Trip Summary By day, soak up the friendship and expertise of South Africa s homegrown guides who proudly share with us the wealth of natural beauty, wildlife, culture and heritage that South Africa has to offer. Kayak with African penguins, spot southern right whales and horseback ride through coastal forests. Hike Cape Town, pedal through rolling wine country and get up-close with Kruger s abundant wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, lion, wildebeest, hippo and rhino. By night, savor South Africa s fine regional cuisine and award-winning wines before calling it a night in the comfort of an exquisite guesthouse or nature based lodge. Itinerary Day 1: Cape Town International flights arrive in Cape Town late in the day On your arrival, you ll be met and shuttled into the city to your home away from home for the next four nights, the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Cape Town Perfectly situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this hotel offers spectacular views of the working harbor and Table Mountain Settle in and relax this evening in preparation for the adventures ahead! Overnight Victoria and Alfred Hotel (No meals) Day 2: Table Mountain Cable / Lion's Head Head to Table Mountain where you are whisked by Cable Car to the summit, 3,400 feet above sea level Guided walk down the mountain for an introduction to the indigenous flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest but richest of the world's six plant kingdoms boasting some 8,600 flowering species Besides plants like Protea, you may see Sunbirds and even a Black Eagle Then hike up Lion's Head for a trail lunch on top and amazing views of downtown Visit Green Market Square bustling with traders selling locally produced products, stroll past the Parliament buildings built in 1885 Dinner at the Codfather Overnight Victoria and Alfred Hotel (B, L, D) Day 3: Robben Island / Cultural Township Tour Board a ferry to Robben Island A leper colony turned political prison, this historic landmark was recently established a museum and national monument Visit Nelson Mandela's maximum security prison cell Lunch at Lelapa for a traditional Xhosa meal followed by a tour of the townships Situated in the Cape Flats where the non-white inhabitants of the Cape were placed during the apartheid era, today the townships are a thriving community rich in local customs and traditions Enjoy pre-dinner interactive drumming and a tour at the Gold of Africa Museum Overnight Victoria and Alfred Hotel (B, L, D) Day 4: Cape Point Nature Reserve / Penguins This morning you are collected from the guesthouse and will travel along picturesque roads to Cape Point Nature Reserve to bike along a network of undulating roads Keep an eye out for Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok birds and indigenous fynbos plants Take in the spectacular views across False Bay Enjoy a trailside lunch with amazing views This afternoon we trade in bikes for kayaks Paddle from Simonstown Harbor to Boulder Beach's colony of African Penguins and view them from the ocean as they swim around this quaint cove Evening at leisure Overnight Victoria and Alfred Hotel (B, L) 1
Day 5: Biking Stellenbosch / Wine Country Travel to the Cape Winelands and historic town of Stellenbosch Bike the oldest wine route in the Cape, stopping at award-winning wine estates with time for tastings Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns of one of our favorite vineyards Drive east along the coast to Grootbos where we re greeted with welcoming smiles Your day ends with check-in at the Grootbos Garden Lodge followed be a walk along a pristine white-sand beach overlooking Walker Bay and the mountains in the distance Overnight Grootbos Garden Lodge (B, L, D) Day 6: Walker Bay / Grootbos Nature Reserve Early morning whale-watching trip to spot 50-ton southern right whales just yards from your boat Visit an island refuge of sea bird colonies and the nesting grounds of the rare African Penguin Admire the underwater antics of a 60,000 strong Cape fur seal colony If we re lucky, we ll spot dolphins playing in the wake of our boat and we may even spot a great white shark breaking the surface truly an awesome spectacle! Return to the lodge for some R&R and a beautiful afternoon hike through the fynbos Overnight Grootbos Garden Lodge (B, L, D) Day 7: Cape Town / Johannesburg / Kruger Today we travel back to Cape Town in time for your flight to Johannesburg A connecting flight will take us to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the world-renowned 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger Park Sabi Sand is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close quarters the age old natural relationship between predator and prey Witness the beauty of an African sunset as your ranger reveals the rituals of African wildlife Dinner this evening is a lantern lit affair around the fire Overnight Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp (B, D) Days 8 10: Sabi Sabi Safari / Sabie River Raft / Sabie River Valley Quad Bike Enjoy three full days in the private Sabi Sabi Reserve Safari in 4WD Land Rover s each morning and afternoon as well as enjoy optional morning walking safaris You ll feel safe in the hands of the dedicated, highly trained and experienced Sabi Sabi Rangers With no fences between the private reserve and Kruger Park, big game abounds, moving freely through this unspoiled part of the ancient African continent The Reserve is blessed with a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, offering an excellent chance of close encounters with the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah With over 300 bird species, the reserve is also a birdwatcher s delight On Day 9 explore all the Sabie River Valley has to offer the true Adventurer! Whitewater raft the Sabie River and explore trails by quad bike that wind along the Sabana River through some of most scenic Sabie River Valley Overnight Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp (B, L, D) Day 11: Johannesburg Early morning 4WD safari to view animals still active in the cool morning air Return to the lodge for brunch before bidding a fond farewell to the African bush A direct charter flight takes you to Johannesburg in time to check-in for your flights home (B) **Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and DiGiT Tours. 2
Activities Hiking: 1 to 2 miles per hike - easy to moderate terrain. Biking: 8 9 miles per ride - easy terrain. Boating: Small boat marine life tour with captain and crew. Kayaking: Sea kayaking in a secluded bay and in open ocean along coast. No experience necessary. Ocean conditions must be safe to do this activity. Whitewater Rafting: Class II-III rapids, no experience necessary. Quad Biking: Tracks vary from technical to very easy. Discovery: Discover unique Cape flora and learn about South Africa s rich cultural heritage from its political history to the French influence that created its world-renowned wine country. Learn about African wildlife from local rangers and conservationists. Set out on foot in private game reserves to learn about ecosystems and lifecycles that usually go unnoticed from the distance of a jeep. See big game up close in open 4WD safari vehicles. Did you know that the Apartheid Era lasted from 1948 to 1994, leaving residential areas segregated by race, sometimes by means of forced removals? Explore the famous Table Mountain with its unique flat top, edged by impressive cliffs by being whisked to the top by cable car! Ferry out to Robben Island to discover this seventeenth twentieth century place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment, now a World Heritage Site and Museum. Learn about the conservation of the African Penguin, endangered and rapidly declining due to egg harvesting, disease, guano harvesting (bird droppings for use as fertilizer), reduction in food supply, and oil pollution. Search for the Big Five: lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros on the Sabi Sabi private game reserve. Come explore South Africa with the experts in adventure travel! Your guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that s right for you. Our Partner DiGiT Tours Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with DiGiT Tours. The DiGiT team looks forward to hosting your adventure with their unique and warm brand of South African hospitality, ensuring your stay is a success. Based in Cape Town, this company knows the ins and outs of South Africa and its warm, vibrant tour representatives will be sure to show you everything from the buildings of the apartheid era to the wildlife of the Sabi Sabi Reserve. Mostly focusing on golf tours of South Africa, DiGiT has teamed up with Austin Adventures to create something a little different: a unique multisport adventures that includes hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, and quad biking. With a strong passion for South Africa and all that this magnificent country holds, DiGiT will provide you with a tour like no other leaving lasting impressions of your visit to South Africa. 3
Distinctive Accommodations Nights 1 4: Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Cape Town A classic landmark on the V&A Waterfront, the magnificent 4-star Victoria and Alfred Hotel is conveniently positioned in Cape Town city center spectacularly overlooking Table Mountain. This contemporary hotel offers a variety of facilities and amenities for a memorable stay, including a waterfront outdoor veranda, a swimming pool set amidst lush private gardens and its own OYO Restaurant specializing in delicious local cuisine with a live evening entertainment program. Nights 5 & 6: Grootbos Garden Lodge, Gansbaai Grootbos Nature Reserve conserves 1,700 hectares of pristine fynbos, the Cape s unique vegetation, and is home to more than 650 species of indigenous plants. The classic Garden Lodge is set in a lush indigenous canopy that provides privacy and a feeling of complete submersion in the natural environment. Each suite has its own secluded balcony perfect for watching the sun set over the ocean or for starting the day in tune with the forest birds. Nights 7 10: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, Kruger This jewel of a safari camp boasts all of the features associated with an exceptional safari lodge beautiful setting, excellent cuisine and abundant wildlife. It offers luxury accommodations, warm and effortless hospitality and unparalleled intimacy and seclusion. Each suite has a private viewing deck overlooking the riverbed, and is decorated in contemporary African design, complete with luxury furnishings, a full private bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers. Delectable dinners enjoyed outside under softly lit trees are an experience loved by all. Meals The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All breakfasts, snacks, and refreshments are included. Lunches and dinners are included in the itinerary when indicated under each day. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Each morning starts with a hearty breakfast, usually in the dining room at your lodge. In the evening, it s a local restaurant, an out of the way bistro, an authentic African experience with traditional food and local music. Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price. 4
Arrival and Departures Your trip begins with your arrival at the international airport in Cape Town, South Africa. After passing through immigration and customs, walk into the arrival hall where a DiGiT Tours representative will be holding an Austin Adventures sign with your name on it. From here you ll be met and shuttled to Victoria and Alfred, Cape Town Hotel. Your trip ends with a charter flight to the Johannesburg airport in time for your departure flights home. Trip Price From $6,998 (From $580 single supplement) Trip Length 11 days/10 nights 2014 Dates March 16-26 July 6-16 July 13-23 August 26- September 6 September 7-17 Host City Begin: Cape Town, South Africa (CPT) End: Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) Reservations & Availability 1.800.575.1540 South Africa calls itself A world in One Country and it s true 5
Trip Reservations Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A 25% nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom programs may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods: Toll free: 800-575-1540 Phone: 406-655-4591 Online: austinadventures.com Email: reservations@austinadventures.com Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT, 59108 * You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional. ** We accept Visa, MasterCard and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin Adventures). Please do not send cash. Included in the Trip Price Double occupancy rooms with private baths. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions except for one lunch and one dinner. Internal flights listed in itinerary. Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners. Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment all safe and well maintained. Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip. Austin Adventures T-shirt, luggage tags, and luggage service. Pre-departure and packing information. Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees. Not Included in the Trip Price Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides. Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities. One lunch and one dinner. Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses. Air and land transportation to/from host cities. All types of personal insurance. Personal expenses. Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days. 6
Private Custom Trips Maybe your vacation schedule doesn t fit our list of trips and dates. Or perhaps you d prefer a slightly different itinerary or level of luxury and activity. A Custom Adventure is the perfect answer. You pick the date and destination and brief us on the size of your group, what activities you want, your must haves and just how you like to relax and unwind. No detail is too small, no idea too outrageous. Our staff of experts will help create a tailor-made vacation that s just right for you and your group. In short, if you can dream it, we can make it happen. Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, referred to as a single supplement. If you re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you. Minimum Age The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old. Cancellations and Refunds The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect: ***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak with your Adventure Consultant for details. Cancellation 61+ days before trip departure Full trip payment less 25% nonrefundable deposit Cancellation 31-60 days before trip departure 50% of the trip payment is refunded Cancellation 0-30 days before trip departure No refund is given Our Guarantee Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to resolve the issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct it. We will do our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with you upon your return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund. 7