Safari & Wine

 

Safari & Wine

South Africa December 1 - 6, 2017

$2,999 Per Person

Itinerary

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December 1: Johannesburg/Hoedspruit

This morning you will make your own way to the airport where you will be met by a Thompsons Africa representative and assisted with check in for your flight to Hoedspruit. 

You will be met and driven with fellow guests to the reserved safari accommodations. Arrive in time for lunch and a thrilling afternoon game drive which takes you into the night to view the more elusive nocturnal species. 

Kapama Private Game Reserve is an African Eden, covering thousands of acres of big game territory. The reserve is home to a variety of game, including the iconic Big Five, with vast herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope amid plentiful predators and an abundance of bird life. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: KAPAMA SOUTHERN CAMP

Southern Camp is situated on the southern-most section of the Kapama Private Game Reserve. 

Accommodations offer warmth complimented by hospitable and friendly service in a tranquil setting. All suites have ensuite bathrooms with picture windows and private patios to enjoy the surrounding scenery and birdlife. Each air conditioned suite has a telephone, minibar, tea and coffee station, hair dryer, and safe.

Relax in the lounge with a good book and cool refreshment from the bar where you can watch the birdlife or animals in the nearby bush. Alternatively, take a dip in the pool to cool off after a game drive, in-between sips of of your favorite cocktail.

Breakfast and lunch are served in the elegant, open-sided dining room. The contemporary, understated decor is inspired by surrounding nature. Illuminated by firelight and starry skies, the traditional outdoor borna (weather permitting) is the favored setting for dinner. 

Activities at Kapama include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks, conducted by experienced rangers. All game viewing drives and walks are shared with fellow camp guests.

Kapama also offers some unique wildlife experiences at an additional charge -  visit to the Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species to see rare wildlife up close; elephant interactions with an African elephant; romantic sleep-outs under the African sky or decadent Spa treatments at their Wellness Centre. 

December 2: Kapama Private Game Reserve 

Accompanied by highly skilled game rangers, guests set out on early morning and evening shared game drives. Two game drives per day and an optional bush walk offer guests the opportunity to see the Big Five and a large variety of smaller wildlife. The rangers provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the bush. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: KAPAMA SOUTHERN CAMP

December 3: Kapama Private Game Reserve/Hoedspruit/Cape Town

An early morning wake-up call and out into the bush on the morning safari in search of animals not seen the day before. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, and then relax at the camp until time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your reserved hotel. 

With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world. The city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting both the tastes of the past and more modern designs. Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs. Cobblestone streets, mosques, and flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance the cosmopolitan ambience, while the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century.

ACCOMMODATIONS: SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN

Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel compliments the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town with a timeless architectural tradition. The hotel is ideally situated between the world famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the pulsating city of Cape Town.

The spacious rooms have ensuite bathrooms with bath and separate shower. Amenities in each room include tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, minibar, digital safe, television with DSTV/satellite, complimentary WiFi, hair dryer, and each offer views of either Table Mountain or the Waterfront.

Take a dip in the large outdoor pool, relax on the spacious deck, work up a sweat in the fully equipped fitness center, and savor delicious food and fine wine from the dining facilities. 

December 4: Cape Town

This morning you'll meet your tour director in the lobby and begin a full day of private excursion to the Cape Winelands.

Enjoy a superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape. Learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. Revel in the scenery...like the breathtaking views of the Paarl Valley and the picturesque little village of Franschhoek, first settled by the Huguenots. Take a stroll through historical, glorious Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, absorbing the quaintness of this lovely university town. A trip to the winelands isn't complete without a wine tasting, so a cellar tour and two tasting have been organized at different wine estates. Of course you'll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home! Lunch will be enjoyed at a leading wine estate. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: SOUTHER SUN THE CULLINAN

December 5: Cape Town

This morning you will be collected at the hotel by your private driver guide in the lobby for an excursion up Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. 

Your day begins with a cable car ride up to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area of the southermost tip of Africa. 

PLEASE NOTE: Weather permitting, we may rearrange this itinerary and timings to accommodate the mountain later. Tickets to Table Mountain can be used with a 7-day period only and are non-refundable.

Your tour continues with a drive past the pristine beaches of Camps bay and Clifton. Wind your way along the coast, past Bakoven and Llandudno, with their ghostly shipwrecks, towards the charming fishing village of Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry.

Weather permitting, we board a boat to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seal colony.

From here we hug the cliffs as we snake along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to the fabulous birds and very special fauna, such as the Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok, and the charismatic Cape baboon.

The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 41 mile trip from Cape Town. After lunch, continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can view a colony of penguins. Then head home through the naval villain of Simon's Town and voer scenic Boyes Drive, taking in the views of the fishing harbor at Kalk Bay and the seaside havens of St. James and Muizenberg. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN

December 6: Depart Cape Town

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town port where you board your cruise ship.