SOUTH AFRICA

Departure from New York to Capetown.

Arrive the next day.

CAPE TOWN

Meet with the guide and transfer to the Southern Sun Waterfront 4 * Hotel ; located on the elegant Waterfront, the Victorian port of the city which includes a shopping center, shops, restaurants, aquarium, cinema, waterfront paths, and an ethnic handicraft center. Cape Town is the most beautiful, romantic, and visited city in southern Africa. It is located in an evocative setting, which the pre-colonial Khoikhoi inhabitants perfectly grasped, calling Table Mountain, its most characteristic point, Hoerikwaggo, that is, “the mountain in the sea”. Even more extraordinary is that next to the national park that covers much of the peninsula there is a pulsating metropolis with nightlife as lively as its wilderness. Free time to rest and free lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the city center admiring the exteriors of the Castle of Good Hope and the old Edwardian-style Town Hall, from whose balcony Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech a few hours after he was released from prison on February 11, 1990. through the Company Gardens, the ancient vegetable gardens and gardens of the Dutch East India Company and we visit the colorful and picturesque Muslim district of Bo-Kaap. On the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest and most evocative districts of the city, with colorful terraced houses in Dutch and Georgian style that hide a dense network of alleys and streets, arteries of the Muslim community that lives there. The inhabitants are the descendants of slaves imported by the Dutch in the 15th and 16th centuries, generically called Cape Malays (Cape Malaysians), although they came mainly from Africa, India, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka and only a small percentage from Malaysia. Back to the hotel, dinner at The Greek Fisherman Restaurant on the Waterfront. Overnight at Hotel.

CAPE TOWN - CAPE PENINSULA - CAPE TOWN | 200 km

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day dedicated to the discovery of the Cape Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We travel by bus along the Chapman's Peak scenic route, which the locals affectionately refer to as "Chappies". The itinerary extends for nine kilometers with more than 100 curves in a road dug by prisoners of war in seven years at the beginning of the last century between imposing cliffs overlooking the ocean. From the port of Hout Bay, we embark on the boat that will take us to Duiker Island, which is home to a colony of thousands of Cape fur seals. Continue to the famous nature reserve of the Cape of Good Hope, a world heritage site, located at the end of the Cape Peninsula, an enchanted place where the only protagonist is nature capable of offering breathtaking landscapes. What makes it an unmissable place is its endless and unspoiled vegetation, its beaches, and the most powerful lighthouse on the coast of South Africa. By funicular, you can reach the Cape Point lighthouse at 286 meters above sea level (built to warn ships that are approaching the feared "head of the storms") from which you can enjoy a breathtaking landscape on the rugged cliffs overlooking the stormy sea. Lunch at Black Marlin Restaurant overlooking False Bay. The last stop is at Boulders Beach, home to an endangered African colony of over 2,000 African penguins that can be seen in their natural habitat, amidst huge granite, white sand, and inlets. Return to the hotel in Cape Town. Dinner at The City Grill Steakhouse on the Waterfront

CAPE TOWN - HERMANUS | 157 km

After breakfast, we reach Cape Town's most iconic destination, Table Mountain, the queen of Cape Town over 1000 meters high which takes its name from its table-like shape, with the cable car offering a comfortable way to reach the top. of the mountain allowing a 360 ° view during the ascent, a wonder of nature. At the top, you have a breathtaking view of the city and the oceans. It is not unusual to meet the friendly dassies, the hyraxes of the Cape. We continue with a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain. Thanks to their richness and variety of plants and flowers, they were the first botanical gardens to be declared a UNESCO heritage site. These beautiful gardens are home to 7000 different species of South African endemic plants, some of which are endangered or even preserve as the last living specimen. Lunch and tasting of South African wines and chocolate at the Constantia wine estate, founded in 1685 by the Dutch governor of the Cape Colony Simon Van der Stel. Continue to Hermanus, a former fishing village proclaimed the "South African capital of whales". Here, from June to November, the southern right whales take refuge in the shallow waters of the bay to give birth and remain until the cub is old enough to leave. It is the only place in the world where it is possible to spot whales even from land. Accommodation at the 3 * Windsor Hotel (sea view rooms). Time is available to stroll along the coastal path and, with a little luck, observe these majestic aquatic mammals. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

HERMANUS - OUDTSHOORN | 360 km

After breakfast, we reach the port, from which we embark on a whale-watching cruise. We continue east towards Oudtshoorn, a place famous for ostrich farming since 1860. The unique Victorian fashion of large feathers had transformed ostriches into a source of wealth: around 1880 hundreds of thousands of kilos of feathers were exported. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the most successful farmers and traders erected their pretentious "feather palaces", grandiose Edwardian sandstone buildings, which have become the characteristic element of Oudtshoorn. Lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit an ostrich farm, where we can get to know these cute animals up close. Accommodation at the Hotel Surval Boutique Olive Estate 4 * (luxury room) and typical "braai" dinner at the hotel (South African barbecue). Overnight

OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA | 120 km

After breakfast, visit the famous Cango Caves, in the heart of the Swartberg mountains. These

caves are among the most popular attractions in South Africa and attract 250,000 visitors a year, who are breathless in front of the spaces carved into the rock and scattered with stalactites and stalagmites

of calcite. In the end, we head east for a two-day itinerary along the spectacular Garden Route, considered one of the 5 most scenic coastal roads in the world. The Garden Route,

a strip of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, is rightly considered the Paradise of South Africa. This green and a wooded strip of almost 200 km is crossed by rivers that

from the mountains of the north they descend to the beaches and cliffs of the south. We cross the Pass

of Outeniqua and reach George, the sixth oldest city in South Africa, which contains important historical evidence, including the Slave Tree and the splendid Edwardian building of the King Edward VII Library. We cross the coastal town of Wilderness and reach Knysna,

a beautiful town located on the shores of the homonymous lagoon. We will then board a boat for an exciting one-and-a-half-hour cruise in the Knysna lagoon with lunch on board. We will admire

the two gigantic stacks called The Heads that rise like two guardians at the point where

the lagoon meets the ocean, the lush shores of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, seals, dolphins, and,

with a little luck, the majestic whales. Afterward, visit the Knysna Elephant Park, where we will be able to meet the elephants housed in the Park very closely, all elephants left orphans and saved from slaughter. Elephants circulate freely in the 60 hectares of the park which includes two

large pools of water and a great variety of indigenous vegetation. Transfer to Knysna Log 5 Inn 4 * (standard rooms). Dinner at 34 Degrees Restaurant.

KNYSNA - PORT ELIZABETH | 267 km

After breakfast, we continue our coastal itinerary towards Plettenberg Bay, jewel of the Garden Route. Stop at the Monkey Sanctuary, which brings together primates from different continents in a large nature reserve where the monkeys move freely, looking for food independently. A guide will take us on an informative walk through the indigenous forest to observe the ring-tailed lemurs, the capuchin monkeys, the funny saki monkeys with their characteristic white mask, gibbons, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, vervets, entelli, etc. One of the highlights of the visit is the crossing of the 128 m long rope bridge suspended over a canyon to reach the forest roof, where many of the species spend the day. Continuation with the visit of Birds of Eden, a huge ornithological reserve inside the virgin forest, where we will be able to admire many exotic birds with bright colors, including the Knysna turaco, the crane of paradise (the South African national bird), the Cape robin, the African spoonbill, colorful parrots and cockatoos, the fiery red ibis and many more. Lunch in a restaurant. We continue our tour crossing the Bloukrans Bridge, from which thousands of intrepid people each year face the highest bungee jumping in the world: 216 meters of jumping into the void in a breathtaking canyon. We then cross the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, the most scenic part of the Garden Route, which extends for 68 km to the Eastern Cape along a narrow coastal strip with waves breaking on the rocky coast, deep river gorges, waterfalls, ancient forests of precious trees and green hills. Storm River Mouth is the most impressive river estuary on this coast and is crossed by a 77-meter-long suspension bridge that leads to a lookout that offers a breathtaking view of the estuary gorge. Arrival in Port Elizabeth and accommodation at The Kelway 4 * Hotel (Luxury Room). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

PORT ELIZABETH - JOHANNESBURG - WHITE RIVER | 343 km

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Port Elizabeth airport and departure with South African flight SA8464 at 08.00 with arrival in Johannesburg at 09.40. Meeting with the tour guide and transfer to the green region of Mpumalanga, in White River. Lunch in a restaurant during the transfer. Accommodation at the Stille Woning Guest House 4 * (standard room). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

WHITE RIVER - PANORAMA ROUTE - KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Kruger area) | 242 km

After breakfast, we set off to discover the magnificent landscapes of the long Mpumalanga region

the so-called Panorama Route. The Panorama Route runs from the rugged Drakensberg mountain range to Kruger National Park, along the Blyde River Canyon, a 33km green gorge. Stop in the small historic town of Pilgrims' Rest, the testimony of the

gold rush of 1873. The town still preserves the corrugated sheet metal buildings with roofs intact

where the gold diggers slept and the Victorian-style hotel that housed entrepreneurs

wealthier. The first panoramic stop is at God’s Window, the "window of God", the panoramic point

most spectacular of the whole Reserve, located in the Drakensberg escarpment, from where you have a spectacular view of the Lowveld with the sandstone rocks emerging from more than 700 meters of lush rainforest. Located almost 2000 meters above sea level, they can be admired

the distant Lebombo Mountains and Kruger National Park. Another noteworthy site is the Bourke's

Luck Potholes, cylindrical rock formations modeled over millions of years with the 6 rotary movements by the sand and stones carried by the currents of the Treur river

before entering the Blyde, it was also called the giant's potholes. The cliffs, whose shades change from orange to yellow and gray, drop steeply into the turquoise waters. The name was given to him by gold prospector John Bourke, who despite having predicted that gold would be found in the area, never realized the benefits of predicting him. Continuing our itinerary along the Panorama Route, we meet the geological wonder of the Three Rondavels, sometimes also called the Three Sisters, huge rock spirals formed with the slow erosion of the soft underlying stone that left the quartzite exposed, with a shape reminiscent of the pointed conical roof constructions of traditional African houses. Continue to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger Park. Kruger National Park is the largest nature reserve in South Africa. It covers an area of ​​about 20,000 km2 (roughly equivalent to that of the state of Israel or Wales), with an extension of 350 km from north to south and 67 km from east to west. Over 500 different species of birds meet in the park, some resident, others migratory or nomadic. The Kruger is home to all members of the big five group with an estimated 2,500 buffaloes, 1,000 leopards, 1,500 lions, 5,000 rhinos (both black and white), and 12,000 elephants. Other mammals found in the park include zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, kudus, hippos, impalas, many species of antelope, hyenas, warthogs, wildebeest, and so on. Unlike the "state" areas of the Park, which are very crowded and with the obligation to travel only the asphalted roads, the private reserves offer greater ease of sightings, are less crowded, and give the possibility of off-piste skiing, always in the company of expert rangers. Accommodation at Chisomo Safari Camp 4 * (Tented Suite). Located at the base of the Drakenberg mountain range, this reserve spans 9,000 hectares, includes three rivers, and is home to all of the Big Five. Guests of the Lodge can also relax by the pool or on the comfortable deck chairs in the lush gardens. Lunch in the lodge. In the afternoon we will carry out the first game drive in the reserve in open 4x4 vehicles. Return to the lodge. Dinner at the lodge.

KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Kruger area)

Full board in the Lodge. A day dedicated to safaris in this beautiful reserve of 13,000 hectares in search of the renowned "Big Five", the five great African mammals (elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and the elusive leopards) so called by the ancient hunters as they were considered the five most difficult animals to hunt. Now fortunately they are considered only the most beautiful to photograph. But it is also not uncommon to see pretty giraffes, agile gazelles, shy zebras, and many other animals including cute warthogs, wildebeest, crocodiles, and colorful birds. We will go on two safaris with expert rangers in 4x4 vehicles: one in the early morning and one in the afternoon. Overnight in the lodge.

KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - JOHANNESBURG | 443 km

After the last game drive in the morning and breakfast, departure for Johannesburg. Lunch in a restaurant during the transfer. Accommodation at the Hotel Garden Court Sandton City 3 * sup. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

JOHANNESBURG - VICTORY WATERFALLS (Zimbabwe)

After breakfast, board the South African Airways SA 40 scheduled flight departing at 10:50 am and arriving in Victoria Falls at 12:30 pm. Upon arrival, meet with the tour guide and transfer to A'Zambezi River Lodge 4 *. Lunch at the lodge and free time. Sunset cruise along the Zambezi River: the boat gently sails offering the opportunity to observe many animals drinking from the river. Snacks, beer, champagne, and soft drinks will be offered onboard - a great way to end another day in Africa. Return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight.

C. VITTORIA - CHOBE PARK (Botswana) - C. VITTORIA | 194 km

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is dedicated to one of the most beautiful excursions that can be done in Africa. You reach the border in Kazungula and, after customs formalities, continue to the nearby Chobe Park, the most famous park in Botswana for the variety and quantity of flora and fauna. It is also the place of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa: there are about 120 thousand of them. Sailing along the Chobe River that laps Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, we will be able to admire elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and hippos. Lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge on the riverside. Afterward, jeep safaris in the Park to admire the Big Five and many other animals. Return to our lodge in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and transfer for dinner in a typical "Boma" where you can taste local cuisine and at the same time you will feel an integral part of this unique cultural experience that strikes the senses with flavors. , the places, smells, and sounds of Africa. The menu includes a range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes accompanied by a delicious barbeque buffet. The atmosphere is created by the local Shangaan dancers and singers who entertain during dinner. Overnight at Hotel.

VICTORY WATERFALLS - JOHANNESBURG

After breakfast, we leave for a half-day tour of the majestic Victoria Falls. The surrounding vegetation is surprising: a lush, lush rainforest, created thanks to the vaporization of the water with numerous birds living among the rock formations. The falls were discovered by David Livingstone and dedicated by him to his queen. The calm waters of the Zambezi River plunge into the void and tumultuously cover a drop of 108 meters on a front more than a kilometer and a half long with a deafening noise. A grandiose natural spectacle, “a place created for angels”, as Livingstone himself stated. They are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) due to the roar of the falling water that can be heard from more than 20 km away with the cloud of steam rising to the sky. Transfer to the airport in time for South African flight SA41 at 1:30 pm, arriving in Johannesburg at 3:10 pm (free lunch). Meeting with the guide, panoramic tour of the city and transfer to the Hotel Garden Court Sandton City 3 * sup. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

JOHANNESBURG (Soweto and Ormonde) - DUBAI

After breakfast and check-out departure for a tour of Soweto, built on rolling hills and with a population of over 2 million people, which is the heart of the fight against injustice that took place in South Africa in the 20th century as it at the time of apartheid it was an area of ​​segregation. Visit the Hector Peterson Memorial dedicated to the 1976 Soweto riots, a series of pro-democracy protests led by high school students opposed to the apartheid regime. Hector Pieterson, the 13-year-old student who was killed by the police during the protests, symbolizes those who oppose the tyrannical regime and, even today, June 16 is celebrated in South Africa as National Youth Day in memory of those who lost their lives during the protest. The next stop is at the modest brick house where the revolutionary Nelson Mandela, who later became President of South Africa, lived from 1946 to 1990. Now the building has been completely refurbished and is a National Historic Landmark that houses a museum managed by the Soweto Heritage Trust. We then move to the Ormonde neighborhood to visit the significant Apartheid Museum, which reconstructs the history of segregation in an engaging and clarifying way through articles, photographs, objects and testimonies. Lunch at the Chez Alina Restaurant. Departure for Johannesburg airport in time for scheduled return fly

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