- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Tented Safari in Style 2019 - Air Included - from US$4199
Trip Highlights
Cape Town | Shamwari Game Reserve
Intimate Dinner with Christo Brand
Christo Brand with Nelson Mandela
Enjoy an intimate dinner at the Azure Restaurant in Cape Town with Christo Brand, close friend of Nelson Mandela and author of Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend. Each couple will also receive a signed copy of his book. This incredible experience begins March 2019.
Discover
Captivating Cape Town, home to Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Africa's big game on safari in Shamwari Game Reserve
Scenic Franschhoek on a full-day tour
Experience
Open-vehicle and walking safaris in the African bush
Luxury tented accommodations with a private plunge pool and viewing area
Conservation
Contribute to the construction of the new rhino section of Shamwari's Wildlife Rehab Centre
Support the TreadRight Bat Hawk, an aerial patrol vehicle used to track and protect rhinos
Visit King, a rescued lion, at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary
Experience an unforgettable safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.
Discover the natural beauty and luxury accommodations of Shamwari Game Reserve.
#LionWorldTales
Explore South Africa Through the Eyes of Our Guests
Day 1 - Depart USA
Depart on your international South African Airways flight from New York (JFK) to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg. From the moment you board your South African Airways flight you will feel the warm and welcoming African hospitality in every detail of the world-class service you are about to experience.
Day 2 - Johannesburg/Cape Town
On arrival at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport, clear immigration, collect your luggage and then clear customs before re-check your bags for your domestic flight to Cape Town, where you will be met by a Lion World Travel representative and transferred to the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.
The award-winning 5-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is just 15 minutes from the heart of Cape Town on the gorgeous coastal drive along the winding Victoria Road on the way to Hout Bay. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa due to its good climate, rich history, culture and scenic beauty, world-class restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room
The majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain Range serves as a backdrop to this magnificent property, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the horizon for as far as the eye can see. All around you can walk the wilderness trails of the Table Mountain National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This luxury boutique hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
At The Twelve Apostles you will relax in splendid luxury, surrounded by thoughtful touches and generous hospitality, for which they are renowned. All the rooms are individually designed; some have private patios or balconies from which to appreciate nature’s beauty. Every room has air conditioning, entertainment centers with DVD, and plush bathrobes and slippers.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room
Day 3 - Cape Town
Enjoy a day at leisure in the fascinating city of Cape Town.
Perhaps join our Lion World Travel Cape Peninsula Tour, exclusively for our Lion World Travel guests at a cost of US$150 per person. Please let us know if you’d like to join this excursion.
On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you drive along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay.
The tour then winds its way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views!
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Finally, the tour makes its way back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Did you know that the African Penguin used to be called a “jackass” penguin because its call is similar to that of a braying donkey!
Beginning in March 2019, you will meet and have dinner with Christo Brand and his wife Estelle, at Azure Restaurant at 7:30pm. Christo was Nelson Mandela's prison warden on Robben Island for many years. He has written a book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend. It is about his story of their extraordinary and close friendship that continued from beyond the prison cell into Parliament. Mr. Brand will personally sign a copy of his book at the dinner.
Christo first came across Nelson Mandela on Robben Island in 1978, where he was working as a guard. This was where they formed a relationship which was to become so much more. In 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo was also transferred to Pollsmoor and was responsible for guarding Mandela for the next 6 years. On his release from prison, Mandela organized a job for Christo as an administrative and logistics manager in the Constitutional Assembly.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Classic Room (B, D)
Day 4 - Cape Winelands
After an early breakfast you will be met by your guide for today’s tour to the exquisite Franschhoek Valley in the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands. The first stop is at La Bourgogne Wine Farm which was among the first Huguenot farms proclaimed in 1694, where you will enjoy tasting Olive Oil, Olives and Fruit Preserves ending with a wine tasting and cellar tour.
Lunch will be at Paulina’s Restaurant at Rickety Bridge Winery. Take a seat overlooking the Rickety Bridge vineyards. Sip a glass of crisp estate wine and enjoy a delicious lunch while drinking in the splendor of the magnificent setting and stunning views of the Franschhoek mountains.
Rickety Bridge Vineyards
After lunch you will participate in an hour Wine Blending Experience. This interactive blending experience offers something to both wine novices and enthusiasts alike. The wine blending session will give you a chance to experience a crucial part of the wine making process, and you can leave with a bottle of wine to drink that day!
Wine blending experience
You will then have some free time to explore the quaint little town of Franschhoek before returning to Cape Town.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Classic Room (B, L)
Day 5 - Cape Town
Today is at leisure to explore your surroundings at your own pace.
To enhance your Cape Town experience, we recommend you enjoy a sightseeing tour. Our experienced Africa Specialists have some suggestions - a visit to historic Robben Island is a poignant and moving experience to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
We would be happy to assist in pre-planning and arranging sightseeing tours to suit your interests. To see all of the day tour options that Lion World Travel has to offer, click here.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Classic Room (B)
Day 6 - Cape Town/Port Elizabeth
It is time to say goodbye to beautiful Cape Town as you transfer from your hotel to Cape Town Airport in time for your scheduled flight to Port Elizabeth.
Upon arrival at Port Elizabeth you will be met and transferred to Shamwari Bayethe, where you will spend 3-nights including all meals and twice daily game drives in a malaria free area.
“By-ye-ti” or, “I salute you”, is the warm African greeting when you arrive.
Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.
Bayethe is an impressive stone walled and thatch roofed lodge with a large deck area overlooking a waterhole. The lounge and dining area spills out onto the deck. The spacious superior tents offer unsurpassed comforts and are shrouded by the rich vegetation, providing privacy and a feeling of seclusion with views of the African bush. The tents have their own private plunge pool, large indoor baths, and outdoor showers. All of the rooms at Bayethe are fitted international adaptors, international dial telephones, electronic safes, electric blankets and hairdryers. Each tent is air-conditioned and heated. The main living area has Wi-Fi, a business desk with a computer and internet access. The main lodge also has a large swimming pool and indoor and outdoor dining area.
Tented Accommodations
Your first game drive is scheduled for this afternoon. On arrival, have a quick freshen up then meet your ranger over afternoon tea before setting off in search of wildlife! Make sure your camera is charged, you never know what you will encounter!
Accommodation: Shamwari Bayethe Lodge - Superior Tent (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Shamwari Game Reserve
Your day begins early. The freshly brewed coffee and tea with rusks (South African version of biscotti), fruit and muffins will prepare you for this morning’s game drive. Each day on safari brings a new experience.
After an exhilarating search for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down wildlife in the bush, you will stop for a break of hot drinks and snacks, and a chance to stretch your legs. Continue your game drive en route back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast that awaits you on your return.
After breakfast, you may enjoy a bush walk close to the camp accompanied by a ranger and tracker. Walks allow you a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
In the late afternoon everyone gathers for high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. The game drive extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. This is when the nocturnal animals come to life and the lions go out on their hunt! Once again, you will take a break somewhere out in the bush, in a scenic spot to watch a magnificent African sunset while sipping a sundowner (cocktails at sunset).
Return to lodge for a delicious dinner in the outdoor boma or possibly a dinner in the bush.
Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
Accommodation: Shamwari Bayethe Lodge - Superior Tent (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Shamwari Game Reserve
Activities at Shamwari Bayethe revolve around morning and evening game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles, each lasting about three to four hours. There are also guided nature walks, bird watching, well-being treatments or visits to the Rhino Awareness Centre, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and historic tours, all adding to this magnificent experience.
Your wilderness experience begins today with another early start. You are accompanied by your experienced game rangers, who will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the bush. Each safari game drive is an opportunity to discover something new. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are just as captivating.
Accommodation: Shamwari Bayethe Lodge - Superior Tent (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Shamwari/Johannesburg/Depart
After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, return to the lodge for breakfast. Later you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. Bid farewell to the place that has given you unforgettable wildlife encounters in the African bush. (B)
On arrival at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport, connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA.
Day 10 - Arrive USA
Return home with a lifetime of memories to share with your family and friends!
Add-Ons
Victoria Falls in Style - From USD $1,799
Experience a fabulous blend of luxury tented accommodations, game drives, river cruises and the impressive Victoria Falls for an exciting add-on!
Victoria Falls in Style is a 3-night package. Spend one night in Johannesburg and enjoy two nights in Victoria Falls staying in a stunning tented lodge on the Zambezi River where you will experience the wonder of the mighty Falls as well as a tranquil cruise on the Zambezi River and open-vehicle game drives in the Zambezi National Park.
Cape Town Day Tours
Cape Town, the Mother City, is a historically, culturally and breathtakingly vibrant city that was recently named the best city in Africa and the second best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. From its beautiful natural landmarks to its colourful culture; from decadent wine farms to captivating history and architecture - it’s a tourist heaven. There’s no finer way to savor Cape Town's pleasures than a guided day tour with Thompsons Africa – from wonderful winelands and wine tastings, to riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take you there in style.
Please note the scheduled tour prices below have additional drop off and pick up points and will have other guests on board. The private tour pricing offers a vehicle and driver just for your use and allows more flexibility – please note that the venues visited will have other guests, it is just the vehicle and driver that is on a private basis. Pricing for both is per person based on a minimum of two people.
Click here for day tour prices.
Cape Town City Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:35 and 8:30am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
This tour is designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. First enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (tickets are for your own account and cost approximately USD $16 per person). Next up is a visit of the country’s oldest colonial building, The Cape Castle and the Company Gardens. Then you’ll be driven past Parliament Buildings, City Hall which is where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison and the Slave Lodge. Next, it’s up the cobblestoned hills to the beautifully colorful homes of the Bo-Kaap in the Malay Quarter. The tour ends on a sparkling note, with a visit to a diamond works where you’ll watch a professional diamond cutter as he creates every girl’s dream stone. Perhaps you’ll be taking one home.
Cape Point Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 8:00 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
The Cape Peninsula and Cape Point is wild, rugged, and undoubtedly one of the most memorable coastlines you’ll have encountered. The trip begins with a drive along Millionaires Paradise, eyeing the glamorous homes of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay which leave you in no doubt as to how it earned its title. From there, it’s on towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay - translated from Dutch it literally means Wood Bay. Then, driving over the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive with its breathtaking views you’ll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Next up is a visit to the delightful African penguin colony at Boulders beach (for your own account, approximately USD $5 per person), before moving on to the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. It’s a wonderful half-day spent on the wilder side of this exquisite Cape coastline.
Walk to Freedom Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 8:00 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 12:30pm.
Experience the wonderful raw energy of Cape Town's Townships in one unforgettable morning. After a visit to District Six (closed on Sundays), where you will learn a little of the history of the townships, the tour continues on to the oldest township in Cape Town, Langa, and its people. Strolling through Langa Township, pop in to a local market, an Arts & Crafts center and visit a traditional healer. Experience the warm hospitality at a local Bed & Breakfast as well as a day care center that provides local children with a safe haven and fun environment. Then from Langa we visit two other townships, Khayelitsha and Gugulethu to get a more in-depth look at the vibrant communities. For those who have the time, we recommend you extend to a full day tour with a visit to Robben Island in the afternoon. Home of Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.
Robben Island - Half Day
Board the Robben Island Ferry at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and take part in a half day Robben Island tour.
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for political "troublemakers" and social outcasts. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Nelson Mandela was one of them.
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. You will be escorted around the island by an ex-political prisoner, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.
Feathers & Fins Tour - Half Day
Departs: Mon, Wed, Fri between 12:45 and 1:45pm. Returns: Approx. 5:30pm.
This entertaining, family-friendly trip includes a visit to the Hout Bay World of Birds where adults and children can get up close and personal with nature, with over 400 different species to discover including birds, reptiles, mammals - don’t forget to visit the walk through monkey jungle! The tour continues with some of the finest beach views on the coastal drive to the Two Oceans Aquarium in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where a magical underwater world awaits. Learn about mysterious deep sea creatures, dangerous predators and see a real “happy feet” family. Touch pools and tidal walks are part of the fun while puppet shows and play areas are on offer for younger children. For older children, fascinating discoveries, interesting facts, and shark encounters await! Bring your family on this fun tour to see, touch, learn and play...who knows, they may even find Nemo!
Cape Malay Cooking Experience with Cass Abrahams
Departs: subject to chef's availability.
Today you will be picked up at 08h30 for your Cape Malay Cooking with Cass Abrahams Tour. Cass is the foremost authority on the cuisine in the Cape and is a local celebrity. The tour starts with a chat and a coffee with your guide so that you have some background on the people of the Cape, the history of their cuisine and on Cass. Cass realized that for a variety of reasons the cuisine was dying out in the Cape and made it her mission to rescue the recipes. She interviewed the grandmothers in the community and dug in the archives and then wrote a cookbook that became highly sort after by many South Africans. Today you have the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on class with her in her home in the Southern Suburbs. You will cook three to four dishes and then relax over lunch. Please note that no alcohol is served in respect for Cass's Muslim faith.
Sea Kayaking - Half Day
Departs: daily, subject to weather. Please note the tour excludes transport to and from Simon's Town — prices available upon request.
Visit one of the most unique places in the world — a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town. And the best way to see it is from the water. Leave from Simon's Town Waterfront and paddle past the civilian and Naval Harbor and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguins, stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming and snorkeling (snorkels and bottled drinking water are provided). Your double kayak is very stable and perfect even if you have no paddling experience.
We can also arrange for you to go cycling, skydiving, sandboarding and abseiling among other activities — please let us know if you would like more information on these activities.
Cape Peninsula Tour - Full Day
Departs: Daily between 7:45 and 8:45am. Returns: Approx. 6:00pm
On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you’re driven along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay.
You then wind your way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
After, you’ll head back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach (own account – approximately $5 per person). Next, you’ll head inland to the last stop of the day. In the summer months this will be at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain, the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers. In the winter months (May 1st to Aug 31st), the last stop is at Groot Constantia where you’ll stop for a wine tasting and cellar tour of South Africa’s oldest wine estate.
Sunset Beach & Dinner - Evening Tour
Departs: Tue & Thu between 5:30 and 6:00pm. Returns: Approx. 10:00pm.
Only operates Sep - May
Join your host and head out of the city before sunset. Savor a chilled glass of sparkling wine while overlooking one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and taking in the sunset. You’ll be shown how to find the Southern Cross in the night sky (if the moon isn’t too bright!), before enjoying dinner at a sensational restaurant offering seafood and South African specialties. If you’re celebrating a special occasion let us know and we can arrange a separate table. As you return to the hotel, you'll enjoy the city lights by night.
Sunset Champagne Cruise - Evening Tour
Departs: daily subject to weather conditions — times vary according to sunset.
Board a sail boat that will follow the wind for this cruise and allow you to experience sunset and the views of Cape Town at dusk from a different perspective! Typically in a SE Wind direction, you will head out of the Harbour and sail across Table Bay towards Milnerton lighthouse, then return to the protection of Granger Bay in the lee of Table Mountain to watch the sun set, and then motor back to the Waterfront.
Custom Day Tours
We can also tailor make tours to match your interests or simply arrange for you to have a vehicle and driver available with no plan in mind to take you wherever you feel like going. Cape Town has been chosen as the Design Capital for 2014, we can include Architecture, Art, local clothing designers. In addition to the beautiful Winelands, Cape Point and City tours, consider a family day out, to see seals, penguins, monkeys and butterflies; splash out on a hot shopping extravaganza; or indulge in a grand gourmet food and wine tour of golf or bicycle tours.
Half Day Private Tours
Half day private trips depart daily on request and run from either 8:30 am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 5:30pm and cover up to 150km’s.
Full Day Private Tours
The full day private vehicle and driver hire departs daily on request with a pick up time of 9:00am, dropping off at 5:30pm and covers up to 250km's.
Both half and full day options exclude all entrances, parking fees, toll fees and any other costs which you would need to settle directly at the venues visited and in the case of parking, with the driver. Touring is done in an air-conditioned 7-seater vehicle with a tour guide.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Your Africa Specialist will be able to direct you to information regarding travel insurance.
On Special
Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges, Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee.
US domestic flights from 38 cities can be added at a special rate of US$200 per person, subject to space availability. Please speak to your Africa Specialist for more information.
2019
US$4599 per person based on double occupancy
US$1400 single supplement
January 19, 27 *SOLD OUT*
February 3, 8, 20, 23 *SOLD OUT*
March 4, 26, 30 *SOLD OUT*
April 11, 21 *SOLD OUT*
September 25
October 2, 11, 21
November 7, 11, 26
December 1, 5
US$4199 per person based on double occupancy
US$1100 single supplement
August 11, 16, 23
US$4799 per person based on double occupancy
US$1100 single supplement
July 6 *SOLD OUT*
July 31
US$4999 per person based on double occupancy
US$1100 single supplement
April 30 - *SOLD OUT* Please note: guests stay in non-tented safari accommodations at Shamwari's Lobengula Lodge
May 11, 26 - Please note: guests stay in non-tented safari accommodations at Shamwari's Lobengula Lodge
US$5199 per person based on double occupancy
US$1100 single supplement
June 4 - Please note: guests stay in non-tented safari accommodations at Shamwari's Eagles Crag Lodge
US$4199 per person based on double occupancy
US$1200 single supplement
September 3
US$4199 US$3999 per person based on double occupancy
US$1200 single supplement
September 13, 19 *SOLD OUT*
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip, international, economy airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Cape Town and back via Johannesburg
- Domestic flights in South Africa
- All services and transfers as specified
- 7 Breakfasts / 4 Lunches / 4 Dinners - including one three-course dinner at Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa excluding gratuity and beverages. Guests traveling on March 2019 dates or later will enjoy their dinner at Azure with Christo Brand and each couple will receive a signed copy of his book
- Full Day Lion World Travel Franschhoek Winelands Tour
- Game drives as specified in itinerary
- Refreshments on game drives
- Services of Rangers/Trackers
- Accommodation as specified
- Transportation in luxury vehicles
- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guide
- Entrance fees for sight-seeing as indicated
- Lion World Travel representative Meet and Greet upon arrival in Cape Town
Exclusions:
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/tips for game rangers/trackers, tour guides and drivers
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical Insurance - please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in South Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage.
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TRAVELER TESTIMONIAL
Joan and I just returned from our South Africa and Victoria Falls trip and I wanted to say "thank you" for a fabulous job of putting it all together.
We had a great vacation, and knowing that all of the logistics were being taken care of took all of the stress off of us. Very well organized - thank you! I can't say enough about what a wonderful Lion World did in arranging this trip. It was certainly a vacation we will never forget.
Pat & Joan