"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right"
...Nelson Mandela
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Tour overview:...Thirteen days - three to four star accommodation - including : Soweto, Sterkfontein World Heritage Site, Pretoria, Durban’s townships ,Hluhluwe-Umfolosi game reserve, St Lucia World Heritage Site, Kosi Bay, Tembe Elephant Reserve, iPhiva, Cape Town, Robben Island, Table Mountain and the Winelands.To upgrade parts of this tour to 5 starr lodging can be done please ask
Day 1.
Arrive Johannesburg airport freshen up at airport courtesy lounge- depart for tour of Soweto with 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 Johannesburg.
Day 2.
Depart for Sterkfontein caves where the ape-man fossils that have been found gave rise to the suggestion that Africa is the "cradle of mankind". The significance of 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 Durban.
Day 3.
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. After lunch travel north to Hluhluwe-Umfolosi game reserve passing through widely contrasting agricultural lands from traditional subsistence farming to the vast commercial sugar and timber plantations. This region is redolent with the culture and history of the Zulu nation whose dominant position as the largest population group in the country arose from the military conquests and diplomacy of King Shaka in the early 19th century. A proud and dignified people, famous as fearsome warriors, they hold strong traditional beliefs which are still widely practiced to-day. Overnight at Hilltop Camp.
Day 4.
Game viewing activities in the Hluhluwe-Umfolosi game reserve. This typical bushveld country is home to the Big 5 and many other species. It is the oldest reserve in Africa and, amongst other notable conservation successes, is where the white rhino was saved from the brink of extinction. Here is a glimpse of the heartbeat of the old Africa where the mighty beasts reign supreme. Full day game viewing with a picnic lunch in the reserve. Optional early morning or late afternoon activities : guided walks or open vehicle game drives. Overnight at Hilltop Camp.
Day 5.
Morning game viewing on the way to the St Lucia Wetland Park. The 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 of national pride. The day includes a boat cruise, a walk in the St Lucia Reserve and a picnic at Cape Vidal. Optional late afternoon guided walk or open vehicle night drive. Overnight at Hilltop Camp.
Day 6.
Optional early morning game drive or guided walk. 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 local 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 7.
Early morning canoeing to the Raffia forest. After breakfast at the lodge, boat trip to see the fascinating method the Thonga have used for 600 hundred years to catch fish by means of an intricate system of traps made from reeds and baskets. Short walk to a pristine beach experience. Optional activity, snorkeling among the superb coral reefs. Overnight Kosi Forest Lodge.
Day 8.
Transfer to Thembe Elephant Reserve home of the Province's largest elephant herd. After lunch, game drive in an open vehicle. The fully grown adults are physically the biggest in South Africa and make for spectacular viewing in the mosaic of sand forest, woodland, grassland and swampland. Overnight Thembe Lodge.
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Day 9
Early morning game drive. After breakfast 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 iPhiva, a fascinating example of community focused tourism development with accommodation in floating chalets. After a sundowner cruise and dinner, visit the local kraal (village) to enjoy the evening with a family, watching their traditional dancing and learning about their lifestyles and customs. Overnight iPhiva.
Day 10.
Breakfast at the central lodge then at leisure to look for small game animals in the community conservation area or to explore the lake in your own skiff until mid-morning transfer to Durban. 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 mosques, colourful temples, vibrant festivals, classical dances and exotic foods. Dinner is at a shabeen during the evening tour of the lively townships surrounding Durban. As African urban settlements grew 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 to talk to the locals. Overnight Durban.
Day 11.
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight to Cape Town. Afternoon orientation tour of the City including the colourful Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter, traditional home of the Cape Malays who have maintained their Muslim identify and made significant contributions to the South African language and cusine. 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 12.
Weather permitting, early departure for the 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 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 13.
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
All tours include transport in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, the services of a Satour registered guide, accommodation on a full board basis,including domestic flights as per the itineraries, 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 recommend that you purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE
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