Far West Ski Association's

South African Journey

Victoria Falls - South Africa - Garden Route

No visas are required for South Africa and although Hepatitis A and Tetanus is suggested along with the Malaria Pills

VICTORIA FALLS 4-DAY PRE TRIP EXTENSION
August 3-8, 2003  - $950

Aug. 3: Depart Atlanta: Our fascinating journey to mysterious Africa begins
as we depart Atlanta on our flight to Kenya.

Aug. 4: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): Upon arrival in Johannesburg
connect to your flight to Victoria Falls. You’ll be met by a local guide and
escorted to your deluxe hotel. Balance of day is at leisure.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Aug. 5: Victoria Falls: Begin your day with a visit to the craft village where you can observe the traditional way of life. Proceed to see the Victoria Falls, often
described as the "Eight Wonder of the World". Late this afternoon join a Sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. As you sail along, marvel at the lush vegetation on the river’s banks and witness the spectacular sunset. (B)

Aug. 6: Day at leisure: You may return to the falls on your own for a second view or join an optional tour. (B)

Aug. 7: Victoria Falls/Johannesburg:  Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg where the balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Aug. 8: Johannesburg/Nairobi:  Today we fly to Nairobi, join the rest of the group, and start our South African Safari.

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Aug 10 (Sun): Johannesburg/Kruger National Park: Drive through the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal, stopping for lunch en route, to the world famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing some of the most stunning and diverse African terrain, the park is South Africa premier game sanctuary. An unforgettable game drive in your own coach this afternoon takes you in search of the wild. Your accommodations for the evening is at Satara camp, situated in the center of the park in the middle of a flat plain of tall tree Savannah, of which Knob Thorn and Marula are the dominant species. Plenty of activities, ranging from bush barbecues to traditional dances compliment the game viewing opportunities. Satara is considered the best camp for viewing Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. A special treat waits tonight as you savor a typical Bush BBQ, locally called "Braai". Satara Camp (B,L,D) 

Aug 11 (Mon): Kruger National Park: Satara/Skukuza: Your safari today includes an 8-hour game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the "Big Five": Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have you
cameras ready! After enjoying a picnic lunch continue your safari, which will conclude as you arrive in Skukuza Camp where you’ll overnight. After dinner, you’ll join a guided night safari led by an experience ranger/game spotter. Nighttime offers some of the best opportunities for game viewing and is an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D)

Aug 12 (Tue): Skukuza/Panorama Route/Hazyview:  Depart Kruger Park this morning for a day full of scenic adventures. Drive through Mpumalanga (formally Eastern Transvaal) panoramic wild countryside and enjoy unparalleled views of thickly forested mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, a place of African legend containing bizarre holes cut into rock by powerful river erosion. Proceed to Pilgrim’s Rest, an old gold mining post. You’ll have free time to explore on your own this charming town and see the beautifully restored old corrugated iron houses. Lunch is included at the historic Royal Hotel. Later relish sweeping views from "Gods Window" before arriving in Hazyview, a town located just a short distance from Kruger National Park. Here, you’ll spend the next two nights at an award-winning lodge situated on the banks of the Sabie River in the Lowveld, a true wilderness paradise. The afternoon is at leisure and you may take advantage of some of the activities offered or take a dip in the lodge’s pool! Kruger Park Lodge. (B,L,D)

Aug 13 (Wed): Kruger National Park: A busy day starts with an early morning open vehicle safari in Kruger National Park. Return to your lodge for some free time. You may join an elephant back safari or take a balloon ride (extra cost applies). Later today, depart by open safari vehicles to the world famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve for a late afternoon game drive, a sundowner and
a private "boma" dinner around the fire and under the stars. Return to your lodge late this evening with some additional opportunity to see wildlife at night en route.  (B, D)

Aug 14 (Thu): Depart Kruger Park/Arrive Cape Town: Final early morning game-drive in open safari vehicles at Kruger Park. Later, drive back to Johannesburg Airport where you’ll board a short evening flight to Cape Town, South Africa's oldest and most spectacular city. Your hotel is ideally located at the entrance to the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Cullinan Waterfront Hotel (B)

Aug 15 (Fri): Cape of Good Hope Excursion:  A full day excursion to the Cape Peninsula begins with a drive along the magnificent Marine Drive via Fish Hoek, a quaint fishing village on the Atlantic seaboard, to the Cape of Good Hope Natural Reserve. The breathtaking views from the Cape Point are stunning! As you back track to Simons Town, a naval port, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a famous seafood restaurant. Return to Cape Town via Chapmans Peak Drive, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. (B,L)

Aug 16 (Sat): City & Winelands Excursion: This morning ascend famous Table Mountain for unforgettable sweeping views of the city and bay. Drive through the citys Malay Quarter, past the castle, and around Table Bay to Milneton lighthouse. Proceed to the beautiful wine region just outside Cape Town for a sumptuous lunch at one of the finest wine estates in the area. After lunch, attend
a wine tasting session, have an opportunity to explore the grounds and gardens and maybe purchase some local wines! Later, visit culturally and historically significant Stellenbosch, a quaint town in the heart of this scenic region, filled with wineries. Walk through the town and explore the impressive Cape Dutch architecture. Return to Cape Town late this afternoon.  (B,L)

Aug 17 (Sun): Cape Town: is a perfect city to explore on your own. Today is at leisure and you may visit the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront near your hotel. Those not taking the post-tour extension may join an optional Whale-Watching excursion to Hermanus. (for those taking the post-tour extension, you'll visit Hermanus as part of the  extension). This evening, celebrate with
your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in one of the famous waterfront restaurants. (B, D)

Aug 18 (Mon): Depart Cape Town: Those taking the post-tour extension will depart Cape Town this morning. Others have the morning at leisure for last minute shopping or independent pursuits before transferring to the airport for the return flight. (B)

Aug 19 (Tue): Arrive Atlanta: Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in Atlanta this morning.

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WHALE WATCH / GARDEN ROUTE - POST TOUR
August 18-22, 2003  -  $650

Aug 18 (Mon): Cape Town/Hermanus: Depart this morning for a drive along the spectacular Western Cape to Hermanus, built on cliffs overlooking the shores of Walker Bay, near the Southern most tip of Africa. Hermanus is the home to more than 150 Southern Right whales who visit the area annually from July through November and can often be seen as close as 30 feet away from shore. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale-watching destination in the world. Your accommodations here are at one of the finest "boutique" hotels in town, set in the historical heart of Hermanus that enjoys the atmosphere of an old fishing village and is within walking distance of the ocean as well as the local craft market. Auberge Burgundy. (B, D)

Aug 19 (Tue): Hermanus/Knysna: Depart this morning for the Garden Route, an unspoiled coastal region along the Indian Ocean. Enjoy an excursion inland to the valley of Oudshoorn. Here, visit the world renowned Cango Caves and admire the calcite caves, revealing fascinating shapes enhanced by strategic lighting. Proceed to an ostrich farm where you’ll enjoy a farm tour, learn about the
breeding of the ostriches and treated to a hearty lunch. Arrive this afternoon at Knysna, a popular seaside resort. Your hotel is located on the waterfront and enjoys great views of the Knysna Lagoon. Knysna Quays Hotel (B,L)

Aug 20 (Wed): Featherbed Reserve Excursion: A fascinating day begins with an exciting lagoon cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique private reserve which is home to two of the Garden Route’s icons, the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker, one of Africa’s smallest Antelope species. Other wildlife found in the reserve include Cape Mountain Tortoises, South Africa’s national bird the Blue Crane, rare Black African Oyster Catchers, white breasted cormorant, bushbucks and much more! Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch before returning to Knysna. This evening, a farewell dinner is served at one of the popular waterfront restaurants. (B,L,D)

Aug 21 (Thu): Depart South Africa: Final morning at leisure to explore charming Knysna from your centrally located hotel! This afternoon transfer to nearby George Airport for a short flight to Johannesburg where you’ll connect for your flight back to the USA. (B)

Aug 22 (Fri): Arrive Atlanta: Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in Atlanta this morning.