off the beaten path: off the beaten path

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: SOUTH AFRICA
(SAMPLE ITINERARY)
Day 1:
Upon your arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be assisted with clearing
customs and collecting your luggage.
You will proceed to the Arrivals hall, where you will be welcomed by your
expert Heritage Tours Private Travel guide and escorted to your hotel.
Check in at the Cape Cadogan, a stately boutique hotel in the center of Cape
Town.
594 Broadway
Suite 1001
New York, NY 10012
800.378.4555
212.206.8400
F 212.206.9101
HTprivatetravel.com
Each of its twelve comfortable rooms is furnished differently, lending the
hotel a distinctive character all its own. This historic landmark, originally a
farm house, dates to the early 19th century and has a small pool.
• You will be staying in a luxury room.
Overnight: Cape Cadogan – luxury room.
Day 2:
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning will be unlike your other days in South Africa. As a result of our
commitment at Heritage Tours Private Travel to South Africa and our belief in
“giving back” to those who have given so much to our clientele over the
many years, you will have the opportunity to visit a handful of empowerment
projects in some of the townships.
This is a chance to interact, experience, learn from and be inspired by people
whose lives are very different from our own.
Some projects that you might visit are urban gardens, orphanages, an arts
school, or a peace park. This is an uplifting morning. It can bring you face to
face with some of the harsh realities in a developing country such as South
Africa, but it also exposes you to the vital humanity and boundless optimism
that is at the heart of the South African people.
Part of the cost of your trip with Heritage Tours Private Travel is already
going to support these projects (you will not be solicited).
After your morning visits, you may wish to do some shopping and enjoy lunch
at the V&A Waterfront before walking five minutes to the jetty where you
will take a boat (weather permitting) to Robben Island (a UNESCO World
Heritage Site), the place where Nelson Mandela was held for most of his
nearly 30 years in prison.
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Day 2 (continued):
• We have pre-booked boat tickets for you.
Your visit to the museum and prison will be led by a former political prisoner
who will give you an introduction to the recent history of South Africa and
the dramatic changes the country has faced within our own lifetimes. (Please
note that this is a group tour led by a Robben Island guide; private tours are
not permitted on the island. Including the boat ride, the afternoon
approximately 3 ½ hours (plus touring).
At the end of the day, you can take a taxi back to your hotel.
Overnight: Cape Cadogan – luxury room.
Day 3:
Breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast, your expert guide will be waiting for you to begin your fullday, private tour of the Cape Peninsula and the legendary and feared Cape
Point: graveyard of many ships and subject of centuries of mariner lore.
There are only six floral kingdoms in the entire world; one of them is found
only in the Western Cape of South Africa. The smallest of the six kingdoms,
Fynbos encompasses thousands of plant species found only in this very
unique environment.
Highlights of this beautiful and dramatic landscape, where the Indian and
Atlantic oceans collide, include:
• Boulder’s Beach in charming Simon’s Town, the only land-based breeding site
of the lovable African penguin.
• The quaint fishing village of Hout Bay.
• A visit to Seal Island where you can see (weather permitting) hundreds of
Cape fur seals congregating on a small rocky outcrop and playing around the
boat.
• The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The reserve, founded in 1936, is
the Cape's largest natural wild flower garden, having more indigenous plant
species per square meter than anywhere else in the world. You can either
walk to the top or take a funicular. The Reserve is home to (lots of!) Cape
Chacma baboon, among many other species of animals.
• The Cape Point summit lookout platform. On a clear day, from the Cape
Point lookout platform, the view stretches to distant horizons from the most
southwesterly tip of Africa.
• The lighthouse at Cape Point has long been one of the world’s most famous
mariner’s landmarks. The funicular will take you up to the Lighthouse.
Whales swim along the southern tip of Africa from around the second half of
June through November. The viewing (especially of the southern right whales)
is often spectacular, as the whales come extremely close to the shoreline.
• Return along the eastern side of the Cape, along False Bay and back towards
Cape Town, with ever changing views of Table Mountain.
• Your day will end at the lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, considered
to be among the finest in the world. Here you will discover not only the great
beauty, but also the stunning diversity of the Cape flora. Only plants
indigenous to South Africa are grown here.
After your full-day, your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Cape Cadogan – luxury room.
Upon the whole,
there is perhaps not
a place in the
known World that
can equal this…
The journal of Captain James Cook
April 1771
Day 4:
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning you will enjoy a very rare and unique experience - a visit (may
be shared with others) of the prestigious Groote Schuur Residence, which
equates to visiting the White House in Washington or No. 10 Downing Street
in London.
The Groote Schuur Residence and Collection is an integral part of South
African history and is, in fact, South Africa’s only National Heritage Site. This
prestigious Residence is situated on the Presidential Compound and is
immediately adjacent to the Official Cape Town Residence of the State
President of the Republic of South Africa. You will have the opportunity to
view this unique residence and the priceless collection of furniture, tapestries,
porcelain and art.
This afternoon, depart on a tour of Cape Town’s booming art scene. You will
visit some of its top galleries, accompanied by one of South Africa’s leading
artists (her work is in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of
Modern Art) and she is the author of the definitive book on the
contemporary art scene in South Africa.
If you have any specific interests, please let us know in advance.
After your full-day, your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Cape Cadogan – luxury room.
Day 5:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today, with your expert guide, you will go toward the scenic Winelands to
enjoy a full-day guided tour, including tastings at some of South Africa’s
finest wine estates. Should wine not be your thing, cheese, olive and
chocolate tastings are also on offer!
Since the advent of democracy in South Africa,
Africa , its wines have begun,
begun , once
more,
more, to make an impact on the international market. The style of wine
straddles both the New and Old World, combining the ripe fruit of the
former with the elegance and restraint of the latter. Despite the warm
climate, South African plantings have,
have, in the past,
past , been dominated by
white varieties, especially Chenin Blanc, also referred to as Steen.
This is changing, and there are increased plantings of international
varieties,
varieties , including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/Shiraz, as well as the
Cape's own variety, Pinotage.
In addition to your tastings and estate visits, your day may include a walking
tour of Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most attractive and best-preserved
walking towns. Founded in 1697, Stellenbosch is home to the prestigious
Stellenbosch University.
You may also visit the tiny town of Franschhoek, originally founded by French
settlers who, seeking the religious freedom then available in the Cape, but not
in France first brought winemaking to the Cape in 1688.
After your half-day visit, your guide will escort you to Fugitive Reserve,
outside the town of Hermanus.
At Kirstenbosch...
are the National
Botanical Gardens,
which are among
the finest in the
world.
A. W. Wells, 1939
Day 5 (continued):
Check in at Grootbos Forest Lodge.
Raved about in Vogue and named one of the “Top 101 hotels in the World”
by Tatler, Grootbos is an enormous 5-star estate along the shores of the
Indian Ocean, not far from the town of Hermanus.
Offering luxury in a unique location, Grootbos was designed for lovers of
nature and animal life.
There are only six floral kingdoms in the entire world; one of them is found
only in the Western Cape of South Africa. The smallest of the six kingdoms,
Fynbos encompasses thousands of plant species found only in this very unique
environment. With more than 600 types of flowering plants, Grootbos is a
prime place to experience this kingdom. In addition to unique flora, Grootbos
has some of the richest bird life in Africa, as well as a remarkable diversity of
marine life.
• Grootbos has excellent horse trails for beginning and advanced riders.
Family owned and managed (with a very hands-on host), Grootbos gives you
a chance to discover South African hospitality as well as to get an in-depth
look at the beauty of the South African Cape.
• You will be staying in a Forest Lodge suite, set among 1000-year-old
milkwood trees, and offering outstanding views of the ocean.
Upon your arrival, enjoy an afternoon drive through the reserve (or see it
horseback if you prefer!).
If you wish, enjoy a sunset stroll along the sandy Indian Ocean beach.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner of freshly caught fish or seafood at Grootbos.
Overnight: Grootbos Forest Lodge.
Day 6 and 7:
Take an early morning guided walk on the estate to learn more about the
flora, especially the fascinating milkwood trees, within the reserve.
After working up an appetite, enjoy breakfast at your lodge.
After breakfast, you may choose to discover Grootbos’ beautiful milkwood
forests on foot on your own, or on horseback!
If you prefer something a bit more adventurous, you can spend the morning
in the Indian Ocean on Grootbos’ private boat (for an additional charge) to
try and get a glimpse of the ocean’s “Big 5” – whales, sharks, dolphins, seals
and penguins. Shark cage diving is another option on offer (also at an
additional charge). These activities are weather dependent.
Take time to relax or explore the tidal rock pools and costal caves, or take a
guided walk along the beach towards Hermanus, while learning about the
ecology of the marine and intertidal ecosystems.
Day 6 and 7 (continued):
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, or at the lodge.
In the afternoon, embark on another horseback ride or a drive through the
reserve with your guide.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner of freshly caught fish or seafood at Grootbos.
Overnights: Grootbos Forest Lodge.
Day 8:
Early wake-up for breakfast at your lodge.
Your will be escorted to Cape Town Airport, where you will check in for your
flight to Durban.
Upon arrival at Durban Airport, you will be met and escorted to your lodge in
the Drakensberg (approximately 2½ hours (plus stops)).
Check in at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.
• You will be staying in a luxury room with fireplace.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal
Drakensberg, is a 5-star lodge dedicated to delicious food and rustic luxury.
There are only 11 uniquely decorated rooms in the lodge. Enjoy walks along
the mountains, roaring log fires, and seven-course dinners during your stay.
Dinner at your lodge.
Overnight: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse – luxury room with fireplace.
Day 9:
Breakfast at your lodge.
This morning, you will be picked up by your guide for a full-day Midlands
Meander art and craft tour.
At the end of your day, you will be returned to your hotel.
Dinner at your lodge.
Overnight: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse – luxury room with fireplace.
Day 10:
Breakfast at your lodge.
You will be picked up after breakfast for your 3-hour road trip to Fugitive’s
Drift.
Check in at Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.
The Zulu War of 1879 is famous for the great battles of Isandlwana and
Rorke’s Drift. The Fugitives’ Drift property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooks
both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
Day 10 (continued):
It was here that David and Nicky Rattray pioneered Heritage Tourism in South
Africa and created an award-winning lodge for visitors to savor this
extraordinary saga. Spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each have a private
verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.
The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, where
David’s parents, Peter and Gillian, came for their holidays. Here the seeds of
this unique operation took root in those early years.
Led by the finest guides in South Africa, thought-provoking and often
emotionally charged tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorke’s
Drift. Walks and horse rides through the reserve to view abundant game and
birdlife are offered, as is fishing the 20 kilometer frontage on the Buffalo
River.
Lunch and dinner at your lodge.
Overnight: Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.
Day 11:
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing for the morning tour at
Isandlwana.
Your tour will be led by a registered guide who is a superb storyteller,
making the history of that day come alive. Family associations with the area
and its people allow your guide to offer some unique Zulu perspectives.
Learn of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British
Army at the Battle of Isandlwana.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Rorke’s Drift and listen, at sunset, to the famous
story about when 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4000 Zulu warriors - a
British victory that saw the award of more Victoria Crosses than in any other
battle in history.
Return to your lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.
Day 12:
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge.
You will be picked up after breakfast for your escort to the tiny, landlocked
mountain kingdom of Swaziland (approximately 4½ hours (plus stops)).
Upon your arrival in Swaziland, you will proceed to your hotel, a short drive
from the capital, Mbabane.
Day 12 (continued):
The kingdom of Swaziland is a small, lush, landlocked country characterized by
magnificent scenery, very friendly people, and - only a stone’s
stone’s throw off the
main roads a traditional African way of life.
You will find Swaziland very different from the more Westernized South Africa.
Swaziland was never colonized;
colonized; nor were its citizens subjected to apartheid.
The Swazi people have certainly adopted some elements of modernity, but they
maintain a strong belief in and reliance upon the traditional rules, rituals and
ceremonies.
For ceremonies,
ceremonies, and even for everyday
everyday occasions, Swazis wear traditional
garments: feathered headdress, wild animal skins, shields, knobkerries (short
clubs),
clubs), spears and the colorful mahiya (toga(toga-like garment).
Check in at the quaint and homey Foresters Arms, situated on 90 hectares
(222 acres) in the beautiful Swaziland highlands in the heart of the Kingdom.
The country atmosphere of the lodge is enhanced by roaring log fires,
charming furnishings, and old prints. There are outstanding views of the
countryside, and the colorful gardens are a favorite haunt of sunbirds and
paradise flycatchers.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Foresters Arms.
Day 13:
Breakfast at your lodge.
After your hearty breakfast, you will be picked up and escorted once again
into the traditional Kingdom of Swaziland for a full-day of touring.
Some of the places of interest that you may see include the Sotho Ruins and
Lion Cavern, Nsangweni Bushman Paintings and Komati River Gorge,
Phophoyane Falls, Mantenga Falls and Cultural Village, Mlilwane Wildlife
Sanctuary, National Museum, Swazi Candle Factory and the Mantenga Craft
Center.
More than the “sights,” however, we encourage you to take some time to get
to know this very special little place – a marked contrast to more-developed
South Africa. Be spontaneous. Follow the roads to the unmarked little villages.
Smile at the local people and be open to the wonders of Swaziland.
Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Foresters Arms.
“We do not inherit
the earth from our
forefathers; we
borrow it from our
children"
- His Majesty King Sobhuza II
Emperor of Swaziland
Day 14:
Breakfast at your lodge.
After breakfast, you will be escorted by road from Swaziland to your game
lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Reserve (approximately 3 hours (plus stops)).
Check into the Lion Sands River Lodge, situated along the legendary Sabi
Riverbed.
• You will be staying in a superior room.
The game viewing at Lion Sands is absolutely extraordinary.
Situated on a privileged piece of real estate in the Sabi Sands Private Game
Reserve, at the border of Kruger National Park, along the legendary Sabi
Riverbed, Lion Sands is one of the best places in South Africa to view game
(it also has a nice little spa and rather good food).
Your spacious room features air-conditioning, en-suite facilities, an outdoor
shower, and a private viewing deck overlooking the Sabi River.
At Lion Sands, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the local African
communities, to meet residents, to see traditional village dwellings and to
visit a school (the school is supported in part by Lion Sands).
Upon your arrival, check into your accommodations and take time to relax
and refresh.
Depending upon your time of arrival, a light lunch will be served.
You will have the early afternoon at leisure to enjoy the lovely facilities of
the lodge.
Tea, coffee and cakes will be served, and you will meet your ranger and be
introduced to what you will experience over the next three days.
Depart on your afternoon game drive, with your ranger and your tracker, in
your open 4 x 4 safari vehicles in search of Africa’s Big Five: elephant, rhino,
leopard, buffalo and lion.
Enjoy drinks in the bush as the sun sets.
Return to camp for a lovely dinner.
Overnight: Lion Sands River Lodge – superior room.
Day 15:
Wake up before sunrise.
After an early morning tea or coffee, depart in your 4 x 4 vehicles with your
ranger and tracker for a morning game drive in the bush.
Return to the camp for an ample breakfast.
It was ecstasy to
breathe the bracing
air and gaze out
over the vast brown
solitude of the
velvet plains, soft
and lovely nearby,
still softer and
lovelier further
away…
The Diary of Mark Twain, 1896
Day 15 (continued):
After breakfast, take an optional game walk with your expert ranger to learn
about conservation and wildlife on a different scale. If you are interested in
birding, this is an opportunity for some spectacular sightings. We strongly
suggest you do this at least one day during your stay.
You will have the remainder of the morning at leisure.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Enjoy the early afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the lodge.
Tea, coffee and cakes will be served.
Depart on your afternoon game drive.
Enjoy drinks in the bush as the sun sets.
Once the sun goes down, high-powered spotlights will be used to see the
nocturnal life of the bush.
Return to camp for dinner at your lodge.
Overnight: Lion Sands River Lodge – superior room.
Day 16:
Early wake-up.
Early morning tea or coffee, followed by a morning game drive.
Return to the camp for an ample breakfast.
After breakfast, enjoy the facilities of your lodge or go on a game walk.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch. Early afternoon at leisure.
Tea, coffee and cakes will be served on the veranda.
In the late afternoon, depart on your afternoon game drive.
Enjoy drinks in the bush as the sun sets over the savannah.
Continue on your spotlight night drive this evening.
Return to camp for dinner at your lodge, or in the open-air boma.
Overnight: Lion Sands River Lodge – superior room.
There is something
about safari life that
makes you forget all
your sorrows and
feel as if you had
drunk half a bottle of
champagne.
Karen Blixen, Out of Africa
Day 17:
Early wake-up.
Early morning tea or coffee, followed by a morning game drive.
Return to the camp for an ample breakfast.
You will be escorted to the safari’s landing strip.
There you will board your small plane flight to Johannesburg.
Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met and
assisted to check in for your return flight home.
Have a great flight!
We wish you the traditional Zulu farewell: Hambaghatle (May Peace Be With
You).
So much of who we
are is where we
have been.
William Langewiesche
Included in your land package:
ACCOMMODATION:
Sixteen nights accommodation (double occupancy) in some of South Africa’s
most atmospheric accommodations, including three nights on safari.
Upgrade to a Luxury room at Cape Cadogan.
Upgrade to a “Luxury” room at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.
Upgrade to a Superior room at Lion Sands River Lodge.
Breakfast served every morning.
Dinners at Cleopatra’s Mountain Farmhouse & Foresters Arms.
PRIVATE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES:
Heritage Tours Private Travel-qualified expert guide/driver for sightseeing as
noted. Admissions for all sightseeing with guide.
Full-day Cape Town, Table Mountain & Jewish heritage.
Full-day Cape Peninsula and Botanical Gardens.
Half-day Art Tour.
Half-day Winelands (with tastings).
Full-day Midlands meander.
Full-day Swaziland tour.
Services while at Grootbos Nature Reserve.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Full range of standard lodge activities including:
Reserve Horse riding for all levels of riders.
Flower Safaris including Fynbos nature tours.
Milkwood walks.
Land Based Whale Watching (June- December).
Beach Picnics with snacks and sundowners.
Excursions to ancient archeological caves.
Birding Excursions.
Various maps of the reserve and the area for self-guided
walks.
Transfers to/from all activities.
(Other area activities, such as shark cage diving or marine
cruises do carry a surcharge, which will be payable directly
to the property).
Services while at Fugitives’ Drift:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Tour of Isandlwana.
Tour to Rorke’s Drift.
Services while on safari at Lion Sands River Lodge:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Tea, coffee and sweets daily.
All wine and spirits (except “premium brands”).
Sundowner cocktails every evening.
After-dinner drinks.
Two or more game drives daily with ranger and tracker.
Optional game walks.
“In a place where not
everything runs like
clockwork, it was
reassuring to be in
the reliable hands of
experts like Heritage
Tours.”
- Diversion
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
Transfers by private vehicle:
Cape Town Airport – Cape Cadogan.
Cape Cadogan – Grootbos Reserve.
Grootbos – Cape Town Airport.
Durban Airport – Cleopatra’s Mountain Farmhouse.
Cleopatra’s – Fugitives Drift.
Fugitives Drift – Swaziland.
Swaziland – Lion Sands.
OTHER SERVICES:
Robben Island (small group tour).
All transfers to and from landing strips to camps.
All National Park fees.
14% VAT on services plus tourism levy.
The 24/7 services of our first-rate office in Johannesburg.
Customs clearance and luggage assistance as noted.
PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:
All the intangibles that come with the connections, knowledge, passion and
experience of one of the premier travel providers to Southern Africa.
Not included in your land package:
Air (for domestic air, see below).
Gratuities.
Services on days at leisure.
Optional or extra activities (that carry a fee) booked directly with game lodges
or hotels.
Special imposed fees/taxes on private game reserves and national parks.
Luggage shipment fees.
Spa treatments and other personal items.
Included
Included in your air package:
Scheduled flights:
Cape Town – Durban.
Small (light) planes:
Sabi Sands – Johannesburg.
THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS ONLY A SAMPLE. ANYTHING CAN BE
MODIFIED TO FIT YOUR WISHES. PRICE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
AND VARIES BY THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS AND TIME OF YEAR.
(For help in
planning my own
trip)...I called my
friend Joel
Zack...whose
Heritage Tours
Private Travel
specializes in
Morocco, Spain,
Portugal, Turkey
and Southern
Africa.”
- Richard David Story,
Editor in Chief
DEPARTURES