SOUTH AFRICA with VICTORIA FALLS! May 26 to June 6, 2023
$2,965 land only, double occupancy. $3,365 single occupancyRound trip group airfare from Washington Dulles $1,450*Deposit $300 per person, balance due 3/10/23
Deposit is non-refundable but Gate 1 will allow you to switch it to a different trip and date.
ITINERARY
May 26, - Depart for South AfricaDepart for South Africa from Washington Dulles on Ethiopian Airlines
May 27, Saturday - Arrive in Cape TownArrive in Cape Town. As you transfer to the hotel, you will see the city's iconic symbol, Table Mountain, greeting you in the distance. Balance of the day is at leisureOvernight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea Point
May 28, Sunday - Cape Town City TourAfter an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, depart on a city tour. Pass famous landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, the Grand Parade, St. George's Cathedral, Company Gardens, and the Malay Quarter. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and Table Mountain. Perhaps ascend to the summit by cable car* (ticket not included) for bird's eye view of the city and its beaches. Continue to the V & A Waterfront where you will have the opportunity to learn the three billion-year-old story of diamonds while touring prominent Shimansky Jewelers & Museum. Following the tour (or for those who do not wish to participate) stroll through the adjacent V & A Waterfront with its endless shopping and dining opportunities before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.Overnight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 29, Monday - Full Day in Cape TownToday we will tour the Cape Peninsula, known for its steep mountains, secluded coves, and pristine beaches. The Cape of Good Hope, within Table Mountain National Park, is home to at least 250 species of birds as well as antelope, ostrich, and baboons. Walk the rugged cliffs, or take the famous Flying Dutchman funicular that climbs uphill to the old lighthouse. Afterward, visit Boulders Beach to see the unique spectacle of penguins waddling freely, and walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical GardensOvernight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 30, Tuesday - Full Day in Cape TownToday is the South African Wine Tour which takes you along the country's principal wine route to the scenic towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with tastings along the way. Alternatively, thrill seekers will not want to miss the optional excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving.* Tonight, attend the Traditional African Dinner Experience for a memorable evening of live performances and African gastronomy before returning to the hotel*The South African Wine Tour and Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving operate simultaneously. Passengers must opt to participate in only one of these toursOptional: Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving $142Overnight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 31, Wednesday - Flight to Johannesburg, Evening Game DriveThis morning, fly to Johannesburg, known as "Gauteng: the City of Gold." Upon arrival, drive to Limpopo Province located just three hours outside of Johannesburg. Your stay will be at a game reserve where the varied habitats provide ideal conditions for a selection of large mammals including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). Here, accompanied by a ranger, uncover the magic of the African bush during the late afternoon game drive. This evening, dinner is at the lodgeOvernight: Limpopo Province, Mabula Game LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
June 1, Thursday - Morning and Afternoon Game DrivesDepart early for a morning game drive, or participate in the optional Balloon Safari. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching for wild game below. A glass of sparkling wine awaits you at the end of the journey. Join the rest of your group on the morning game drive in open safari vehicles where you may have a chance to see not only the large beasts but also the smaller mammals, birds and insects. After lunch, relax at the lodge before setting out for your afternoon game drive. Return in time for dinner and toast to your final night in South AfricaOptional: Mabula Balloon Safari $352Overnight: Limpopo Province, Mabula Game LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
June 2, Friday - Travel to JohannesburgAwake early this morning and set out on your final game drive. After an early lunch, bid farewell to the bush and travel to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisureOvernight: Johannesburg, Radisson Hotel & Convention CenterMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
June 3, Sunday - Flight to Victoria FallsTransfer to the airport for your morning flight to Victoria Falls,* in Zimbabwe, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can still encounter herds of buffalo and elephant on their way to the Zambezi River. Experience the romance of Africa on the Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise. Relax onboard as you look for hippos, elephants, and buffalo that come to drink at the end of the day at the water's edge. Afterward, return to the hotel. Tonight, attend the optional Boma Dinner & Drum Show, an unforgettable dinner experience featuring dance performances, lively songs, and an interactive drumming show*Flights to Victoria Falls will arrive and depart into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia. The Livingstone airport is a 30-minute drive to the hotel in Victoria Falls, ZimbabweOptional: The Boma Dinner & Drum Show $65Overnight: Victoria Falls, Pioneers LodgeMeals: Breakfast
June 4, Monday - Full Day in Victoria FallsToday we join the Full Day Chobe Safari. Embark on a morning game viewing cruise along the Chobe River, famous for its elephant and lion populations. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa. Tonight, say goodbye to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a Farewell ReceptionOvernight: Victoria Falls, Pioneers LodgeMeals: Breakfast
June 5, Tuesday - Depart South AfricaThis morning, take a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the '"Seven Natural Wonders of the World." The walking safari takes you through the rainforest to view the Cataracts, Livingston's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. Return to the hotel before transferring to the airport in Victoria Falls. Fly to Johannesburg for your evening flight home.Meals: Breakfast
May 27, Saturday - Arrive in Cape TownArrive in Cape Town. As you transfer to the hotel, you will see the city's iconic symbol, Table Mountain, greeting you in the distance. Balance of the day is at leisureOvernight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea Point
May 28, Sunday - Cape Town City TourAfter an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, depart on a city tour. Pass famous landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, the Grand Parade, St. George's Cathedral, Company Gardens, and the Malay Quarter. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and Table Mountain. Perhaps ascend to the summit by cable car* (ticket not included) for bird's eye view of the city and its beaches. Continue to the V & A Waterfront where you will have the opportunity to learn the three billion-year-old story of diamonds while touring prominent Shimansky Jewelers & Museum. Following the tour (or for those who do not wish to participate) stroll through the adjacent V & A Waterfront with its endless shopping and dining opportunities before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.Overnight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 29, Monday - Full Day in Cape TownToday we will tour the Cape Peninsula, known for its steep mountains, secluded coves, and pristine beaches. The Cape of Good Hope, within Table Mountain National Park, is home to at least 250 species of birds as well as antelope, ostrich, and baboons. Walk the rugged cliffs, or take the famous Flying Dutchman funicular that climbs uphill to the old lighthouse. Afterward, visit Boulders Beach to see the unique spectacle of penguins waddling freely, and walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical GardensOvernight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 30, Tuesday - Full Day in Cape TownToday is the South African Wine Tour which takes you along the country's principal wine route to the scenic towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with tastings along the way. Alternatively, thrill seekers will not want to miss the optional excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving.* Tonight, attend the Traditional African Dinner Experience for a memorable evening of live performances and African gastronomy before returning to the hotel*The South African Wine Tour and Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving operate simultaneously. Passengers must opt to participate in only one of these toursOptional: Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving $142Overnight: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Sea PointMeals: Breakfast
May 31, Wednesday - Flight to Johannesburg, Evening Game DriveThis morning, fly to Johannesburg, known as "Gauteng: the City of Gold." Upon arrival, drive to Limpopo Province located just three hours outside of Johannesburg. Your stay will be at a game reserve where the varied habitats provide ideal conditions for a selection of large mammals including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). Here, accompanied by a ranger, uncover the magic of the African bush during the late afternoon game drive. This evening, dinner is at the lodgeOvernight: Limpopo Province, Mabula Game LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
June 1, Thursday - Morning and Afternoon Game DrivesDepart early for a morning game drive, or participate in the optional Balloon Safari. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching for wild game below. A glass of sparkling wine awaits you at the end of the journey. Join the rest of your group on the morning game drive in open safari vehicles where you may have a chance to see not only the large beasts but also the smaller mammals, birds and insects. After lunch, relax at the lodge before setting out for your afternoon game drive. Return in time for dinner and toast to your final night in South AfricaOptional: Mabula Balloon Safari $352Overnight: Limpopo Province, Mabula Game LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
June 2, Friday - Travel to JohannesburgAwake early this morning and set out on your final game drive. After an early lunch, bid farewell to the bush and travel to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisureOvernight: Johannesburg, Radisson Hotel & Convention CenterMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
June 3, Sunday - Flight to Victoria FallsTransfer to the airport for your morning flight to Victoria Falls,* in Zimbabwe, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can still encounter herds of buffalo and elephant on their way to the Zambezi River. Experience the romance of Africa on the Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise. Relax onboard as you look for hippos, elephants, and buffalo that come to drink at the end of the day at the water's edge. Afterward, return to the hotel. Tonight, attend the optional Boma Dinner & Drum Show, an unforgettable dinner experience featuring dance performances, lively songs, and an interactive drumming show*Flights to Victoria Falls will arrive and depart into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia. The Livingstone airport is a 30-minute drive to the hotel in Victoria Falls, ZimbabweOptional: The Boma Dinner & Drum Show $65Overnight: Victoria Falls, Pioneers LodgeMeals: Breakfast
June 4, Monday - Full Day in Victoria FallsToday we join the Full Day Chobe Safari. Embark on a morning game viewing cruise along the Chobe River, famous for its elephant and lion populations. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa. Tonight, say goodbye to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a Farewell ReceptionOvernight: Victoria Falls, Pioneers LodgeMeals: Breakfast
June 5, Tuesday - Depart South AfricaThis morning, take a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the '"Seven Natural Wonders of the World." The walking safari takes you through the rainforest to view the Cataracts, Livingston's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. Return to the hotel before transferring to the airport in Victoria Falls. Fly to Johannesburg for your evening flight home.Meals: Breakfast
*GROUP AIRFARE AVAILABLE
26May KLM 652 Depart Washington Dulles 5:25pm, Arrive Amsterdam 27May 7:10am
27May KLM 597 Depart Amsterdam 10:05am, Arrive Cape Town 9:20pm
05Jun KLM 592 Depart Johannesburg 11:10pm, Arrive Amsterdam 06Jun 10:15am
06Jun KLM 651 Depart Amsterdam 1:05pm, Arrive Washington Dulles 3:35pm
YOUR BEST CONNECTION TRAVEL ADVISOR: RUBY DEGENHARD, 410-224-4555, RUBY@BESTCONNECTIONTRAVEL.COM
Is This Tour Right For You? This moderately active program is intended to offer an introduction to the two most South African experiences, game drives and the city of Cape Town. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid mid-day heat when animals are at rest. Game drives will be conducted in small safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. Additional optional sightseeing is available to enhance your holiday. While on safari, on the motor coach and at remote lodges, WiFi service is not available or extremely limited.
PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THE TOUR.
Preparing For Your Trip-
A visa is required for Zimbabwe. Your passport must be valid through December 6, 2023. You must have 4 blank pages to accommodate travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. Proper documentation is the responsibility of the passenger. As of 4/9/22, all tour participants must be vacinated for COVID.
South Africa - While the majority of South Africa is malaria-free, visitors to Kruger National Park and the Limpopo Province are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is endemic to the Kruger National Park Area. The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province is considered a non-endemic area however as of March 2017, the CDC has received official reports of possible locally transmitted cases of malaria in this region and further investigation and surveillance is taking place. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt when in this area. Additionally, you may encounter mosquitoes in other areas, both rural and urban, especially during wet seasons. This tour visits areas of high elevations on the Panorama Route (5,870 feet) and in eSwatini (6,110 feet), and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travelers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly.
Please consult your physician before visiting South Africa.Zimbabwe - Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling in Zimbabwe. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Zimbabwe. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.
This VALUE TOUR tour is operated by Gate 1 Travel. Best Connection Travel Inc, (BCT) acts solely as agent for accepting reservations for Gate 1 Travel, Ethiopian Airlines and Travel Insured International used in connection with this package. As agent, BCT's sole financial liability is limited to the amount of commissions paid by suppliers for making your reservations.
BCT is not responsible or liable for breach of contract or any other intentional or careless actions on the part of such suppliers which result in delays, missed connections, climatic conditions, losses, damages, or additional expenses due to a change in the advertised schedules, change in any service or accommodations, or any other causes beyond our control. In the event the services and accommodations set forth on this flyer cannot be supplied because of delays or other causes, BCT will use its best efforts, provided we have received notice of the delay or disruption, to arrange for comparable services and accommodations.
A completed registration form and a deposit is required to hold a reservation.
BCT charges a $35 change/cancellation fee in addition to supplier change/cancellation fees.