South Africa Trip

STSSA 05  The Best of Africa 20 Days, 19 Nights

Day 1: Johannesburg - Cape Town
Depart on flight from Johannesburg Airport to Cape Town. On arrival at Cape Town Airport, met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight.  Overnight: The Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room – Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Half Day City Tour and Table Mountain
On a clear day, the distinctive shape of Table Mountain can be seen from up to 200km out to sea, while its summit provides spectacular views of the city, its Waterfront and Harbour below, the majestic Hottentots Holland mountains to the East and Cape Point to the south. The Table Mountain cableway underwent a R90 million upgrade in 1997 and the new system – a combination of Swiss and South African Engineering – boasts revolving floors in the new cable cars, giving passengers a 360 degree panoramic view on their way up the mountain. The excursion is strictly weather permitting. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the “Mother City” The tour of the City takes one past Lion’s Head to Signal Hill with its dramatic views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island, Sea Point and Camps Bay. Signal Hill was first used as a semaphore post for communicating with ships at sea and is still home to the Noon Day Gun, which is fired at midday every day except Sunday. The tour continues past the Grand Parade and City Hall to take in the South African Cultural History Museum, which is housed in a former slave lodge. The tour passes through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay Quarter with its quaint buildings and cobbled streets. Return to your hotel

Day 3: Full Day Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Depart for full day Cape point tour. We travel along the Atlantic seaboard passing the twelve appostles. Drive past Camps Bay Named after a German immigrant Ernst Von Kampz On past oudekraal toward Hout Bay. An old woodcutters outpost named wood bay. Visit to the picturesque fishing harbour and an optional tour by boat to seal island. (40 min return) Hout Bay Harbour. Depart Hout Bay over Chapmans Peak - continueing towards Noordhoek –with it’s spectacular beach, traveling along the Atlantic Coastline – passing the seaside villages of Kommetjie and Scarborough – with it’s supply of Cape Rock Lobster. We then proceed towards Cape of Good Hope nature reserve. (8500 ha) 7 Species of antelope including the Eland ,Bontebok and Cape mountain Zebra are to be found here. Down to Cape Point, the most South Westerly point of Africa (18 deg. East. Lat, 34 deg South Long) Arrive at Cape Point Depart Cape point for visit to Cape of Good Hope. Lunch at Seafood restaurant The Black Marlin ( own account ) Depart Restaurant via the lovely town of Simonstown.Named after the first Governor of the Cape Simon Van Der Stel.Also an important Naval base for the British who occupied the town for 150 years. We visit a lovely Penguin colony at Boulders beach. One of three African Penguin colonies inhabiting the mainland. On through the lovely suburb of Constantia and past the Cecelia state forest to the world famous Kirstenbosch gardens. These 400 ha gardens are over 100 years old and boast only flora from the floral kingdom known as Fynbos.This includes the Protea family. Over 6000 species of Flora make up this kingdom. It is one of the 5 floral kingdoms found in the world. Return to hotel late afternoon. Overnight: The Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room – Bed and Breakfast

Day 4: Half Day Township Tour and Robben Island
Breakfast, followed by collection by our representative for your Half Day Township Tour. Experience another facet of Cape Town, one revealed to very few tourists. This intimate interactive tour will expose you to some of Cape Town's multi-cultural life - see how our spirit of Kanalah, Ubunthu and reconciliation is being played out by Capetonians. This is a positive and interactive tour, which will afford the visitor the opportunity to meet and speak to the local people. On arrival, tourists often discover that they did not understand the extent to which previous race classification laws fragmented our society. Many people who the visitor originally assumed were defined as Black were in fact classified as Coloured or Indian and did not live in the townships, but in other designated areas. We take our visitors into the Townships, but preserve the integrity of our tour by also introducing them to the traditional Malay Quarter known as Bo-Kaap, as well as Athlone, Rylands and District 6. These areas were defined as Coloured areas with Rylands having being defined The District 6 Museum: Here, District 6, as it was up to 40 years ago, has been depicted with artefacts and an extensive photographic portrayal of life as it was during the pre-apartheid years Your Tour guide will then return to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and assist with the collection of your Robben Island Tickets. Lunch at the Waterfront at leisure ( own account ) 13h30: Check in at the Clocktower at the Waterfront for your trip to Robben Island 14h00: Ferry departs the Waterfront, returning to the Waterfront at approx. 18h30 For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides.( This is weather permitting ). The Robben Island Tour includes:
• A return boat trip across Table Bay
• A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison
• Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
• A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary
• The opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.
On your return, it is a easy 2 minute walk back to the Cape Grace Hotel.
Overnight: The Cape Grace Hotel – Luxury Room – Bed and Breakfast

Day 5: Winelands of The Cape - Full Day
We depart toward the wine areas of South Africa. This country is the world’s 8th largest producer approx.twice the size of Switzerland’s wine industry. SA has about 100 000 ha under vine concentrated in the Western Cape. The best areas are Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and the Swartland. On toward the town of Paarl and visit of Paarl nature reserve and Taal monument.
Passing Zandwijk (the only kosher wine estate in SA) we make our way to Fairview for a wine tasting. This estate has 240 ha under vine and has won numerous medals especially for its excellent Chardonnay. They also have over 500 Swiss Saanen goats with which they make excellent cheese. This will also be available for tasting. Down the lovely Helshoogte pass for a visit to Stellenbosch, a charming 17th century town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture.
Visit of the excellent Dorp street museum. Lunch en route to Franschoek, to then explore this French Huguenot town and a visit of the Memorial. Late afternoonarrival at La Petite Ferme for check in and overnight.
*** Note: All Wine Estates are suggestions – and may be replaced with Wine Estates requested eg. Spier Wine Estate.
Overnight: La Petite Ferme – Franschoek – Bed and Breakfast

Day 6: Franschoek - Victoria Falls
Early morning wake-up –and check out of hotel
05h30 Collection by our representative and transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
06h30 Check in for flight to Johannesburg
07h30 BA 6428 departs Cape Town
09h30 Flight arrives at Johannesburg Airport
Proceed to International Departure Hall for your flight to Livingstone Airport in Zambia 10h15 Check in for flight at Nationwide Counter International Departure Hall
12h15 CE 204 departs Johannesburg Airport
13h15 Flight arrives at Livingstone Airport
On arrival at Livingstone Airport, met by Wild Horizons and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Overnight: The Royal Livingstone Hotel – Bed and Breakfast

Day 7: Lower Zambezi National Park
Today Wild Horizons will transfer you to Livingstone Airport for your light aircraft transfer with Star of Africa Charters to Kulefu Tented Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The flight will land at the Jeki airstrip and a short road transfer will deliver you to Kulefu Tented Camp where two night’s accommodation has been reserved on your behalf including 3 meals a day, 2 game viewing activities per day, National Park entrance fees, laundry, local spirits, house wines, sodas, service charge and VAT.
Two days to discover Kulefu’s magnificent wildlife by boat, canoe, safari vehicle or on foot – and from the veranda of your own comfortable tent.
Overnight: Kulefu Tented Camp

Day 8: Kulefu Tented Camp
Enjoy a full day of activities at Kulefu.
Activities and Wildlife
The Lower Zambezi National Park is an extremely remote area with abundant and varied wildlife including the ‘Big Four’. There are good populations of elephant, lion, buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, hyaena, zebra, various gazelle and many bird species.
Discover Kulefu’s magnificent wildlife by boat, canoe, safari vehicle or on foot - and from the verandah of your own comfortable tent.
• Full range of game activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park including professionally guided game viewing from open 4x4 vehicles
• Exciting boat and canoe excursions on the Zambezi river
• Night game drives using spotlights to enable guests to observe the nocturnal animals of this area
• Birdwatching; stargazing
• Walking safaris
• Excellent fishing opportunities

Day 9: Kulefu - Royal Livingstone Hotel
Today you will be transferred to Jeki airstrip for your return light aircraft transfer to Livingstone, where on arrival, you will be met by a representative from Wild Horizons and transferred to the Royal Livingstone where one night’s accommodation has been reserved on your behalf including Breakfast. Overnight: The Royal Livingstone Hotel - Bed and Breakfast

Day 10: Chobe Game Lodge - Botswana
Today you will be transferred by Wild Horizons to Chobe Game Lodge where two night’s accommodation has been reserved on your behalf on an All Inclusive Basis. All Inclusive option includes all meals, daily activities, park fees, laundry and local drinks excluding Premium Import Brands. Two days to at the only permanent lodge inside the Chobe National Park to enjoy the ultimate game experience by vehicle, foot or boat Overnight: Chobe Game Lodge - Full Board

Day 11: Chobe National Park
Activities
Game drives are conducted in open four-wheel drive vehicles, normally early morning and late afternoon. There are also excursions in motorboats, sunset cruises and canoeing on the Chobe River, and walking in the nearby Kasane Forests. Slide presentations, stargazing and garden walks are also offered by our resident professional guides. Wildlife Chobe National Park includes vast landscapes, open plains, Baobab Trees and ancient woodlands. Wildlife in Chobe roams free in profusion and diversity. The Elephant population, estimated to number in excess of 45,000, is the largest single concentration in Africa surviving within the confines of a National Park. However, Chobe is not fenced and its Elephants are free to wander where the choose. During the dry season, the herds migrate from south to north and congregate along the perennial Chobe River and fertile floodplains. The sight is spectacular and unforgettable - red winter sunsets, Elephant, Buffalo in their thousands. The quality of timeless Africa is real and very strong and the vistas are of an almost bygone era. Overnight: Chobe Game Lodge - Full Board

Day 12: Chobe - Mombo
Today you will be transferred by Chobe Game Lodge to Kasane Airport. On arrival at Kasane, you will be met by a representative from Wilderness Safaris and transferred by light aircraft to Jao Camp. Overnight: Jao Camp - Full Board

Day 13 and 14: Jao Camp
Activities
Jao can offer both land and water activities, depending on the fluctuating levels of the Okavango's floodwater. From about May to late September, the floods arrive and the floodplains fill up with crystal clear waters. As the floods arrive, the focus at Jao switches more to water activities with game drives on the larger islands. From October to April, the flood levels drop and the floodplains turn into savannah grasslands. Nowhere in the Okavango do we experience more extreme contrasts in the seasons. Jao is therefore a multi-activity camp. Mekoros , boating, walks, game drives and night drives are all on offer all year. The primary focus of the activities changes according to the time of year and the flood levels.
Wildlife
A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting game viewing. The wildlife at Jao depends largely on the water levels in the area. The lagoons are home to Hippo and Crocodile and the permanent waters attract large numbers of waterfowl. In the permanent waters, Sitatunga can be tracked silently by Mokoro. From October to March the waters subside and enormous open plains are the highlight. This is where the game viewing is the best. Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are plentiful, while Tsessebe, Red Lechwe, Zebra and Wildebeest dot the flood plains. During the winter months, the water levels at Jao rise and the savannah areas become covered with water

Day 15: Jao Camp - Johannesburg
Today you will be transferred by light aircraft to Maun for you return flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Maun, please proceed through immediately to the Air Botswana counter for check-in for your flight to Johannesburg. Please note that Visas are required for Zambia and your passport details have been forwarded to the Royal Livingstone and Kulefu Tented Camp in order for you to qualify for a Visa fee Waiver. On the light aircraft transfers, a maximum baggage allowance of 10 kilograms will apply. 13h00 Check in for flight to Johannesburg ex Maun Airport 15h00 BP 211 departs Maun Airport 16h40 Flight arrives at Johannesburg Airport On arrival at Johannesburg Airport, met by our representative and transferred to The Grace Hotel in Rosebank for overnight.
Overnight: The Grace Hotel - Rosebank - Bed and Breakfast

Day 16: Pretoria / Johannesburg
Breakfast, followed by collection for a tour of Pretoria and Johannesburg. The history and architecture of South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria is revealed in this tour which visits many points of interest including Paul Kruger’s house, the Union Buildings and Church Square with its monuments to significant events in South Africa’s history including the Mandela treason trial.
A highlight of the tour is a guided visit to the Voortrekker Monument - South Africa’s largest monument to the fortitude and bravery of the first pioneers to explore the northern territories of the country.
Sights / Stops :
Paul Kruger's House
The Union Buildings
Church Square
Voortrekker Monument
We then follow through with a Half Day Township Tour of Soweto
Itinerary:
Depart Johannesburg and travel via Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital into the heart of South Africa’s largest township. Our stops will include the homes of two of South Africa’s Nobel prize winners- Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. We also visit the home of Winnie Mandela, the Regina Mundi church and the Hector Peterson Memorial, steeped in the history of the Apartheid Struggle. There is a refreshment stop at a local shabeen to soak in the local atmosphere, as well as a guided walk through a typical Soweto suburban street, where you can meet locals face to face.
Sights / Stops:
President Mandela’s home
Bishop Tutu’s home
Winnie Mandela’s home
Regina Mundi Church
Hector Petersen Memorial
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Shabeen Stop
Walk down a typical Soweto Street, meeting locals.
Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Overnight: The Grace Hotel - Rosebank - Bed and Breakfast

Day 17: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park
Breakfast, followed by check out. Collection by our representative and transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to the Kruger National Park
07h55 Check in for flight
08h55 SA 8122 departs Johannesburg
09h50 Flight arrives at Nelspruit Airport
On arrival, met by a representative and transferred by Air to Ngala Private Game Reserve for overnight. Late afternoon Game Drive in Safari vehicles followed by dinner
Overnight: Ngala Tented Safari Camp - Full Board

Day 18 and 19: Ngala Tented Camp
Activities
Game Drives: You can enjoy excellent game viewing encounters on the twice daily game drives in open Land Rovers. Ngala offers both off-road and night game drives. Ngala offers prime sightings of big five game as well as numerous other species. On exciting night drives you will see nocturnal animals, adding a dramatic dimension to your safari.
Interpretive Walks: Ngala's knowledgeable guides and trackers will lead you on guided nature walks through the heart of the bush, revealing some of nature's most closely guarded secrets. You will have a chance to experience the African bushveld close-up as you tread past intriguing plants and spy more elusive, smaller creatures such as birds, reptiles, insects and tiny mammals.
Adventures: It is possible to fill every minute of your safari with a range of exciting activities including stargazing, stunning bird-watching opportunities, swimming in Ngala's sparkling pools, fairytale-like moonlit bush dinners and spectacular bush sundowners. Ngala Game Lodge offers unique activities for children.
At Ngala Tented Safari Camp, mouth-watering al fresco dinners are served on the impressive Timbavati riverbed, which is dry for most of the year. Enchanting islands of reeds are a bird-watcher's paradise. All activities are at no extra charge to guests.
Library: To further your interest in the African wilderness, Ngala has an extensive collection of wildlife books, magazines and videos.
Wildlife
Landscape: Ngala is the only private game reserve in the legendary Kruger National Park, one of the richest and most strategically important wildlife areas in Africa. There are no fences around Ngala, allowing game to move freely. Ngala has exclusive traversing rights over 14 780 hectares (36 506 acres) of Kruger's two million hectares (4 940 000 acres).
Ngala Game Lodge is on the banks of the Mapone River in the north of the reserve, while Ngala Tented Safari Camp is situated on the banks of the seasonal Timbavati river, which runs through the southern section of Ngala Private Game Reserve. The Timbavati comes down in flood once or twice a year, but is dry for the remainder of the year.
Game: Ngala's habitats support an astonishing variety of wildlife including the "big five". Grazers such
as buffalo, blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra and warthog favor open areas, while impala are most common at the edge of bush clumps. Other ungulates to watch out for are giraffe, hippo, bushbuck, grey duiker and kudu.
Breeding herds of elephant make for exceptional viewing. White rhino sightings increase during the dry season. These endangered animals have fascinating territoriality. Ngala offers sightings of both black and white rhino. Large breeding herds of buffalo - numbering up to 400 - have been moving through Ngala and using the waterholes.
Ngala continues to enjoy outstanding leopard and lion pride viewing. The area's vast terrain enables the wide-ranging and rare Wild Dog to roam free. This gives you the privilege of frequent sightings. Also, elusive nocturnal animals including the endangered African Wild Cat and the Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) are often sighted.
Birds: Around 260 species of birds may be seen. Birds around Ngala Private Game Reserve include the Woodland Kingfisher, Scops Owl, Crested Barbet, Marico Sunbird, Spotted-backed Weaver and White-throated Robin.
Colorful birds to look out for are the Southern Yellowbilled Hornbill and the Redbilled Hornbill. With their large, colourful bills and confiding nature, hornbills are among the most conspicuous birds in African savannahs.
Vultures and eagles soaring through the Ngala sky include the Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle and Bateleur. Nesting sites for many of these raptors have been found and mapped throughout the reserve. This gives a picture of density, preferred habitats, territorial spacing and favored trees.
Overnight: Ngala Tented Safari Camp - Full Board

Day 20: Kruger National Park - Johannesburg
Early morning Game Activity followed by breakfast.
Check out and Air Transfer from Ngala to Nelspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.