SOUTHERN AFRICA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

SETTLERS AND SAFARI

Eastern Cape: 6 nights

Highlight: Spirits of the Past tour with Alan Weyer

Recommended: 6 nights

Best time of the year: All year

Suggestions: Extend along the Garden Route and head west to Cape Town.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1:

On arrival at Port Elizabeth International Airport collect your car and self-drive to Grahamstown. Driving time: approximately one hour. 2 nights at 7 Worcester Street.

In a quiet oak-lined street in the heart of historic Grahamstown, 7 Worcester Street is a luxurious boutique hotel. A magnificently restored stone manor house, its interiors are impeccably stylish and the staff committed to ensuring every detail is considered with care and every request perfectly delivered. Beyond the hand-cut stone walls and intricate wrought-iron wrap-around balcony, there are ten individually styled suites with indulgent bathrooms. Dark timber fourposter beds are elegantly draped with mink-coloured silk bedding and romantic canopies; deep sofas invite casual relaxation and carefully selected pictures and objets d'art show the care that has been invested in revitalizing this remarkable home. Throughout the house, an eclectic collection of artwork, ranging from the Ming Dynasty to indigenous African and European contemporary pieces, reveals the owners passion for travel and many of Grahamstown's historical influences. This too is reflected in the fabulous cuisine. From tasty camembert split with figs and ginger served on the veranda to cordon-bleu dinners in the fine dining room.

The university town in which the hotel's located was once the British garrison and centre of British settlers in southern Africa. As testament to this, it has magnificent historical buildings, fine antique shopping, frequent cultural events and festivals, wonderful walking and is a renowned centre of learning, with the resident students providing the town with a youthful vibrancy. For contemporary chic and a historic hideaway, 7 Worcester Street is the Eastern Cape's piece de resistance.

Day 2:

After breakfast, depart on a full day Spirits of the Past tour with Alan Weyer. Lunch will be a picnic en route.

SPIRITS OF THE PAST - the story that must be told …

'During the 1800's the intrepid British Settlers, Irish immigrants and European explorers left their shores to begin a new life on the southern most region of the African continent - territory of the spiritual San and might AmaXhosa. What awaited them in this region of wide horizons eclipsed their wildest imaginings …'

Aside from enjoying 7 Worcester Street's natural charm and elegance, guests can enjoy the company of one of the Eastern Cape's best story-tellers. Resident historian and raconteur Alan Weyer's captivating narrative of spectacular battles and courageous people, offers a rare and unique insight into their lives, and the profound influence of this region's proud history and its far reaching consequences. A chat over a drink in the bar or a full-day in the surrounding hills with

Alan is a must for any visitor.

The insight and entertainment Alan provides on this region's past and its impact on modern day South Africa is remarkable. Combined with a visit to one of the Eastern Cape's malaria-free game reserves, this is an experience not to be missed.

AWARDS:

- Alan Weyer - SA Tour Guide of the Year 2005

- Inaugral Grand Prix winner of SA Tourism Welcome Award for top tourism product 2006

Day 3:

Self-drive from Grahamstown to Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve. 4 nights at Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve.

BLAAUWBOSCH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

In the heart of the malaria-free Little Karoo, Blaauwbosch is a discrete, homely lodge offering a Big Five safari experience. Grouped into a small hamlet, its simple thatched cottages blend seamlessly into the surrounding foothills of the Winterhoek mountain range and set the tone for a lodge deeply entrenched in its surrounding landscape and community. Offering a private safari experience and great introduction to this less travelled region, Blaauwbosch is great in combination with other Eastern Cape lodges or as part of an extended Garden Route itinerary.

Being only 110kms from Port Elizabeth, access is easy by car or plane. There are just seven luxurious thatched chalets at Blaauwbosch, accommodating a maximum of fourteen guests at any one time, so the experience is an intimate one allowing for a high degree of flexibility in the planning of activities and dining

options. The clutter-free suites are spacious sanctuaries: dark timber sleigh beds, snow white linen, neat sisal rugs, framed wildlife prints and thoughtful amenities. Air-conditioning, dressing rooms, deluxe bathrooms and mountain-view verandas all come as standard. In addition to the suites, Kaai's Camp accommodates small groups or families.

Named in honour of a local man who has been instrumental in the development of Blaauwbosch, Kaai's has four luxurious bedrooms and a dedicated team of staff. In the main lodge building the calm serenity continues. Muted, earthy colours prevail, with camel covered sofas, natural

rattan dining chairs, sisal carpets and timber dressers, whilst decadent touches from warped iron handeliers to crystal glasses give an air of sparkle and class.

Day 4, 5 & 6:

Game drives at Blaauwbosch take place in the morning and evening, and are always accompanied by a professional ranger. With good knowledge of the Big Five, sightings of the resident lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino are near-guaranteed, though time spent observing the cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope and abundant birdlife are equally rewarding. A special 'walk and stalk' safari option is also on offer and involves shadowing the fastest of all hunters, the cheetah, whilst it tracks prey and traverses the reserve. On returning 'home' to the lodge, wholesome fare is a welcome treat.

The emphasis of the menu is on African cuisine, using locally sourced produce and fresh contemporary flavours. Guests are encouraged to venture beyond their familiar repertoire of tastes and to match tasty food with a fine selection of wines from lesser-known, boutique South African wineries. Be it a substantial pre-drive breakfast or a fireside dinner in the boma, meals are a hearty affair enjoyed in the company of fellow guests and friendly staff.

Day 7:

Depart from Blaauwbosch after a leisurely breakfast, and drive to Port Elizabeth Airport to connect with a flight to your onward international connection. We recommend extending your holiday to Kurland in Plettenberg Bay, or continuing west along the Garden Route to Cape Town.

To find out more, please contact us</p>

Manyatta Rock Camp

Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve

CHILDREN UNDER 12 STAY FREE!!

Situated within the Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park this small intimate camp offers a maximum of 20 guests a range of exciting safari adventures and is ideally suited to families. Currently for 2008 the camp is offering children under 12 stay absolutely free during a 4 night package. Baby sitting and child care services are also offered at no additional cost.

During your stay you receive the following:

• Return transfers to the camp from Kruger airport in air-conditioned mini buses.
• 4 nights at the Manyatta Rock Camp including all meals, morning and evening game drives hosted by professional local rangers and trackers.
• An elephant interaction experience - imagine the thrill for the children of touching, feeding, talking to, sensing and walking with one of the largest animals on earth. This moving, emotional experience touches the hearts of all who visit.
• A low-altitude Micro-light safari flight - the visual aspect from a Micro-light aircraft in a big game and wilderness area offers guests a very different and exciting game experience. Herds of buffalo and elephant can often be seen along the banks of the nearby Crocodile River, the border to the nearby Kruger National Park.
• A full day guided tour of the Kruger - the tour focuses on the southern game rich section of the National Park offering you game viewing in one of the largest eco-systems in the world.
• Finally, an African cultural village experience - this includes a tour of a typical African village, a live performing tribal dance and a taste of the local traditional cuisine and beer. Swazi magic!

Please contact us for more information and prices.

FREE accommodation in South Africa

. . when staying at the world famous Shamwari Game Reserve or the superb Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park!

Simply book a 2 night safari and get 3 nights in Cape Town or the Garden Route for FREE

OR

Book a 4 night safari and get 3 nights in Cape Town AND 3 nights in the Garden Route for FREE

Shamwari Game Reserve, the malaria free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years.

It is situated halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Luxury accommodation is offered 6 different lodges on the reserve. Long Lee Manor, offers a distinctive Colonial experience in a restored Edwardian Manor house. Bushman's River Lodge is a unique historical site with its 4 suites decorated in an artistic African theme.

Riverdene Lodge is a restored settler's lodge with 9 suites all en-suite with air- conditioning. The ethnically decorated Lobengula Lodge with its thatched roofs is tucked deep in the valley bushveld. It offers 12 guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway as well as a wellness centre. Bayethe Lodge is a 5-star, luxury lodge comprising of 9-tented suites.

Awards & Accolades:

Shamwari Game Reserve, voted "Worlds Leading Safari & Game Reserve" in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Jock Safari Lodge is one of the very first privately owned camps situated in the world famous Kruger National Park, with exclusive traversing rights in what is regarded as the best Big Five game viewing area in the Kruger National Park.

Situated at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers, this luxury lodge offers stunning views. Each air-conditioned luxury suite is set along the rivers, offering all the luxuries yet evoking the style and romance of the past as well as the indigenous Swazi and Shangaan cultures.

Game drives in open landrovers, with a professional team of game rangers, offer guests the thrill of close encounters with Africa's "Big Five". Walking safaris, Birding safaris and guided Historical tours will take you along the paths of legend and mystery. Interpret the signs, sounds and scents of wild animals in this unspoilt wilderness.

Simply pay the normal winter special rate at Shamwari or Jock Safari Lodge and get the free nights shown - ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Prices from R2950.00 per person sharing per night, which includes luxury accommodation, 3 meals per day, all game drives, bush walks, local drinks, teas coffees & snacks, VAT and Tourism Levy.

Please contact us for more information.

WHALES AND WILD DOGS

The South African winter season offers the perfect opportunity and the best time of the year to visit and discover the multitude of experiences that this beautiful and diverse country has to offer. We have combined a Cape and Bush holiday that promises to deliver the perfect holiday of relaxation, pleasure, pampering, enrichment and value.

Cape Town has many fascinating tourist attractions, that are quiet and easily accessible, from July until October. Most days are mild, bright and sunny and whale watching, including the Southern Cross whale, is frequent. Whether cruising along the staggeringly beautiful Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point or from the bedrooms, restaurant and bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, it is likely you will catch a glimpse of these awesome creatures along the coastline!

Thereafter, experience the magic of nature and the wilderness at Madikwe Hills, located a mere 4-hour drive from Johannesburg or a 45-minute flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport, and spot the Big Five and the elusive Wild Dog too! The game viewing is unsurpassed during the winter months as the days are clear, warm and sunny, and the animals search out the remaining waterholes. The crisp, cool evenings are ideal for exchanging sightings, bush stories and for gazing at the bright and vast starry African night sky!

SPECIAL OFFER

For every booking of four nights at the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa we will give you one night at the superb five-star Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge...with our compliments!

Alternatively, you can also book three nights at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge and receive two nights at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa...with the compliments of Madikwe Hill Private Game Lodge!

Please contact us for more information and prices.