Carlson Wagonlit Trave Richert Travel Agency

Something Different

BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Departure Date – November 10, 2013 from Toronto

Contact Christine Ward at CWT Richert Travel

204-885-7261 or e-mail cmward@mymts.net

South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world and offers a wide choice of travel options: from sophisticated city life to untouched beaches, breathtaking scenery and an opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat.  The country is a melting pot of so many different cultures, peoples and languages that this ‘Rainbow Nation’ is truly a fascinating travel destination.

  

DAY 1              DEPART TORONTO                               (Inflight meals)

Board your flight to Washington DC, where you will connect to a South African Airways flight to Johannesburg.  Overnight onboard the aircraft.

DAY 2              ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN                      (Inflight meals)

On arrival in Johannesburg, connect to a domestic flight to Cape Town.  On arrival in Cape Town this evening, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.  The balance of your evening is at leisure.

The Dutch settlement at Table Bay, under the leadership of Jan van Riebeeck was established in 1652.  Its purpose was to supply fresh produce and meat to the fleets of the Dutch East India Company for their voyages between Europe and the Spice Islands to the east.  In the early days, the settlement was known among sailors from around the world s “The Tavern of the Seas”, and to this day Cape Town has maintained a reputation of friendly hospitality.  With is majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Accommodation:            PROTEA PRESIDENT HOTEL, Non-sea-facing rooms (4 Nights)

DAY 3              HALF DAY CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR & WELCOME DINNER                (BD)

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your half-day tour of Cape Town. The ultimate Mother City experience.  We pass by the Houses of Parliament, visit the moat and torture chamber of The Castle South Africa’s oldest building.  We visit the District Six Museum, which documents the tragic apartheid-era disintegration of a vibrant community. Bargain hunt at Green market Square flea market in the heart of the city centre, then take a cable car up Table Mountain (subject to weather), before descending to savour the spicy aromas of the Malay Quarter.  The tour ends at the V&A Waterfront which offers great shopping, and outdoor cafes. For those interested in diamonds, a stop is included at Shimansky where you can tour their workshop and can see how diamond jewelry is made.  A small museum and 30 min movie will give you an interesting insight into the history of diamonds in South Africa.  (Thosewho are not interested in the Diamond Tourcan browse the waterfront attheir leisure).

The drums of Angola and the Congo beat an invitation. The feet of the Xhosa and Congolese dancers tell the story of Africa. The unaccompanied singers sing songs from all over the continent. It is this soup of African influences which welcome you to Gold – the Cape Town restaurant with a difference.  Located in the heart of Strand Street, the inviting venue opens its arms to local and international guests every day for dinner which features the full African food journey through southern and central Africa. Add to this a healthy dose of Cape Malay cuisine and you have the freshest, most interestingly African menu in the Cape. Between sampling a wide range of starters and the superb selection of main dishes, each with their own African or Malay tradition but served with the chef’s modern day twist, the dancers and drummers slowly cajoled the diners into a unique dinner experience. The interactive djembe drumming and acapella singing of the highest quality ultimately had the most reserved of guests either on the dance floor or singing along to the infectious rhythms.

DAY 4              FULL DAY WINELANDS TOUR                                                 (BL)

This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your full day tour of the Cape Winelands Tour. Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch winelands. Our first stop is the Afrikaans Language Monument, perched on Paarl Rock, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. We then continue onto wineries of well-known estates, to sample wines of merit, before visiting the Huguenot Monument and Museum in Franschhoek, to discover the origins of this world-renowned wine-producing region. Lunch is included at one of the many fine wine estates in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. Don’t miss the world-famous 19th century-style general dealer in Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street – Oom Samie se Winkel.  Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

DAY 5              FULL DAY PENINSULA TOUR                                                              (BL)

This morning, enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the Fairest Cape.  Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno currently the hottest real estate in the world to Hout Bay, a functioning harbour and heart of the local crayfish industry.  Enjoy a Seal Island cruise (weather permitting). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 66km trip from Cape Town.  Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora.  Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before travelling along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins.  Our last stop is the naval port of Simon's Town, the country's 3rd oldest European settlement.  Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure.

DAY 6              FLY CAPE TOWN TO DURBAN                                         (B)

On arrival in Durban, we travel north to the seaside suburb of Umhlanga for our overnight.  On arrival in Durban, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Umhlanga, a seaside suburb just north of Durban.  The balance of your day is at leisure.

Umhlanga is one of the most popular beach resort destinations on the east coast of South Africa. The warm Indian Ocean waters wash the miles of golden beaches and laid-back fun in the sun beckons

 

Accommodation:            PROTEA HOTEL UMHLANGA RIDGE, Standard rooms (1 Night)

DAY 7              TO HLUHLUWE & WILDLIFE CRUISE IN ST. LUCIA            (B)

Today we travel through Zululand from Umhlanga to St. Lucia and Hluhluwe National Park.   This afternoon, enjoy a two hour interpretive cruise on the St. Lucia estuary aboard the Santa Lucia, a spacious double decker boat offering great vantages to view hippos and crocodiles and occasionally other mammals, as well as excellent birdlife. 

Accommodation:            PROTEA HOTEL UMFOLOZI, Standard rooms (2 Nights)

DAY 8              ON SAFARI IN HLUHLUWE NATIONAL PARK                         (B)

Today, we go exploring Big Five country in the oldest park in South Africa: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. This is the legendary 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. Our specialist tours are all conducted in specially modified open safari vehicles to enhance your game viewing, and give photographers the very best vantage point to capture that perfect image. We only tour with qualified, experienced guides, so 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. You’ll be hooked on the camaraderie of being together when you meet that elephant, or spot that lion, and you’ll be back.

DAY 9              AM GAME DRIVE & TRAVEL TO SWAZILAND                         (B)

After an early morning game drive in Hluhluwe, we depart for the tiny, mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, a former Protection Territory, now ruled by King Mswati III.   We overnight in Swaziland.

Accommodation:            LUGOGO SUN HOTEL, Standard rooms (1 Night)

DAY 10            SWAZILAND TO KRUGER PARK                                      (BD)

This morning we northwards heading for your private game lodge located in the world famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park. Time permitting, we will stop at some of Swaziland’s famous arts & crafts markets and a candle making factory enroute to Kruger Park.

Located within the Karongwe Game Reserve, with Kruger National Park and the major points of interest in Limpopo and Mpumalanga within driving distance is the Chisomo Safari Camp. Bordered by the towering Drakensberg escarpment on the west and set in game-rich, lush vegetation, this splendid game reserve offers a variety of breathtaking views, diverse landscapes and an unrivaled African Safari experience.

The four star camp offers 22 well appointed and spacious luxury tents with ensuite bathroom, raised on platforms and set under majestic trees overlooking the Makutsi River. The warm atmosphere, friendly staff and fine cuisine compliment the excellent Big 5 game viewing here.Guests can enjoy the wildlife exploring the surrounding lush vegetation from the private game viewing deck. Between activities cool down in the pool or simply relax on the deck enjoying the sound of the bush.

Accommodation:            CHISOMO SAFARI CAMP, safari tents (3 Nights)

DAY 11       ON SAFARI IN KRUGER & VISIT TO A LOCAL VILLAGE           (BLD)

The reserve is home to Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) as well as a wealth of other creatures. Morning and evening game drives are in open Land Rovers, which are perfect for game viewing and offers some truly wonderful photographic opportunities. There are also over 365 different bird species. Game drives are conducted with qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers – who will share their vast experience of the African bush.

Guests enjoy dinners at the luxuriously furnished, thatched guest areas overlooking the river and the bush, or a traditional braai (BBQ) located at a specially created bush dinner site where traditional dishes are served under the stars. Sitting chatting with your fellow guests and listening to the sounds of the bush come alive at night is a lovely way to round of an exciting day of safari adventures.

Today, a visit to a local village and/or school is included.

DAY 12       ON SAFARI & VISIT TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRES    (BLD)

Enjoy another early morning game drive.   After breakfast, we travel to Hoedspruit to visit the Endangered Species Centre.  The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of their core disciplines.

The Centre is actively involved in the breeding of endangered, vulnerable or rare animal species;  the release and establishment of captive-bred cheetahs to the wild; the treatment and rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals which are brought to the Centre; education of learners, students and the general public in conservation and conservation activities; Eco-tourism; and it also offers a hands-on Student's Program to conservation and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

Return to your safari camp in time for your afternoon safari.

DAY 13            TO JOHANNESBURG VIA THE PANORAMA ROUTE            (BD)

Bid farewell to the wildlife and travel via God's Window to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Lowveld. Known as the Panorama Route, you travel via Graskop to the very edge of the escarpment, with Mpumalanga stretching far before you, all the way to Mozambique. Along this road lies the Blyde River Canyon - one of the most awe inspiring views you are likely to see – as well as God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, curiously shaped rock formations in the Treur River. Continue on to Johannesburg.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

Accommodation:            CROWNE PLAZA ROSEBANK, Standard Rooms (1 Night)

DAY 14            HD SOWETO TOUR & DEPART JOHANNESBURG       (BL, Inflight meals)

Your morning is at leisure.  Enjoy lunch at Sakhumzi’s restaurant after which you will be taken on a guide tour of Soweto, the largest township in Southern Africa. (Soweto is an acronym for South West Township). Experience the excitement and goodwill of the inhabitants of Soweto as they work towards creating a better South Africa; enjoy the sights and sounds of the typical African township. We visit the site of the June 16 1976 massacre that gave birth to the rise of the anti-apartheid era that would eventually see the downfall of the oppressive government regime of the apartheid (segregation) era. Our tour includes a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum, a monument to a schoolboy shot by the police in 1976 and the only street which was once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.   The tour concludes at the airport in time to board your South African Airways flight back to the US and onward connection.

Pricing for tour

SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION OF AIR PRICE

$5365 + approx taxes & fuel charges of $660* for the grouptour

estimated at $6025/person total, based on double occupancy

Single occupancy cost available upon request

*Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until documents are ticketed

and will be re-quoted at time of final invoicing.

Inclusions in above prices:

Exclusions in above prices:

OPTIONAL VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION:

  

DAY 14        FLY TO VICTORIA FALLS, SUNSET CRUISE ON THE ZAMBEZI  (B,Inflight L)

For those choosing to extend on to Victoria Falls, you will miss the Soweto tour today as you will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Victoria Falls.  On arrival shortly after midday, you will be met and transferred to your lodge located within walking distance of the Falls.

Put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You’ll have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippo, crocodiles and other animals which come down to the river’s edge in the early evening, to slake their thirst. You’re in the first-class seats, that’s for sure, and while you’re sipping your cocktail and enjoying snacks - you’ll be captivated by the sun’s dying rays as they cast a burnt-orange glow which shimmers on the river. Take another sip in this golden setting – cheers! 

Accommodation:            ILALA LODGE, Standard rooms (2 Nights)

DAY 15            GUIDED TOUR OF THE FALLS                                     (B)

No surprise why Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World! You’ll understand it instantly as we tour the Zimbabwean side, for there are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the fall, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away. We’ll walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which flanks the fall, stopping to marvel at the principal sites as it cascades to the depths below: the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island. We’ll stand and watch, feel and listen to the spray and thunderous noise, as millions of litres of water tumble over the Falls into a series of narrow gorges below. The seventh Natural Wonder of the World puts on the most dramatic show for you, and you’ll be privileged to have watched it.

DAY 16            DEPART VICTORIA FALLS FOR HOME                        (B, Inflight meals)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your early afternoon flight back to Johannesburg and onward International connections.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Pricing for Optional Victoria Falls Extension

 SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION OF AIR PRICE

$920 + approx taxes of $290* for the Victoria Falls add-on

estimated at $1210/person total, based on double occupancy

*Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until documents are ticketed

and will be re-quoted at time of final invoicing.


Inclusions in above prices:

Exclusions in above prices:

Save $25/person

Book both the Group Tour & Victoria Falls Extension

estimated at $7215/person, based on double occupancy

Single Occupancy costs provided upon request

$600.00/pp Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking

plus mandatory insurance of $291-$362/person

Copies of passports required

& balance due 90 days prior to departure

 

Call Christine Ward at 204-885-7261  or e-mail –  cmward@mymts.net

HAMBA KAHLE UPHINDE UBUYE

As we say in Africa:  Go well and come back again soon!