Up Close & Personal with South Africa's BIG 5! Click here to read article...

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Tour Itinerary - 13 Days/ 12 Nights

Costs for 12 Guests Travelling:

$5,985 per adult sharing
$2,875 per child (sharing with adults) 0-11 years old)
$3,199 per child (sharing with adults) 12 -14 years old)

Day 1  Arrive in South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town! Arrival at Cape Town International where you are met by your expert guide who transfers you to your hotel situated just outside Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront which has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues and a myriad of fine restaurants and cafés.

Balance of the day is spent at leisure

Overnight:  Southern Sun Waterfront
Room: Standard Room with 2 double beds
Meals: Breakfast
Sightseeing: None

Day 2
Morning drive to fabled Table Mountain; ascend the mountain by aerial cable car, weather permitting. Enjoy the spectacular views of the city, Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard and the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

Afterwards, travel to the Company Gardens and visit the oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa, the South African Museum (SAM) has been adding to their collections for nearly 200 years and was established in 1825. Collections here range from fossils to insects and fish found as recently as a week ago; there are Stone Age tools, over 120 000 years old, side by side with displays of traditional clothes from last century.

Continue to the Castle of Good Hope. The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 upon establishing a maritime replenishment station art the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Verenigde Oos-Indische Compagnie). Return to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for lunch.

The last stop of the day is the Two Oceans Aquarium. A window on the ocean, offering glimpses of the diverse life found off the South African coastline. The Aquarium allows you to view over 3000 living animals, including fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. Depending on the time, you will be able to see the daily feeding of the fish in the I&J Predator Exhibit.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight:  Southern Sun Waterfront
Room: Standard Room with 2 double beds
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Sightseeing: Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope and Two Oceans Aquarium

Day 3

After being collected from your hotel, you are taken to Hout Bay to visit the World of Birds. The largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of birds. Get a close-up view of them as they feed, sing, display, socialise, build nests, incubate eggs and feed chicks right before your eyes - an unforgettable experience.

Thereafter, if calm seas prevail, join a launch cruise to view the Duiker Island seals and cormorants at close quarters.

Continue to Kommetjie, and enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve where you will be taken to the best vantage point to view what is erroneously said to be the meeting place of two mighty oceans. After a stop for lunch, the tour continues to an African penguin colony, the Naval hamlet of Simon's Town and then continues via Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay to Muizenberg. Return to the city via Rhodes Drive, which bisects the plush suburbs of Bishopscourt, Claremont and Newlands. The tour terminates at your hotel again in the late afternoon.

Overnight:  Southern Sun Waterfront
Room: Standard Room with 2 double beds
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Sightseeing: World of birds, Seal Island Cruise, Cape Point Entrance and Funicular and Boulders Beach

Day 4
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a tour and picnic lunch. After lunch we commence our overland journey, travelling from Cape Town to Barrydale where we spend the next 3 nights at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Overnight:  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Room: Family Suite
Meals: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch
Sightseeing: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Day 5
This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Sanbona is home to white lions and big game as well as the rare riverine rabbit. The White Lion Project at Sanbona that aims to return white lions to the wild has been heralded a success. This makes Sanbona home to the only free-roaming white lions in the world. One of the true joys of Sanbona is the freedom to do nothing at all in absolute luxury. But for those who choose to venture beyond the comfort of the luxury lodge accommodation, a world of new experiences awaits.

Overnight:  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Room: Family Suite
Meals: Full Board
Sightseeing: Lodge Activities, 2 Game Drives

Day 6
The hosts will discuss activity options for your family taking the family's size, children's ages and the weather into consideration. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives.

Children Activities:

• Interpretive trail through the garden of Gondwana learning about animals that occur on the reserve as well as tracks, important plants etc.
  
  

• Visit the sites where the San people left their legacy on the rock faces at Sanbona, where the ranger will interpret the scene so that the children can create their own 'rock' art.
  
  

• Sanbona Activity Book is educational and fun, teaching children about the wildlife at Sanbona and at the same time encouraging children to get involved in the game drives, often requiring the ranger's assistance to answer some of the questions.
  
  

• Children can partake in various social, sporting and art activities such as bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star gazing.
  
  

Adult Activities:

One of the true joys of Sanbona is the freedom to do nothing at all in absolute luxury. But for those who choose to venture beyond the comfort of the Lodge, a world of new experiences awaits... Game Drives, Nature Walks, Birdwatching, Star Gazing, Rock Art, Rock Formations & Features, Fauna & Flora and Spa Treatments are just some of the options.

Overnight:  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Room: Family Suite
Meals: Full Board
Sightseeing: Lodge Activities, 2 Game Drives

Day 7
Depart overland to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. Arrive at a fully operational Ostrich Ranch, where you are taken on a guided tour, which includes an opportunity to ride an ostrich! These flightless birds are rapid runners and can reach speeds of approximately 65 km/hr (40 mph). Lunch is included at the Ostrich Ranch. Continue to Plettenberg Bay where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Kurland Hotel:
Kurland has been designed with exceptional facilities for family holidays, and enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which makes this the ideal year round destination for fun vacations and family reunions. Once they have experienced Kurland, families from around the world return again. Time is of no consequence at Kurland, and guests set their own pace. Kurland aims to provide comfort, serenity, and great hospitality and ensures that guests have the pleasure of engaging in country pursuits and new experiences. Kurland is a great escape.

Overnight: Kurland Hotel
Room: Luxury with Loft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sightseeing: Cango Caves & Safari Ostrich Farm (tour and lunch)

Day 8
Proceed to the Knysna Elephant Park and get up-close-and-personal with nature. With the help of our resident African elephants and our well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants – the world's Southern most elephants.

Enjoy lunch on the John Benn. The John Benn is a double-decker floating restaurant offering daily Lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads. A memorable family activity on Knysna Lagoon. One of the best floating restaurants in Knysna.

In the afternoon visit Monkeyland - the world's first free roaming primate sanctuary for a walking safari through the dense forest.

Overnight: Kurland Hotel
Room: Luxury with Loft
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Sightseeing: Knysna Elephant Park & Featherbed excursion

Day 9
Travel overland along the Garden Route to the Greater Addo National Elephant Park with a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park en-route. Check in at Woodall Country House.

Woodall Country House:
Nestled in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, on the doorstep of Addo Elephant Park, and close to Shamwari and Schotia Reserves, Woodall Country House lies tucked away on a peaceful citrus farm where miles of citrus trees bear fruit all winter and scent the air with blossoms in the springtime. Revealing a rich and diverse piece of malaria - free Africa, Woodall guesthouse offers five star luxury and standards of service, leaving you unwilling to leave and eager to return.

Overnight: Woodall Country House
Room: Luxury Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sightseeing: Tsitsikamma National Park

Day 10
Experience game up close. Game viewing tours are guided by highly qualified guides whose passion for the area is inherent and infectious.

This morning you are taken on a Morning Drive in the Addo Park. Woodall's luxury open topped land cruiser departs daily on a number of excursions: Our highly experienced and qualified game rangers, with an intimate knowledge of the Addo area, include a bird and tree expert with a MSc Degree in plant sciences; a local historian whose knowledge and experience of the local area is unsurpassed; a wildlife and agricultural conservationist.

In the afternoon - "Tooth & Claw" Safari: (45 minute drive from Woodall). Schotia is the oldest private game viewing reserve in the Eastern Cape, and offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild.

The Tooth & Claw is a guided drive in open topped vehicles. It begins in the late afternoon, and returns after nightfall (late afternoon and evening game viewing is often the most rewarding time of day for game viewing as this is when animals are at their most active). This is especially the case with lion, which are generally nocturnal hunters. Schotia is also home to white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, jackal, crocodile, and a large variety of antelope. The drive is followed by a traditional meal is served under the stars in a thatched open-air lapa. Game Drive leaves at 15h00 and returns at 20h00 and is then followed by dinner.

Overnight: Woodall Country House
Room: Luxury Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sightseeing: Addo Elephant National Park, 2 Game Drives

Day 11
Hlosi safari lodge, situated in the well-known "Amakhala Game Reserve" is offered to you by the Lion Roars hotel and safari group.

At Hlosi, our focus is on delivering the best possible African safari experience to you. This involves not only providing the very best in luxury game lodge accommodation, fine dining, and exceptional hospitality, but doing all this within a private "big five" wildlife reserve.

Enjoy a safari experience like no other... We want you to experience being in the wild with some of Africa's most feared and protected predators.

Whether you are looking to see a Lion, Rhino, Elephant or Leopard we strive to get you up close and personal with Africa's famous five all the while living in & learning about this wonderful environment.

Overnight: Hlosi Private Game Reserve
Room: Entire Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Sightseeing: Game activities at the lodge, 2 Game Drivess

Day 12
Full day at the lodge with lodge activities and 3 meals.

Overnight: Hlosi Private Game Reserve
Room: Entire Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Sightseeing: Game activities at the lodge, 2 Game Drives

Day 13    Departure from South Africa
After early morning game drive followed by breakfast back the lodge.

Check out of the lodge and transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for onward domestic flight.

Overnight: Hlosi Private Game Reserve
Room: Entire Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Sightseeing: Departure
 

Highlights of this tour:

Cable ride up to the top of Table Mountain
Two Oceans Aquarium Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
World of Birds Hout Bay, over 3000 birds
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Picnic Lunch Kistenbosch Gardens
White Lions Sanbona Wildlife Rerserve
Opportunity to ride an ostrich
Knysna Elephant Park
Lunch on the John Benn Knysna Heads
Monkeyland primate sanctuary
Gameviewing "The Big Five"

Additional inclusions:

Lunch at V&A Waterfront
Sanbona Reserve 2 game drives included per day
Hlosi Private Game Reserve 2 game drives included per day
Woodall Country House 2 game drives included on Day 10
Dinners at Kurland / Plettenberg Bay
Dinners at Addo included

INCLUDED:

• Accommodation as stated above, subject to availability.

• Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle.

• Meals as mentioned in itinerary.

• Services of a professional driver.

• Services of a registered and experienced tourist guide.

• Entrance fees and excursions where stated in above itinerary.
  
  

EXCLUDED:

• All other airfares & airport taxes. You will require a flight from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town for your International flight home.

• All other meals other than stated in above itinerary.

• All other entrances and excursions than stated in above itinerary.

• Items of personal nature such tips, beverages, laundry etc.

• Porterage.
  

NOTES:

• The above is a quotation only.

• Services subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Rates subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control e.g. fuel increases, currency fluctuation etc.

• Should the period of travel, number of participants, type of accommodation, type of vehicle, or the duration of the stay change, the quote will vary accordingly.

• Terms and Conditions apply.
  

ELECTRICITY:

• The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ.

• Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins. If an adaptor is called for, consider bringing one with you, although they can be purchased locally.

• US-made appliances may need a transformer.

• Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

Some information on dialing codes:

• For outgoing international calls, dial 00 plus the country and area codes of the destination concerned. Refer to telephone directories for international dialing codes, or obtain 24-hour assistance by calling 10903.

• For incoming international calls, the code is +27 followed by the city code or cell phone code, dropping the first 0.

• O8 numbers are free to the caller; 0860 numbers are charged at local rates; 0861 numbers are charged at a flat rate.

• Some local city dialing codes: 011 - Johannesburg; 012 - Pretoria; 021 - Cape Town; 031 - Durban; 041 - Port Elizabeth.

TIPPING:

Tipping is widely practiced in South Africa. Here is some information on South African tipping:

• In restaurants and bars, 15% is the accepted tipping standard.

• Parking attendants and security guards are common in parking lots and at roadside bays. They generally ask if they can watch your car while you are going about your business - if you agree, a tip of R2 and up should be offered, depending on the length of your stay.

• In South Africa we still have the luxury of petrol attendants at gas stations to fill up our vehicle tanks, check oil, water and tyre pressure, and clean the windscreens. How much to tip for this special South African service? From R2 up.

• The going rate for porters at airports is around R10 per piece of luggage.

• Game Rangers and Drivers $8-10 and up per person per day.
  

VISAS:

• Visit the South African Department of Home Affairs comprehensive website www.home-affairs.gov.za. This website details which nationals are exempt from visas, and which are obliged to make application. Enquiries regarding South African visa info can also be obtained from South African missions in your country, or the nearest one to you.

• If you are a national of a country that requires visas, you must make application ahead of your departure, as visas are not issued on arrival. The visa must be affixed in your passport to be shown to immigration officials on landing. Applications must be made through South African diplomatic or consular representatives.
  

WHAT TO WEAR:

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head for our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

• For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.

• The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures sky-dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season.

• Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sun block a firm part of your skincare kit.

• Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

• If you are doing business in the country, business attire may be called for, although some sectors of the corporate world e.g. media for example tend to dress down these days.

• For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.

• For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route.
  

SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

Where a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday becomes a public holiday. Should a public holiday fall on a Saturday, it is celebrated on that day.

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

CUSTOMS:

South African Customs regulations afford visitors to the country the opportunity to bring in certain goods without incurring duties and value added tax (VAT). These are limited in quantity and value. On arrival, you can take the green 'nothing to declare' channel if you stick to these allowances:

• Personal effect

• Other new or used goods not exceeding R3 000 (Additional goods, new or used, exceeding R12 000 will incur a duty charge of 20%)

• Wine not exceeding 2 litres per person over the age of 18

• Spirits and alcohol not exceeding l litre per person over the age of 18

• Cigarettes not exceeding 200 and cigars not exceeding 20 per person over the age of 18

• 250g cigarette tobacco or pipe tobacco per person over the age of 18

• Perfumery not exceeding 50ml and toilet water not exceeding 250ml per person

But, if you have goods in excess of these allowances, take the red channel and declare your items, where you will be billed at the applicable rates by representatives of South African Customs. Note also, that if you are importing for business and commercial intent, you will also not qualify for these allowances, other than personal effects.

Customs in South Africa further stipulates that when you leave the country you are permitted to take up to R500 in South African Reserve Bank notes. A 20% levy is charged on higher amounts.

YELLOW FEVER ENTRY REQUIREMENT:

South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. This is in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).

The IHR allow countries at risk to obtain vaccination certificates from individuals travelling from high-risk countries. If travellers or citizens are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry, or their vaccination has been administered less than 10 days before departure, they may be:

• refused entry; or

• quarantined until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more than 6 days; or

• allowed entry, if they have an exemption certifcate due to medical reasons, but are required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities and be placed under surveillance.
  

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, should be:

• approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

• administered at least 10 days before departure to South Africa at yellow fever-approved vaccination centres (the vaccine offers protection 10 days after administration)

High-risk countries include: Angola; Argentina; Benin; Bolivia; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; Colombia; Congo; Cote d'Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ecuador; Equatorial Guinea; Ethiopia; French Guyana; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Kenya; Liberia; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Rwanda; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; Sudan; Suriname; Togo; Trinidad and Tobago; Uganda; United Republic of Tanzania; Venezuela.

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