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This relaxed tour offers some of the finest hotels and safari lodges available in Africa as well as some gourmet private tours and Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world. Highlights include Cape Town, the train from Cape Town to Pretoria and Singita Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands.TCCT
Tour Proposal
02 August 2007 – Arrival and City and Table Mountain Tour On arrival at Cape Town airport, look out for our representative. They will be holding a name-board with your surname on it. You will be transferred by private vehicle from the airport to your hotel. This will take approx. 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Welcome gift, champagne and a personal card of welcome will be waiting for you at Ellerman House.
Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest whilst its unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience. Take the cable car or walk up Table Mountain, visit the colourful Malay quarter or meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Browse through the vibrant Greenmarket Square, take a boat trip to Robben Island or simply relax on the beach. When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky jackass penguins on Boulder's beach.
The charm of Cape Town is partly explained by Table Mountain, which breaks up the city into distinct areas, each with its own character and, indeed, its own weather! The city bowl basks in the dramatic shadow of the 1000m mountain, with its characteristic 'tablecloth' of mist rolling over the edge. The trendy Atlantic Ocean villages of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay bring out the Mediterranean aspect of the city. Spectacular views of the Ocean, dramatic crimson sunsets, palm trees swaying against white sandy beaches and alfresco pavement dining are very much the norm, and yet you're only 10 minutes drive from the city.
This afternoon you have a private half day tour of Table Mountain and Cape Town which begins an ascent of Table Mountain by cable car for a panoramic view of the whole of the Cape Peninsula. Afterwards you travel into the city where you first see the Castle of Good Hope, the original fort of Cape Town built in 1652 and now painstakingly restored. The Castle was built by the Dutch between 1666 and 1679 to replace their original mud-walled fortress. The Castle's main entrance at first faced the sea, which in those days almost lapped at its walls. From there you continue to the lovely flower market and the historic centre of Cape Town with its many 18th century buildings where you enjoy a stroll through the Company Gardens past the Parliament buildings. Finally you explore the picturesque Malay quarter, a historic sector of the city with original Malay buildings and narrow streets before ending the tour at the Waterfront and harbour.
Ellerman House is one of Africa's most exclusive small, private hotels. It is known equally for its magnificent position overlooking the vibrant city of Cape Town and the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean, and for its understated luxury. Ellerman House has nine individually appointed, elegant rooms and two sumptuous suites, whilst the Ellerman Villa has five bedrooms in all. Terraced gardens, a generous swimming pool and a gym overlooking Bantry Bay encourage guests to enjoy the hotel to the full. The Spa, with its colour therapy shower, steam room, sauna, infinity pool and sumptuous treatments is Ellerman's newest addition. Superb food, a cellar of 17,000 bottles of rare South African wine and a world-famous art collection epitomise South African hospitality, distinguishing Ellerman House as a world-class boutique hotel while remaining true to its African heritage. We strongly recommend that you pre-book treatments at the Spa to avoid disappointment. Treatment menus can be sent to you on request. Member of Relais & Chateaux.
Ellerman House (Welcome D)
03 August 2007 – Private Cape Peninsula Tour
This morning you are collected by your private guide at 9:00am. Your private Cape Peninsula tour includes a scenic coastal drive along Chapmans Peak; the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point; viewing the Penguins at Boulders Bay; Simon's Town historical naval base and ends with the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
You travel along the coastal road through the chic suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and onto the picturesque fishing community of Hout Bay. Next you enjoy a scenic drive along Chapmans Peak as it hugs the cliffside and continue south to reach Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, said to be the romantic meeting point of two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian. Sir Francis Drake, the famous explorer, once called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the Globe."
Returning along the Indian Ocean you stop to visit the unique penguin colonies at Boulders beach, often a highlight of your time in Cape Town, and meander through the historic naval base of Simonstown and onto Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, which must surely be some of the finest gardens in Africa, nestling on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. We walk through the gardens where 4,000 of the 22,000 Southern African flowering plants are cultivated in a setting of mountain streams, pools and rolling lawns. In the late afternoon, you are dropped off at your hotel. Ellerman House (B, L)
04 August 2007 – Private Wine Connoisseur Tour This morning you are collected by your private guide (who holds a Cape Masters Wine Certificate) at 9am for your private wine tour. A combination of the favourable effects of the two major ocean currents meeting off the Cape makes the climate in the Cape Winelands perfect for wine-making. The stunning backdrop of the Hottentots Holland mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch Homesteads and the oak-lined streets and lanes all blend together to give the Winelands a charm that will not be quickly forgotten.
Your first stop is historic Vergelegen wine estate where we debate award-winning André van Rensburg's claim that he has "the best red wine area in South Africa". A tour of the state-of-the-art wine cellars and Vergelegen homestead is followed by wine tasting. You continue to Stellenbosch, a historic university city with charming Cape Dutch architecture amidst oak-lined streets, for a walking tour. You meander along the unspoilt Dorp Street and visit the Village museum - preserved houses which yield a fascinating insight into the lives of the early settlers.
After lunch at Delaire wine estate with its magnificent views over the valley, you have a private tasting of the fine white wines of Thelema at the top of the Helshoogte Pass or a tasting of wine and chocolates at the Waterford Estate, home to the wines of Kevin Arnold. You end the afternoon at Clos Cabriere for a tasting of their fine Cap Classique (champagne) wine and an optional cellar tour before returning to Cape Town or Franschhoek.
Note: This outline can be adapted if you have an interest in specific type of wines. Alternatively if you have no particular interest in wines, we substitute a general tour of the Winelands combining sight-seeing with wine estates. Ellerman House (B, L) 05 August 2007 – Private Touring
Today is at leisure for private touring. However you have a private guide at your disposal who will collect you at 9am (or whatever time suits you). Your guide is available for the whole day. He will advise about possible touring options. Please note that, as this is a go-as-you-please touring day, all entrances and meals are for your own account. Some suggestions: Cape Town is a shopping mecca with something to suit everybody's taste and style. Whether you want to shop for clothing, fabric, furniture, diamonds, spices, African art or crafts, Cape Town will appeal to all lovers of shopping. Your guide can combine some serious shopping with some gentler sight-seeing around the city today. She's extremely knowledgeable about where to find the most interesting African artefacts, fabrics and furnishings at good prices. She can also introduce you to some of our innovative South African fashion designers.
Private Hermanus and Whale-watching tour You are collected by your private guide at 8:30am for your tour to Hermanus. Our full day tour of whale-watching begins with Vergelegen Estate famous for its Cape Dutch Manor house, rose and herb gardens and the oldest Camphor trees in South Africa. Here is the perfect opportunity to sample and buy Cape wine and experience the rich historical and architectural traditions of the region. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch Homestead and the oak-lined lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. We continue along the False Bay coastal drive (with its scenic cliffside road, endless beaches and sea views), whale-watching en route, until we come to Hermanus for the best land-based whale watching in the world. If you wish to take a boat cruise to view the whales at even closer quarters, then we would head straight to Hermanus, omitting Vergelegen. If you wish to take this tour out of the whale-watching season (July to Nov), it is still a very rewarding day out amidst beautiful mountain scenery.
Private Olive and Vine tour It's a little known fact that South African olive oil has again walked off as winner of the most prestigious olive oil awards in Italy. This tour is perfect if you have a little bit more time to get to know and savour the more off the beaten track vineyards, villages and farms of the Cape. You visit the Darling and Riebeeck Valley area where you enjoy the warm country hospitality of the local people. This small secluded valley is mad about olives and olive oil and you participate in two olive and olive oil tastings as well as wine and port tasting at the famous Allesverloren Wine estate. This is all washed down with a delicious and relaxed country lunch.
Ellerman House (B)
06 August 2007 – Rovos Rail
This morning you are collected and transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Railway Station to the private Rovos Rail lounge.
Experience the elegance of rail travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Rovos Rail's unique two day safari through the heart of South Africa combines some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail. Rovos Rail combines the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations. The Observation car allows you to watch the unfolding scenery of the great interior of South Africa from a fascinating perspective. After passing through the Winelands and the lovely Boland scenery, you will take a tour of the Little Karoo town of Matjiesfontein. The next day at Kimberley you take a tour of the famous 'Big Hole' and the mining museums, and the following day you arrive in Pretoria under steam. Your accommodation is in air-conditioned suites with exquisite wood panelling and period Edwardian features. All the suites are equipped with a writing desk, a personal safe and a bar fridge filled with the drinks of your choice. 24 hour room service is available. The bathrooms combine original fittings with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. The expected time of arrival in Pretoria under steam is at approximately 1200 where your journey ends. Deluxe Suite (B,L,D)
Today when you arrive in Pretoria you are met by your private guide. Your guide is available for the whole day (until approx 5pm). He will advise about possible touring options. Please note that, as this is a go-as-you-please touring day, all entrances and meals are for your own account.
Known to the locals as “E'Goli” or City of Gold, Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life where gold mining still continues. If your holidays require an overnight stay here, there are some truly superb hotels and fascinating activities such as cultural visits to Soweto, the Apartheid Museum or even a working diamond mine. Sterkfontein in the Cradle of Humanity World Heritage Site is well worth a visit. Arts and craft galleries abound and this is a very good place to buy diamonds.
Tour of Pretoria South Africa's administrative capital was founded in 1855 and named after the Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. Often referred to as the ‘Jacaranda city’, this nickname refers to the thousands of trees lining the streets, their purple blossoms heralding the approach of summer each October. Your tour could begin with a visit to the Voortrekker Monument, a striking memorial built to honour the early pioneers. Continue to the Kruger House Museum and Church Square in the centre of the city, where the statue of Paul Kruger looks down on the passers by and end at the gracious Union Buildings.
The Saxon must now be a serious contender for the most magnificent hotel in South Africa. It is quite simply stunning - a statement of African elegance combined with attention to detail. It was a private home that has been extended and transformed into possibly the only international boutique hotel with an ethnic African style. Decorated by Stephen Faulke, the Saxon's style is subtle, cosmopolitan, refined and relaxing. The Saxon is decorated with beautiful African works of art throughout the lounge, the smoking library, the cocktail bar and the dining rooms. The curio shop features works by up and coming young African craftspeople - no Zulu beer pots here! Spend time enjoying all the modern artworks including the pencil drawings of Nelson Mandela, (who stayed here after his release from prison in 1990). Swim in one of the two magnificent pools. Other facilities include an elaborately equipped gym, a beauty centre and steam rooms as well as a delightful restaurant.
The 20 Egoli suites are extremely spacious, decorated with a subtle African-Japanese style with copious use of light wood, natural light and elegant furnishings. Each has a large screen TV, VCR and DVD player with selections to play, as well as full business facilities. The bathrooms are sybaritic. The four Presidential suites are in fact a suite of rooms with a hall, guest toilet, bedroom, large sitting room and dining room and fully equipped kitchen. One of the Presidential suites was used by Nelson Mandela to edit his book "Long Walk to Freedom'.
09 August 2007 – Private tour to Soweto and the Apartheid Museum
This morning you are collected for your private Soweto and Johannesburg Cultural Tour. Our tour is designed to give visitors to Johannesburg an overall impression of Johannesburg and takes an in-depth look at the history of apartheid, its impact on Johannesburg and the role of the city in shaping South Africa's future. The tour begins at 8:30am with a short drive through the suburbs of Illovo, Rosebank and Houghton, passing Nelson Mandela's residence en route to Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Africa. where we see a fascinating contrast to the richer suburbs of Rosebank and Sandton in the north. This sprawling 'city within a city' is home to approximately 2-million people. Our tour includes all the major points of interest, such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela's former home.
We bid farewell to Soweto and return to the city centre. The elevated M2 motorway offers a spectacular view of the city, before we head through the downtown area for lunch. After lunch we visit the Apartheid Museum. Here you may embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 and the first democratic elections held in 1994.
10 August 2007 – On Safari Our representative will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the OR Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport to the Federal Air hangar where you can relax until your charter plane departs for your lodge. On arrival you are met and transferred by 4x4 open vehicle to the lodge.
Singita Boulders is one of the world's finest, most exclusive safari lodges. Expert guiding is underpinned by fine cuisine, a superb cellar and unsurpassed service. Boulders Lodge has a contemporary African ambience with strong Eastern influences and the floor to ceiling glass walls bring the bush into the lodge. The lodge has nine beautifully-appointed air-conditioned suites with separate lounge and bedroom, opulent bathrooms with bath and outdoor shower. The expansive teak deck contains a private plunge pool. The Bush Spa and gym offers an indulgent personal treatment programme, whilst the Trading Store showcases Africa's finest artworks and decorative ware.
We strongly recommend that you pre-book any treatment at the SPA/ Wellness or Beauty Centre to avoid disappointment. Treatment Menu's can be send to you on request.
A safari is nearly always an important part of a holiday in Southern Africa - words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the hunt or observing a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole. The Sabi Sands, the Timbavati and the Manyeleti private game reserves all share an open border with the Kruger so animals move freely.
The 65 000 ha Sabi Sands is considered to have the best Big Five game-viewing in the country. The Sand and the Sabie rivers supply much needed water to the region resulting in an incredible diversity of wildlife. Due to a long history of sensitive game-viewing, the animals are mostly relaxed allowing superb game-viewing, especially of leopard which highly unusually have become accustomed to safari vehicles resulting in extraordinary close sightings. This is a unique feature of the Sabi Sands.
These reserves comprise a number of private game lodges, whose owners cooperate in conserving their valuable heritage. Some of the world's finest game lodges are found here, together with some less well-known bush camps. This is an intimate and informative experience. You enjoy game drives in open-vehicle game drives with an experienced ranger and a local Shangaan tracker who work together to give you a deeper understanding of the wildlife and the natural cycles of the bush. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. Tracking Africa's big game, the evening safari departs after afternoon tea. After enjoying the bush sunset, the evening holds a sense of anticipation as the rare and elusive nocturnal species begin to hunt. The evening meal is often enjoyed in a 'boma' or even in the bush around an open fire, which many guests feel is a particularly evocative treat. Morning walks are encouraged ensuring that the more fascinating aspects of the fauna and flora are not overlooked. Game walks offer the ultimate, close-to-the-wild experience, and a chance to focus on the smaller bush inhabitants.
13 August 2007 – Elephant Back Safari Today you board your charter flight to your next game lodge, Camp Jabulani
The exclusive Camp Jabulani, situated on the Kapama Private Game Reserve, offers luxurious accommodation in six spacious tented suites, each with private deck, plunge pool, fireplace, well-stocked private bar and air-conditioning. The open plan bathroom includes a large Victoria bath, double vanity and stunning glass-enclosed shower as well as separate toilet. The main focus at Camp Jabulani is the elephant-back safaris which are an exciting and novel way of game viewing. Seated on comfortable canvas-covered saddles behind an experienced handler, you view the animals from close proximity as the gentle giants move silently and in single file through the bush. Game viewing can also be enjoyed in open safari vehicles. Guests normally arrive around lunch time. After lunch you meet the elephants for a briefing and interaction. Guests depart on an elephant-back safari and arrive with elephants at the sundowners in the bush. After the sundowners, guests opt to do a short game drive before dinner. Day two starts with a wake up call followed by a morning elephant safari or a game drive or a game walk. After breakfast there is a specialized tour of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which includes the opportunity to interact with the cheetahs. Lunch is followed by an afternoon at leisure and use can be made of the gym, spa and sauna. Guests then go on a game drive with informal sundowners. Afterwards is the highlight - an elephant-back safari at night, lit by lanterns and stars.
15 August 2007 – Return to Johannesburg You are transferred to Hoedspruit Airport. On arrival you check-in for your scheduled flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg. (Excluded from the quote)
Holiday Summary
02 August 2007 | Meet & Cape Town Airport to CPT Hotel - Private transfer | Private transfer per person for 2 |
| Pick Up Cape Town Airport |
02 August 2007 | Private City and Table Mountain Half Day tour | Per person (4-5 hours) for 2 | 14:00 | Pick Up Ellerman | 17:30 | Drop Off Ellerman | Includes: | English-speaking Satour guide, City entrances, Air-conditioned vehicle and fuel |
02 August 2007 | Ellerman House | 4 night(s) for 2 | Sea View Room x 1 | Status: Quote | Meal Basis: |
| Includes: | Accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast, laundry, teas/coffees, soft drinks, spirits and beers, mini bar drinks, ad hoc secretarial services and 24 hour security |
03 August 2007 | Private Cape Peninsula tour | Per person for 2 | 09:00 | Pick Up Ellerman | 17:30 | Drop Off Ellerman | Includes: | English-speaking Satour guide, Cape Peninsula entrances, Client lunch and refreshments, Air-conditioned vehicle and fuel |
04 August 2007 | Private Connoisseur Wine Tour | Per person for 2 | 09:00 | Pick Up Ellerman | 17:30 | Drop Off Ellerman | Includes: | English-speaking Satour guide, Cape Peninsula entrances, Client lunch and refreshments, Air-conditioned vehicle and fuel |
05 August 2007 | Private Go-as-you-please full day tour | Per person for 2 | Time of your choice | Pick Up Ellerman |
| Drop Off Ellerman | Includes: | English-speaking Satour-registered Guide and Air-conditioning Minibus and fuel |
06 August 2007 | City to Cape Town Station private road transfer | Private transfer per person for 2 | 09:30 | Pick Up Ellerman |
06 August 2007 | Rovos Rail (Cape Town to Pretoria) | De Luxe (Dbl occupancy) for 2 | 11:00 | Depart Cape Town | 12:00 | Arrive Pretoria | Includes: | Three meals daily, all alcoholic and other beverages, sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide, entrance fees to places of interest , 24 hour full room service and bar facilities, Government Tax, plus a limited laundry service
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08 August 2007 | Private Go-as-you-please tour | Half Day (1-3 pax) for 2 | 12:00 | Pick Up Pretoria | 17:00 | Drop Off The Saxon | Includes: | Guide and Minibus. Full day tour, Client Light meal |
08 August 2007 | The Saxon Hotel | 2 night(s) for 2 | Egoli Suite x 1 | Status: Quote | Meal Basis: |
| Includes: | Bed and Breakfast and Tourism levy |
09 August 2007 | Private Soweto, Joburg & Apartheid Museum tour | Full day private tour for 2 | 09:00 | Pick Up The Saxon | Includes: | Vehicle rates include fuel, toll road fees and English-speaking or foreign language driver/guide. Entrance fees and Client Lunch |
10 August 2007 | Hotel to Joberg Airport road transfer | Private transfer per person for 2 | 09:45 | Pick Up The Saxon |
10 August 2007 | Singita JNB Airport to Singita air charter | Seat in Plane (One way) for 2 | 11:30 | Depart Johannesburg Airport | 13:00 | Arrive Singita Game Reserve |
10 August 2007 | Singita Boulders | 3 night(s) for 2 | Suite x 1 | Status: Quote | Meal Basis: |
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