Locations
South AfricaSouth Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna. Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent. Cape TownCape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving. JohannesburgJohannesburg or Jo'burg, as the locals call the city of the gold, is the biggest metropolis in South Africa. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre and the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa. It is the international flight gateway for most of southern Africa. Sabi SandsThe Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Reserve and the wildlife roams freely between the two game reserves. Some of the best and most exclusive private game lodges in the country are in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent. ZambiaZambia is has a relatively young tourist industry, growing with the volume of people visiting Victoria Falls on its southern border. Livinstone is the new gateway to the falls and its unexpectedly wide array of adrenaline activities, game parks, and scenic beauty. With the attention has come the discovery of pristine parks of Lower Zambezi. For the purists, this is one of the last untouched safari experiences on the continent. LivingstoneVictoria Falls, the world's largest falls cascade across a sheer rock face over 1km wide, mere meters away from visitors. The falls form the border between Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Livingstone features fine hotels and a broad array of adrenaline activities from ultra light and helicopter flights, white water rafting, river cruises, bungee, elephant-back safaris, and much more - it is a great spot to visit. Flight connections are limited to Lusaka.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Cape Town Cape Cadogan
Day 1: Tue, Oct 19 2010 - Cape TownUpon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, top tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc.) Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel. Accommodation: Cape Cadogan The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-story Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984. Day 2: Wed, Oct 20 2010 - Cape TownToday you will be met by your guide for an exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa's oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. You will have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs or at your hotel at the end of the tour. Accommodation: Cape Cadogan Penguins
Day 3: Thu, Oct 21 2010 - Cape TownToday we embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. We take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. We enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back we stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel. Accommodation: Cape Cadogan Robben Island
Day 4: Fri, Oct 22 2010 - Cape TownSign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); diving to see Great White sharks, whale watching, visit to Robben Island to see Mandela's prison, visit to local townships, walking tours, visit winelands, cycling, cultural tours and more. Accommodation: Cape Cadogan Sabi Sands Kirkmans Bedroom
Day 5: Sat, Oct 23 2010 - Cape Town - Nelspruit (KMIA) - Sabi SandsEnjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel. Take a flight from Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport today. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hrs. Private transfer to your lodge from KMIA Airport. This transfer will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability. Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp Step back in time into the gracious atmosphere of this original homestead and marvel at the spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness from each of the 18 guest cottages. Rolling lawns carve out a niche in a wild and tumbling wilderness that hosts memorable game viewing in one of the world's most celebrated Big Five wildlife regions. Spacious sitting, dining and bar areas contain mementos of a time long past, while the untamed wilderness outside whispers a promise of adventures not to be forgotten. Morning Game Drive
Day 6: Sun, Oct 24 2010 - Sabi SandsBefore first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability. This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability. Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp Sabi
Day 7: Mon, Oct 25 2010 - Sabi SandsBefore first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability. This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability. Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp Livingstone Sussi & Chuma
Day 8: Tue, Oct 26 2010 - Sabi Sands - Nelspruit (KMIA) - LivingstonePrivate transfer from your lodge from to KMIA Airport. This trasfer will take approximately one hour and a half. Take your flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Livingstone today. This flight operates on Mon/Wed/Fri only. A representative from the lodge will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your lodge. Activities include a guided tour of Victoria Falls from the Zambian Side and a visit to the Semonga Village. You'll also have the opportunity to do a morning/evening gamedrive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where Zambia's only white rhino can be spotted, full range of game drives in the National Park using an open 4X4 vehicle driven by a professional guide. You'll also enjoy motorised boat Safaris Early morning or sunset river cruise, or try your hand at fishing on the great Zambezi River. You can choose two activities per day. Accommodation: Sussi & Chuma Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone’s faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides. Victoria Falls
Day 9: Wed, Oct 27 2010 - LivingstoneToday you can enjoy two of the included activities offered by Sussi & Chuma (falls visit, game viewing, boat safari, village tour) or sign up for extra activities on location. You can sign up for spa treatments, tour the Zimbabwean side of the falls, flights over the falls, white water rafting, elephant back safari or the Livingstone Island visit. These extras are not included in the hotel cost. Sign up for optional activities at your hotel (not included in tour price); helicopter, ultralight, Gypsy Moth flights, elephantback or horseback safari, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, Chobe game park day trip, jet boat, cultural tours, and more. Accommodation: Sussi & Chuma Johannesburg
Day 10: Thu, Oct 28 2010 - Livingstone - JohannesburgA representative from the lodge will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your lodge. Take your flight from Livingstone to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours. Accommodation: Depart Depart from Johannesburg international airport - End of itinerary.
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Travel Tips
South AfricaVISA/PASSPORT Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. We recommend that the passports of all travelers to South Africa contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport. While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials. In addition, any trip to a neighboring country would necessitate another blank page upon return.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of South Africa for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are relatively wide spread and good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/south-africa.aspx
COUNTRY INFO Capital: Pretoria (administrative). Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1910. Language: The official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Religion: Most inhabitants profess Christianity. There are also Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities, and traditional beliefs are still practiced widely, sometimes in conjunction with Christianity. Time: GMT + 2. Electricity: 220/240 volts AC; 250 volts AC (Pretoria), 50Hz. Three-pin round plugs are in use. Telephone: Country code +27. Area codes are used even if you are making a call in the same area. Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage extends to most of the country except in the very remote areas. Internet: Internet cafes are present around the country and wireless is available at airports and in upmarket hotels.
More Info on South AfricaZambiaVISA/PASSPORT A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. A visa may be obtained in advance at a Zambian Embassy or Consulate or at the port of entry. Processing generally takes 5-7 working days. The fee is approximately $50 for a single-entry visa, $80 for a three-year, multiple-entry visa, or $20 for a day-trip visa (typically issued to tourists visiting Victoria Falls from a neighboring country). Please try to bring exact change whenever practical. At the time of entry, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the permitted length of stay. Typically, an immigration officer will admit an American or Canadian citizen for the exact number of days they request, up to a maximum of thirty days. Visitors with indefinite departure plans may want to request admission for thirty days on arrival in the country.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Zambia for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.aspx
COUNTRY INFO Capital: Lusaka. Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964. Language: English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga. Religion: Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs. Time: GMT + 2. Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Telephone: Country code +260. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office. Mobile Telephone: Coverage is patchy in rural areas but good around Lusaka. Internet: There are Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.
More Info on Zambia
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Accommodation
Cape Cadogan Room
Cape Cadogan - Cape TownThe Cape Cadogan is a stately double-story Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984. Room: LuxuryBohemian chic is our hallmark, with 12 luxuriously appointed en suite bedrooms that are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furniture using dramatic fabrics to maximum effect. The Villa is a private space which has recently been opened to select guests and friends of the Owner. The space includes an open plan lounge, dining area and full service modern kitchen. These spaces open up with wide double framed doors onto an outdoor deck area where comfortable lounges lie around the private plunge pool. Privacy is a thread flowing through the Villa experience; the kitchen is serviced by a private hatch which provides a link to the outside world and where one’s morning breakfast and paper gets delivered. The Villa’s bedroom suite is upstairs with an open plan bathroom perfect for those guests who are looking for comfort and simple lines. Kirkmans Bedroom pool Kirkmans Lounge Kirkman's
Kirkmans Kamp - Sabi SandsStep back in time into the gracious atmosphere of this original homestead and marvel at the spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness from each of the 18 guest cottages. Rolling lawns carve out a niche in a wild and tumbling wilderness that hosts memorable game viewing in one of the world's most celebrated Big Five wildlife regions. Spacious sitting, dining and bar areas contain mementos of a time long past, while the untamed wilderness outside whispers a promise of adventures not to be forgotten. Room: Luxury CottageImpeccable and gracious service completes the old world atmosphere, as the spirit of safari comes alive at this evocative camp, set in one of the most renowned wildlife regions in the world. Each of the 18 guest cottages boasts spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness surrounding the Sand River. Restaurant AmenitiesKirkmans Kamp Restaurants Mouth watering international and local specialties are served in a variety of locations around the lodge. Breakfasts include hot items, platters of fruit and cheese. Enjoy lunch on the patio, afternoon tea, and dinner by the open fire in the Boma.
Recreation AmenitiesGame Drives & Bush Walks At Kirkman’s Kamp the staffs’ goal is to share knowledge and understanding of the bush and its inhabitants with guests. Their highly trained rangers and trackers will do their utmost to delight you. Enjoy Twice daily game drives - early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle traverse an area of 6 300 hectares (15 500 acres). Track the Big Five, as well as a rich variety of other game, in the company of an armed ranger and tracker. Strict vehicle limits at animal sightings ensure the exclusivity of your wildlife experience and careful off-road driving positions you for the best photo opportunities. Rangers are constantly in touch with each other to help keep track of game and the sensitive approach methods used mean that the wildlife has become accustomed to the presence of vehicles.
Or enjoy Interpretive bush walks - in between game drives, take a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge and experience the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush. An armed ranger will accompany you and will share his vast knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Take in the intimate details of your surroundings, from the intricate patterns of a spider's web to the bright plumage of the local birds and the sharp alarms calls of a dozen small creatures. Find out how the potato bush got its name, who lives in a termite mound and which berries taste so good that they can make a jackal turn vegetarian.
Sussi & Chuma Sussi & Chuma bedroom
Sussi & Chuma - LivingstoneSussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone’s faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides. Room: Treehouse SuiteGuest accommodation at consists of 12 luxury tree houses and two 2-bedroomed houses, built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees, which shelter a stunning variety of bird life. Each unit has a private view of the Zambezi and is en-suite with air conditioning, mini bar, mosquito nets, overhead fan & hairdryer. Restaurant AmenitiesSussi & Chuma Restaurants Meals are table d’hote with a wide variety of dishes available, served alfresco, often around a roaring fire in the evening.
Recreation AmenitiesSussi & Chuma Activities Game Drives: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. It even has white rhino – the only place in Zambia where they can be seen. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park. Tour of the Victoria Falls: Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a walking tour of The Falls. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is paybale by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls. Simonga Village Tour: The Village lies to the West of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the outskirts of Livingstone Town, close the famed Victoria Falls in Zambia. Sundowner Cruise: A Zambezi River cruise is a great way to spend a few hours game viewing on the river.
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