South Africa - Wildlife & Cultural Safari Prepared for Merilyn Householder Group September 17-30 2012 Space is limited and subject to availability. Price is based on eight people. * Five Day Tour Extension to Victoria Falls and Chobe Park * Itinerary as of November 1 2011 Mon, Sept 17: Arrive Johannesburg On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met, after passing through customs, and assisted to the complimentary shuttle to your airport hotel. Johannesburg stems from gold and diamond mining, dating back to the 1800's, and the city's local name, Egoli, means The City of Gold. Today, Johannesburg is the powerhouse of Africa and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. You will overnight at Peermont Metcourt. Peermont Metcourt The 3-star Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms - each include LCD flat screen TV, satellite DSTV channels for all languages, tea and coffee stations, secure internet connections, laptop safe, working desk with business-convenient plug points. The hotel's clean and modern façade is complemented by a private and sheltered pool terrace, set in a beautifully landscaped garden, providing guests with food and beverage service throughout the day. There is also an express-style deli for quick and convenient meals, a business center with workstations and data connectivity for laptops as well as Wi-Fi internet access in public areas. The hotel also features the F.L.A.G Café and the 21° Cocktail Bar. Tues, Sept 18-Thurs, Sept 20: Thornybush Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park Take the complimentary shuttle back to the airport for the scheduled flight (not included) to Hoedspruit, where you are met and transferred to your safari camp at the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. The reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and is a part of the famous Greater Kruger National Park. You can explore the reserve on foot or by vehicle with naturalist guides and local trackers. Spend three nights at Chapungu Tented Camp with all meals and two game activities daily. Chapungu Luxury Tented Lodge The camp is furnished in authentic colonial splendor, handpicked pieces enhance the ambience and comforts typical of a bygone era. The lodge also boasts a rock pool, a curio shop, a boma and a dining area. The camp has eight en suite luxury tents. Each tent has overhead ceiling fans, tea and coffee making facilities, private decks and air-conditioning. The main buildings are under thatch, but all of the rooms are canvas tent structures. Fri, Sept 21-Sun, Sept 23: Sabi Sands Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park You are picked up at Chapungu Tented Camp and transferred by road to the famous Sabi Sands Private Reserve and your safari lodge. The Sabi Sand Reserve is a 65,000 hectare reserve, pioneered by the landowners in the 1950's, when the internal fences were dropped and a shared environmental management program was put in place. Today, many of these families are now third and fourth generation land owners, their legacy being the successful conservation of the highest density of big game in South Africa. The game in the Sabi Sands reserve is well habituated resulting in unforgettable close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard. The Sabi and the Sand Rivers run through the reserve, which add another dimension to the bio-diversity of this area, Arathusa Safari Lodge lies within the northern region of the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge flanks the bank of a large lake, offering 180 degree views of the water and all the "Big 5" wildlife activity that it attracts. Three nights Arathusa. All meals, two game drives and an optional guided bush walk daily. Arathusa Safari Lodge The camp is an intimate one, completely open-plan and designed to harmoniously blend with the adjacent waterhole and African bush. Thatched suites each have a bathroom en suite (with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers), and a verandah for optimum enjoyment of the surrounding wilds. Additional amenities include a mini bar, an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities. The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view; reading a good book; enjoying compatible banter with friends or fellow safari travelers - the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience. An infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smoldering African summer’s afternoon. Mon, Sept 24: Cape Town After breakfast this morning, you are picked up and transferred to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for the direct flight (on own) to Cape Town. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel near the V&A Waterfront. Cape Town is fondly known as South Africa?s "Mother City", it is the oldest city in South Africa, with a cultural mixture of European, Malay and African heritage spanning more than 300 years. Be sure to do an excursion up Table Mountain, the icon of the city. This evening you can stroll around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a unique shopping and dining experience set in the scenic working harbor of Table Bay just steps from your hotel. Overnight Breakwater Lodge. Breakfast. The Breakwater Lodge Just a minute away from restaurants, theatres and shops, the Breakwater Lodge is perfectly positioned in the heart of the famous V&A Waterfront. Once a 19th Century prison, the hotel today provides comfortable and affordable accommodation in Cape Town, a spectacular setting that looks out over the harbor and Table Mountain. The 191 rooms are all elegant and stylishly decorated with comfortable furnishings as well as being equipped with 22 inch LCD Television sets with an 11 channel DSTV package, radio and a direct-dial telephone. If you need a little refreshment, a welcome tray with biscuits and tea/coffee making facilities is supplied. There are wireless Internet hotspots are located throughout the building. Tues, Sept 25: Cape Point & Peninsula Today embark on a private tour of the Cape Peninsula starts with the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman?s Peak, one of the world?s most breathtaking coastal drives, where a funicular takes you to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay. Stop for lunch in the area, (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and then visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. On the return trip, enjoy a stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel late this afternoon. Overnight The Breakwater Lodge. Breakfast. Weds, Sept 26: Arts & Culture Tour Depart at 9am from your hotel and travel to the Company Gardens in Cape Town. Embark on a walk through the Company Gardens towards the city center. Stroll past the National Library, Cape Town Parliament and St George?s Cathedral on your way to The Cape Gallery set in the heart of the old city off the Church Street walking mall flanked by colorful Georgian and Dutch facades. Here you will find some of the oldest and prestigious galleries, antique shops and auction houses in Cape Town. Recently the emergence of the vibrant street art has added an essentially African character to the work on display. Return to the Company Gardens for a visit to the South African National Gallery. It houses outstanding collections of South African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. Regular exhibitions enable the museum to have a full program of temporary exhibitions of paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, beadwork, textiles and architecture that provide insight into the extraordinary range of aesthetic production in this country, the African continent and further afield. Travel to the village of Muizenberg and visit Casa Labia. Built in 1929 to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is the former Muizenberg residence of Count and Countess Natale Labia. Casa Labia is home to a contemporary South African art gallery, an uber-stylish Africa nova boutique as well as a celebrated Italian café, where you can enjoy a light delicious lunch (own account). Continue to the quaint seaside village of Kalk Bay where the pace is a little slower with its quirky shops, antiques, crafts and art. Traditional fishing vessels still return with the „catch of the day? and line the little port, while surfers enjoy surfing one of the best reefs in Cape Town. Visit the Kalk Bay Gallery which is reputed to be one of the most comprehensive selection of contemporary, original South African art. Established in 1995, it is housed in the distinct Orange Building overlooking False Bay and offers a unique selection of over 3000 art works from international and South African artists. Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Overnight The Breakwater Lodge. Breakfast. Thurs, Sept 27: Cape Winelands This delightful drive winds its way through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Your first stop on this private tour is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where you enjoy your first wine tasting, coupled with a chocolate and dessert tasting. Onward over the scenic Helshoogte Pass, to Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. Its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you and a further wine tasting is included at one of the renowned estates in this area. Your final stop is at the town of Paarl, at the foot of a cluster of remarkable granite domes where you do your last wine tasting of the day, before heading back to Cape Town. Overnight The Breakwater Lodge. Breakfast. Fri, Sept 28: City Tour & Afternoon at Leisure Explore the city of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa?s oldest building), the lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain, which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula. (the cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). As you come back down from the mountain, make a stop at Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. from here you have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour. This afternoon is at leisure to soak up the last parts of Cape Town or return to shops or galleries that you may have seen earlier in the week. Overnight The Breakwater Lodge. Breakfast. Sat, Sept 29: Hermanus Whale Festival This morning you are picked up for the drive to Hermanus (about 1.5 hours). This charming town has earned the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December when the world?s only Whale Crier blows his kelp horn to alert the town when the whales are spotted. The whales use the sheltered bay to calf and it is not uncommon to see pods of 50 or more in the peak months, with whales occasionally coming as close as 50 meters to the cliffs. You have arrived right in the heart of the Whale Festival celebrating its 21st year as the only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, “puts the creatures of the deep on stage and under the spotlight alongside top performers and musicians.” Hermanus plays host to thousands of visitors who flock to the seaside resort to exhilarate in the unique natural environment, watch the whales and revel in music, and African rhythms during the festival The Whales are always the star performers at the festival and will be joined on land by great food, quality crafters, sport events, entertainment and thousands of people celebrating Spring in the most beautiful place on earth – Hermanus. As the festival gets closer, you?ll be updated with more information. Overnight Auberge Burgundy. Breakfast Auberge Burgundy Auberge Burgundy is positioned directly above the picturesque Old Harbour of Hermanus. Blending well into the historic heart of the vibrant town, this Provençal style guesthouse has a quaint reception area and charming vine shaded courtyards on varying levels. Full English breakfasts are served across the road in the well-known Burgundy Restaurant and the typically Tuscan high-edged pool is up on the mezzanine level and is surrounded by umbrella shaded loungers. The 18 rooms and suites are in randomly set on different levels or around the pool. The large beds boast crisp white linens, surrounded by woven furnishings topped with soft cushions in earthy tones and the en-suite bathrooms have hairdryers, heated towel rails, either a shower or a bath and walk-in dressing rooms. All the rooms have direct dial telephones, television, under carpet heating, bar fridges and coffee and tea stations. Sun, Sept 30: Depart Spend the morning at the festival exploring the craft markets and entertainment. This afternoon or evening, you will be transferred as a group to the Cape Town International Airport for your onward flights. Breakfast. Cost: Price per person sharing: $4899 Price per person single: $6529 Victoria Falls & Chobe Park Extension Prepared for Merilyn Householder Group September 30-October 5 2012 Itinerary as of November 1 2011 Sun, Sept 30 & Mon, Oct 1: Victoria Falls, Zambia Early this afternoon you will be transferred to the Cape Town International Airport for your onward flights to Victoria Falls in Zambia. Livingstone’s historical town was founded by the first European explorers to ‘discover’ the impressive Victoria Falls, and is today the tourism capital of Zambia. Mosi-Oa-Tunya is directly translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’, the local name for the Victoria Falls. Included in your stay is a guided tour of Falls, sunset cruise, daytime cruise, fishing, island picnics, guided birding, guided village walk, guided tour of the town and local markets. Livingstone is rated as one of the world’s top destinations for adrenaline and river activities. The most popular of these include (at additional cost) seasonal white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing, micro-lighting over the Falls, brunch and breakfast canoe trips on the Zambezi and Falls edge dining. Overnights Waterberry Lodge. All meals. Waterberry Lodge The main double-story lodge area overlooks the Zambezi River and the game park beyond. Upstairs the main lounge is open to the high thatch with plenty of seating, a well-stocked bar and magnificent views. Meals are served in the dining area or alfresco, on the sun terrace, overlooking the river. A floating pontoon gently sways on the Zambezi River, making it the perfect location for sundowners, fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the view. A large and welcoming swimming pool is set in the centre of our landscaped gardens and has a small plunge pool as well as shallow end, making it safe for children. The comfortable chalets are set around sweeping lawns – some on the riverbank, some overlooking a private dam. Several of the rooms have their own decks for sunbathing, bird watching, private dinners or just relaxing. Tues, Oct 2-Thurs, Oct 4: Chobe National Park, Botswana If you are leaving today, you will be transferred to the airport in the late morning for your onward flights. If you are continuing on, you will leave after breakfast and drive about 2 hours to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The Chobe National Park was established in 1968 and it covers approximately 4,517 square miles, encompassing floodplains, swamps and woodlands and the Chobe River forms its northern boundary with Namibia. The riverfront is most famous for its large herds of elephant and Cape buffalo, which rely on the river for water during the dry winter months. In some instances, you may see hundreds of elephant at one time, as the road becomes impassable while scores of family herds make their way to the river to drink, bathe and play. One of the most popular activities of this region is to go on a river cruise, where you can experience the game viewing from a different vantage point, accompanied by the unmistakable and spine-chilling call of the Fish Eagle. Overnights Chobe Safari Lodge. All meals, 3 activities daily and park fees included. Chobe Safari Lodge Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of Chobe River and borders Chobe National Park. The lodge has been recently renovated to offer a magical lodge experience to add to the spectacular game viewing. Accommodation at Chobe Safari Lodge consists of 46 Luxury Safari Rooms, 22 Luxury River Rooms and 8 Rondavels. All our luxury rooms have en suite bathrooms with bath and a shower, air conditioners, satellite TVs, telephone, safe and fan. All the rooms have stunning views of Chobe River. The main lodge includes a newly built restaurant featuring the indigenous flavors of Africa, offering a la carte and Buffet style meals, a cocktail bar with its own viewing deck, a pool deck with new enlarged swimming pool, entertainment lounge with a viewing deck, a curio shop, squash court and Internet Hot Spots. Activities to explore this beautiful area are game drives in 9 seater game viewing vehicles and game viewing boat cruises on the Chobe River. Fri, Oct 5: Depart After breakfast you will be picked up and returned to Livingstone International Airport to meet your departing flights. Cost: 2 night Victoria Falls Extension Price per person sharing: $929 2 night Victoria Falls Extension Price per person single: $1129 5 night Victoria Falls & Chobe Extension Price per person sharing: $2400 5 night Victoria Falls & Chobe Extension Price per person single: $3242 (425) 392-8900 / (800) 872-2720 240 NW Gilman Boulevard | Issaquah, Washington, U.S.A. 98027 Email: info@issaquahtravel.com Business Hours: Monday - Friday | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturdays are available by appointment FAX (425) 391-7556 specials | affiliations | our staff | location | links terms and conditions | home