WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
• Private transportation as per itinerary
• 12 nights superior accommodation – 1 night Johannesburg, 8 nights Great Kruger Area, 3 nights Cape Town
• Daily breakfast, 11 lunches, 9 dinners
• Craft Gin tasting, 2 wine-tastings, soft drinks, beer, cider, and house wine with dinners while at tented camp
• Domestic flight Hoedspruit to Cape Town
• Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary
• Highlights include Big Five Game drives on a private game reserve, a full day excursion to Kruger National Park, Guided Bush Walks, Yoga, Meditation, Cultural Village Visits, Blyde River Boat tour, a unique “Trust Us” Special Activity, vibrant Cape Town, Wine Tastings, Penguin Experience and more!
• Services of an English-speaking local guide
• Services of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager
• Includes all applicable taxes and service charges
• 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package. Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, COVID-19 Travel Plan, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact us for rates and complete details.
• International airfare – Inquire with us about group space
• Passport, visas, government processing fees, vaccinations, COVID tests, if required at time of travel
• Luggage handling
• Beverages not mentioned
• Meals not mentioned
• Items of personal nature
• Gratuities
• Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers charges by airlines for oversize/overweight luggage

OPTIONS

• International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
• Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights

Please Note: Proof of medical insurance coverage is mandatory to participate in this tour. Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact your agent for rates and complete details.

Day 1 | Tuesday, April 2
ARRIVAL JOHANNESBURG
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at Johannesburg – Tambo International Airport meet an English-Speaking Representative for a group transfer to our hotel. As most flights arrive late in the day and evening, you’ll have free time to relax and unwind at the hotel after check-in.

Overnight Protea Hotel (or similar) – 1 nt

Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto.The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.

Day 2 | Wednesday, April 3  (B/L/D)
JOHANNESBURG – GREATER KRUGER AREA
Let the Safari begin! After breakfast, meet our host and nature guide and begin the journey to Greater Kruger area via the renowned Panorama Route. Stop for lunch at a quaint riverside pub and explore stunning attractions like the Pinnacle, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Continue to Ngama Lodge for check-in and time to settle in. Later enjoy a “sundowner” on the deck followed by a welcome dinner under the stars.

Overnight Ngama Tented Safari Lodge – 8 nts

During our 8-night stay, Broad Escapes will have exclusivity to the Lodge. Each tented chalet has its own en suite bathroom with a bath, separate shower, an outside shower for those wanting a more natural experience, and a private deck.

Day 3 | Thursday, April 4 (B/L/D)
NGAMA
Rise and shine and start the morning with an exhilarating, guided dawn bush walk, moving among the birds, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. After a decadent breakfast indulge in a relaxing day of pampering, lounging by the plunge pool and watching to see which animals might come down to drink at the waterhole. Enjoy a complimentary massage, and chakra balancing and if you are so inclined have a private meeting with our host Jacquie to set your intentions and create a meditation mantra. A light buffet lunch will be available throughout the afternoon. We’ll round out our relaxing day with a late afternoon yoga session on the deck overlooking the waterhole, then enjoy another al fresco dining experience before retiring for the evening to prepare for an early wake up the next morning.

Day 4 | Friday, April 5  (B/L/D)
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Before the birds start their dawn chorus, we’ll depart for the world-famous Kruger National Park. This full day adventure will be our first opportunity to see South Africa’s iconic Big 5 animals: Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Rhinoceros and Cape Buffalo. Return to the Lodge for a special craft gin tasting and sunset followed by dinner.

Day 5 | Saturday, April 6 (B/L/D)
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
Start the morning with a gentle African flavoured yoga practice on the deck (optional). After breakfast we have a wonderful day of local adventures planned. First, we’ll head into Hoedspruit town to attend the monthly Farmer’s Market with its vast array of local foods and crafts. This will be a great introduction to traditions and way of life in rural South Africa. Later, continue to Mariepskop, one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg, for the spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. Here, become acquainted with South Africa’s unique flora. Fynbos plants make up 60 % of The Cape Floral Kingdom; the smallest of the 6 Floral Kingdoms in the world and is the only one wholly contained in a single country. We’ll descend the mountain and return to enjoy another relaxing evening at the lodge and a sumptuous dinner.

Day 6 | Sunday, April 7  (B/L/D)
BUSH WALK – CULTURAL VILLAGE
Our day starts with another opportunity to walk among the plains’ game and learn more about the little things that are often overlooked on game drives. We may see some of the Small Five, Leopard tortoise, Lion ant, Rhino beetle, Buffalo weaver and Elephant shrew. In the afternoon we’ll be treated to the incredible singing, drumming, and dancing talents of Roots of Rhythm at Nyani Cultural Village where we’ll learn about African traditions and culture. After another fabulous feast by the fire, we’ll explore the African sky tonight with the guidance of a passionate local astronomer.

Day 7 | Monday, April 8  (B/L/D)
BOAT TOUR – GAME DRIVE
After an early breakfast we’ll make our way to the floor of the world’s oldest green (living) canyon- The Blyde River Canyon. We may see crocs and hippos as we glide leisurely across the water on a 90-minute boat tour. From here we’ll visit a regional cooking school where we’ll create our lunch based on traditional recipes with a modern twist. The brave may even sample Mopani worms – a local delicacy. After lunch have your cameras ready as we head to a private game reserve for an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle.

Day 8 | Tuesday, April 9  (B/L/D)
TRUST US – SPECIAL EVENT
Today we have a very special event planned. We want to keep it a surprise so it’s a “trust us” day and you’ll have to trust up to deliver a unique and wonderful experience that will be one of the highlights of this tour! Trust Us! .

Day 9 | Wednesday, April 10  (B/L/D)
GAME DRIVE – NOURISH ECO VILLAGE – BUSH WALK
Sunrise will see us on an open vehicle in a private game reserve for another opportunity for close encounters with incredible creatures. From here we’ll travel to Nourish Eco Village where we’ll get our hands dirty in the food labyrinth, play with the kids, pet the donkeys and learn all about this vibrant “Not For Profit” and the community they support. After, enjoy a traditional lunch cooked by the Nourish Gogos (grannies). In the late afternoon we’ll head out on our final bush walk, returning as the sun sets for farewell drinks and dinner at the lodge.

Day 10 | Thursday, April 11 (B/D)
CAPE TOWN – STELLENBOSCH
The day starts with yoga on the deck and breakfast (optional). Say farewell to our friends at Ngama Lodge as we prepare to explore Cape Town and all it has to offer. Transfer to Hoedspruit airport for a domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, meet our Cape Town host and transfer to Stellenbosch for an authentic barbeque experience – braai. An integral part of South African culture is to cook outdoors and gather with family and friends. Enjoy the culinary delights of this social dinner, then sit back and relax during a wine tasting of the regional wines. Return to Cape Town (1 hour) and check in to our hotel for a 3-night stay.

The Commodore Hotel (or similar) – 3 nts

Day 11 | Friday, April 12 (B/L)
CAPE TOWN
Start the day with a walking tour through the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town, through its nooks and crannies, learning about its legends and secrets. Stroll through some of the more historic street, a chance to appreciate the extraordinary collection of pre-1840 architecture. Follow your noses towards the scents of ginger, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and chilli which drift tantalisingly from the storefronts and cafes as we learn about the ingredients to make a typical Cape Malay dish. Next is a “hands-on” informal cooking workshop in a B-Kaap family home to discover how to mix masala, fold samosas, and how to balance the delicate flavours of a Cape Malay curry. Enjoy this traditional Malay meal and hear the ways in which food, history and religion are interwoven in the B-Kaap culture. Continue with a city orientation tour followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore this fascinating city.

Day 12 | Saturday, April 13 (B/L)
STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE – OVERBERG
Today we have another exciting day with a full day excursion to Stony Point Nature Reserve and Overberg. Located in Betty’s Bay, Stony Point is home to a unique colony of African penguins. Here, these flightless birds can be observed in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities via an unintrusive elevated boardwalk. Continue to the lovely Harold Porter Botanical Gardens situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest. Renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools and scenic views of forests, mountains, and coastlines. The next stop on our coastal tour takes us a little inland to the Elgin Valley, the home of South Africa’s cool climate wines. We’ll be treated to some of the best when we visit the Elgin Vintners tasting room for a tasting and lunch. Later, stroll through the bustling Elgin Railway Market during free time before returning to Cape Town for an evening at leisure.

Day 13 | Sunday, April 14  (B/L)
BABYLONSTOREN – DEPARTURE
Our final morning takes us to magical Babylonstoren. Not just one of South Africans premiere wineries, but also a magnificent garden and working farm with a bakery, farm shop, restaurants and tasting room. We’ll start with a tour of the garden designed by a French Architect to pay tribute to the Company Gardens in Cape Town as well as the Hanging Gardens of Babel; you have to see it to believe it! Diverse fruits, vegetables, and herbs feed into Babylonstoren’s farm to fork philosophy. We’ll enjoy fine food and reminisce about the many experiences we’ve shared on this once in a lifetime adventure! After our farewell lunch we’ll have a group transfer to the airport for departing late afternoon or evening flights.

B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner
denotes meals included in tour cost

Note: **While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**

$9,670 CAD
twin occupancy

Based on a minimum
maximum 11 passengers
Single Supplement $1670 CAD
Deposit $700 & insurance due: at time of booking
Second Deposit $1500 due October 2, 2023
Balance due: January 3, 2024

Bonnie Hinschberger

Co-founder of Broad Escapes: Tours for Women, Group Specialist & Tour Leader

Bonnie’s passion for travel, keen interest in photography and love of outdoor adventure contributes to her enjoyment and appreciation for the uniqueness of destinations worldwide. With 30 years of travel industry experience, as well as being an avid traveller, she understands what makes the ultimate trip.

She embraces the “off the beaten path” type of travel and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. As a group specialist and co-founder of Broad Escapes, she is very excited to be part of this unique and exciting travel program and looks forward to “going with the girls” on journeys worldwide.