GAME PARKS OF SOUTH AFRICA

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CAPE TOWN TO CAPE TOWN  ~  DEPARTS JANUARY 4, 2016

Enjoy Cape Town’s charms, spot the Big Five on safari, travel the stunning Garden Route

Known as the Mother City, and nestling in the shadow of the spectacular Table Mountain, Cape Town’s setting could not be more stunning. As well as breathtaking scenery, this is also an exciting cultural city with a fascinating history and your stay here will give you plenty of time to appreciate all its charms.

Two of South Africa’s greatest natural attractions feature in this itinerary: the botanical marvels of the Garden Route and the magnificent African wildlife. Your journey along the Garden Route into the Outeniqua Mountains starts from the picturesque small harbour town of Mossel Bay, and your safari adventures take you to three of South Africa’s best game parks and the opportunity to get up close to Africa’s iconic wildlife.

There is also time to call at the vibrant city of Durban with its memorable Botanical Gardens – famous for its orchid house – and bustling craft market.

CAPE TOWN: SOUTH AFRICA’S   ~  “MOTHER CITY”

The great naturalist Charles Darwin was so moved by the time he spent in Cape Town
that he was moved to write to his sister: “This is a pretty and singular town; it lies at the foot of an enormous wall (the Table Mountain), which  reaches into the clouds, and makes a most imposing barrier. The beauty of Cape Town’s location will certainly make an impression when you take the cable car up Table Mountain and get a breathtaking panoramic view of its situation. Your visit also offers the chance of a trip to infamous Robben Island or a visit to a winery in the Stellenbosch Valley, and free time.

MOSSEL BAY AND THE GARDEN ROUTE

The ancient forests, craggy peaks covered in flowering scrub called fynbos, and the desert-like landscape combine to create one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, the Garden Route. Your journey takes you into the Outeniqua Mountains and to Oudtshoorn, a town set in an oasis-like valley. The opulent architecture of Oudtshoorn is testament to the Ostrich Feather Boom that was fueled by the demand for feathers for women’s clothing which ran from 1860-1914.

ON SAFARI: LAND OF LION, ELEPHANT AND LEOPARD

At Hluhluwe Game Reserve offers the chance to get up close to many beautiful species, the stand out attraction is the park’s population of rare white rhinos. A different experience awaits at St Lucia Wetland Reserve as you cruise the lake in search of hippo and crocodiles. This park also boasts an incredible variety of birdlife. The Addo Elephant Park is the final of your game reserve safaris and features, of course, the park’s namesake African elephants. Addo also comprises five distinct habitats – from grassland to montane forest – and so there is a wealth of wildlife on show. While exactly what is seen on a game drive varies day-to-day, the sights are always spectacular.

DURBAN: A FUN LOVING CITY

More laid back than Cape Town and the center of South Africa’s sporting life, Durban is a mix of grand colonial buildings and beautiful art deco architecture. Your tour will take you out of the city to the Valley of a Thousand Hills to experience both modern and historical African tribal culture in the Zulu homeland. As well as learning about the tribe’s often bloody history, there will be a performance of the renowned Zulu dance.

The Very Best of Cultural Travel

The Voyages to Antiquity experience is more than just a cruise – it is an exploration, by land and by sea, into the rich history, magnificent art and fascinating cultures and natural beauty.

Sailing on 380-passenger Aegean Odyssey, guests are treated to the highest caliber of personal service, amenities including flexible open-seating dining and a selection of restaurants serving regionally-inspired cuisine and wines and, at the heart of it, the very best personalized service.

In addition to your host Libby Znaimer, also accompanying this cruise are four well-respected lecturers: Peter Mawby, wildlife expert, ornithologist and research ecologist; Dr. Davie Price-Williams, University of London (retired) and spent many years working in the countries of Africa; and Major General Stephen Carr- Smith, retired; and Rt Revd And Rt Hon The Lord Carey of Clifton (former Archbishop of Canterbury)

For more information on Voyages to Antiquity or Libby’s hosted cruise, please contact your travel professional or Exclusive Tours today 1.800.268.1820