South Africa Plus Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park

March 2 - 24, 2016 23 Days • 45 Meals

Escorted by Joan Rix

Lioness - Credit Jane Short

Often described as ‘The World in One Country’, South

Africa is blessed with a diversity of climate, geography,

wildlife and cultural heritage not possible anywhere else.

Each day we find new and exciting vistas spread before

us: the rolling pasturelands of the Mpumalanga; the rugged

peaks of the Drakensberg; the bush with its endless

varieties of game and bird life; miles of golden sand

beaches; quaint country towns, modern thriving cities and

much more.

South Africa has undergone a number of tremendous

political and social changes over the past two decades,

from minority white rule and apartheid to representative

government. Today we find a country that is living in

harmony, both with nature and man. We have special

opportunities on this journey to meet with and to learn from

different ethnic groups within South Africa.

Our previous departures to South Africa filled extremely

quickly - we urge you to enroll early.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy airfare on Air Canada and South African Airways plus domestic flights within each country

First class hotels and lodges, as indicated or similar

Extensive sightseeing throughout, including all admissions plus more than five game drives

Special opportunities to meet and share with local South Africans, through fellowship, receptions and hosted meals

45 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 20 breakfasts, L - 12 lunches, D - 13 dinners)

Services of our Canadian tour escort plus Beverly Gossayn, our very popular expert guide in South Africa

All gratuities and taxes for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy four nights in Africa’s most beautiful city, Cape Town with tours to the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain and the surrounding Wine Districts

Discover the arid Little Karoo and Oudtshoorn, home of the ostrich

Travel the Garden Route via Tsitsikamma Forest, Wilderness, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay

Visit the Kingdom of Swaziland, Durban and Zululand with opportunities to see tribal activities

Kruger and Chobe National Parks for the best game viewing and scenic drives in southern Africa

Explore Pretoria, national capital of South Africa, Johannesburg and Bishop Desmond Tutu’s Soweto

Excursion to Victoria Falls, Africa’s most magnificent waterfall on the Zambesi River and Chobe National Park on the flood plains of the Chobe River

Zulu war dance, Damazulu - Credit Jon Gurr

Victoria Falls - Credit Alecia Minosora

TOUR ESCORT

Joan Rix and her husband Roger have travelled extensively in the Caribbean as well as Europe, Asia and South America. Both are graduates of the University of Guelph; Joan with a Bachelor of Household Science and Roger with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. They have a farm operation in Innisfil that now includes their 3 sons and their families. Joan and Roger look forward to sharing this African journey with you.

March 2, Wednesday Depart Canada / Washington

Tour members from across Canada fly to Washington where we catch our connecting flight to South Africa.

March 3, Thursday Johannesburg / Cape Town

After our late arrival in Cape Town, we will be transferred directly to our hotel in vibrant Bantry Bay on the slopes of Lion’s Head overlooking the sea.

Protea President Hotel (4 nights / Sea view rooms)

March 4, Friday Cape Town

After a leisurely start we will be taken on a brief orientation tour including if weather permits, a cable car ride to Table Mountain. This unique landmark rises over 1,000 metres above the city and spreads horizontally across the skyline. Take a guided walk through the National Botanic Gardens in Kirstenbosch which encompass some 528 hectares on the slopes of Table Mountain and contains over 10,000 different native flowers and plants. BLD

March 5, Saturday Cape Town

Our day begins with a drive through the city centre and visits to the South African Museum and St. George’s Cathedral. Dating from 1824, the church has been the pillar of the Anglican Church in South Africa and was a major centre against apartheid led by Bishop Desmond Tutu. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take the optional tour to Robben Island. This evening, we’ll enjoy our Welcome Dinner at the Africa Café, where we sample many different foods from around the continent. BD

March 6, Sunday Cape of Good Hope

Follow Marine Drive past the picturesque Twelve Apostles to the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. Enjoy a short cruise to Seal Island. Delight in the magnificent scenery as we drive to Cape Point, on the tip of the Cape of Good Hope. Following a delicious seafood lunch at the Black Marlin we will visit a penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Return to our hotel late afternoon, with the balance of the day free to relax. BL

March 7, Monday Stellenbosch / Franschhoek

This morning we depart for the long established university town of Stellenbosch, with its oak lined streets and stately mansions. The area was first settled in 1680 and many buildings date from the late 18th Century. Continue to Boschendal Wine Estate, to visit the classic Cape Dutch Boschendel Manor House and enjoy a cellar tour, wine tasting and buffet lunch. Finally we arrive in Franschhoek, situated in a beautiful valley of its own, where we shall see the Huguenot Monument.

Protea Franschhoek Hotel (1 night) BL

March 8, Tuesday Little Karoo / Oudtshoorn

Our journey east follows the route of the early settlers over rolling farmlands and past spectacular scenery. Our travels will take us via the historic centre of Swellendam and over the Tradouw Pass into the Little Karoo. Following lunch, we continue to our hotel in the old world town of Oudtshoorn, made wealthy by the feathers of the flightless Ostrich. Enjoy a glass of port on arrival then enjoy time to explore at your leisure. Queens Hotel (1 night) BL

March 9, Wednesday Oudtshoorn / Garden Route This morning we shall explore the fascinating Cango Caves followed by a visit to an ostrich farm to learn more about

these fascinating birds and to enjoy a lunch featuring its eggs and very lean meat. This afternoon we descend the Outeniqua Pass and drive through the Garden Route’s Lake District to the resort centre of Knysna. Protea Knysna Quays Hotel (2 nights) BL

March 10, Thursday Garden Route Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing or exploring on your own (members can take a cruise on the Lagoon). Our afternoon is highlighted by a visit to a local soup kitchen and a reception at Theodora Creche, hosted by the local coloured community (with your help, we support both of these operations financially). We continue to Plettenberg Bay this afternoon and take a short hike on Robberg Peninsula. This evening we have arranged a very special treat - an opportunity to share a home cooked dinner with South Africans in aid of the soup kitchen. BD

March 11, Friday Port Elizabeth / Durban Departing early, we follow the coast eastwards following the scenic route via Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth, known for its sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches. Following a city orientation tour we transfer to the Port Elizabeth airport for our flight to Durban, South Africa’s third largest and most cosmopolitan city. Protea Hotel Edward (1 night) BD

March 12, Saturday Durban / Zululand This morning we view Durban’s beaches and bustling market area on our city tour. Continue to Lake St Lucia, an area known for its exceptional bird life, where we will enjoy an afternoon luncheon cruise before we continue into the heart of Zululand and our delightful inn. Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights) BLD

March 13, Sunday Mkuze Game Reserve This morning we are taken on our first game drive, exploring the Mkuze Game Reserve in open 4x4 vehicles, enjoying the scenic countryside and traditional Zulu farmlands. This will be followed by a short walk through a typical village, before returning to the inn. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful setting of our country retreat. This evening (weather permitting) we are treated to a BBQ dinner and a presentation of Zulu war dances. BLD

Credit Jon Gurr

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only* (Join Cape Town / Leave Johannesburg) ... $7,235 Toronto ...................................................................... $9,885 Montreal / Ottawa / Winnipeg ..................................... $9,995 Halifax / St. John’s / Moncton ................................... $10,325 Regina / Saskatoon / Calgary / Edmonton ............... $10,195 Vancouver / Victoria ................................................. $10,195 Single Supplement ..................................................... $1,995

Land Only* price includes no flights.

Air inclusive rates: Airfares from other gateways are available on request. International flights will be on South African Airways travelling via Washington/ New York. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective March 2015 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

The above price DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of comprehensive insurance which is available on an optional basis and is strongly recommended. Insurance premiums vary with the cost and length of the trip as well as the traveler’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date premiums will range from $500 - $570pp. Cost supplements for members aged 75 - 85 will range from $252 - $496pp. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due on December 4, 2015

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit of $500 per person to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6 Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com

March 14, Monday Swaziland Our morning drive takes us to neighbouring Swaziland, an independent kingdom. Follow the Ezulwini Valley, the ‘Place of Heaven’, to the capital, Mbabane. Lunch will be in the Ezulwini Valley. En route we will visit the Swazi Market, Swazi Candle Factory and a craft centre. Piggs Peak Hotel (1 night) BL

March 15, Tuesday Kruger National Park Enjoy spectacular scenery as we drive over Pigg’s Peak and enter eastern Mpumalanga en route to Kruger National Park. Enjoy game viewing from our coach as we drive across the park. Protea Kruger Gate Lodge (3 nights) BLD

March 16, Wednesday Kruger National Park

Enjoy a full day game drive through the heart of Kruger National Park in open game-viewing vehicles, in search of the ‘Big Five’ - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. This evening, relax in our delightful lodge. BD

March 17, Thursday Eastern Transvaal

This morning we drive from the plain of Kruger to the Highveld and follow along its crest for magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. Enjoy the wonderful scenery along the escarpment before we return to our resort by the gate into Kruger Park. BD

March 18, Friday Pretoria / Johannesburg

This morning we travel via Middelburg for lunch, crossing the rolling farmlands of the Highveld, en route to Pretoria, the picturesque capital of South Africa. Explore this gracious city known for its broad avenues bordered by flowering trees and its impressive public buildings and monuments. Continue to Johannesburg for the next two nights. The Winston Hotel (2 nights) BL

March 19, Saturday Johannesburg / Soweto

Our morning drive through Johannesburg, a city created from the wealth of gold and diamonds, includes a visit to the excellent Apartheid Museum. Following a light lunch at ‘Chez Alina’, the home of our local guide, we will explore the township of Soweto (home to Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela) and Regina Mundi, their parish church. Enjoy a special farewell dinner with wine. BLD

March 20, Sunday Botswana / Chobe

Our mid day flight bring us to the north of Botswana and the gateway to Chobe National Park. Home to superb game viewing Chobe covers over 11,000 sq kilometres and has a large variety of wildlife including large herds of buffalo and elephant plus hippos and lions. Relax by the pool and enjoy a dinner under the stars accompanied by the unique sounds of Africa.

Chobe Game Lodge (2 nights) BD

March 21, Monday Chobe

Enjoy a full day in the park with morning and afternoon excursions in open land rovers and by boat to view the game that frequent the fertile flood plains of the Zambesi. A highlight of our stay will be the visit by boat to the natural hippo pool, a short distance from the lodge. BLD

March 22, Tuesday Chobe / Victoria Falls

After a final game drive this morning we transfer to Victoria Falls. Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the falls are this region’s most spectacular natural sight. At 353 feet high and over a mile wide, they are the largest in Africa and

we will see the main falls - Devil’s Cataract and Danger Point. This evening we are just a short walk from the falls at the gracious colonial Victoria Falls Hotel. (1 night) BD

March 23, Wednesday Victoria Falls / Canada

Relax and enjoy the amenities of our beautiful resort. In the early afternoon we catch our return flights via Johannesburg and New York to Canada. B

March 24, Thursday Canada

After an early arrival in New York, we catch our continuing flights to our homes across Canada.

CT RATING 3 - Moderately Challenging: While relatively easy, this journey features long flights, a number of walks

over uneven ground (some with steps) and may include

some hot days with high humidity. Members should be

physically active to fully enjoy this tour. Hotels are

comfortable, roads are good and the food is excellent

throughout the region.

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