GM1617-AFR001 Cover_Layout 1 04/11/2015 13:44 Page 2 There is plenty of destination inspiration in our other brochures... January 16 – March 17 Florida Far East South Africa Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific USA ©Disney Canada Indian Ocean Dubai & Arabia Las Vegas South Africa Caribbean & Mexico Part of the Gold Medal Travel Group ...see your local travel agent for our full range of destinations The Trident Centre Port Way Ribble Docklands Preston PR2 2QG TRAVEL AGENT INFORMATION To check availability, book or for more information call the expert travel team at Gold Medal 0800 014 7777 GM1617-AFR002-003 Intro_Layout 1 03/11/2015 06:42 Page 2 Kruger National Park 2 GM1617-AFR002-003 Intro_Layout 1 03/11/2015 06:42 Page 3 Live life in colour... The world is waiting; full of sights, sounds, colour and life. Travel with us to a truly remarkable and magical part of the world, full of dramatic contrasts. From thriving cities and cultural explorations, to vast open plains and spectacular beaches. The world is yours to discover, and the journey starts here. 3 GM1617-AFR004-005 Welcome_Layout 1 03/11/2015 06:44 Page 4 Welcome... to South Africa We know the world... Discover South Africa To help you identify the right hotel or At Gold Medal we’ve been supplying South Africa encompasses cosmopolitan resort, we’ve included a few handy scheduled flights, hotels, car hire, tours and Cape Town, with its rich history and the pointers, look out for; excursions for over 40 years. We like to famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the l Complimentary WiFi think we have learned something in that picturesque Garden Route where you can A hotel or resort offering complimentary WiFi time, and we use this knowledge to explore idyllic beaches and rugged anywhere on its grounds*, will carry this icon. carefully select the best range to offer coastlines, stunning game reserves teaming *this could be in public areas only, and is subject to availability you in each of our destinations. with wildlife, plus have fun and enjoy the hidden holiday oasis of Sun City, just north l Family friendly And love to travel... of Johannesburg. If children are more than just welcome, Our South Africa Destination Experts love But the fun doesn't stop there. This year, in fact there are facilities specifically for all that South Africa has to offer. There's so we've selected two of the finest destinations children e.g. kids’ club, children’s pool, much variation; one day you can be taking in this area of the world for you to extend children’s play area and children’s dining in the culture of bustling Cape Town and your trip and see miles more. Victoria Falls options, you’ll see this icon on the page. the next you can be getting up close and and Mozambique offer a fantastic array of l Adult only personal with some of the world’s most natural sights that will dazzle even the most For grown up hotels and resorts, look out intriguing animals. This country is like no seasoned traveller. Head to page 48 for for this icon – it means all guests will be other, it’s simply amazing. Travel to South our top suggestions on how to take your aged 16 or over. Africa as a one-stop holiday or combine it South Africa holiday to the next level. as part of a bigger trip, the choice is yours. When to travel Africa’s weather is diverse, and when to go really depends on what you want to ATLANT do and see there. Seasons approximately fall as spring – September and OCEA October; summer – November to February; autumn – March and May; winter - June to August. Game viewing, is generally regarded to be better in winter months as the bush is Cap more sparse to see the animals. City and beach breaks around Cape Town, the Garden Route and Sun City are most popular in the summer. A visit to the Winelands is best during wine harvest season - February to April or maybe Hermanus for some southern right whale viewing between the months of June and November. For full climate information, please see page 53. Great value guaranteed Complete peace of mind Your holiday, your way Getting a good deal doesn’t mean When your travel agent books your trip From simple breaks to complex choosing the cheapest option – high with Gold Medal you can be assured multi-centre itineraries; our knowledge standards, quality and value come hand that you are fully protected. All the and experience means we can create in hand when your travel agent books flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure your holiday, your way. We specialise your trip with Gold Medal. With access are financially protected by the ATOL in tailor-made holidays which combine to thousands of fares and routes from scheme, and when you pay for your scheduled flights, hotels, car hire, tours over 135 airlines, and special rates at holiday you will be issued with an ATOL and excursions – take your pick, and, over 40,000 hotels around the world, we certificate. Please check to ensure that working with your travel agent we take work hard so you can enjoy a holiday to all elements of your holiday (flights, care of the rest. remember at a price you’ll love. hotels and other services) are listed. Our ATOL number is 2916. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL certificate, visit: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate 4 GM1617-AFR004-005 Welcome_Layout 1 03/11/2015 06:44 Page 5 Contents Get to know South Africa 6-7 Airline options 8-9 Victoria Falls South Africa 10 onwards ZIMBABWE South Africa multi-centres 12-13 Touring 14-15 Car hire 16 BOTSWANA MOZAMBIQUE Rail journeys 17 Cape Town 18-23 Winelands & Hermanus 24-27 Sun City Garden Route 28-31 Pretoria Kruger National Park Garden Route safaris 32-33 Johannesburg Eastern Cape safaris 34-35 Drakensburg Battlefields Durban & KwaZulu Natal 36-39 Mountains Johannesburg & Pretoria 40-41 Kruger National Park ANTIC INDIAN & surrounds 42-45 CEAN SOUTH AFRICA Durban OCEAN Sun City Resort 46 Madikwe Game Reserve 47 Winelands Oudtshoorn Extend your stay – Cape Town Port Elizabeth Victoria Falls & Mozambique 48-51 Knysna Hermanus Plettenberg Bay Victoria Falls 50 Mozambique 51 Information Essential information 52-53 Climate chart 53 Booking conditions 54-55 Assistance for reduced Oh, and we’re mobility travellers award-winning We have a dedicated team of 2015 Best Consolidator knowledgeable and experienced Globe Travel Awards staff who can help plan a trip for Tour Operator of the Year those customers with reduced mobility. TTG Travel Awards This includes advice on suitable 2014 Best Consolidator accommodation, accessible transfers Globe Travel Awards and making special requests to an 2013 Best Consolidator airline. Please ask your travel agent Globe Travel Awards for more details. 2013 Best Long-Haul Tour Operator Globe Travel Awards 2012 Best Consolidator Globe Travel Awards 5 GM1617-AFR006-007 Overview_Layout 1 04/11/2015 12:56 Page 6 South Africa A walk on the wild side The first time you visit South Africa, we guarantee you’ll be inspired – and not just by the astonishing I can see a rainbow beauty of its landscapes, and richness of its culture. From chic and stylish Cape Town, overlooked by South Africa lies on the southern tip of Table Mountain, through Durban’s golden beaches, to the rugged grandeur of Kruger National Africa and is divided up into nine Park, this is a country with something very special to offer. A destination that changes those lucky provinces. It boasts over 1,700 miles of enough to visit. coastline and some of the world’s most What to see and do whilst you’re there? We’d definitely suggest a self-drive or tour along the world- fantastic scenery. Not many destinations famous Garden Route, a breathtakingly scenic drive stretching 150 miles along the coast of the can provide the diverse experiences on Western Cape. offer in the Rainbow Nation. And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without going on safari – and we’ve selected some fantastic reserves which are the ideal base to start searching out the ‘big five’. Captivating capital As one of South Africa’s most beautiful and most visited cities, Cape Town offers so much to its visitors. With its pristine beaches, Table Mountain – the city’s most famous landmark, excellent art galleries, as well as a cool urban edge with quirky yet trendy bars, world rated restaurants and design savvy shops. These are just some of the reasons why it was the 2014 Design Capital of the World. Let’s drink to that The magnificent Winelands forms part of South Africa’s Western Cape province and are home to18 official wine routes and two brandy routes. Each offer wine tasting, winemaking tours, excellent cuisine and magnificent scenery. Hermanus is built along the beautiful shores of Walker Bay and is the official whale watching capital of the world. It’s surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and fantastic cuisine. 6 GM1617-AFR006-007 Overview_Layout 1 04/11/2015 12:56 Page 7 South Africa Gardener’s world The Garden Route is a sunny, scenic stretch on the south-eastern coastline of South Africa. It is a fine example of variation that makes this country so special, with gorgeous beaches, beautiful flora, lush forests, bustling seaside towns and tranquil lagoons. The best way to experience this malaria-free region, is at your own pace with a self-drive (see our car hire information on page 16).