Five Stars Through Southern Africa
When our African Safaris started back in the 60's, we visited South Africa for the Blue Train and the Garden Route - long before the wonderful camps of the Sabi Sand were built. EsplanadeTours now offers you a wide range of adventures in all price ranges that take you deep into the bush, up on Table Mountain, into the winelands, or down the Garden Route.
FIVE STARS THROUGH SOUTHERN AFRICA
Start your journey aboard South African Airways business class service from New York or Atlanta to Johannesburg. You will be met and driven to The Grace in the lovely suburb of Rosebank for one night.
The next day board Rovos Rail or the Blue Train for the southbound journey to Cape Town where you will be met and taken to The Cape Grace for a 3-night stay.
Visit Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Gardens and the winelands with their distinctive Cape Dutch architecture. Alternatively, if you prefer, stay outside the city at Constantia Uitsig just a short drive away.
You now fly to George where your car and driver are ready to take you through impressive mountain passes to ostrich farms and down to Knysna for the best oysters in Africa, continuing to Plettenberg Bay and the garden route.
Fly to Mala Mala Game Reserve - the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa and spend 3 nights in one of the camps.
Then jet up to The Victoria Falls Hotel for 2 nights, where you wil stay overlooking the famous bridge and the Falls. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, shop for crafts and follow your guide along the paths and rainforests to see the falls up close. For the adventuresome, bungee jump, white water raft, and fly over the falls by helicopter.
You will be driven west into Botswana and board your charter flight into the Linyanti Reserve known for its large elephant population. Board your charter again and be flown to the best of the best safari camps “Mombo” in the magical Moremi Game Reserve.
Then - fly from Maun back to South Africa and your international flight home.
ADVENTUROUS ADD-ONS FOR ANY SOUTH AFRICA ITINERARY:
Fly through the trees
A Treetop Canopy Tour will offer you a bird's eye view of the forest, and a bit of an adrenaline rush, as you slide through the trees on a strong steel cable. There are three Treetops tours: in the Tsitsikamma Forest, near Stormsriver; at Karkloof in KwaZulu-Natal; and off the edge of the Megaliesberg mountains. The scenery and bird life is spectacular and the professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the two-three hour tour.
Great White Shark Safari
Depart before daybreak for Simonstown Harbor for a boat trip in search of the super predator of the oceans, the Great WhiteShark, with international shark experts Chris and Monique Fallows who have studied Great Whites since 1989. They were also the first to film the now famous Great Whites of False Bay in the rar act of 'breaching' (launching themselves out of the water) in their pursuit of the Cape Fur Seals that they hunt in this area. The best time to see Great Whites hunting is May to September.
Hot Air Ballooning over the Magaliesberg
The thrill of a balloon safari is indescribable. Imagine sipping fine champagne while hovering gently above the treetops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg Range. After landing , savor a delectable champange ballooning breakfast.
Whether you do all or part of the above - you will leave Southern Africa a changed person.
We take pride in providing personalized attention to our clients. One of our travel experts will coordinate all your customized travel arrangements and make any changes until you are satisfied with the result. We also offer the best airfares to South Africa in any class of service.
Get started with the sample itinerary above or email Jacky with your "wish-list" and ideas, time frame and budget requirements and we will get back to you with suggestions and a price quote for your completely customized itinerary.