DAY 1:
Depart from your city of choice in the USA.
DAY 2 TO 6:
Arrive in Johannesburg where you will be met by our representative who will assist you on arrival and transfer you to your flight to Phinda Game Reserve.
4 nights at the PHINDA FOREST LODGE in a double room on a full board basis including three meals daily, Teas and Coffees, two game drives daily in Open Landrovers, refreshments on game drives, Nature walks (1 hour) accompanied by experienced armed trackers, laundry, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers.
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PHINDA FOREST LODGE ............................................................ [LUXURY LODGE]
Forest Lodge is situated in the depths of the botanical unique Sand Forest, the bedroom suites were hand-built on small stilts by the Zulu people. Guests experience the sensuous delight of luxurious minimalism offset by the verdant forest scene beyond the chalet's glass walls. Forest Lodge's 16 raised glass-encased chalets have a bedroom, lounge and spacious en suite bathroom with a bath and separate shower. Outside,wooden decks have been erected around the growing trees. Although surrounded on three sides by glass, the fertile forest floor and towering torchwood trees ensure privacy in each of the chalets. Constructed to minimise impact on the unique Sand Forest, the air-conditioned rooms are raised off the ground to allow smaller animals complete freedom of movement along the forest floor below. At Forest Lodge, the glass walls display the sea-green canopy with wide-screen effect. A few short paces outside, birds and animals such as the tiny red duiker, suni antelope and rare red squirrel move quietly through the forest. The chalets evoke the luxurious minimalism of classic Japanese architecture.
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| This is offset by the verdant forest scene beyond the glass walls, creating a sensuous African delight. The chalets have polished beechwood and slate floors. The central dining area, lounge and shaded swimming pool of this secluded camp overlook a tranquil open grassy vlei (wetland pan). The elevated lookout deck is a prime bird-watching spot for the approximately 400 species at Phinda. Our range of souvenirs in the curio shop at main reception area is worth exploring. We invite you to savour flamboyant cuisine infused with Pan-African flair. You may dine on the deck viewing the grassy plains. Or indulge in the romance of al fresco dining beneath a starlit sky around the forest boma (enclosed reeded area). Large tables for eight glow in the light of the central boma fire. |
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Your Game viewing experience at Phinda:
Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of mammals. Predators like cheetah, leopard and lion are tracked on a daily basis and visitors stand extremely good chances of seeing them. The territorial white rhino favour waterholes and wallows. Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve and are easily spotted. Impressive nyala antelope feed alongside impala and warthog. Nocturnal aardvark, bushpig and greater bushbaby may be encountered on exciting night game-drives. Mountain reedbuck dwell on rocky slopes, while common reedbuck favour palmveld and wetlands. Tonga red squirrel are restricted to Sand Forest where tiny suni and red duiker are most abundant. The extraordinary four-toed elephant-shrew forages among leaf-litter in forest and thickets.
An impressive 378 bird species are recorded at Phinda. Rudd’s apalis, Neergaard’s sunbird and pink-throated twinspot are endemic to the Maputaland region. Lemon-breasted canary, southern banded snake-eagle and grey waxbill are characteristic of the coastal plain. Among resident birds in the Sand Forest are Narina trogon, African broadbill and square-tailed drongo. Trumpeter hornbill, white-eared barbet and golden-rumped tinkerbird gather at ripe figs. Crested guineafowl, purple-crested turaco and gorgeous bushshrike are among species which favour woodland and thickets. African finfoot, African purple swamphen (gallinule), white-backed night-heron and malachite kingfisher are resident on the Mzinene River. Mocking cliff-chat, red-winged starling and cinnamon-breasted bunting favour rocky outcrops. Great concentrations of waterfowl assemble seasonally at the Nibela Peninsula of nearby Lake St Lucia.
More than 80 species of butterfly have been recorded with mamba swordtail, forest king charaxes and gold-banded forester (opposite) among the more impressive. Marshlands beat to the sound of calling frogs after summer downpours with Argus reed-frog, red-legged kassina and sharp-nosed grass-frog among the 37 recorded species. Dazzling rainbow skink and giant plated lizard live among boulders where African rock python find refuge. Nile crocodile inhabit the Mzinene River and some waterholes.
Phinda’s close proximity to the Indian Ocean offers guests the opportunity to explore an underwater kaleidoscope that rivals Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Over 1000 species of fish are found in these subtropical waters and you may glide past moray eel, leatherback and loggerhead turtles and huge whale sharks. |
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SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE LUXURY SAFARI LODGE
Located in the 18 000 hectares Singita private concession in the the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the Western border of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Your suite at Singita Boulders Lodge will provide you with a deep, relaxing calm and a silence that will strip away the distractions of the world, and leave you with a peace that will be yours long after you have left the bush. Each suite has been designed as a modern African classic - uncluttered, sparing in detail yet using the luxurious fabrics and finishes the continent provides. Light and spacious, completely private yet open to the view, each suite at Singita Boulders Lodge presents a unique and contemporary view of luxurious African living.
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Singita Boulders Lodge is a member of Relais & Chateaux. As a purple shield [top category] member of Relais & Chateaux, Singita is described as "An exceptionnal property featuring the highest level service, amenities and furnishings".
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| Your game viewing experience at Singita:
Characteristic Species:
Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, crocodile and many other mammal, reptile and bird species occur.
Game Activities:
Early morning game drives, afternoon into spotlit evening game drives in open Land Rovers; guided bush walks and seasonal fishing. Community Tours, rifle target shooting and clay pigeon shooting during the summer months are available at an additional charge.
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DAY 10 TO 12:
Transfer to the Singita
Airstrip for your flight to Cape Town via Kruger National Park.
On arrival in Cape Town you will be met by Africa Safaris representative and transferred to The Cape Grace.
2 nights at THE CAPE GRACE in a superior double on bed and breakfast basis. |
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THE CAPE GRACE .................................... CAPE TOWN, WATERFRONT
Classically-inspired from the exterior, gracefully elegant within, Cape Grace is a luxurious retreat that evokes a sense of gentler times. Set on its’ own private quay at the world-famous V&A Waterfront in Cape Town; it becomes a destination on its own offering the ultimate guest experience for the discerning traveler. Cape  Graces’ charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish decor and unique personalized hospitality. Here you will find staff, warm and flexible with a spirit of unrivaled generosity. The sumptuous elegance begins at the welcoming reception lounge extending to the rich comfort of the spacious harbor and mountain-facing rooms. A series of comfortable spaces, all 121 rooms feature exquisite furniture, luxurious fabric and intriguing detail, providing an immediate sense of place. This stylish setting is home to a range of lifestyle options with the emphasis on balance and quality of life: Experience the pure indulgence of massage and beauty treatments in the comfort of your own room as the resident beauty therapists call on you or enjoy the African sun as you laze around the outdoor swimming pool embraced by trellised gardens.
one.waterfront restaurant offers creative and imaginative cuisine, warm, earthy textures and welcoming ambiance. Bascule Bar set on the waters’ edge is a sleek bar overlooking a bustling yacht marina - the perfect place to take an alfresco meal accompanied by a glass of superb Cape wine. Cape Grace is centrally located with quick and easy access to the airport, city center and popular attractions.
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DAY 12 TO 15:
3 nights at the LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS in a
double room on bed and breakfast basis.
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LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS COUNTRY VINEYARD
Le Quartier Français is a privately owned and
managed country retreat situated in the Franschhoek valley, heart of the Cape Winelands and home to the French Huguenots and gourmet capital of the Cape. 15 luxurious en-suite bedroooms which overlook the pool are all large with:
• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fans and open fireplaces
• Extra large beds
• Egyptian cotton bed linen
• Spacious bathrooms with separate walk in showers and bath
• Large sitting areas
• CD players
• Complimentary refreshment tray.
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The Le Quartier Francais retreat first became known for its restaurant of the same name, after which the auberge was built.
Le Quartier’s buildings were originally labourers’ cottages which have since been restored but still maintain the original Provencal façade. The cottages surround pristine landscaped gardens and a large, natural pool - perfect for relaxing around while appreciating the mountain and wineland setting.
For adventure buffs, fly-fishing is a popular nearby activity, as is hiking or taking a tour of the winelands. For those who are less inclined to exert any energy, a full range of beauty treatments are available that can be conducted in the privacy of your own room - so you won’t even have to walk a step.
The Le Quartier restaurant offers diners innovative Cape Provençal, French and Malay dishes. It’s a light and airy restaurant with vibrant and colourful décor, and leads onto a French style courtyard where meals can be enjoyed 'al fresco'.
The Bar and streetside terrace offer light meals throughout the day that compliment an astonishing variety of drinks. This is the place to go to relax and be assured of good food, wonderful local wines and warm friendly service.
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DAY 13:
Transfer to the Cape Town airport for your flight
back to the city of your choice in the USA. |
DAY 14:
Arrive in the USA.
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