Day 1

Depart from New York or Washington DC for your South African Airways flight to South Africa.

Day 2

On arrival in Johannesburg you will connect onwards for your 2 hour flight on South African Airways to Cape Town.

On arrival you will be met for your transfer to your hotel.

The Cellars-Hohenort is ideally located in the pristine Constantia Valley, Cape Town. On the eastern slopes of Cape Town's Table Mountain and neighboring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, this luxury Cape Town hotel boasts accommodation in 52 individually decorated luxury rooms and suites with varied views of the breathtaking 9 acres (3.5 hectares) of world renowned hotel gardens and vineyard.

Having one of the best wine lists in South Africa, the choices are endless. Award winning dining in The Greenhouse restaurant with the emphasis on the organic and the fresh or in The Conservatory restaurant, which serves Inter-Continental Contemporary Classic cuisine. Also on offer is The Cape Malay Experience, which serves traditional authentic Cape Malay dishes.

Facilities include a luxurious Spa and Hair Salon, Collection Boutique, 3 salt-chlorinated heated swimming pools, a tennis court and a Gary Player designed putting and chipping green.

With its understated elegance and charm, this 5 star member of The Relais & Chateaux Association is a haven of peace and tranquility, a mere 20 minutes drive from the V&A Waterfront.

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast basis at The Cellars-Hohenort

Day 3

After breakfast you will be met by your local English speaking driver-guide for your full day tour of the Cape Peninsula.

Depart the hotel and flank the colder Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay. Once a fishing community, now one of the most popular residential areas, the harbor still has a charm of days gone by. A chance to join the M.V "Circe" for a half hour cruise to "Seal Island" or for the not so adventurous, the fish market "Mariners Wharf" is a must. The tour now continues over the famous Chapman’s Peak drive – if open, with a 200 meter drop on one side and a 200 meter rise on the other, as we make our way south, following the Atlantic Ocean until we reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Said to be the romantic meeting place of the two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, Sir Francis Drake the Explorer once called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the Globe". And rightly so, it must be the highlight of any visit to the Mother City, if not South Africa. After lunch pass the naval base of Simonstown as we continue along the Indian Ocean, en route to see the Jackass penguin colony which has become well established at Boulders Beach near Simonstown. Our last stop of the day is at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home of some 3 500 species of Southern African fauna and flora.

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast basis at The Cellars-Hohenort

Day 4

After breakfast your local English speaking driver-guide will meet you at the hotel for a tour of the Cape wine region.

We will depart from the hotel and head north to Paarl for a wine tasting and cellar tour. A brief city tour of Paarl follows, before we make our way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. This little village nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken for a little Switzerland. After a short tour of the town, a second wine tasting will be enjoyed in Franschhoek followed by a lunch stop and perhaps a chance to savor some of the fresh trout for which Franschhoek is renowned. After lunch the tour continues to the university town of Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. Time permitting we will include a third and final wine tasting. Then we set off for our return to the Mother City.

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast basis at The Cellars-Hohenort

Day 5

A full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town. Maybe take a trip in the cable car up Table Mountain or a boat ride for a poignant visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. Perhaps take time to explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront with its many shops, restaurants and activities available as well as the fascinating Two Oceans Aquarium. In the summer months maybe head for the white sand beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay for people watching and soaking up the African Sun. Whatever else, you will not be at a loss for things to do!

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast basis at The Cellars-Hohenort

Day 6

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to the coastal village town of Hermanus.

Every year from the middle of June till the end of September the Southern Right Whales grace Hermanus with their gorgeous presence along the length of the Hermanus coastline. During these few months they mate and calve, which means that they tend to gather close to the shore. It also means that they spend the majority of their time on the surface, creating the most magnificent viewing opportunities for visitors.

Stop at the beautiful Harold Porter Botanical Gardens en route and see the colony of penguins at Stony Point near Betty's Bay before arriving at your luxury hotel.

The Marine Hotel Hermanus, a 5 star Relais & Chateaux Hotel, is unique in its position perched atop the cliffs in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Southern Africa.

With its understated luxury and sophisticated décor, the hotel boasts 42 luxury rooms and suites. Spectacular views can be captured from your bedroom window, including the best land-based whale-watching in the world.

The Sun Lounge and Bar is chic and sophisticated and the perfect place to enjoy tea or sip fabulous cocktails with nothing between you and the South Pole, other than 3,000 miles of ocean.

Liz McGrath's inspiration for Seafood at The Marine came about after a chance visit to the seafood counter at Harrods in London. The style is informal and busy, with the emphasis on the freshness of the fish from Walker Bay, great style and friendly service.

The Pavilion is relaxed and informal, with an understated elegance and offers one of the finest dining experiences in Hermanus. The décor is glamorous and encompasses the beautiful views over Walker Bay.

Pamper yourself at The Carchele Health and Beauty Spa, enjoy the heated courtyard pool or in the summer months swim in the tidal pool situated below the hotel where whales are at times just 100 meters away..

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast at The Marine Hermanus

Day 7

An early departure for your transfer to Cape Town Airport for your scheduled flight to George.

On arrival at George Airport you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel.

Travel along the Garden Route passing through Wilderness and then Knysna, a place of remarkable beauty, pristinely situated on the coast. The area is famous for its forests, breathtaking ocean views and tranquil ambient surroundings.

Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon where you check in for your two night stay.

The Plettenberg, a 5 star Relais & Chateaux Hotel is built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the sea, mountains and miles of golden sand in one of the most spectacular resorts in Africa. Plettenberg Bay is in the heart of the 'Garden Route' and one of the world's scenic gems.

This exclusive hotel has 37 superb rooms and suites, two swimming pools - one of which is heated, the Carchele Spa, award winning Wine cellar, and The Collection Boutique.

Sandbar is a modern and chic cocktail bar, whilst Sand serves progressive South African cuisine with the emphasis on fresh seafood and local produce. The restaurants décor introduces the elements of sand and sea into the dining experience.

Experience fabulous sightings of dolphins and whales in the bay from the hotel terraces and for the more adventurous there are numerous excursions and activities within close proximity to the hotel.

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast at The Plettenberg

Day 8

You will be met after breakfast to depart on your day's excursion.

The bay itself holds an uncommon richness of marine life with vast schools of the delightfully playful common dolphins, pods of bottlenose and endangered shy Humpback dolphins, resident Orca and Brydes whales as well as the migratory Humpback and Southern Right whales (never guaranteed to be seen). It is also the only place in the world where scientists have seen and filmed the rare and enigmatic Longman's Beaked Whale.

Our Ecological adventure leaves from Central Beach with an exciting beach launch and heads east past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock, hopefully to encounter Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins as well as some shark species. From Arch Rock we head into the middle of the bay where pelagic seabirds are normally to be found some 7km from the shore. Cruising back along the inside of Robberg, we see the unique geology from this unusual viewpoint and can observe our growing Cape Fur Seal Colony. Finally we head back along the Robberg beach, with a brief rundown on the history of the area. Return to the mainland and head east towards the primate reserve.

Monkeyland is the world's first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland has as one of its aims, to create awareness about the plight of primates and to show that with a greater understanding of our primate cousins, that we can all live in harmony. Monkeyland is unique in that the sanctuary caters for several species of primate. They are not caged but free to move about the forest. Enjoy a guided walk through the forest over the longest suspension bridge in Africa (128m).

Birds of Eden is the Garden Route’s very own world-class free flight bird sanctuary. Imagine a single birdcage spanning an entire forest valley. This is the world’s largest free flight aviary, the unique two-hectare dome consists of 70% indigenous forest and the rest of the area is made up of planted garden, lawns, grassland and several dams. The sanctuary is home to approximately 3,000 birds in the aviary, comprising over 220 species with its own mysterious ruin incorporating a walk-behind waterfall.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight on a Bed and Breakfast basis at The Plettenberg

Day 9

After breakfast transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where on arrival you will connect with your onward flight to Hoedspruit.

On arrival, you will be met by a representative of Simbambili and transferred to the lodge.

Simbambili Lodge is situated amongst dense stands of knobthorn and jackalberry trees along the meandering Manyeleti River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

With its Moroccan-styled suites that have been sensitively designed to blend with the environment and carefully positioned to enhance privacy, this is a must for the romantic at heart. Each suite has its own plunge pool and sala overlooking the watering hole.

This exquisite Lodge is famed for its regular leopard sightings and abundance of general game species as well as extraordinary bird life.

Overnight on a Full Board basis at Simbambili

Day 10

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. Shortly after, you depart in your open Landrover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter.

After a sumptuous breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.

Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.

The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities on offer, with a late lunch served around 3.00pm. Lunch is followed by the afternoon game drive and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Once again, you will break somewhere out in the bush, in a remote, scenic spot, to watch the sunset, where sundowners and snacks are offered to guests whilst you once again stretch your legs.

Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge, guests can socialize around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day's adventure.

Overnight on a Full Board basis at Simbambili

Day 11

Enjoy another day in the African bush with game viewing activities on offer or simply relax and enjoy the comforts of the lodge.

Overnight on a Full Board basis at Simbambili

Day 12

After an early morning game drive, enjoy breakfast and then transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and onward connection to the United States.

Day 13

Arrival in the United States at New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) airports.

Includes

Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) Airport to South Africa OR Tambo International Airport ~ Domestic coach air in South Africa as per the itinerary (Johannesburg - Cape Town – George, Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg - Hoedspruit - Johannesburg) ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Most meals (10 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 3 x dinner) ~ Ground Transfers ~ Cape Peninsula Tour ~ Winelands Tour ~ Hermanus Tour ~ Plettenberg Bay Tour ~ All park fees and safari activities.

Excludes

Add on air from other US cities ~ Any meals or services not mentioned above ~ Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. ~ Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers