CLASSIC SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCE SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR

NATURALLY YOURS TRAVEL GROUP

DECEMBER 2019

Friday - 6 December 2019                                                                                      Depart USA

From the moment you board your South African Airways flight you feel the warm and welcoming African hospitality in every detail of the world class service you are about to experience. 

DEPART NEW YORK (JFK) 11:15 AM SA 204

Direct, non-stop flight from New York to Johannesburg is approximately 16 hours long.  Complimentary lunch and breakfast as well as snacks and drinks are served on the flight.  On board entertainment is offered on a complimentary basis too. 

Saturday - 7 December 2019                                                       Johannesburg/Cape Town

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport’s Central Terminal Building, collect your luggage and then clear customs and immigration. Re-check your bags for your domestic flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by a Lion World Travel representative and transferred to the Commodore Hotel.

The 4-star Commodore Hotel exemplifies deluxe accommodation, stylish living and quality service, overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Well situated just a short walk from the vibrant Waterfront that offers shopping, entertainment and a multitude of restaurants. All rooms have individual air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, 24-hour room service and personalized safes. 

Standard Room accommodation

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel – Standard Room

Sunday - 8 December 2019                                                                     Cape Peninsula Tour 

Depart this morning on your full day Cape Peninsula Tour including a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. The tour starts after breakfast when you will depart to Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark of South Africa.

Take a cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain (weather dependant) to enjoy the magnificent view of the Cape. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau from one side to the other, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateaus flanked by Devil’s Peak and by Lion’s Head, form a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. Table Mountain is often covered by clouds to form the so-called "table cloth" of cloud.

Not only is Table Mountain a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take a breathtaking photos of Cape Town, there are about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species found there.  Please note that the tour may operate in a slightly different order.

Cable Car up Table Mountain and view

After marvelling at the awesome views, you will depart on a Cape Peninsula Tour, exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests.  

On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape.  Sit back and relax, as you drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. 

The tour then winds its way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and for your own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views! 

Finally, the tour makes its way back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Did you know that the African Penguin used to be called a “jackass” penguin because its call is similar to that of a braying donkey! 

Boulders Beach Penguins

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel – Standard Room (B)

Monday - 9 December 2019                                                                       Cape Town

After a morning at leisure, you will then be picked up this afternoon for your half day Stellenbosch Winelands Tour

Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands, and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops. You’ll be taken on a leisurely drive to acquaint you with the area, before being introduced to the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. 

Cape Winelands

Of course you‘ll have a chance to taste the wine for which this area is renowned, and no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm. Stellenbosch is arguably one of the Province’s most beautiful towns.  Please note not all galleries and shops are open on Sundays.  Tour includes one wine tasting and one cellar tour.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel – Standard Room (B)

Tuesday - 10 December 2019                                                               Cape Town

After breakfast this morning you will be taken on a half day Walk to Freedom Tour.

Experience the wonderful raw energy of Cape Town’s Townships in one unforgettable morning. After a visit to the District Six Museum (the museum is closed on Sundays and you will visit a local community church instead), where you will learn a little of the history of the townships, the tour continues on to the oldest township in Cape Town, Langa, and its people. Strolling through Langa Township, pop in to a local market, an Arts & Crafts center and experience the warm hospitality at a local Bed & Breakfast as well as a crèche that provides local children with a safe haven and fun environment (on Saturdays and Sundays when the crèche is closed more time will be spent at other stops).

Dinner tonight and an interactive drumming session will be at Gold Restaurant.

From the moment you arrive, you will feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant in Cape Town. Gold Restaurant will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine, with its set multi-course menu served at your table.

Start your evening with an interactive Djembe drumming session which will get you in tune with our African rhythms and songs for the rest of the night. The vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening. 

Gold restaurant welcome

Transfer back to your hotel after dinner.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel – Standard Room (B, D)

Wednesday - 11 December 2019         Cape Town/Johannesburg/Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. 

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport you will be met and transferred by road (transfer time is roughly 2 hours) to Ivory Tree Game Lodge where you will spend three nights on a full board basis and enjoy twice daily game drives.

The malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park ranks among one of the largest national parks in southern Africa. It is a unique area encircled by four rings of hills, produced by volcanic action some 1,200 million years ago. The scenic beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake. The park boasts healthy populations of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". Bird-watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded.

Arrive in time for lunch and relax until time for an afternoon game drive with fellow lodge guests.  Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening sharing your days experience with the other guests.

Nestled in the basin of an ancient amphitheater divided by riverine woodlands and elephant trails, the malaria-free Ivory Tree Game Lodge is situated in the north eastern region of the Pilanesberg National Park. 

The rooms are decorated in a range of earthly tones and have been carefully designed to ensure comfort both indoors and outdoors.  Each suite features a full ensuite bathroom and outside shower, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a covered patio.  

The main lodge acts as a central gathering point for all activities and includes a stunning feature pool, bar, dining room, boma, reception and curio shop.  Safaris are conducted in custom built 10-seater vehicles with a dedicated ranger for the duration of your stay.  

The Amani African Spa is the ultimate escape for pure self-indulgence.  Their unique spa product brand, Africology, is made from the purest of ingredients and the holistic body, skin and beauty rituals are designed to pamper, revitalize and restore the balance and harmony to your body, mind and soul.  

Accommodations: Ivory Tree Game Lodge – Standard Room (B, L, D)

Thursday - 12 December 2019                                                             Ivory Tree Game Lodge

With your skilled ranger, explore the rarer sights and wonders of the bush during your game viewing activities.  This breathtaking landscape is a mix of true savanna bushveld and large hills which create majestic amphitheaters that roll down into floodplains and valleys. Perhaps take an optional guided walk through the bush or pamper yourself at the Amani African Spa (additional cost). 

Tonight, enjoy a candle-lit alfresco dinner as the Southern Cross begins to twinkle in the endless sky.

Accommodations: Ivory Tree Game Lodge – Standard Room (B, L, D) 

Friday - 13 December 2019                                                   Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Enjoy another day with morning and late afternoon game drives. All safaris are conducted in specially designed ten-seater open vehicles. An abundance of wildlife thrives in these 360 miles of diverse and arresting bushveld terrain. 

The park is home to large populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". A wide variety of rare and common species exist with endemic species like the nocturnal brown hyena, the fleet-footed cheetah, the majestic sable, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile, to mention a few. Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Some are migrants, others permanent inhabitants.

Giraffe in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Accommodations: Ivory Tree Game Lodge – Standard Room (B, L, D) 

Saturday - 14 December 2019                        Ivory Tree Lodge/Johannesburg/Depart

After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, you will be transferred by road back to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA. (B)

DEPART JOHANNESBURG  8:55 PM SA 203  

Direct, non-stop flight from Johannesburg to New York is approximately 16 hours long.  Complimentary Dinner and breakfast as well as snacks and drinks are served on the flight.  On board entertainment is offered on a complimentary basis too. 

Sunday - 15 December 2019                                                                                  Arrive USA

Return home with a lifetime of memories!

INCLUDES:

International flights: New York (JFK)/Johannesburg/New York (JFK)

South Africa domestic flights: Johannesburg/Cape Town/Johannesburg

Road transfers: Johannesburg Airport/Ivory Tree Lodge/Johannesburg Airport

All accommodation, services and transfers as specified

Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles 

Meals as specified

Stellenbosch Wineland Tour

Walk to Freedom Tour 

Full Day Lion World Cape Peninsula Tour with Table Mountain Tickets (weather permitting)

Game drives as specified in itinerary

Services of Rangers/Trackers

Lion World Travel Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival

EXCLUDES:

Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

All other services not mentioned 

Gratuities/Tips for trackers/rangers and drivers

Costs of obtaining Passports or Visas

Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance – please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in South Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage.

Please Note:

Visas: United States of America passport holders will be issued with an entry permit valid for 90 days upon arrival into South Africa.  The South African Government requires that you do have at least two blank visa pages in your passport for a visitors entry & exit permit to be stamped onto – please see additional information below.  On arrival into Johannesburg, please clear Immigration from the Foreign Passport holder’s channels. 

Passports: Please ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport with at least TWO BLANK PAGES marked “VISA” and that this is valid for at least 6 months after your intended return date from South Africa. If you are visiting other countries, please establish entry requirements and have additional blank visa pages for those countries as well. In accordance with South African government regulations, boarding will be denied should you not have the correct number of pages in your passport.