Day 1 Arrival in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Johannesburg a representative from iKapa Tours & Travel will collect you from the airport for your transfer to your hotel where you will be accommodated overnight including breakfast.
Jozi, Egoli, Place of Gold - and the heartbeat of South Africa. Built on the discovery of gold, today Johannesburg continues to produce its own unique treasures. This city has passion, pride and endless possibilities. Discover the energy of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Johannesburg sizzles through all four seasons. Diverse in culture, colour and heritage, Johannesburg will steal your heart and awaken your soul.
1 x overnight Holiday Inn Express Sandton Woodmead/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 2 Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
This morning at approximately 07:30 you are collected from your hotel for your early morning departure. We will travel across the Gauteng Highveld and descend into the subtropical Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, towards the world famous Kruger National Park. Consisting of more than two million hectares, the Kruger boasts more than 146 mammal species, 507 bird species and 400 different tree varieties.
You will enter the Park in late afternoon en route, where you spend some time game viewing before arriving at your accommodation, situated just outside the Kruger National Park. (Game viewing done in coach/closed vehicle).
2 x overnight Casa do Sol/similar on Dinner, Bed & Breafkast basis.
Day 3 Full Day inside Kruger
To make the most of the day we recommend an early breakfast so as to commence game viewing soon after sunrise. A full day is spent inside the Kruger National Park in search of wild animals (game viewing done in coach/closed vehicles). Optional four wheel drive open vehicles for your full day game drive are available. No guarantees can be given that you will encounter the "Big Five" (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo), but you are certain of seeing at very close quarters, an abundance of antelope, birds, mammals and possibly reptiles. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 4 Kruger National Park to Swaziland
We depart this massive wildlife sanctuary to the independent Kingdom of Swaziland. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, an African people of Nguni descent migrated southward from Central Africa and eventually, during the mid-eighteenth century, a group of them settled in the area, which is now Swaziland. These people, the Nkosi Dlamini, became known as the Swazis, and today both names live on. Nkosi means 'king' and Dlamini is the surname of the royal family. The country derives its actual name from a later king, Mswati I but another name, Ngwane, is an alternative word for Swaziland. We visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory before travelling to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the reserve. Here you have the opportunity to sleep in a traditional Swazi Hut.
1 x overnight Mlilwane - Beehives/similar on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 5 Swaziland to St. Lucia
Today we visit one of the local markets and the Swazi Candle factory. Here you can come watch the creation process and meet the artisans who make the Light from Africa shine through their handmade candles authentic to the Kingdom of Swaziland. We will continue through the small land locked country before re-entering South Africa. You are met with the warm welcome of the locals in another kingdom, the Kingdom of the Zulus in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. We will proceed to your hotel situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, overlooking Lake St Lucia. St Lucia is an entrance point to the southern portion of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, particularly the St Lucia Game Reserve. It is also the core access point to Fist Rocks, Mission Rocks and Cape Vidal. Arrival in the late afternoon.
1 x overnight Elephant Lake Hotel/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 6 St. Lucia to Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast (Port Edward)
This morning join an optional Eco cruise on Lake St Lucia. Isimangiliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) was proclaimed South Africa's first World Heritage Site in December 1999. It is considered an amazing natural phenomenon because of the occurrence of five ecosystems within a relatively small area (260 000 ha). The tour continues to Shakaland, an authentic Zulu Village. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical 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. Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Lunch is included at Shakaland, before heading for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and sub tropical climate. Afternoon arrival in Port Edward. Port Edward has a delightful beach that overlooks a hill known by Europeans as 'Tragedy Hill'. The tragedy in 1831 was the bloodthirsty killing of opposing tribes' people by a rampaging band of Zulu warriors. Human bones still scattered the hillside up until recently. The coast here is known for its shipwrecks and in 1878, 'The Ivy' ran aground on the beach. The rest of the day is at leisure.
1 x overnight Premier Hotel Edwardian/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis. Lunch included en route.
Day 7 Port Edward to The Wild Coast
We depart Port Edward and travel to the rural area along the Eastern Cape coast, known as the Wild Coast. All the wild places of this world have a secret, a barrier, a portal - something that makes them hard to find or difficult to get to. The Wild Coast, on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, has its own secrets. It's a land that has been lost in time. The modern world has passed by the Wild Coast - a combination of history, geography and politics has left it largely undeveloped and unexplored. There are many things that have been left undisturbed by the busy outside world. They are waiting to be discovered. On this route pass one of Nelson Mandela's houses in his area of birth in Qunu. Cintsa is a jewel of the Eastern Cape coast on the Indian Ocean. It has been described as a little piece of paradise and those who live there know it's true. The road from the top of Dolphin Drive hints at the pleasure that is about to unfold. This paradise haven, in a lush and tranquil setting will leave you captured by the natural beauty of its surroundings.
After a long journey, you will arrive at Cintsa for a relaxing two night stay.
2 x overnight Crawford's Beach Lodge/similar on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 8 The Wild Coast
This morning you are escorted by a local guide and given insight into the Xhosa tribe's customs and traditions. We will visit the nearby village where you will have the opportunity to meet the local people. Your visit may also include special events happening in and around Cintsa. A light lunch is included.
This afternoon join an optional Elephant Interaction at a Game Reserve nearby (note that this needs to be prebooked before arrival). Get up close and personal with one of the world's most amazing animals - you'll never forget it. This hands-on learning experience includes lots of one-on-one interaction with these graceful, gentle giants.
We will return to the hotel later this afternoon.
Day 9 The Wild Coast to Port Elizabeth via Grahamstown
Today we depart the beautiful Wild Coast as we drive to Port Elizabeth via Grahamstown. A hauntingly beautiful region - arguably the crucible of South African history - Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best that Africa has to offer. One of the premier tourist routes in the Eastern Cape, it has a turbulent past, with more forts than the rest of the country combined. Join your guide as he tells his story - a story that must be heard of frontier wars, pioneering spirits and heroic people bound together by indomitable determination.
Depart from Grahamstown and continue to Port Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay and better known as the Friendly City! Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon.
1 x overnight The Kelway/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 10 Port Elizabeth to Knysna
This morning we will depart the Eastern Cape and travel to the Garden Route, one of the country's most beautiful and scenic locations. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest. Your journey will take you through dense indigenous forests, woodlands, lakes and lagoons to Knysna, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best-known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well known attraction being The Heads, which are two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon, connecting the estuary with the sea. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery, and the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world.
Arrival in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is spent at leisure.
2 x overnight The Graywood/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 11 Full Day in The Garden Route
After a leisurely breakfast you will be taken to the Knysna harbour to board a ferry for a cruise on the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The John Benn is Knysna's only luxury pleasure cruiser. She is beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest. This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having lots of fun!
The rest of the day is spent at leisure or exploring Knysna. Knysna has wonderful little shops and curios for you to explore.
Day 12 Knysna to Oudtshoorn
We depart Knysna in the early morning to travel inland along the winding Outeniqua Pass, to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Here you visit a working ostrich ranch for a tour. Those daring enough may even have the opportunity to ride an Ostrich! Lunch included at Ostrich Ranch. Arrival at your hotel in the late afternoon.
1 x overnight Turnberry Lodge/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis. Lunch is included at the Ostrich Ranch.
Day 13 Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
Visit the Cango Caves this morning before departing to Cape Town. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. We will continue along the famous Route 62 through the semi-desert, and winelands region to N1 highway, which leads to Cape Town. Your journey will take you through the towns of Robertson and Worcester before arriving in the "Mother City". After your afternoon arrival, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
2 x overnight Holiday Inn Express Cape Town/similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 14 Cape Town
Today you have a day of leisure to take in the sights and sounds of Cape Town. Join one of many optional tours such as a half-day city and Table Mountain tour, a full day Cape Peninsula tour, a full day Winelands tour, a full day Township & Robben Island or take the opportunity to explore the city on your own.
Day 15 Departure
You will have the morning is at leisure for some last minute shopping, before you are collected and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your onward departure flight.
ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!
2011
R15820 per person sharing twin / double
R5200 single supplement
Minimum 10 pax
VISTAS OF SOUTH AFRICA CONDITIONS:
Booking Procedure
Bookings will only be accepted if conveyed in writing.
We reserve the right to cancel any departure if the departure is deemed unviable due to lower number of passengers than our breakeven point and offer alternative packages, departure dates or programs.
Notice of cancellation will be at least 45 days prior to departure.
Close out period of all departures will be communicated 30 days prior to departure date.
Payment
We require 20% of the Tour price on confirmation of the booking. Final payment is due and payable 30 days before departure. Booking made within 30 days of departure, must be accompanied by full payment. iKapa Tours reserves the right to cancel any reservation in respect of which any payments are not made timeously.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must always be conveyed in writing and iKapa Tours will confirm such cancellation in writing. The following cancellation charges, calculated from date of notice shall apply.
45 to 22 days prior to arrival - 25% of contracted price.
21 to 15 days prior to arrival - 50% of contracted price.
14 days or less prior to arrival - 100% of contracted price.
Certain accommodation establishments apply more stringent cancellation fees, which will apply if relevant. You will be notified accordingly.
Services
The company reserves the right to substitute hotels or coach operators or other services listed with others of a similar or higher category at no additional cost to the traveler, even after commencement of the tour. Should this be necessary, then you will be notified of the changes.
No refunds will be made for no-shows, or any unused services irrespective of whether they form part of the basic inclusive tour price, or whether they are in respect of pre-booked optional arrangements.
Passport, Visa & Health Requirements
It will be your client's responsibility to ensure that these are in order for entry, multiple entry and return. We will be pleased to assist and to charge appropriately for services rendered should it be required.
Responsibility
Neither iKapa Tours nor the owners, nor any agent, supplier or person contracted, shall be liable for any loss whatsoever, damage to baggage and property, inconvenience, delay, cancellation, deviation, alteration, sickness, injury or death whether such loss be a result of negligence or not.
We encourage your client to purchase insurance against such eventualities.
