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Malaria Free Family Adventure
Sun City - Madikwe Game Reserve - Cape Town
8 Days / 7 Nights
0 Persons
Date of Issue: October 23, 2015
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Overview
This package is perfect for families that would like to experience all that South Africa has to offer in a malaria free environment...
Destination / Accommodation / Nights / Basis / Room TypeSun City / The Palace of the Lost City / 2 / B&B
Madikwe Game Reserve / Madikwe Safari Lodge / 2 / FI
Cape Town / Table Bay Hotel / 3 / B&B
Key
RO: Room only
SC: Self Catering
HB: Half Board
B&B: Bed and breakfast
D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast
FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch
FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily
FI: Fully inclusive
Day 1The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort and it offers a multitude of attractions and activities to keep everyone occupied. With its combination of golf, game and gambling, as well as world class hotels it is a mini Las Vegas in the African bush.
Day Notes
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by an English speaking representative and transferred to Sun City. Your hotel, The Palace of the Lost City, is located within Sun City
Overnight: The Palace of the Lost City View iBrochure
Set among 60 acres of remote South African wilderness, this sprawling complex built in the crater of an extinct volcano is a wonderland destination where opulence in the bush takes on new meaning. The jewel property in the Sun City resort, the Palace boasts interiors with hand-carved walls, bespoke furnishings and ceilings that depict a classic African landscape. Outside, the imitation sea and palm fringe beach, Valley of Waves, includes a 5,600-square-meter wave pool, waterslides, sway bridge and Botanical Garden trails. A sense of adventure prevails at the 18-hole Lost City Golf Course, which features a crocodile-filled pond. There is also a chance to see the Big Five on safari tours at the adjoining Pilanesberg National Park.
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 2The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
Day Notes
After breakfast, enjoy the many activities that Sun City has to offer everyone in the family.
The Entertainment Centre has a games arcade that will delight the heart of both children and adults alike. For the adventurous, head down to Waterworld to enjoy the excitement of parachuting, the thrill of water sports and parasailing. Let the expert instructors teach you how to water-ski or wake board. Ride a wave on a jet ski. A daily cruise around the private lake is a great way to enjoy a sundowner. Mini cars, Putt – Putt, Trampolines, Bumper Boats and Play Ground are all the exciting activities surrounding the lake. During your stay you may even take a train ride that goes past the Cabanas Aviary and over a small part of the Waterworld Lake to observe the Impala, Ostrich and Nyala.
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 3Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
The Madikwe Game Reserve is the newest of South Africa's prime safari destinations. A public-private partnership resulted in the creation of this Big Five game reserve on almost worthless cattle farms and today it is home to 66 mammal species. Madikwe is a haven of amazing diversities. The landscape has mountainous areas, plateaux, rocky hills, a perennial river, seasonal wetlands, a variety of sandy and clay areas, bushveld, Kalahari veld and savanna areas. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities in a malaria-free environment.
There is a good chance of seeing the Magnificent Seven which comprises the Big Five as well as the rare and endangered wild dog and cheetah. The reserve is home to the largest elephant population outside the Kruger National Park, black and white rhino, and the biggest disease free herd of buffalo in the country. In addition to these, one may see brown and spotted hyena and all other South African predators. A multitude of plains game includes giraffe, zebra, springbok and sable. There are also large populations of wildebeest, impala and warthogs. For bird watchers Madikwe is an unmissable destination with the latest official bird list boasting an incredible 340 species.
Day Notes
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Madikwe Game Reserve for your stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Madikwe Safari Lodge provides the opportunity for the perfect family safari as well as introducing children to the wonders and enjoyment of the African bushveld.
Overnight: Madikwe Safari Lodge View iBrochure
Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 hectare malaria-free reserve located northwest of Johannesburg (an easy four hour drive) along the Botswana border. It didn’t take much to be enamoured by Madikwe. Everything about this place is vast – its landscapes, its heavens, its wildlife. This is rugged Africa, and then some!
The rich and undulating landscape is punctuated by enormous volcanic intrusions (known as Inselbergs) and the unique topography reveals astonishing wildlife sightings. Madikwe’s animal population includes lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, antelope and the endangered Cape hunting dog. In excess of 300 resident and migrant bird species tint the ample skies.
Madikwe Safari Lodge offers three luxury lodges, each with its own appeal. The right lodge for you will depend on whether you are travelling with the family, with a group of friends or on your own, and on your personality. Do you prefer a smaller and more intimate lodge environment, or a more social atmosphere in the company of other guests from around the world?
Included
Fully Inclusive
Day 4Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Day Notes
Family safari drives are available to all children between 2 and 6 years old. Open safari vehicles are used. These drives are offered just after breakfast so as not to rush the wakeup process, and where possible we try and give each family their own vehicle for this game drive. Although we don’t approach or go into lion or elephant sighting areas, for safety reasons, it is an exciting opportunity for the kids to go out with their parents into the bush and enjoy seeing so many incredible animals.
Included
Fully Inclusive
Day 5Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and a top international destination. Large numbers of tourists flock to Cape Town to enjoy this unique city with its fascinating history, interesting culture, natural beauty, award winning wines and laidback lifestyle. Whether you are a serious tourist or just want to lie on the beach and enjoy life, Cape Town will satisfy your needs.
Day Notes
Transfer from Madikwe Game Reserve to Johannesburg Airport.
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to the Table Bay Hotel conveniently located at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Built around an actual working harbor, the V & A Waterfront offers a number of activities for all the family to enjoy.
Overnight: Table Bay Hotel View iBrochure
Set on the historic waterfront, a hotel has been created that is not only a tribute to this world-famous bay, but which also sets its own standards in international service, cuisine and luxury. The Table Bay Hotel is magnificent, straddling the antique breakwater with a style that is both innovative and entirely in keeping with its surroundings. Its contemporary architectural treasure, its design and execution are the result of trans-continental co-operation.
Each room either overlooks the bay to Robben Island Prison, home of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela for the greatest part of his 27 years of political incarceration, or across the harbour and the city to Table Mountain. The hotel was opened with much fanfare in May 1997 by President Nelson Mandela himself.
The Table Bay Hotel has a total of 329 fully air-conditioned rooms which include luxury rooms, superior luxury rooms and suites. The rooms have luxurious walk-in cupboards, marble finishes and writing desks and each is equipped with a butler station, honour bar and computerised safe. In-room dining is offered 24 hours. Rooms are turned down at night and serviced twice daily.
Bathrooms have separate showers and baths. Vanities include a personal hidden dryer and a full range of internationally acclaimed cosmetics and toiletries. There are make-up mirrors and Mediterranean-style bathrobes and slippers.
Between Robben Island and Table Mountain, you’ll discover the famed Table Bay Hotel. Cosmopolitan, gracious and relaxed, The Table Bay is the sum of all that is good about Cape Town. The rooms are inviting and represent the epitome of luxury and comfort. Exceed expectations at this 5 star hotel in South Africa - from the stylish writing desks, to the expansive windows, take in a scene of the harbour or the Atlantic Ocean.
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 6Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
Day Notes
After breakfast you will be met by your local English speaking driver-guide for your full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Depart the hotel and flank the colder Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay. Once a fishing community and now one of the most popular residential areas, the harbor still has a charm of days gone by. A chance to join the M.V "Circe" for a half hour cruise to "Seal Island" (at an additional cost) or for the not so adventurous, the fish market "Mariners Wharf" is a must. The tour now continues over the famous Chapman’s Peak drive – if open, with a 200 meter drop on one side and a 200 meter rise on the other, as we make our way south, following the Atlantic Ocean until we reach Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Said to be the romantic meeting place of the two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, Sir Francis Drake the Explorer once called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the Globe". And rightly so, it must be the highlight of any visit to the Mother City, if not South Africa. Our optional lunch stop today is at the Fish Hoek Galley. We pass the naval base of Simonstown as we continue along the Indian Ocean, en route to see the Jackass penguin colony which has become well established at Boulders Beach near Simonstown. Our last stop of the day is at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home of some 3 500 species of Southern African fauna and flora. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, having seen some of the best the Cape has to offer.
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 7Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
Day Notes
After breakfast enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town. Maybe take a trip in the cable car up Table Mountain or a boat ride for a poignant visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. In the summer months, maybe head for the white sand beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Whatever else, you will not be at a loss for fun filled things for a family to enjoy!
Included
Bed & Breakfast
Day 8Departure
Day Notes
After breakfast you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport
Transport
Flight Information
Date / Flight / Departure Airport / Time / Arrival Airport / Time / Class / RefOR Tambo International Airport [JNB] / Cape Town International Airport [CPT]
Transfers
Date / Pick Up / Drop Off / Time / VehicleOR Tambo International Airport [JNB] / The Palace of the Lost City
The Palace of the Lost City / Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge / OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
Cape Town International Airport [CPT] / Table Bay Hotel
Table Bay Hotel / Cape Town International Airport [CPT]
Travel Information
While wildlife safaris are reason enough to visit this exquisite country, South Africa offers even more to see and do. For one, the city of Cape Town is a jewel that is well worth visiting. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, C.T. offers lots to explore, including the V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Penguin Colony and several beautiful beaches — just to give you an idea. Not to mention the delicious food and fabulous shopping, which can all be enjoyed at a favorable exchange rate.
One of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape is the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek . Boasting some of the best wine tours in the world, they offer picturesque vineyards, fantastic art galleries and gourmet food.
Furthermore, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll ever encounter. You will be exposed to different cultures, languages and traditions that will certainly enhance your experience.
With so much diversity, South Africa has something for everyone to enjoy!
Visa Regulations and Guidance
As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport. U.S. citizens (US passport holders) traveling to the Republic of South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism or business purposes do not need visas. U.S. green card holders (non-US passport holders) require visas to visit South Africa. Nationals of other countries must check the list of visa exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas.
Please note that all foreigners who wish to visit South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after his/her intended return date. The passport must have a minimum of four blank (unstamped) visa pages in the passport to enter the country. It is preferred these are facing pages. Your international carrier can deny boarding if you do not have the blank (unstamped) visa pages. Travellers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas and immigration stamps to enter into South Africa and other countries to be visited. These blank pages cannot be endorsement or amendment pages.
As a general precaution, all travellers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.
Banking and Currency
Currency
South Africa's currency is the Rand, which offers visitors great value for their money. The rand comes in a range of coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100. With the exchange rate in your favor, you'll find South Africa offers great value.
It is advisable to exchange US Dollars into Rands upon arrival for tips and small purchases where credit cards are not normally used.
Exchanging large denominations of US Dollars at game lodges can be challenging so come prepared.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.
Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:
Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.
Health / Medical Information
Many of the main tourist areas are malaria-free, so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months.
Many local people and some travelers do not take anti-malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend that you do. All guests must consult their own medical doctor or health authorities regarding the use of anti-malarial tablets prior to departure.