mervis diamond safari - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches...

19
MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI A GROUP: DEPARTURE FEBRUARY 15 - 26, 2019 AND B GROUP: DEPARTURE MARCH 31 – APRIL 11, 2019 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Chobe Presented by: Ronnie Mervis Traveling with Steve Czaban & Brian Mitchell, Team 980 dh v7 8.1.18

Upload: lydieu

Post on 30-Aug-2018

217 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI

A GROUP: DEPARTURE FEBRUARY 15 - 26, 2019AND

B GROUP: DEPARTURE MARCH 31 – APRIL 11, 2019

South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Chobe

Presented by: Ronnie Mervis

Traveling with Steve Czaban & Brian Mitchell, Team 980

dh v7 8.1.18

Page 2: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

2

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 Nights at Cape Town’s RADISSON BLU HOTEL – This Cape Town harborview hotel is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, with Table Mountain and RobbenIsland providing a beautiful backdrop.

• 2 Nights at VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE – Providing luxury accommodationat Victoria Falls. Enjoying uninterrupted views of spectacular African sunsets andyear-round game at its on-site waterhole. The lodge is ideally positioned to offerthe most discerning traveler a taste of Africa at its best.Diamond level travelers willenjoy upgraded Waterhole View accommodations.

• 3 Nights at CHOBE MARINA LODGE- Uniquely located in the North-Easterncorner of Botswana where the four African nations of Botswana, Zambia,Zimbabwe and Namibia converge, Chobe Marina Lodge is surrounded by thenatural beauty of Africa. Gold and Diamond level travelers will enjoy upgraded Suiteaccommodations.

• 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 3 Dinners

• Includes intra-Africa airline flights (Cape Town-Johannesburg-Victoria Falls andVictoria Falls-Johannesburg).

• Airport transfers with private vehicle and driver, including a private ‘Meet andGreet’ service on arrival into South Africa.

• Early morning cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, for glorious views ofthe city, ocean and countryside.

• Half day excursion to infamous Robben island – the historic prison of NelsonMandela. Round trip ferry and escorted island tour included.

• Full day scheduled excursion to Cape Point including a visit to the BouldersBeach penguins and a seafood luncheon.

• Full day scheduled tour to the winelands, including wine tasting and lunch.

• Gorgeous sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, amid curious hippo and crocodile.

• Guided tour of Victoria Falls and her rainforest, with monkeys clambering overthe rainforest canopy.

• Exciting wildlife adventures in Chobe Park, Botswana, featuring river cruises aswell as land-based safaris.

Page 3: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

3

ITINERARY

Day 01 A Group: February 15B Group: March 31

WASHINGTON D.C. - JOHANNESBURG

Your exciting adventure begins today, as you board your flight bound for South Africa.Award winning South African Airways – recipient of the Best Airline in Africa trophy for 17consecutive years – will fly our group in comfort and style aboard an Airbus 330-200.

Day 02JOHANNESBURG - CAPE TOWN

Touchdown in Johannesburg and, after completing Customs, continue with your flight toCape Town – the ‘Mother City’. You will be met by our Great Safaris representative andtransferred to your reserved hotel.

The Mother City has a peculiar habit - once a day, Capetonians check their watches. Now,this in itself is not very unusual. The strangeness comes from the fact that everyone looksat their watches at exactly the same time without consciously thinking about it. At exactly12:00 pm every day, a loud bang fired from cannon on Signal Hill announces to the citythat midday has arrived.

Page 4: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

4

The Cape was established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a halfway housealong the trade route between the East and Europe. This became a place to mendships, rest and heal weary visitors and most importantly to collect fresh produce grownby farmers in the area in order to feed famished sailors and soldiers before heading offagain for the second leg of their arduous sea voyage.

Cape Town grew quickly and soon earned the reputation as the ‘Tavern of the Seas’.Today Cape Town is still a thriving port and never ceases to enthrall visitors with its uniquebeauty, ethnic diversity and energetic vibe.

With its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is considered one of the mostbeautiful cities in the world. An eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects both thearea’s history and the more pragmatic realities of the 21st century. The city’s Edwardianand Victorian buildings have been carefully preserved, and many excellent examples ofCape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs.

The ability to make something that is both functional and beautiful has long been aproud aspect of the African culture. Cape Town boasts some of the most original andcreative handmade arts & crafts and can be found at markets and shops all over CapeTown. You'll find something that caters for any taste or style at the V&A Waterfront or atone of the many shops that open their doors in the surrounding Cape Town area.

Being a coastal town, the ocean plays an important part in everyday lives, beyond thecalming effect for which it's famous. There is an incredible diversity of marine life to bediscovered and many fun-filled activities can be planned to make use of the bountifulAtlantic and Indian Oceans surrounding Cape Town.

Page 5: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

5

ACCOMMODATIONS: RADISSON BLU HOTELThis Cape Town harbor view hotel is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, with Table Mountain and RobbenIsland providing a beautiful backdrop. This idyllic destination sits within walking distance to the Victoria &Alfred Waterfront and is only a ten-minute drive from the central business district. Located near the shoppingand entertainment hub of the city, the Radisson Blu also affords guests easy access to the Winelands aswell as to golf courses including Metropolitan Golf Club.

The 177 bright and elegantly designed hotel rooms offer ultimate relaxation. All rooms come with freehigh-speed, wireless Internet access, mini bar and coffee and tea provisions. The Radisson Bluaccommodation provides handicap-accessible and non-smoking rooms, available upon request.

Offering one of the best restaurants in Cape Town, this Radisson Blu features Tobago's Restaurant,serving local and international cuisines and a vast selection of fine South African wines. Tobago's Bar andTerrace boasts the perfect location to catch the gorgeous sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Page 6: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

6

ed onto the mountain top.

Day 03CAPE TOWN (TABLE MOUNTAIN & ROBBEN ISLAND)

Awake this morning to a delicious breakfast at your hotel and then your private touringvehicle will collect you from the hotel to visit Table Mountain. It is best to ascend themountain in the early morning before the clouds have settl

Later today we will transfer to Robben Island Ferry dock and depart on a scheduled boattrip across Table Bay to Robben Island. On arrival guests will be met by their guide – anex-political prisoner and then taken on a bus ride with the guide providing commentary.Stop and visit the infamous Maximum Security Prison as well as the Murray's BayHarbor precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place ofbanishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those theyregarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. Duringthe apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutionalbrutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents ofapartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter ofa century in prison for their beliefs.

This famous island has captured hearts and minds around the globe. Situated just a fewkilometers from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, it was “home” to Nelson Mandela forsome 17 years. Today it has become a symbol of freedom, the transformative power offorgiveness and a place of political pilgrimage. The tour includes a 7-mile boat trip,which takes about half an hour each way and the tour lasts about three hours.

Page 7: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

7

ACCOMMODATIONS: RADISSON BLU HOTEL (Breakfast)

Day 04CAPE TOWN (CAPE POINT)

Depart this morning on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, which will feature a middaybreak to enjoy a fresh seafood luncheon. First you will travel via the 12 Apostles and HoutBay, to Chapman’s Peak. This is one of the region’s most dramatic mountain drivesand offers amazing panoramic views over the city and environs. Descend the mountainpass and continue on to the coastline.

This strip of the peninsula’s shoreline, commonly known as the Atlantic Seaboard,stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western coast to thenature reserve at Cape Point. The exceptional beaches and rugged mountains alongthis coastline not only make this a popular drive, but also provide outstanding views acrossthe Atlantic Ocean, with some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve comes to an end at majestic Cape Point.Situated at the junction of two of earth’s most contrasting water masses – the coldBenguela current on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East Coast,the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and

Page 8: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

8

the Indian Oceans. Guests may take (optional, cost not included) the funicular to thevantage point from where they will be able to witness the “meeting of the two oceans”.

Today’s attractions include Boulders beach, which is home to a colony of endangeredjackass penguins in Simonstown. Technically, these are African penguins… but earlysettlers thought that their braying sound was more like a four-footed pack animal than a2 footed bird!

You will also have the (optional, cost not included) opportunity to visit the colony of sealson the aptly named Seal Island, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon. Wewould be happy to recommend some fabulous restaurants… Cape Town, after all, is the‘foodie’ capital of South Africa!

ACCOMMODATIONS: RADISSON BLU HOTEL (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 05CAPE TOWN (WINELANDS)

Another day of unforgettable scenery begins as we depart on our full day tour to thewinelands. Enjoy a spectacular drive through beautiful mountain scenery to the Cape'sWorld-Famous Wine Estates. You will stop at a popular winery where our group cansample some of the esteemed vintages and enjoy a cellar tour.

Page 9: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

9

Franschhoek is our next stop – a gorgeous village surrounded by majestic mountainsand often called the ‘gourmet center’ of South Africa. Some of the country’s finestrestaurants are located in Franschhoek, before continuing to Paarl. This ‘pearl of theCape’ lies nestled in the Berg river Valley, guarded by the huge granite rocks from whichit gets its name. Paarl is also well known for its wine, cuisine and culture, and it alsoconsidered the home of the Afrikaans language.

We then continue to the lovely town of Stellenbosch, with its tree lined streets andhistorical architecture. The Stellenbosch University is the oldest college in South Africa!There will be time to explore Stellenbosch on foot – exploring the shops on popular DorpStreet and perhaps stopping for coffee in a quaint sidewalk café.

We will enjoy lunch today at a winery and then we return to our hotel for an evening atleisure.

ACCOMMODATIONS: RADISSON BLU HOTEL (Breakfast, Lunch)

Page 10: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

10

Day 06CAPE TOWN - VICTORIA FALLS

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Victoria Falls, Z imbabwe, locateda t the edge o f famed V ic to r ia Fa l l s , via Johannesburg.

The local people referred to the Falls asmosi oa tunya or the ‘smoke that thunders’. WhenDavid Livingstone ‘discovered’ the Falls, he named them after his beloved Queen ofEngland. Today the Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world, and an extremelypopular destination for visitors to Southern Africa.

Victoria Falls actually forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The deepgorges that separate the countries are spanned, overhead, by a pedestrian bridge thatallows visitors to walk between the two sides of the Falls, and the two countries. Theactual cascade of water pours down the Zambia side of the gorge. This spectacularevent is best viewed from the Zimbabwe side. However, the Zambia side has paths andnatural swimming pools right at the lip of the Falls, which allow visitors to get extremelyclose to the watery cascade.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will obtain your visa at the Customs point, then meet ourdriver who has arranged for our transport to our reserved hotel.

You will have a little time to settle in and relax before the late afternoon transfer to theedge of the Zambezi River to board your sunset cruise vessel.

The leisurely cruise along Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and the islands affords plentyof opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes andeven elephants, crossing the river. Snacks and drinks are served on board. Theexperience is a beautiful and relaxing introduction to the glorious Zambezi River and herspectacular Falls.

Page 11: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

11

ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGEVictoria Falls Safari Lodge provides luxury accommodation in Victoria Falls. Set high on a natural plateau,the westward facing lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometers from thethundering Victoria Falls, Southern Africa's foremost attraction.

Enjoying uninterrupted views of spectacular African sunsets and year-round game at its on-site waterhole,accommodation at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is ideally positioned to offer the most discerning traveler ataste of Africa at its best. The lodge offers outstanding accommodation and facilities, together with anauthentic wildlife experience and warm hospitality.

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan treehouse. Our rooms all have private balconies, most of which overlook a central waterhole, offering theopportunity to observe herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu, as the sun goes down, and hyenas later in theevening.

All our rooms have digital safes, WIFI and power points, phones, remote control air conditioning, hairdryers,fans, mosquito nets, extensive range of customized toiletries including insect repellent, message pads,complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, and extra length beds. 5 of our deluxe double rooms canaccommodate a rollaway bed for a child under 12 years.

Dining options include the a la carte Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the more casual Buffalo Bar and TheBoma – Dinner & Drum Show. (Breakfast)

Page 12: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

12

Day 07VICTORIA FALLS

After breakfast at the hotel, depart on an informative guided tour of Victoria Falls. En-route, you will be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where you will stop and take photos. Yourgroup will then be will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a local guide who willgive a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird, wildlifeand other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographswhilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world.There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the riveris high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstreamin which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.

Page 13: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

13

A Waterhole Facing Room

The Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in theworld. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. Remarkablypreserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it didDavid Livingstone in the 1860's.

Page 14: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

14

The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a WorldHeritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.

ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE (Breakfast)

Day 08VICTORIA FALLS – CHOBE, BOTSWANA

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will meet our guide and depart on your adventuroustransfer to the Botswana border. You will be transferred by vehicle to the Kazungulaborder which is the border post between Zimbabwe and Botswana a distance of 70km -here your Botswana Guide will meet you. Once you are through the border post youwill be taken straight to the Chobe River.

Upon arrival at your safari lodge, you will be warmly greeted by the camp staff andescorted to your accommodation. Lunch is served shortly thereafter, and you will havesome leisure time to enjoy the camp facilities or espy game from the comfort of yourveranda. Later in the afternoon guests will congregate for refreshments as the guidesprepare for the afternoon / evening game activity. This area is renowned for huge herdsof elephants; it is quite a sight to see them swimming across the river, trunks held high!

Return to camp just after sundown, when the nocturnal species emerge and the big catsstart their nighttime prowl. Enjoy a delicious dinner and the camaraderie of other travelers,as game rangers regale guests with stories and tales of the African bush.

Your first night in the bush is serenaded by the sounds of Botswana’s wildlife – both bigand small – as they eat, hunt and sleep under star-studded African skies.

ACCOMMODATIONS: CHOBE MARINA LODGE (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Page 15: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

15

Uniquely located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana where the four African nations of Botswana,Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia converge, Chobe Marina Lodge is surrounded by the natural beauty ofAfrica. The Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane Forest Reserve, the Caprivi Strip and the mightyZambezi River, each offer their own attractions and with Victoria Falls but 70 kilometres away, Chobe MarinaLodge is a 'must visit' destination when in Southern Africa.

Chalets, two restaurants and wonderful wooden decks over the river make this hotel truly world-class.Dine in opulence and sheer class at Chobe Marina Lodge, where good food and comprehensive serviceare part of the mix. Commissioners A La Carte Restaurant serves world-class dishes beautifully preparedby our experienced chef. For a more informal meal try the Mokoros Restaurant, which offers local cuisinein a lighthearted, friendly environment.

Accommodation is provided in thatched studios, apartments, chalets and suites, with private lounges andmodern comforts such as air conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite TV, telephones and mini bars.

At Cathari Health & Beauty Spa pamper yourself with our menu of body services, facials, hands and feettreatments done by our team of carefully selected professional beauty therapists. The treatments were alldesigned for your total relaxation and well-being. Beauty Mobile Spa was formed to service the needs ofrapidly expanding massage demands of the guests who want to go back to their busy schedule or hecticlife fully refreshed. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 09 & 10CHOBE, BOTSWANA

You will have wildlife activities each morning and afternoon – either boating on the riveror in the Safari Vehicles.

Page 16: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

16

The most remarkable feature of the Chobe National Park is its huge concentration ofelephants (38 000) and also its great natural beauty. The park has an amazing variety ofhabitats, which range from floodplains to verdant grasslands and thickets bordering theChobe River. The Chobe National Park has an amazing variety of game and manybrilliantly colored birds. You can see 4 of the Big 5 in Chobe: elephant, lion, leopard andbuffalo and very rarely rhino.

Page 17: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

17

Chobe Marina Lodge lush expansive gardens are home to an abundance of wildlife,including the legendary fish eagle, warthog, squirrel, mongoose, vervet monkeys andfruit bat.A river boat cruise to the park, will introduce you to a totally different game viewingexperience. Other activities to enhance your experience at Chobe Marina Lodge includea leisurely sightseeing cruise to Sedudu island, or for a more thrilling experience youcan try your hand at fishing for the famed tiger fish, which inhabit the Chobe and KasaiRiver systems.

Page 18: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

18

ACCOMMODATIONS: CHOBE MARINA LODGE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11CHOBE - VICTORIA FALLS - JOHANNESBURG - WASHINGTON D.C.

After our morning activity and breakfast, we meet our driver and bid a fond ‘farewell’ tothe African bush. We transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for our scheduled flight toJohannesburg. On arrival at the OR Tambo international airport we connect with ourSouth African Airways flight bound for the USA.

Page 19: MERVIS DIAMOND SAFARI - mervissafari.com · ex-political prisoner and then taken on ... stretches some 34 miles from the waters of Table Bay along the western ... settlers thought

19

Day 12A Group: February 26B Group: April 11ARRIVE WASHINGTON D.C.

Arrive home early today…with memories and photos to last a lifetime!

IMPORTANT NOTES:

South Africa: An entry permit will be issued to you upon arrival into South Africa.

Zimbabwe: An entry visa will be issued upon arrival into Zimbabwe – the current cost is U.S. $30 fora single entry and U.S. $45 for a double entry. The visa must be paid in U.S. dollars and should be inexact change.

Botswana: An entry permit will be issued to you upon arrival into Botswana.

South Africa requires two blank visas pages in your passport. We recommend one blank visapage for each other country visited. Your passport must be valid for at least six monthsbeyond intended period of stay.

There are no required inoculations on this itinerary. However, malaria tablets are highlyrecommended. You may obtain these pills by prescription, from your regular physician.

Mervis / Team 980 Safari Prices for 2019Classic Land & Air: $7,199 per person share

Gold Land & Air: $7,319 per person share, includes a Waterhole Facing Room at Victoria Falls

Diamond Land & Air: $7,429 per person share, includes Suite accommodations at Chobe, Group A only

Single supplement, all levels, $1,750

Classic Land only: $6,395 per person share, includes internal Africa airGold Land only: $6,519 per person share, includes internal Africa airDiamond Land only: $6,629 per person share, includes internal Africa air

Early Bird Discount: $200 per person, when booked and under deposit by October 15, 2018. Gold level travelers at Victoria Falls will enjoy upgraded Waterhole View accommodations. Diamond level travelers at Chobe will also enjoy upgraded Suite accommodations.

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Valid as of July 23, 2018 for departures fromWashington Dulles (IAD) on February 25 and March 31, 2019 only with the same itinerary; available athigher prices during other travel periods. Other departure points and domestic flights within the U.S. canbe booked at additional cost pending availability. Subject to availability and currency exchange ratefluctuations. Prices are valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice.Package includes all current government and airline-imposed taxes and fees. Baggage and optionalservice fees, cancellation charges and other restrictions may apply.