OCTOBER 2012 South Africa Safaris & Vineyards

The Best of South Africa 

Enjoy Elegant Cape Town, historic Robben Island,
the Cape Winelands and a Safari into the African Bush
October 15-25, 2012

 “We have our own history, our own language, our own culture.
But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people –
history has made us all South Africans.”

- Mangosuthu Buthelezi-

Embark on a journey like no other: spend four full days in the beautiful city of Cape Town, where you’ll take a breathtaking cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and experience the stunning landscape of the Cape of Good Hope. A special visit to Mandela’s prison on Robben Island is also included, along with time to relax and dine on the waterfront. Take the scenic route to the gorgeous wine-making region of Stellenbosch, where you’ll visit  South Africa’s premier vineyards and stroll through artsy colonial villages. Your journey culminates at Pilanesburg National Park, where you’ll stay in a cozy safari lodge and ride in an open 4X4 jeep into the African bush to view lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more! Those working on their “Bucket List” will want to join the post-tour adventures to see the famous elephants of Chobe, Botswana and one of the World’s Wonders: Victoria Falls. Now is the time to see Africa–it won’t stay wild forever!

JOURNEY OVERVIEW

1 Overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa
4 Nights Cape Town
2 Nights Stellenbosch, Wine Country
2 Nights Safari Lodge
1 Overnight flight to the USA
5 Nights post-tour extension to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park, Botswana

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve
• Cape Malay dinner
• Stunning views from the top of Table Mountain
• A tour with a former prisoner of Nelson Mandela’s prison at Robben Island
• Spectacular vineyard-covered valleys and tastings with local wine producers
• Two nights in the colonial Dutch town of Stellenbosch
• Visits to lush colorful gardens
• Candlelight dinner in the outback
• Game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicle with Park Rangers
• Intimate viewings of lions, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, elephants and more
• A Tour of SOWETO and the Apartheid Museum

IT’S INCLUDED 

• Roundtrip Intl airfare from Wash DC Dulles (add $200 if departing from any other major US city)
• Roundtrip domestic flights: Johannesburg to Cape Town
• All services as specified in your itinerary
• All breakfasts & nine additional multi-course meals (not including in-flight meals)
• Accommodation in superior four and five star hotels and lodges
• Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
• Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by an expert South African guide
• Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated
• Gratuities for your drivers and guides for base trip (excluding bush trackers)
• Country, city maps and a video and reading list
• Travel carbon neutral through Earthbound’s partnership with Carbonfund 

TRIP FACTS

11 Days/10 Nights (with air travel)
*$4,650 (with round trip air from Washington D.C.) pp dbl.
$795 Single Supplement (waived if you willing to share)
Trip departs the USA on October 15 and returns on October 24, 2012
*Business class upgrades are available for approximately $6,300 per person and are available upon request.

WAYS TO SAVE $275

Pay by check: Pay your final balance by check or money order and save $100 per person
All Alumni of Earthbound Expeditions will receive $100 off the published journey price
Refer a friend new to Earthbound Expeditions and save an additional $75

  “Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew
and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water.”
-W.C. Fields- 

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS…

DAY 1
Group Departs the USA for Sunny South Africa via WA DC

DAY 2
Arrive in Cape Town
On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration, then recheck your bags, as you’re heading on to Cape Town.  Note: You will be met and assisted to the Domestic Terminal for your flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival in Cape Town this evening you will be met by your Cape region guide who will assist and transfer you by private coach to your hotel.  Note: Your guide will be informing you of daily departure times and will go over the daily schedule with you. 

DAY 3
Infamous Robben Island
From your hotel it’s a short walk to the jetty at the Waterfront where you will board the ferry for notorious Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.

During the apartheid years, Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison ‘hell-hole’ into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Today, you will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.

Upon your return to the wharf you’ll enjoy lunch together. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to stroll through the many shops and markets–this is a great place to pick up gifts or souvenirs to bring home. Others may want to head back to the pool at the hotel or take in one of the city’s many museums. Sleep in Cape Town. Accommodation: Commodore Hotel 

DAY 4
Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens
Today will take a trip up Table Mountain in a cable car (weather permitting) for spectacular views over Cape Town. There is also unique flora and fauna to view. After making your descent, enjoy a short drive to the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens.

Return to your hotel, freshen up and meet for dinner with your guide. Sleep in Cape Town. Accommodation: Commodore Hotel 

DAY 5
Groot Constantia Wine Estate and the Greening Project
Today we visit a greening project in a black Township where residents and especially school children are taught gardening skills (and an appreciation of plants) enabling them to provide vegetables for their families. Former guests have found this opportunity to be a highlight and have greatly enjoyed meeting local children and seeing their excitement and passion for working with plants and learning about nature.

Next we proceed to the historic Groot Constantia Estate for a visit to the manor house furnished with Dutch furniture. The fascinating wine museum is housed in the original wine cellar which produced wine for Emperor Napoleon during his last years as a prisoner of the British. We will taste some of the highly acclaimed wines at a wine tasting in the modern cellar and allow time for lunch on the estate.  Sleep in Cape Town. Accommodation: Commodore Hotel 

DAY 6
Cape of Good Hope and Stellenbosch Wine Country
In the late morning we’ll make the short drive to charming Stellenbosch. The colonial town of Stellenbosch, known as the “village of the oaks,” is the second oldest town in South Africa and today is a vibrant university town. Admire the charm and harmony of Cape Dutch, British and Edwardian architecture as you walk through the shady oak avenues bounded by the water furrows of the Mill Stream. Our afternoon walk will stop at Oom Samie se Winkel (Uncle Sam’s Shop). Stocked with articles of yesteryear, it is reminiscent of a simpler lifestyle. We also visit the Village Museum, which comprises four houses, each depicting a different period in the early history of the Cape. Discover the town’s many artsy boutiques or relax in a local café before meeting your guide and hosts for dinner at the hotel. Sleep in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: D’Ouwe Werf Hotel 

DAY 7
The Cape Winelands & South Africa’s Culinary Capital, Franschhoek
Our day is dedicated to fine wines, food and colonial history. Our scenic drive will take us over the Helshoogte (“Hell’s Heights”) mountains to the picturesque town of Franschhoek (“French Corner”). For lunch, you’ll have a choice of bistros or restaurants in this artsy food and wine capital or pop into the local chocolatier’s shop who trained in the art of making chocolates in Belgium. Each mouthful is worth the calories! After lunch, visit the Huguenot Monument honouring the French settlers who fled from France to South Africa in 1688 after the Edict of Nantes was revoked, settling in this area to assist South Africa’s fledgling wine industry. Then we’ll visit some local vineyards to sample some of the regions fine wines. Tonight we’ll dine at the Volkskombuis (Country kitchen) an upscale local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine. Sleep in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: D’Ouwe Werf Hotel 

DAY 8
Soweto and North to Your Safari Lodge
This morning we say goodbye to our Cape guide and board a flight north for Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg Airport you will be met by an Earthbound Expeditions guide, and taken on a private tour of Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Africa. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa; this is where the seeds of South African freedom took root. Our tour includes all the major points of interest, such as the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Pietersen Memorial and Nelson Mandela’s former home. This sprawling township was the scene of the tragic riots of 1976. Despite crowded, chaotic conditions, there is a tangible sense of community in these neighborhoods which the ordered, walled suburbs lack. Enjoy lunch in SOWETO. After your visit you will be taken by coach to your lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park. Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge 

DAY 9
In Search of Africa’s Big 5
There’s nothing to wake you up like a 6:00am game drive into the African Bush. Accompanied by a Park Ranger you’ll travel in an open 4X4 jeep in pursuit of lions, giraffes, hippos, rhinos and more. Upon your return to the lodge enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Grab a good book this afternoon and lounge by the pool or enjoy a siesta. Around 4:00pm set off on another three-hour game drive in search of more wildlife. Following the evening safari, you will have farewell dinner in the African Bush at an outdoor “boma.”

Your guide will be on hand today to explain how you will depart for the USA or if you’re continuing on, the guide will explain your schedule for flying to Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana. Passengers departing for the USA usually have time to add on an optional (not included) early morning game drive before they depart for the USA. You must book and pay for this in advance at the front desk.  Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge 

DAY 10
Depart SA for the USA or Continue Your Journey to Botswana and/or Victoria Falls
If returning to the USA today, you’ll be transferred from the lodge by coach in the early afternoon to Johannesburg Airport. On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, check in for your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA.

Note: For those travelers participating in post-tour extension, please note that your flight to Victoria Falls will depart in the morning of this day. 

DAY 11
Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!

 “Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.Every morning a Lion wakes up.It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle… when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”

- African Proverb -

POST TOUR TRIP FACTS

VICTORIA FALLS ONLY 
2 NIGHTS/ 3 DAYS
Dates: Starting Oct 24-Arriving home on (Overnight Flight) October 27, 2012
$1,350.00 PP Double Occp.
$200.00 Single Suppl. 

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK AND VICTORIA FALLS
5 NIGHTS/ 6 DAYS
Dates: Starting Oct 24- Arriving home (Overnight Flight) on October 30, 2012
3 Nights Chobe National Park, Botswana
2 Nights Victoria Falls Lodge
$2195.OO PP Double Occupancy
$690.00 Single Supplement

IT’S INCLUDED

• Regional Airfare Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
• All services as specified
• All meals as specified
• Accommodation in standard rooms
• Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
• Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guide
• Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated above
• Earthbound Expeditions representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
• Porterage for 1 reasonable size bag per person

 POST-TOUR JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS

• Zambezi River cruise
• Safaris in Chobe National Park in Botswana, home to 450 species of birds and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa
• A guided tour of Victoria Falls and surrounding rainforest

PACKAGE EXCLUDES: International airline taxes,  fuel surcharges, baggage fees * Gratuities for base trip safari trackers and post-tour guides and trackers * Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc * All other services not mentioned above * Cost of obtaining Passports or Visas * Some meals not mentioned * Alcoholic beverages * Trip insurance 

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged
to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

-Nelson Mandela- 

YOUR  ADVENTURE CONTINUES… 

DAY 10
Transfer to Victoria Falls and Chobe Marina Lodge, Botswana
Today you will have an early transfer to Johannesburg airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival in Victoria Falls you will be met by your guide and transferred directly to your hotel at the falls. For those staying on at the falls (and not traveling to Botswana) a welcome drink and brief orientation has been reserved for you. Your stay at the falls includes a stunning fully guided morning walking tour of Victoria Falls, park entrances and an afternoon cruise on the Zambezi River (See day 14 below) . On the final day of your stay you will be met by an Earthbound representative for your transfer and return flight home. Breakfast included daily.

For guests who have signed up for both the Chobe extension and Victoria Falls, you will also be met by a guide and transferred by private coach to your lodge in Kasane, Botswana. Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge

Note: There is a Multiple Entry Visa charge to enter Zimbabwe of USD$55. CASH per person for USA passport holders. (Visa fees are subject to change without notice.) 

DAY 11 & 12
A day in the African Bush
Enjoy daily early morning game drives and return to the lodge for brunch. Spend the afternoons relaxing at the pool, enjoy the gardens and views of the river or explore the local town. This evening bring your camera! You will witness the vast herds of Africa and abundant wildlife as you enjoy a game drive from the lodge into the national park in open safari vehicles. The game drives follow the routes along the Chobe riverfront, which supports the greatest abundance of wildlife in the game park. Note: On the last evening you will enjoy a relaxing late afternoon cruise where you’ll acquire a completely different perspective on the wildlife you have been viewing on land. Accommodation: Chobe Marina Lodge (B, D daily) 

DAY 13
Depart for the US for Victoria Falls
Enjoy a final day in the African bush, with another early morning game drive. Then transfer by road to Victoria Falls Lodge. For those returning home today you will be transferred directly back to the airport where you will board your flight back to Johannesburg. Please Note: Have your Multiple Entry Visa ready for the Zimbabwe border and be prepared to pay an airport Departure Tax of USD $25 cash per person upon leaving Zimbabwe. (Departure taxes are subject to change without notice). Upon arrival in Johannesburg, proceed to the International terminal for your flight back home. (B) 

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

David Livingstone (19 March 1813 – 1 May 1873) was a Scottish missionary and explorer of the Victorian era, now best remembered because of his meeting with Henry Morton Stanley which gave rise to the popular quotation, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”  

DAY 14
A day in Victoria Falls
After breakfast this morning you will go on a tour of Victoria Falls which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Falls are 5544 feet wide and have a maximum drop of 337 feet (the average drop is 301 feet). This immense curtain of water is broken up by small islands which stand on the lip of the Falls, one of which is called Livingstone Island, from where the explorer, David Livingstone, first viewed the Falls. These islands effectively break the Falls into smaller falls, which are known as (from the Zambian side to Zimbabwe side) the Eastern Cataract, The Rainbow Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and the Main Falls. “Rainforests” on either side of the river are sustained entirely by the spray of the Falls. There is a paved path which leads onto the Knife Edge Bridge for a spectacular view up the main gorge and the Eastern Cataract, and numerous other paths which give different views of the Falls and the bridge.

Late in the afternoon, take a Sundowner Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River above the Falls. Enjoy a drink while cruising slowly on the river, viewing the wildlife from a unique vantage point. You’re sure to see hippo and elephants, a variety of other wildlife and many varieties of birds, while your guides describe the flora and fauna, the bird life and wildlife. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B) 

DAY 15
Victoria Falls to the USA via Johannesburg
This morning you will be transferred by road back to Victoria Falls Airport where you will take your flight back to Johannesburg.

Please Note: Have your Multiple Entry Visa ready for the Zimbabwe border & USD $25 cash per person for the Airport Departure Tax upon leaving Zimbabwe. (Departure taxes are subject to change without notice). Upon arrival in Johannesburg proceed to International terminal for your flight back home. (B) 

DAY 16
Arrive home With Lifetime of Memories-

Earthbound African Animals & bird list

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