Luxury & Wilderness: Experience South Africa
Highlights
Diversity is one of the things we appreciate the most as humans. We want new and exciting experiences that stun us, leave an impact and open our eyes to wonder as well as a sense of awe. When we get to go into a world that's filled with these experiences, it reignites our passion for life.
This safari trip to South Africa hosted by African Travel Inc is one that grabs your heart and expands it in a country—with a "Rainbow Nation" of cultures—that is filled with diversity. This journey combines art, roaring wildlife action and a luxury Big 5 safari experience with some of the best South African sightseeing and luxurious accommodations in three different settings.
The Basics
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
Finish: Johannesburg, South Africa
Length of Tour: 10 nights
Experience
Have you ever been on a safari trip to South Africa that shows you the real country and the story behind its wild nature and animals? If you enjoy culture, art, food and wine, this immersive safari delivers it all. Embrace a world in South Africa that is colorful and wild in every sense.
- Visit Cape Winelands, for a food and wine tour with picturesque towns and fine restaurants
- Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city
- Enjoy high tea at Ardmore, a renowned ceramics studio, and meet the talented local artisans who create colorful ceramics and fabrics inspired by Zulu traditions
- Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site memorial
- Discover the art and beach scene in Durban and timeless elegance at the award-winning Oyster Box overlooking the Indian Ocean and its iconic lighthouse
- Explore the striking scenery and prolific wildlife from Dulini Lodge on twice-daily game activities. Don’t forget your binoculars!
- Discover Ellerman House, an exclusive hideaway in Cape Town and home to one of the largest art collections
- Stay in accommodations in prime locations, including private reserves, luxury hotels and safari lodges
- Enjoy guided safari, cultural walks and night game drives
Videos
Itinerary
With a warm welcome upon your arrival, you will be transferred to Ellerman House, one of Cape Town's most exclusive hotels. Ellerman is home to one of the largest private art collections, journeying through the cultural shifts that took place in South Africa from the mid-nineteenth century up to today. Step into a world of classic elegance and unparalleled service.
Cape Town has so much to offer with its rich history and incredible beauty. An array of experiences and attractions are at your doorstep, from galleries and museums to gardens and markets. Today is at leisure for independent exploration or let your African Travel Specialist design a sightseeing tour to suit your interests. Take a privately guided tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula. Wind your way along scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to the rocky seascapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the delightful penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Today is yours to fill with fun adventures and sights. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city. Named as one of the seven wonders of nature, Table Mountain is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country and attracts visitors from all across the globe. Taste your way through the mother city like a local. The city is a mosaic of local and international influences, sample its delicious culinary heritage, from pre-colonial culinary traditions to contemporary global connections. All tours are tailored to your interests.
Another day of leisure! Take a tour of the magnificent Winelands region. The Cape Winelands region with its classic Cape-Dutch homesteads, scenic mountainous vistas, picturesque towns and fine restaurants is the Cape’s Culinary Capital. You get to enjoy the area’s historical charm, culture, architectural heritage and of course visits to wine cellars to taste South Africa’s world-class wines. Apart from the fine wines, discover local cheeses, olives, chocolates and olive oil, all grown and crafted with passion.
It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Cape Town as you are taken from Ellerman House to the Cape Town Airport for your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the iconic 5-star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga.
This morning after an early breakfast meet your guide and depart on your full day Kwazulu-Natal Midlands Tour. The first stop on your tour is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site memorial. It was here that Nelson Mandela was arrested, and said goodbye to freedom for 27 years. Continue to Ardmore Ceramic Art, and learn how it began with one woman’s journey. Ardmore empowers local artisans to share their unique takes on nature, Zulu folklore and traditions. Under Fée’s tuition, a talented group of sculptors and painters have emerged, winning numerous awards in South Africa and around the world.
Enjoy the day at leisure, indulge in a spa treatment, relax at the pool or kick off your shoes for an idyllic day at the beach.
After breakfast, transfer to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect with your flight to Skukuza. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Dulini lodge in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, reputed to be one of Africa’s finest safari destinations. Later this afternoon, set off on your first open vehicle game drive, which is sure to be an exciting experience! The afternoon game drive extends into the night to reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. Return to the camp for dinner and a relaxing evening around the fireplace sharing your day’s adventures.
An early morning game drive ensures that you catch the tail end of the night exploits of nocturnal creatures and inspires you with the new day vigor of the bush, still veiled in dew. This is an essential 2-3-hour safari experience that ends in a lavish breakfast back at camp. The excitement of the safari continues after tea when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. The afternoon game drive coincides with the close of business for daytime animals and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundowner cocktail.
Enjoy another day of dawn and dusk game viewing activities in this wildlife paradise. See Africa’s wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat! Optional bush walks are conducted by experienced field guides. Taking time to discover some of the lesser known delights and absorbing the landscape on foot, is all part of being immersed in the wilderness.
An early morning wake-up call and out into the bush on the morning safari in search of animals that may have eluded you so far. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, and then transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
FAQ
Not included in the package:
- International air
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry
- Items not included in the daily itinerary
We are passionate and knowledgeable experts who have lived and traveled extensively throughout Africa. We have a total of 300+ years combined experience. With the largest tourism infrastructure in southern Africa, we have earned an enviable position of influence and negotiating power. We use this influence to personalize a life-changing journey that offers great value while doing good for wildlife and local communities.
Generally, the safari programs are not physically demanding. Walking safaris can require more levels of fitness, but usually they are not strenuous. Participation in these activities is at your discretion.
We cater to all families. It is best to talk to our safari specialist to advise the best destination based on age, family travel style and any other requirements.
City hotels and many lodges and camps have Wi-Fi, however, some areas in the bush are more remote and have less access to the internet. Depending on your needs to connect or disconnect, we can tailor the right experience for you.
If you choose to purchase African Travel's own Travel Protection plan, you will have the flexibility to cancel your trip for ANY reason, up to 24 hours before departure. Depending on the plan you select, you will be eligible for either a Future Travel Certificate or a mix of 60% cash back insurance benefit with a 10% Future Travel Certificate. Both plans include additional coverage for COVID-19.
Terms
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $458 is due at the time of booking to confirm the program. The final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Once final payment is received, the program is non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
20% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellation made 66 days or more before departure.**
100% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellations made 65 or fewer days before departure.
**Cancellation charges for Safari Vacation Packages may vary by program.
**Plus applicable third-party charges.
In some instances, lost and/or unused airline tickets are not refundable or replaceable. African Travel reserves the sole right to not accept a reservation or to cancel a reservation and impose cancellation charges if any payment is not received within the above specified periods. African Travel will not be responsible for lost land and air reservations.
Package Price and Availability
Package prices are valid throughout 2022 on new bookings only and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Changing a Reservation
If you want to change your reservation, you can choose new dates and/or a new destination prior to final payment without penalties.
Accommodation
When services and accommodations described cannot be supplied or the itinerary is changed due to delays or other causes of any kind or nature beyond African Travel’s control, African Travel may seek to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries. There shall be no refund in these circumstances. African Travel reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary and/or cancel any tour and shall have no liability whatsoever from or relating to such adjustments or cancellations. African Travel shall not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage, before, during or after the tour.
Baggage Restrictions
On Fixed Wing Safaris, you are permitted one soft-sided bag, weighing no more than the limit stated in your tour documents. The weight limit will be set at 44 lbs (20 kg) or less and may be as low as 25 lbs (11,45 kg), depending on aircraft type and destination. Guests are responsible to arrange and pay to store excess baggage. Luggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout travel. African Travel is not responsible if the luggage is not permitted to be carried.
Travel Protection
Proof of Travel Protection Plan is mandatory and required at the time of final payment. Travel documents will not be released without this information. African Travel requires all travelers purchase travel insurance to obtain coverage that includes reimbursement for cancellation, interruption, trip and baggage delays and more.
Safety
The client must ensure you and those under your care are medically and physically able to travel. African Travel may impose safety requirements. We may exclude from participating in travel or from any activity, an individual whose participation poses a direct threat to health or safety that cannot be eliminated by a reasonable modification of our policies, practices or procedures or by the provision of auxiliary aids and services. A decision to exclude an individual will be our assessment. The probability that potential injury will occur and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices or procedures will lower the risk. African Travel does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as eating, dressing or toileting). A client who requires services of a personal nature (eating, dressing or toileting, as examples) should bring a companion to provide the assistance and understand that other clients and staff will not be available for such purpose.
We do not employ or provide medical personnel. Any needed medical attention must be sought at a local facility, if available, at client’s expense. African Travel is not responsible or liable for loss or cost incurred due to unavailability of medical services, inability to obtain or delay in obtaining medical services if available, medical services obtained, or level of care or services received. You must bring an adequate supply of your medication, if any, for the duration of The Tour. Medical services abroad are not the same as you may be accustomed to. African Travel is not responsible for the lack of, or the provision of medical services.
Some guided tours can include rough terrain, walking over unpaved or uneven pavement, steps, locations that may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair, bumps, and other challenging conditions.
For various parts of the travel, arrangements are made with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers. They are independent entities that African Travel does not control. We cannot ensure its ability access or accommodations outside the United States. Smoking is generally not permitted on our tours except for approved smoking areas. Smoking is never allowed on coaches, vans, or safari vehicles. African Travel has the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your tour if your behavior or actions are so disruptive or negatively impacting the tour. If this happens, you are responsible for your travel costs home and no refund shall be given.
Additional Risks
Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas, hazards of travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft and other means of conveyance, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, terrorism, hazardous local customs and practices, differing levels of sanitation, differing standards of safety, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and animal, accident or illness in areas lacking means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities, terrorist acts, force majeure and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments. These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. As lawful consideration for the agreement with African Travel to participate in such tours and activities you agree you will not make a claim against African Travel or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage or other loss, cost or expense, however, caused, as a result of or related to your contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the tour. You release African Travel and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a tour. This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of you and all members of your family and party, also including minors accompanying you. This agreement also binds your heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
Force Majeure
Force Majeure Event means any event or circumstance beyond the control of African Travel, including but not limited to: (a) an act of god (such as earthquake, flood, fire, explosion, landslide, lightning, the action of the elements, the force of nature, washout, typhoon, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami, storm or storm warning or natural disaster); (b) industrial disputes, work ban or other labor dispute or difficulty; (c) acts of terrorism, political unrest, war or threat of war, riots or civil strife; (d) failure or delays to scheduled transportation and the closure of airports or ports; (e) pandemic, epidemic or health risk; (f) governmental and administrative actions (including the closure of borders and travel warnings and restrictions).