11 Days / 10 Nights: The Wilds of South Africa and The Cape
Stay 3 nights at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge and 2 nights at Shamwari Game Reserve at Long Lee Manor
GET 2 Nights FREE at The 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town and 3 nights FREE at The Franschhoek or The Constantia in Cape Winelands
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARIIVE JOHANNESBURG, FLY TO MADIKWE HILLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
On arrival and after immigration procedures proceed to arrivals, collect your luggage, go through customs, at arrival you will be met by our representative, who will hand over all documents and assist with check in for your scheduled charter flight to Madikwe Game Reserve.
At the edge of the Marico River and under a grove of Tamboti and Marula trees alike, guests will find themselves enchanted by a world of intrigue and majestic beauty at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.
Traversing over 75,000 hectares of true, untamed Africa and set in magnificent koppies amongst boulders, Madikwe Hills gently ebbs to the pulse of Africa’s drumbeat – It comprises of 11 luxurious glass-fronted suites. Each suite has a deck and the plunge pool is ingeniously placed among the boulders for complete privacy. The decor integrates natural elements with the rich colors to highlight Africa´s ambiance. The suites were designed for relaxation and comfort with fireplaces and under-floor heating.
Guests can pamper themselves in the ´bush spa´ while enjoying the views of the game reserve. Madikwe Hills offers guest the highest standard of service and fine cuisine with superb wines. The boma offers the traditional atmosphere of dining under the African stars.
Activities and facilities include two game drives daily, walking safaris, swimming pool, gym, massage treatment, library with an array of Africana and fictional literature and a well-stocked curio shop. (Lunch, Dinner)
ACCOMMODATION: MADIKWE HILLS GAME LODGE
IMPORTANT NOTE:: depending on your flight arrival into Johannesburg, you may need to overnight before proceeding to Madikwe. We will assist with hotel reservations in Johannesburg Airport or in Sandton City.
DAY 2 & 3: MADIKWE HILLS GAME LODGE
Morning and afternoon game drives with time in between to relax or go on a bush walk accompanied by a ranger. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: MADIKWE HILLS GAME LODGE
DAYS 4 & 5: SHAMWARI GAME RESERVEe
Fly to Johannesburg and connect your flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival you will be transferred to Shamwari Game Reserve, a 25 000 hectares (61 000 acres) the malaria free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape. The reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushman’s River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown. Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realization of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.
ACCOMMODATION: LONG LEE MANOR - originally built in 1910, it offers a distinctive Colonial experience. This splendidly restored Edwardian Manor House offers guests refined comfort, congenial service and enticing cuisine in the African bush. Long Lee Manor accommodates 38 guests in elegant en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and heating, as well as family suites for the children. Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room or around the open blazing fire at the Barn. Between game drives guests can laze around one of the two pools, relax in the beautifully appointed garden lounge, or experience a rejuvenating treatment in our spa.
Long Lee Manor is a reminder of an era of gracious living - positioned as the flagship of Shamwari - it overlooks the sweeping plains leading down to the Bushman’s River. A river lapa is an outdoor option for meals.
Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group. In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts!
The heat of the day is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, and swimming, reading and, of course, enjoying a delicious lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive. As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see elephants browsing, rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld. At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox) and snacks.
Then, as the light fades, your ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals. By 8:00pm you are back at your lodge where a drink in the bar with your ranger, amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries is followed either by another great meal expertly prepared by our chefs, or a barbecue next to a roaring fire. Finally, a hot shower and a well-earned sleep. Before repeating it again the next day!
Generally, you may not leave your vehicle when it is in the reserve. Guided walks can be arranged in the company of your armed ranger, in search of rare animals. These hikes can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is really only then that you gain a perspective of this great continent.
Note: Game drives are done in open Land Rovers, so you can feel close to Nature. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAYS 6 & 7 : CAPE TOWN
After morning game drive transfer to airstrip for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: THE TWELVE APOSTLE - Flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is located just minutes from the center of South Africa’s Cape Town. Poised on the edge of the Atlantic - where earth, sea and sky meet and luxury begins - it radiates African warmth and makes an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions of the fabled Cape Peninsula. Nearby Cape Town is simply brimming with historic attractions and oceanfront splendor. Plan an afternoon enjoying the street entertainers, shops, taverns and restaurants at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Visit The Castle of Good Hope, built in 1666, and ascend Table Mountain in a cable car for magnificent city views. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike a wealth of nature trails or plunge into some of the region’s prime diving spots in search of seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.
The Sanctuary Spa -Nature brings with it life and beauty and at The Sanctuary Spa we have embraced the healing energies of earth, air and water to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Sublime treatment packages that utilize the Elemis International Spa Range are available in our seven treatment rooms and why not experience Cape Town's only Rasul Chamber for something a little different. Two outdoor Gazebos are available for outdoor treatments, allowing you the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning part of the world.
Spa services include: Cape Town’s only Rasul Chamber, Brine pool and hot and cold plunge pools, 5 dry and 2 wet treatment rooms, Sauna, Vichy shower and Hydrotherapy Bath, Swedish massage, reflexology and hydrotherapy, Body wraps, fynbos exfoliation, manicures and pedicures, Indigenous plant extract treatments, Dual treatments and specially tailored packages, Two secluded mountain gazebos allow patrons the opportunity to experience outdoor therapies
DAY 8 - 10: CAPE WINELANDS
After breakfast you will be transferred to the winelands. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATION: THE CONSTANTIA HOTEL OR THE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL
THE CONSTANTIA: The Constantia has six luxurious suites from which to choose for your superior bedroom accommodation. Throughout the Constantia, décor is predominantly traditional Constantia country- style, elegant and sophisticated. A unique and relaxing atmosphere is created in part by the examples of eclectic African art evident throughout this luxury boutique hotel.
Private swimming pool
OR
THE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL: The Franschhoek, a historic residence in the center of what many regard as the most charming and picturesque village in the Cape Winelands. Elegantly restored in the Cape Huguenot tradition, The Franschhoek is right in the heart of what has become the utopia for food and wine lovers in the Cape. All the superior qualities of The Last Word Residences abound in this luxury winelands hotel. The Franschhoek features six luxurious en suite Superior Double Rooms. Each room has its own traditional Cape charm and opens onto a small shaded garden for extra luxury and comfort. The days are at leisure to explore the town, and visit the numerous wine farms surrounding Franschhoek. You have options to explore other wine regions which are abound with activities – Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Franschhoek is a quaint village situated in the heart of the fertile Franschhoek Valley. Surrounded by lush vineyards, rugged mountains and spectacular scenery, Franschhoek is the ideal base from which to delight in the attractions of the Winelands region.
Franschhoek was founded in 1688, when hundreds of Huguenots fled their French homeland, arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant Corner) - so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, it became known as Franschhoek (French Corner). This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the top of the village. Many of the original farms still carry their original French names. Bastille Day on the 14th of July celebrates the village's French Heritage with a festival of fine French food and wine.
Franschhoek is the food and wine capital of South Africa, where splendid wines are produced and top chefs create international and traditional gourmet cuisine in some of the country's top restaurants. Home to eight of South Africa's top 100 restaurants, Franschhoek is a food lover's dream. Most of the wine farms in the region offer top-class restaurants on their individual estates. The town boasts many excellent restaurants varying in cuisine, ambiance and style and of course all include impressive wine lists! Many of the local restaurants are noted for their innovative cuisine and warm hospitality. Particularly noteworthy is Le Quartier Francais - rated as South Africa's top restaurant, and one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world.
DAY 11: DEPART CAPE TOWN
Depart Cape Town or you may choose to extend your stay to Victoria Falls.
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2008 LAND ONLY PRICES: SPECIAL PRICE - VALID ONLY FOR TRAVEL JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER ONLY!
$4250.00.00 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
PRICE INCLUDES:
Meet & assist on arrival Johannesburg - Scheduled Flights from Johannesburg to Madikwe Hills game lodge - Transfers in Cape Town - Private tours in Cape Town - Tour of Cape Winelands, Tour of Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour. - Accommodation with full breakfast as indicated - Dinner (X5) and Lunch (X5) as specified - Game drives as per itinerary - Entrance fees on tours except where optional is specified
PRICE EXCLUDES:
International airfares and Airport tax, flights within South Africa Johannesburg/Port Elizabeth/Cape Town/Johannesburg, Visas if applicable, Beverages, Porterage, Gratuities, All items of a personal nature.
OPTIONAL EXTENTION TO VICTORIA FALLS: $599.00 3 days/2 nights Victoria Falls at The Royal Livingstone Hotel – Land only
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
SPECIAL PRICE – per person, double occupancy - $4250.00
July - September 2008
OPTIONALS: $599.00 3 days/2 nights Victoria Falls at The Royal Livingstone Hotel – Land only
Price Includes:
- Meet & assist on arrival Johannesburg
- Scheduled Flights from Johannesburg to Madikwe Hills game lodge
- Transfers in Cape Town
- Private tours in Cape Town - Tour of Cape Winelands, Tour of Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour.
- Accommodation with full breakfast as indicated
- Dinner (X5) and Lunch (X5) as specified
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Entrance fees on tours except where optional is specified
Price Excludes:
- International airfares and Airport tax
- Airfares within South Africa: Johannesburg/Port Elizabeth/Cape Town/Johannesburg
- Visas if applicable
- Beverages
- Porterage
- Gratuities
- All items of a personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
National Parks
Wildlife Viewing
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