Kellys amazing holiday to Mozambique

Safari Club – Johannesburg

After an overnight flight on British Airways to Johannesburg I was met and transferred about ten minutes to the Safari Club where I stayed for one night.

Vamizi Island – Mozambique

After a restful night I was ready to begin my onward journey.  The connection from Johannesburg to Pemba was straight forward. The journey was long due to having to stop at Maputo to buy a visa ($25) and clear customs; however there are direct flights on certain days of the week which I would recommend.  On arrival into Pemba I was met by a Vamizi representative and transferred by one hour light aircraft to the airstrip, the journey was phenomenal and gave me a real insight into what to expect on my adventure in Mozambique. Seeing Vamizi Island from the air was a surreal experience and on landing   airstrip I was met and taken thirty minutes by jeep to the lodge. The road journey reminded me of my safari in South Africa, it was hard to believe that I had just landed on a desert island; part of me was waiting for  the guide to point out the wildlife.

Approaching the lodge we were met by a smiling group of Vamizi staff with cold flannels and a cool refreshing fruit juice. At that moment I removed my shoes and felt the soft white baking powder sand beneath my feet for the first time – heaven! My first thought after entering the lodge was how blue the sea was, I remember not being able to take my eyes off the sea and white sand in the distance.

The accommodation at Vamizi was very luxurious and each beach house is set roughly seventy meters apart ensuring a romantic hideaway for those seeking total privacy. The thatched villas are furnished with double/twin or king sized beds and each villa has a wonderful marble walk in shower and the spacious decking area completes the luxury of these wonderful villas.

Vamizi offer a wide variety of activities which range from diving, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking. For honeymooners they offer private dining and romantic sunset dhow cruises. In fact one honeymoon couple who were there at the same time relayed some of the experiences they had enjoyed and these included a private dinner on the beach, a sunset cruise and a night sleeping under the stars near the lighthouse – amazing I am sure!

I did try my hand at deep sea fishing and usually it isn’t something I thought I would ever do. I can honestly say it was the most fun I have ever had whilst on an activity – especially when the skipper shouted to me that something was on the line. The adrenaline rush that I felt was indescribable. I began to reel the fish in and there before my eyes was a King Mackerel, which I was told to my dismay, weighed only 4.5 kilograms – I am sure it weighed at least 7! We took the fish back to the lodge where they prepared it for lunch – you cannot get fresher than that.

The standard of the cuisine and service was excellent and of course features local seafood including locally caught calamari, lobster, crab and many fish – all of which can be enjoyed in the open sided thatch restaurant or on the beach.

This is a totally barefoot in the sand destination.  I didn’t wear my shoes once.

Ibo Island Lodge – Mozambique

After being returned to the Vamizi airstrip we were met and transferred by private charter to Ibo. The most exciting and exhilarating moment of this journey was being able to sit up front with the pilot. The flight was about forty minutes, the wind was high so we were unable to fligh low but again seeing the different islands below me was totally awesome.

Arriving at the airstrip we were again met with cold flannels and a refreshing fruit juice and were then transferred about ten minutes through the village to the lodge.  My first impression was “we are in Africa“, it was wonderful seeing the local community and the children’s faces were magical, tehy ran after the vehicle and waved and yelled after us, my face ached from smiling so much, it was a wonderful first insight into Ibo Island.

The lodge is made up of three hundred year old waterfront mansions. The rooms are basic but big and airy – very “hippy chic”. The rooms are air conditioned and also have ceiling fans so that you can open the windows and relax, and of course you can enjoy suberb views across the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Lunch was served in tranquil gardens by the large swimming pool and dinner was served on the roof terrace which was wonderful, the menus were always a surprise; Kissinger – one of our waiters described it with the biggest smile I has ever seen as “land of surprise”.

Although there is no beach at Ibo Lodge itself, we were treated to a spectacular early morning out on the sandbank. After a twenty minute boat journey we were on the sandbank surrounded by sea and soft sand. We could swim or snorkel and all the snorkeling gear was provided. We were then treated to a sumptuous breakfast, a Bedouin style tent was set up and we were served cereal, muffins, fruit and a hot breakfast – all washed down with a glass of champagne to  celebrate a birthday.

Ibo is perfect for those looking to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the historical and cultural aspects – visiting the local villagers in their homes and visiting the witch doctor and admiring the craft work and intricate jewellry making.

I enjoyed my stay at Ibo and loved being at the centre of the local community and seeing the children’s smiling faces. The managers were wonderful hosts and could not do enough for us – along with their exceptional staff – a truly magical island.

Quilalea - Mozambique

Leaving Ibo Island in the early afternoon, we were transferred forty minutes by boat to Quilalea. The ocean was choppy but the boat journey was fun and adventurous.  Although we probably could have gone by plane, the boat journey added to the adventure and definitely had the upper hand of any of the other islands – stepping off the boat and on to the white sand was spectacular. As we were approaching the island, I was totally blown away by the beauty of the island and again several smiling faces were waiting to greet us. Our welcome drink was just what we needed to wash the salty taste of the ocean away – soda with lime, honey and mint.

After being welcomed, we were taken to the bar area for tea and biscuits. Sitting by the bar area with a view out to the sea really was amazing and something that will stay with me forever, I loved everything about it. We were then taken to our villas. The rooms are in typical African style with a massive bed, a spacious patio at the front with comfy sun loungers and a breathtaking sea view. This is the perfect destination for those seeking that romantic hideaway!

Qiulalea offers a wide range of complimentary activities including kayaking, snorkeling, island nature walks, dhow and sunset cruises, picnics and island excursions to Sencar. Additional activities include fishing, diving, island excursions, sailing and charters, helicopter flights, whale watching and massages.

Quilalea Island is a special place – these special memories will stay with me forever.

Londo Lodge - Mozambique

Departing Quilalea we were transferred by boat and road to the airstrip. Connecting with a light aircraft flight we were then transferred to Pemba, a flight of around forty minutes. On arrival we were met by Peter, the owner of Londo Lodge and transferred by road to the beach where we were then transferred by boat to the lodge.

From a distance the lodge looked absolutely stunning and I am pleased to say that on arrival; I was not dissapointed, it had truly breathtaking views. We were welcomed with a fruit coktail by friendly staff. My first impression really was how “at home” I felt – this family run lodge really go out of their way to make people feel comfortable and settled.  The setting was wonderful with views across the bay.

We were shown to our rooms which were spacious and elegantly designed and decorated, again with a patio overlooking the ocean with wicker chairs and lanterns – even an outdoor bathroom which was a real treat. The grounds are immaculately kept and the lanterns along the path at night are a really nice touch to guide you home to bed at the end of another day in paradise!

Londo offer an array of activities, both bush and beach – scuba diving, deep sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching, water skiing, mangrove river trips, village and turtle beach walks and romantic sunset dhow cruises. Londo is a hideaway retreat with a wonderful atmosphere, a beautiful setting, amazing food and great hosts!

After a wonderful breakfast of fresh fruit, cereals and pancales we said our farewells and boarded the boat for our final journey to Pemba – dolphins even emerged to bid us farewell.

During my journey home I had to reflect on my travels and felt completely bowled over from the memories I held of Mozambique and was well and truly sold. It is a very special place and somewhere I hope to return to one day – it is the perfect destination for honeymooners and those romantic travellers seeking out romantic hideaways.

The Cape Grace nestled at the foot of Table Mountain

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http://www.safari.co.uk/blog/cultural-experiences-in-namibia-and-south-africa/37

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  Zebras

  Zebras belong to the genus equus species – the same as horses

• Zebras sleep standing and will only sleep when neighbours are around to warn them of predators.  If there are no neighbours one member of the zebra family will stay awake while the others sleep

• Zebras can run up to 40 miles per hour

• The average lifespan of a zebra is 30 years

• Zebra foals are born brown and white

• Zebras can see in colour

Bitten catfish

We caused local local excitement by bringing a two-metre croc alongside the fishing boat after being dragged around the Zambezi for fifteen minutes. It then let go of the 7.5lb catfish, which was originally on the line.  It was Derek the fishing guide whose superb boat handling got the croc where we could see it.  We were all quite happy to see the croc swim away!  The catfish with several large bite marks was also released a bit the worse for its experience. 

Thank you for yet another wonderful holiday.  Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi reserve in Zambia is as good as it gets.  Their wide choice of activities throughout the day and evening are outstanding. As a family we have used Africa Exclusive since 1992 this being our sixth holiday.  We have had some wonderful times and great memories.  Thank you to all the team.

Phil and Katherine Collins

Leopard relaxing at Londolozi

CONFIRMED ITNERARY

Day 1

Depart at 1920 from London’s Heathrow Airport on the British Airways flight BA255 travelling in Business Class to Lusaka.

Days 2 and 3

Arrive at 0630 and connect with a scheduled flight departing at 0800 to Livingstone.  On arrival at 0900 you will be met and transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel where you stay for two nights (bed and breakfast).

The Royal Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region.  This comfortable modern, well equipped hotel is an excellent base from which to see the waterfall and enjoy the many activities on the river and around the Falls.

The bedrooms are two-storey clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises ten en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the Zambezi river and beyond.

Each room offers a quiet retreat from the ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. The travellers bar and lounge is a place where guests can relax under thatched shade, decorated in greens, creams and ebony.  There is a large pool and the restaurants are very good, serving international cuisine.

While you are at Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including flights across the waterfall by helicopter and light aircraft, white water rafting, canoeing, sundowner cruises and safaris.  Guests can also walk to the mile wide waterfall, which can be viewed from several vantage points along the network of pathways.

Days 4 to 6

In the late morning you will be returned to Livingstone Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1300 to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.  Arrive at 1440 and connect with a further scheduled flight departing at 1600 to Cape Town’s International Airport.  On arrival at 1810 you will be met and transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel where you stay for three nights in a luxury double room (bed and breakfast).

The Cape Grace is quite simply one of the finest hotels in Africa, set in a superb private position on Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with views towards the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the immense flat-topped expanse of Table Mountain to the other. The atmosphere at the hotel combines genuine warmth and friendliness with a very high standard of service and efficiency and while you are here the hotel will be pleased to arrange any excursions in and around Cape Town, either on a private or shared basis. Surrounding the hotel is the Cape Waterfront complex with entertainment, shops and attractive restaurants in an area which is safe to wander around during the day and in the evening.

The Cape Grace is privately owned and not part of a large chain and this is reflected in the comfortable elegance of the furnishings and décor of the rooms, suites and public areas. There are eighty one spacious luxury rooms, ten superior rooms which have balconies with fine views, and eighteen luxury loft rooms which are a located on the top floor, each with terrace and access to their own private lounge facilities. In addition, there are ten suites and two penthouses.

The hotel has a library and lounge, two restaurants and a bar, and on the top floor a fully equipped spa and heated swimming pool. Guests also have complimentary access to a conveniently located health club.

In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay on the north Cape Peninsula and laid the foundations of South Africa’s oldest settlement, Cape Town.  Three hundred and fifty years of history have been preserved in much of Cape Town’s architecture, which combines attractively with the more functional demands of the 21st century. 

The Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Museum and Planetarium are all within ambling distance of elegant shopping malls and colourful markets, which entice shoppers to browse and buy everything from souvenirs to African art, gems and antiques.  In the last ten years, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dockland area evokes images of 19th century seafaring activities and provides a superb setting for an array of cafes, restaurants and bars.  From here, you can take boat trips round the harbour and out across Table Bay.

Dominating the city’s skyline and flanked by Devils Peak is the looming mass of Table Mountain, and visitors should not miss the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain by cable car.  The view of the City and the south Atlantic from the summit is quite magnificent.

There is a wide range of excursions and activities in and around Cape Town including visits to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, visits to Townships where you can enjoy lunch and exposure to Africa’s vibrant urban culture.  To the south lies the scenic Peninsula with its attractive sandy bays and pretty little towns.  There are remote penguin colonies which can be visited by boat and canoe, and from July to November you can set off further afield in search of southern right whales.  The more adventurous can even go looking for sharks in special “caged diving” facilities.

An hour’s drive to the east of Cape Town lie the Cape Winelands where you find beautiful undulating scenery covered in ancient vineyards and fruit orchards.  There are literally dozens of ancient wineries, many of which are open for tastings and lunch and which have magnificent estate houses.  For the golfer there are several beautifully maintained championship golf courses, and the attractive little towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are each worth a visit.

Days 7 to 10

In the morning you will be returned to Cape Town’s International Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1000 to Kruger’s Mpumalanga Airport.  On arrival at 1235 you will be met and transferred twenty minutes by light aircraft to Londolozi’s Founders Camp where you stay for four nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

Londolozi Founders Camp is one of South Africa’s finest safari lodges, situated on the prime Sabi Sands Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park.  On this reserve the open savannah, woodland and riverine bush supports an amazing range of wildlife. There are large herds of elephants, buffalo and giraffe, many types of antelope ranging from timid impala to great kudu with their great majestic curved horns.  Prehistoric looking rhinoceros can be found, while in the rivers there are hippopotamus and crocodiles.  Londolozi is also an excellent place for spotting predators – lion, leopard and cheetah are all regularly seen.

Founders Camp comprises just five chalets and one suite, set in thickly forested bush overlooking the Sand River.  Each of the chalets is beautifully designed and air conditioned with large beds, elegant furniture and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and twin hand basins, while outside is a large viewing deck.

The guides at Londolozi are among the best in South Africa with great knowledge and love of this exciting reserve.  They will take you game viewing by open vehicle, during the day and at night, when you might spot nocturnal creatures such as aardvark, civit and leopard, with a spot light and they will also take you on walks where the guide will be armed, demonstrating his amazing tracking skills and give you an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of feeling Africa under your feet, learning a huge amount about the bush as you go.

Founders Camp has a good sized swimming pool and there is a covered lounge area.  You will find the standard of cuisine and management excellent.

Day 11

In the morning you will be returned by light aircraft to Kruger’s Mpumalanga Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1425 to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.  On arrival at 1530 you will be met and transferred to the Safari Club where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).

An oasis of calm just four minutes from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, the Safari Club offers superior accommodation and warm hospitality. Opened on the 1st November 2007, with seventeen luxury en-suite rooms for the safari traditionalist, designed for both the foreign and local traveller in Southern Africa.

The Safari Club is privately owned and run by renowned hotelier Emile Muller, offering his guests a true African experience on the doorstep of Southern Africa’s gateway.

Every room has been carefully decorated to a specific area eg. Kalahari room, Etosha room, Okavango room etc. There are a number of lounges for relaxation as well as a bar, breakfast room and a newly installed swimming pool for those hot summer days. The bar theme has been dedicated to the famous Nguni cattle and covered with beautiful memorabilia.

Days 12 to 15

In the morning you will be met and returned to the airport where you board flight BA6399 departing at 0900 to Mauritius.  On arrival at 1510 you will be met and transferred to Le Telfair where you stay for four nights (half board). 

Le Telfair is a superb five-star property located on the south west corner of Mauritius, occupying a beautiful site with a 2km beach frontage and luxurious tropical gardens. The hotel is adjacent to its own 3500-acre nature reserve where you find birds and small mammals including deer.

Le Telfair accommodates guests in twenty very spacious two-storey plantation style villas, each having between six and eight rooms and suites, all of which are constructed and furnished in light shades of wood to a very high standard and with attractive light-coloured décor. The hotel has a very large pool and a separate children’s pool, an 18-hole championship standard golf course, floodlit tennis court and a spa.

The 2km long beach leads to a large turquoise lagoon and you can enjoy the full range of watersports including waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling and many more. The property has five restaurants including one at the golf club, another beside the pool and another in an attractive 18^th century ‘chateaux’ which is a five minute buggy ride away from the hotel and where you can enjoy fine dining.

The hotel’s rooms are elegantly furnished with dark timber floors, cream-coloured walls and mahogany furniture and floor-to-ceiling French windows open wide onto a veranda, which in the case of most rooms face the sea. All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, tea & coffee making facilities and satellite TV. The superior rooms are 54m² with a 12m² balcony. There are eight senior suites, which have a bedroom and a separate private dining room and lounge area, a DVD/CD player and an area of 81m² with a 23m² terrace.

Day 16

In the morning you will be returned to the airport where you board flight BA122 departing at 0915 travelling in Business Class to London’s Heathrow Airport, arriving at 1805 (local time).

What our client said about their tailor made itinerary:

“Zambia: The hotel was fabulous with great staff and lovely food. The location of the hotel was perfect for the Falls with great views over the Zambezi River allowing us great opportunity to photograph the great wildlife.

Cape Town: A refreshing, world class hotel perfectly positioned for the Waterfront and sightseeing, close to Table Mountain with amazing views. This hotel was perfect. The staff were spot on, first class, the whole experience at The Cape Grace was really lovely, would recommend this hotel to anyone. We took a tour with Lionel and he was great, he took us on a tour of the Cape, he was very friendly and so interesting, he had lived in Cape Town his whole life and just knew so much, it was such a lovely tour, we saw so much and had a great time.  A really lovely man. All in all a great time had in Cape Town, would definitely go back again.

The Safari: WOW!!!! This left us speechless!! I don’t know what to say. Hotel and staff exceeded expectations. Food and activities were amazing, and I don’t think there are words to describe the Game Drives!!! We had the best guide, Jules and a great Tracker, Like; one guy on our jeep summed them up by saying “Jules would not only find a needle in a haystack, he would get you the best angle to photograph it!!!” We saw every animal you could think of including Leopards, Wild Dogs, Cheetahs and a pack of Lions with their cubs!! Everyday just got better and better, I would recommend Londolozi to anyone, it was worth every penny!! Thank you for choosing such an amazing game reserve.

The hotel in Johannesburg was perfect for the airport transfer with pleasant staff and very clean rooms.

Mauritius: This was a good hotel and perfect for relaxation after such an exciting and active holiday with very pleasant beaches and once again fabulous food. Again the airport transfer staff from White Sands were really nice. The weather was pretty good too!

All in all a truly amazing experience, definitely a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you again for all your hard work in organising it all, it really did show!

:Kindest Regards

:Faye and Fred Cleary, UK”

Other client feedback

Watching the world go by on safari

OUTLINE ITINERARY FOR A LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI VACATION

Day 1

Depart from London Heathrow Airport  to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport. On arrival at make your way through the terminal to the Intercontinental Airport Hotel where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).

The Johannesburg Airport Sun Intercontinental Hotel is situated just minutes’ walk away from the international airport building. The bedrooms are comfortable with en suite facilities, air-conditioning, television, radio and coffee and tea-making facilities. The hotel has a first class restaurant with an informal atmosphere, offering modern cuisine from breakfast through to late night á la Carte dining. The hotel also has a cocktail bar and its own health and fitness centre, as well as an indoor pool.

Days 2 and 3

After breakfast make your way back through the terminal where you board a scheduled flight departing at 0935 to Livingstone. On arrival at 1125 you will be met and transferred to the David Livingstone Lodge and Spa to stay for two nights in an executive suite (bed and breakfast).

The David Livingstone Lodge and Spa is beautifully located overlooking the half mile wide Upper Zambezi River about four miles upstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.

The lodge is constructed in safari style yet with a high degree of comfort with spacious airy rooms with fine views across the gardens to the river, all under sweeping thatched roofs. Each room faces the river and includes a private patio or terrace, telephone and internet facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, and separate en-suite bath and shower.

The lodge is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring Victoria Falls or enjoying one of the many activities in the area which include canoeing, boating, fishing, white water rafting and flights over the falls, as well as elephant back safaris. There is a large tropical pool and an excellent restaurant, a gift and curio shop and the Camelot Spa gym and Wellness centre where you can enjoy a variety of treatments and activities.

The David Livingstone Lodge and Spa is an ideal out of town base for visiting Victoria Falls and enjoying the adventures and activities such as rafting, canoeing and flights over the waterfall. You can also visit Livingstone, while from the lodge you can enjoy boat rides, nature walks and birding. Elephants are normally seen on the river islands in front of the lodge, as are hippopotamus and the region supports over three hundred and fifty species of birds including fish eagles, malachite kingfishers and many raptors, rollers and sunbirds.

Days 4 to 6

In the morning you will be returned to Livingstone Airport to board a scheduled flight departing at 1215 to Johannesburg. Arrive at 1405 and connect with a scheduled light aircraft flight to Londolozi where you stay for three nights in the Granite Suites (inclusive of meals and activities).

Londolozi is one of the longest established safari lodges in Africa, and the private reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park is eighty years old. Throughout this time this beautiful reserve of fertile grassland, seasonal rivers and woodland has been lovingly nurtured so that it supports an amazing array of wildlife in natural unspoilt surroundings. The reserve is 22,000 hectares and while you are here you stand an excellent chance of seeing almost all the main kinds of African plains game including black and white rhinoceros and exceptionally good numbers of lion. Even though the lions are the dominant cats in the area, leopard and cheetah are also able to thrive.

This is a place where you can follow the wildlife with some of the most expert guides in South Africa on fascinating bush walks, and you might spend half an hour standing next to seven foot high termite mound as he explains its intricate workings, all operated by literally millions of these tiny creatures which operate ten to fifteen feet below ground. For the main big game sightings however, the open vehicles are best and you can admire the impressive herds of elephant, big groupings of buffalo, zebra and many types of antelope. You can have just as much fun watching the antics of a family of baboons or any of the three hundred and fifty species of beautiful birds.

Part of Londolozi is known as Tree Camp where you find six glorious suites, each fully air conditioned with stylish décor in natural wood browns and cream with photographs and old prints on the walls, a super king sized bed, armchairs, writing table and en-suite luxury bathroom. Outside you have your own private game viewing deck with its own private pool and “contemplation deck” where you can relax and watch the birds and wildlife in the surrounding bush.

When you are not on safari or relaxing in your luxurious accommodation, you can enjoy a massage or other spa treatment, or even a work out in Londolozi’s well equipped gym, followed by a dip in the main pool. There is also a spacious lounge where you can relax. If the accommodation at Londolozi rivals anything you will find in a world class five star hotel, the cuisine matches the best that you would find in a restaurant in London or New York. Londolozi’s highly trained chefs prepare delicious healthy meals with local fruit, organic vegetables, free range meats and herbs from their own garden. Sometimes you can enjoy your meals in the spacious dining lodge or under a star filled sky around the boma camp fire. Sometimes you will be surprised to find a bush breakfast set out for you in some beautiful spot towards the end of a morning game drive. Londolozi is full of surprises!

Days 7 to 9

You will be returned to the airstrip to board a scheduled flight to Camp Jabulani. On arrival at Eastgate Airport you will be met and transferred to Camp Jabulani where you stay for three nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

Camp Jabulani is an amazing place; a luxury lodge surrounding by African bush teeming with wildlife, where you can enjoy an unforgettable experience on an elephant back safari.

Twelve magnificent elephants, from eleven to twenty six years of age that were orphaned as babies, have over the years become accustomed to tolerating the presence of people and you can now ride the sensitive and immensely powerful creatures through their own African bush environment; encountering zebra, rhino, giraffe, antelope, wildebeest, big cats and many more wild animals.

Each elephant has been gently and sensitively reared and looked after by twenty grooms who “know” each of their elephants intimately and will be able to explain their character, personality and habits as you get to know the elephants during the course of your stay. You can move silently through the African bush, enjoying the elephants eye view of the world and can also watch them swimming and frolicking in Jabulani’s own lake. You can participate in their feeding and enjoy a night time elephant ride under the stars.

In addition to the elephant rides you can enjoy walking safaris and open vehicle safaris during the day and at night with Camp Jabulani’s expert guides, encountering a marvellous array of wildlife.

The lodge is one of the most luxurious in South Africa, accommodating the guests in six magnificent suites, each with a thatched roof and each beautifully furnished with a huge bed, elegant safari furniture and luxurious en-suite bathrooms.

Outside you have your own private game viewing deck from where you might see animals at any time of the day and set into this is a private plunge pool. Each suite has its own personal “butler” and in between exciting safaris you can enjoy delicious cuisine, both in the dining lodge and the camps traditional semi-circular “boma”. Although you are in the heart of the African bush, the standard of cuisine and presentation is superior to that you would encounter in a restaurant in London or New York.

In addition to safari activities, guests also have the opportunity to visit the Hoedspruit endangered species centre where valuable work is going on to save and protect endangered species.

If you like the idea of having an eagle’s eye view of this beautiful reserve you can also take an optional hot air balloon ride as the sun begins to rise, floating silently over hippopotamus, bush buck, antelope and elephant.

Day 10

You will be returned to Eastgate Airport to board a scheduled flight back to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Illyria House where you stay one night (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Illyria House is a marvellous boutique hotel set in attractive grounds in the “Jacaranda City” of Pretoria making it ideal for those who would like to spend a few days in the Pretoria / Johannesburg area and to treat themselves to an experience which has infinitely more charm, personality and exclusivity than the customary large city hotels.

Illyria House is a private villa set in extensive grounds furnished with fine antiques, 17^th century tapestries and each of the six guest rooms is spacious, beautifully furnished and decorated and each provides guests with a relaxing and stylish haven.

The owners personally ensure that you can enjoy the highest standard of hospitality. They are well connected with artists and musicians in the Pretoria area and musicians regularly give informal recitals in the house. For those with interest in the arts, the owners are delighted to advise upon local concerts, exhibitions and contacts.

When you stay at Illyria House you are assigned a “butler” who will ensure that your needs are catered for and would be pleased to advise upon and arrange local guided excursions. The house is just twenty five minutes from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and just five minutes from Pretoria Railway Station, the setting off point for the famous Blue Train and the Rovos Rail Train on their journeys to Cape Town and other parts of southern Africa.

For those wishing to stay in the Johannesburg area, Pretoria is an excellent location. Just over half an hour from Johannesburg, Pretoria has a much more relaxed design and atmosphere in view of its status as a centre of government, rather than, as is the case in Johannesburg, a centre for business. Pretoria has attractive parks and wide streets lined with beautiful Jacaranda trees which show their characteristic purple blossom in October.

Days 11 and 12

In the morning you will be taken to Pretoria Station to board the Rovos Rail ‘Pride of Africa’ for a two night journey to Cape Town (inclusive of meals and activities).

This beautifully restored train offers a unique journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa and can be drawn by either steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey.

The sleepers, observation and dining cars are furbished traditionally in the style of the period but with an eye for modern comfort, with special attention to detail, comfort and luxury. The accommodation offered is of the highest standard, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with modern innovations.

There is a complimentary bar service, as well as room service, which is available whenever required. Casual clothing is the order of the day, however, in keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, guests prefer to dress for dinner.

For many visitors to South Africa, there’s no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of the world’s top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendour and scenic Winelands. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa’s economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld’s world-famous game reserves. From the coast, the 1600km route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the Winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo, and Kimberley (city of De Beers), the diamond boom-town that’s home to the Big Hole, the world’s largest man-made excavation.

A provisional itinerary for Rovos Rail is shown below:-

Friday

15:00 Depart Rovos Rail’s private Capital Park Station aboard the Pride of Africa

Saturday

10.00 Arrive in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole, the Diamond Museum and take a tram ride.

12.30 Depart from Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West for Matjiesfontein.

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Sunday
08:15 Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein

10.30 Depart Matjiesfontein and proceed via Touws River, De Doorns and Worcester to Cape Town.

18.00 Arrive Cape Town Station, Platform 24.

Days 13 to 16

On arrival into Cape Town station you will be met and transferred to Beaumont House where you stay for four nights (bed and breakfast).

Beaumont House is an elegant boutique guest lodge, located in the exclusive suburb of Claremont, within 15 minutes drive from Cape Town’s city centre, the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the airport. It is also close to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Owned and run by Peter and Gill Deering, who are known for their excellent hospitality, the private house has been extensively redesigned and renovated by the international designer Jayne Wunder. The more personal touches and individual antiques which run throughout the main house and suites are Gill’s own tasteful and subtle selections. The extensive gardens and modern pool area have also been carefully landscaped to create a wonderfully relaxing and secluded experience.

The accommodation comprises of the Mountain Suite and the Bay Suite in the main house, the first of these faces Table Mountain whilst the second faces False Bay. Both suites are spacious and have been elegantly decorated with extra length king size beds and a mix antique and contemporary furniture. The large en-suite bathrooms have either twin or single vanity basins and separate bath and walk-in shower. The Pool and Garden Suites are on the ground floor, separate from the main house and open out onto the inviting and rather large swimming pool. Each suite has its own private patio area where guests can enjoy a quiet drink in the evening or a secluded breakfast. All of the rooms are fully air-conditioned throughout with a bar/fridge, safe, wireless internet and television.

The lounge area has a good selection of books and opens out through the dining room onto the pool deck. Dinner at Beaumont House is very relaxed and informal where your hosts are on hand to discuss your day gone by or make recommendations for the day ahead.

In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay on the north Cape Peninsula and laid the foundations of South Africa’s oldest settlement, Cape Town. Three hundred and fifty years of history have been preserved in much of Cape Town’s architecture, which combines attractively with the more functional demands of the 21^st century.

The Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Museum and Planetarium are all within ambling distance of elegant shopping malls and colourful markets, which entice shoppers to browse and buy everything from souvenirs to African art, gems and antiques. In the last ten years, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dockland area evokes images of 19^th century seafaring activities and provides a superb setting for an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. From here, you can take boat trips round the harbour and out across Table Bay.

Dominating the city’s skyline and flanked by Devils Peak is the looming mass of Table Mountain, and visitors should not miss the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain by cable car. The view of the city and the South Atlantic from the summit is quite magnificent.

There is a wide range of excursions and activities in and around Cape Town including visits to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner and visits to Townships where you can enjoy lunch and exposure to Africa’s vibrant urban culture. To the south lies the scenic Peninsula with its attractive sandy bays and pretty little towns. There are remote penguin colonies which can be visited by boat and canoe, and from July to November you can set off further afield in search of southern right whales. The more adventurous can even go looking for sharks in special “caged diving” facilities.

An hour’s drive to the east of Cape Town lie the Cape Winelands where you find beautiful undulating scenery covered in ancient vineyards and fruit orchards. There are literally dozens of ancient wineries, many of which are open for tastings and lunch and which have magnificent estate houses. For the golfer there are several beautifully maintained championship golf courses, and the attractive little towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are each worth a visit.

Day 17

After spending the day at leisure you will be met and transferred to Cape Town Airport to board a scheduled flight to London Heathrow Airport.

Day 18

Arrive into London Heathrow Airport