The Very Best Of…: (21 Days)

Introduction: For those looking for that extra special holiday as well as the ultimate in comfort and service we have designed this South Africa tour, which combines some of the very best attractions that Southern Africa has to offer. Start your holiday with a week unwinding on the sun drenched islands of Mozambique, continue with a luxurious and varied big game experience in the renowned private game reserves of the Kruger, followed by a journey on the most luxurious train in the world ending in Cape Town, where you spend your last five days exploring the unique blend of cosmopolitan life, mountain splendour and scenic winelands.

Best time to visit: General: All year round Game viewing: June to October Cape Town: October to April

Day 1 - 6: Benguera Island

On arrival to Johannesburg you transfer to your connecting flight to the seaside town of Vilanculos, the gateway to Mozambique's Bazaruto archipelago. Here you will be met at the airport and transferred by boat to Marlin Lodge on the island of Benguera, the second largest of the islands.

Benguera Island is an 11 by 5,5 km piece of paradise boasting white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, warm tropical waters and beautiful fish-filled corral reefs. It is a shell collector's haven and a paradise for diving, snorkelling or just relaxing on the beach. This idyllic setting is complimented by your accommodation, Marlin Lodge. Constructed from hardwood, Marlin Lodge is an elevated structure on stilts with deck platforms, reed walls and thatched roofs, and each of the 20 individual chalets offers direct access to the beach and views of the sunset. Apart from the many water based activities on offer here you can relax by the pool; enjoy the sumptuous meals of fresh fish and other local delicacies and soak in the island style ambiance and immaculate service of the lodge

Day 7& 8: Sabi Sands Game Reserve

After breakfast you are now transferred back to Vilanculos in time for your direct flight to KMIA, the gateway to the Kruger National Park. Here you pick up your rental car and make your way to the private game reserves of the exclusive Sabi Sands game reserve. The Sabi-Sands was named after the Sabi and the Sand rivers, both of which flow through the reserve. It is the largest private game reserve in South Africa covering 65,000 hectares of bush on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park and is made up of 15 or so private properties, all of which are dedicated to wildlife conservation. However no fences separate the different properties and there are no fences separating the Sabi-Sands with the Kruger either - effectively making this region a part of the Greater Kruger National Park, one of the richest wildlife regions on the continent.

Lion Sands is situated in the Southern portion of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, an area well known for its spectacular game viewing. The safari experience has an ever changing magical rhythm in a world of glimmering landscapes and unparalleled wildlife. Whether learning the ancient skills of tracking the Big 5 on foot, or viewing these great creatures from an open landrover, it is an experience that promises to thrill, to revive the spirit and enliven long dormant senses. Combining Afro-European elegance and exotic flair with bold, natural textures and superlative taste, Ivory Lodge offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy. The six sumptuous suites, each one 165 sq meters, are equipped with superior amenities and have breathtaking views over the Sabie River, a private game viewing deck and a private plunge pool – the ultimate in safari luxury.

Day 9 & 10:Timbavati Game Reserve

You now leave Lion Sands and make your way 150 kms or so north to Tanda Tula, a luxury tented camp situated in the Timbavati. Named after the dry Timbavati river that snakes its way through the area north of Kruger’s Orpan gate, the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, like its prestigious southerly neighbour the Sabie Sands, falls within the boundaries of the Greater Kruger National Park. This area, where the savanna meets the mopane woodland, is home to a breath taking assembly of animals and birds, making this wildlife sanctuary amongst the best game viewing experiences in Africa.

Tanda Tula’s magnificent, thatched East African style tents, with their spacious decks overlooking the dry river bed, are the epitome of luxury and seclusion with sumptuous Victorian style baths and outdoor showers. This intimate camp is renowned for its charming service and passionately well informed staff. Delicious meals are served in a variety of venues from private dinners on your deck to convivial evenings in the boma. Game drives are in open Land Rovers seating only 7 people, allowing clear communication with your ranger and tracker. The seclusion of the camp allows traversing on thousands of hectares of pristine African wilderness.

Day 11& 12: The Escarpment

After four days of wilderness and game viewing you now continue to the Escarpment for some well deserved relaxation and pampering. For sheer scenic beauty, few parts of the southern African subcontinent compare with the area known as the Escarpment. Visit the historically reconstructed gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest dating back to 1873, view some of the many waterfalls that abound in the area and drive the famous Panorama Route stopping to gaze at spectacular viewpoints such as ‘God’s Window’ and ‘The Three Rondavels.’

Your accommodation here is Cybele Forest Lodge, a welcome retreat in the cool of the forest country. Cybele, a Relais & Chateaux property, is situated in three hundred acres of African paradise, living forest and meadows, with the charming old farmhouse in the centre. In striking contrast to the vivid colours and lush greenery of the garden, the interior of the lodge is warm and inviting, furnished throughout with antiques, original art and exquisite fabrics. Accommodation is in 14 suites and cottages; each individually furnished and decorated to the most exacting standards and ensuring peace and quiet, as well as personal attention. Dining forms one of the focal experiences of a stay at Cybele, with a reputation earned amongst local and international travellers alike for world-class country cuisine.

Over the next two days enjoy horse riding with you partner through the forest, explore one of the scenic walking trails, join an exhilarating helicopter flip or simply laze by the heated swimming pool sipping cocktails and rejuvenate your body and restore your soul at the sumptuous Spa in the Forest.

Day 13: Johannesburg

You now make your way back to KMIA for your onward flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the The Fairlawns hotel in Sandton where you spend the night. The hotel is set in extensive gardens with prolific birdlife, which belies its city environments. The gracious style of the main buildings conveys a classic air of elegance, whilst each of the suites is uniquely decorated and offers serenity and seclusion. Designed for relaxation, the Fairlawns is an experience in itself offering privacy, convenience and modern facilities.

Day 14 & 15: Rovos Rail

This morning you will be transferred to Capital Park train station in Pretoria, in time to check in for your journey to Cape Town on Rovos Rail. Departure from the station is a memorable event as passengers gather on the platform beside the gleaming coaches, sipping South African sparkling wine to the accompaniment of a string duet. Then step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.

Highlights of your two day, 1,600 kilometre, journey to Cape Town will include a visit of Kimberly, the diamond boom-town, home to the Big Hole - the world's largest man-made excavation, as well as a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100 year old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo. You will then glide past the beautiful Hex River Valley and the Winelands of the Cape on your way to your destination in Cape Town station.

Day 16 to 20 Cape Town

On arrival at Cape Town station you collect your hired car for the next 6 days and make your way to the historic suburb of Constantia, known for it’s Cape Dutch manor houses, restaurants and vineyards. Constantia Uitsig’s peaceful ambiance, charming service and heartfelt hospitality are all enhanced by its splendid location on a working wine farm. The 16 garden rooms are furnished with elegant simplicity and each have their own patio with sweeping views of the Constantia Valley. Enjoy beautiful vineyard hikes and walks, horse-riding, mountain biking, splendid golf courses and charming shopping venues. These activities, along with the fine array of Constantia Uitsig wines and the mouth-watering venues on your doorstep, all ensure a stay of sheer sensory indulgence.

Over the next few days explore the many activities and attractions of the Cape including: Table Mountain, Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned), Chapman’s Peak scenic drive, Cape Point, the penguin colony at Boulders beach, the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, the beaches, museums, historic buildings, the Winelands and the fine restaurants. For the more adventurous there is also a wide range of activities on offer and then, afterwards, enjoy the nightlife Cape Town has to offer.

Day 21: Fly Home

On your final day in the Cape you will have time for some last minute shopping or visits before ending your holiday at Cape Town International Airport where you drop off your car and board your flight home.

Plus:
Mozambique:  US$ 1,315 per person (based on 2 people sharing, travelling in July ‘06)
€ 1,030 (Euro equivalent will depend on exchange rate at time of booking)

* Please note that this price is an estimate and should only be used as a guide to the cost of your holiday.  Final price will depend on availability, season, exchange rate fluctuations etc.

Includes: Meet & Greet on arrival in Vilanculos, return transfers by power boat to Marlin Lodge, 6 nights accommodation in classic chalets on a full board basis, complementary snorkel trip, dhow cruise, island drive as well as unlimited hobie cat sailing, windsurfing and ocean ski paddling.  6 days car rental in Kruger area: VW Renault Megane or similar (unlimited kms, air conditioning, radio/tape, power steering, super-cover insurance), accommodation in Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Tanda Tula on a full board and activities basis, Cybele, Garden Cottage on a DB&B basis, transfer from Johannesburg airport to Fairlawns, accommodation in Courtyard room on a B&B basis, transfer to Capital Park train station, 2 nights full board and off train excursions on Rovos Rail, Pullman Suite ending in Cape Town, 6 days car rental: VW Polo Classic or similar (unlimited kms, air conditioning, radio/tape, power steering, super-cover insurance), 5 nights Constantia Uitsig, Garden Twin room, on a DB&B basis.

Excludes: Meals and drinks not indicated above, entrance fees, activities (unless otherwise specified), all airfares and airport taxes, travel insurance, fuel and toll fees, car hire extras such as contract fees, delivery fees, additional driver fees, mobile phone rental, expenses of a personal nature, porterage, tips and gratuities.