Globus > SOUTH AFRICA (QY2009)

SOUTH AFRICA (QY2009)
16 Days starting from $3,325

Countries Visited:
Sierra Leone, South Africa

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Length: 16 Days
Type: Other Globus Tours
Category: REGIONAL DISCOVERY
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: QY-2009
   
 
About This Tour



Vacation Overview
This incredible vacation to South Africa begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. There’s a guided sightseeing tour on the Cape Peninsula with a visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Taste renowned South African wine during an excursion to Cape Town’s spectacular wineland area. At Cape Agulhas, see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Travel the Garden Route to Knysna, visiting an ostrich farm en route, and journey along the dramatic coast. Continue to Port Elizabeth and fly to the bustling port city of Durban. A visit to Zululand shows you the traditional way of life of southern Africa’s most warlike tribe and gives you a taste of home-brewed beer and authentic Zulu fare. Travel through the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland to Kruger National Park, South Africa’s oldest and most famous game reserve covering 8,000 square miles of low country. In Kruger National Park, game drives in open 4-wheel-drive vehicles give you the chance to view some of Africa’s finest game, including elephant, buffalo, rhinos, and lions. Journey through the scenic wonders of the Drakensberg mountains, then head west toward South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s most important sights before continuing to Johannesburg, where your South Africa vacation ends.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details
  • SPECIALS

Hotels
Cape Town The Cullinan Hotel Waterfront (F), Arniston Arniston (F), Knysna Protea Knysna Quays (F), Durban Holiday Inn Durban (F), Zululand Protea Shakaland (F), Swaziland Royal Swazi Sun (D), Kruger National Park Protea Kruger Gate (F), Mpumalanga Walkersons (SF) at Dullstroom, Johannesburg Sandton Sun Inter-Continental (SF) at Sandton

Meals
Welcome drink; full English breakfast daily (B); 2 special lunches (L); 10 dinners (D), including special welcome and farewell dinners; Livingstone extension: B daily and one dinner
Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Cape Town, South Africa. (Sun.) Welcome to a land so vast and diverse that its inhabitants proudly call it “A World in One Country.” Check into your hotel, and tonight at 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions.

Day 3:
Cape Town. Excursion to Wineland Area. (Mon.) Discover the spectacular wineland area. See the city center of PAARL, founded by Dutch settlers in the late 17th century, and admire the surrounding countryside, mountains, and vineyards. Continue to the tiny village of Franschhoek for a visit of the HUGUENOT MEMORIAL MUSEUM, where you learn how French refugees brought the art of wine-making to South Africa. Lunch in the ancient university town of Stellenbosch, where you can stroll along oak-lined streets and admire gracious mansions built in the distinctive Cape-Dutch style. In the afternoon, visit the OLDEST SOUTH AFRICAN WINE CELLARS at Spier Winery, where you will have the opportunity for a WINE TASTING. Then, time to visit a CHEETAH ENCLOSURE, established to save the great cats from extinction. Return to Cape Town. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner. (B,D)

Day 4:
Cape Town. (Tue.) Sightseeing on the Cape Peninsula starts with a drive through the country’s “Mother City,” the historic gateway for European settlers. Via the fishing port of Fish Hoek, proceed south to the CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE. The panoramic view from Cape Point is simply breathtaking! Backtrack to the naval port of Simon’s Town for lunch at a waterfront restaurant. This afternoon, visit the glorious KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN. The rest of the day is free. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L)

Day 5:
Cape Town–Arniston. (Wed.) This morning is free to do some shopping, visit museums, or simply relax. In the afternoon, drive through panoramic Sir Lowry’s Pass. Continue to the city of Caledon, known for its seven springs (six hot, one cold). Finally, reach the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet. Overnight in Arniston. (B,D)

Day 6:
Arniston–Knysna. (Thu.) Depart on the first leg of the beautiful Garden Route. At Mossel Bay’s MARITIME MUSEUM, see a replica of the frail vessel used by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias on his first trip around the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. Also noteworthy: the Post Office Tree, St. Blaize Lighthouse, and the rocky tidal pools. Via Robinson Pass to the green valley of Oudtshoorn. Visit an OSTRICH FARM to learn about its breeding program. If you’re adventurous, test your riding skills on the back of one of these giant birds. Then, via the Outeniqua Pass, continue through deep Kaaimans River Gorge to your hotel in the unspoiled coastal area of Knysna. (B,D)

Day 7:
Knysna. (Fri.) Cross the Knysna Lagoon by ferry, the mouth of which is guarded by two huge sandstone cliffs known as “The Heads.” Land at the FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE, where you take a trailer-train to the lookout point on the Western Head. After lunch under milkwood trees, time at leisure in pretty Knysna. Back to your hotel in time to enjoy the tranquility and scenic splendor of its surroundings. (B,L)

Day 8:
Knysna–Port Elizabeth–Durban. (Sat.) Set off for the scenic second leg of the Garden Route. Proceed past the resort towns of Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley to TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK, famous for its natural beauty. Enjoy the unspoiled forests and rocky shore as you head for Storms River Mouth, where you see the impressive yellowwood Big Tree. Fly to Durban from Port Elizabeth. (B,D)

Day 9:
Durban–Zululand. (Sun.) Start the day with an orientation tour of Durban, the bustling port city with a strong oriental accent. View the Da Gama Clock and City Hall, and drive along the Golden Mile. Mid-morning departure for ZULULAND, locale of the Shaka Zulu TV series. This afternoon, learn about the exploits and traditional way of life of southern Africa’s most warlike tribe. Taste home-brewed beer and authentic Zulu fare, and witness rousing, athletic dances. Overnight in a Zulu-style beehive hut, modified to include all modern comforts. (B,D)

Day 10:
Zululand–Swaziland. (Mon.) Full-day scenic drive through the sugar cane fields and thornveld of KwaZulu-Natal, into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Before visiting the Swazi capital of Mbabane, take your time to hunt for unique African souvenirs in the Ezulwini Valley market. Spend the night at Piggs Peak, where William Pigg discovered gold in 1884. (B,D)

Day 11:
Swaziland–Kruger National Park. (Tue.) North across the Swaziland border into the South African province of Mpumalanga. Now for the highlight: Kruger National Park, Africa’s oldest and most famous game reserve, covering 8,000 square miles of low country between the Crocodile River in the south and the Limpopo in the north. Cross the Crocodile River at Malelane Gate and settle into an exciting game-watching routine as your motorcoach slowly makes its way to a pleasant lodge on the western fringe of the park. (B,D)

Day 12:
Kruger National Park. (Wed.) Dawn and morning outings in an open four-wheel-drive vehicle in Kruger National Park. Of the hunter’s “big five,” elephant, buffalo, rhino, and lion are quite common here, while even the much more elusive leopard may venture into open ground for you. Spot crocodiles and hippopotamuses in the riverine areas. Zebras, giraffes, odd-looking wildebeests, and dainty gazelles are easy prey for your camera. Then, return to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure. You may want to join an experienced guide for an optional afternoon game drive. (B,D)

Day 13:
Kruger National Park–Drakensberg–Mpumalanga Province. (Thu.) A morning dedicated to the scenic wonders of the Drakensberg: sweeping views from God’s Window, gushing Lisbon Falls, and spectacular 16-mile BLYDE RIVER CANYON. Finally, inspect BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES, an amazing system of cylindrical cavities sculpted by river erosion. Time for lunch and sightseeing at PILGRIM’S REST, a perfect replica of a mining town during the late 19th-century gold rush period. Late-afternoon arrival at your overnight hotel. (B,D)

Day 14:
Mpumalanga Province–Pretoria–Johannesburg. (Fri.) Head west towards Pretoria, South Africa’s jacaranda-adorned administrative capital. Your orientation tour features the UNION BUILDINGS, the massive VOORTREKKER MONUMENT commemorating the Boers’ epic Great Trek, and the KRUGER HOUSE, the former residence of nation-building statesman “Oom Paul” Kruger, and Melrose House, where the peace treaty was signed that ended the bitter Anglo-Boer War. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the country’s prosperous industrial and commercial center, enjoy an orientation drive of the city. Tonight, a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of your South African adventure. (B,D)

Day 15:
Johannesburg–Homebound Flight. (Sat.) If your flight leaves late, your room may be available until 6 pm. (B)

Day 16:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives today.


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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
1/3/2009 - 1/17/2009
$3,656
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1/17/2009 - 1/31/2009
$3,656
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1/31/2009 - 2/14/2009
$3,656
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2/14/2009 - 2/28/2009
$3,656
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2/28/2009 - 3/14/2009
$3,656
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3/14/2009 - 3/28/2009
$3,656
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3/28/2009 - 4/11/2009
$3,656
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4/11/2009 - 4/25/2009
$3,325
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4/25/2009 - 5/9/2009
$3,325
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5/9/2009 - 5/23/2009
$3,325
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5/23/2009 - 6/6/2009
$3,325
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6/6/2009 - 6/20/2009
$3,325
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6/20/2009 - 7/4/2009
$3,325
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7/4/2009 - 7/18/2009
$3,325
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7/18/2009 - 8/1/2009
$3,325
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8/1/2009 - 8/15/2009
$3,325
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8/15/2009 - 8/29/2009
$3,325
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8/22/2009 - 9/5/2009
$3,385
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8/29/2009 - 9/12/2009
$3,385
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9/5/2009 - 9/19/2009
$3,831
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9/12/2009 - 9/26/2009
$3,831
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9/19/2009 - 10/3/2009
$3,831
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9/26/2009 - 10/10/2009
$3,831
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10/3/2009 - 10/17/2009
$3,831
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10/10/2009 - 10/24/2009
$3,831
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10/17/2009 - 10/31/2009
$3,831
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10/24/2009 - 11/7/2009
$3,831
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10/31/2009 - 11/14/2009
$3,831
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11/14/2009 - 11/28/2009
$3,831
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11/28/2009 - 12/12/2009
$3,831
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12/12/2009 - 12/26/2009
$3,831
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Price Details US
Single room supplement:
$999 (0104-0329), $729 (0412-0830), $1029 (0906-1213), $1099 (0103-0214, 2010)

Triple rooms not available.

Extra nights per person in Cape Town:
in single room $265, in twin room $152

Extra nights per person in Johannesburg:
in single room $335, in twin room $188

2010 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification.

Related Tours
QYE|Add Victoria Falls to Your Vacation

City Highlights
Paarl:
Orientation

Franschhoek:
Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum

Stellenbosch:
Orientation including a visit to the oldest wine cellars for wine tasting; visit cheetah enclosure

Cape Peninsula:
Visit Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve & Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Mossel Bay:
Visit the Maritime Museum

Oudtshoorn:
Visit an ostrich farm

Knysna:
Ferry ride across the lagoon and trailer-train ride in the Featherbed Nature Reserve; Tsitsikamma National Park

Port Elizabeth-Durban:
By air

Durban:
Orientation tour of the city, including the Indian market

Zululand:
Home-brewed beer and Zulu fare tasting

Swaziland:
Visit Mbabane, capital of the tiny kingdom

Kruger National Park:
Game drive in open four-wheel-drive vehicle

Drakensberg:
Bourke’s Luck Potholes; Blyde River Canyon

Pilgrim’s Rest:
Orientation

Pretoria:
Orientation, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, Kruger House, Melrose House

Johannesburg:
Orientation drive

Price Details US
Single room supplement:
$999 (0104-0329), $729 (0412-0830), $1029 (0906-1213), $1099 (0103-0214, 2010)

Triple rooms not available.

Extra nights per person in Cape Town:
in single room $265, in twin room $152

Extra nights per person in Johannesburg:
in single room $335, in twin room $188

2010 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification.

Related Tours
QYE|Add Victoria Falls to Your Vacation

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75

Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel? Right now when you book a 2009 vacation between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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