"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right"
...Nelson Mandela
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Seventeen days - five star accommodation - including : Soweto, Sterkfontein World Heritage Site, Pretoria, Sani Pass, Lesotho, Isandlwana, St Lucia World Heritage Site, Phinda, Kosi Bay, Durban’s townships, Cape Town, Robben Island, Table Mountain and the Winelands.
Day 1
Arrive Johannesburg airport and transfer to hotel in Sandton. Depart for tour of Soweto including lunch at Wandies. Soweto (originally an acronym for South Western Townships) developed from a geographical location into an international symbol of victory over oppression. Overnight Sandton.
Day 2.
Depart for Sterkfontein caves where the ape-man fossils that have been found gave rise to the suggestions that Africa is the "cradle of mankind". The Sterkfontein discoveries and the importance of the area in tracing the evolution of man has been recognised by UNESCO in declaring this a World Heritage Site. Travel to Pretoria to visit the Union Buildings. Transfer to Johannesburg airport for flight to Durban. Overnight Umhlanga Rocks.
Day 3.
Depart for Penwarn, an exclusive country retreat in the Drakensberg mountains. Known by the Zulus as the "Barrier of Spears" the Drakensberg mountains, formed 150 million years ago, rise to over 3000 meters. Almost the entire area is a protected park and is one of the scenic showpieces of Southern Africa with spectacular natural beauty and true tranquility. Afternoon guided tour to hear about the San (Bushman), the hunter-gatherers who lived in the area for about 7000 years until the 1800's. They left behind paintings, daubed with exquisite skill on the walls of caves and overhangs, which give us an insight into their lives, their rituals and beliefs. Overnight Penwarn
Day 4.
Depart for the spectacular 4x4 vehicle excursion to the top of Sani Pass and into the Kingdom of Lesotho (Known as the Roof of Africa). Visit a village to see how these hardy people live. Lunch at the highest pub in Africa before the breathtaking decent of the pass. Optional late afternoon activities : Birding walk, trout or bass fishing. Overnight Penwarn.
Day 5.
Depart for Ecabazini, a living Zulu homestead. The Zulu nation's dominant position as the largest population group in the country arose from the military conquests and diplomacy of King Shaka in the early 19th crntury. A proud and dignified people, famous as fearsome warriors, they hold strong beliefs that are still widely practiced to-day. Afternoon transfer to Islandwana Lodge, built on a hillside overlooking the famous battlefield where the army of the mightiest empire the world had known suffered its most crushing colonial defeat at the hands of the brave and tenacious Zulus. Overnight Islandwana Lodge.
Day 6.
Full day tour following the fortunes of both sides during the battle of Isandlwana, the escape through Fugitives Drift and the last ditch defence of Rorke's Drift which resulted in eleven Victoria Crosses being awarded and the name Zulu being engraved forever in the annals of human conflict. Overnight Isandlwana Lodge.
Day 7.
Transfer to Nibela Lake Lodge on Lake St Lucia, South Africa's largest body of natural water. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park which contains five different eco-systems was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a unique conservation area, a wetland of international significance and national pride. Nibela Lake Lodge is situated on the tip of a peninsula and the thatched buildings blend into the magnificent canopy of the trees where guests can enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Africa at its best. Sunset cruise. Overnight Nibela Lake Lodge.
Day 8.
Early morning cruise to look for hippos and the crocodile breeding grounds followed by breakfast. Optional birding walk or relaxing by the pool. Afternoon shoreline walk to see the remarkable marine fossils. Overnight Nibela Lake Lodge.
Day 9.
Transfer to Phinda Private Game Reserve. In the early 1990's an ambitious private conservation project was launched. It was called Phinda - meaning "the return" - and has seen the ecological rehabilitation of 17000 hectares of land that had been degraded by decades of inappropriate farming. An integral part of the success of this venture has been the involvement of the local communities who are to-day enjoying direct benefits from the growth in eco-tourism. Night drive in the reserve. Overnight Phinda Mountain Lodge.
Day 10.
Full day game viewing activities including a night drive. The reserve which includes seven eco-systems is home to the Big 5 as well as a host of other animals and birds. The relocation project in which over 1500 head of game were re-introduced to supplement the existing wildlife is the largest private relocation ever undertaken. Overnight Phinda Mountain Lodge.
Day 11.
Early morning game drive.
After breakfast transfer to Kosi Bay in Maputaland, the north-eastern region of KwaZulu Natal. This area is inhabited by an interesting mix of Thonga, Zulu and Swazi people and despite facing the onset of change still offers the visitor a unique opportunity of experiencing how the people have interacted with their natural environment for hundreds of years. After lunch learn about the making of palm wine, an important local industry. Sundowners at Lake Shengeza. Overnight Kosi Forest Lodge.
Day 12.
Full day exploring the lakes, seeing the fascinating method the Thonga have used for 600 years to catch fish by means of an intricate system of traps made from reeds and baskets, learning about the local culture and walking along the pristine beaches. Optional activity, snorkeling among the superb coral reefs. Overnight Kosi Forest Lodge.
Day 13.
Depart for Thembalethu Craft Village and iLala Weavers which was established 20 years ago with the objective of revitalising and enhancing the traditional handicrafts of the Zulu women which were in danger of being lost forever. To-day iLala Weavers helps over two thousand Zulus to attain self sufficiency by providing an outlet for their superb basketwork and beadwork. After lunch transfer to Durban. Overnight Umhlanga Rocks.
Day 14.
Morning tour of the Townships of Durban, formally hotbeds of political dissension and conflict where many of the great leaders of the struggle against apartheid were born, worked or died. To-day the Townships, home to some 2,5 million people, exude a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. The afternoon is spent learning about the Indian population.
From the time of the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in the 1860's the Indian population of KwaZulu Natal has grown to what is reputed to be the largest outside India. They have retained much of their rich cultural heritage as can be seen in the beautiful masques, colourful temples, vibrant festivals, classical dances and exotic foods. Dinner is at a shabeen during an evening tour of the lively townships surrounding Durban. As African urban settlements grew up around the city, the shabeen became the place where people came to relax, meet friends and have a drink. Here you will have the chance to listen to music and talk to the locals. Overnight Umhlanga Rocks.
Day 15.
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight to Cape Town. Afternoon tour of the City including the colourful Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter, traditional home of the Cape Malays who have maintained their Muslim identity and made significant contributions to the South African language and cuisine.
Ferry trip to Robben Island for a tour of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Dinner at Africa Café which offers a mouth-watering array of African dishes. Overnight Cape Town.
Day 16.
Weather permitting, early departure for cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for breakfast while enjoying one of the world's most memorable views. A tour of the Winelands includes visits to some of the progressive farms where the workers, with the support of the owners, have started to produce their own wines with the evocative labels such as "Freedom Road" and "New Beginnings". Picnic lunch at one of the farms and a visit to Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Winelands. Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Hout Bay to watch the sun set across the ocean. Overnight Cape Town.
Day 17.
Transfer to Cape Town airport for return flight.
These tours are run for small groups and or for singles/couples...accordingly rates lower as more tour partcipants sign up..however for those who prefer private tours, we can do it
We can convert portion of this tour into 5 star lodging if you choose that.Please ask.
All tours include transport in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, the services of a Satour registered guide, accommodation on a full board basis, entrance fees and activities as per itineraries and porterage.
Beverages and optional activities are excluded.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
QUOTATIONS
Our quotations are valid for the period stated only and are subject to the availability of the services at the time of the reservation.
PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total amount of the arrangements is payable on acceptance of our offer. The balance is due not later than 30 (thirty ) days prior to the date of the first service.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be made in writing and will be effective on the date of receipt in our offices. Cancellation fees will be charged as follows : 30 days prior to date of first service 10% 21 to 29 days prior to date of first service 25% 5 to 20 days prior to date of first service 50% 4 days or less prior to date of first service 100%
ALTERATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
Should conditions necessitate we reserve the right to change any tours or other arrangements and to offer an appropriate alternative without liability for compensation.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is the responsibility of the clients to ensure that their passports and visas are valid for the countries visited.
RESPONSIBILITY
In all matters relating to accommodation, sightseeing or transport, by whatever means, we hold ourselves free from responsibility for any delay, loss, sickness, injury, death or damage arising from any cause whatsoever.
INSURANCE
We carry comprehensive motor vehicle accident cover and passenger liability insurance.
Insurance cover for medical expenses, repatriation, baggage and personal effects, loss of deposit resulting from cancellation, curtailment, etc the responsibility of the traveller.We strongly reommend that you purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE
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