16-DAY SOUTH AFRICA CULTURAL TOUR
 
OCTOBER 15 – 30, 2014
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 …(Day 01)
Depart from New York, NY on South African Airways for Johannesburg.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 …(Day 02)
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and then clear customs & immigration. Re-check your bags for your onward flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.Perfectly located within the cultural quarter of the city, Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa offers premium accommodation in a lifestyle centre where you can Meet, Shop, Taste, Explore and Stay. Modern, yet rooted in heritage, it is from here that you truly get a sense of Cape Town at its best. The luxury apartments prove the ideal accommodation offering to modern travelers as the option exists to 'in or out source' services due to the well appointed apartment kitchen and laundry facilities giving you the 'home away from home' feeling, yet the Hotel's outstanding room service meals and laundry service allows you to call in whenever you choose.
Mandela Rhodes Place's offering is world class, featuring a Camelot Spa where you can relax and rejuvenate, alternatively enjoy one of the variety of restaurants, from Synergy with their social dining experience to Doppio Zero which is a unique bistro and bakery, and finally Winesense which offers delicious tapas style meals with a unique wine tasting concept store. Retail Therapy is a must with designer clothing, gifts, crafts and beauty care.
This evening transfer to Gold Restaurant Museum for Dinner
Discover GOLD in Cape Town. From the moment you walk through the Gold of Africa Museum in the historic Martin Melck building into the ancient courtyards of GOLD Restaurant 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 – from Cape Town to Timbuktu with its set 15 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. 30 minutes of vibrant playing of the drums will ensure an energized start to your evening. A soothing hand washing ceremony will complete your interactive drumming experience.
Sit down at your table in one of our beautiful inner city courtyards surrounded by ancient trees and history. A set 15 course menu consisting of Cape Malay cuisine and African cuisine will be served to you by one of our beautifully adorned member of staff who will explain each dish to you and from which African country the dish originates from.
Be captivated during dinner by our tall, graceful Mali Puppets as they dance around your table with the drummers and singers. Our live entertainment is unique to South Africa and their performances will embrace you and take you into the heart of Africa.
Accommodation: Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 (Day... 03)
Today you will be taken on a Full day Winelands tour stopping for lunch at Moyo Restaurant at the Spier
A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery…like the breathtaking views from the historical Taal Monument near Paarl. The area’s rich with history, and we can’t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a wine cellar tour and tasting, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. We visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek; pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument. We wind our way to the heady heights of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. We’ve set aside ample time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and sneaking into the odd shop or two! A trip to the winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so we organized one at Stellakaya with Ntsiki Biyela who is a resident winemaker who has a passion for red wine and has also been named Landbouweekblad Woman winemaker of the year.
Lunch will be at Moyo Restaurant at Spier in the Cape Winelands.
Moyo at Spier in the Winelands is an unforgettable outdoor dining experience that captures the essence of the unique Cape African culture. A fusion of modern sophisticated décor and distinctly African flavoured dishes create an inspiring culinary affair. Relax and enjoy the spectacular vistas while you are treated to a colourful brand of Cape African hospitality. An extensive buffet is served that is as rich and exciting as the many diverse cultures. The tree-lined garden is filled with Bedouin tents and gazebos and live performers will entertain you to indigenous theatre, dance, opera and traditional storytelling from noon until late.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa (B, L)
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SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2014 (Day …04)
After breakfast this morning, explore Cape Town’s coastline on a full day Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula tour.
PENINSULA TOUR
The Fairest Cape…and it surely is! You’ll soon see for yourself where and why it earned its name. First up, it’s the cable car to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather permitting) and from there, you’ll be able to see to the end of our world, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa. Sit back and relax, we’re going to cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay and Clifton to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay; embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (weather permitting). Back on terra firma, we wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views: the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. Take a ride up on the funicular for magnificent views. We meander back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. The Fairest Cape of All, that was Sir Francis Drake’s opinion…and we’re sure you’ll echo it.
Accommodation: Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa (B)
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2014 …(Day.05)
Day spent at Leisure…
Accommodation: Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa (B)
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2014) …Day-06
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a full day “Walk to Freedom” tour.
WALK TO FREEDOM TOUR
Experience the wonderful raw energy of our Townships in one unforgettable morning. An opening history visiting District Six, leads to the oldest township Langa and its people. What a vibe, what positivity, a ‘Rainbow Nation’ indeed. Strolling through Langa Township, pop in to a ‘shebeen’ (pub), observing the difference in housing quality and witnessing real progress being made in providing decent housing, new developments as well as the restoration of the old single quarters. Then from Langa to Khayelitsha the new kid on the block, the largest in Western Cape all swagger and strut. Large scale developments abound, housing, schools, shopping malls, clinics and many private organisations doing a marvellous job in providing social and other skills to the people at large. We visit Robben Island in the afternoon. Cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.
Accommodation Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa (B)
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014 …(Day 07)
Spend your last day in Cape Town doing some last minute shopping or visit one of the many places of interest. Cape Town is a fabulously diverse and vibrant city; from its beautiful natural attributes to its colourful culture, stunning wine farms and captivating history – it’s a tourist heaven. Cape Town offers historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens, as well as great restaurants and wonderful shopping. While South Africa is perhaps best known for its game parks and natural spendors; it is also a land whose cities exude urban sophistication, rich in history, the arts, entertainment and other cosmopolitan delights.
Accommodation: Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa (B)
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 …(Day 08)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning. You will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport where you will be met by a Representative who will assist you to the check in counter for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival at O.R Tambo International Airport, you will be met by a Representative who will assist you to your transfer to the Da Vinci Hotel.
Located on Sandton’s prestigious Nelson Mandela Square, in the heart of the Sandton business and shopping district, with direct access to Legacy Corner Mall, Sandton City Shopping Centre and Nelson Mandela Square.33km from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). Guests can take time and relax in the gym, infinity edge swimming pool or simply be pampered by the therapists in the wellness spa. Enjoy fine cuisine at Maximillien restaurant located at Legacy Corner Mall, 8@The Towers situated in the lobby of the Michelangelo Towers, Piccolo Mondo and Il Ritrovo both located at The Michelangelo hotel or at DaVinci Lounge & Bar where guests can enjoy a light meal at any time of the day or enjoy a cocktail in the evening. Conference facilities are available for up to 120 delegates.The 166 rooms, 50 one, two and three bedroom suites and 4 penthouses all offer en-suite bathrooms with shower, HD LCD televisions, air-conditioning, direct dial telephone and each suite has a kitchen, open plan lounge and dining area.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel (B)
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014…(Day – 09)
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a full day “Journey to Freedom” tour.
Lunch will be served at Sakhumzi’s Restaurant.
Journey to freedom
Many South Africans gave much, some gave all, to achieve a truly democratic South Africa. Come with us on this full day tour which shares some of the journey, pain and struggle of those heroes; witness the places, experience the diverse museums where these momentous, tumultuous years have been so well documented. Our day begins at the Hector Pieterson Museum, where we start to unravel the cause of the devastating riots, before travelling past Mandela House, where you have the option of visiting this small museum. Our next significant stop is the fascinating ReginaMundiChurch, site of so many of the underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Standing in here, you can feel the tension; picture the intensity, the strain on the faces of those unthinkably brave souls, committed at any cost to changing the way of life of a nation. We end our day with a visit to the legendary Apartheid Museum. This is an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release.
The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa. It’s a fascinating tour, filled with tales of bravery and sadness, but ultimately, it’s a story with the right ending.
SAKHUMZI’S RESTAURANT
Sakhumzi Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Soweto in Orlando west's famous vilakazi Street. The Street has a rich historical background that boasts two Nobel Prize winners namely: Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu who happens to reside right next to the restaurant and former president Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela who's former house -turned museum is just a stones throw away. A few minutes walk will also lead you to the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Sakhumzi Restaurant specializes in typical Sowetan cuisine, from breakfast through to dinner. You can opt for a sumptuous buffet or ala carte and dessert. The menu ranges from pap, rice, dumplings, vegetables, grilled chicken, stews/curries to mogodu (trlpe), served from within the restaurant or outside in a tranquil garden setting. Sakhumzi Restaurant also has a private conference facility with seating for 10 people - so why not leave your stuffy Sandton Office Park for the day and enjoy a think-tank session in a friendly, relaxed township environment? The vibe at Sakhumzi's in the evening is fantastic and tour groups planning to pop in for a drink have been known to change their schedule and depart late at night. You also have the chance to mingle with local customers and get to understand their way of living.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel (B)
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 …(Day – 10)
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a half day coach and guide for local touring.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel (B)
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014…(Day-11)
This morning, after breakfast, visit the ROSEBANK AFRICAN MARKET. The vibrant cultures of Africa gather under one roof to reveal their treasures in the heart of Rosebank'svibey cosmopolitan restaurant, shopping and entertainment district. B&B African Craft Market is a consumer haven for locals and travellers alike.
The tour bus parking facility located opposite the market will provide you with secure and convenient access to a vast range of exquisite high quality handcrafted African artifacts and antiques. Visitors to the African Craft Market are welcomed seven days a week from 9am to 6pm by the pulsating rhythm of African drum beats. So begins a truly unique African shopping experience. Journey from the Ivory Coast to Cameroon, from Zimbabwe to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as skilled African artists present a vast range of wares. From African masks to clothing and ceramics; from wooden and stone carvings to beaded dolls and jewellery. Whether it's trinkets for a few Rand or collector's items in the thousands - your bartering skills will secure you the best price. A truly African shopping experience awaits you at B&B's African Craft Market.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel (B)
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014…(Day 12)
Spend the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Hotel (B)
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014…(Day-13)
Enjoy breakfast this morning before your transfer to Pilanesberg, via Lesedi Cultural village.
Lunch will be served at Lesedi Cultural Village.
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LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE
Five cultures in a day, that’s what we’ll be exploring at the Lesedi Cultural Village, heart and home to families of a range of African tribes, all living harmoniously in true traditional homesteads. You’ll be right there experiencing the warmth and hospitality of people from the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Pedi cultures, and you’ll find it fascinating! Our multilingual, multi-visual orientation depicts the history of South Africa, and will deepen your understanding of the complexity of our multicultural community. As evening falls, we all enjoy a traditional African meal, a fine way to round off a day of new experiences and fresh insights.
Continue to Bakubung Bush Lodgein the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park which also borders on the entertainment complex of Sun City.
Tucked in the expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, Bakubung Bush Lodge offers the best of both worlds when combining the peaceful bush environment with luxury and comfort. The lodge offers plush en-suite rooms, each with air-conditioning, satellite television, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, two floodlit tennis courts, volleyball court and spa. Activities at the lodge include game drives and walking trails. Certain services, recreational facilities, and activities may be at an additional fee, subject to change. Enjoy a fine meal in the restaurant or relax over a light meal on the terrace overlooking the vastness of the game reserve.
Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge (B, L, D) Standard Room
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 …(Day 14)
Enjoy an early morning open vehicle game drive. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax around the rock swimming pool or perhaps visit the nearby Sun City complex, a mere 10-minutes away by shuttle.
The Pilanesberg National Park is malaria-free and borders on the entertainment complex of Sun City. It is almost perfectly circular because it comprises the area of a 1200 million years old volcano crater with a small lake in the centre.
The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone. Virtually all the animal species of southern Africa exist here, including healthy populations of Lion, black and white Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard - Africa's "Big Five". Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. The park offers a number of wonderful picnic spots, numerous hides for game watching, huge walk-in aviaries, safe hiking trails, safari drives at night and flights over the park in a hot-air balloon.
Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort offering a multitude of attractions and activities. With golf and gambling, and world class hotels, Sun City is the perfect choice for a holiday. The huge range of sporting and leisure facilities include floodlit tennis courts, horse riding, nature trails, and lawn bowls, as well as jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and sunset cruising at Waterworld. The Valley of the Waves offers surfing on two-meter high waves to the relaxing lazy river ride. Sun City has one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, and also offers the thrill of glamorous dancers and exciting novelty acts. The many shops offer curios, clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. The two 18-hole championship golf courses at Sun City challenge all types of golfer, and there are real crocodiles in the water feature at the 13th hole!
Later this afternoon you will go on another game drive and view the nocturnal game. Following your game drive you will have dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge (B, D) Standard Room
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014…(Day 15)
Today you will be taken by private transfer from Bakubung Bush Lodge back to Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport in time to connect with your scheduled international flight back to the USA.
On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport’s Central Terminal Building, you will be met and assisted as you connect with your international South African Airways flight back to the USA.
(B)
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014…(Day 16)
Arrive in New York, NY with a lifetime of memories!
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B = Breakfast
YOUR TOUR WILL INCLUDE:
- All services as specified
- All transfers as specified
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated
- Game drives as specified
- Services of Rangers/Trackers
- Meet & Greet service at airports as specified
- 24-hour emergency service
- Assistance with transfers and day tours
- Hotel & Airport porterage
- Local representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
YOUR TOUR DOES NOT
INCLUDE:
- All items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- All other services not mentioned above
- All meals not specified in the inclusions above
- Gratuities/tips for game rangers/trackers, tour guides and drivers
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- New Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases beyond our control
- The services of a guide while at Bakubung Bush Lodge
Please Note:
~ Cost ~
BOOK BY:
January 15, 2012 GET $300 OFF! PAY $5,941 PER PERSON/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
JULY 15, 2012 - GET $200 OFF! PAY $6,041
JANUARY 15, 2013 GET $100 OFF! PAY $6,141
JULY 15,2013 GET $50 OFF! PAY $6,191
Single Supplement – Add $1,639 to fare
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call: 212.348.5449 or e-mail us at info@equator3.com
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