Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from New York or Washington for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg on South African Airways.
Day 2: Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will go through immigration and clear customs, re-check your bags and then proceed to the Domestic Terminal for your onward flight to Cape Town. Then upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
The Commodore Hotel, a 4 star hotel situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town's center of activity, with a variety of stores, restaurants and bars. The Hotel offers superb service and excellent cuisine in a secure, friendly environment and most rooms have wonderful views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and Signal Hill. The Clipper Restaurant offers superb dining in a tranquil setting, from a mouth-watering buffet breakfast to a diverse à la carte menu and devilish desserts! And to delight the palate further, indulge in a large selection of sherries, brandies and fine cognacs, or explore The Commodore House Wine Collection. Alternatively, relax to the nostalgic melodies played by the piano man over a light meal or high tea at The Admiralty Bar & Lounge.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (Breakfast Included)
View The Commodore Hotel Slideshow
Day 3: After breakfast depart for your Cape Peninsula Tour.
See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the 'Fairest Cape'. Travel though the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno - currently the hottest real estate in the world - to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting).
After a stop for lunch (own account), it's on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 41 mile trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora.
Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Your last stop is the naval port of Simonstown, the country's third oldest European settlement.
Return to the Hotel in the late afternoon this evening.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (Breakfast Included)
Day 4: After breakfast you will make your own way to the jetty at the Clocktower in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Here you will board the ferry for your Robben Island Tour.
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 8 miles from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.
During the apartheid years, Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs.
Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Today, you will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.
Later this afternoon you will be at leisure to visit Table Mountain (weather permitting). You will make your own way to Table Mountain, which is well known for its spectacular views. The new revolving cable cars give stunning views over Cape Town. Once on top, there is time to wander around and take photographs from the numerous viewing decks around. Take a look at the curio shop, take a walk around to the different viewpoints, or you may want to stop for refreshments. After making your descent you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (Breakfast Included)
Day 5: After breakfast at the Hotel the remainder of the day is at leisure to visit the fabulous stores and restaurants at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or possibly take an optional Wine Tour.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (Breakfast Included)
Day 6: This morning you will have an early transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, South Africa on South African Airways. Upon arrival in Johannesburg International Airport you will then be transferred to your hotel.
The Michelangelo Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is the perfect complement to Sandton's exclusive central business district. With its signature Renaissance architecture, elegance and service excellence, The Michelangelo makes a lasting impression from the moment you arrive. Forming an integral part of Renaissance styled Nelson Mandela Square, the 5 star Michelangelo Hotel reflects the architecture and design of the Square. A majestic dome in glass and steel tops the entrance lobby atrium rising eight stories. Scenic elevators overlook the atrium with its arches.
Accommodation: The Michelangelo Hotel (Breakfast Included)
View The Michelangelo Hotel Slideshow
Day 7: After breakfast this morning you will have an early transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit on South African Airways. Here you will be met and transferred to your lodge.
Jackalberry Lodge is situated within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, one of the worlds premier big five game viewing areas. The majestic Drakensberg Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for this intimate camp, offering magnificent views, understated luxury and restful, ethnic ambience that blends harmoniously with nature. The Lodge is named after the beautiful Jackalberry Tree that occurs widely in the bushveld. The bush around the Lodge teems with game. More than 60 species of wildlife can be found in the immediate vicinity, including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, hyena and cheetah.
Jackalberry is also a paradise for birdwatchers, where more than 280 species have been recorded. Experience the comfort of chalet-style rooms offering understated luxury, sumptuous en-suite bathrooms with feature bath, double handbasins as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
View Jackalberry Lodge Slide Show here
Day 8: Enjoy a morning game viewing activity in this spectacular wildlife kingdom. Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing around the pool or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call.
In the afternoon you will be taken on another unforgettable safari through the unspoiled African bush.
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 9: Today you will also participate in the morning and late afternoon/evening game drives.
Accommodation: Jackalberry Lodge or (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 10: After breakfast you will be transferred by road back to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect for your ongoing flight back to the USA on South African Airways (B)
Day 11: Arrive in New York or Washington with a lifetime of memories!
PLEASE NOTE - SORRY PACKAGE NOT AVAILABLE DURING WORLD CUP 2010
Per Person Rates 2010 - Cape Town & Best of the Bush including airline fuel surcharges.
Special Rate for departures between May 1 and May 14 - $3295 plus airline taxes*
Departures in September and October - $3995 plus airline taxes*
All rates are based on 2 people sharing and are subject to availability. Please contact us for single supplement amounts.
*Package does not include Passenger Facility Charges of $4.50, Federal Segment Fee of $3.60 per flight segment, September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per flight segment that originates at a US point, international government taxes and fees of up to $140 varying by currency exchange rate at time of purchase.
