Departure date from the United States

05 May 2012

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.

Arrival in Cape Town around mid-day where you will be met by your local English speaking driver-guide/guide. You will take a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Assistance with check in after which the day is at leisure to unwind and relax after your flight.

This evening dinner will be served in the Atlantic Grill at the hotel.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Table Bay Hotel

Day 3

After breakfast your guide will meet you for a full day tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula.

You will travel along the chic suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay through to the fishing town of Hout Bay. From Hout Bay depart on a boat based excursion to “Seal Island” to see one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals off the South African coast. After returning to shore travel over the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive (weather permitting), en route to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you will visit the Cape of Good Hope and travel by funicular to the lighthouse at Cape Point.

Leaving Cape Point travel along the False Bay coast to enjoy a fish lunch at the famous Black Marlin Restaurant.

After lunch return to the city via the delightful penguin colony on Boulder’s Beach and the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

The evening is at leisure for you to explore the dining options in the city.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Table Bay Hotel

Day 4

Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast for a full day tour of the fabled Cape wine region, an area of stunning scenic beauty.

Before heading out to the wine region you will take a trip in the cable car up the city’s iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting). During the day you will visit the wine towns of Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, incorporating dramatic scenery, historic architecture and of course great wines. You will visit 2 different wine estates for tasting of their products as well as enjoying a full cellar tour at one of the estates.

Lunch will be served at a wine estate en route.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Table Bay Hotel

Day 5

Today is a full day at leisure to make the most of the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Perhaps take an optional excursion to Robben Island for a look into the darker side of South Africa’s history or visit one of the vibrant townships for a glimpse of life on the other side of the tracks. During the summer months why not head down to one of Clifton’s beaches to see and been seen by the international jet-set, or perhaps take time to explore the historic city center and shop until you drop.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Table Bay Hotel

Day 6

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Johannesburg.

On arrival you will be met by your local English guide and depart for an orientation tour of South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria.

Visit the Voortrekker Monument and the magnificent Union Buildings. Stop for lunch at La Madeleine, one of Pretoria's most renowned restaurants, before heading away from the city towards the beautiful province of Mpumalanga.

In the late afternoon arrive in Dullstroom, a town famed for its trout fishing and "highlands" type scenery.

Enjoy time to relax and maybe take a stroll around the dams before dinner at the hotel.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Walkersons Hotel and Spa

Day 7

After breakfast depart from Walkersons and head through to the spectacular Mpumalanga region, traveling over the Panorama Route. Take in the view's from God's Window, the amazing erosion formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon.

Arrival in the mid-afternoon at your lodge where a high tea will be ready before you head out on your first photographic safari the Thornybush Game Reserve.

Return from your safari after dark for dinner at the lodge.

Overnight on a full board basis at Thornybush Game Lodge

Day 8

The following 2 days are spent on safari at Thornybush.

The safaris take place twice daily at dawn and dusk, the time when life in the bush is at its most active, and outside of the heat of the midday. All safaris are conducted by expert rangers accompanied by eagle eyed trackers who together will help you make the most of your time in the bush. The safaris take place in open 4x4 safari vehicles allowing you to get as close as possible to wild Africa. The reserve is home to a wide variety of Africa's famous wildlife, including the "Big Five" ~ lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo, as well as a host of others. Your drives generally last for 3 hours, with a mid-way break for morning coffee and evening sundowner drinks out in the wild.

All meals are served at the lodge, and during the heat of the day you can relax around the pool and soak up the African sun or on your private decks and immerse yourself in the sounds of the African bush.

Overnight on a full board basis at Thornybush Game Lodge

Day 9

Overnight on a full board basis at Thornybush Game Lodge

Day 10

After a final morning safari and hearty breakfast depart from the lodge for your return trip to Johannesburg.

Stop during the mid-afternoon at the Corn & Cob restaurant for a light meal, teas and coffees served with traditional South African delicacies like koeksisters and melktert! After your refreshments you will visit a local traditional Ndabele village to see these famous colorful villages and people.

Continue onwards to Johannesburg where you will check into your hotel in the late afternoon.

This evening is at leisure to explore the Montecasino complex that offers many restaurants, shopping and entertainment options.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Southern Sun Montecasino

Day 11

After breakfast depart for a visit to Soweto, where you will experience first hand life in South Africa's largest township.

During the visit you will witness the many examples of inspiring projects aimed at improving the life of the township residents. Visit the street where both Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu lived, and enjoy lunch in a traditional Shabeen.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the United States.

Day 12

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 - Johannesburg) ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Most meals (9 x breakfast, 8 x lunch, 5 x dinner) ~ Ground transfers and tours accompanied throughout by an English speaking driver-guide/guide ~ Entrance fees for all visits mentioned ~ All park fees and safari activities ~ Porterage at all airports and hotels ~ Transport in air-conditioned vehicles that vary according to number of passengers

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