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Departure
August 01, 2011
Trip Length
13 Days
Price (per person)
$12,895
Single Supplement
$5,450
Internal Airfare
Pricing Notes
South Africa: Absolute Luxury
South Africa is a land of contrasts, where one will find barren desert, wildlife-rich bushveld, fertile winelands, and the hustle-bustle of important commercial centers all within its bounds. This special private journey explores the diversity of an evolving African nation and invites you to enjoy adventurous wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes from desert to coast, gastronomic delights, and cultural encounters.
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Meeting Point
Johannesburg, South Africa
Departure Point
Cape Town, South Africa
Journey Includes
- Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and fully guided daily sightseeing provided by private deluxe A/C vehicles
- Local English speaking guide for sightseeing in each city
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- TravcoAssist (Medical & Travel Assistance Plan)
Travel Insurance
Print Itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Welcome to South Africa. You are met on arrival at Johannesburg airport, and then transferred to the domestic air terminal for your flight to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve located near Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your luxurious accommodations at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. Relax at the lodge, and then late in the day take a game drive to explore the private bushveld region and see some of Africa’s greatest mammals in their natural habitat. (D) Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands Private Reserve DAY 2Wildlife Reserve & Safaris Spend two full days enjoying the luxury and natural environment of this incredible region. Take early morning and evening game drives in open land rovers to see wildlife including lions, rhinos, elephants and more. In between, you take a bush walk to view different wildlife and foliage on foot, and a tour along the Sabi River to spot hippos and the enormous African Nile crocodiles. (Other optional activities include golf, hot air ballooning and visiting a local village.) Throughout your stay, relax in your accommodations – a luxurious villa that includes a private swimming pool. (B, L, D) Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands Private Reserve DAY 3Wildlife Reserve & Safaris Continue exploring this marvelous and diverse region, while enjoying your luxury villa. (B, L, D) Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands Private Reserve DAY 4Sabi Sands to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve This morning enjoy a game drive before you are taken to the airstrip for your flight, via Johannesburg, to the Tswalu airfield in the Kalahari region. You are met upon arrival and transferred to your deluxe safari accommodations in a camp dedicated to conserving the land as well as preserving and nurturing the endangered and indigenous animals. Your accommodations at this Malaria‐free camp feature a private deck overlooking the watering hole popular with local wildlife. “Kalahari” is derived from the Tswana word “Kgalagadi”, meaning the waterless place, yet this barren region is one of great beauty, and a true wilderness area. Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 247,000 acres. This afternoon take a game drive to spot some rare and extraordinary wildlife including the Desert Black rhino, black‐maned Kalahari lions, meerkats, cheetah, antelope and more. (B, D) Tswalu Kalahari Lodge, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve DAY 5Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Your dedicated field guides and butler will help you choose the best way to enjoy your two days in this unique environment. From the luxuries of having breakfast in bed and spa treatments, to the adventure of exploring the savannah by jeep or on horseback, your schedule is yours to decide. The Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people (Bushmen), and you can still see some their ancient engravings that archaeological research suggests may be up to 380,000 years old. You also have the opportunity to meet the Kalahari people, visiting their community center and children’s school. (B, L, D) Tswalu Kalahari Lodge, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve DAY 6Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Your adventure continues today at the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. (B, L, D) Tswalu Kalahari Lodge, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve DAY 7Tswalu Kalahari Reserve to Cape Town Enjoy your last morning game drive in the remote Kalahari before boarding your late morning flight south to the city of Cape Town, arriving by mid‐afternoon. You are met upon arrival and taken to your luxury boutique accommodations overlooking Bantry Bay. The rest of the day is free to explore this colorful, historic and charming city on your own. (B) Ellerman House, Cape Town DAY 8Full Day Cape Point Sightseeing Today enjoy a full day tour exploring the remarkable Cape Peninsula. Start with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the indigenous flora and fauna conserved in this priceless wilderness area. See the monument to Vasco da Gama, commemorating his historic voyage around the Cape in 1497. At Cape Point, take the Flying Dutchman Funicular up 780 feet to the old lighthouse, and enjoy fantastic views of the Cape of Good Hope. Visit Boulders Beach to watch the fascinating and vulnerable Penguin Colony go about their daily routine. Special wooden walkways enable you to get close to the penguins without disturbing their natural habitat. Visit the world‐renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 indigenous plants, at the base of Skeleton Gorge. You arrive back in Cape Town by late afternoon. (B) Ellerman House, Cape Town DAY 9Morning Cape Town Sightseeing This morning explore modern Cape Town with its extensive and inviting waterfront, and soaring skyscrapers. You will also visit Table Mountain and ascend the mountain by aerial cable car to view the city, Table Bay, Robben Island and get spectacular views of Cape Peninsula. Other tour highlights include the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest building structure in South Africa), the District Six Museum, The Grande Parade and Parliament Buildings. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore this charming and scenic city full of character, shops and great restaurants. (B) Ellerman House, Cape Town DAY 10Cape Town to Hermanus & the Winelands This morning depart Cape Town, and drive into South Africa’s famed winelands region, travelling through Franschhoek and the beautiful Paarl Valley. Explore Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town and the center of its wine industry. Stop at two of the more than 120 charming local wineries to learn how the local wine is produced and enjoy some wine tasting. You will also visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum to discover the history of the 17th century town. Arrive in Hermanus, your home for the next three nights, by late afternoon. (B, D) Grootbos Hotel, Hermanus DAY 11Hermanus Spend two days exploring this scenic region and take advantage of the variety of included activities available. You can horseback ride through the fynbos reserve, take a beach and cave excursion, and a guided birding tour on and off the reserve. July through December are the best times to see the southern Right Whales as they migrate close to shore, and land‐based whale watching with a specialized guide is included. Flower safaris during this time are also a great way to experience this unique region. (B, L, D) Grootbos Hotel, Hermanus DAY 12Hermanus You have a private car and driver‐guide at your disposal. Continue your Hermanus exploration with horseback beach rides, whale watching by boat, a scenic flight from a private landing strip or give yourself a breathtaking experience with Great White Shark cage diving from March ‐ August. These activities will incur additional costs, but are well worth the adventure. (B, L, D) Grootbos Hotel, Hermanus DAY 13Depart Hermanus & Cape Town This morning you are taken to the Cape Town airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B) |
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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. |
 | Lion Sands Ivory Lodge |
 | Tswalu Kalahari: The Motse |
 | Ellerman House |
 | Grootbos Hotel |
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