 |
|
|
|
| |
South Africa in Style |
|
A Self-drive holiday and safari in style in South Africa |
Ref: SA05
16 days
from £2599 (minimum 2 passengers)
|
|
Destination:
South Africa
<
Go Back
|
|
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. |
 | Click map to enlarge |
Day 1 | Depart from the UK in the evening. | Day 2 | On arrival at Kruger mpumalanga International Airport you will be transferred to Chitwa Chitwa. In the world famous Sabi Sands Reserve Chitwa Chitwa offers an unforgettable African experience. Nestling beneath a blanket of Knobthorn trees rests Safari Lodge, originally a hunting lodge. In unwavering African tradition, the cottages at Safari Lodge are thatched, creating a bond with their surroundings. Its charm lies in that it has remained small and intimate, accommodating a maximum of ten guests in five chalets. Relaxed and in harmony with its surroundings, Safari Lodge is enjoyed for its rich diversity of animal and bird life which can be easily observed from each cottage. The African theme is reflected in the warmly decorated rooms where rich, earthy colours and natural materials are woven into a subtle tapestry of quiet indulgence. Continuing this idea in an unexpectedly reverse fashion, the private outside showers provide an enlivening experience not to be missed. Game Lodge's famed cuisine is echoed at Safari Lodge, whether it be a hearty breakfast to begin yet another glorious day in the wilds of Africa, lunch with a view over the lake from the tree-skewered timber deck or in the authentic outdoor boma, an indulgent dinner over which to recount the day's adventures.
| Day 3 | CHITWA SAFARI LODGE. Morning and evening game drives in open topped Landrovers offer a good chance of spotting the big five or the nocturnal night five after dark. Game drives included.
| Day 4 | CHITWA SAFARI LODGE. Also this new Safari Lodge has its own ranger and vehicle and is reminiscent of the original safari camps in Africa, with its thatched rondavels. Cool off in the heat of the day with a good book or record the prolific bird life. Game drives included.
| Day 5 | Transfer from the Safari Lodge to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Pick up your Group B Avis Rent a Car and self drive to CATHEDRAL PEAK for two nights. In the valley beneath the magnificent Cathedral Peak this most attractive mountain resort is surrounded by some of the finest climbs and walks in the Drakensberg. Set in beautiful flower-filled gardens this country holiday and resort hotel offers a range of comfortable accommodation from family thatch bungalows to the executive honeymoon suites with spectacular views, and the luxurious new Presidential Suite.
| Day 6 | Night 2 at CATHEDRAL PEAK. Guests may enjoy daily guides walks, bird watching, tennis, squash, swimming, horse riding, bowls, mini adventure golf, trout fishing, badminton, gym and sauna, volleyball, nearby game viewing and a challenging 9-hole golf course. The hotel’s resident helicopter provides the unique opportunity to view the breathtaking Drakensberg from the air, with charters for mountain top sundowners or exceptional photographic opportunities by arrangement. The quaint stone and thatch chapel has a spectacular mountain view and seats up to 80 guests, ideal for that memorable wedding. Whilst at Catherdral Peak your room has with private facilities with a Dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 7 | Drop car off at Durban Airport. Fly from Durban Airport to Port Elizabeth Airport on South African Airways. Pick up group C Avis Rent a Car from Port Elizabeth Airport and self drive 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 courts, birdlife and clear starlit nights. Excellent cuisine, warm hospitality and attention to detail. Two spacious luxury bedrooms in the house and four garden rooms, originally stables, all have seperate entrances. Conveniently situated for easy access to the airport, city, golf courses, magnificent unspoilt beaches, malaria-free Addo and private game reserves. Room with private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 8 | Self drive to THE KNYSNA BELLE GUEST HOUSE. Set on the water's edge, this architecturally designed home affords spectacular views of the Knysna Heads, lagoon and Outeniqua Mountains. Warm hospitality, pool, mountain bikes and winter heating are but some of the attractions this gracious home offers, and personal attention and relaxation are assured. Stylish bedrooms provide all comforts, including TV, M-Net, underfloor heating and tea tray. A luxurious suite ensures additional pampering. Full English breakfasts. Island living at its best. The Emu Suite has private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 9 | Second night at THE KNYSNA BELLE GUEST HOUSE.
| Day 10 | Third night at THE KNYSNA BELLE GUEST HOUSE.
| Day 11 | Self drive to ADIN AND SHARONS HIDEAWAY. Winners of 1997, 1998 and 1999 National AA Awards for B&B of the year and winners of past Satour Awards, Adin and Sharon would love to welcome you to their hideaway nestling behind their Victorian cottage in secure surroundings, in a quiet side street, in historic Swellendam. Three spacious and well appointed en suite bedrooms with air-conditioning open onto an extensive garden with 500 roses bushes. Furnished with antiques, Adin's hand crafted furniture, fridge, tea tray, honesty bar and home comforts. Their generous hospitality is reflected in the superb breakfasts, convivial sundowners and Adin's extensive knowledge of the area and personalised maps to your next destination. Walk to fine restaurants. Your room has private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 12 | Self drive to WEDGEVIEW COUNTRY HOUSE RETREAT. Wedgeview Country House is surrounded by vineyards with spectacular views across the winelands and mountains. Hosts, Mike and Trudie Spicer from England, welcome you to their beautiful thatched home, where guests are invited to relax in the quiet of the drawing room, or the open thatched music room, snooker room and bar. Spacious luxurious en suite bedrooms, under open thatch, are enhanced by imported fine linen and many other luxury touches. Stroll in the gardens or relax at the pool or Jacuzzi. Premier golf courses, flying club and riding nearby. Wedgeview is located 30 minutes from Cape Town, 15 minutes to the airport and coast. Your three nights here in your room with private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis.
| Day 13 | Second day at WEDGEVIEW COUNTRY HOUSE RETREAT.
| Day 14 | Third day at WEDGEVIEW COUNTRY HOUSE RETREAT.
| Day 15 | Drop car off at Cape Town Airport in time for your onward flight.
| Day 16 | Arrive UK in the early morning.
|
Accomodation - Click Here for Full Accomodation Information
|  Cathedral Peak
In the valley beneath the magnificent Cathedral Peak, this most attractive mountain retreat is surrounded by some of the finest climbs and walks in the Drakensberg mountains. Set in beautiful flower-filled gardens this country hotel offers a range of accommodation from family thatch bungalows to the executive honeymoon suites with spectacular views. Guests may enjoy daily guided walks, bird watching, tennis, squash, swimming, horse riding, trout fishing, gym and sauna, nearby game viewing and a challenging 9-hole golf course. The hotel’s resident helicopter provides the unique opportunity to view the breathtaking Drakensberg from the air, with charters for mountain top sundowners or exceptional photographic opportunities by arrangement. more >> |  Belvidere Manor
Belvidere Manor nestles on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon amidst old oaks and hibiscus and echoes the hospitality of its first owner, Thomas Duthie, who lived here 150 years ago. Courtesy and charm hallmark this lovely estate. The beautifully resorted Belvidere House presides of 10-acres of manicured gardens with lovely views of the lagoon and surrounding forests. Accommodation is offered in private cottages, each have a comfortable lounge with open fireplace, kitchen, en suite double bedrooms, telephone and satellite television. Savour farmhouse breakfasts on the verandah with superb views of the lagoon, sample a light lunch beside the pool or take a picnic and visit the many scenic attractions in the area. Dine by candle-light in Belvidere House, where the glow of polished yellowwood and Cape antiques create a warm ambience. The excellent menu offers local delicacies such as Knysna oysters and Karoo lamb. End the evening with a nightcap in the intimate Bell Tavern situated in the original quaint farmhouse. more >> |
Departures Between | Price from | 01 Jan 05 - 20 Apr 05
25 Aug 05 - 11 Dec 05 | *£2599 | 21 Apr 05 - 10 Jul 05 | *£2399 | 11 Jul 05 - 24 Aug 05 | *£2699 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
|
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 2 vehicle
Meet and greet, full driving itinerary and 24 hr 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.
|
| |
|
|
|
South Africa in Style
A Self-drive holiday and safari in style in South Africa
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
