GUIDED JOURNEYS 2022
Contents 2
A message from our CEO
Vehicle Safety
Covid-19 Cullinan Holdings Vaccination Policy
3
Who We Are
4
Make Travel Matter
5-6
Guided Journeys by Thompsons Africa
7-8
Your Trip Matters
9-10
A World In One Country
11
South African Surprise
12
Garden Route Splendour
13
Inspirational Garden Route
14
Kruger and The Kingdoms
15
Spectacular South Africa
16
Kruger Wildlife Safari
17
Magnificent Garden Route
18
Wildlife, Wine and Garden Route
19
South African Highlights
20
Majestic Victoria Falls
AM
MESSAGE from
our CEO
‘Welcome to Thompsons Africa. We’re thrilled that you are considering booking your guests’ travel arrangements with us. Since March 2020, it certainly hasn’t been ‘business as usual’, but we are excited and inspired by the surge in interest we’ve seen for people wanting to travel again.
I feel privileged to be writing this message as the Chief Executive Officer of Thompsons Africa. The global spread of COVID-19 in 2020 Jonathan Gadiah triggered a remarkable response from our customers and supplier partners and especially within the Thompsons Africa family. I am very proud of the flexibility, resilience and courage I have seen among our people. Their commitment and loyalty to the company during such a turbulent time is remarkable. It is this ‘caring heart’ attitude of our people that your guests will feel at every touchpoint during their journey to Southern Africa. As part of Cullinan Holdings, whose main shareholder is a family-owned entity, The Travel Corporation, we are also a proud member of their TreadRight Foundation. With a rise in worldwide interest in environmental and social issues, we are pleased to share our commitment to the How We Tread Right campaign, more of which you’ll read about in the following pages. Finally, with guest safety being our number one priority, we have implemented several safety measures with every precaution considered. Read more about that below. Enjoy paging through our experiences and, we look forward to welcoming guests onboard our journeys.’
VEHICLE Safety
Your safety is our number one priority and we have implemented the following safety measures in all our vehicles: • • • • • • •
Vehicles are cleaned and sanitized daily. Anti-bacterial spray/foggers are used daily to circulate through the vehicles air conditioning systems. Face masks are compulsory for all entering the vehicles. Sanitation of hands and feet is required before entering the vehicles. Temperature checks are mandatory on entering the vehicles. Frequent touchpoints and surfaces will be sanitized at each stop. Load vehicles to Government regulations to adhere to safe social distancing.
COVID-19 CULLINAN HOLDINGS VACCINATION POLICY With rising global COVID-19 cases among the unvaccinated population, Cullinan Holdings have implemented a policy requiring all guests travelling either on a group or scheduled tour with Thompsons Africa, to be fully vaccinated. A group is defined as any guest travelling with one or more persons who are not family or friends. If however fellow guests are family or friends travelling in isolation of other guests (private bookings), no mandatory vaccination is required (to be reviewed based on the prevailing global circumstances). This requirement applies to groups (ad-hoc and series), Guided Journeys and all scheduled departure day tour experiences, and is done in the interest of creating a safe environment for everyone. It is the guests’ responsibility to ensure that they always comply with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all their holiday due to their failure to comply with these requirements. Guests will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation. Proof of vaccinations may be requested, when necessary. We further strongly recommend that guests ensure they have adequate medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Southern Africa. View our full Thompsons Africa Covid-19 Disclaimer and Vaccination Requirement document. PAGE 2
Who we are...
With almost half a century of experience under our belt, Thompsons Africa is your highly trained Southern African destination management expert. Our reservations team is knowledgeable, innovative, and committed to exceptional service delivery. No customer is too big or too small and while we are big enough to buy well, we remain small enough to care. Our dedicated teams of sales, procurement and reservations staff ensure that our customers’ needs are not only met but exceeded. Thompsons Africa is part of Cullinan Holdings Ltd, whose main shareholder is The Travel Corporation, a family-owned entity with 45 offices worldwide and an envied reputation for delivering quality, service, and value. We also have trusted, long-standing customer and supplier relationships that extend back more than 40 years. As part of the global The Travel Corporation family, we are known for our reliability and financial solidity. It’s an ethos reflected in the fact that in a sector known for high employee turnover, our average staff tenure is ten years — a further guarantee of experience and professionalism. Thompsons Africa operates in the three main cities of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, as well as from 11 reception offices in the Southern African region: Kruger Park, Hluhluwe, Hazyview, Malalane, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Victoria Falls/ Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Mauritius. All offices offer a team of permanent Tour Guides, Drivers and Guest Service Officers. Our Guided Journeys offer something unique and memorable and after so many years of perfecting the product, these just cannot be beaten. With set itineraries and departure dates, guests will be fully guided throughout their journey. Our tour guiding professionals have honed their skills, with many holding university degrees in fields such as marketing, photography, tourism, and education. They are the collective face of Thompsons Africa and proud ambassadors for our beautiful country. Our guides and reservations team guide and consult in all major languages. The Guest Service Officers (GSOs) at four major airports meet-and-greet, assist with lost luggage, and undertake care visits when required. Our Customer Care Centre is available 24/7 to deal with any of your guests’ concerns and our GSOs are at hand, around the clock, to deal with any hitches or emergencies.
Bespoke Travel — Because we tell it like it is, we are the experts in tailor-made FIT packages. Our handpicked portfolio of products is continually monitored with our own team personally experiencing them. Our commitment is to ensure that customers get an authentic African travel experience, coupled withcomfort and safety, to provide the holiday of a lifetime. Inventive Incentives — We understand the specialist nature of the incentive business and are well versed in the logistics of travel in Africa. Our approach to handling incentives of any size is to understand our clients and their requirements and carefully match these to our products. It’s all about assembling the perfect combination of accommodation and entertainment to suit each group, delivered in an enthusiastic, personalised way. Free Sell Policy — A unique feature on all tours is a ‘Free Sell’ policy. Most of our Fully Guided Journeys can be free sold up to 30 days prior to departure, while our Day Tours can be free sold up to 48 hours before departure. That’s easy and efficient!
Group Travel — We are specialists in caring for series and ad hoc business. We design individual packages to suit the unique interests of school groups, sales groups, religious groups, and their like. It’s an innovative, seamless programme, implemented professionally.
At Your Fingertips — Our dedicated Customer Zone can be accessed for up- to-the-minute rates, online availability, exclusive allocations and other creative and inspiring information, including a high-resolution image gallery, video library and downloading brochures. We can connect with you on multiple platforms, including our Thompsons Africa Online Booking and Quoting System as well as numerous XML/ API Integrations, allowing for a seamless, fast, and efficient means of communicating and confirming services with us in real-time. Flexibility – We always offer options which provide flexible booking terms regarding unintended cancellations or changes in bookings. PAGE 3
The Guest Service Officers (GSOs) at four major airports meet-and-gree t, assist with lost luggage, and unde rtake care visits when required. Our Customer Care Centre is available 24/7 to deal with any of your gues ts’ concerns and our GSOs are at hand , around the clock, to deal with any hitches or emergencies. As part of Cullinan Holdings Ltd, we have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan comprising of protocols, checklists and action plan s ensuring, to the best of our abilities, the health and well-being of our workforce and guests. When dealing with Thompsons Afric a, you are dealing with a company with substantial liability cover, well above the minimum requirements , as well as a strong partnership with SATIB24, the continent’s leading incident management unit.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
®
As you might expect from a family-built company with a big heart, Thompsons Africa is about sustainability and giving back. To help shape the face of the future Africa, our goal is to ensure that the environment and communities we explore remain vibrant for future generations. We do this in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right.
Tread R ight Foundation
We are proud to be part of a joint initiative by The Travel Corporation family of brands, called The TreadRight Foundation — a not-for-profit supporting sustainable tourism projects around the world. To date, TreadRight has helped fund more than 60 projects worldwide. Learn about our project partners at treadright.org. How We Tread Right (HWTR) is The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) five-year sustainability strategy, which sets the mandate on sustainability at Thompsons Africa and our sister travel companies. Our strategy is based on 11 measurable goals, anchored to the United Nations Global Goals, which were developed to address Thompsons Africa’s impact on Planet, People, and Wildlife. Learn about our goals at ttc.com/hwtr. Through our foundation and our strategy, our three pillars of support are:
Planet
sustainability and conservation: ensuring that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
People
cultural preservation: ensuring that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
Wildlife
protection of our world’s wildlife: while advocating for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Protecting Our Wildlife
Our promise
At Thompsons Africa we are mind ful of the plight of wildlife across the globe and in Africa in parti cular. We are especially conscious of the importanc e of conserving our wildlife heritage. After all, we are blessed to be the caretakers of an abundance of wildl ife that brings so many travellers to our shores. Thompson s Africa does not support any wildlife interaction that we deem to be unethical in either its purpose or in any way results in cruelty as a side effect. As a priority we ensure that we are 100% involved with our partnered wildlife organisations, and as a member of The TreadRight Foundation, we practise the promise to make the welfare of our wildlife our num ber one concern. Our endorsement of the SATSA Anim al Interaction Charter further reinforces our commitment to an ethical approach to the long-term conservation of wildlife welfare.
PAGE 4
Guided Journeys
by Thompsons Africa In the arranging and operating of variable sized tours in Southern Africa, with set itineraries and frequent departures, Thompsons Africa leads the field. These packaged holidays offer something special, unique and memorable. Our tours have been operating since 1997 and we proudly claim that our service cannot be beaten. Our signature product, ‘Fully Guided’ means what it says: we do all the work, you relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that you are in capable and experienced hands. FULLY GUIDED PRIVATE JOURNEYS FOR FAMILIES AND SMALL GROUPS If anyone understands family travel, Thompsons Africa does. We offer the perfect package: just the family or small group (four to eight people), a Tour Guide and the most flexible of itineraries to suit younger members especially. The number and length of game drives, content and timing of meals, and length of the safari is entirely flexible to fully accommodate your needs. Lively kids? Nobody’s fussing. There’s no finer way for a young family, or small group, preferring a less structured holiday, to travel together. We have a selection of entirely private tours for intimate groups of four to eight people, travelling with your own Tour Guide and Driver - a superb option for a 50th birthday party treat for esteemed clients, or simply family or friends who prefer exclusivity and privacy.
Journeys with our Guides THE FACE OF THOMPSONS AFRICA Our NQF (National Qualifications Framework) and FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) qualified permanent Tour Guides are the very best calibre of staff. Join them on one of our exciting Guided Journeys or Tailor-Made packages – you will be completely blown away by their knowledge, excitement, and passion! They speak English, German and Spanish, and our wider network of Tour Guides speak most other languages. All our Safari Guides have completed additional courses enhancing their skills to ensure the best possible experience for guests. These include the Kruger National Park Orientation Course, a botany course at Skukuza Nursery by a qualified botany expert and some have completed the VPDA Course (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals). Our tour guiding professionals have honed their skills, with many holding university degrees in fields such as marketing, photography, tourism, and education. They are the collective face of Thompsons Africa and proud ambassadors for our beautiful country.
PAGE 5
Our fleet
Our fleet of around 170 vehicles ranges from sedans to two-passenger limousines, 8 seaters, 11 seaters and 15 seaters; luxury 44-seater coaches and 60-seater touring vehicles. This massive tyre-print across the continent also comes with a small carbon footprint and among our innovations is a water recycling plant to provide environmentally friendly washes. 13-SEATER TOURING MIDIVAN – TOYOTA QUANTUM LWB
10-SEATER OPEN SAFARI VEHICLE • • • •
Bucket seats with lap belts Two-way communication radios Seatback ‘grab’ bars Non slip foot stirrups for easy boarding and disembarking
• Cloth bucket seats • Air conditioning/climate control • Centre aisle for easy boarding and disembarking • Radio/CD/MP3 player • Hands free public address system • Seatback storage net and cup holder 15-SEATER TOURING MIDI COACH – MERCEDES SPRINTER LWB
7-SEATER LUXURY MINIVAN – MERCEDES VITO • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
Cloth bucket seats Double entry door Air conditioning/climate control Radio/CD/MP3 player Hands free public address system Individual reading lights Seatback storage pouch
Cloth bucket seats (reclining) Air conditioning/climate control Radio/CD/MP3 player Hands free public address system Individual reading lights Seatback storage pouch
28 – 44 SEATER TOURING COACHES • Cloth bucket seats (reclining) • Air conditioning/climate control • Radio/CD/MP3 player • Multi AV public address system and LED monitor • Individual reading lights • Seatback storage net and tray table • Refrigerator • Blinds or curtains
What Sets Us Apart We own and maintain an impeccable fleet of modern air-conditioned vehicles. Our recommended tours display the very best of Africa. Our Tour Guides are amiable, welcoming and passionate about their areas of expertise; they speak English, German and Spanish, and our wider network of Tour Guides speak most other languages. A tour can be a whirlwind but our itineraries are designed with welcome stretches of leisure time so that guests can relax and do their own thing at their own pace. Tours for at least two people depart without fail on pre-advertised days – usually daily or weekly. Activities and most meals are included, and hotels are selected for the high standard of service that we require. Our tours range from a leisurely fortnight, enjoying highlights of Southern Africa, to an intriguing half-day into the renowned township of Soweto. Long or short, to any destination, the Thompsons Africa touch is unique.
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your trip matters...
Planet
sustainability and conservation
ensuring that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources In January 2020 we introduced 100% biodegradable plant-based water bottles to our journeys, supporting our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® pillar Planet – sustainability and conservation. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
People cultural preservation ensuring that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities
Included in A World in One Country, Garden Route Splendour and Wildlife, Wine and Garden Route is a visit to a local farm school in the Barrydale area. To date, we have purchased a microwave, fridges and covered a playground area in shade-net with money collected from guest donations. We have also created a reading corner with bookcases, rugs and scatter cushions and stocked their corner with books donated by guests. Guests have sent us cricket gear and ballet shoes after visiting the kids on our tours. We’ve bought the kids gloves and scarves for winter, and we have an annual Christmas party for them, all made possible through the incredible generosity of our guests who have donated to the community after a visit. This is a truly authentic experience and an opportunity for guests to meet with rural communities away from the typical tourist routes. The kids are aged between 6 and 14 years and are the children of local farmworkers. The meal provided by the school is often the only food the children receive. A visit to this local farm school supports our goal of People – cultural preservation, ensuring that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities. .
PAGE 7
Wildlife protection of our world’s wildlife While advocating for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences
Our final pillar of support is Wildlife – protection of our world’s wildlife: while advocating for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences. Rest assured, every experience on our Guided Journeys aligns with our signing and endorsement of the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter, ensuring an ethical approach to the long-term conservation of wildlife welfare. View the charter here: https://www.satsa.com/animal-interaction-charter/
PAGE 8
A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY 14 2
Days Countries
From
Min
13 Nights accommodation
13 Breakfasts 3 Lunches 3 Dinners
Transport in English speaking air-conditioned tour guide vehicles including toll fees
Max
ZAR 43 750
2 18
per person sharing
Group size
Entrance fees included as specified
JOURNEY PLANNER
JOHANNESBURG | HAZYVIEW | LOBAMBA | HLUHLUWE | UMHLANGA | KNYSNA | OUDTSHOORN | CAPE TOWN
Classic Trip
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
click
2022
2;9;16;23;30 Jan
6;13;20;27 Feb
6;13;20;27 Mar
3;10;17;24 Apr 3;10;17;24;31 Jul 2;9;16;23;30 Oct
1;8;15;22;29 May 7;14;21;28 Aug 6;13;20;27 Nov
5;12;19;26 Jun 4;11;18;25 Sep 4;11 Dec
All departures are in English
Kruger National Park Johannesburg
1
3
eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
1
St Lucia 1
1 Durban ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town 3
Highlights:
1. Traverse the famous
swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
10. Visit the ‘Map of
Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness, a unique sight that is quite literally a Map of Africa
13. Explore the
A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY
Port Elizabeth
14. Authentic
African dinner experience with a 14-dish taste safari paired with entertainment
people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a delightful lagoon side restaurant in Knysna
National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
9. Enjoy a leisurely walk or
2
Knysna
4. Meet the friendly
Experience an open vehicle game safari in the Kruger National Park
7
6. Visit Tsitsikamma
Lake St Lucia
small towns along the well-known Route 62 between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town
3.
scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
5. Boat game cruise on
1
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
2. Visit the spectacular
Long Tom Pass en route from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
INDIAN OCEAN
Oudtshoorn
15. Three
11. Guided tour of the
8. Lagoon cruise
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
12. Visit a local
farm school in the Barrydale area with the opportunity to interact with the children
16. Full Day Cape
Peninsula Tour including the Cape of Good Hope, ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ PAGE 9
Optional Activities: DAY 1 SUNDAY – JOHANNESBURG – AFTERNOON SOWETO TOUR – ZAR 880 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 3 TUESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 4 WEDNESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – ZAR 890 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 4 WEDNESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 6 FRIDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – ZAR 900 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 11 WEDNESDAY - OUDTSHOORN – EARLY MORNING MEERKAT SAFARI – ZAR 840 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 12 THURSDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR – ZAR 600 pp
Induldge...
There is an opportunity to maximise your experience of the Cape Winelands, with an optional overnight stay (unescorted and at a supplementary cost) in the picturesque village of Franschhoek on Day 11, re-joining the main tour on Day 12. Accommodation based on 4* Protea Hotel Franschhoek or similar (this option is subject to availability at the time of booking)
FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION FROM
ZAR 2 565 pps
If you’ve always dreamed of expe riencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will have the oppo rtunity to maximise your experience of pictu resque vineyards, breath-taking scen ery, warm hospitality and fine wines, there after re-joining the tour with minimum disruption. DAY 11 WEDNESDAY OUDTSHOORN - FRANSCHHOEK Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Overnight in Franschhoek. [Breakfast] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 12 THURSDAY FRANSCHHOEK – CAPE TOWN After a leisurely breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out to the picture sque Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch, surrounded by awe inspiri ng scenery. With extraordinary wine estates and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your knowledgeable guide will create a memorable Winelands experience. Enjoy two wine tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll re-join the main tour. [Breakfast & Dinner] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visa Requirements This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements as certain nationalities may require visas. Note EXCLUDED: FLIGHT: DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - PORT ELIZABETH (DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8 Please book flights to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09h00. Tour departs from Port Elizabeth between 10h00-10h30 on Day 8. Recommended flight – BA6324 departing Durban at 07h45, arriving Port Elizabeth 09h05
A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY
PAGE 10
SOUTH AFRICAN SURPRISE 15 2
Min
Days Countries
From
14 Nights accommodation
14 Breakfasts 4 Dinners
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
Max
English speaking tour guide
2 40
Group size
ZAR 29 420 per person sharing
Entrance fees included as specified
JOURNEY PLANNER
JOHANNESBURG | HAZYVIEW | ESWATINI | HLUHLUWE | DURBAN | SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG | LESOTHO | CHINTSA | GARDEN ROUTE | KNYSNA | MOSSEL BAY | CAPE TOWN
Classic Trip
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
click
2022
10 Jan 11 Apr 4;18 Jul 3;17 Oct
7 Feb
7 Mar
9 May 1;15 Aug 7;21 Nov
6 Jun 5 Sep 5 Dec
All departures are in English
Kruger National Park Johannesburg
2
1
eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
St Lucia 1
Drakensberg
ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town 2
Highlights:
1. Visit the spectacular
scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
4. Orientation tour of
Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens
7. Travel past
Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house
10. Guided tour of the
Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
3. 2. Experience a game
safari in the Kruger National Park
5
. Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
8. Visit Tsitsikamma
National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
11. Visit a well-known Aloe
factory and learn more about the locally grown Cape Aloe
13. Variety of
optional excursions available to enhance the journey
SOUTH AFRICAN SURPRISE
Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
6. Overnight in the
magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast
9. Overnight in Knysna,
known as the oyster box of South Africa
12. Two overnights in
Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
Oudtshoorn
1 Mossel Bay
1
Knysna
2
East London
1
1
1
1 Durban INDIAN OCEAN
Port Elizabeth
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
Optional Activities: DAY 2
MONDAY – HAZYVIEW – SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 3 TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – ZAR 1 100 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 3 TUESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 5 THURSDAY - HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – ZAR 900 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 6 FRIDAY – ST LUCIA GAME VIEWING BOAT CRUISE – ZAR 350 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 8 SUNDAY – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – ZAR 1 450 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 14 SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING – ZAR 830 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 14 SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR ZAR 600 pp excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 14 SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN - FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – ZAR 1 375 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 14 SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – ZAR 1 130 pp
Visa Requirements This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements as certain nationalities may require visas. Note Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 06h15 and ends at 22h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent in order to make alternative transfer arrangements.
PAGE 11
GARDEN ROUTE SPLENDOUR 4 1
Min
Days Country
From
3 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 1 Dinner
3 Nights accommodation
Transport in speaking air-conditioned English tour guide vehicles including toll fees
Max
2 18
Group size
PORT ELIZABETH | CAPE TOWN
ZAR 12 840 per person sharing
Entrance fees included as specified
JOURNEY PLANNER 2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Classic Trip click
2022
9;16;23;30 Jan
6;13;20;27 Feb
6;13;20;27 Mar
3;10;17;24 Apr 3;10;17;24;31 Jul 2;9;16;23;30 Oct
1;8;15;22;29 May 7;14;21;28 Aug 6;13;20;27 Nov
5;12;19;26 Jun 4;11;18;25 Sep 4;11;18 Dec
All departures are in English
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC Franschhoek Oudtshoorn OCEAN Cape Town
Highlights: 1
Port Elizabeth
3. Lagoon cruise
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
2. Enjoy a delicious 4. Enjoy a leisurely
walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
. Visit a local farm school in the Barrydale area with the opportunity to interact with the children
GARDEN ROUTE SPLENDOUR
2
Knysna
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
. Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
7
1
INDIAN OCEAN
dinner at a delightful lagoon side restaurant in Knysna
6. Guided tour
5. Visit the
‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness, a unique sight that is quite literally a Map of Africa
of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
8.
Explore the small towns along the well-known Route 62 between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town
PAGE 12
INSPIRATIONAL GARDEN ROUTE 6 1
Min
Days Country
5 Breakfats 1 Lunch
5 Nights accommodation
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
Max
English speaking tour guide
2 8
Group size
From
ZAR 22 110 per person sharing
Entrance fees included as specified
JOURNEY PLANNER
HERMANUS | OUDTSHOORN | KNYSNA | STORMSRIVER
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
deluxe Trip click
2022
15 Jan 16 Apr 9 Jul 8 Oct
12 Feb
12 Mar
14 May 6 Aug 5 Nov
11 Jun 10 Sep 10 Dec
All departures are in English
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town
Highlights:
2
1
Plettenberg Bay
Port Elizabeth
3. Guided tour of the
Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
2. Visit to Hermanus,
4. Wine tasting at a
family-owned boutique wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley
. Visit Plettenberg Bay for a boat-based Ocean Safari
INSPIRATIONAL GARDEN ROUTE
1
INDIAN OCEAN
Tsitsikamma
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
famous for shore-based whale watching during the whale season (August – November)
6
1
Hermanus
1
. Visit to Harold Porter Botanical Garden and the African Penguin Colony at Stony Point
Oudtshoorn
5. Lagoon cruise
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
7
. Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
PAGE 13
KRUGER AND THE KINGDOMS 7 2
From
Min
Days Countries
6 Nights accommodation
6 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 1 Dinner
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
English speaking tour guide
Max
2 18
Group size
ZAR 21 900 per person sharing
Entrance fees included as specified
JOURNEY PLANNER
JOHANNESBURG | HAZYVIEW | LOBAMBA | HLUHLUWE
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Classic Trip click
2022
2;9;16;23;30 Jan
6;13;20;27 Feb
6;13;20;27 Mar
3;10;17;24 Apr 3;10;17;24;31 Jul 2;9;16;23;30 Oct
1;8;15;22;29 May 7;14;21;28 Aug 6;13;20;27 Nov
5;12;19;26 Jun 4;11;18;25 Sep 4;11 Dec
All departures are in English
Kruger National Park Johannesburg
3
1
eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
1
Zululand 1
1 Durban ATLANTIC OCEAN
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
Highlights: 1. Traverse the famous
Long Tom Pass en route from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
3. Experience an open
vehicle game safari in the Kruger National Park
5. Boat game cruise on Lake St Lucia
INDIAN OCEAN
Optional Activities: DAY 1
2. Visit the spectacular
scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
4. Meet the friendly
SUNDAY – JOHANNESBURG – AFTERNOON SOWETO TOUR – ZAR 880 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 3 TUESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 4 WEDNESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFAR – ZAR 890 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 4 WEDNESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER – ZAR 600 pp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DAY 6 FRIDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – ZAR 900 pp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
6
. Variety of optional excursions available to enhance the journey Visa Requirements This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland).
KRUGER AND THE KINGDOMS
PAGE 14
SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA 15 2
Min
Days Countries
14 Nights accommodation
deluxe Trip
14 Breakfats 2 Lunch 4 Dinners
Max
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
English speaking tour guide
From
ZAR 67 675
2 8
per person sharing
Group size
JOURNEY PLANNER
CAPE TOWN | OUDTSHOORN | KNYSNA | STORMSRIVER | UMHLANGA | HLUHLUWE | LOBAMBA | WHITE RIVER | KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
click
2022
12 Jan 13 Apr 6 Jul 5 Oct
9 Feb
9 Mar
11 May 3 Aug 2 Nov
8 Jun 7 Sep 7 Dec
All departures are in English
Kruger National Park 2
1 eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
1
St Lucia 1
1 Durban ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town 3
Highlights: 1. Experience the Cape
Winelands with visits to extraordinary wine estates in Stellenbosch, Paarl & Franschhoek
4. Visit Harold Porter
Botanical Garden and the African Penguin Colony at Stony Point
7. Wine tasting
at a family-owned boutique wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley
10. Visit Tsitsikamma
National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
13. Meet the
friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA
Oudtshoorn
1
Mossel Bay
1
2
Tsitsikamma
Knysna
1
INDIAN OCEAN
Port Elizabeth
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
3. 2
. Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour including the Cape of Good Hope
5. Visit Hermanus, famous for shore-based whale watching during the whale season (August – November)
Explore majestic Table Mountain – one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’
6.
Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
8. Lagoon cruise
9. Visit Plettenberg Bay
11. Boat Game
12. Open vehicle game
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
Cruise on St Lucia Estuary
14. Visit the
spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
* Private Game Lodges * Land and sea wildlife encounters * Guest numbers limited to 8 in a vehicle * Exclusive selected boutique properties
for a boat based Marine Safari
safaris in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
15. Two overnights
at a Big Five Private Game Reserve including open vehicle game safaris
Visa Requirements This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland). Note EXCLUDED: FLIGHT: PORT ELIZABETH - DURBAN (UMHLANGA) (PLZ/DUR) and departure tax on Day 9. Please book flights to depart Port Elizabeth after 14h30 on Day 9. Recommended flight – FA422 departing Port Elizabeth at 15h20, arriving Durban at 16h40. FLIGHT: HOEDSPRUIT – JOHANNESBURG (HDS/JNB) and departure tax on Day 15. Please book flights to depart Hoedspruit from 12h00 onwards on Day 15.
PAGE 15
KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI 4 1
Min
Days Country
From
3 Nights accommodation
3 Breakfasts 3 Dinners
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
Max
English speaking tour guide
ZAR 15 945
2 18
per person sharing
Group size
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
JOURNEY PLANNER 2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Classic Trip click
2022
18 Jan 5;12;19 Apr 12;26 Jul 4;11;18;25 Oct
1;15;22 Feb
1;8;15;22;29 Mar
3;17;31 May 9;23 Aug
21 Jun 6;20;27 Sep 6;13 Dec
1;8;15;22;29 Nov All departures are in English
Kruger National Park Johannesburg
3
eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC OCEAN
INDIAN OCEAN * numbers on map indicate number of nights
Highlights: 1. Two days of game
viewing in the Kruger National Park including a thrilling open vehicle game safari with packed breakfast
2. Experience the
spectacular scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
3.
Cosy dinners around the light of a campfire
KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI
PAGE 16
MAGNIFICENT GARDEN ROUTE 4 1
Min
Days Country
3 Nights accommodation
3 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 1 Dinner
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
Max
English speaking tour guide
From
2 18
Group size
ZAR 12 615 per person sharing
Entrance fees
JOURNEY PLANNER
MOSSEL BAY | OUDTSHOORN | KNYSNA
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Classic Trip click
2022
10;24 Jan
7;14;21;28 Feb
7;14;21;28 Mar
4;11;25 Apr 4;18 Jul 3;10;17;24;31 Oct
9;23 May 1;15;29 Aug 7;14;21;28 Nov
13 Jun 12;19;26 Sep 5;12 Dec
All departures are in English
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town
1
. Visit Dassiesfontein, a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
4
. Guided tou of the Cango Caves, a wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, guided tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
MAGNIFICENT GARDEN ROUTE
1 1
Mossel Bay
Highlights:
INDIAN OCEAN
Oudtshoorn
1
Knysna
Port Elizabeth
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
3
2. Visit to
Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
. Visit to Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, and known as the Cradle of Human Culture
5
. Lagoon cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
6
. Enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
PAGE 17
WILDLIFE, WINE AND GARDEN ROUTE 6 1
Min
Days Country
5 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 3 Dinners
5 Nights accommodation
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
Max
English speaking tour guide
2 18
Group size
OUDTSHOORN | KNYSNA | ALBERTINIA | HERMANUS
From
ZAR 19 080 per person sharing
Entrance fees
JOURNEY PLANNER 2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Best Seller! click
2022
6;20;27 Jan
3;10;17;24 Feb
3;10;17;24;31 Mar
14;28 Apr 7;28 Jul 6;13;20;27 Oct
12 May 11;25 Aug 3;10;17;24 Nov
9 Jun 1;8;15;22;29 Sep 1;8 Dec
All departures are in English
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC Franschhoek Oudtshoorn OCEAN Cape Town
Highlights: 1. Explore the
small towns long the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn
2
Knysna
Port Elizabeth
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
3. Visit a local
2. Enjoy tea & scones
at the Montagu Country Hotel, the only original Art Deco Hotel in South Africa
4
5. Guided tour
. Sample top quality Port style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well known for its fortified wine
of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
7. Lagoon cruise
8. Enjoy a leisurely walk
10. Visit to Hermanus,
11. Visit to Franschhoek, a
or swim at Victoria Bay, one or the smallest and most beautiful bays along the Garden Route
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
famous for shore-based whale watching during the whale season (August – November)
1
INDIAN OCEAN
WILDLIFE, WINE AND GARDEN ROUTE
picturesque village in the Cape Winelands
farm school in the Barrydale area with the opportunity to interact with the children
6
. Visit the ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness, a unique sight that is quite literally a Map of Africa
9. Open vehicle
game safaris in a malaria-free Big Five private game reserve
12. Drive past the
Victor Verster prison where Nelson Mandela was released from in 1990
PAGE 18
SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHLIGHTS 12 1
Min
Days Country
11 Nights accommodation
11 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 4 Dinners
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
English speaking tour guide
Max
From
2 18
Group size
ZAR 39 560 per person sharing
Entrance fees
JOURNEY PLANNER
MOSSEL BAY | OUDTSHOORN | KNYSNA | STORMSRIVER | JOHANNESBURG | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Classic Trip
2022 DEPARTURE DATES click
2022
10;24 Jan
7;14;21;28 Feb
7;14;21;28 Mar
4;11;25 Apr 4;18 Jul 3;10;17;24;31 Oct
9;23 May 1;15;29 Aug 7;14;21;28 Nov
13 Jun 12;19;26 Sep 5;12 Dec
All departures are in English
Kruger National Park Johannesburg
3
3
eSWATINI
SOUTH AFRICA
ATLANTIC OCEAN Cape Town
Highlights: 1. Visit Dassiesfontein, a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
4. Guided tour of the
Cango Caves, 1 wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, guided tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
7
. Visit to the Big Tree set in the lush, green indigenous forest
11. Visit to vibrant
Soweto, Apartheid Museum, Hector Peterson Memorial and Liliesleaf Heritage Site
SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHLIGHTS
3. Visit to Cape St Blaize 2. Visit to
Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
5. Lagoon cruise
to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
8. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary & Birds of Eden Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay
12. Two days of
game viewing in the Kruger National Park including a thrilling open vehicle game safari with packed breakfast
Oudtshoorn
1 1
Mossel Bay
INDIAN OCEAN
Tsitsikamma
2
Knysna
1
Port Elizabeth
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
Cave in Mossel Bay, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, and known as the Cradle of Human Culture
6. Enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
9. Bloukrans Bridge
(highest single span arch bridge in the world)
10
. Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
13. Experience the spectacular
scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Note EXCLUDED: Flight and departure tax between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg Please book PLZ/JNB flight to depart Port Elizabeth after 14h30 (Day 6). Recommended flight – BA6244 departing Port Elizabeth at 16h15, arriving Johannesburg at 17h50
PAGE 19
MAJESTIC VICTORIA FALLS 3 1
per person sharing
Days Country
From
USD 490
2 Nights accommodation
2 Breakfasts 1 Dinner
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles including toll fees
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees
JOURNEY PLANNER
VICTORIA FALLS
2022 DEPARTURE DATES
Best Seller!
DAILY DEPARTURES WITH NO MINIMUM GUESTS PER BOOKING
click
ZAMBIA Livingstone
2 Victoria Falls
ZIMBABWE
Hwange National Park
Matobo National Park
Highlights: 1.
Sunset Boat Cruise (incl. light snacks)
* numbers on map indicate number of nights
2.
Fully Guided Walking Tour of Victoria Falls
DEPARTURE DATES WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY We are delighted that we are now able to offer greater flexibility on our Victoria Falls packages with daily departures on request, as well as additional nights on request. Come with us and experience the world’s natural wonder.
Visa Requirements Visas may be needed by some passport holders.
Note September to January is the dry season.
MAJESTIC VICTORIA FALLS
PAGE 20
GUIDED JOURNEYS MEALS / INCLUSIONS KEY [B] Breakfast [BL] Breakfast, Lunch [BD] Breakfast, Dinner [PB] Packed Breakfast [PL] Packed Lunch [BLD] Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner [FB] Full Board [1GA] 1 Game Activity [2GA] 2 Game Activities
THE PRODUCTION TEAM PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR THOMPSONS AFRICA Viki Haasbroek
DESIGN AND LAYOUT THOMPSONS AFRICA
EDITORIAL
CULLINAN GUIDED JOURNEYS Elana Redelinghuys William Saunderson-Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images Heather Fitchett Ilan Godfrey Mark Le Grange South African Tourism
Thompsons Africa would like to thank our partners and the numerous suppliers that assisted with imagery for our brochure. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Thompsons Africa cannot be held liable for any omissions or errors.
To complement our Guided Journeys, our South and Southern Africa Brochures feature a comprehensive listing of our product partners. Contact your Thompsons Africa consultant for more information or refer to our website www.thompsonsafrica.com for further details.
SOUTH AFRICA • ZIMBABWE • ZAMBIA • BOTSWANA • MOZAMBIQUE
THOMPSONS AFRICA – DURBAN 20 The Boulevard, West End Office Park, Spine Road, Westville, Durban Tel: +27-31 275 3500 • Fax: +27-31 275 3990 E-mail: info@thompsonsafrica.com • Website: www.thompsonsafrica.com Thompsons Africa Offices also in: Hazyview & Malalane – Mpumalanga, Hluhluwe & St Lucia – KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape, with representation on the Garden Route. Regional Offices in Africa: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia, Chobe – Botswana and Mauritius.
