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16 Days Absorbed in the African South Tour Package Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights Priced From: $4,331 (All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses) Dates: Jun, Sep - Nov, Jan - Apr, Jun, Sep - Nov 
Landing in the vibrant cultural melting pot of Johannesburg in South Africa, we begin our 16-day trip through Southern Africa by extensively touring the township of Soweto, where we see affluent neighbourhoods, shanty-towns, the world's largest hospital and the former residences of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. A region with a fascinating, and at times dubious, history, Soweto was the location of some of the more infamous events during the struggle against apartheid and is today brimming with sites of archaeological and historic interest. Crossing the border into Zambia, we head for one of the world's most magnificent natural sights at Victoria Falls, named after the then-reigning Queen of England by Scottish missionary David Livingstone. We visit traditional Zambian villages, wherein locals are more than happy to let you explore the insides of their huts and explain how and why they are built and decorated as they are, and get closer to nature by rambling through dense rainforest around the Falls. We return to South Africa for yet more exploration of this abundant natural wonderland by admiring exotic flora and teeming fauna -- like leopards, cheetahs, elephants and zebras -- in the country's largest nature reserve; Kruger National Park. Into Swaziland, one of the last remaining kingdoms in Africa to get a taste of the rural life of the inhabitants of this country that was once dominated by colonialism. Back in South Africa, we see the region that is the traditional home of the Zulu nation, gaze in awe at the 'Big Five' in the oldest conservation area in Africa and explore the many attractions in and around Cape Town, one of the world's most spectacularly located cities. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in Johannesburg Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg is South Africa's financial centre and largest city. This "Place of Gold", as the Sotho word for Gauteng Province suggests, harbours the gold fields of South Africa. No one could have imagined the repercussions when an unemployed miner found a stone bearing traces of gold in 1886. This seemingly insignificant event led to the discovery of the world's richest natural treasure trove. People flocked to the area from all ends of the earth and the open pastoral landscape changed almost overnight. Today in the "New South Africa," Johannesburg continues as the country's -- indeed the entire region's -- economic powerhouse and is evolving into a very vibrant cultural melting pot. PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list (which supersedes this itinerary) is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make substitutions of a similar standard if necessary. Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton). Garden Court, Sandton City Hotel or similar. Dinner if required. Day 2 Johannesburg - Soweto - Tshwane (Pretoria) - Johannesburg This morning we have a tour of the city of Soweto. Soweto unto itself is actually one of the largest cities in Africa with an estimated population of 2 million. It also has one of the most dubious histories of any city in Africa, as it was the site of some of the more infamous events during the struggle against apartheid. The name "Soweto" simply stands for South Western Township, due to its location outside Johannesburg. It was here that thousands of black workers were forced to live in order to provide labour for the gold mines. We will see the good, the bad, and the ugly of Soweto--from affluent neighbourhoods to shanty towns; the world's largest hospital, Baragwanath; and the former homes of Soweto's Nobel Laureates, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We also visit the excellent new museum dedicated to the victims of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. En route to Tshwane* we will visit the extraordinarily powerful Apartheid Museum, an obligatory stop for visitors and residents alike. The large blown-up photographs, metal cages and numerous monitors with continuous replays of apartheid scenes will make you feel that you were in the townships in the 70s and 80s, dodging police bullets or teargas canisters, or marching with thousands of school children. One can easily spend the better part of a day in this museum; however, for the sake of timing on a busy day, we will be taking in the highlights only. This afternoon we visit Tshwane (previously Pretoria), the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa. Surrounded by hilly countryside, this relaxed capital is known for its colourful gardens and lush green parks. We will see Church Square, dominated by its statue of the Boer Republic's first President, Paul Kruger, and lined with buildings of architectural and historical interest. From here we will proceed to a panoramic view of the city at the Union Buildings, the administrative headquarters of the Government of South Africa and scene of Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the New South Africa's first democratically elected State President in 1994. * Tshwane is the name of a pre-colonial local chief and means "we are the same". In March 2005 the city council approved the switch from Pretoria to Tshwane as part of an effort to make place names more African. Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton). Garden Court, Sandton City Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Johannesburg, South Africa - Livingstone, Zambia - Victoria Falls Today we fly from South Africa to Zambia where we will spend three nights next to one of the world's most spectacular natural sights, Victoria Falls. Our arrival point is the town of Livingstone, once an important town in southern Africa during the first days of European settlement and the beginnings of colonial rule. This area has actually been inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years. The first known name of the falls was "Shongwe"; the current name did not come into being until the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone was brought to the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria. The falls and the nearby town of Livingstone are on the mighty Zambezi River, the fourth longest in Africa, forming the border with neighbouring Zimbabwe. We will pass through the sleepy colonial town of Livingstone, the main street of which is lined with classic colonial buildings. These Victorian tin roofed houses with wooden verandas, many of which are decaying, are a typical example of English settler architecture. In 1905 settlers moved in to the higher ground at Livingstone to escape malaria. Livingstone became the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1911, but the capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935. After settling in to our hotel, we will have a leisurely walking tour of the Zambian side of the falls. Though water levels may be low at this end of the falls from August to January, there are still some incredible views down the gorge. One special vantage point is the Knife Edge Bridge which affords views of the Eastern Cataract; the Main Falls, the Boiling Pot, where the river turns into the Batoka Gorge; and the famous Zambezi River Bridge, commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes. The bridge was completed in 1905 but Rhodes never lived to see it completed. NOTE: Due to variable flight schedules and weather considerations, the order of Victoria Falls area sightseeing activities may vary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zambia. Zambezi Sun or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Victoria Falls, Zambia - Chobe Park, Botswana - Victoria Falls, Zambia Today we make an early morning excursion into Botswana to visit Chobe National Park, located only 1.75 hours away from Livingstone. Our journey includes a private 5-minute boat crossing at the point where four counties (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia) meet on the Zambezi River. We complete Customs and Immigration formalities and continue with a fifteen-minute drive to the lodge that we will be using as a base for today's activities. Our safari starts with a cruise on the Chobe River (shade and refreshments available) that takes us close to the waterfowl and wildlife on the river. Large flocks of birds, big pods of hippos and very large crocodiles can be viewed from the safety of your boat. Our lunch (included today) is served back at the lodge overlooking the river. After lunch we board open (covered) safari vehicles and head off into the park to view some of the 70,000 local elephants, buffalo herds, sable, wildebeest, giraffe, and with luck, some resident lion and hyena. The game drive meanders its way back to the park gates for Customs and Immigration formalities and the crossing of the Zambezi River into back into Zambia and the road transfer back to our hotel, arriving at about 18:00. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zambia. Zambezi Sun or similar. Breakfast and lunch (dinner on your own). Day 5 Victoria Falls, Zambia - Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls, Zambia This morning we visit an authentic Zambian village. The chief has invited visitors into his village to get a glimpse of how his people have lived for generations and to learn a little about their traditional customs and beliefs. The Chief's guides and the people of the village are more than happy to show visitors their huts and take you inside, explain how they are built and decorated, introduce you to various craftsmen and women at work. This is a working village, not a purpose built tourist attraction, and it is a privilege to be welcomed in. This afternoon we cross the Zambezi River Bridge and view the falls from the Zimbabwe side (water always flows at this end of the falls regardless of seasonality). The bridge provides easy access between Zambia and Zimbabwe and normal form-filling and leisurely queuing has to be done at the border post to pass from one side to the other*. The bridge itself has an amazing view of the falls and the black shiny basalt rocks opposite on which sits a lush green mist-soaked rain forest. We will have a leisurely walking tour of the Zimbabwean falls. While walking the paved path through the dense rainforest, you will notice the profusion of interesting species of plants found in this nature enclave--ebony, ferns, fig trees and lianas. The falls plunge 108 m (350 feet) into the Zambezi River. We then pay a visit to the town of Victoria Falls with some free time to shop for African handicrafts and possibly have tea at the world famous Victoria Falls Hotel, built at the time of Cecil Rhodes and the European colonization and economic development of this part of southern Africa. We return to the Zambian side this afternoon. * VISITING ZIMBABWE: Visa fees apply - US citizens 30 USD entry fee payable at the border; 65 USD for Canadians; 55 USD for Britons. 20 USD entry fee per person to the national park. Overnight at Victoria Falls, Zambia. Zambezi Sun or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Victoria Falls, Zambia - Johannesburg, South Africa Today we fly from Livingstone / Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. If time permits this morning, you may choose to book optional excursions in the Vic Falls area. Elephant back safaris, river cruises, canoe trips, scenic overflights, or trips into Livingstone to visit the David Livingstone and / or Railway museums can be arranged with the assistance of your Tour Leader. Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton). Garden Court, Sandton City Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 7 Johannesburg - the 'Panoramic Route ' - Hazyview From Jo'burg we head off through the vast wilderness of Mpumalanga (formerly The Eastern Transvaal), the "Land of the Rising Mist". Along the way we travel from the vast grasslands of the High Veld, with its huge farms and ranches, down to the drier Low Veld region characterized by rocky hills and acacia scrub forest. This is an expansive landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, primal forests, and colourful flora. Steeped in a history of pioneers and fortune-seekers, we will pass many Gold Rush towns and farming communities en route. Lydenburg ("town of suffering") established by Voortrekkers in 1849 lies at the bottom of Long Tom pass. This pass, named after the big gun used by the Afrikaners during the Anglo Boer War, is one of the most scenically dramatic in the country. It links Sabie on the escarpment with Lydenburg on the Drakensberg plateau. A highlight of our sightseeing today is the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. This great escarpment is the kind of place where brochures and guide books run out of original adjectives to describe the fresh mountain scenery and magnificent panoramic views. The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most spectacular in Africa and its cliffs rise between 600-800 m (2,000-2,640 feet) from the river bed. At the "Three Rondavels viewpoint" is an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon. Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Following the road and the Treur River south, there are further viewpoints; Wonder View, God's Window and the Pinnacle. Their names help to conjure up the indescribable vastness of the scenery. From here we continue to Hazyview near Kruger National Park. Overnight in Hazyview. Hazyview Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Hazyview - Kruger National Park - Hazyview Early this morning we enter South Africa's largest game reserve, Kruger National Park, named after Paul Kruger, the first to initiate the setting aside of this area as a reserve in the 1890s. Here we transfer to open safari vehicles and make a full-day excursion through the southern sector of this fascinating and beautiful park. The Kruger Park is an enormous area of flat veld, broken by rivers and comprised of mixed vegetation and terrain. The park, officially founded in 1926, supports more species of wildlife than any other African reserve--over 137 mammal species, 49 fish species, 112 reptile species, and nearly 500 bird species! With some luck we may see and photograph lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and many other wonderful African animals. We return to Hazyview in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hazyview. Hazyview Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Hazyview, South Africa - Mbabane, Swaziland We travel south today and enter the Kingdom of Swaziland, an independent country completely landlocked by South Africa and Mozambique, and smaller than Kruger Park! Naturally fortified by beautiful mountains, Swaziland remains one of the last kingdoms in Africa, a continent once dominated by colonialism. The pace of life here is relaxed and the lifestyle traditional; we will see rural people working their farms and tending their herds as we make our way to the vicinity of Mbabane, the capital city. Overnight in / near Mbabane. Forrester's Arms Inn or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Mbabane, Swaziland - Hluhluwe, South Africa This morning we travel into the Swazi Lowveld, an area of tiny villages and endless rolling hills planted in sugarcane. Later this morning we cross back into the Republic of South Africa and travel into the province of Kwazulu-Natal. This area is a nature-lover's paradise, boasting unforgettable untamed African wilderness. This is the traditional homeland of the Zulu people whose informal economy was historically based upon livestock, subsistence agriculture and hunting. The Zulu have lived in southern Africa for over 300 years and have maintained their traditions and customs perhaps more than any other indigenous southern African ethnic group. In the late 18th century, the Zulu clan was but one of a number of small groups among the northern Nguni. By the 1820s, a powerful Zulu state had emerged under the control of Shaka. Historians continue to debate the reason/s for the rise of a militarised and authoritarian Zulu state. This afternoon we settle into our comfortable lodge in the African bush, situated in close proximity to the Umfolozi, Mkuze and Hluhluwe National Parks. Overnight near Hluhluwe. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Hhuhluwe Game Reserve - Durban - Port Elizabeth This morning we will participate in an early morning game drive through Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The reserve is the oldest conservation area in Africa, established on 30 April 1895, and is famous for saving the White Rhino from extinction. The area currently boasts the largest rhino populations in Africa; both the Black and White Rhinos are endemic to the area. Apart from the "Big Five," the area is also refuge to the endangered wild dog and the elusive cheetah. This afternoon we travel toward the Indian Ocean and continue on to Durban, the 'Garden City' of South Africa. This area was opened up to white settlement by the Voortrekkers in the early 19th century, though the Portuguese were navigating the coast here as early as the late 15th century. Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail along this coast, giving it the name Natal to commemorate his Christmas Day arrival. In 1899 the British and the Boers went to war, but under reconciliation in 1910 formed the Union of South Africa with an agreement signed in what is now Durban's modern-day Main Post Office. This evening we fly from Durban to Port Elizabeth, the start of the famous "Garden Route." Overnight in Port Elizabeth. Garden Court Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Port Elizabeth - Knysna - Oudtshoorn Port Elizabeth is South Africa's fifth largest city and the third largest port. This morning we will have a brief panoramic tour of this city seeing the Market Square and the beaches of Algoa Bay. From Port Elizabeth we travel along the world-famous Garden Route to Knysna. This route is parallel to the ocean and features lakes, mountains, beaches, and steep cliffs. We pass beautiful Jeffery's Bay, a popular surfing beach. The Tsitsikamma Forest Park contains many huge Yellowwood trees--the national tree of South Africa. This part of the garden route reminds one somewhat of the Oregon Coast (USA) or the Cornwall Coast (Britain) with its sand dunes and great surf beaches. Knysna affords tremendous views of a lagoon and the surrounding mountains. The town was founded in 1817 by George Rex, reputed to be an illegitimate son of King George III. Known for its picturesque lagoon, the town was first established as a timber port. Separated from the ocean by the imposing Knysna Heads, Knysna is proud of its riviera atmosphere with sidewalk cafes and shops. We continue through the towns of Wilderness and George to Oudtshoorn (pronounced "Oats-horn"). PLEASE NOTE: For our departure in June / July 2008, we will not travel to Oudtshoorn due to a large Majorette and Drumming competition being held in that city during our scheduled visit. Due to a subsequent lack of accommodation, we will overnight in George. This will give us more time to enjoy the Garden Route today and spend more time at leisure exploring Knysna. Tomorrow morning we will depart George for Mossel Bay where we will visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum before heading west to Cape Town via Swellendam, bypassing Oudtshoorn. Upon arrival in the Cape Town area, we will have time for a panoramic view of the city and Table Mountain from the area of Bloubergstrand, north of Cape Town. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Riempie Estate or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Outdshoorn - Cape Town This is the ostrich capital of South Africa with thousands of these unusual birds dotting fields throughout the area. At the turn of the century ostrich feathers were in such demand that the fashion conscious paid a premium and feathered the nests of the barons who built magnificent mansions known as "Feather Palaces." This fine architecture can still be seen around the sedate and pleasant town. There are several ostrich show farms that still sell the beautiful downy feathers but now make more money out of the desirable soft, strong, knobby leather. There is also an export demand for the eggs, one of which makes an omelette for 20 people. The bottom suddenly dropped out of the feather market in 1914, leaving ostrich farmers penniless. There were some 750,000 domesticated ostriches on Little Karoo farms in 1914; today there are about a tenth of that number. Today it is not merely the plume feathers of the males but the whole birds that are utilised. We will have a tour of one of the region's main ostrich show farms before continuing our journey to Cape Town. From Oudtshoorn we travel through the Huis River Pass with its spectacular rock formations. The little farming town of Ladysmith was named after the beautiful Spanish wife of British Cape Governor Sir Harry Smith. The town of Swellendam, established in 1745, is the third oldest in South Africa. Here we see several historic buildings built in the charming Cape Dutch style. These buildings have whitewashed walls and black, thatched roofs. We pass through a wheat growing and sheep farming area on our way to Cape Town. In the late afternoon we cross the Hottentot's Holland Mountains, the centre of South Africa's apple growing region, to arrive in Cape Town, one of the world's most isolated and beautiful cities. Overnight in Cape Town. City Lodge Waterfront or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 14 City Tour & the Cape Peninsula Today we tour Cape Town, one of the world's most spectacularly located cities. Cape Town is the seat of the Parliament which holds a six-month session here each year. We will see the Houses of Parliament, the Malay Quarter with its narrow streets and minarets; the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest building; and visit the South African Museum. We continue our tour of the Cape Peninsula, including a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. The Nature Reserve is a wildflower, bird, and animal paradise on 77 sq km (30 sq miles) of the Cape Peninsula. The reserve is also home to eland, springbok, bontebok, baboon, and zebra. Within the reserve are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point on the African continent. We head north again up the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula, passing through Simonstown, founded by the Dutch in 1741 as a naval depot and named for Simon van der Stel, governor of Cape Colony from 1679 to 1697. In 1814 the town became the headquarters of the British South Atlantic squadron. Today Simonstown is famous for its distinctly English architecture and atmosphere, and the southernmost train station on the continent. We complete our loop around the peninsula, past the well-watered eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Constantia, Bishops Court and the campuses of the University of Cape Town. Overnight in Cape Town. City Lodge Waterfront or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 15 Table Mountain & Cape Winelands We will start our day with a gondola trip to the top of Table Mountain,* a sandstone plateau rising up above the city. The top is approximately 3km wide and at its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1085m / 3,580 ft. Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain play home to a number of plants and animals. The mountain is home to approximately 1,470 species of plants; more than the entire British Isles! We continue to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest settlement. We'll spend time in the centre of town and allow some time for some independent, on-foot exploration. You will notice some of the finest examples of traditional Cape Dutch architecture along the town's oak-lined streets. We continue to one of the area's many wineries for a cellar tour and tasting. The Cape vineyards were originated at Constantia by Jan van Riebeeck in 1685 and were advanced in 1688 by Hugenot refugees who brought their vine seedlings and skills with them from France. The Cape's different soils and climatic variations allow a wide variety of wines to be pressed--exquisite sweet and dry whites and fruity reds. Along our route today we will see several wine estates with their delightful Cape Dutch houses, thatched roofs and decorative gables. Overnight in Cape Town. City Lodge Waterfront or similar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 16 Departure Departure from Cape Town. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our South Africa vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 11/09 |
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