SOUTH AFRICA GREATER KRUGER PARK & CAPE TOWN - August 2019 - Bellingham Safaris
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PHOTO CREDIT: LION BY GREG WHELAN
GREATER KRUGER PARK & CAPE TOWN
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR
SOUTH AFRICA
August 2019
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM
2 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
This proudly assembled scheduled tour of South Africa is a wonderful combination of iconic
destinations; the fabulous Greater Kruger National Park, where you will experience sensational wildlife
viewing of the famed “Big 5” and more and the South-western Cape, renowned not only for its iconic
Table Mountain and extraordinary wines but also for its unique flora (Cape Floral Kingdom), breath-
taking scenery, fascinating cultural heritage, wintering Whales and of course, Penguins!
TOUR AT A GLANCE
Day Date Location Accommodation
01 Aug 2019 Ngala Private Game Reserve Ngala Safari Lodge (FI)
02 Aug 2019 Ngala Private Game Reserve Ngala Safari Lodge (FI)
03 Aug 2019 Ngala Private Game Reserve Ngala Safari Lodge (FI)
04 Aug 2019 Ngala Private Game Reserve Ngala Safari Lodge (FI)
05 Aug 2019 Cape Town Breakwater Lodge (FI)
06 Aug 2019 Cape Town Breakwater Lodge (FI)
07 Aug 2019 Cape Town Breakwater Lodge (FI)
08 Aug 2019 Cape Town Breakwater Lodge (FI)
09 Aug 2019 Cape Town Breakwater Lodge (FI)
10 Aug 2019 Day of departure
FI = fully inclusive (all meals, snacks and standard beverages)
TOUR MAP
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM
3 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
DAILY DETAIL
Day 1 Ngala Private Game Reserve
Today you will be met off your international flight in Johannesburg by your Bellingham Safaris tour
leader, before winging your way to Ngala Safari Lodge, where you will spend the next 4 nights.
Ngala, whose name is means “Lion” in Shangaan, the local language, supports several prides of these
powerful felines, and is renowned for its superb game-viewing, immense wilderness and expert
trackers. Now part of the Greater Kruger conservation area, Ngala was the first private reserve to be
incorporated in the Kruger National Park (South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary) and the lodge
boasts over 14,700 hectares (36 300 acres) of some of the best game viewing habitat in all of
Kruger. In one of Africa’s most innovative conservation partnership agreements, an annual lease,
traversing fee and percentage of Ngala’s profits is paid to the National Parks Trust to further
conservation projects throughout South Africa.
PHOTO CREDIT: LIONESS AND CUB BY GREG WHELAN
This evening will be you first opportunity to head out on a game drive in search of animals, including
the legendary “Big 5”, which all occur here. There will also be the opportunity to explore for nocturnal
birds and mammals. Success on night drives varies greatly, but the list of possibilities is rather
impressive and includes a plethora of owls and also for sightings of less frequently seen mammals
including both Large and Small Spotted Genets, Lesser Galago, African Wild Cat, African Civet,
Serval, Caracal, Honey Badger and Spotted Hyaena. You will have excellent chances of connecting
with the normally elusive Leopard for which the reserve is justly famed.
PHOTO CREDIT: MALE LEOPARD BY GREG WHELAN
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM
4 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
Flight: Johannesburg to Ngala Private Game Reserve
Overnight: Ngala Safari Lodge
Day 2 - 4 Ngala Private Game Reserve
You will have 3 full days to explore the park in an open game drive vehicle in an attempt to locate the
wonderful wildlife that abounds. You are also able to enjoy the bush on foot with an armed guide
exploring the macro and microsystems. Here you will be introduced to the subtle art of track and sign
as you team up with a local tracker and guide who along with your tour leader, will assist you in your
search for the wonderful wildlife of the region. The seasonal Timbavati River is a feature at Ngala. The
sandy riverbed, flanked by tall forest, makes for dramatic scenery and is a good place to find ambling
Elephant bulls and lazing prides of Lion.
PHOTO CREDIT: ELEPHANT BULL BY GREG WHELAN
Ngala will offer wonderful opportunities to watch these spectacular animals in their natural habitat and
some of them you may encounter in staggering numbers and at close quarters. Other highly sought-
after animals you have a chance of finding are Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Hippopotamus and a myriad
of antelope and other mammals, including Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Greater Kudu,
Impala, Klipspringer, Bushbuck, Warthog, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey and Dwarf Mongoose.
PHOTO CREDIT: AFRICAN WILD DOGS BY GREG WHELAN
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Overnight: Ngala Safari Lodge
Day 5 Cape Town
After a final morning game drive to soak up the African bush and breakfast, you will transfer by road
to Hoedspruit for your flight to Cape Town.
PHOTO CREDIT: WHITE RHINO COW AND CALF BY GREG WHELAN
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will transfer to your hotel, situated in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront;
with its stunning views of Table Mountain, this spectacular location is a destination unto itself. This
evening you will have a chance to reminisce over all the wonderful sightings you had on safari, while
enjoying a lovely dinner at one of the many fine restaurants situated within walking distance of your
hotel.
PHOTO CREDIT: VIEW OF TABLE MOUNTAIN AT DAWN FROM THE V&A WATERFRONT
Transfer: Ngala Safari Lodge to Hoedspruit Airport (approx. 1 hour)
Flight: Hoedspruit Airport to Cape Town (approx. 3 hours)
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Overnight: Breakwater Hotel
Day 6 Cape Town
You will have 4 full days to explore the wonders of Cape Town and its surrounds. Cape Town is widely
considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities and offers some remarkable wildlife encounters,
unrivalled natural beauty and diverse botany complemented by fine wine, excellent cuisine and a
vibrant city culture. Some of the activities will depend on the elements being fine in nature. Therefore
there will be some flexibility in this itinerary’s design in order to make the most of all the incredible
offerings.
PHOTO CREDIT: VIEW OF CAPE TOWN FROM ROBBEN ISLAND BY CAPE TOWN ROBBEN ISLAND TOURS
This morning you will have the opportunity to take a poignant ferry (approx. 30min each way) across
Table Bay to Robben Island. The views of Table Mountain and Cape Town from the Island are simply
spectacular. Once on the island, you will begin your private tour, which includes a visit to the
Maximum Security Prison led by an ex-political prisoner. This notorious island, now a World Heritage
Site, was not always a prison; from the mid 1850’s until early 1930’s it was a hospital for people
suffering mental illnesses and leprosy and during World War II it was used as a training & defence
station. However, it is most well-known as the penitentiary, which held anti-apartheid activists
including South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.
Weather-permitting, you will once again enjoy some more sensational views of the Mother city and
Robben Island, as you make your way up to the lower cable car station after lunch, before heading up
to the top of Table Mountain in the revolving cable car and spend the late afternoon on top of one of
the world’s natural wonders.
PHOTO CREDIT: TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY
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Overnight: Breakwater Hotel
Day 7 Cape Town
This morning will be an early start as you head to Simon’s Town in False Bay to undertake a private
sea excursion aboard a dedicated Whale-watching boat to take advantage of the annual Southern
Right Whale migration. During this 2-3 hour excursion, you will have time to appreciate the beauty,
bulk and astonishing behaviour of these Whales.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE BREACHING BY DAVE HURWITZ
Southern Right Whales populate the protected Cape bays during winter, escaping the harsh Antarctic
climate in order to calve and nurture their young. This is far from a single species expedition and other
cetaceans that we may possibly encounter include Bryde’s and Humpback Whales as well as Common,
Dusky and Bottlenose Dolphins. The cold upwelling of the Benguela current off Cape Town supports a
wealth of pelagic seabirds, with vast concentrations of albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and prions
and we may also find ourselves marvelling at these fascinating birds as we search for cetaceans.
PHOTO CREDIT: COMMON DOLPHINS IN FALSE BAY BY SIMON BELLINGHAM
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM
8 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
After lunch you will then visit the famous African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town.
This is the largest breeding population of this species on the African mainland and as many as five
hundred penguins grace the beach, often in and around nearby nest burrows. We will have superb
viewing and photographic opportunities of these undeniably, adorable birds. Other notable birds to
watch for include the endemic African Oystercatcher found along the adjacent rocky shoreline and the
offshore islets, which also hold populations of the endemic Crowned, Bank and Cape Cormorants.
PHOTO CREDIT: AFRICAN PENGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH BY JAMES KYDD
Overnight: Breakwater Hotel
Day 8 Cape Town
Today you will visit Cape Point, which is contained within the Cape of Good Hope National Park.
Although it is often confused as the most southerly tip of Africa it is in fact Cape Agulhas, further east,
that is worthy of this title! Cape Point is the most south-westerly point of the African continent and the
scenery is wild and rugged. The habitat here is typical of the Fynbos biome and you should locate a
variety of colourful Protea and Erica species. En-route to the Cape of Good Hope, there will be the
opportunity to meander along Chapman’s Peak drive. This scenic drive winds its way between
Noordhoek and Hout Bay and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
PHOTO CREDIT: CAPE POINT BY CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATIONAL PARK
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There are viewpoints en route which offer excellent photographic opportunities of the sheer cliffs and
breath-taking seascapes and yet another opportunity to spot Whales. To add an even greater element
of colour to the thick stands of Proteas are the iridescent Orange-breasted and Malachite Sunbirds and
Cape Sugarbird. Several large mammals occur within the area and you may find Eland (the world’s
largest antelope), Bontebok, Chacma Baboon and Rock Hyrax. The Cape Mountain Zebra is also a
possibility.
PHOTO CREDIT: MALACHITE SUNBIRD ON A PINCUSHION PROTEA BY GREG WHELAN
This afternoon, you will make your way to the rolling lawns and floral displays of the fabulous
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. These vast gardens, draping the lower slopes of Table Mountain,
offer stunning and informative displays, breath-taking views of the mountain and surrounding scenery
as well as incredible birdlife. The gardens are not just a great place to enjoy the plants of the region
but also the Cape’s endemic birds.
Overnight: Breakwater Hotel
Day 9 Cape Town
Today you will explore the floral and faunal wonders of the West Coast National Park.
PHOTO CREDIT: WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK IN FLOWER BY SIMON BELLINGHAM
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10 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
The 27,500 hectare West Coast National Park lies 120 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape
province of South Africa. The park is particularly well known for its bird life and for the spring flowers
which occur in the months from August to October, especially in the Postberg flower reserve section of
the park. A combination of weather and soil conditions has created what has been described as ‘God’s
garden’, with the normally green and rather drab hills transformed into an extravagance of colour and
beauty with carpets of daisies during the wildflowers season.
PHOTO CREDIT: CAPE MOUNTAIN ZEBRAS BY SIMON BELLINGHAM
Wildlife in the park includes large antelope such as Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok, Kudu, Gemsbok,
Steenbok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Duiker, and the endemic Cape Grysbok and Ostriches in the Postberg
section. You may also make a stop to enjoy the turquoise waters of Langebaan Lagoon where large
numbers of waders spend the northern winter. Here we may also see Greater and Lesser Flamingo and
a variety of other waterfowl.
Overnight: Breakwater Hotel
Day 10 Day of departure
You will enjoy a final morning in the scenic Waterfront before bidding our farewells to this remarkable
country. This journey, from the game rich wilderness of Kruger to the colourful and vibrant Western
Cape is sure to leave you with a bounty of memories that will last a lifetime!
Transfer: Breakwater Hotel to Cape town International Airport
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM11 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
ACCOMMODATION: NGALA SAFARI LODGE
4 NIGHTS
The magic and mystery of Africa come alive in the colonial ambiance of elegant Ngala Safari Lodge.
This old-world haven in the midst of the African bush charms with its colonial antiques, silver cutlery
and crystal glassware. Style and grace mingle faultlessly with the rugged natural beauty of the
setting, as manicured lawns give way to dense Mopane thickets and Elephant saunter down to drink
at the waterhole that forms the heart of this authentic safari lodge.
Protected by a living canopy of immense Mopane and Tamboti trees, Ngala Safari Lodge carves out a
set of intimate, elegant spaces sheltered in harmonious seclusion by the thick vegetation. Twenty
thatched cottages with shaded verandas nestle among the trees, ensuring the perfect privacy of
your retreat. An afternoon by the poolside rewards you with a refreshing dip as well as blissful
relaxation time. Secret nooks and crannies with cushy sofas are ideal for quiet hours of
contemplation in the leafy shade. Creamy soft linen on curtained beds, soft tinted prints and
etchings combine with the evocative smell of thatch to carry the classic safari atmosphere into your
private cottage.
Rates include: Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and
beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, 1-hour nature walks
accompanied by experienced armed tracker (subject to availability), emergency medical evacuation
insurance, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip.
1x Safari Lodge Cottage
www.andbeyond.com
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ACCOMMODATION: BREAKWATER LODGE
5 NIGHTS
Experience a rich piece of history with modern-day comfort when you stay in South Africa at the
Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. Located adjacent to the fabulous V&A
Waterfront, our Green Point hotel's presence in Cape Town occupies an historic 19th century building
overlooking Table Bay and the city's iconic landmark, Table Mountain. Environmentally-friendly, our
hotel's guest rooms all feature beautiful recycled floors and furniture. Guests are treated to a bird’s-
eye view of the restored harbour, secure parking and easy access to the waterfront’s many
attractions. Situated near the main routes to beaches, mountain walks and city hotspots. On-site
dining is offered at Stonebreakers Restaurant and other amenities include the full-service Relax Spa
and a well-equipped fitness centre.
Rates include: Accommodation, three meals daily, Wi-Fi and bottled water.
1x Standard Guest Room
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM13 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
COST OVERVIEW
These costs are based on 6 adults travelling
Per adult in double room August 2019 ZAR 91,080.00
Single supplement August 2019 ZAR 22,540.00
INCLUDES
Accommodation
All meals
Beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
Game drives and bush walks while at Ngala Private Game Reserve
Services of a specialist Bellingham Safaris tour leader
Domestic flights: Johannesburg to Ngala and Hoedspruit to Cape Town
Ground transportation: Transfer from Ngala to Hoedspruit airport
Conservation fees at Ngala Private Game Reserve
Laundry at Ngala Private Game Reserve
Touring vehicle whilst in Cape Town
Activities while in Cape Town which includes:
Private tour on Robben Island including the ferry to the island
Table Mountain visit including cableway fees
Private Whale Charter Boat for Whale and Dolphin excursion in False Bay
Entrance fees into Boulder’s Beach, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens,
Cape of Good Hope and West Coast National Parks
EXCLUDES
Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes
Gratuities
Items of personal nature
Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required)
Travel Insurance
Excess baggage costs
Changes to the itinerary
Any items not included in the inclusions above
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM14 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Payment
In the event of a go ahead we will require a non-refundable 30% deposit and the balance to be
settled 2 months prior to arrival.
We may have to impose more stringent payment and cancellation terms, should that be demanded
of us by any of our individual suppliers that have been included in your itinerary.
The tour price is always fixed in the currency quoted, and the actual cost in the other currencies will
be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (payments can be
made either in USD or ZAR). We use the exchange rate of the day with a 3% margin (the typical
exchange rate applied by credit card companies), using this source: http://www.oanda.com – the
currency quoted is plugged into the “Currency I Want” and the INTERBANK +/- is adjusted to 3%
automatically generating the rate of the day. Guests are given 7 days to process with wire, after which
we may need to update the exchange rate.
Please note
Upon confirmation of this tour, the cancellation policy for Bellingham Safaris will be effective
immediately and the parties agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions as stated in our
booking form. In the event of the Booking Form not being signed, the placement of any
booking/s, by any means including e-mail, shall be deemed to be confirmation that the Terms
and Conditions have been read, understood, any queries have been addressed to the
satisfaction of the parties and that the parties agree to be bound by thereto.
Scheduled tour prices are based on group numbers and should the need arise there may be a
small group supplement. However if this does occur you have the right to cancel your tour
without incurring any cancellation charges as long as you notify Bellingham Safaris within 7 days
of the announcement. The announcement will be made prior to final invoicing.
Rates quoted are subject to change if there are any increases in park fees, fuel, sales tax or
VAT, third-party services, currency fluctuations or any other circumstances beyond our control.
We will use our best endeavours to bring such changes to your attention, but you are
nevertheless bound thereby.
Prices are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs. Should an amendment in a
routing or itinerary be necessary, we will adjust the price but such adjustment will be for your
account.
If the number of nights or dates of travel or number of participants should change, this
may have an effect on the cost. We will re-cost accordingly and you agree to be bound by such
re-costing.
Please be sure to carefully check your visa requirements before your intended date of travel, as
Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary visa requirements not be
fulfilled. Please remember that in some cases you may need to apply for a multiple entry visa.
Please be sure to carefully check your passport requirements before your intended date of
travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary number of
blank pages and passport validity dates not be fulfilled.
Please consult your physician before you travel for advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis.
Bellingham Safaris strongly advises that you take out comprehensive travel insurance covering
yourself for personal effects, cancellation and curtailment. Personal accident, medical and
emergency travel expense insurance is mandatory on any of our tours. Some activities and
services may have weight and/or height restrictions per guest. For the sake of your own
comfort, please advise us at time of booking if you are particularly bulky or tall and we will do
our best to accommodate you. Please note additional costs may apply.
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM15 BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SCHEDULED TOUR SOUTH AFRICA 2019
Luggage restrictions are applicable including the use of hard suitcases. Details of luggage
restrictions per region are available on our pre-departure documentation. Should your weight be
above the limit set by an airline, a surcharge may be applicable, over and above the quoted tour
price. Please peruse all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.
Some flights may involve stops before reaching the final destination. Please check your
itinerary and all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.
Although we will try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible and include all the activities
mentioned there may be changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Flights, times and routes are subject to change without notice. Please make sure that you
are aware of the check-in times for flights and give yourself ample time in this regard.
Please advise us prior to booking should you have any health concerns. Also please notify us if
your age is above 80 as you may require a doctor’s certificate.
There may be some age restrictions with certain activities, most notably canoe rides and
walking.
All accommodations, activities and other services are subject to availability at the time of
booking
PHOTO CREDIT: WHITE RHINO BY GREG WHELAN
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