Africa:South Africa
Gems of South Africa
Tour Highlights:
-Track Africa’s game in the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, considered to have the best big five game viewing in South Africa
-Enjoy a two-night stay at Lion Sands, where a holistic safari philosophy takes in all spheres of the ecosystem and its inhabitants, from the smallest beetle to the great African elephant
-Savor private touring, wine tasting and lunch in the Winelands region, where the vineyards are framed by the stunning Hottentots Holland Mountain range
-Take in Cape Town’s vibrant waterfront, and bargain for local crafts, such as wonderful batiks and baskets, at an outdoor market in the center of the city
-Choose between two exceptional adventures: explore the rare and complex ecosystems of Grootbos Nature Reserve on the Southern Coast; or experience a luxurious two-night journey aboard the renowned Rovos Rail Steam Train
Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa / Winelands Arrive in Cape Town, where your escort is waiting to drive you to your award-winning hotel, Le Quartier Français, in Franschhoek, a charming village that dates back to 1688 when French Huguenots settled in the valley. Le Quartier Francais (D)
Day 2: Winelands The theme of the day is celebrating the good life! During a private tour of classic wine estates, you learn about South Africa’s exceptional winemaking traditions. Discover superb architecture and villages with oak-lined avenues, set against the backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the heart of the Cape’sWinelands. In the late 1600s, Simon Van Der Stel founded the town of Stellenbosch, making this the second oldest town in the country. Visit the Village Museum, a collection of historic houses, before a final wine tasting at the manor house of Boschendal. Le Quartier Francais (B,L)
Day 3: Winelands / Cape Town This morning, begin an exploration of Cape Town and Table Mountain. You reach the top by cable car (weather permitting) for panoramic views of the cape. Back to the city, see the Castle of Good Hope. The original fort of Cape Town, built in 1652, has been carefully restored. Continue into the city, with its many 18th-century buildings. Visit the flower market and the Company Gardens past the Parliament buildings. End in the historic Malay quarter, with its narrow streets and original buildings painted vibrant colors.Your hotel is superbly located on a private quay overlooking the yacht marina on Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Cape Grace Hotel (B,D)
Day 4: Cape Town Take in stunning views of the dramatic coastline along the cliff-hugging road cut into the mountainside. Pass through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to reach Cape Agulhas. A short ride up to the lighthouse (weather permitting) rewards you with captivating scenes. Travel the Indian Ocean coast road to Boulders Bay to meet the quirky colony of African penguins. The animals selected this site in spite of the oceanfront houses already there. Relax with a leisurely walk through peaceful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Cape Grace Hotel (B,L)
Select one of these two outstanding options, according to your interests.
Day 5: Cape Town / Grootbos Nature Reserve Grootbos Nature Reserve is perfect for natural enthusiasts. Begin at Vergelegen Estate, famed for its Cape Dutch Manor house, and rose and herb gardens. Drive along the False Bay road. Its unspoiled coastline boasts some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world. Southern Right Whales come into the bays to give birth between July and December. The fishing village and resort of Hermanus is in the center of whale-watching activities. It also supports a lively arts community. Grootbos Nature Reserve (B,L,D)
Day 6: Grootbos Nature Reserve
Spend the day as you wish. Explore coastal paths on foot, horseback, mountain bike or 4x4 vehicles with a specialist guide. Here, you discover the largest private fynbos habitat in the world. Marine biologists and conservationists help you to appreciate this special habitat. Grootbos Nature Reserve (B,L,D)
Day 7: Grootbos Nature Reserve / Cape Town / Johannesburg / Gauteng Your driver takes you by road to Cape Town airport for your flight to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, your guide transfers you to your country house hotel. Kloofzicht Lodge (B,D)
For an alternative to Grootbos, select Rovos Rail Steam Train for a classic railroad experience:
Day 5: Cape Town / Rovos Rail
The jewel of South Africa's historic trains, Rovos Rail Steam Train is a restored antique train steeped in romance and tradition. Every detail of its gleaming wooden carriages recalls an era of glamorous rail travel. Two exquisite dining cars serve gourmet cuisine and fine wines.You have a choice of suites – Royal, Deluxe or Pullman. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury of a bygone era, select one of the Royal Suites that occupies half a carriage and is 172 square feet. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. Travel the Old Karoo Pioneering Trail to Pretoria, a journey of about 1,000 miles. Stop at the historic, Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded 1890. Rovos Rail (B,L,D)
Day 6: Rovos Rail
Savor the passing landscapes as the train heads to Kimberley, capital of the Northern Cape, famed for its diamond mines. Diamonds were discovered here in 1867. Visit the Mine Museum and one of the world’s largest manmade excavation sites, the Big Hole. Rovos Rail (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rovos Rail / Pretoria / Gauteng
Arrive in Pretoria about noon, and meet your escort, who transfers you to your country house hotel. Kloofzicht Lodge (B,D)
Day 8: Gauteng Area
This morning, explore the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, which incorporates more than a dozen fossil sites. Underground caverns have acted as geological time capsules, preserving thousands of fossils of extinct animals as well as some of our earliest human ancestors. Alternatively, you may wish to choose an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the hills at sunrise, followed by a champagne brunch. (Additional cost and weather permitting). Kloofzicht Lodge (B,L)
Day 9: Gauteng / Johannesburg / Lion Sands Private Game Reserve In Johannesburg, board your charter flight to Skukuza Airport. The excitement builds as you travel by 4x4 vehicle into Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where you will go on safari. The 160,618-acre reserve is home to Africa’s big five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Sabi Sand and other nearby private reserves share open borders with Kruger National Park so animals may move freely. Your luxurious thatched bedroom has en suite bathroom, outdoor and indoor shower, air conditioning, ceiling fan, a private wooden deck overlooking the bush and more. River Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10: Lions Sands Private Game Reserve
Set out on safari! Lions Sands’ safari philosophy is to offer an informative and holistic safari experience, ensuring that all spheres of the ecosystem, from the smallest insects to the African elephant are viewed as a whole. River Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 11: Lion Sands Private Game Reserve / Johannesburg
This morning, you leave the bushveld, and fly to Johannesburg. On arrival, you are met by your private guide, who escorts you to your hotel. On a private orientation tour of Johannesburg, visit the Apartheid Museum. The Westcliff Hotel (B)
Day 12: Johannesburg / Depart
This morning, you take in the fascinating story of Soweto, designed to give you a look at the history of apartheid, its impact on Johannesburg and the role of the city in shaping South Africa's future. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Rates/Departures:
Gems of South Africa Departure Dates: | Double | Single Supplement | Comments |
| Jan 12, Feb 16, Apr 13, 2010 | $9690 | $3850 | Rovos Rail Option |
| Aug 10, Aug 24, 2010 | $9250 | $3550 | |
| Sep 07, Sep 21, Oct 12, 2010 | $9850 | $3890 | |
| Jan 12, Feb 16, Apr 13, 2010 | $9250 | $3450 | Grootbos Option |
| Aug 10, Aug 24, 2010 | $8390 | $2950 | |
| Sep 07, Sep 21, Oct 12, 2010 | $9390 | $3490 | |
| Sample Internal Airfare | $390 | N/A | Subject to change until ticketed |
Rates are for land arrangements only. Airfares are not included unless specifically mentioned in inclusions and can be quoted separately. Rates are per person, in US dollars, and based on two people sharing a room. Valid Jan. 01 – Dec. 21, 2010, unless otherwise noted. The single supplements indicated are based on a single room supplement after the two passenger minimum is met. For solo travelers, additional supplements will apply.