South Africa
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SOUTH AFRICA T AILOR - MADE J OURNEYS FOR T HE D ISCERNING T RAVELLER Dear Traveller When extolling the virtues of South Africa it’s difficult to be brief as the country has so much to offer. The vibrant cities set the country apart from its neighbours, the varied wildlife areas have adventurous experiences both on land and on water, the mountains compare favourably with many an alpine area and the outstanding food, wine and beaches lend themselves to relaxation. Cape Town sets the pace for stylish boltholes, and no matter how many times I visit, a few days in one of the city’s new boutique hotels puts a spring in my step. The West Coast is a hidden gem of white- sand beaches and relaxed towns, and those that like a road trip will enjoy the route from Cape Town to Namibia. Johannesburg, frequently the forgotten city of South Africa, is making great progress in arts, culture and the food scene, while its nearby wildlife areas, Madikwe, Marataba and Welgevonden, are uncrowded and scenic. Our South Africa specialists will be delighted to help you plan your trip. Craig Burkinshaw, Founder Introducing Audley t was a trip around Asia in the early 1990s that Specialist knowledge Iignited Craig Burkinshaw’s passion for travel. On his return he was so keen to share his Our South Africa specialists have all travelled experiences that he founded Audley, or Asian extensively throughout the country and in many Journeys as we were then called. We offered a cases lived there, so you can rely on their new type of travel – individual journeys, designed in-depth, first-hand knowledge. They regularly to match the traveller’s interests, tastes and return to discover new hidden gems in each budget, created with an absolute commitment region, stay in the accommodation and meet to quality and authenticity. Today this desire to our guides – many of whom are firm friends – share authentic travel experiences is as well as experience all the excursions and undiminished and Audley is one of the UK’s activities. We believe this is the only way that we most highly regarded specialist tour operators, can genuinely offer you a tailor-made service and Table Mountain, Cape Town providing tailor-made trips throughout Asia, enable you to experience a side of South Africa Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, that others might miss. Australasia, North America, Antarctica and the Arctic. Planning your trip Tailor-made journeys Speaking to one of our specialists is the best way to start planning your trip, whether you already The beauty of tailor-made travel is that every know where you want to go or just have the trip is unique. Whether you want to stay in seed of an idea. They can discuss your plans, simple or luxurious accommodation, have great offer advice and give you ideas and inspiration guides on hand or explore under your own for your trip, before creating a detailed itinerary, steam, travel for one week or five, we can create which will be forwarded to you together with Cape Dutch architecture, Franschhoek a trip to match your tastes and budget. We can maps, accommodation descriptions and a price. The same specialist will then refine the plans until also design trips for a special occasion, whether Contents this is a spectacular honeymoon or milestone you are completely satisfied and will be on hand anniversary. Throughout the brochure you will to answer questions from your very first Introduction 2-9 find suggested itineraries and some of our telephone call until you return from your trip. favourite places to stay, but these are all just for Travelling in South Africa 8-9 inspiration as each trip is created uniquely for Financial security The Western Cape 10-23 you and there are many more options available. All travel arrangements in this brochure that The Garden Route & Eastern Cape 24-33 include a flight from the UK are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL KwaZulu Natal 34-43 number is 4817. Please see our booking Kruger & the Escarpment 44-51 conditions for more information. If your arrangements do not include any flights from The North 52-55 the UK they are protected by a separate Travel Beyond South Africa 56-58 financial scheme, for further details please visit 59 www.audleytravel.com/protect Useful information Introduction 3 Audley in South Africa H UgeLY diVerse destinatiON offering everything from big game and dramatic landscapes to Aworld-renowned vineyards and a stirring history, South Africa offers many reasons to explore. The Cape’s beautiful beaches and numerous vineyards make it a popular starting point before heading east through the spectacular coastal scenery of the Garden Route to the malaria-free game reserves and national parks of the Eastern Cape. However, there are dozens of other areas of interest such as the peaceful and scenic West Coast, the historic battlefields and Zulu culture of KwaZulu Natal, the awe-inspiring canyons of the Escarpment, and the vast expanse of the Kruger and the lesser-known game areas in the north. The Western Cape Aerial view of Cape Town, the Western Cape Renowned for its scenic vineyards and stunning coastline, the Western Cape is also home to Cape Town, South Africa’s most incredible city. Its superb natural setting and vibrant character mean you can easily spend days exploring the city, imposing Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. Nearby, the Winelands are a series of pretty valleys covered in a patchwork of wine estates which surround quaint towns with excellent restaurants. Along the coast, Walker Bay is the place to observe large pods of Zulu woman, KwaZulu Natal southern right whales that come within metres of the shore between June and November. KwaZulu Natal The Garden Route & Zulu culture, spectacular scenery and a Eastern Cape fascinating history combine in KwaZulu Natal, a Giraffe in Shamwari Game Reserve, beguiling region that offers an enticing mix of Eastern Cape Steep sand dunes, crashing surf and picturesque attractions. Best known are the battlefields of towns make up the Garden Route, an area best Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift where expert explored by car over a leisurely few days. Enjoy guides recount the battles fought here in vivid boat trips along a lagoon to the Knysna Heads, detail. The towering peaks of the Drakensberg watch dolphins in the surf at Plettenberg Bay, and Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for walks take a walk through the arboreal giants of the and scenic drives, while the unspoilt Elephant Tsitsikamma Forest. Moving further east, you will Coast has remote beaches, world-class diving reach a series of malaria-free national parks and and turtles nesting on the shore. game reserves where you can spend time on safari watching herds of elephant roaming the Kruger & the Escarpment plains and big cats hunting their prey. An easy addition to a trip along the Garden Route, a visit South Africa’s most renowned national park and to one of these parks adds a whole new safari destination, the Kruger is known for its vast Beach in Wilderness, the Garden Route dimension to a journey along the coast. landscapes and prolific wildlife. The dense bush and riverine woodland provide an ideal habitat for myriad bird and animal species. The park offers options to suit a range of budgets whilst the neighbouring private reserves provide a more luxurious and exclusive experience. Close by, the Escarpment is a delightful area to relax for a couple of days after your safari, enjoying great food and countryside walks. While here, a day driving along the Panorama Route to include Blyde River Canyon is highly recommended. Hippo, Kruger National Park 4 ZIMBABWE M 0 100 miles O Z A 0 161 kilometres M B I KRUGER & THE Q U BOTSWANA ESCARPMENT E PRETORIA Johannesburg SWAZILAND NAMIBIA THE NORTH KWAZULU SOUTH BLOEMFONTEIN NATAL AFRICA LESOTHO Durban A NORTHERN CAPE t la n t ic O c e n a a n e THE GARDEN ROUTE c O & EASTERN CAPE n ia d In THE WESTERN CAPE CAPE TOWN Port Elizabeth The North A vast region predominantly made up of rural farms and open grasslands, South Africa’s north is home to beautiful, malaria-free game reserves as well as the ever more dynamic city of Johannesburg. Even a brief stopover between flights or prior to a rail journey leaves time for a city tour and a visit to one of the region’s superb museums. The game areas are characterised by varied and striking scenery, setting them apart from other safari destinations in the country. Wildlife is thriving here, including sizeable populations of wild dog. View over Johannesburg’s skyline, the North Wild dog, Madikwe Game Reserve, the North 01993 838 550 • Introduction 5 Experience South Africa OUTH AFRICA is A LAND of coNTRASTS, encompassing everything from the vast unspoilt S wilderness of the Karoo to the sparkling harbour of Cape Town. Whether you wish to explore the country’s diverse landscapes by car or train, discover its remarkable wildlife on safari, or learn about its turbulent history, we can plan your trip accordingly. Over the next pages, we have highlighted a few options to bear in mind when planning your trip. We can easily form an entire journey around a single interest or combine a variety of activities and attractions to suit your preferences; our team of specialists will be glad to advise on how best to plan your adventure. Safari Conservation has transformed much of South Africa’s former degraded farmland into superb Elephant, Madikwe Game Reserve wildlife habitats.