DAYS 1 – 3

Upon arrival in Cape Town on Day 2, you will be met and transferred directly to your luxury hotel. Cape Town is steeped in rich history and is a cultural melting pot with a diverse and vibrant character. Explore modern Cape Town, with its extended seafront, underground malls and soaring skyscrapers. Its many fascinating museums and historical buildings reflect the cultures shaping the city and the province it serves. Drive to the lower cableway station on the slopes of Table Mountain where, weather permitting, you ascend the mountain by aerial cable car. From a height of 3,425 feet, view the city and Table Bay below, along with Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard and most of the spectacular Cape Peninsula. On the evening of Day 3 you will be invited to a private home for dinner, where you can meet and mingle with local South Africans.

Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

DAYS 4 & 5

Spend the day exploring the remarkable Cape Peninsula. In the Cape Point Nature Reserve, indigenous flora and fauna are conserved in a priceless wilderness area. At Cape Point, take the funicular to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans “meet.” Proceed to the incredible Jackass Penguin Colony, home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African birds, where you may view the penguins in their natural habitat. Next, drive to the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, home to over 5,000 indigenous plants. Continue on to Franschhoek in the Winelands region. Relax and spend the next two nights in lovely country manor accommodations. 

Guests on the February and March departures will enjoy an exploration of Franschhoek and wine tasting in Stellenbosch on Day 5. October and November departure guests will embark on a whale-watching expedition to see the southern right whales in Hermanus’ Walker Bay.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas, Franschhoek

DAY 6

Depart early this morning for a drive back towards Cape Town to board the world-renowned Blue Train, and an unforgettable journey to view spectacular scenery not visible by any other means of transportation. The Blue Train combines the luxury of the world’s leading hotels with the charm of train travel. Follow on the northbound tracks of Cecil John Rhodes, who dreamed of a railroad extending from the Cape to Cairo. Pass through the wine lands of the fertile Hex River Valley, in the shadow of imposing mountains, up and inland to the endless sweeping landscapes of the Karoo. In the twilight hours, the train approaches the mining centers on the Gold Reef, and comes to a stop in Pretoria.

The Blue Train

DAY 7

Disembark The Blue Train in Pretoria, one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa and its administrative capital. Drive to the De Wildt Cheetah Centre for a private tour. Learn how the center is breeding cheetahs, wild dogs and other endangered species, then releasing them into the wild. Continue to Johannesburg, where you will spend the night.

D’Oreale Hotel, Johannesburg

DAYS 8 – 10

The morning of Day 8 drive to Johannesburg airport where you will take a one-hour flight to Londolozi’s own private airstrip. Londolozi is one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations in the world. A collection of wondrous excursions provide the means for exploring the endless horizons of the African bushveld. The range of activities includes discovery hikes, bush baths, leopard tracking and many more adventures. There are games drives each day at dawn and dusk — at the best times to view game on the move. The drives are conducted in open 4-wheel-drive vehicles, which allows for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road to track down Africa’s Big Five — the most sought-after and dangerous of the world’s big game. 

In addition to the game viewing, just a short walk from your camp is the staff village and model Shangaan Cultural Village. The village is a thriving community with many families having lived here for over thirty years. Throughout your stay you can enjoy Londolozi’s excellent cuisine in your choice of the camp dining room, around the boma campfire or in the bushveld under a starlit sky. On your last evening in Londolozi, enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner party.

Londolozi Varty Camp

DAYS 11 & 12

After one last morning game drive, those with limited time will be transferred to Johannesburg on Day 11 for your return flight home (arriving the following day) or on to your next destination.

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Cape Grace Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa

Situated on its own promontory in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and surrounded by water on three sides, the hotel is an island of tranquility and elegance only three minutes drive from the city center. The Cape Grace Hotel offers understated luxury and an atmosphere of comfort. With Table Mountain as the majestic backdrop, the hotel is within walking distance of the shops/restaurants/theatres and crafts of the Victoria Wharf. The bedrooms at Cape Grace are of generous proportions, immaculately furnished and thoughtfully equipped. Cape Grace Hotel is a member of the exclusive Leading Small Hotels of the World.

With panoramic views of Signal Hill, The SIGNAL Restaurant will provide a welcoming setting on the water’s edge in which to enjoy fresh produce, not only when the noon day cannon signals lunchtime, but at any time of the day. The style of food, created by a culinary team led by Executive Chef, Christophe Chabanel will be notably Cape with international flair. The menu will present a unique combination of flavors incorporating influences from the many cultures that have called upon this region during its history, namely French Huguenots, British settlers as well as Dutch and Asian traders.

Recently refashioned, the hotel’s 121 guest rooms offer a new level of luxury, and incorporate the artwork and skills of African artisans. Your Superior room exudes distinction with its fresh-cut flowers, lounge area, French windows and step‐out balcony opening out to a delightful view. It also features a separate dressing room and bathroom, with double vanities, fluffy velour robe & slippers, Charlotte Rhys bath products and a separate bath and shower. Other luxury amenities and features include a mini bar, complimentary tea & coffee tray with fresh milk delivery, satellite TV, internet access, in‐room safe and more.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Franschhoek, South Africa

Welcome to Franschhoek Country House & Villas, your 5 star hotel accommodation in the heart of the Franschhoek valley complimented by the well known Monneaux Restaurant and a number of guest services on offer for you to enjoy and indulge in. Situated on the outskirts of the Franschhoek Village, only 1km from the main town it is an ideal base to indulge your tastes for fine wines and world class cuisine. Guests can choose between the original and charming Franschhoek Country House or the Villas at Franschhoek Country House.

The Blue Train
Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa

The magnificent new Blue Train has been voted “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years. This all-inclusive luxury rail cruise provides an opportunity to view South Africa’s spectacular landscapes while visiting interesting sights along the way.

The Blue Train rivals many a 5-star hotel in terms of grace, ambiance, comfort and style. The suites have been superbly redesigned to offer discerning travelers the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship can offer. A large screen in the Club Car provides a driver’s-eye view of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the locomotive. Styled along the lines of a gentleman’s club, the Club Car is an ideal place to enjoy an after dinner cigar and relax over a cup of coffee. For those who desire a smoke-free environment, there is the Lounge Car. Here, traditional high tea as well as a variety of drinks and snacks is served.

The Dining Saloon offers two sittings for lunch and dinner. Lunch is smart-casual, dinner is jacket and tie for men and elegant for ladies, while breakfast is casual and free-flowing. High tea is served each afternoon in the main lounge. A sophisticated atmosphere, gourmet menu and the finest South African wines make dining on The Blue Train a magnificent experience.

Each Blue Train suite has a fully appointed bathroom en-suite, featuring either a bath or shower; telephone, TV monitor and individually controlled air-conditioning.

D’Oreale Hotel
Johannesburg, South Africa

The hotel offers luxurious accommodation and relaxation facilities, a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest in dining and entertainment, a unique retail concourse, and impeccable service. With palatial buildings set in a display of gardens, fountains and statues, the experience is breathtaking. The rich surroundings such as marble floors, plush carpets, magnificent stained glass domes, highly decorated murals and frescos, sculptures, intricate mosaics and Roman columns and arches, contribute to an atmosphere of intimate, classical elegance. Each is air-conditioned room and features include TV, en-suite bathroom with a spacious vanity, a hairdryer, safe and a mini bar available on request.

Londolozi Varty Camp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Londolozi is recognized as one of “the top luxury game viewing destination in the world,” and one of the most sought after ecotourism destinations in the world. Located on the banks of the Sand River, where the bushveld stretches to the horizon, the location is premium.

Travcoa accommodations are at the Varty Camp—‘The Heart & Soul of Londolozi.” The décor echoes the tones of the Varty’s own home, continuing their love affair with the earth. It is evident that great care was taken in design and construction that every detail, from materials used to the position of the trees, was assessed to ensure a light touch, reflecting the family’s passion for sustainability.

The Varty Camp is also the site of the Living boutique, the Jon Varty Cinematography Centre and the Life Wellness Centre. The wellness center, Londolozi Life, is designed to reflect and harmonize with the rhythms and cycles of nature. It offers the means of creating balance in body, mind and soul through the understanding that living in nature promotes healing and harmony. It contains an exercise room that overlooks the serene Sand River and is shaded by the ancient forest. Outside the west windows, the enticing stretch of a swimming pool promises sweet relief from any degree of body heat.

At Londolozi, superb cuisine is considered an essential part of the experience and a vital component of their holistic philosophy. They choose every ingredient with care, favoring organic produce, free range game and herbs from their kitchen garden to create dishes that are irresistibly delicious and promote health. Their intention is to honor the earth in their cooking-ensuring the seafood dishes are guided by the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative and that the number of imported ingredients is kept to a minimum. The Londolozi recipes are a source of great pride as many have been handed down through generations or were created in the Londolozi kitchens, which are the domain of world class chefs.

All the Varty Camp room sanctuaries have a private swimming pool framed by timber decks that overlook the riverbank. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees. Each sanctuary is spacious and comfortable, equipped with luxury amenities including a hair dryer, bathrobes, air-conditioning and overhead fans, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, and a mini safe.

The camp itself also has wooden deck, which provides an elevated view of animals watering in the Sand River, a swimming pool, safari boutique, and complimentary laundry service.

Jane Vermeulen

Jane brings a global outlook to her job, having once lived in Hong Kong where she worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. She has led journeys in South America, the South Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe and the Orient.

Travel Dates: September 28, 2012