South Africa Holiday and Air Safari - Family Adventure
South Africa - Zululand, Wineland, and Land of the Big Six
Departure Dates:
- Dec 21, 2009 - Jan 01, 2010
Departure Dates
- December 21, 2009
Trip Summary
"A World in One Country" has been South Africa's tagline, and for good reason. If you want vast stretches of savannah studded with herds of big game, South Africa is for you. Or perhaps sun-drenched beaches adorned with breeding colonies of penguins or craggy peninsulas overlooking wide bays frequented by dolphins and whales. How about the breathtaking vista from Table Mountain, with sweeping views of sparkling, modern Cape Town, or the sedate old-world architecture and winelands of the western Cape. Or such cultural legacies as the legendary kingdom of the Zulus and the apartheid history at Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison.
While the size of South Africa offers boundless opportunities to explore and learn, this very size can make travel demanding and strenuous. Our South Africa Holiday Safari has been cleverly designed to emphasize many of the spectacular highlights this country has to offer, but in a flying format that eliminates the long drives. We link together the big game reserves, the coastline with it's spectacular marine life, the cultural center of Zululand where we spend an unforgettable Christmas Eve, and the sparkling city of Cape Town and it's winelands for an equally unforgettable New Years Eve. What better way to celebrate the holidays; surrounded by family and friends, learning about our world and experiencing some of the most breathtaking wildlife and scenery Africa has to offer! Check out more details in our colorful itinerary!
Highlights
- Sitting around the campfire watching spear wielding Zulu warriors share their tribal dance and songs on Christmas Eve
- Observing Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica into Walker Bay near Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular vantage points for whale watching in the world
- Spending New Year's Eve in sparkling Cape Town, welcoming in the new year with fireworks and a festive farewell dinner
Itinerary: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Day 1
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in Johannesburg today where we will be met and escorted to our conveniently located hotel directly across the street from the domestic terminal for some rest and relaxation. Gather this evening to meet your fellow travelers for a festive welcome party followed by dinner.
Lodging:The Airport InterContinental Hotel (D)
Days 2 - 3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
This morning, fly by private air to the Mala Mala Private Game Reserve. Located in the Mpumalanga province of Eastern South Africa, Mala Mala is home to over 200 species of animals. The abundance of large animals is fostered by the unfenced border the reserve shares with Kruger National Park, allowing herds to migrate from the park to the Sand River, which runs for twenty miles inside the reserve. On arrival, we will be met by naturalist guides and driven to our classic thatched safari camp, situated amidst shady trees on the banks of the Sand River. Tonight we celebrate the beginning of our adventure with a festive dinner.
Spend the next two days enjoying day and night game drives in our open four-wheel drive vehicles with our naturalist guides. After sundowners and drinks in the bush, continue on night drives, in search of Africa's predators and other nocturnal species. Here Bushtracks Rangers participate in their own tracking program and begin to fill their Ranger Notebooks with photos, drawings and facts collected throughout our safari.
Lodging:Mala Mala Luxury Thatched Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 4
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
Zululand
Today fly by private air to the heart of Zululand. Tonight, experience and feel the magical rhythm of Africa as you relive the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus. In this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake you will meet Assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas, and learn about traditional customs such as tribal dancing and spear making.
Lodging:Protea Shakaland Hotel (B,L,D)
Days 5 - 6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 TO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Phinda Private Game Reserve
After a morning visit to the kraal (Zulu village) of Cetswayho, the last great Zulu king, we drive to Phinda Private Game Reserve via Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves. These reserves are two of Africa's oldest and are highly regarded by environmentalists. The beautiful rolling countryside incorporates dense thickets, grass-covered hills, forests and rivers. An impressive array of animal species are represented, including white and black rhinos, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, lions, cheetahs and leopards. Once the hunting grounds of the Zulu Kings, the Umfolozi Game Reserve is now home to "Operation Rhino", which pioneered darting surplus animals for redistribution.
This afternoon we arrive at Phinda Private Reserve, bordering the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. Phinda offers luxurious lodgings with exquisite architectural design and handcrafted suites set deep in the heart of a rare dry sand forest. The Reserve's seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species. For the next two days enjoy game-drives, walking safaris and canoeing, while also continuing our exploration of the rich heritage of the Zulu Nation. Bushtracks Rangers will set off with their own trackers in search of wildlife and birds, collect pods, feathers, insects and leaves, and learn how to identify different animal spoor. After a day packed with adventure, drinks followed by a sumptuous dinner under the African skies are served in an open-air boma.
Lodging:Phinda Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)
Days 7 - 9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Today begins with a road transfer to Durban where you continue by commercial air to Cape Town. On arrival transfer to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, nestled in the fynbos clad hills above Walker Bay with breathtaking views of dunes, sea and the distant Cape of Good Hope. Over the next three days explore and experience all that this unique destination has to offer. The Reserve's 1050-hectacres are ready to be explored by foot, vehicle and horseback. Qualified conservation biologists bring the fynbos to life with their fascinating stories of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's richest regions of plant life. Discover the relationships between insects, birds, mammals and flowering plants supporting this diverse ecosystem and see how these plants have developed creative strategies to ensure their pollination, seed dispersal and germination.
Nearby Walker Bay Nature Reserve has 20 kilometers of pristine coastline. Here you may walk, relax, swim and explore. From July until December the Southern Right Whale migrates from Antarctica into Walker Bay. Here the breeding cycle starts and culminates in the birth of their young. This is one of the most spectacular vantage points for whale watching in the world. Although often easily viewed from shore, whale watching excursions by boat are also available, or you may cruise to Dyer Island, and discover over 40,000 Cape Fur Seals, a breeding colony of rare African Penguins, and countless sea birds. Bushtracks Rangers also learn about Green Futures, a non-profit organization, which provides practical based training programs on the Grootbos Reserve for unemployed people in the fields of fynbos landscaping, horticulture and ecotourism. See the indigenous plant nursery and landscaping business that generate income for the program and learn about how this foundation develops nature-based sustainable livelihoods for people from the local communities around Grootbos.
Lodging:Grootbos Nature Reserve (B,L,D)
Days 10 - 11
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Cape Town
After breakfast, return to Cape Town through the famous Cape Winelands. Travel over the scenic passes and valleys stopping to enjoy the views and the wines. Explore Franschoek, the valley of the Huguenot and visit the French Huguenot Monument. Arrive this afternoon at Cape Town, one of Africa's crown jewels, full of vibrant culture living among one of the most diverse floral kingdoms on Earth. This evening enjoy a family dinner on your own in one of Cape Town’s charming restaurants or at the hotel.
Our second day in Cape Town begins with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, or an optional early morning hike up the mountain (weather permitting), both offering a wonderful panoramic view of the city. We continue to District 6 Museum, followed by a lunch visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. This afternoon return to your hotel to relax or enjoy some last minute shopping at the waterfront. Celebrate New Year's Eve with a festive farewell dinner tonight.
Lodging:Table Bay Hotel (B,L & Farewell Dinner)
Day 12
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
International Flights Home
After breakfast this morning board the ferry departing from the victoria and Alfred Waterfront for an excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. After the tour, have lunch on your own. Day rooms have been reserved before your evening international flight home. (B)
Capacity: 40 guests
Dates: December 21, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Prices: $12,995 per adult double occupancy; $10,995 per child double occupancy (11 years and under).
International Airfare: This is not included in the cost of your trip, and Bushtracks Expeditions would be happy to assist you in making your air arrangements. Itineraries and prices will be supplied upon request.
Cost Includes / Private Air Program: All private and commercial air in South Africa; accommodations, meals and beverages, safari activities, tours and transfers as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees; services of a Bushtracks Ranger leader; services of a Bushtracks Expedition Leader; professional naturalist guides in each safari camp and lodge, and local tour guides; all gratuities (with the exception of Expedition Leader); various laundry opportunities; airport departure taxes in Africa; porterage of one soft-sided check bag weighing no more than 33 lbs.; and medical evacuation insurance.
Cost does not Include / Private Air Program: International airfare; personal expenses such as souvenirs and telephone/ fax charges; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; mini bar and room service charges; passport, visa, and inoculation fees; extra laundry and beverages; extra tours, meals, and activities not indicated in the itinerary; porterage of carry on luggage weighing no more than 15 lbs..
Deposit and Final Payment: A $2,500 deposit per person and a completed Reservation Form confirm your registration. Final payment is due 14 weeks before departure, upon receipt of invoice, and is payable by check only. For your protection, funds will be placed in a trust account until the day of departure.
Preparing for Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.