South Africa
This is the cradle of civilisation. This is a place so stunning, words and images fail to do it justice. Wildlife roaming free in vast reserves. Cities that promise every possible sort of luxury. Mountains dusted with snow. The untamed beauty of the Kalahari. Vineyards celebrated the world over. Beaches the colour of talcum powder, lapped by a cerulean ocean. A study in dramatic contrasts, South Africa is the new age traveller’s dream destination.
CITY INFORMATION
Knysna
Knysna doesn’t boast the tallest buildings or the longest bridges. Its inhabitants would much rather spend their time playing a leisurely game of golf by the lagoon or sipping a cool drink at one of its ubiquitous cafes. After all, when you live in a town that is well favoured by the benevolent sun, and bordered by emerald woods and a large estuary; why would you ask for more?Cape Town
There are destinations that are known for housing geographical marvels. Tourists flock to others for their historical significance. While still others offer more frivolous cultural pursuits. As a city that houses Table Mountain, Cape Winelands and is a short distance away from Robben Island; Cape Town manages to wend its way into every list.Johannesburg
Jozi is the vibrant, pulsating hub of South Africa. The best of the country’s nightlife is concentrated here, as are restaurants and shopping malls. Interestingly, here modern pursuits haven’t replaced the more traditional ones as it so often happens in most metropolises. Craft markets with African masks, beaded dolls and colourful ceramics line the streets. It’s the nation’s largest city after all, there’s always room for more.Sun City
Although it shares the title of a gambler’s paradise, South Africans would disdain the idea of likening Sun City to Vegas. Sun City does not limit itself to cards, slot machines and roulette wheels. This resort offers more, so much more in the form of golfing and other outdoor activities. Add a dash of myth and history and you have a more accurate picture. Franschhoek
The architecture, you can’t help noticing, is distinctly Dutch. The wineries have names you’re more likely to stumble upon in France. The vineyards themselves are a far cry from the South African savannahs. Yet here you will find it all, serenely congruous in the quaint town of Franschhoek.
The Cango wildlife ranch
A crocodile swims towards you, stopping only centimetres away from the grills that separate you. On dry land, a cheetah stalks past while the Bengal tiger cubs carry on with their gambolling. This is the Cango Wildlife Ranch, the closest you will get to these animals and still live to tell the tale.
Cango caves
26 km north of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo is an underground network of rocky chambers and ante-chambers called the Cango Caves. Follow the route of Cango One, after which you will experience an ‘assault course’ which will give you a taste of spelunking.
Safari ostrich farm
On this tour, you will learn everything about breeding these queer flightless birds, courtesy the farm’s multi-lingual guides. Watch eggs hatch in the incubator. Test the strength of these eggs by stepping on them. Meet the ostriches, and if you’re brave enough, attempt riding them.
A wine tasting tour
The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek Valleys are where you will find the country’s premier vineyards. Wine connoisseurs rejoice, this is the only area you will come across Pinotage - a rare variety of grape. And of course, you will find all the old favourites: Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon.
Table mountain
The Table Mountain commands an unsurpassed view of Cape Town. The cableway will take you to the summit in less than 10 minutes, and the rotating cable car affords you a 360 degree view. On the top of the Mountain, two km of pathways give you marvellous views over Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. Table Mountain boasts 1,500 different varieties.
Seal Island
It’s the stuff nature channels thrive on. This small rocky outcrop off the coast of South Africa is inhabited by thousands of Cape Fur Seals. The waters are a seasonal haunt of Great White sharks that are often seen launching themselves out of the water to prey on the seals - behaviour that is possibly unique to this place.
Cape Point
The southern end of the Cape Peninsula boasts two points of interest, the Cape of Good Hope and the more southerly and higher situated Cape Point. This is where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. With its diverse habitats, ranging from rocky mountain tops to beaches and open sea, the Cape of Good Hope is home to at least 250 species of birds.
Victoria and alfred waterfornt
Occupying an enviable location between Robben Island and Table Mountain, and set off with brilliant mountain and ocean views, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is South Africa’s most visited destination.Your Choice of extensions
Blue Train
This five-star hotel has an impressive list of features to its credit. Kings and Presidents have stayed here. The meals are prepared by South Africa’s most renowned culinary maestros and as for the view - it’s difficult to define something that is ever-changing. The Blue Train combines premium travel with luxury accommodation.Victoria Falls
David Livingstone when he first beheld it christened it with the unassuming English name it came to be known by. But it was the Kololo tribesmen that gave Victoria Falls its first and certainly, more evocative name - Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders).
Strongly reminiscent of Coleridge’s Xanadu; the turrets of this ethereal hotel peek over acres of untamed woods. The Place of the Lost City offers luxury, solitude and an aura of mystery.
LOCATION
This hotel is set amidst 25 hectares of forest in Sun City.
FEATURES
Shop for exceptional handmade curios, spend a morning at the golf course, or visit The Valley of Waves, one of the world’s most advanced water parks. Your dining options are no less diverse. Sip on African cocktails at Pool Cocktail Bar, enjoy a view of the tropical forest at the Crystal Court or relax within the hand carved teak interiors of Tusk Bar and Lounge.
ACCOMMODATION
The Palace comprises of 338 rooms and four deluxe suites. Each of these is furnished with opulent decor with artistic flourishes inspired by the tropics.
In the course of his travels, David Livingstone discovered the greatest mass of falling water on earth. The Royal Livingstone Resort is a testament to his discovery of Victoria Falls. This resort combines the raw majesty of Africa with all the charms of a bygone era.
LOCATION
This magnificent Sun International resort is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to the mighty Victoria Falls. The area encompasses approximately 46 hectares and is located in the south-eastern corner of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, within the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
FEATURES
The cuisine at the Royal Livingstone is inspired by cultures as dramatic as the continent itself. The Travellers’ Bar and Lounge is a place where guests can relax under thatched shade. With its comfortable armchairs and low ottomans, the lounge is the ideal place to enjoy an impeccably served high tea or to linger over some fine port or a cigar. The à la carte restaurant serves a range of exquisite dishes from around the world.
ACCOMMODATION
The property is dotted with two-storey clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster has 10 en-suite air-conditioned rooms with every amenity imaginable. The rooms also have private balconies and terraces that offer a spectacular view of the great river and beyond. Each room is a quiet retreat from the imposing scale and ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters.
Meals
There's something about a holiday that increases the appetite multifold. Perhaps it's the fresh air. Or the eager anticipation of the day ahead. Whatever be the reason, We ensure that meals are something you will look forward to.
Every morning, wake up to the convenience of a hot buffet breakfast at your hotel. At lunch time, you are free to sample the local cuisine at any of the restaurants around your hotel, or en ruoute to your next destination. End your days with flavours of home: a sumptuous dinner at an Indian restaurant located close to your hotel.
Almost every day of your journey has a culinary surprice in store. Lunch at the celebrated Galeries Lafayette, Paris. A Tyrolean dinner in innsbruck, complete with entertainment. A visit to Ben & Jerry's Ice cream Factory, with tasting, of course. Every kind of cuisine from across the globe, at the World Carnival Buffet, Las Vegas. A sumptuous Lobster dinner at Sydney. A wine tasting in a Stellenbosch veinyard in South Africa. And more.
Bon appetit!
South African Sojourn (8D/7N)
Sprawling savannahs, a luxury hotel on wheels, close encounters with the stars of wildlife features and nature in all its raw magnificence. It’s nine days of seamless shuttling between urbane comforts and wild excursions.
Your Itinerary
- Knysna 2 nights
- Franschhoeck 1 night
- Cape Town 2 nights
- Sun City 2 nights
Arrive at George Airport and drive to Knysna. Explore the town in leisure and in the evening, cruise down the Knysna Lagoon. End the day with dinner at an Indian restaurant. (D) DAY 2
After breakfast, go on a full day tour of Oudtshoorn. Visit the Cango Caves, and the Safari Ostrich Farm before heading back Knysna for an Indian dinner. (B,D) DAY 3
Visit the Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa at Cape Winelands after breakfast. Later, explore the famous wineries of Stellenbosch and Paarl. (B,D) DAY 4
ortified by a wholesome breakfast, proceed to Cape Town. Explore the Mother City and visit famous sights like Green Market Square, District Six, and the Company Gardens. Also visit the geographical landmark, Table Mountain before heading to an Indian restaurant for dinner. (B,D)
DAY 5
After breakfast, go on a full day tour to Cape Point. Visit Seal Island and Mariner’s Wharf en route. Continue alongside the Indian Ocean and pause to see the Jackass penguin colony near Simonstown. Proceed till you reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is your last stop for the day. (B,D)
After breakfast, set off to the airport to board your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, drive down to Sun City and check into your hotel. (B,D) DAY 7
After breakfast at the hotel, spend a leisurely day golfing, playing tennis or visiting the water parks, Water World or the Valley of Waves. The hotel’s sporting facilities are also at your disposal. Later, dine at an Indian restaurant. (B,D) DAY 8
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport in your private car to board your flight back home. (B)