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SOUTH
AFRICA
A GOURMET SAFARI
Comapre
with Botswana : Edge of Eden 13-days
Inviting
vineyards carpeting fertile valleys, historic Cape Dutch manor houses,
two oceans, Twelve Apostles, a burgeoning culinary celebration rooted
in Cape Malay cuisine and the progressive, imaginative kitchens of South
Africa's leading chefs. This distinctive tour takes you on an artfully
(and tastefully!) designed journey to the southernmost tip of Africa.
A wine and gourmet safari that promises not only a focus on the classic
gastronomic offerings of South Africa, but dovetails innovative wine-tasting
and dining experiences that are the product of a creative collaborative
effort between Nubian Nile Cruises, African Portfolio, boutique vineyards,
and the most discerning palates in the country!
Not
to be missed is of course the stunningly wild safari adventure which follows,
where you stay at leading camps and lodges that have made eating in the
wilderness perhaps one of the most sophisticated pleasures possible -
combining the beauty of the bushveld, the excitement of unparalleled game
viewing, luxurious accommodation and memorable meals together…
Tour
Ref: SAWINE03
Day
1 - Saturday - Monthly Departure - First Saturday of Each month
Constantia Valley, Cape Town
When Sir Francis Drake rounded the Cape in 1580, he declared, "this
Cape is the most stately thing and the fairest Cape we saw in the whole
circumference of the earth". Cape Town, South Africa's "Mother
City", lies nestled between Table Mountain and Table Bay. After your
arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you are met by Cape Travel
Net and transferred to your guesthouse in the Constantia neighborhood
of Cape Town. Constantia is a mere 20 minutes from Cape Town, 25 minutes
from Cape Town International Airport, en route to Cape Point and Simon's
Town and minutes away from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It enjoys
views of the back of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, False Bay and three
major wine estates, offering peace and tranquility on a working wine farm,
away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated on the slopes of
the Constantiaberg, in the heart of the Constantia wine-growing region,
Constantia Uitsig Country Hotel offers gracious accommodation in 16 individually
furnished garden suites with private patios - the keynotes are elegance
and simplicity. Facilities include a private lounge and bar, two award
winning restaurants serving fine Provincial cuisine, and two swimming
pools.
After
a short rest, your group will begin its introduction to Cape Town with
a cable car ride up the famous Table Mountain (weather permitting) with
its stunning view of the Twelve Apostles, the mountains flanking Cape
Town. From the highest point in Cape Town, you descend to the revitalized
Waterfront section of the city where you are free to explore at your own
pace and enjoy lunch on your own at any of the myriad of restaurants available.
Your group reconvenes at an exclusive wine shop, boasting a stunning range
of wines available in South Africa. Vaughn Johnson, the owner, will speak
with you about the South African wine industry, providing a useful overview
before you embark on a week-long exploration of the Western Cape's wineries.
The evening concludes with a special wine tasting at sea on a sunset cruise
with winemaker Bruce Jack. You stay at Constantia Uitsig - Victorian
Day
2 - Sunday, (BLD)
Constantia Valley, Cape Town
This morning you are off to an early start after a hearty English breakfast,
heading around the Peninsula down towards Cape Point Nature Reserve and
through to Cape Point itself. You have lunch at Cape Point served with
stunning seafood including local oysters and crayfish. You then proceed
to Boulders Beach Penguin Colony on the way, with your route taking you
via some spectacular coastal scenery. This afternoon a wine tasting and
in-depth tour of Constantia Uitsig's vineyards has been arranged followed
by a tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. On Sundays these gardens
are host to delightful outdoor concerts at dusk - and what better way
to attend with a picnic hamper prepared specially by the chefs at Constantia
Uitsig, along with chilled wines. You stay at Constantia Uitsig - Victorian
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3- Monday, (BL)
Constantia Valley, Cape Town
A full sampling of the Constantia Valley's wineries is in order today,
as you explore but one of the Western Cape's wine regions. Stops at Groot
Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenberg including a special cellar
tour will offer a perfectly balanced combination of vineyards. You have
a lovely gourmet lunch at Buitenverwachting under the oaks followed by
a visit to a Constantia cheese-maker in the afternoon which suitably complements
the day's activities. Dinner this evening will be at Constantia Uitsig's
own La Colombe, with a special tasting menu. La Colombe, recently scooped
the prestigious Business Day Restaurant of the Year Award. This is the
second year running that La Colombe has won this award.
You stay at Constantia Uitsig - Victorian Breakfast, Lunch
Day
4 - Tuesday, (BLD)
Franschhoek
This morning, you leave the Constantia Valley for Franschhoek. Cape country
houses are the stately homes of South Africa, set characteristically amid
a sea of vineyards, curling gables etched on blue sky. Thatched roofs
on sturdy whitewashed walls, spacious wood-lined interiors and sweeping
gardens are the legacies of a dignified past. Designed in the Cape Dutch
architectural style and dating from the early seventeenth century, most
Cape country houses are to be found in the winelands of Paarl, Stellenbosch,
Franschhoek and Constantia. Wine is this region's lifeblood, its architectural
heritage its soul. Le Quartier Francais, created in a style of a Victorian
square, blends in with the French Huguenot village of Franschoek. Fifteen
en suite bedrooms, with generous beds, luxurious bathrooms and separate
showers, look out onto the garden court and pool. The Inn is renowned
for its Cape Provincial cuisine, country hospitality and fine wines. Situated
55 minutes from Cape Town, its great charm, hospitality and amenities
satisfy the most discerning traveler.
Your tour today includes wine tasting at Glen Carlou and Cabriere. We
have arranged a special champagne tasting, where the owner will perform
Sabrage, a spectacular show! Lunch will be taken today at Moreson Wine
Estate's Bread and Wine Restaurant, introduced by a wine tasting at your
table. After lunch take a stroll along the main road of Franschhoek. A
private tasting has been arranged at the local chocolatiere. After a full
day in Franschhoek, you return to Le Quartier Francais to relax before
dinner!
You stay at Le Quartier Francais - Luxury Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5- Wednesday, (BLD)
Franschhoek
Today is an exploration of Franshhoek and Paarl, and some of the wonderful
farms that dot this historic valley.
You visit Boekenhoutskloof, a stunning new boutique winery, where a private
tasting has been arranged for you. The next stop will be Rupert &
Rothschild (of Château Lafite) before stopping at Ashanti Wine Estate
for lunch. Linda van de Meere will host an olive and olive oil tasting
showcasing the olives of the region, comparing them to the more famous
varieties from Spain and Italy. What could be a better way to follow a
midday meal of Ashanti's characteristic fusion of Mediterranean and South
African cuisine! This afternoon, you explore Paarl and a visit to Boschendal
Wine Estate, touring the Manor House has been arranged before returning
to Franschhoek for the evening.
You stay at Le Quartier Francais - Luxury Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6 - Thursday, March 20 (BL)
Stellenbosch
This morning at 10.00 am, you set off on a guided tour of Kanonkop for
an exclusive Pinotage tasting, South Africa's own unique cultivar, by
award winning wine maker. This is then followed by a private wine tasting
at Thelema and lunch at Tokara, one of the newest fine eateries in Stellenbosch.
After lunch you are guided on an exploration of Hillcrest Berry Orchard
Farm followed by a tour of Stellenbosch. This city is a charming town
with a fascinating history. Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa
after Cape Town, is 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".
After a full day, you arrive at Lanzerac Manor, a winelands landmark and
your home for the next couple of days. The Lanzerac Manor & Winery
is located on a private working wine estate in the world-famous Jonkershoek
Valley surrounded by the dramatic Helderberg mountains. The hotel's rooms,
restaurants, bar, lounge and facilities are all located in the estate's
300 year old Manor House and outbuildings, amidst 10 hectares of award-winning
landscaped gardens featuring numerous ancient oaks, some over 160 years
old. All rooms are individually decorated with antique and/or period furniture
and feature a ground floor location with private patio overlooking the
vineyards or sculptured gardens.
You stay at Lanzerac Manor - Classic Breakfast, Lunch
Day
7 - Friday, 1 (BL)
Stellenbosch
This morning, start your tour with a visit to Vergelegen Wine Estate in
Somerset West, with its stunning gardens, historical setting and superb
wines. The cellar tour is extraordinary, and the views over False Bay
breathtaking on a clear day. The herb garden here is worth visiting and
a short talk about traditional cooking with herbs will be given in this
lovely setting. A light lunch is followed by a visit to the neighboring
farm, Morgenster, which produces outstanding olive oil and has just recently
released their first wine vintage. You conclude your series of wine tasting
at Meerlust, including grappa! Your final night is spent at Lanzerac,
savoring every last minute of your Western Cape experience before flying
out to the bushveld for an adventure of an entirely different sort! You
stay at Lanzerac Manor - Classic Breakfast, Lunch
Day
8 - Saturday, Day 9 Sunday - Day 10 Monday, (BLD)
Cape Town - Hoedspruit - Ngala Private Game Reserve
After breakfast at the hotel you are transferred to Cape Town International
Airport to meet a mid morning scheduled flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival
at Hoedspruit Airport you are met and transferred by light aircraft to
Ngala Safari Lodge. Secluded in the Kruger National Park, where the Savannah
blurs into mopane woodlands, Ngala supports a remarkable assemblage of
wildlife - including huge breeding herds of elephant and high concentrations
of lion. Ngala is the only private game reserve to be incorporated into
the two-million-hectare Kruger Park in a unique partnership where Conservation
Corporation Africa meticulously manages the safari experience, yielding
a share of revenues for the state conservation agency. The combination
of habitats at Ngala attracts not only herds of elephant but an abundance
of buffalo, white rhino, giraffe and antelope, while Africa's great cats
- lion, leopard and cheetah - follow silently in their tracks. The vast
terrain enables their wide-ranging and rare wild dog to thrive, whilst
elusive nocturnal animals include the armadillo-like pangolin and the
African wildcat. Ngala will immerse you in the romance and style of a
bygone era. Antique furniture, precious rugs, silver place setting and
cut-glass crystal grace the central living area as well as your bush cottage.
The finesse of the décor is matched by the fine cuisine and the
skill of the rangers and trackers who introduce you to the big game of
Africa. You stay at Ngala Main Lodge - Chalet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
11 Tuesday, thru - Day 12 Wednesday, (BLD)
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Today your charter flight takes you to Londolozi Private Game Reserve.
The story
of Londolozi began over 70 years ago when two friends, Charles Boyd Varty
and Frank Unger, stood for the first time on the banks of the Sand River,
where the water ran clear and cool over the granite rocks and the bushveld
stretched to the horizon. That night, amidst the roar of lions, as the
first campfire tossed its sparks into the indigo sky, a dream was born
that was to be passed down through generations. A dream of preserving
Africa in all her wildness, sharing in her passion, adventure and golden
joys. To this day, the fire burns in the same spot as it did in 1926 and
the story is shared of the extraordinary survival of Londolozi, of two
teenage boys who bore the mantle as custodians of the land, and of the
amazing characters, both animal and human, who have kept the dream alive.
From its pioneering days of wagons, jalopies and bathing in the river,
Londolozi has blossomed into one of Africa's finest game lodges and became
the first safari lodge to be awarded Relais & Chateau membership,
amongst a host of other awards for hospitality and wildlife experience.
Set in the world-renowned Sabi Sands, Londolozi has been rated as offering
the best game experience in Southern Africa, offering prolific viewing
of Africa's most impressive wildlife on morning and evening game drives
in open safari vehicles or on bush walks. Experienced rangers and Shangaan
trackers guide you through the great natural theater of Africa, enkindling
you with "close encounter" experiences of the wild, from the
Big Five to fascinating plants, magnificent antelope to astounding insects
and, of course, the startling array of birds that grace the reserve.
Pioneer
Camp is situated upstream of Founders Camp and consists of three suites
and three chalets all of which are decorated in lavish colonial style.
The exclusive suites with their romantic "sala" (intimate covered
deck) are all air-conditioned and have a hearth and personal bar. The
en suite bathroom has twin hand basins, w.c, indoor shower as well as
an outdoor shower. The three river view chalets are air-conditioned and
have an en suite bathroom, outdoor shower and personal bar.
You stay at Londolozi Pioneer Camp - Chalets Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
13 - Thursday,
Johannesburg - Depart
After perhaps one last game drive you are transferred to the airstrip
for your scheduled charter flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg
- Domestic Terminal you make your way to the international departure terminal
for your scheduled flight back home.
En route Breakfast
Bon Voyage...
SOUTH AFRICA "" A GOURMET SAFARI "" Ref: SAWINE03
Total price of tour : US $ 6795.00 " Per person, double occupancy
" Inclusive of charter flights: Hoedspruit - Ngala - Londolozi -
Johannesburg
" Minimum seven travelers
Single Supplement: On request
Your
Safari Includes:
Guide & Transportation
- "
Includes all transfers between the airport and designated accommodation.
(Please note that transfers are shared unless specifically noted otherwise).
- "
Transportation while on tour may be in specially equipped four-wheel
drive vehicles, mini van, boat or light aircraft.
- "
Services of a local specialist tour guide
- "
Charter flight times are only confirmed 24 hours prior to departure.
You will be advised the afternoon or evening prior to your departure
of the exact departure time of your flight. Please reconfirm with the
safari camp manager or the Transfer Company listed on your voucher if
you have any questions regarding your charter flight details.
Accommodation
and Meals
- "
All hotel, lodge and camp accommodation as indicated in the itinerary,
or similar. (Accommodation is booked in standard rooms unless specifically
noted otherwise).
- "
All meals as detailed in the itinerary. Food is generally in the Continental
tradition with the added luxury of tropical fruits, fresh vegetables,
excellent curries and hot and cold buffets.
Safari
and Sightseeing Activities
- All
sightseeing and safari activities, including game drives, walks, tours
and canoe/boat trips as described in the itinerary, inclusive of the
services of professional escorts and guides.
- All
National Parks fees have been included, with the exception of those
fees, which must be paid direct to National Parks on arrival. Additional
fees applicable - not more than US$15 per person (R 50 per person +
R30 per car) for entry fees into Timbavati Region/Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
You may be required to pay additional park fees on entering National
Parks.
- Other
activities may be booked at your option at an additional cost.
Travel
Protection
- Trip
cancellation/interruption up to $500.
-
Emergency medical transportation $40,000.
- Emergency
medical/dental coverage $20,000.
-
Baggage coverage $1,000.
- Baggage
delay $200
- travel
delay $500
- missed
connection $500
- trip
inconvenience $100
-
travel accident $50,000.
- Additional
details provided under separate cover. Full trip cancellation coverage
is available at an additional cost; please inquire.
Your
Safari Does Not Include:
- International,
regional and domestic airfare.
- Any
expenses incurred in conjunction with this trip while in your home country.
- Cost
of obtaining any required passports or visas: South Africa - Nil.
- Airport
departure taxes: Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport arrival airport tax R 74
per person , South African Airport tax R 34 per person for domestic
departures, South African Airport for regional departures R 77 per person
, South African Airport tax for international departures R 100 per person
- (these South African taxes should be included in the cost of your
ticket).
- Travel
Protection: Full coverage of the cost of your safari is available at
additional cost, upon request.
- Personal
expenses including but not limited to beverages, laundry, communication
costs, excess baggage fees (baggage is restricted to 26 lbs per person
in a soft sided bag where charter flights are included)
- Medical
expenses, gratuities to drivers, guides or tour managers; and any sightseeing,
safari activities, meals, or other activities not specified in the itinerary
or indicated as optional. (Please note that tipping is discretionary,
however, the following guidelines are provided: $5-$10 per day for professional
safari guides; $3-$5 per day for camp staff, e.g. waiters, housekeepers,
which is a communal tip that is shared among the staff); porters - $1;
driver/guides - $2-$5); restaurant waiters/waitresses - 10% of bill;
hotel housekeeping - $2 per day.
Prices
are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, increase in fuel prices,
or other fees imposed by the government or tourism industry not within
our control. *
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