November 1-14, 2021
14 days 22 Meals
Speak to anyone that has ever been to Africa and they will tell you that it is a life changing experience. Join us on this amazing, unique, once in a lifetime tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe. We will visit the vibrant city of Cape Town, sip the fine wines of Stellenbosch, follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, marvel at Victoria Falls, and, of course, venture into the bushveld to seek the “Big 5” plus cheetah, giraffe, impala and hundreds of bird species. This specially designed Sunnyland tour includes more than any other “pre-packaged” option that you will find. If you are an animal lover, a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or photography fanatic, this is the tour for you- it is certainly NOT to be missed!
Highlights
- 4 nights 4 star hotel in Cape Town
- 3 nights Shiduli Pivate Game Lodge in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- 2 nights 4 star hotel in Johannesburg
- Excursion to the beautiful wine country including Waterford Wine Safari
- 6 Game drives in specially designed open safari vehicles
- City tours of Cape Town and Johannesburg
- Zambezi River Cruise
- Tour of Victoria Falls and her rainforest
- Small group adventure
- Taxes, fees, gratuities and all necessary visas INCLUDED.
***Passport is required. South Africa requires two blank visa pages in your passport. We recommend one blank visa page for each other country visited. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay.***
***There are no required inoculations on this itinerary; however, a negative Covid-19 test may be required.***
Land only price:
Double – $6,295/pp
Single – $7,800
Travel Insurance (due at time of booking):
Strongly recommended – call for pricing
Deposit (due at time of booking):
$1200/pp
Final Payment due Aug 20, 2021
Day 1, Monday, November 1, 2021
Our exciting adventure begins today as we board our flights bound for South Africa.
Day 2, Tuesday, November 2, 2021
On arrival we will be met by a local representative and transfer to our Cape Town hotel. The Cape was established by the Dutch East India Company as a stopping point along the trade route between Europe and the East. This became a place to mend ships, rest, and heal weary travelers before setting off on the second leg of their arduous sea voyage. Today Cape Town is still a thriving port and will enthrall you with its unique beauty, diversity and energetic vibe.
Day 3, Wednesday, November 3, 2021
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a tour of the city, including a cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain (weather permitting), the picturesque Malay Quarter, the Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town Diamond works. This afternoon we have some leisure time before gathering together for a gala “Welcome to South Africa” dinner. (B,D)
Day 4, Thursday, November 4, 2021
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing on a full day excursion to Cape Point. We will have a gorgeous drive via the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay to Chapman’s Peak. We then descend the mountain pass and continue to the coast. Here, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, we will visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We will stop at a local restaurant for lunch and spectacular views of the shoreline. We will also visit Boulders Beach, home of a colony of African penguins. Ostrich and baboons have also been spotted in this area! (B,L)
Day 5, Friday, November 5, 2021
Today another fabulous adventure awaits! We take an overland journey to the lovely town of Stellenbosch, home of the oldest college in South Africa. We will have time to explore the tree lined streets and perhaps stop for a coffee in a quaint sidewalk café. Then on to Franschhoek the “gourmet center” of South Africa. Here in this idyllic valley we will visit the Waterford Wine Estate and have our first safari! A wine safari through the nearly 300acre Estate on the slopes of Helderberg mountain. This experience allows us to taste their award-winning wines paired with various snacks as we take in the gorgeous scenery of the vineyard. (B,L)
Day 6, Saturday, November 6, 2021
After breakfast we transfer to the airport to board our flight to Kruger Park. ** Upon arrival we will be whisked away to Shiduli Private Game Lodge where we will be warmly greeted and shown to our accommodations in South Africa’s most famed wildlife region. After lunch and some free time, we will gather again for our first game drive. This is what we have been waiting for! Shiduli sits on over 22,000 acres of supreme African bushveld and is home to the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) as well as a wealth of other creatures. It is Spring in South Africa and we are sure to see animals and their young! All game drives are conducted by qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers. We will return from our drive and share stories around the dining table while enjoying the lodges’ superb cuisine. (B,L,D)
Day 7-8, Sunday and Monday, November 7-8, 2021
We rise before dawn on these days to ride back into the bush just as the animals are stirring and beginning to forage and hunt in earnest. Our ranger and tracker will use their extensive knowledge and experience to guide our open landrover to areas best suited for game viewing. We will stop somewhere in the bush for coffee and tea and a chance to stretch our legs. Brunch is waiting for us back at the lodge with the opportunity to indulge in some free time. We head out again in the afternoons to enjoy a “sundowner” and evening game drives to spot the glinting eyes of nocturnal animals. We return after nightfall for our scrumptious dinners. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Following a final game drive at Shiduli, we bid farewell to our wonderful hosts and transfer to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg-the commercial capital of South Africa. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon. You may wish to swim in the hotel pool, enjoy a beverage in the lounge, or explore the wildlife in the city! (B)
Day 10, Wednesday, November 10, 2021
After breakfast in our hotel we will visit the Apartheid Museum. This powerful museum, opened in 2001, traces the rise and fall of Apartheid in 20th century South Africa. It has become one of Johannesburg’s most visited attractions. We follow our museum tour with lunch at an iconic local restaurant featuring casual African cuisine. We then continue in Soweto. The residential area that houses the Nelson Mandela House Museum and the Hector Peterson memorial, as well as the residences of two Nobel Prize winners. This area became widely known during the 1970’s due to the numerous protests that eventually led to the dismantling of Apartheid. (B,L)
Day 11, Thursday, November 11, 2021
Another flight is in store for us as we wing our way to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. After landing we will be taken to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to check in and get settled. Then off to board the “Zambezi Royal”. This single level cruise boat on the Zambezi River is the first of its kind and known for it 5 star service. We will have a 2 hour guided Sunset cruise complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres as we keep on the lookout for hippo, elephant, and crocodile. (B)
Day 12, Friday, November 12, 2021
After breakfast at the lodge we depart for an informative tour of Victoria Falls. Known locally as “the smoke that thunders” the falls are one of the natural wonders of the world. The falls form the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the deep gorge that separates the two countries is spanned by a pedestrian bridge. A local guide will accompany us through the rainforest and will give a brief history of the Falls. They will also point out flora, fauna and other points of interest. This evening we will attend a memorable “farewell” dinner at an African Boma. This cultural experience features a four-course meal of Zimbabwean dishes and entertainment throughout the evening. Guests are invited to participate in the traditional festivities as well. (B,D)
Day 13, Saturday, November 13,2021
We will have a relaxed breakfast before boarding our regional aircraft back to Johannesburg where will connect to our international flights bound for home. (B)
Day 14, Sunday, November 14, 2021
We arrive back home in the U.S.A. with amazing memories and stunning photos, but we may have left a piece of our heart behind!
**IMPORTANT BAGGAGE REGULATIONS
FOR FLIGHTS TO / FROM KRUGER PARK
The small aircraft that fly to Kruger Park have DIFFERENT baggage regulations than those of international and regional airlines. The current baggage regulations, per the airline Terms & Conditions for carriage:
CHECKED BAGGAGE. Limited to one bag, not to weigh more than 44 pounds. The dimensions of any one piece of baggage are 80 inches total (35x28x17 inches).
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. Limited to one bag, not to weigh more than 17.6 pounds. The dimensions of the carry on is 45 inches total (20x15x9 inches).
If your luggage is overweight or oversized, you may be required to pay excess luggage fees or freight charges.