spectacular 18-hole championship golf course is one of the most scenic locations found anywhere in the world, with a different landscape waiting to be enjoyed from every tee and green. The sweeping par-72 course, which was opened in 1966, is played off the men s tees to a length of 6166 metres (5258 metres for women). It has been laid out on the slopes of the Lubombo Range which curve gently down into the valley where the Royal Swazi Spa Hotels are situated. The first nine holes are comparatively level, and the second nine fully exploit the mountainous terrain.
P a g e 9 This morning we travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colorful indigenous culture. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from 100% recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland. In the afternoon the opportunity exists for a complimentary (optional) excursion to a Swazi candle factory, where visitors can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles. Overnight in Swaziland. Day 6: Protea Hotel Umfolozi River, KwaZulu Natal North Coast KwaZulu Natal North Coast The KwaZulu Natal North Coast offers spectacular beaches all along its coastline and is divided into two distinct sections. Just north of Durban are the well developed beach resorts and golf courses, while the far north provides miles and miles of unspoilt beaches, wetlands and lake systems. So whether you re after a 5-star hotel overlooking a beach, or camping in the dunes and diving with dolphins, the KwaZulu Natal coastline has it all and more. Overnight: Protea Hotel Umfolozi River This hotel is ideally located in the Greater Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve area, just 40km north of Richards Bay. near Protea Hotel Umfolozi River include the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, world-renowned birding spots, whale and dolphin watching, boat cruises, horse riding, golf, fishing, kayaking, beaches and quad bike trails. It s a hotel that complements your travel style. Dining facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and bar, with conference facilities available for up to 400 delegates seated in school-room style, while banqueting facilities for weddings, launches or cocktail parties are available for up to 240 guests.
P a g e 10 After breakfast you will continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel to the Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game drive (with an English speaking game ranger) before continuing to your hotel in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. Day 7: Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre, Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth or PE is known as the Friendly City and the Windy City and hopefully if you stay here you will get a chance to experience the former and not the latter. Port Elizabeth was established to accommodate British settlers who were bought out on a government sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the warring Cape Dutch and the Xhosa. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the Garden Route, as well as the Eastern Cape s game reserves and beaches. Overnight: Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre After breakfast, travel to a traditional Zulu village to experience the local culture, dancing and a delicious ethnic lunch. The journey continues to Durban, passing traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields.
P a g e 11 Day 8: Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre, Port Elizabeth After breakfast, transfer to Durban airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. Port Elizabeth, known as the friendly city, has a wonderful climate and offers plenty to see and do. Day 9: The Rex Hotel, Knysna Knysna Nestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn t known as the Garden of Eden for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters. Overnight: The Rex Hotel One of Knysna s most elegant and sophisticated accommodation offerings, The Rex Hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. Located on the World Famous Garden Route, The Rex Hotel is one of most exhilarating getaways in its class. Capturing the essence of four-star luxury, the impeccably appointed Rex Hotel offers travelers a gateway to world-class restaurants, lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon. With thirty luxurious rooms, The Rex Hotel beckons guests to unwind as the charm of Knysna and the immaculate service of the hotel staff take care of all your needs. Our spacious and serene rooms are an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic comfort. Cool colours and rich fabrics bring elegance and sophistication to your surroundings. Guests staying at the exclusive Rex Hotel experience exceptional personal service combined with the discreet charm of a fine hotel, which offers all the sophistication and efficiency of a world-class hotel.
P a g e 12 Head westwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). You ll arrive at your hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the town. Day 10: The Rex Hotel, Knysna After a leisurely breakfast you ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. [BL] Day 11: Hlangana Lodge, Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.
P a g e 13 Overnight: Hlangana Lodge Welcome to one of the finest small luxury establishments in South Africa, and the best choice for your stay in Oudtshoorn. Hlangana Lodge is a four-star guesthouse set on more than a hectare of exotic gardens on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, en route to the Cango Caves. The choice is yours: 12 standard, 6 superior rooms or the honeymoon suite. Offering the highest standards of luxury and service, it is perfectly situated to serve as a haven from where you can explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding countryside. Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the center of the world s Ostrich farming industry. You ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Late afternoon you will travel to your hotel in time to check in and relax before dinner (for your own account). Day 12: Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa, Stellenbosch 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. A walking tour of the town centre allows visitors to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, boasting a high proportion of the country s leading wine estates.
P a g e 14 Overnight: Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa The elegant Victorian boutique hotel in Stellenbosch offers a fusion of vintage and modern sophistication, providing luxury accommodations for the weary traveler. The hotel offers a classic ambiance and quiet atmosphere with an antique lounge, log fire, deep sofas and a lovely restaurant called the Oak Leaf that serves an authentic South African buffet breakfast. The Dorpshuis Spa is a unique feature of the hotel where guests can have relaxing spa days and treatments. It s a hotel that complements your travel style. Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa has a guesthouse atmosphere and offers 27 individually decorated rooms furnished with antiques and every 4-star amenity you can expect. It is surrounded by vineyards and mountains and is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. After breakfast, travel through the Little Karoo to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before continuing to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to school being opened) Continue to Stellenbosch, the second oldest city in South Africa, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains with vineyards as a backdrop. Day 13: Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and a top international destination. Large numbers of tourists flock to Cape Town to enjoy this unique city with its fascinating history, interesting culture, natural beauty, award winning wines and laidback lifestyle. Whether you are a serious tourist or just want to lie on the beach and enjoy life, Cape Town will satisfy your needs. Overnight: Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel View ibrochure Boasting a total of 394 rooms, each befitted with a host of amenities such as direct-dial phones, free WiFi, tea and coffee stations, electronic safes, en-suite facilities and supremely comfortable double or queen beds. Additional touches such as porter service, 24-hour room service and a wake-up service ensure that you sleep even more deeply each night, while beautiful furnishings and décor are a treat for the rest of your senses too.
P a g e 15 As for the hotel itself, you can expect to be treated like royalty throughout your stay. Take a dip in our large outdoor pool, relax on the spacious deck, work up a sweat in our fully-equipped fitness centre, savour delicious food and fine wine at our outstanding dining options such as The Star Bar and Terrace and The Peach Tree Restaurant. Conferencing facilities, loyalty specials and many other perks also await as a guest at the hotel. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area, arguably the country s most famous wine route. Then finally onto Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the city (unescorted). Day 14: Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town Enjoy a half-day Table Mountain and City tour. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colorful craft markets. There is also the Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island or alternatively relax on one of Cape Town s many beaches. Day 15: Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town After a relaxing breakfast, you ll have a full day Cape Peninsula tour. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay and then to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Return to Cape Town through the historic naval base of Simon s Town and Muizenberg to visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a center for the preservation of the region s unique flora.
P a g e 16 Day 16: Departure Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour, which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbor or railway station for your onward journey. [B] Transport Flight Information Date Flight Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref Protea Hotel Umfolozi River Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre Transfers Date Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] Sandton Sun Casa Do Sol Hotel Royal Swazi Spa Protea Hotel Edward & Conference Centre The Rex Hotel Hlangana Lodge Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel Sandton Sun Casa Do Sol Hotel Royal Swazi Spa Protea Hotel Umfolozi River The Rex Hotel Hlangana Lodge Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel Cape Town International Airport [CPT]
P a g e 17 Urgent Contact Numbers Company Name Telephone Email Address Contact Person Safari Ventures Inc 18138108879 npatel@safariventures.com Niru Patel Contact Details & Reference Numbers Service Provider Ref. Number Telephone Address Casa Do Sol Hotel +27 13 737 8111 Sabie Road (R536), Hazyview, Mpumalanga, 1242 Hlangana Lodge +27 44 272 2299 Corner Baron van Reede Street & North Street Oudtshoorn 6625 Western Cape South Africa Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa Protea Hotel Umfolozi River +27 21 883 9881 22 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape +27 35 551 0322 Off the N2, 40km north of Richards Bay, Mtubatuba, Richards Bay, Kwazulu Natal Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge +27 11 447 7172 Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel +27 21 415 4000 The Rex Hotel +27 44 302 5900 Grey Street Knysna, Western Cape