12 Days Wings Over South Africa Tour Package

Duration : 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From : $6,995 (All costs are per person based on double occupancy)
Dates : July, September, October, December (2008)

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting South Africa, this could be just the perfect safari for you. Our Wings Over South Africa Safari has been designed to show you some of the most interesting aspects of this great country, in unique style.

Beginning in Cape Town, you’ll explore this great seaside city and its surroundings, ascending Table Mountain, traveling to Cape Point, and seeing its famed winelands. You’ll continue to two of South Africa’s premier private reserves — Lion Sands and Thornybush — and enjoy some of the finest game viewing in the world. You’ll explore in open four-wheel drive vehicles and also on foot, walking through the bush in the company of a skilled ranger.

The deluxe accommodations are a big part of the fun. The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town and your game lodges are elegant and stylish, and great fun to stay in. Their locations and amenities are unsurpassed.

This journey is named “Wings Over South Africa” because flying between destinations is the perfect way to maximize your time seeing wildlife and exploring Cape Town. You’ll take three flights during your safari, all included in the program.

Days 1 & 2
U.S. / Cape Town, South Africa

We fly to Cape Town and check in to the deluxe Table Bay Hotel on Cape Town’s waterfront. Nestled between the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the bustling harbor, Cape Town was settled by the Dutch more than 300 years ago. It is one of the world’s great seaside cities, and its ambiance is a delightful mix of African and European. (Meals Aloft)

Day 3
Cape Town

In the morning, weather permitting we take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, for remarkable views of the harbor and coastline. We continue with a drive through the Cape Malay district for a glimpse of the region’s Cape Dutch architecture, ending with a poignant stop at the District 6 Museum and neighborhood. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore this inviting city. (B)

Day 4
Cape Peninsula / Cape Town

We spend the full day exploring the Cape Peninsula, traveling along the Atlantic Road — past Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles peaks, and Hout Bay — to the continent’s southwesternmost point, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. We have lunch at the Black Marlin, known for its seafood, then visit a colony of African penguins. We return to Cape Town for the night. (B,L)

Day 5
Winelands / Cape Town

A memorable day of sightseeing introduces South Africa’s famous Winelands — with fertile valleys and historic towns. We drive first to scenic Stellenbosch, where the peaks of the Simonsberg create a beautiful panorama. We have the opportunity to sample local vintages and enjoy a delightful lunch at a historic wine farm before continuing to nearby Paarl. We return to Cape Town for the evening. (B,L)

Day 6-8
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

We board our “Wings Over” flight to Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, located along the southern boundary of world-renowned Kruger National Park. We spend three nights at the outstanding Lion Sands River Lodge, winner of many awards for its fine accommodations. Each day we enjoy the remarkable wildlife viewing that has made Lion Sands famous. The reserve has exclusive access to the Sabi River, where many animal and bird species gather. We’ll go out in open four-wheel drive vehicles to look for zebra, giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, white rhino, hyena, crocodile and many more animals. You can go on a bush walk with a ranger, enjoy the superb spa facilities or just enjoy the solitude of a sala (outside daybed). We’ll also have the opportunity to visit a rural African school — an outing you won’t want to miss. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 9 & 10
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve/ Thornybush Game Reserve

After a last safari trek at Lion Sands, we fly to Thornybush Game Reserve. Set in the heart of the lowveld, this wildlife paradise offers prime game-viewing opportunities. We stay at the outstanding Thornybush Game Lodge, with just twenty luxurious suites, each with air-conditioning, private facilities and a private deck overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. Wildlife including the “Big Five” — lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard — roam the savannah, and we’ll look for them in open four-wheel drive vehicles. After enjoying a “sundowner” with the setting African sun, your ranger will bring out powerful spotlights so that you can discover some of the nocturnal game abundant in the area. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 11 & 12
Thornybush Game Reserve / Johannesburg / U.S.

After a last game viewing drive, we fly to Johannesburg Airport and board flights home this evening. We arrive in the U.S. on Day 12. (Day 11: B, Meals Aloft; Day 12: Meals Aloft)

• South Africa’s wildlife is outstanding. You’ll have good chances of seeing all the “Big Five” animals — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — and dozens of other species. And the bird life is some of the best in the world.

• South Africa’s private Lion Sands and Thornybush Reserves are perfect places to experience South Africa’s bush country. Located near Kruger National Park, these private reserves let you explore with guides who know their regions intimately. Your game viewing is in open four-wheel drive vehicles and on foot.

• The great city of Cape Town is worth the journey in its own right. You’ll stay in the distinctive Table Bay Hotel — one of the Leading Hotels of the World. It’s right on the waterfront. You’ll have time to explore Table Mountain, Cape Town and the surrounding areas.

• Flying between destinations minimizes your travel time and maximizes the time you spend on safari.

12/08