Aldor south Africa & Victoria Fall's Itinerary 2017

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ALDOR - South Africa & Victoria Fall's Itinerary 2017

ALDOR - South Africa & Victoria Fall's Itinerary 2017

Johannesburg - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Central Drakensberg - Nambiti Game Reserve - Central Drakensberg - Durban
11 Days / 10 Nights
29 March 2017 - 08 April 2017

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Overview

Accommodation	Destination	Arr.	Dep.	Nights	Basis
Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace	Johannesburg	29 Mar	30 Mar	1	B&B
Ilala Lodge	Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe	30 Mar	1 Apr	2	FB+
The Nest Hotel	Central Drakensberg	1 Apr	4 Apr	3	D, B&B
Ndaka Safari Lodge	Nambiti Game Reserve	4 Apr	6 Apr	2	FB+
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse	Central Drakensberg	6 Apr	7 Apr	1	D, B&B
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani	Durban	7 Apr	8 Apr	1	D, B&B

Key
RO: Room only
SC: Self Catering
HB: Half Board
B&B: Bed and breakfast
B, B&L: Bed, breakfast and lunch
D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast
FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch
FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily
FI: Fully inclusive

Day 1: Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg (Wed, 29 March)

South Africa

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands. Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Overnight: Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace

Contemporary convenience at its best...the 3-star Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a "group-friendly" experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests. The hotel offers a variety of room configurations and amenities which include LCD flat screen TV, satellite DSTV channels for all languages, tea and coffee stations, secure internet connections, laptop safe, working desk with business-convenient plug points. The hotel's clean and modern façade is complimented by a private and sheltered pool terrace, set in a beautifully landscaped garden, providing guests with food and beverage service throughout the day. Specifications include a comfortable, large ground floor reception area with enough space to accommodate large tour and convention groups with ease.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
29 Mar	OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]	Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace		Transfer

Included

Bed & Breakfast

Zimbabwe

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Day 2-4: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Thu, 30 March to Sat, 1 April)

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi river at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge View iBrochure

The warmest of welcomes awaits you at Ilala Lodge Hotel. A gracefully distinguished ambiance. Attentive yet discrete service that always comes with a smile. The sublime surroundings of our boutique hotel will reawaken your senses while the power of the majestic Victoria Falls renews your spirit.

Relax in luxurious style. Listen to the meditative rhythm of the great Zambezi as you drift off to sleep.As morning comes, gently awake and lift your head to see the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls across the unspoiled horizon – and let your soul sigh.

Feel at ease in our elegant and spacious rooms with African Teak furniture, soft, crisp linen – all
en-suite facilities, bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hair dryer, tea & coffee making facilities, free WiFi and a safe. 56 rooms in total including 2 Executive Suites, 2 Standard Suites, 20 Deluxe rooms and 32 Standard rooms.

The view from your room looks across the lawns to the National Parks where elephant, warthog, impala or the occasional buffalo might be passing by or simply grazing on the lawn or in the tree line.

Experience new tastes, indulge in unusual flavours and enjoy delectable dishes at our award winning restaurant "The Palm”; dine in view of the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls!

We have a tours desk in the hotel where you can book all you’re activities. Ilala Lodge also has a spa, where you can spoil yourself after that long safari!

Cruise down the river of time and follow the route that ancient explorers took, on the luxurious Ra-Ikane. She is the only one of her kind in Victoria Falls; The Ra-Ikane is a small luxury cruise boat that is out-fitted to suggest, in exquisite detail, an ambiance of a bygone era. Sip chilled white wine, or Gin & Tonics whilst nibbling on canapes, as well as the sumptuous high tea, whilst you glide up to Elephants feeding on the shoreline.

Activities

Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls Guided Tour

Sunset Cruise

The sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a definite must on any trip to Victoria Falls. Relax with a sundowner and snacks as you gaze out onto the banks of the river. Have your camera ready to capture one of the most amazing sunsets in Africa.

You'll be sure to spot wildlife animals as they come down to the river for a drink after a hot day in the Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe) and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia). Sightings of elephant, giraffe and other resident game are common. There's always an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Birdlife is superb and the Fisheagles will usually fill the scene with their calls.

Victoria Falls Guided Tour

A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts centre.

Flight Information

Date	Flight	Departure Airport		Arrival Airport
30 Mar	Scheduled	OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]		Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
30 Mar	Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace	OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]		Transfer
30 Mar	Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]	Ilala Lodge		Transfer

Included

Full Board and Activities

Day 4: The Nest Hotel, Central Drakensberg (Sat, 1 April)

Central Drakensberg

An imposing wall of rock that rises to 3000m, creating untold inspiring views and hikes. Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon's Mountains. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is 1 of 8 South African UNESCO World Heritage sites, uniquely being on for both its significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the San Paintings. For 1000s of years they hosted the San people and they in turn left their record on the walls on numerous sandstone caves.

Today most of the Drakenberg is protected as a National Park and it is a major attraction for the lover of the outdoors.

Overnight: The Nest Hotel View iBrochure

The Nest Hotel is situated in the Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg area of the KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa. The area is a popular South African holiday destination with a number of leading hotels and resorts and a great number of attractions and activites.
Celebrating its 80th year of welcoming guests in 2013, The Nest Hotel has a strong following of guests who make a point of coming year after year, returning to this most special place of comfort, wonder and beauty.

It must be the combination of popular South African country food, spectacular gardens, wonderful facilities, relaxing accommodation, friendly staff and exquisite views over the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, together with the availability of just about all leisure and sporting facilities imaginable that make The Nest Hotel a unique and much loved destination for so many tourists, families, bowlers and many more from far flung places.

Flight Information

Date	Flight	Departure Airport	Time	Arrival Airport
01 Apr	Scheduled	Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]		OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
01 Apr	Ilala Lodge	Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]		Transfer
01 Apr	OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]	The Nest Hotel		Transfer

Included

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 5: The Nest Hotel, Central Drakensberg (Sun, 2 April)

Activities

Mpumalanga Drakensberg

Mpumalanga Drakensberg

The majestic Drakensburg mountain range stretches for roughly 1000 kilometres across Africa’s southern reaches, taking in Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces in South Africa, as well as the independent kingdom of Lesotho, on its way. That section of the Drakensburg that falls into Mpumalanga features a number of highlights, most are which are incorporated into the Panorama Route. The most spectacular section of this drive is arguably Blyde River Canyon, a deep gorge that features a series of bizarre potholes carved into the rock by whirlpools carrying sand and stones, and terminates at the aptly named Three Rondavels, a series of three rounded mountain peaks reminiscent of traditional circular South African huts. Just north of the canyon is God’s Window, where a sharp drop in elevation opens up the cliff face to allow magnificent views over the lush lowveld. Also of interest in the Mpumalanga Drakenburg are the historical towns of Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie.

Included

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 6: The Nest Hotel, Central Drakensberg (Mon, 3 April)

Included

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 7: Ndaka Safari Lodge, Nambiti Game Reserve (Tue, 4 April)

Day Itinerary

Afternoon Game Drive

Nambiti Game Reserve

The Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers the Big 5 in a malaria free region in the heart of KwaZulu Natal. Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino and over 30 other animal species roam these reclaimed farms in the heart of the Battlefields region.

Overnight: Ndaka Safari Lodge

Being a child friendly, value for money lodge, you are encouraged to take off your shoes, put your feet up on the couch and just be. Enjoy being surrounded by the African bush, feel the peace and tranquillity and rejuvenate your mind. No doubt, the Spirit of Africa will stay within your soul bringing you back time after time. A stay at Ndaka Safari Lodge will be an experience you will treasure!

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
04 Apr	The Nest Hotel	Ndaka Safari Lodge		Transfer

Included

Full Board and Activities

Day 8: Ndaka Safari Lodge, Nambiti Game Reserve (Wed, 5 April)

Day Itinerary

Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Included

Full Board and Activities

Day 9: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Central Drakensberg (Thu, 6 April)

Day Itinerary

Morning Game Drive

Central Drakensberg

See Above

Overnight: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Within a decade, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse has earned global renown as a romantic gourmet getaway. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Kwazulu Natal Drakensberg mountains, this 5 star lodge is dedicated to sumptuous food and rustic luxury. With just 11 individually decorated rooms, each with their own unique character, the lodge offers a haven for those looking to break away from their fast-paced lives. Spend your days enjoying mountain walks, roaring log fires, 7 course dinners and time for relaxation and pampering.

Activities

KwaZulu Natal Battlefields

KwaZulu Natal Battlefields

KZN is steeped in history and literally littered with battlefields; from the struggles of the Zulu Civil Wars, to their clashes with the Boers and the British and the two wars where South Africa’s white tribes fought against one another. The most well known and well visited sites are those where the legendary Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift took place on the same day, lodging the Zulus firmly at the top of great warrior nations. Not far from these battlefields are the famous Anglo-Boer War fields of Spioenkop, Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith, which drew characters like Winston Churchill, Louis Botha and Mohandas Gandhi onto the same stage.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
06 Apr	Ndaka Safari Lodge	Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse		Transfer

Included

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 10: Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Durban (Fri, 7 April)

Durban

With its beautiful beaches, lively wining and dining scene, and rich cultural heritage, Durban is KwaZulu Natal’s tourist hub. The swimming and surfing is rated the best of any major city across the world and because of the sub-tropical climate the water is warm all year round. Known as the Golden Mile, this stretch of beaches and amusement parks is Durban’s major attraction with the recently developed UShaka Marine World at the southern end providing a world class aquarium and other entertainments.

Overnight: Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani View iBrochure

A total of 734 rooms are offered within Elangeni & Maharani Tower, to ensure a wide variety of room options to suit your preferences and tastes. All spacious en-suite rooms are beautifully furnished in a modern style, and are equipped with amenities such as air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe, 24-hour room service, porter service, wakeup facility and complimentary WiFi.
With a huge variety of restaurants, bars, conference venues, amenities and relaxation areas, you may well find many reasons to relax and unwind amidst the inviting atmosphere of the hotel. Should you feel like exploring further, the many attractions of Durban lie in wait. uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino, Hotel & Entertainment, Mangwanani Boutique Spa's, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Valley of 1000 Hills, Durban Botanic Gardens and many other highlights can all be explored after checking in for your stay.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off		Vehicle
07 Apr	Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse	Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani		Transfer

Included

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 11: Departure (Sat, 8 April)

Activities

Durban City Tour

Durban City Tour

Durban is a multicultural city with plenty of attractions most of which are focussed around the beach and the harbour. The Marine Parade now connects the iconic Moses Mabhida 2010 Stadium with the Golden Mile and uShaka Marine World. While the Sugar Terminal tells a story of the province’s major industry and a trip to the colourful Indian Market highlights the impact that Durban’s Indian population has had on its food and culture.

Transfers

Date	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
08 Apr	Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani	King Shaka International Airport [DUR]		Transfer

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