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South Africa: An Elegant Adventure - Tauck - SA2013
Price from: for 12 Days

Description

Only on Tauck's South Africa tour can you experience inspiring game drives, the majesty of Victoria Falls, the drama of the Cape of Good Hope, and a taste of fine local wines. Stay in a private game reserve where you may spot leopards, lions, elephants, impalas, and zebras. Explore Cape Town, Robben Island, Johannesburg, and Soweto. Learn more about the struggle against apartheid, board a cable car for ocean views, and view Victoria Falls, one of the world's must-see natural wonders. Our South Africa tour and safari enriches the traveler from start to finish!

Itinerary
South Africa: An Elegant Adventure
Day 1 Arrive Cape Town

Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Cape Grace. A transfer is included from Cape Town International Airport to the Cape Grace, occupying its own private quay in Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and consistently recognized as one of the world’s top hotels. Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and your location is perfect; all guest rooms have views of the iconic waterfront or the dramatic vista of Table Mountain as a backdrop. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.

Day 2 Guided Discoveries on Robben Island

Tauck has arranged a visit to Robben Island (weather permitting), recognized as a World Heritage Site for its key role in South African history. The site of an extraordinary nature reserve and former whaling station, this island is probably best known for its old maximum security prison. A ferry takes you across Table Bay, with fantastic views of Table Mountain, for a guided “insider’s” tour of the island. Learn about the island’s complex history, visit the prison and see the cell that housed future South African President Nelson Mandela for so many years. South Africa’s wines have enjoyed a royal following since the days of emperors and kings; savor the fruit of the vine along with local specialties at a wine-pairing dinner in Constantia in the Cape Winelands.

Day 3 Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula

Sightsee in and around Cape Town this morning, then head out to the spectacular Cape Peninsula. En route, weather permitting, take a rotating cable car up Table Mountain, enjoying 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top. Board a funicular for Cape Point and the historic lighthouse. Your bird’s-eye view includes seagulls who soar over the cliffs and the Cape of Good Hope below. After lunch, meet the African penguins; standing about two feet tall and endearingly curious, they are one of Africa’s only two land-based colonies of African penguins. Meet them up-close in their unique beachfront sanctuary before returning to your hotel for a free evening to enjoy as you wish.

Day 3 Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula

Sightsee in and around Cape Town this morning, then head out to the spectacular Cape Peninsula. En route, weather permitting, take a rotating cable car up Table Mountain, enjoying 360-degree views of the city and bay during the ride up and on a walk at the top. Awe-inspiring sights continue when you board a funicular for Cape Point and the historic lighthouse. Your bird’s-eye view includes hundreds of seagulls who soar over the cliffs and the Cape of Good Hope below. After lunch, meet birds who prefer to congregate closer to the sea; standing about two feet tall and bursting with endearing curiosity, one of Africa’s only two land-based colonies of African penguins nests in the boulder-strewn coastal park outside of Cape Town. Meet them up-close in their unique beachfront sanctuary before returning to your hotel for a free evening to enjoy as you wish

Day 4 Fly to a Private Game Reserve

Depart Cape Town and board a flight for the country’s northeast corner, where your South African safari experience begins at Tinga Private Game Lodge. Tinga is set in the South African lowveldt in incomparable Kruger National Park, thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent. Tinga is located in a private riverside setting inside the park. The river is home to many endangered and rare animals, birds and reptiles – be on the lookout for them on an afternoon game drive before dinner.

Day 4 Fly to a Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

Depart Cape Town and board a flight for the country’s northeast corner, where your South African safari experience begins at Tinga Private Game Lodge. Tinga is set in the South African lowveldt in incomparable Kruger National Park, thought to host more mammal species than any other game reserve on the continent. Tinga is located in a private riverside setting inside the park. The river is home to many endangered and rare animals, birds and reptiles – be on the lookout for them on an afternoon game drive before dinner.

Day 5 A riverside retreat at Tinga Private Game Lodge in Kruger National Park

Wildlife viewing is at its best here at Tinga Private Game Lodge, which covers 12,000 acres and boasts one of the highest recorded densities of predators – and especially of leopards – in Africa; guests have spotted elephant, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards here during their stay on this South Africa tour. You'll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner.

Day 5 Tinga Private Game Lodge, Kruger

Wildlife viewing is at its best here at Tinga Private Game Lodge, which covers 12,000 acres and boasts one of the highest recorded densities of predators – and especially of leopards – in Africa; guests have spotted elephant, cheetah, rhinos, wild dogs and, of course, leopards in Kruger during their stay. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot the animals who live here on two game drives today. Tonight, feast on regional culinary specialties at dinner.

Day 6 Exclusive Game Drives in Sabi Sabi

Enjoy a final game drive in Tinga this morning before moving on to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, situated within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve bordering expansive Kruger National Park. Comprising five smaller private game reserves set along the Sabie River, the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is home to a great biodiversity of habitat and wildlife, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard; wild dogs, cheetahs and over 300 species of birds can also be spotted here. An afternoon game drive takes you into the African bushveld to spot wildlife.

Day 7 At Home on Safari

Morning and afternoon game drives aboard four-wheel-drive, open-top Land Rovers today provide the possibility of up-close sightings of African game. Expert Shangaan trackers and experienced rangers help you spot the animals who migrate through the reserve, including gazelles, antelopes, kudu, impalas and giraffes. They are well-versed in the geography of the area, the wildlife and the efforts being made to conserve these living treasures and eagerly share their knowledge with you. You’ll have opportunities to enjoy life at your lodge as well, which is reminiscent of safaris in days gone by – perhaps afternoon tea and biscuits, or possibly a swim between game drives. And tonight, a traditional braai – which is a barbecue; it’s a social custom in South Africa that has been around for ages.

Day 8 Johannesburg & its Gems

Say goodbye to the wildlife-rich Sabie River region this morning as you depart the heart of the African wilderness and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial hub – and the world’s largest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline – for a two-night stay. Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa today, “Jo’burg” has derived much of its wealth from the major gold- and diamond-mining industry based here; learn about the history of Africa’s precious stones from an expert gemologist this evening, and then dine à la carte.

Day 8 Johannesburg & the Gems

Say goodbye to the wildlife-rich Sabie River region this morning as you depart the heart of the African wilderness and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial hub – and the world’s largest city not situated on a river, lake or coastline – for a two-night stay. Among the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa today, “Jo’burg” has derived much of its wealth from the major gold- and diamond-mining industry based here; learn about the history of Africa’s precious stones from an expert gemologist this evening. Dine à la carte this evening.

Day 9 Sightsee Historic Soweto

Cultural discoveries enrich your educational sightseeing tour of Soweto township. See the homes of Winnie Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and visit the Constitutional Court and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Attend a dance performance at the Youth Center and tour the library, built by guest donations. The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 10 0. Magnificent Victoria Falls

Fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for two nights at The Victoria Falls Hotel, an Edwardian landmark overlooking the falls; stroll along the private pathway for stunning views. A local historian offers insights on the life of explorer and missionary David Livingstone aboard a private sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. Dine in your choice of hotel restaurants tonight.

Day 11 1. Explore the Falls & an Elephant Sanctuary

First up this morning is a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls, stopping to view its thundering waters from various vantage points including the Devil’s Cataract, Rain Forest, Main Falls and Danger Point. You’ll gain some amazing insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary where you’ll interact with the elephants and watch them as they feed, play, and socialize. Majestic, wise and very intelligent, they have earned their nickname “gentle giants” as they are thought to be the largest living mammal on Earth today. Join us this evening for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner, a fitting end to a fantastic trip!

Day 11 Explore the Falls and Lunch with Elephants

Take a privately guided walk around Victoria Falls, stopping to view its thundering waters from various vantage points. Learn insights about African elephants from a naturalist during a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary. Join us tonight for our farewell reception and dinner.

Day 12 Journey Home

Tour ends: O.R. Tambo International Airport. Enjoy time at leisure in Victoria Falls before your return flight to Johannesburg. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

Dates & Price
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Highlights
Private game drives during four nights at private game reserves in or near Kruger National Park – two nights at Tinga Private Game Lodge and two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Three nights at one of the “World’s Best” hotels, Cape Grace in Cape Town, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Small Group Departures, averaging 24 Tauck guests, are specially priced from $8565 per person double plus on-tour air; inquire at time of booking – specific dates apply
Private game drives with skilled rangers and trackers during four nights at private game reserves in or near Kruger National Park - two nights at Tinga Private Game Lodge and two nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
A pre-arranged visit to Cape Town's Robben Island, where you'll learn the story of the South African freedom fighters and see the cell where Nelson Mandela was held for decades
Exclusive cultural discoveries in historic Soweto, including visits to the homes of Winnie Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and a dance performance at a Youth Center
A sparkling wine-tasting dinner in the Cape Winelands
A private gemologist lecture in Johannesburg
Two nights in Victoria Falls, with a private lunch with the elephants in Zambezi and a sundowner river cruise
Three nights at one of the "World's Best" hotels, Cape Grace in Cape Town, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Small Group Departures average 24 Tauck guests, priced from $8565 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – inquire at time of booking
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
26 meals (11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage
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