BEST OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest City also known as the “mother City”. A harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates the past and today’s more functional requirements. Between the high-rise office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city.HOTEL

After Breakfast at Hotel, board your Robben Island Ferry for a memorable trip to Robben Island. Robben Island is situated a mere 11km from Cape Town, in the middle of Table Bay, within clear sight of the city. It was on this island that Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, much of it under hard labor. Prior to being a prison for political activists during the Apartheid era, the island was a leper colony. The island is now a museum and conservation area and was declared a World Heritage site in 1999. Former inmates lead tours around their old cells – a moving experience for both them and thousands of visitors from around the world. There is plenty of wildlife here too, with antelopes such as springbok and bontebok, grazing the open land, plus a diverse selection of birds, including ostriches and a Jackass (African) penguin colony. Cape fur seals play in the cold Atlantic waters and are food for great white sharks; who along with the cold water and strong currents deterred prisoners from attempting to swim to the mainland.  The tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and the limestone quarry where prisoners work unceasingly day after day. There is the chance to view the wildlife and take photographs of Cape Town across the bay, with Table Mountain as the backdrop. After the Robben Island Tour return to the waterfront area where time is free for Lunch on own.

Come with us on the ultimate ‘Mother City’ experience, designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. We’ve chosen iconic buildings, snatches of its history, and experiences unique to this City. First up, it’s the cable car to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain – weather permitting – and from there, you’ll be able to see to the end of our world, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (own account). We visit the country’s oldest building, The Castle (closed Sundays), and a short distance away, the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved. Our drive continues past Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge, and you’ll sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture. Colonial then changes to colorful, as we move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes. Our day ends on a sparkling note, as we trace the moves of a professional diamond cutter, as he creates every girl’s dream stone.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a “Walking Tour Cape Town – the city with a thousand faces.” Sites include the17^th century water reservoir, the historic Grand Parade lined by the Castle, old Drill Hall and the magnificent City Hall. You will be introduce to some stunning architecture, murals, popular flower markets and the impressive Standard Bank Building. En route, you will pass Church Square, the Groote Kerk, the original Slave Lodge, and the former Dutch East India’s Company’s Garden. Here, we will focus on the Parliamentary Buildings and the National Library. We will direct you to the SA Museum, National Art Gallery and the Jewish Museum before retracing our steps to St. George’s Cathedral, the “Peoples’ Cathedral”. After leaving the city centre behind, we will find our way to the original Muslim area of Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap. It is famed today for its quaint, colorful houses and unique architecture, but our story goes deeper than that. We will weave back towards the city and visit the Greenmarket Square. We do not enter museums – but will enter buildings where history took place upon request. At the end of the tour, we will return to V & A Waterfront for lunch at one of the restaurants at the Waterfront (own account). After lunch, we can either stay on at the Waterfront or return to the hotel to relax.

Evening Dinner option–  A typical evening at Gold Restaurant starts off with the drumbeat of the djembe drum. An interactive drum circle offers you the opportunity to join in and learn how to play the djembe. Soon you will be pounding your drum to the rhythms and sounds of Africa. After pounding the skins of the drums, we will soothe your hands in a traditional hand washing ceremony as you are led into the ancient courtyards. Cuisine from our Cape Malay and African kitchen which is served by the magnificently adorned staff bearing your banquet in baskets perched on their heads. While you enjoy the vast variety of different dishes, you will be captivated as the live extravaganza takes place around your table. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel. Depart on a full day Peninsula tour. This comprehensive tour shows you the best of the spectacular Cape Peninsula and why it is it’s called the Fairest Cape. Travel past Sea Point and Camps Bay, past the famous beaches of Clifton and Llandudno towards Hout Bay. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard. Pass through Noordhoek and Scarborough. Later you will take to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Enjoy the funicular ride aboard the “Flying Dutchman” and enjoy the unforgettable spectacular views. Later get the photo opportunity to take some pictures at the second southernmost tip of the African continent. Visit the beautiful Boulders Beach, and have the option to sit among the famous colony of Jackass Penguins. Thereafter we enjoy a short stop at the naval port of Simon’s Town and know about the legend of “Able Seaman Just Nuisance” the Great Dane Dog that was inducted in Royal Navy.

Transfer and travel by air to the Kruger National Park. Arrive and check in at your Hotel/ Lodge/ tented camp (your choice). Afternoon game drive at the Park..

Early morning depart from the hotel with picnic lunch to discover the world famous Kruger national Park to experience a full day safari in 4 X 4 open safari vehicles. Experience a unique view of South Africa’s largest and most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park, We will provide you with an exciting tour of the Kruger National Park, which is unrivaled in its variety of wildlife – 147 species of mammals and more than 500 recorded species of birds. Return to the hotel at about 18:00

OR-  Take Morning and evening game safaris with afternoon at leisure. Overnight Hotel.

Enjoy leisurely Breakfast at your hotel or take an optional game safari. Later this morning fly to Johannesburg. On arrival meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. This afternoon take a mini safari! to see  Lion, rhino, wild dog and many beautiful antelope. Excellent photographic opportunities. Plus you can TOUCH AN ANIMAL/HUG A LION CUB! Visit their extensive orphanage and interact with adorable lion cubs or cheetah.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel. Depart on a full day Journey to Freedom tour. Many South Africans gave much, some gave all, to achieve a truly democratic South Africa. Come with us on this full day tour which shares some of the journey, pain and struggle of those heroes; witness the places, experience the diverse museums where these momentous, tumultuous years have been so well documented. Our day begins at the Hector Pieterson Museum, where we start to unravel the cause of the devastating riots, before travelling past Mandela House, where you have the option of visiting this small museum (own account). Our next significant stop is the fascinating Regina Mondi Church, site of so many of the underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Standing in here, you can feel the tension, picture the intensity, the strain on the faces of those unthinkably brave souls, committed at any cost to changing the way of life of a nation.

Enjoy lunch in Soweto at a local restaurant (own account), before visiting the legendary Apartheid Museum. This is an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa. It’s a fascinating tour, filled with tales of bravery and sadness, but ultimately, it’s a story with the right ending.

After breakfast, transfer to Tambo International for flight to Kasane. Upon arrival a representative meets you and assist with transfer to the Lodge. This is a sensational trip – land- and water-based game viewing. Your first game sighting is from The Chobe River, teaming with animals, you sitting securely on board, just off the riverbank, game viewing from the relaxing vantage point of a boat. You’re on the mighty Chobe River which flows through the renowned Chobe National Park providing a haven for herds of grazing animals and bird life. Just sit back, relax, and keep those binoculars handy. Watch this glorious scene unfolding itself – large herds of elephant, often with the tiniest frolicking calves, kicking up dust as they wait their turn at the water’s edge to drink. Frighteningly large crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of the river, mouths agape, teeth terrifying. Glorious birdlife, wonderful game, and the gentle rocking of the riverboat. Can life get any better?.”

After breakfast you can enjoy various outdoor activities – 4×4 Game Drives on land in the morning and evening, During the day you have optional trips available-River cruise by boat or canoe’s to see wildlife, star gazing at night. Water Activities: Mosi-oa-Tunya River Cruiser, Skimmer Motorized Boats etc. or simply relax by the river, visit town etc./tg_program]

 

Morning optional game drive before breakfast. After Breakfast take a shared seat in bus transfer to Victoria Falls. Border crossing, obtain visa to Zimbabwe and continue to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. This afternoon enjoy a Sunset Cruise. Put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You’ll have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippo, crocodiles and other animals which come down to the river’s edge in the early evening, to slake their thirst. You’re in the first-class seats, that’s for sure, and while you’re sipping your cocktail and enjoying snacks – no further movement required on your part – you’ll be captivated by the sun’s dying rays as they cast a burnt-orange glow which shimmers on the river.

Breakfast is taken at the hotel. Begin excursion with an interactive visit to the local village, where we meet and learn more of the active roles played by both men and women in this society. We’ll visit an actual homestead in the village, talking to those who live and work there, and watching their lifestyle and cultural norms. You’ll also find a small curio shop here, filled with homemade items for sale, all crafted by the extended family members of this homestead. Make sure you’ve room in your bag, you won’t leave empty handed.

This afternoon, we’re exploring Victoria Falls inside, outside, and right from the top – it’s a full tour, and you’ll thrill to every aspect of the fascinating stroll through the permanent gentle rain and mist occurring alongside the Falls, stopping off at the key view sites for a photo call! Here, you’ll be bombarded by the mighty roar of tons of water crashing over the series of ledges – it’s literally breathtaking./tg_program]

Breakfast at hotel and time free until your transfer to airport for homewards flight.