iExplore South Africa Experience

Tour Description

The charming luxury lodges and intimate hotels selected here are, quite simply, the very best in the region: the best locations for exploring, the best design and style, the best atmosphere, the best food and wine, and the most friendly, welcoming and unobtrusive service.

Itinerary

Day 01 - ARRIVE CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel, which is located at the entrance to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Spend the rest of the day as you see fit.

The first thing everyone notices in Cape Town is beautiful Table Mountain, a flat-topped stone behemoth that rises above the town, dwarfing even the tallest skyscrapers in the business district. Since the end of apartheid, Cape Town has led South Africa in developing new attractions to appeal to visitors. Those efforts, along with a post-apartheid vitality, have made Cape Town an increasingly popular destination for travelers. Among its many attractions are the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a shopping and entertainment complex, glorious sun-soaked sandy beaches and a variety of trendy restaurants and nightclubs. Even more important are the city's history and culture, encapsulated in distinctive neighborhoods like the Bo-Kaap or on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. In fact, it is Cape Town's mix of nationalities and identities, African, European, Asian, make it one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.

The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays

 

Day 02 - CAPE TOWN: HIKING UP TABLE MOUNTAIN & ROBBEN ISLAND

This morning enjoy a hike up Table Mountain either via Platteklip or Skelton Gorge through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Both require a reasonable amount of fitness and make sure you bring plenty of water, a waterproof jacket and a camera for the incredible views you'll take in.

After your hike, you can return to your hotel to freshen up before you are taken to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a light lunch before boarding a boat to Robben Island for your afternoon tour.

Robben Island sits 12 kilometers offshore from Cape Town, surrounded by freezing cold seas and strong currents. Formerly a political prison and a leper colony, the historic landmark of Robben Island was recently established as a museum, national monument and world heritage site. Experience the conditions of incarceration - view Nelson Mandela's maximum-security prison cell (Cell 5) and see the lime quarries. In the one, hard labor was served, in the other prisoners discussed strategy, freedom and the future. This well-preserved landmark is a monument to the triumph of freedom, dignity and determination over humiliation and oppression.

Return to the waterfront after your tour where you will have time to explore the center before being transferred back to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast

The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays

Day 03 - CAPE TOWN

Depart this morning on a full day private tour to the Cape Peninsula.

Drive along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. Stop at Boulder's Beach to see the African Penguins and then travel through the naval port at Simon's Town. Simon's Town is situated on False Bay and is rich in history, character and atmosphere.

Breakfast

The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays

Day 04 - CAPE TOWN - STELLENBOSCH

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Cape Winelands as you depart on your half-day tour. Whether it is its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage or its world-renowned wines, the Cape Wine Region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer.

Your journey takes you over a breath-taking mountain pass, through a quaint village and a famous university town, while enjoying lunch and wine tasting at some of the most interesting wineries of South Africa. You drive to Stellenbosch and a walk down picturesque Dorp Street. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, founded in 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, and today is one of South Africa's most attractive and best-preserved towns. Dorp Street has a number of carefully restored historic buildings, and the Stellenbosch Village Museum sheds light on the lifestyle of the inhabitants during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Afterward you will be dropped off at the River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa, which is situated across from the banks of the Eerste River, in the historic oak-lined avenue, a mere 2 minute stroll from the village center with its numerous museums, galleries and restaurants.

Breakfast

River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 05 - STELLENBOSCH

Spend the day at leisure taking in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful place.

Breakfast

River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 06 - STELLENBOSCH - KRUEGER NATIONAL PARK

This morning you after breakfast at the hotel you will be met for a private transfer to Cape Town Airport in time for your onward flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

NOTE: Cape Town-Kruger flight is not included in land price.

On arrival to Kruger Mpumalanga airport, you are met by our local representative for private transfer to world-renowned Jock Safari Lodge, which is located on a private concession within the famous Kruger National Park, at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers.

This afternoon enjoy a game drive within Kruger National Park with a highly experienced game ranger, and enjoy the thrill of close encounters with Africa's wildlife.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jock Safari Lodge

Day 07 & 08 - KRUEGER NATIONAL PARK

Your days begin with an early morning wake up call, and then you are off in an open safari vehicle in search of the "Big Five".

Head into the African bush in search of wildlife. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game including the "Big Five" and bird life in its numerous habitats. Return to your lodge for lunch and an afternoon siesta before heading off on an afternoon safari. Dinner is served under the stars!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jock Safari Lodge

Day 09 - KRUEGER NATIONAL PARK - DEPART

Check out this morning after an early morning safari and transfer back to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in time for your onward flight.

Breakfast

NOTE: Kruger - Johannesburg flight is not included in land price.

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

March:

$4,019 per person double occupancy.

$5,939 solo traveler.

April:

$3,669 per person double occupancy.

$5,249 solo traveler.

May 1 to September 30:

$3,489 per person double occupancy.

$4,939 solo traveler.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of March, 2011. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

INCLUSIONS:

- Meet and greet on arrival at Cape Town Airport

- Round trip private transfers between Cape Town Airport and hotel

- 3 nights at the Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays - Deluxe Room with breakfast daily

- Scheduled half-day hiking on the Table Mountain Range.

- Return private transfers from the hotel to V&A Waterfront/Port.

- Ticket- Robben Island Cruise & Tour.

- Private full-day peninsula tour.

- Private half-day Stellenbosch tour.

- 2 nights at River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa in a Standard Room on a bed & breakfast basis.

- One way private transfer from Stellenbosch to Cape Town International Airport.

- Return transfers Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to lodge.

- 3 nights at Jock Safari Lodge in Luxury Suite- 3 meals daily, 2 game drives daily and local South African beverages.

EXCLUSIONS:

- International airfare, airport and departure taxes

- Domestic published airfare Cape Town/Krueger/Johannesburg

- Telephone, drinks and items of a personal nature

- Any item not listed as an inclusion

- Visa Fees (if required)

- Holiday surcharges

- Travel Insurance

- Gratuities

NOTES:

- For the hike up Table Mountain you will need to bring sensible walking shoes, Sunblock, sunglasses and a warm sweater or windbreaker. Please note the cost does not include the cable car ticket, which is currently R102 per person. Subject to change without notice.

- The full day private Peninsula Tour is blocked out on the following dates: March 13, 2011 and April 23, 2011.

- The half-day private Stellenbosch Tour operates on a Monday to Saturday schedule and is blocked out on the following dates: April 22, 24, 25 and 27, 2011; May 1, 2011; June 16, 2011; August 9, 2011; and September 18 and 24, 2011.

- When staying at Jock Safari Lodge all guests are required to pay a Conservation Levy on entry into Kruger National park, which is currently R45 per person per stay. This rate is subject to change without notice.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes

NOTES:

- For the hike up Table Mountain you will need to bring sensible walking shoes, Sunblock, sunglasses and a warm sweater or windbreaker. Please note the cost does not include the cable car ticket, which is currently R102 per person. Subject to change without notice.

- The full day private Peninsula Tour is blocked out on the following dates: March 13, 2011 and April 23, 2011.

- The half-day private Stellenbosch Tour operates on a Monday to Saturday schedule and is blocked out on the following dates: April 22, 24, 25 and 27, 2011; May 1, 2011; June 16, 2011; August 9, 2011; and September 18 and 24, 2011.

- When staying at Jock Safari Lodge all guests are required to pay a Conservation Levy on entry into Kruger National park, which is currently R45 per person per stay. This rate is subject to change without notice.