SOUTH AFRICA CLASSIC ESCAPES - HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 'MOTHER CITY' & SAFARI
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CLASSIC ESCAPES
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU ON A JOURNEY YOUR WAY TO
SOUTH AFRICA
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ‘MOTHER CITY’ & SAFARI
JANUARY 15 TO DECEMBER 15, 2022
YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 USA/EN ROUTE Your journey begins as you board your overnight flight to Johannesburg. (Meals Aloft) DAY 2 JOHANNESBURG Upon arrival at the Johannesburg International Airport today, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Often called Jo'burg, Johannesburg is the country's largest city and financial center with ultra-modern skyscrapers and a bustling way of life. It is the city of gold, as its claim to fame is the gold that was discovered close-by. Have free time to relax and settle in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner this evening at your hotel. The Garden Court Sandton City is conveniently located in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, within easy walking distance of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square shopping centers. Contemporary rooms are equipped with amenities including flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee-tea making facilities and in-room safe. The hotel has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and spa which offers a selection of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Overnight at GARDEN COURT SANDTON CITY in standard rooms. (Meals Aloft, Welcome D) https://www.tsogosun.com/garden-court-sandton-city DAY 3 JOHANNESBURG For anyone wanting to understand and experience what South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental, and that’s what you’ll be doing this morning. The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with the past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own. This museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Visitors walk through the 22 individual exhibition areas, which contain film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories behind apartheid. The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
Lunch is on your own to discover the many restaurants Johannesburg offers. This afternoon, there is a wide variety of options to select from. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Please note pricing is based on current (August, 2021) rates and exchange rates and are subject to change. Soweto Tour: $45 per person You know the name. It’s a legend. SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, is home to over 2 million people, who, despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community, one which ironically, the ordered, walled, elitist northern suburbs lack. Stop at the Hector Pieterson Museum, and discover the cause of the tragic riots which led to his death; pass Mandela House, with time to visit this fascinating little museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Soweto. Soweto is unlike any suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African Story. Making Tracks – Tour in Soweto: $77 per person Take home stories of the struggle, a taste of the local flavor and memories of the people that make Soweto the unforgettable destination that it is. Experience South Africa’s biggest and most famous township on a Tuk-Tuk or bicycle Gold Reef City Heritage Tour: $48 per person Gold Reef City’s Heritage Tour offers unique insight into the historical world of Johannesburg’s gold rush. This interactive history lesson brings to life the founding of Johannesburg and the discovery of gold on the reef – it doesn’t get more real than descending 75 meters (246 feet) underground to discover the riches of South Africa’s history on an underground mine tour or witnessing the magnificent glow of a live gold pour! Making a Mark in the City – Tour in Newtown: $77 per person Find out what makes Newtown an unrivalled cultural hotspot within Johannesburg; get the opportunity to shatter your perceptions about Graffiti by learning about its origins, its ties with hip-hop culture and how it is different from Street Art. Overnight at GARDEN COURT SANDTON CITY in standard rooms. (B) DAYS 4/5/6 JOHANNESBURG/PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK Begin your safari adventure as you drive to beautiful Pilanesberg National Park, which is a malaria free zone, located next door to the famous Sun City resort, named after the Tswana chief Pilane. Here you can experience the "Big Five" (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino), just a couple of hours' drive from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. The Park is 164,450 acres in extent. Known locally as "The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve", Pilanesberg is set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1,300 million years ago. This very scenic terrain lies in the transition zone between Kalahari and Lowveld, and both types of vegetation are found here. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve was opened in 1979 and is one of the
largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world, with rare rock types and structures making it a unique geological feature. In this fascinating park you and find all the animal species of Southern Africa, including, lion, elephant, white and black rhino, buffalo, leopard, zebra, hyena, giraffe, hippo and crocodile. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants; some eat carrion or live prey, others eat seeds, fruit, or tiny water organisms. While here, you will the opportunity to embark on one daily game drive. You can select the early morning when the bush awakens, or afternoon to watch a spectacular sunset. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Please note pricing is based on current (August, 2021) rates and exchange rates and are subject to change. Sun City~Valley of Waves: $26 per person Picture a palm-fringed beach lapped by crystalline waters. Imagine yourself on a sun lounger as the sun sets over the valley and the roar of the waves muffle to the sound of the DJ’s beats. The legendary Roaring Lagoon at the Valley of Waves is the undisputed main attraction at the Sun City’s famous water park. Every 90 seconds, bender waves rise two meters (6.6 feet) in the air. Catch the tide and body-surf to shore. Laze beneath a wind-swept palm, ride and slide your way to more thrills, and amble over to the beach bar where island cocktails and after-swim snacks await. There’s something for everyone at the Valley of Waves. Kids can get their kicks in the designated children’s area while adventure-seekers can take their pick of mild to wild rides. Get your splash on at the Valley of Waves Sun City water park. From the roaring lagoon with real waves, right through to the 70-meter (230 feet) Temple of Courage, the Valley of Waves offers a truly unique experience. Sun City~Maze of the Lost City: $19 per person The largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, The Maze of the Lost City is constructed from artificial stone and wood, creating the illusion of an ancient archaeological discovery. Added to the Sun City Resort in September 2012, it covers a half-acre. Accessing it over a 100-meter-long (328 feet) suspension bridge from the Entertainment Centre, offers some of the most spectacular views of the resort, particularly of The Palace of the Lost City and the Gary Player Golf Course. When night falls, flaming torches light the paths along the chambers. At the end of The Maze, enjoy a cool beer at the Maze Bar. Hot Air Balloon Safari – Pilanesberg National Park: $460 per person Experience a unique Hot Air Balloon Safari! As the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from within a National Park, they offer a truly unique flying experience. Guests are collected at their hotel and taken through the park to rendezvous with the balloon crew. The flight is approximately an hour’s duration and on landing, sparkling wine is served. A leisurely game drive to the Wallow bush venue where breakfast is served, after which guests are returned to their hotel. Flights are early in the morning and you will need to allow for approximately 5 hours for the full experience.
Your home for the next three nights is Bakubung Bush Lodge. Bakubung (meaning People of the Hippo) is set in the scenic splendor of the Pilanesberg National Park, just 90 minutes' drive from Johannesburg. This upscale bushveld haven which surrounds a hippo pool, offers comfort, breathtaking scenery, and tranquility in Big Five territory. View game from an open safari vehicle or enjoy a memorable wildlife walk accompanied by an experienced field guide. Other facilities include a tennis court, a swimming pool, outdoor dining boma, a spa and complimentary limited internet access. Overnights at the BAKUBUNG BUSH LODGE. (B,L; B,D; B,D) https://www.legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/bakubung-bush-lodge DAY 7 PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK /JOHANNESBURG/CAPE TOWN This morning drive back to Johannesburg where you connect with your flight to Cape Town, South Africa’s “Mother City”. Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. The provincial capital, Cape Town, is a sophisticated city with plenty to see and do, particularly around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area, where delightful buildings of the Cape Dutch and Victorian-era architecture have been restored as shops, restaurants, museums and pubs, while the busy water traffic of the docks goes on unabated.
Situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, close to a plethora of restaurants, great nightlife and loads of entertainment for the whole family, The Portswood offers superior accommodations within a relaxed environment, with a unique blend of service excellence extended to the international leisure and business traveler. All rooms and suites have air-conditioning, satellite TV and complimentary limited internet access. The hotel has a Malaysian/Indonesian restaurant, a casual terrace cafe and a bar. There is an outdoor pool. The Portswood is within walking distance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where guests can enjoy a variety of chic boutiques and entertainment venues. Overnight at the PORTSWOOD HOTEL in standard rooms. (B) https://www.legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/portswood-hotel DAY 8 CAPE TOWN/CITY TOUR/TABLE MOUNTAIN This morning you discover Cape Town, with a drive-by tour of the major spots of the City. Afterward, get a feel of what Cape Town is all about by taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, the signature of this city. This tour is dependent on the wind factor, as well as the clouds. Clouds often cover this flat-topped mountain, which rises to 3,563 feet above sea level and the locals affectionately say it is a white tablecloth. Legend has it that a retired pirate, on climbing the mountain, met up with the devil. To preserve his soul, the pirate challenged the devil in a smoking contest. So, they stoked up their pipes and have been smoking ever since. For centuries Table Mountain has been a guiding beacon to mariners rounding the Cape of Southern Africa. Sir Francis Drake described it as "the most-stately thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth." Despite its formidable appearance, it is possible to hike up Table Mountain. The first recorded ascent was in 1503 by the Portuguese navigator Antonio da Saldanha who, confused by the Cape Peninsula geography, climbed to the summit via the frontal cleft, now known as Platteklip Gorge. For nature lovers, the birding is awesome, and the wildflowers include agapanthus, watsonias, and red nerines which poke out from rock crevices amid a scrub of ericas and gnarled proteas. More than 1400 species of flowering plants have been recorded on the mountain, which makes it a spectacular sight in the spring. Cute guinea pig-like creatures known as rock dassies, or hyraxes, (genetically, the closest living relatives to elephants) scuttle everywhere. They are not afraid and scamper among the tourists seeking to be fed. Lunch is on your own to discover the many restaurants Cape Town offers.
This afternoon, there is a wide variety of options to select from.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Please note pricing is based on current (August, 2021) rates and exchange rates and are subject to change.
Cape Malay Cooking Tour: $160 per person
Bishop Tutu’s “Rainbow Nation” originated in the Bokaap. This historical
area contains a cultural diversity that ranges from South-East Asia to
North-West Africa and Europe. Your guide will share the colorful history
of its people, their traditions, the architecture and most importantly the
food as you take a gentle stroll around the area. A stop at the local spice
Mecca of Cape Town will take you behind the counter to taste, smell and
touch your way through the exotic
ingredients used in Cape Malay
cooking. This is a true sensory delight!
The highlight is a visit to a local family
home where you will participate in a
hands-on, fun-filled cooking session &
demonstration. You will assist in making your
own meal with the assistance and guidance of a
local host. This is the perfect occasion to gain
insight into local culture, hear some real-life
stories while enjoying a full traditional meal.
Tour includes: A walk through the Bokaap including a visit to one or two local
shops, an accredited guide, hands-on cooking session/demonstration, ingredients
for cooking session, traditional non-alcoholic welcome drink, full course Cape Malay meal, small gift pack. Tour excludes:
Personal purchases (e.g. spices and ingredients to take home) and gratuities
Cycle Tour – Constantia Hidden Gem Tour: $175 per person
Just 15 minutes from Cape Town CBD, Constantia Valley is where
Dutch governor, Simon van der Stel, started the wine industry of South
Africa dating back to the 17th century. Start your tour at the historic
and picturesque Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Following a short
orientation, commence with a fabulous wine-tasting and cellar tour
undertaken by the resident estate winemakers. Then start your
winelands cycle experience, moving through upmarket leafy suburbs
and picturesque wine estates within the Constantia Valley. After some
light meandering, take a rest at some of the finest wine farms, carefully
chosen for their often award winnings wines. Wineries in the region
include the Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig
and Steenberg Estate. Each farm is unique and exquisite in their own
right and you will be hard pressed to pick a favorite after completing this
spectacular tour!
Hiking Tour – The Lion’s Head Hike: $125 per person
Hiking Lion’s Head is utterly spectacular with rewarding 360-degree
panoramic views as you advance to the summit. The mountain is one of the
three iconic peaks that surround the city of Cape Town. From the summit
you can cast your eyes over the city, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the
beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and the sparkling coastline along the
Atlantic Seaboard. The summit is a magnificent spot for a picnic,
triumphant photo or even a toast to the full moon as it rises over the
mountains to the East while watching the sun setting to the West. The Lion’s Head Hike can take anywhere between 2.5-3 hours return. Easy to moderate level. Daily. Includes: Professional Guide / Water and snacks / Excellent and varied route. Walking Tour – Remembering and rebuilding District 6 – Tour in District 6: $64 per person Learn about one of the largest forced removals within the Western Cape that occurred during Apartheid, due to the Group Areas Act, and the effect that it had on a multi-racial community. Also learn what the current government and previous community members are doing to rebuild the District Six community. Hout Bay Harbour Ebike: $160 A leisurely ebiking trip around Hout Bay Harbour and craft market. The easy to ride electric bikes make this an effortless, enjoyable ride for all levels of capability. Visit a seal colony and make your way past colorful fishing boats to admire spectacular views across the bay! Next, head to the Harbour market area to visit a craft brewery and gin distillery and watch the brewing process and sample their fine wares. The next stop is an artist zone where you will watch sculptors carving out their creations from steel and hunks of wood. Duration 1.5 hours. Includes: Bikes, helmets, water & Guides. Gin /craft beer tasting Harley Davidson Transfer: $155 per person Options: City Bowl to City Bowl / Table Mountain via Camp’s Bay / Signal Hill via Camp’s Bay / Camp’s Bay via Atlantic Sea Board / Hout Bay via Atlantic Sea Board / Chapman’s Peak view site via Atlantic Sea Board. Includes: Chauffer driven Harley Davidson, Fuel & Helmet. Excludes: Meals, Refreshments, & Toll Fees. Abseiling Table Mountain: $150 per person Step off the top at 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, and abseil into mind-blowing vertical space. The panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain are breathtaking, but the views from the abseil are even better. Descending down the side of a sheer cliff you will have Camps Bay, the Atlantic Seaboard and the deep blue ocean at your feet with the Twelve Apostles at your side. The Table Mountain Abseil is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. *Excludes cableway ticket. Duration: Half Day / Location: Table Mountain. Heli Flips: $170 per person Take to the skies to experience the beauty of the Mother City on an unforgettably scenic tour. Rates are based on Sharing/Scheduled flights. Robben Island Ferry & Tour: $84 per person Visit one of the most symbolically significant and moving sights in South Africa, Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island 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,
including former President Nelson Mandela, 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. In 1997 Robben Island became a National Museum and National Monument. The Museum is a dynamic institution, which runs educational programs for schools, youths and adults, facilitates tourism development, conducts ongoing research related to the Island and fulfills an archiving function. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Tours are conducted by former prisoners of Robben Island, who bring to life this South African heritage, which speaks of heroic endurance and triumph of the human spirit in the face of enormous hardship and adversity. Overnight at the PORTSWOOD HOTEL in standard rooms. (B) DAY 9 CAPE TOWN/CAPE PENINSULA Your luxury motor coach takes you on a breathtaking coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope, surrounded by spectacular mountains, rugged shorelines, and the blue sea below. (If you so wish, you can do the drive in a sidecar at an additional cost of $275 per person.) See Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles. Pass quaint seaside towns as you continue to Cape Point, where the stormy waters of the Atlantic meet up with the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. At Cape Point, climb the steps or ride a funicular to the top where you can explore a lighthouse, enjoy the views, or even indulge in a bit of shopping. Take a close look at the ocean, where you may see southern right whales in the spring and early summer as well as dolphins and a variety of seabirds. You will also have the chance to explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is host to approximately half of the 2,700 species of indigenous plants contained in the Cape Peninsula. Look for the distinctive orange found in leucospermums, one of the rarest types of proteas – the mimites, marvel at the helicrysums and pelarganium calcullums, and enjoy the ericas, phenacomas, and fine bush which the Dutch called “fynbos.” There are 250 species of birds in the reserve, ranging from ostriches to minuscule sunbirds. Caracal, chacma baboon, a wide variety of buck and various other mammal species may be seen, including Cape Mountain zebra and the bontebok which is endemic to this part of the world. The baboons feed occasionally on marine foods which they garner at low tide. At Olifants Bay, look for Oystercatchers, and enjoy some superb birding.
Enjoy lunch at the Seafront restaurant and continue to Boulders Beach where the African (Jackass) Penguins can be seen – also known as the Black-footed Penguins. These flightless seabirds are found only on the coast of Southern Africa and the only penguins found on this continent. Enjoy a delightful walk on a specially built platform onto the little sheltered beach where they nest among the rocks, and "waddle" up and down into and out of the sea. Since the penguins are accustomed to human presence you can safely get within a few feet of them as you stand on the platform, and it is sometimes possible to view them nesting behind rocks and bushes. Return to Cape Town in the evening, where you have another chance to discover one of the numerous restaurants that Cape Town has to offer. Overnight at the PORTSWOOD HOTEL in standard rooms. (B,L) DAY 10 CAPE TOWN/OPTIONAL WINELANDS TOUR Today is at leisure to partake in one of the activities described earlier, or there is the opportunity for an optional winelands tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Please note pricing is based on current (August, 2021) rates and exchange rates and are subject to change. Winelands Tour: $50 per person This morning, depart Cape Town for the Winelands region of the Cape. Visit the wine lands region, situated below the spectacular Boland Mountains and only 50 minutes from the city. Discover the internationally acclaimed vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek on the Western Cape, along a most scenic route. You will visit Franschhoek with its lovely antique shops and gardens, nestled in the "Valley of the Huguenots," where the French first settled in 1688. Explore the university town of Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, undoubtedly the most scenic and historically preserved town in Southern Africa. Oak-lined streets next to water furrows compliment the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture - all part of this unique "Town of Oaks”. Enjoy a wine tasting at three different wine estates where you will be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home. Optional Horse Ride at Boschendal: $55 per person While in the winelands, experience exquisite views of the Franschhoek Valley as you explore the historic wine estate of Boschendal and all its wonders on horseback. Choose between the 1-hour guided horse rides, available throughout the day. Novice riders are welcome at 10h00 and 14h00, with experienced riders at 12h00 and 16h00. No drinking or eating while riding. All levels welcome. Ages 7+ and weight limit applies (maximum weight limit is 90kgs). Please arrive 15mins before your ride time to allow for proper briefing and wear closed shoes and long pants for comfort. PLEASE NOTE: This horseback excursion is only possible if taking the winelands tour described above. Return to Cape Town and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight with your group for an authentic African experience at the GOLD Restaurant. So much more than just an African restaurant, a night at the GOLD is an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment. Overnight at the PORTSWOOD HOTEL in standard rooms. (B,D)
DAY 11 CAPE TOWN/KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDEN/EN ROUTE This morning you explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, arguably one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Founded in 1913, Kirstenbosch lies on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and consists of landscaped gardens of indigenous plants and trees, watered by the Liesbeek River, as well as natural forest that extend up to the lower slopes. Kirstenbosch covers an area of 1,383 acres, 148 of which are cultivated; the remainder is a natural flora reserve. It is a living display featuring 9,000 of the estimated 20,000 species of indigenous South African flora, and close to 50% of the peninsula’s floral wealth. In the cultivated area, related plants are grouped together and radiate from the central lawns like the spokes of a wheel. Among the interesting sections here are the Cycad Amphitheatre, which hosts most species of these “living fossils” found in southern Africa; the famed Protea Garden on the higher slopes, with its profuse growth of silver trees (Leucadendron argenteum); the JV Mathews Rock Garden (named after the first curator) containing succulents of the genera Crassula, Aloe, Lampranthus and Euphorbia; the Erica Garden and the Pelargonium Koppie. Two streams cut through Kirstenbosch, both laced with besembos, red alder, and hard fern. Of historical interest is an avenue of camphor trees and fig trees planted by Cecil Rhodes in 1898, and a small section of wild almond (Brabejum stellatifolium) hedge planted by Dutch settler Jan van Riebeeck in 1660. Birds of all sorts can be seen here as well – Dusky and Paradise Flycatchers, sunbirds, Klaas's cuckoos, bulbuls, pigeons, brilliant green, and red Cape Sugarbirds (which pollinate the flowers), guinea fowls, and the Cape Batis. Enjoy lunch here and have the rest of the day at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B,L, Meals Aloft) DAY 12 ARRIVE USA Arrive home today, after a most memorable adventure in South Africa, eager to share your photographs and memories with family and friends. (Meals Aloft)
OPTIONAL POST EXTENSION TO HERMANUS DAY 11 KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS /HERMANUS This morning, enjoy with your group a visit to the Kirstenbosch Gardens and lunch. Afterward, leave Cape Town behind and drive to Hermanus. Check into your charming hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The Auberge Burgundy, which is set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus, is a charming Provencal style guesthouse with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces. The Auberge Burgundy offers comfortable accommodation and friendly service and is surrounded by restaurants, the craft market, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls. It has the salt sea air of one of the world's most magnificent eco-destinations in the world - the cool blue sea of Walker Bay, which is within 50 meters (165 feet) of the front door. There is a courtyard with a pool, a patio and a deck, plus an elegant, stone- paved garden with sitting areas. Free Wi-Fi. Overnight at AUBERGE BURGUNDY in standard garden rooms. (B) https://www.auberge.co.za/
DAYS 12/13 HERMANUS Enjoy two days at leisure. You can walk the picturesque town and shop at the boutiques, walk the shoreline and explore the scenery, or take some optional excursions as described below. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Please note pricing is based on current (August, 2021) rates and exchange rates and are subject to change. Whale Watching: $85 per person, Valid Jun-Dec only Enjoy a boat-based whale watching activity. The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to your catamaran. You then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ The purpose-built catamaran provides superior viewing and comfort and during the Hermanus whale tour the friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience, ensuring the perfect photo opportunities are not missed. Your whale specialist guide will interpret the marine life encountered en route and provide insight into the behavior of the whales while you are watching them in action. A videographer will ensure that the best footage is captured. On return to land, peruse the local craft and souvenirs available, order your USB movie of the tour which is immediately ready or simply relax at the outdoor seating on the edge of the Quay with reading material on all thing’s whales. There is also coffee and tea available and free Wi-Fi. Trip duration 1hr 30m - 3hrs Average 2 hours. Trip departure times are 9h00; 12h00 & 15h00. Check-in is strictly 30 minutes prior to departure time for the on-land briefing and issuing of tickets. Inclusions Guided Tour (English), by Whale Specialist Guide, Still Water included on-board. WIFI available at on-land guest area. Exclusions & Optional Extras: Souvenir USB movie of whale watching trip including bonus short film, is available to purchase post tour. Marine Safari on Sea: $55 per person, Valid Jan-May only Enjoy a marine safari cruise looking out for the resident Brydes whales, dolphins, seals, and variety of seabirds including the African penguin. Explore the coastline aboard the purpose-built catamaran offering superior comfort and spectacular viewing opportunities. The guide, will interpret the marine life encountered en-route and provide insight while the action is taking place. Trip duration 1hr 30m - 3hrs Average 2 hours. Trip departure times 9h00. Check-in 30 minutes prior to departure time for the on-land safety briefing and issuing of tickets. Great White Shark-Cage Diving: $215 per person, Valid Year-round Award Winning Marine Dynamics, Shark Cage Diving and Viewing offers an unforgettable 5-star experience operating around world famous Dyer Island. Guests arrive at the The Great White House Restaurant in Kleinbaai, with shower and bathroom facilities, and a conservation and education room where you will enjoy a light meal while listening to the in depth briefing before the trip. Everybody is fitted with inflatable life jackets and wet weather gear if needed. Slashfin, the customed designed and build vessel offers an amazing trip out to sea. It is a 20-25min ride until you reach the anchor point. Everybody receives their individually packed clean dry wetsuit, booties, mask and towel. You’ll spend about 2-5 hours on the water, depending on the sightings and the day. You may be so fortunate to see different shark species, for
example bronze whalers and great white sharks. There’s an onboard marine biologist that will explain all the conservation and research work being done through the owner established Dyer Island Conservation Trust (www.dict.org.za). There is one crew member for every 3-4 guests on the vessel for maximum comfort and interpretation of the wonders you’ll experience. Snacks and drinks are available onboard and you will receive a hot chocolate when you climb out of the cage. No diving experience is needed. Sharks can also be viewed from the boat and top deck if you don’t feel comfortable to go in the water. There’s no age restriction. Warm soup and bread are available at the Great White House once back on land with a de-briefing. The motto for Marine Dynamics is to work with people’s dreams and Discover, Protect and Educate. Your Choice Makes a Difference. FREE PENGUIN VISIT: You are welcome to visit the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary at no extra charge. Marine Big 5 Dyer Island Cruise: $124 per person, Valid all year The area surrounding Dyer Island and Shark Alley is the world- famous home of the Marine Big 5. Depending on the time of year, you have the chance to see whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins and sharks, potentially in a single trip. The experienced marine tour guides know the area better than anyone and are available to assist with your every need. Whether you want to know more about a species or help on the boat, they’re there to make your trip as comfortable and informative as possible. FREE PENGUIN VISIT: You are welcome to visit the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary at no extra charge. Wine Taste and Tour at Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley: $21 per person Hemel-en-Aarde is widely regarded as one of the most exciting wine areas in South Africa and one of the most beautiful. To many, it is the place for fine, restrained, classically styled South African Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Falling within the Walker Bay “District", it is comprised of three contiguous "Wine Wards" located behind the historic seaside resort town of Hermanus, surrounded by nature reserves, overlooking the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay. Hemel-en- Aarde means Heaven and Earth in old Dutch and Afrikaans and according to a visiting Moravian missionary in 1899, “Rightly has it got its name because so high are the hills which closely embrace the valley all round, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but heaven and earth”. On one of the days in Hermanus, you will visit one of the local wineries for a wine taste and tour. Overnights at AUBERGE BURGUNDY in standard garden rooms. (B Daily) DAYS 14/15 HERMANUS/CAPE TOWN/EN ROUTE/ USA This morning, explore Hermanus on your own before transferring to Cape Town where you will board your flight home, bringing with you incredible experiences from South Africa.
INCLUSIONS
• Flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• Welcome and farewell dinners. All other meals as specified in itinerary.
• All wildlife viewing by 4X4 open vehicles, driven by professional driver/guides.
• Private roundtrip transfers between Johannesburg and Pilanesberg.
• All sightseeing and activities as noted.
• All transfers and sightseeing in Cape Town via luxury vehicle driven by driver/guide.
• Excellent local guides throughout. With 4 or more travelers, guide travels to Pilanesberg and Hermanus.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and at included meals throughout.
• All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All Park and attraction entry fees and sightseeing as specified.
• Complimentary baggage tags and water bottle.
• Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
EXCLUSIONS
• Roundtrip air transportation between the USA and South Africa.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. South Africa do not require visas.
• Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants. Gratuities should only be given as a reward for exceptional
service and is at your discretion. We estimate $10.00 per person/per day for the drivers on land and during safari. $10.00 per
person/per day for your local guide. $5.00 per person for each arrival and departure transfer from the airport / hotel.
• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• Laundry, other than where specified and other items of a personal nature.
• Personal and baggage insurance.
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Please note the itinerary sequence is correct at the time of writing, but is subject to change.THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
Participants:
• Must be able to climb in and out of safari 4 x 4 vehicles, minibuses, and buses unassisted. People need to be
willing to rotate seats.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk moderate distances when visiting villages, towns, or other sites. This walking
will be on uneven ground or uphill, often at altitudes many people are not used to.
• Should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.
In general, this trip requires:
• Flexibility and good humor – unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur
• A spirit of adventure and curiosity
• Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with uneven infrastructure and a bending definition of
comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm.
Air Schedules
This program does not include international flights; however, Classic Escapes will assist with your reservations upon
request. Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines
that offer the best level of service, routings, and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings
available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within the budget that allows us to give you the best
value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international flights, please forward us copies of your e-tickets. The
start city of this program is Johannesburg, South Africa and the return is from Cape Town.
Upon registration, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with
incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with reissuing the ticket.YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA, INCLUDING JOHANNESBURG, PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK & CAPE TOWN.
POST – EXTENSION TO HERMANUS.
DATES: JANUARY 15 TO DECEMBER 15, 2022
COST: PER PERSON, MAIN PROGRAM HERMANUS POST-EXTENSION
BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY BASED ON 2 TRAVELERS BASED ON 2 TRAVELERS
LAND ONLY:
JANUARY 15-MARCH, 2022 $7,295 PER PERSON JANUARY 15-DECEMBER 15, 2022
APRIL & SEPTEMBER, 2022 $6,895 PER PERSON $1,595 PER PERSON
MAY-AUGUST, 2022 $6,595 PER PERSON
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 15, 2022 $7,295 PER PERSON
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT*
JANUARY 15-MARCH, 2022 $1,495 PER PERSON JANUARY 15-DECEMBER 15, 2022
APRIL & SEPTEMBER, 2022 $1,195 PER PERSON $395 PER PERSON
MAY-AUGUST, 2022 $995 PER PERSON
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 15, 2022 $1,495 PER PERSON
IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE FOR AIRFARE,
CONTACT CLASSIC ESCAPES AT 800-627-1244
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: RATE IS VALID FOR FIRST TWO SINGLE ROOMS BOOKED. IF MORE THAN TWO SINGLE ROOMS, ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENT
MAY APPLY. SINGLES ARE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CITY: PROGRAM ARRIVES JOHANNESBURG AND DEPARTS CAPE TOWNYou can also read
