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South Africa in Luxury |
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A Luxurious self-drive tour of South Africa |
Ref: SA06
22 days
from £4695 (minimum 2 passengers)
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Destination:
South Africa
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This is a three week self-drive itinerary taking in the main sights of South Africa and staying in good quality accommodation including charming hand picked hotels and private game lodges. The tour includes a stay in a private game reserve in the Kruger National Park, Swaziland, the Drakensburg Mountains, the Garden Route, the Cape Winelands and ends in Cape Town itself. Flanked to the east by the Indian Ocean and to the west by the Atlantic, South Africa is a world in one country. A kaleidoscope of natural wonders and scenic splendours. A huge country, South Africa is the fabled land of gold. A rolling panorama of sub-tropical forests and unspoilt beaches, of historic Cape Dutch houses nestling in golden, sunlit vineyards and magnificent mountains shrouded in silver mists. Of vast arid deserts and superb game reserves. Of sophisticated cities and quaint little hamlets.
Touring South Africa is a delight, with a first class network of rail, road and air services. The road system is magnificent – the best in Africa – and with driving on the left and the lack of traffic, driving is easy and stress free.
International cuisine, fine wines and a range of first class hotels and game lodges make South Africa a great destination.
Where to go
Cape Town, set between Table Mountain and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town is the country’s legislative capital. Cobblestone streets, colourful street markets and an array of excellent shops and restaurants make the town a delight to explore.
From Cape Town east to Port Elizabeth lies an area of extraordinary scenic beauty. Tranquil winelands give way to craggy mountains, small bays and golden beaches, towering cliffs and primeval forests of the Garden Route.
Further north is one of South Africa’s smallest provinces – Kwa Zulu Natal. An area of subtropical vegetation, untamed wilderness, golden beaches and colourful rickshaws. To the west rise the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. Known to the Zulu people as Quathlamba, “the barrier of spears”, the peaks are snow capped in winter and offer spectacular walking during the summer months.
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city, and for many the “gateway” to the country. Some 2 hours drive north west of Johannesburg lies the world famous resort of Sun City, a paradise for golfers and gamblers.
From Johannesburg the highveld of the Trasnvaal stretched for hundreds of miles, until in the east it reaches the northern manifestations of the Drakensberg Mountains and then terminates in breathtaking abruptness to firm an immense escarpment, which plunges hundreds of metres down into the lowveld. Both Mpumalanga – “the land of the rising sun” and the Northern Province abound with legend and history. This is an area of great natural beauty with spectacular waterfalls and forests, panoramic passes and magnificent mountains. This is also ‘Big Game Country’, home to a plethora of private game reserves and the world renowned Kruger National Park.
The size of Wales, the Kruger National Park stretches from Zimbabwe in the north some 300 kilometres south. It is bounded to east by Mozambique and to the west by the private games reserves of Umbabat, Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sand. The Kruger supports one of the greatest diversities of wildlife to be found anywhere in Africa and covers a multitude of ecosystems. No excitement can quite match the thrill of seeing wild animals in the natural habitat for the first time and the private game lodges of the Sabi Sand are renowned for their sightings of the ‘Big Five’.
When to go
In general South Africa’s climate is sunny and temperature throughout the year. However the best time for game viewing is the dry winter months – June to September. Winter nights can be extremely cold on safari so warm clothes are essential.
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with rains during the winter. So the best time for seeing the Cape, and Table Mountain, in all its glory are the summer months – November to March. The best time for flowers however is springtime, in either August or September.
Durban and Kwa Zulu Natal have a summer rainfall, and can be extremely hot and humid, so the best time for visiting this area is late summer, the winter or early spring. Rafting in South Africa is best during the rainy season, so if you’re looking for the thrills and spills of big white water you need to be there between December and February.
Whale watching is best in the winter months, and during this time proteas can be seen growing wild in the Riviers-Onderend and Outeniqua mountains.
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 | Click map to enlarge |
Day 1 | Depart the UK in the evening.
| Day 2 | Arrive Johannesburg International Airport and transfer to The Grace Hotel. The couple that co-owns The Grace in Rosebank, aimed to create an intimate alternative to the typical five-star city hotel. This they achieved admirably. The Grace is sophisticated and charming, with a genuine easy warmth about it. We think that the Rosebank Grace is a lovely place to spend your first or last nights in Southern Africa, a deliciously "soft landing" for the beginning of an exciting journey. Your room with private facilities is on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 3 | Group E Avis Rent a Car will be delivered to your hotel. Self drive to WALKERSONS. Walkersons, with its stone and thatch buildings and 1500-acre Highland Estate, offers an almost Royal experience if you are seeking something truly special. Excellent cuisine and hand picked wines are a speciality of the house, and fine dining is complemented by friendly and attentive staff. Indulge in gentle country pursuits, the estate offers beautiful forest and river walks, as well as walking trails into the nature reserve where indigenous game abides in a mountain wilderness renowned for its birdlife and prolific flowers. For the fly fisherman all equipment is provided, with the chance of fly-fishing for rainbow trout in several kilometres of private river or one of the many lakes. Only 2 ½ hours from Johannesburg on the outskirts of the charming fishing village of Dullstroom. Your room with private facilities is on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 4 | Second night at WALKERSONS.
| Day 5 | Self drive to Skukuza Airport and drop car off. On arrival at Skukuza Airport you will be transferred to Chitwa Chitwa Game Reserve.
| Day 6 | Early morning game activity is followed by breakfast. After breakfast there is time to relax either by the pool watching hippos and elephants or to do one of the many activities offered by Chitwa Chitwa before lunch. After lunch there is a short rest before your afternoon/evening game activity. This is followed by dinner.
| Day 7 | Early morning game activity is followed by breakfast. After breakfast there is time to relax either by the pool watching hippos and elephants or to do one of the many activities offered by Chitwa Chitwa before lunch. After lunch there is a short rest before your afternoon/evening game activity. This is followed by dinner.
| Day 8 | Transfer from Chitwa Chitwa to Skukuza Airport. Early morning game activity is followed by breakfast. After breakfast our representative will meet you and transfer you to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight to Durban. On arrival at Durban Airport our representative will meet you and will transfer you to The Edward Hotel. Situated on Durban's famous Golden Mile, within five minutes of the city centre, the Edward Hotel Durban heralds a time of Victorian elegance. This world-famous hotel has played host to Princes and Presidents, Field Marshals, millionaires and movie stars since 1911. The Edward Hotel in Durban is a well-placed base from which to explore the Zululand environment, the famous Indian Market and a variety of nightspots and entertainment
| Day 9 | Avis Rent a Car group E (VW Passat or similar. Automatic, Air-Conditioned, Power Steering, Radio & Tape) will be delivered to your hotel. Self drive approx 3 hours to the Drakenberg Mountains and to Cathedral Peak Hotel.
| Day 10 | Second night at the Cathedral Peak Hotel.
| Day 11 | Third night at the Cathedral Peak Hotel.
| Day 12 | Self drive to Durban Airport and drop car off. Fly Durban Airport to Port Elizabeth Airport. On arrival pick up group E Avis Rent a Car and Self drive approx 40 minutes to La Provence.
Relax and enjoy this unique and beautiful setting in Port Elizabeth. Acres of parklike gardens, tranquil views, large secluded pool area, tennis court, birdlife and clear starlit nights. Excellent service, superb cuisine, warm hospitality and attention to detail. Two spacious luxury bedrooms in the house and four garden rooms, originally stables, all have separate entrances. Conveniently situated for easy access to the airport, city, golf courses, magnificent unspoilt beaches, malaria-free Addo and private game reserves. A two-night stay is recommended to truly appreciate the ambience and surrounding activities and attractions.
| Day 13 | Self drive to THE PLETTENBERG. The Plettenberg is situated on a dramatic rocky headland overlooking two swimming beaches with spectacular views across the bay to the river and mountains. Elegance and comfort are assured with bedrooms and suites exquisitely furnished and designed to take advantage of the stunning views. Stunning coastal drives or walks through the famous indigenous forest provide pleasant outings. Golf can be arranged at the nearby Country Club. For the three nights at The Plettenberg your room with private facilities is on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 14 | Second night at THE PLETTENBERG
| Day 15 | Third night at THE PLETTENBERG | Day 16 | Self drive approx 3 ½ hours along the Garden Route to Swellendam and to Klippe Rivier.
The country road winds past vineyards and orchards to Klippe Rivier, a magnificent Cape Dutch Country House, circa 1825, on the outskirts of historic Swellendam, two hours from Cape Town and the Garden Route. Once the family home of Presidents Steyn and Reitz and now a fine example of the white-walled beauty of the Cape. Recall the gracious past in this lovely homestead with its spacious voorkamer and reception rooms where gleaming yellowwood floors enhance beautiful antiques. The original “waenhuis” and stables have been converted into luxury air-conditioned bedrooms preserving much of the original ambience. Downstairs, spacious bedrooms each have an open fireplace, dressing room and generous bathroom with separate shower and toilet.
| Day 17 | Self drive approx 2 hours to Cape Town and to The Cape Grace Hotel. THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL is situated on its own promontory in Cape Town’s vibrant Waterfront the luxurious Cape Grace offers unrivalled warmth and service. For the four nights at the Cape Grace your room with private facilities is on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 18 | Second night at THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL
| Day 19 | Third night at THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL
| Day 20 | Fourth night at THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL. | Day 21 | Drop car off at Cape Town Airport in time for your onward flight to the UK.
| Day 22 | Arrive UK in the early morning. |
Accomodation - Click Here for Full Accomodation Information
|  Simbambili
Earth Lodge draws its inspiration from the environment; it is architecturally sculpted into the earth, with elements of water, sand, rock and wood extending the texture of the wild. You will safari with expert guides in one of the finest Game reserves in the world before returning to relax at one of the most luxurious lodges in the world. With plunge pools in each suite, a nature spa, an underground wine cellar and private art gallery, it truly is a sanctuary for every aspect of your being. more >> |  Zimbali
Zimbali Lodge is a stunning property, nestled in lush, sub-tropical indigenous forest just 26 miles north of Durban. The name Zimbali is Zulu for 'Valley of Flowers', and the estate is a protected reserve and is home to a variety of wildlife. Every luxurious bedroom opens onto a private, furnished balcony offering sweeping views down the valley to the sea. The lodge itself is sheer self-indulgence: unwind next to the designer pool, take a stroll on the beautiful estate, or soak up the sun on the beach and play in the waves of the warm and inviting Indian ocean. more >> |
Departures Between | Price from | 01 Jan 05 - 20 Apr 05
25 Aug 05 - 11 Dec 05 | *£4695 | 21 Apr 05 - 10 Jul 05 | *£4595 | 11 Jul 05 - 24 Aug 05 | *£4765 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Price is per person based on two people sharing and includes:
· International and domestic flights
· All accommodation with breakfast, full-board at Chitwa Chitwa.
· Transfers and Car-hire based on Group 4 vehicle
Met on arrival, full driving itinerary and 24 hr local back-up.
Not included: Main meals not mentioned above. Petrol. Personal items. Drinks. Entrance fees.
This holiday is offered by and booked with Real Africa ATOL 6115.
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South Africa in Luxury
A Luxurious self-drive tour of South Africa
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