Tia Alexa

FINAL TOUCHH TOURS & TRAVEL LLC

South Africa Safari

Nov 26, 2024 to Dec 3, 2024
Africa

Discover the Exquisite Charm of South Africa at Cresta Grande and Mabula Game Lodge

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the untamed wilderness of South Africa on a safari like no other. Picture yourself in open-top jeeps, navigating the rugged terrain, as you witness the raw beauty of the African savannah unfold before your eyes. Encounter majestic creatures up close, from the towering elephant herds to the graceful giraffes gracefully grazing on acacia trees. Imagine the thrill of being in the presence of the mighty African lion, its presence commanding respect and awe. But a South Africa safari is not just about wildlife; it's a sensory journey, where the earthy scents of the bush mingle with the distant roar of lions, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. With its diverse landscapes, from the iconic Kruger National Park to the breathtaking Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa offers a variety of safari options to cater to every adventurer's dreams. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast seeking the Big Five or a nature lover looking to reconnect with the untouched wilderness, a safari in South Africa will leave an indelible mark on your soul. So, don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; pack your bags and let the untamed beauty of South Africa's safari sweep you off your feet.


 

 

What's included in this trip:

Escorted Package Includes

 

  • Flights New York-Cape Town, Johannesburg-New York
  • Other departure cities available. https://finaltouchhtravel.com/client-inquiry
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flight Cape Town-Johannesburg
  • 6 nights accommodations
    • 4 nights Cape Town
    • 2 nights Limpopo Province
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Sightseeing & Game Drives per itinerary
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout

Special Features

    • Experience Cape Town on a panoramic city tour
    • Game drives in magnificent Limpopo Province
    • Cresta Grande Cape Town, Cape Town****
    • Mabula Game Lodge, Waterberg, Limpopo****
 
Flights from JFK:

November 26, 2024 Departure:
United Airlines 9717
New York, NY (JFK): 26 Nov 2024 04:25PM
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH): 27 Nov 2024 06:10AM

LAYOVER

Swiss Intl Air Lines LTD 8086
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH): 27 Nov 2024 09:40AM
Cape Town, South Africa (CPT): 27 Nov 2024 10:05PM


December 3, 2024 Return:
Swiss Intl Air Lines LTD 283
Johannesburg, South A (JNB): 03 Dec 2024 08:25PM 
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH): 04 Dec 2024 06:15AM 

LAYOVER

Swiss Intl Air Lines LTD 16
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH): 04 Dec 2024 09:50AM 
New York, NY (JFK): 04 Dec 2024 01:00PM


 

What's not included:

  1. Travel Insurance
  2. Meals Not Specified
 

 

Itinerary:

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for South Africa
Depart for South Africa

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Cape Town
Arrive 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 leisure
Overnight: Cape Town

DAY 3, Thursday - Cape Town City Tour
After 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
Meals: Breakfast

 

DAY 4, Friday - Full Day in Cape Town
While in Cape Town, don't miss the optional tour to 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 Gardens. Tonight, attend the optional Traditional African Dinner Experience for a memorable evening of live performances and African gastronomy before returning to the hotel
Optional: Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour
Optional: Traditional African Dinner Experience
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Cape Town
Spend the day at leisure in Cape Town. Perhaps join the optional 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 shark cage diving*
*The South African Wine Tour and Full Day Shark Cage Diving operate simultaneously. Passengers may opt to participate in only one of these tours
Optional: South African Wine Tour
Optional: Full Day Shark Cage Diving
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Flight to Johannesburg, Evening Game Drive
This 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). After lunch at the lodge, take a late afternoon game drive accompanied by a ranger to uncover the magic of the African bush. This evening, dinner is at the lodge
Overnight: Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Depart 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 Africa
*The Mabula Balloon Safari optional is only available when staying at Mabula Game Lodge
Optional: Mabula Balloon Safari
Overnight: Limpopo Province
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Depart South Africa
Awake early this morning and set out on your final game drive. After the game drive, bid farewell to the bush and travel east toward Johannesburg. Arrive to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 4 PM for your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 6:50 PM
Meals: Breakfast

 

 
 

Cancellation Policy / Terms & Conditions:

Any cancellations, changes or modifications including name corrections, passenger details, occupancy changes, travel dates or room category changes will result in a re-price situation at current day pricing. Prices and availability are subject to change. You will be notified prior to  processing of payment  of any changes other than specified.  
  • Booking with airfare at this time will guarantee your Air & Land price from the departure city below. When flights become available within 11 months of travel, you will have the opportunity to review included options. Alternate flight schedules based on convenience or preferred airline may incur additional cost. You will also have the opportunity to browse available options and prices from your preferred alternate departure city. Should you decide to decline airfare, you may remove this service from your reservation.
  • The minimum age for children on this tour which  is 8.
  • IMPORTANT: You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary.

  • Passports: Your U.S. passport should be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. To learn how to apply for a U.S. Passport including expedited services, click here. Travelers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.
  • TSA PreCheck: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may opt to join the TSA PreCheck Program. This will allow travelers to save time and avoid lines when going through security at U.S. airports and not having to remove certain items from their luggage or person, such as shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids. Membership is valid for five years. The initial enrollment fee is $85, and the renewal fee is $70. For more information and to apply, please click here.
  • CBP Global Entry Program: U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, and some foreign nationals who travel abroad often may opt to join the CBP Global Entry Program. In addition to gaining access to TSA PreCheck lines, program members will also gain access to Global Entry kiosks. This will save time and avoid lines when returning to the U.S. Membership is valid for five years, and the enrollment and renewal fee is $100. For more information and to apply, please click here.
  • A tourist visa is NOT required for U.S. citizens traveling for tourism for less than 90 days. Travelers must have at least two completely blank visa pages for stamps each time they enter South Africa. Your passport will be stamped and inspected for each entry into South Africa, including when entering from Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and/or Namibia, so make sure there are at least two completely blank visa pages each time. Airlines may also inspect passports for compliance and deny boarding to those without enough empty pages. For more information, click here.
  • IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION: The information provided on this page should not replace the advice of a trained medical professional. After reviewing the information presented here, it is highly recommends you consult with your primary care physician. All travelers are responsible to ensure they meet the entry requirements for the countries they visit and are physically prepared for the activity level of their itinerary.
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The United States CDC is the national public health agency tasked with protecting the public health of Americans. They provide information to the public about disease outbreaks, vaccine information, and prevention and treatment recommendations. Among these tasks, the CDC also regularly issues health advisories to travelers. Click here for more information.

  • U.N. World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides information and guidance for all nations to protect international public health. This can be a helpful resource for understanding the public health situation of a country you plan to visit. Click here for more information.

Available Packages

South Africa - SOLD OUT
Unavailable as of November 10, 2024

$0.01
Deposit: $0.01 per person

Cresta Grande Cape Town Cape Town, South Africa

This first class hotel is located in the heart of Cape Town.
 
Guest Rooms: Guest rooms feature contemporary decor. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning, WiFi internet access, minibar, and in-room safe.

Location: The hotel is located in Cape Town. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Iziko South African Museum and Iziko Planetarium are about a five minute drive, while Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is about a fifteen minute drive away from the hotel.

Restaurants: The Cresta Grande restaurant serves international and local cuisine. The Red Elephant Bar and Lounge offers light snacks, an extensive drinks menu and an outdoor terrace. Manja's Café: Weekly Café is available for tea, coffee & light snacks.
 
Mabula Game Lodge, Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa
 
This first class lodge is located nearby the Mabula Game Reserve.
 
Guest Rooms: The rooms feature elegant furnishings and African style decor accents. All rooms are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay, such as air conditioning, an in-room safe and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Location: During their stay, guests can explore the nearby Mabula Game Reserve. Johannesburg is about a two and a half hour drive away from the lodge. Enjoy the lodge's spa and pool.

Restaurants: The lodge's restaurant serves tasty cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Refreshments are available at the Pool Cocktail Bar.

Extra Options

Passenger Agreement Form
Unavailable as of August 10, 2024

$0.00

These names match EXACTLY the full name(s) as listed in each passport, including middle name(s) or initial(s), or as listed on government-issued ID for passengers traveling within the USA. Any discrepancy may result in cancellation, change fees, new and higher airfares or denial of services. In the event that these names do not match the passport names.
 

Travel Insurance
Unavailable as of August 10, 2024

$248.00

You can opt in for Travel Insurance at the time of the reservation for this trip.
 
Insurance will be calculated into your monthly invoice.
 
If you need to cancel prior to final payment you will not be refunded your deposit.  
 
 
Travel Protection for Tours from $2001-$3000 - $209.00
+
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) up to 72 hours prior to departure for Tours up to $3000 - $39.00
 
 
Travel With Confidence. Give yourself peace of mind to be prepared for the unexpected.

  Reimbursement for Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  Medical Coverage & Emergency Medical Evacuation
  Baggage Loss, Delay or Theft Protection
  24-hour Emergency Assistance

Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour:
Unavailable as of October 31, 2024

$100.00
Deposit: $100.00

Depart on a full day Cape Peninsula tour to experience some of the most spectacular views. Drive to Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches en route. After a stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous flora and fauna, where you may see baboons by the road-side, rheboks, Cape Mountain zebras, bonteboks and the elusive eland. The native plant life, known as fynbos, forms one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Following the coastline along False Bay, return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town. Here, visit the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, and continue with a scenic drive over Muizenberg Mountain. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, resting at the foot of Table Mountain, for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens before finally returning to Cape Town.

Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.

Traditional African Dinner Experience:
Unavailable as of October 31, 2024

$60.00
Deposit: $60.00

Treat yourself to a memorable evening of entertainment and traditional African gastronomy. Enjoy an exciting interactive djembe drumming session before dinner. Then, savor a 14-course meal with dishes from several African nations, accompanied by live performances. While dining, you will also witness an extraordinary Mali puppet show.

Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.

Full Day Shark Cage Diving:
Unavailable as of October 31, 2024

$205.00
Deposit: $205.00

Join a thrilling full day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience shark cage diving. Early this morning depart Cape Town and head east to the coastal fishing town of Gansbaai. Upon arrival, the crew of your expedition boat will review the day's activities, safety etiquette and provide fascinating insight to these marine predators. Enjoy a light breakfast before boarding your boat and heading out into the open waters between Geyser Rock and Dyer Islander where sharks hunt for seals and penguins. Outfitted with a wetsuit, lifejacket and snorkeling mask, climb through the top of the cage secured to the boat. You will take turns with your fellow divers watching these predators under water and from the comfort of the ship deck.

Return to the port in the early afternoon where you will be greeted with a hot bowl of soup and bread. Relax as the marine biologist recaps your adventure and answers any remaining questions before your return to Cape Town.

*Departure from the hotel will be as early as 4 AM and the drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is approximately 2.5 hours (one way). The boat will be launched around 9 AM and the boat trip will last between 3-5 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. Shower facilities will be available after the ship returns from the dive. The return transfer to Cape Town will be at approximately 2 PM and arrival at 4:30 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and will be advised locally.

*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Shark sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon weather and sea conditions. Due to inclement weather and/or rough seas, this tour may be canceled and refunded.

*Sea conditions can be unpredictable and may become choppy or very rough at times. As a result, some customers experience discomfort and/or seasickness. Some over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine or Benadryl, may help reduce or prevent seasickness. Clients who are prone to seasickness are advised not to participate in this tour.

*Optionals "Full Day Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.

South African Wine Tour:
Unavailable as of October 31, 2024

$62.00
Deposit: $62.00

Wind through South Africa's fertile valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin with a visit to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.

Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.

*Optionals "Full Day Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.

Mabula Balloon Safari:
Unavailable as of October 31, 2024

$315.00
Deposit: $315.00

Take off in a hot air balloon as you admire the breathtaking sunrise over the Mabula Private Game Reserve. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam below. At the end of your flight, enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine in the bush. Continue game viewing as you take a leisurely drive back to the lodge.

*Please Note: Departure time for this excursion is very early in the morning, 5 AM or earlier. The take-off time and the duration of the flight and tour may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides will vary and can take up to an hour. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. Agility is required to embark and disembark the balloon basket. Wildlife viewing, quantity and species of animals seen is dependent upon local conditions including weather, wind and seasonal migration patterns.
This tour is not exclusive and requires 4 passengers minimum to operate
The Mabula Balloon Safari optional is only available when staying at Mabula Game Lodge

Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is required for this tour.