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The Best of South Africa plus Victoria Falls
November 14 to 30, 2007
Please join us on this exciting itinerary of tremendous scenery, history and culture.
Tour Highlights -
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn - Garden Route, Cape Peninsula, Knysna - ride the Steam Train, Cruise through the Private Nature Reserve on the Knysna Lagoon, Durban, Kingdom of the Zulus, Kingdom of Swaziland, Sabi Private Game Reserve with 2 Game drives Blyde River Canyon with preserved Gold Rush villages, Famous Premier Diamond Mine Johannesburg Fly to Livingston, Zambia, Spectacular Victoria Falls
Nov 14 DEPART NORTHER AMERICA for CAPETOWN
Nov15 Arrive Cape Town
Nov 16 Cape Winelands Depart the hotel and head north into the tranquil Cape Winelands Regions of Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Our first stop is the famous Afrikaans Language Monument, which is situated on Paarl Rock that also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Continue onto wineries of well-known estates to sample wine of merit, before visiting Huguenot Monument and Museum in Franschhoek to discover the origins of this world-renowned wine-producing region. Enjoy lunch (on own account) in one of the many fine restaurants in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch (on own account) before returning to Cape Town and our hotel. Nov 17 Cape Peninsula
Today is devoted to the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula. Your tour begins with a stroll through the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Then, drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno, currently the hottest real estate in the world, to Hout Bay. Continue on to the Cape of Good Hope nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. The spectacular sea and mountain vew are reason enough to make the 66km-trip from Cape Town. After lunch (your own account) at Simon's Town, the country's third oldest European settlement, visit Boulders Beach and the Penguin Colony before coach to Cape Town and your hotel. The Boulders Colony of African Penguins In 1993 a pair of African penguins were spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders
and in 1985 they began to lay. Since then the colony has grown rapidly.
By 1997 there were 2350 adult birds. Much of the increase in population is
due to migration from Dyer Island, as well as by reproduction. This is due to
the good fishing and the fact that commercial fishing has been banned in
the Bay. Although Simon's Town is very proud of its penguins but have had
to put up fences to keep the penguins out of their gardens . As a result, the
area has now been taken over by Cape Peninsula National Park. Board walks
and an information centre have al been established. Boulders still remains the only place in the world where one can actually swim amongst the penguins as they have continued to invade more beaches. They are remarkably untroubled by people.
Nov 18 Cape Town to Oudtshoorn (Driving time 4 hours) Travel to Outshoorn, the "Ostrich Capital of the World", through the Garden Route, which offers a slender stretch of coastal plain with dramatic change in landscape and luxurious forests. Explore Cango Caves, proclaimed as one of South Africa's ten more popular attractions. The caves are recognized as among the world's finest dripstone caverns with fantastic cavernous spaces, dripping rocks and rising columns of calcite. The bizarre shapes in the caves are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. They develop as lime water drips from the stones and evaporates. The structures growing down from the cave ceiling are called stalagtites, while those that grow from the ground to the top are called stalagmites. If both structures join together to build a column, it is called stalagnate.
Overnight: Queens Hotel
Nov 19 Oudtshoorn to Knysna Enjoy a tour of an ostrich farm before driving via the
spectacular Outeniqua Pass to the town of George.
Situated in the beautiful Western Cape Province, George
is the capital of the Southern Cape and the sixth oldest
town in South Africa. We get from there to Knysna in the best possible way: board the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, the last steam hauled scheduled passenger train operating in Southern Africa and encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in the heart of the Garden Route Lake District. Overnight: Protea Knysna Quays - Non Lagoon facing rooms (2 nights) BD
Nov 20 Knysna This morning enjoy a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon heading towards the Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve. The world famous landmark, the spectacular Knysna heads are two giant sandstone cliffs which mark the Knysna River's entrance. Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique 150 ha private Nature Reserve, encompasses the whole of the Western Head of Knysna and is one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites. The cruise departs at 10h00 from the dock and returns at approximately 14h00. Upon arrival, board a Unimog drawn trailer and drive up to the top of the Reserve. While stopping at a scenic lookout point, your specialist guides will share with you some fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or for individual exploration.
Nov 21 Port Elizabeth to Durban Travel to Port Elizabeth via the indigenous Tsisikamma Forest for a flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or for individual exploration.
Situated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is South Africa's chief seaport and one of its largest cities. Africa's bewitching seaside playground in the sun, Durban has from its earliest days possessed a special charm...a certain mystique that adds 'something extra' to the meeting of warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West...a wealth of influences to entertain and enthrall with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire-walkers and colonial heritage. Overnight: Protea Edward Hotel - Non sea facing rooms B
Nov 22 Zululand Travel to the Kingdom of the Zulu's via the lush north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Your first stop is an authentic 'Krall' where the assegai-wielding warriors share
their fascinating 'secrets of the sangomas' and Zulu dancers performing their ancient high-kicking routines to the beat of the drums. Time to sample
traditional Zulu beer and watch women craft clay pots and intricate beadwork.
After a hearty lunch, proceed to the village of St. Lucia. Overnigth: Elephant Lake Hotel BL
Nov 23 Swaziland The day begins with a motor launch cruise amid the breathtaking wilderness of Lake St Lucia, a World Heritage Site. Back on dry land we drive into the tiny kingdom of Swaziland, where we enjoy a visit to the Swazi Candle Factory.
Swaziland, a small, beautiful country in southern Africa, is surrounded by the Republic of South Africa on three sides and by Mozambique on the east. Being formerly a British protectorate, it became independent in 1968 as the Kingdom of Swaziland. According to the legends of the Swazi, their ancestors once lived near what is now Maputo, Mozambique. In the late 1700's, the Swazi chief Ngwane II led a small band of people over the mountains to what is now southeastern Swaziland. There the Swazi found other African peoples. Ngwane II and the chiefs who ruled after him united several of these peoples with the Swazi. Overnight: Ezulwini Sun BLD
Nov 24 Kruger National Park - Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Travel to the vast Kruger National Park and the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve situated in one of the finest wilderness areas in the Southern Kruger National Park Region for a welcome sundowner in the African bush. It is the only property to have substantial access to the perennial Sabie River, ensuring an incredible diversity of wildlife all year round. Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Cape Buffalo are common residents in this reserve amongst incredible birdlife. A unique element to the Lion Sands/ River Lodge safari experience is in its program of activities. Through these activities we become in tune with the pulse of the ancient spirit of Africa.
Overnight: Lion Sands River Lodge (2 nights) BD
Nov 25 Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
SABI SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE: The Sabi Sands Game Reserve
is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The
65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western
corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between
the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands and the wildlife roams freely between the two
game reserves. Some of the best and most exclusive private game lodges in
the country are in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing
the Big 5 (lion, leopards, buffalo, elephant and rhino are excellent.
Leopards are the main attraction of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and are so accustomed to our vehicles that they do not take much notice of them. Even when hunting, a leopard in the Sabi Sands will not mind a vehicle following it, even if this means following it off-road through the bush.
Nov The Lowveld and Panorama Route
Travel along the "Panorama Route" for the journey to the Pilgrim's Rest. Marvel at Mpumalanga's most spectacular scenery and enjoy the beautiful rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon and the boundless vistas of God's Window, - a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the lowveld, Blyde River Canyon - the third largest canyon in the world. Continue your journey as you pass over lovingly preserved villages and National Monument, which sprang up in the time of the Gold Rush. Arrive at your hotel and spend some time at leisure before heading to dinner - booked at the hotel. Overnight: The Royal Hotel BD
Nov 27 Pretoria and Johannesburg Travel to the world famous Premier Diamond Mines, which produced Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullunan, from which the Great Star of Africa was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels. We continue on to Johannesburg via Pretoria. Rejoin your coach for a 4.5 hour journey to Johannesburg. Founded in 1886, Johannesburg, also known as Jo'burg, is situated in the Northeastern part of South Africa. It is the capital of the province of Gauteng and the largest city in South Africa. Since 1995, the city of Johannesburg has included the formerly separate black African township of Soweto. Check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Nov 28 Fly Johannesburg to Livingston, Zambia
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Upon arrival into Livingstone, you will be met by a Representative who will assist you to your awaiting transfer to the stunning Sun International hotel, Royal Livingstone Hotel for check in. Spend the following two days enthralled by the beauty of the Victoria Falls - one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. "The first impression was unmistakable; immense power, the raw energy unleashed when the entire Zambezi leaps wildly into a black two kilometer wide abyss. The scale is massive, the spectacle spellbinding and perpetually changing. The falls hiss and roar as if possessed, the y rumble and crash like thunder. Vast clouds spew and billow out from the seething cauldron of its dark impenetrable depths. The moving water creates a magnetism that sucks you closer, so that you recoil in horror to quench a subliminal sacrificial urge." (Jumbo Williams, Zambezi, River of Africa. 1988) Overnight: Royal Livingstone Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis (B)
Nov 29 In Livingstone
Around 16:00 this afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River with drinks and snacks. The Zambezi is Africa's fourth largest River system, after the Nile, Zaire and Niger Rivers. It runs through six countries on its journey from central Africa to the Indian Ocean. Its unique value is that it is less developed than others in terms of human settlement and many areas along its banks enjoy protected status.
Overnight: Royal Livingstone Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis (B)
Nov 30 Fly Livingstone to Johannesburg
Depart Johannesburg for return or planned extension
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, taking on board your last memories of a gorgeous African landscape, before you are transferred to the Livingstone Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and your onward flight home. (B) $5459.00 CANADIAN FUNDS - per person sharing twin/double accommodation
Single supplement : 1289.00 Canadian Funds (1129.00 USD)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Exclusions:
Cancellation Penalties : More than 6 weeks prior to departure $200.00 per person
Early Booking Bonus
Welcome to Africa! Stylish city life to untouched beaches; from breathtaking scenery to an opportunity to view wildlife in its natural
habitat. Our journey will give you time to experience many different
cultures, peoples and languages that this wonderful country has to
show us. Upon arrival in Cape Town we will be met by our represent-
tative and taken to our hotel. Cape Town, the Mother City of Africa,
is built on a history that reflects in the architecture, cuisine, music
and dance and is a rare cultural gem resulting from the amalgamation
of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British, German settlers, the local
Bushman, Hottentot and the Bantu tribes.
Overnight: Protea Hotel President 
Overrnight: Rosebank Hotel 
$4789.00 USD
All Taxes: $280.00 CAD ( $250.00 USD)
Deposit required : $500.00 per person
Balance due by September 20, 2007
Between 42 -22 days prior to departure 80% of program cost non-refundable
Less than 22 days prior 100% of net tour price non-refundable
$150.00 per person
Deposit by January 10, 2007
