Travel in South Africa for independent travelers

DAY 01 (NO MEALS)
Upon arrival into Cape Town, group will be met by a Safari Ventures Representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: PROTEA HOTEL PRESIDENT (BB)


DAY 02 (BREAKFAST & DINNER)
Morning at your own leisure. In the afternoon , you will meet your in the hotel ball room for a cycle tour orientation by Peter & Margie- your professional cycling guides (introductions, orientation, tour overview, safety talk.) followed by a “soft” ride to test your bikes and make any necessary adjustments. Evening will consist of a welcome dinner at one of the local Cape Town restaurants.
Overnight : PROTEA HOTEL PRESIDENT (BB)


DAY 03 (BREAKFAST & LUNCH)
* This day should preferably be a Saturday or a Sunday, due to traffic in Cape Town Bike check and cycle to Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula via Lions head, Kloof Road, Signal Hill and Camps Bay Drive (memorable views along the 12 Apostle Ridge), Camps Bay. Stop for coffee break followed by Llandudno, Hout Bay, Chapman’s peak Drive. To Noordhoek Farm Village with ample time to soak up the delights of the area.

The Cape Peninsula is a rocky that juts out for 75 km (47 mi) into the at the south-western extremity of the continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are and the. On the northern end is the famous , overlooking ,.
The peninsula was once an , but about sixty million years ago it was joined to the mainland by the emergence from the sea of the sandy area now known as the . The towns and villages of the Cape Peninsula now form part of greater Cape Town. The Cape of Good Hope is sometimes given as the meeting point of the and . However, according to the agreement that defines the ocean boundaries, the meeting point is at Cape Agulhas, about 200 km (120 mi) to the southeast.

Riding Distance: 48KM : Grade “Moderate to Strenuous”.
Note : This is one of the best rides anywhere on the Peninsula but more on the challenging side!
Overnight : DE NOORDHOEK HOTEL (BB)


DAY 04 (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Depart for Cape Point and lighthouse with partial way by Coach transfer to Kommetjie Cycle along the Cape Peninsula’s dramatic Atlantic coast line towards Cape Point via Misty Cliffs, Scarborough, Red Hill Pottery (some amazing sculptures that we will stop and inspect, a chance to buy a collectors piece of Africa), and then on to Cape Point entrance gate and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This is a truly awesome scenery, some fantastic walks and deserted beaches, plus the chance to see Bontebok, Eland, Zebra and Ostriches. There will be brief pause at the visitor centre at Buffels Bay. Cape Point itself has a funicular (for own account) railway system if you don’t wish to walk up the steps to the lighthouse! (200 meters of ascent). We will hike from Cape Point to Cape of Good Hope (45mins) and collect our Coach and bikes from here. Lunch at Cape Point.

The infamous Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope - two separate places in very close proximity - were rounded by the fearless Portuguese navigator, Bartholomew Dias in 1488. Dias returned in 1500 to double the cape again, but this time a violent storm sank his ship in the deep waters of the Cape. Cape Point, also known as ‘Cape of Storms,’ has claimed over 20 shipwrecks and it is said that the phantom ship ‘The Flying Dutchman’, still appears in the mist on occasions. In 1578 Sir Francis Drake described it as “The fairest cape in the whole circumference of the globe.” The cold Atlantic Ocean (46°- 59°F (8°-15°C), runs down the western edge of the peninsula, while the warmer waters of False Bay (55°- 68°F (13°-20°c), caress the eastern shores. These bodies of water are both visible in some places along the route, and it is often said that the Atlantic finally meets the Indian Ocean at Cape Point. This is not strictly true as satellite images show that the warm and cold currents mingle off Africa's southernmost point at Cape Agalhus, 106 miles (170km) south east of Cape Town. However, there are days when a distinctive line is visible in the ocean at Cape Point, but the sea know no boundaries and call them what you will, these waters will become the great Southern Ocean.

Riding Distance: 45-50KM : Grade “Moderate”
Afternoon travel by coach. Visit the Jackass Penguin Colony at Boulders and the famous Naval Base town of Simons Town the third oldest town in South Africa. Named after the governor Simon Van Der Stel, it was the Dutch East India company’s winter anchorage from 1741 to 1814 when it became a naval base for the British. The town has many old Victorian buildings and a Naval Museum. Return to Noordhoek in the coach.


Briefing at 6.30pm
Evening meal at Peter and Margi’s in the “Boma”. Margi and her team will cook a traditional South African “Potjie“ meal- a traditional South African meal over an open fire .

A boma is a enclosure, a or kind of however in the modern era, people utilize this unique design to introduce an outdoor dining area. It is very common to see bomas dotted in back yards throughout Africa. It is a place of gathering where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines.

Guests would have use of their home and heated pool throughout the evening!
O/N : DE NOORDHOEK HOTEL (BB)


DAY 05 (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)
The Constantia wine route Cycle via Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay with a stop at the harbor. Rows of antique, Art and craft shops to browse around.One short steep ascent out of Kalk Bay brings us onto Boyes Drive, a high level route around False Bay. We will then cycle to Klein Constantia. Klein Constantia is famous for its Vin De Constance, a deliciously sweet muscat wine. Our next stop is at Buitenverwachting Wine Farm.

Lunch en route.
From here head for Groot Constantia. Constantia is the oldest of South.Africa’s wine growing regions. Groot Constantia, the original estate, was established in 1685 by Simon Van Der Stel and was divided up after his death in 1712. Superb examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Wine tasting and museum visit optional here.Return to Noordhoek over Chapman’s Peak from Hout Bay (12km) or Coach transfer back to Noordhoek.

Riding Distance: 65KM : Grade “Moderate / Easy”

6.30pm Briefing
Overnight: DE NOORDHOEK HOTEL (BB)


DAY 06 (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)
Off to Stellenbosch . Morning coach transfer to the Spier wine estate. Circular cycle route from here taking back roads to a number of wine farms in the area. Lunch at one of the wine farms and return to Spier in the afternoon and visit the cheetah farm and bird sanctuary. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country's most famous, and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars - most of which are open to the public. Enjoy a long day's wine tasting, and wine buying and you'll sip more than our great South African wines - you'll taste our South African way of life.
Riding Distance: 50KM : Grade “Moderate / Easy”
Overnight : THE VILLAGE AT SPIER (BB)
www.spier.co.za


DAY 07 (BREAKFAST, DINNER)
To Franschhoek - the Jewel of the wine lands with the French atmosphere!

Cycle over the Helshooghte Pass. Stopping at Hill Crest Berry farm for coffee and their famous berry tart. Ride to see the new Berg River dam and visit Glenwood wine farm. Continue towards Franschhoek and visit the Huguenot Monument dedicated to the French settlers who arrived in the valley in 1685 and an opportunity to visit many art and craft shops. This is the end of the bike tour where you say goodbye to your guides at a farewell dinner hosted by Safari Ventures. Riding Distance: 45KM : Grade “Easy, but “Challenging” over the pass.
Overnight: THE VILLAGE AT SPIER (BB)


DAY 08 (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Early morning transfer to Cape Town Airport for flight to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. Transfer to Lion Sands Private Game Reserve followed by lunch at lodge (time permitting). Enjoy an afternoon game drive i an open land rover accompanied by a trained ranger and tracker. At sunset, stop off in the bush, and while sipping your “sundowner”, watch the sun as it sinks into the dusky horizon. As darkness approaches, the trackers will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and will point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight: LION SANDS RIVER LODGE (FB)
www.lionsands.com

Lion Sands and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, the lodge is a bout spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest. The public areas at River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.


DAY 09 (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Early morning open vehicle game drive Breakfast & lunch at lodge with afternoons to relax or participate in some of the additional activities the lodge offers.
Late afternoon / early evening open vehicle game drive
Dinner at lodge
O/N : LION SANDS RIVER LODGE (FB)


DAY 10 (BREAKFAST)
Early morning open vehicle game drive Breakfast at lodge. Depart for the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg and onward.

Price 6499,99$

Single Room supplement: $995
 

THIS PRICE IS VALID FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN 15 JANUARY & 28 FEBRUARY 2009, AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF RATES AND ALL SERVICES QUOTED


Tour Extension (upon completion of base tour)
3 night/ 4 day Fly-in Victoria Falls Tour (Zambia)


DAY 10
Upon arrival into Johannesburg, you will be met by a Safari Ventures representative and escorted to your complimentary hotel shuttle for an overnight stay in Johannesburg.
Overnight: SOUTHERN SUN O.R. TAMBO INT’L AIRPORT HOTEL [BB]


DAY 11 (BREAKFAST & DINNER)
After breakfast, you will be met by a Safari Ventures representative and escorted to the airport for your scheduled flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Upon arrival into Livingstone, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and freshen up. In the afternoon, you will meet your guide for a tour of the famous Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (thesmoke that thunders) is located a short walk from the lodge was named after the famous British Queen Now in its 150 millionth year – it reaches its zenith in about May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is nature’s supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the realityÖand nothing prepares you for your first sight. You will be accompanied through the rainforest by one of our qualified guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest.

Return to the lodge. Rest of your evening at your own leisure to enjoy your surroundings.
Overnight: ZAMBEZI SUN HOTEL


DAY 12 (BREAKFAST & DINNER)
After a hearty breakfast, you will go on a guided tour of Mukuni Village.

Mukni Village is home to the Leya people. The tour presents an opportunity to see how the local people live in a real African Village. Guests see how huts are built and decorated, meet residents and see the locals at work - creating curios. This will be an opportunity to purchase locally made handicraft where you will get a chance to meet many of the artisans themselves.

Return to the lodge for lunch, rest and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will depart for the Zambezi Sunset Cruise.

The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. You may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and sometimes even Rhino in their home environment, as well as enjoy the many different bird species.


DAY 13 (BREAKFAST)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Livingstone Airport for your return flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival into Johannesburg, you will connect to your international flight back home.

Quote based on Zambezi Sun Hotel (4-star)

$1,497 per person sharing
Single Room Supplement: $250

Upgrade to Royal Livingstone (5-star): $795
per person
 

• 1 Night accommodation at Southern Sun O.R. Tambo
• International Airport [B] 2 Nights accommodation at Zambezi Sun Hotel –
• standard rooms [DB]
• All pick up and transfers
• Round trip flights: Johannesburg-Livingstone-
• Johannesburg + airport taxes Excursions: Victoria Falls Tour, Mukuni Village Tour
• Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
   

• All other meals not mentioned above
• All other accommodation
• All other transport
• Personal expenses such as tips for meals, gratuities for guides/game rangers, all alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
• Any other services not mentioned above
• Visas to Zambia