|
Sample
Itinerary -
 A
World in One Country 17 Days ~ 13 Nights
Day 1 Fly USA to London
Day 2 Fly London to Johannesburg
Day 3 Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa
Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will be met
and transferred to your accommodation in Pretoria.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Depending on the
time you arrive, you may have time to explore the
magnificent suburban shopping malls or take in an
optional Johannesburg City Tour (own expense).
A city
of astonishing contrasts, a huge metropolis where
opulent wealth and desperate poverty live side by side:
Johannesburg is the intriguing, dynamic heart of this
turbulent country. If you want to see the real South
Africa - and try to understand it - Jo'burg has to be on
your itinerary.
Jo'burg,
Jozi, eGoli or 'the city of gold' (never Johannesburg)
is by far the largest city in South Africa. It's brash,
fast-growing and often ugly, but it's got wealth, energy
and a beautiful climate. If you take reasonable
precautions and listen to the locals, you can enjoy it
in safety.
Accommodation: 1 night
Rosebank Hotel – Standard Room
'Classical elegance and warmth' are the guests first impressions of
the hotel. A tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, combined
with friendly efficient service, are all trademarks of
our hospitality. The Rosebank hotel has a 4 star
grading along with an outstanding reputation.
The hotel is situated in the prestigious suburb of Rosebank, part
of Greater Sandton, in Gauteng, South Africa. Rosebank
is conveniently located near the major centers of
Johannesburg, Sandton and Randburg, easily accessible
from Midrand and Pretoria, and 30 minutes from
Johannesburg International Airport.
Three shopping malls and the renowned African Craft Market are
within a few minutes walk from the hotel - providing
guests with a wide variety of curio and craft shops,
gift shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques, chain
stores, restaurants, cinemas and entertainment.
Attractions nearby include Gold Reef City, Lion Park,
Johannesburg Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Soweto
Tours, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, Game
Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Archeological Sites and the
Origins of Man, numerous museums, casinos, golf courses,
sports stadiums and other exciting possibilities. You
stay includes breakfast on a daily basis.
Day 4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga
Depart
for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the
lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.
Mpumalanga in South Africa often referred to as "Big
Game Country" is the setting for dozens of sanctuaries
teeming with wildlife and birds. The entire area of
Mpumalanga offers exceptional opportunities for
bird-watching, hiking, horse-riding and fishing. Streams
once panned for gold have become the haunts of eager
anglers and lazy trout.
Mpumalanga is steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and
fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns abound.
Barberton and Pilgrim's Rest are among the most famous.
A special, additional dimension occurs in the Middleveld
region which is inhabited by Ndebele people, notable for
their traditional costumes and attractively decorated
houses.
Accommodation: 1 night
The Royal Hotel – Standard Room
The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim's Rest is perhaps one of South Africa's
best known hotels. It was impeccably restored to reflect
true late Victorian style. Composed of ten authentic
buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century,
the hotel now offers 50 charming en-suite bedrooms.
Declared a goldfield in 1873, Pilgrim's Rest became a
cosmopolitan centre of activity in South Africa. Today
it stands as a legacy to these pioneers. The town was
proclaimed a National Monument in 1986.
Trapped in a time warp, the lounge reflects an epoch of time
honored hospitality and elegance so typical of the
Victorian era. Upon entering the Royal Hotel, visitors
are immediately taken on a nostalgia filled trip into
the past. The reception walls are lined with the most
interesting photographs and artifacts providing vivid
glimpses of Pilgrim's Rest's history. This theme is
carried forward into the lounge as well as the very
famous public bar.
Rounding off the Royal Hotel experience is our informal restaurant
where hearty old- fashioned meals are served in a
historical atmosphere in keeping with the rest of the
Hotel. Enjoy a meal outside while taking in the scenery
- an experience worthwhile. Your stay includes breakfast
on a daily basis.
Day 5 Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park
Explore the living history of Pilgrim's Rest, the old gold mining
village where gold was first discovered, gasp at the
glory of God's Window, a boundless view of mountains and
fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River
Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive
at our Kruger National Park camp in time for a welcome
sundowner in the African bushveld.
As well
as being one of the most famous wildlife parks in the
world, Kruger National Park is among the biggest and
oldest. You can see the 'big five' here (lions,
leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) as well as
cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, all sorts of antelope
species and smaller animals.
Although most people will have seen African animals in
zoos, it's hard to exaggerate how extraordinary and
completely different it is to see these animals in their
natural environment. That said, Kruger is not quite a
wilderness experience: it's highly developed, organized,
accessible and popular.
Accommodation: 1 night
Pretoriuskop – Standard Room
Pretoriuskop is situated in the south-western part of the Kruger
National Park, only nine kilometers (5 miles) from Numbi
Gate. The camp lies in a hilly region with many
interesting, picturesque rocky outcrops. Rare species
like sable and rhino may be sighted in this area as well
as the more prolific species such as impala, zebra and
wildebeest. A wide variety of basic accommodation is
available at Pretoriuskop, including huts, cottages,
bungalows and a guest house. Other facilities at the
rest camp are a shop, barbecue, communal kitchen
facilities, swimming pool, in-camp trail, laundromat,
restaurant/cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol
station. Several historic places, such as the
Voortrekker road, the birthplace of Jock of the Bushveld
and the Albasini ruins are within a short drive from the
camp. The first tourist hut in the park, the Wolhuter,
is found in this camp.
Day 6 At leisure, Kruger National Park
Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the area on a game viewing
safari. Set off before breakfast in open safari vehicles
in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard,
and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant
species. Savor the magic of this enormous wilderness.
Day 7 Kruger National Park to Swaziland
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a
former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King
MsWati III. Witness a Swazi Cultural experience before
visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Works to see Master
Craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art
out of molten glass.
Our next stop is the capital city Mbabane, known for its vibrant
markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and
carvings.
Swaziland
is the smallest country in Africa is also one of the
most easy going - laid-back Swazis are more likely to
celebrate for fun than demonstrate for reform. A
progressive and hands-on attitude towards wildlife
preservation has endowed it with a striking bunch of
national parks.
Black
and white rhino, elephant, and more recently, lion, have
been reintroduced into the collection of national parks
and game reserves. You can trek, horse ride, raft on
wild rivers or cycle through many of the parks and get
surprisingly close to a huge variety of wildlife.
Accommodation: 1 night
Ezulwini Sun – Standard Room
Located
in the beautiful and secluded Ezulwini Valley in the
Kingdom of Swaziland is the Ezulwini Sun. The hotel
welcomes its guests to a warm and friendly Caribbean-
like atmosphere. Wrapped in shades of pink, blue and
white, all the rooms are decorated in a delightful
Cabana-style, with magnificent views of the surrounding
mountains.
Facilities include horse riding, tennis, volleyball and
a large swimming pool. Guests also have full use of the
facilities at the Royal Swazi Sun. Each room has two
double beds with a private bathroom and shower,
hairdryer, television and tea/coffee making facilities.
Your stay includes breakfast on a daily basis.
Day 8 Swaziland to St. Lucia
Today
you will travel to St. Lucia. Along the way you’ll
visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teaming with exquisite
wax artworks in every shape and color imaginable. Then
on to Zululand, passing the traditional round huts and
endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St.
Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home to hippo,
crocodile and no less than 367 bird species.
St.
Lucia is known as the gateway to the Greater St. Lucia
Wetland Park and therefore ideally positioned as an
accommodation base for further exploration. Cape Vidal,
one of the best snorkeling and spear fishing venues on
the coast, is 32 Km north of St Lucia. Access is through
a nature reserve containing 4 of the Big 5, Lion being
absent for the safety of beach users. The world renowned
Hluluwe/ Umfolozi game reserve is a mere 35 minutes
drive away - close enough for a day trip.
Accommodation: 1 night
Elephant Lake Hotel – Standard Room
Elephant Lake Hotel accommodation is situated on the Elephant Coast
in the heart of the exquisite St Lucia World Heritage
Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in South
Africa. The hotel sits on the banks of the St Lucia
Estuary and overlooks the lake. With its lakes, lagoons,
freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports
more species of animal than the better known Kruger
National Park.
All rooms look over the St Lucia Lake and offer en-suite bathroom,
telephone, air conditioning, satellite TV and tea/coffee
maker. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and in the
evening you can dine ‘at home’ on a varied selection of
specialties complemented by one of the renowned South
African wines. Sundowners on the deck with the sounds of
nature will leave memories of St Lucia that will always
be treasured.
Day 9 St. Lucia to Durban
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for
Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en-route to
Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own
version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind.
You will be dropped off at your accommodation before
lunch time.
Durban
is a big subtropical city in the northeastern province
of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a major port since the
1850s and is home to the largest concentration of
Indian-descended people in the country. Today the city
is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlor with a
happening nightlife.
The
weather (and the water) stays warm year-round drawing
the crowds to Durban's surf beaches. Apart from the
waves, 'Durbs' has much to offer. The city hall houses a
gallery with a good collection of contemporary South
African art and a natural science museum.
Accommodation: 1 night
Protea Edward Hotel – Standard Room
Situated on Durban's famous 'Golden Mile', it is in close proximity
to the city centre, popular casino, uShaka Marine World,
International Convention Centre and across the road from
the main swimming area and Kiddies Funworld.
The 'Grande Dame' of Durban since 1911, the Protea Hotel Edward is
renowned for personal services and gracious hospitality,
all within an ambience of stylish elegance and
sophistication. Relax at the rooftop pool, sip
sundowners on the terrace, indulge in the scrumptious
dinner buffet or enjoy a cigar in the Cocktail bar,
complemented with attentive and friendly service fit for
a king.
Individually decorated en-suite rooms with magnificent sea views,
air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, mini
bar, satellite television with pay movie channel, hair
dryer, touch-dial telephone and internet access. Your
stay includes breakfast on a daily basis.
Day 10 Fly Durban to Knysna
Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your
flight to Knysna. Upon arrival at the airport you will
be met transferred to your accommodation in Knysna.
Along the way you will travel through the indigenous
Tsitsikamma Forest towards the romantic seaside resort
of Knysna in the heart of the famous Garden Route, with
scenic stops along the way.
A place
of "People, Beauty and Mystery" is what comes to mind
when describing Knysna. The exceptionally equitable
climate with rain falling throughout the year ensures it
remains perennially green. The town nestles between the
impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean,
with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a
protective mantle. At the heart of Knysna is the 21 ha
lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic
sandstone "Heads" - silent sentinels down the centuries
of the rich history of this unique part of "paradise on
earth".
Accommodation: 2 nights
Protea Knysna Quays – Standard Room
Midway along the coastal road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth,
in the heart of the Garden Route, is the vibrant town of
Knysna, a favorite destination for both business and
pleasure.
The hotel has a lovely pool and a restaurant and there are shops
located right next door. All rooms at the Protea Hotel
Knysna Quay are decorated in light nautical hues and
feature deluxe en-suite bathroom with separate shower,
satellite TV and air- conditioning. Most rooms offer
magnificent views of the lagoon and yacht basin. Your
stay includes breakfast on a daily basis.
Day 11 At leisure, Knysna
Today spend your day at leisure exploring the area. Cruise on the
vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature
Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing
sandstone heads which guard the sea entrance to Knysna's
huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine
beaches beyond. After lunch the remainder of the day is
at leisure to enjoy this lovely and special town.
Day 12 Knysna to Oudtshoorn
This morning we embark on a nostalgic steam train journey aboard
the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, by far the best way to get from
Knysna to Wilderness. Enjoy the wonderful views of the
spectacular Outeniqua Pass en-route to Oudtshoorn, the
'Feather Capital of the World', so named because it's
the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry.
After lunch we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures
during a tour of an ostrich farm. Then head underground
for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South
Africa's most incredible natural wonders. You will
spend the night in Oudtshoorn.
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres
from the large coastal town of George. Enjoy the
relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town
or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy
of life in the country!
This
town with its wide open spaces and broad streets is the
capital of the Klein Karoo. The town is spread along
both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the
Oliphant's River, and its fertile valleys are
encompassed by the Swartberg Mountains to the north and
the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Warm, dry summers
and sunny winter days make it the ideal breeding ground
for the most majestic of flightless birds - synonymous
with Oudtshoorn - the ostrich.
Accommodation: 1 night
Queen’s Hotel – Standard Room
The Queen's Hotel has been skillfully renovated to recapture the
colonial ambiance of a bygone era. The finest of
materials were used in the renovations, from the marble
and antique furniture collection in the foyer to the
gold-plated bedroom door handles. The water features
provide welcome relief after a day in the African sun.
Tastefully decorated bedrooms have air conditioning, TV with M-Net,
clock radio and telephone. The Hotel is situated next to
the world-famous ostrich museum and in close proximity
of a multitude of restaurants, curio and coffee shops.
It boasts an extensive range of services, which includes
the following: a tourist information center and travel
agency, a professional hairdressing center, a beauty
salon, and a wine and Delhi shop. Your stay includes
breakfast.
Day 13 Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas
as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we
will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the
hopes of catching a glimpse of Southern Right Whales,
which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of
season we will return to Cape Town along Route 62, South
Africa's version of America's 'Route 66'.
Sir Francis Drake once described this area as 'the fairest Cape in
all the world'. Cape Town's location is spectacular; the
city is dominated by a 3 280ft-high, flat topped
mountain with virtually sheer cliffs and surrounded by
mountain walks, vineyards and beaches.
There is a variety of things to do and see. Wander around the
cosmopolitan Green Market Square located in center city,
or sail on the harbor to gain a very different
perspective on the beauty of Cape Town, enjoy a meal or
shop at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront's working
port; or visit Cape Town's new aquarium to see the
myriad of sea life that the Cape is home to. In Cape
Town, there is something for everyone.
Accommodation: 3 nights
President Hotel – Standard Room
The new President Hotel is situated on Cape Town's spectacular
Platinum Mile which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and
boasts impeccable service, consummate luxury, and a
variety of facilities. The Protea Hotel President
consists of 349 well-appointed rooms and suites on the
Bantry Bay beach front. The hotel boasts a ladies wing,
as well as 20 dedicated non- smoking rooms. Rooms are
broken down into Standard Rooms, Junior Suites, Superior
Suites and Executive Suites. All rooms and suites
contain a remote control Television, hairdryer,
telephone, central air conditioning, room safe, and
electronic locking devices on all doors.
The hotel's a la carte restaurant offers a sophisticated and light
Mediterranean ambience and at the end of the day, you
can relax over sundowners on the popular Terrace. The
hotel also offers a large swimming pool, hairdressing
salon, gymnasium, and jewelry shop on the premises. Your
stay includes breakfast on a daily basis.
Day 14 Tour - Cape Peninsula full day tour
See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became
known as the ‘Fairest Cape’. The tour begins with a
stroll through the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical
Gardens. Then 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 (optional Seal
Island cruise, time permitting).
Drive along the breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, around
the Atlantic Seaboard. After a stop for lunch (own
expense), it’s on 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.
Continue 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 third
oldest European settlement.
Day 15 Tour - Winelands full day 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 in one of the many fine restaurants in either Franschhoek or
Stellenbosch (own expense). Don’t miss the world-famous
19th century-style general dealer in Stellenbosch’s Dorp
Street - Oom Samie se Winkel.
Day 16 Fly Cape Town to London
Today
you will be transferred to the airport for your
departure flight back to the USA via London.
Day 17 Fly London to USA |
