Departing 31 July 2019
EXCLUSIVE FULLY ESCORTED TOUR
KENYA TANZANIA ZIMBABWE SOUTH AFRICA 22 Exciting Days
e m ti st e e b e d il W e th f o n o ti A t the Migra
THE BEST OF AFRICA IN ONE EXCLUSIVE AIR & TRAIN TOUR Victoria Falls, The Luxurious Rovos Rail, KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, Durban, Soweto, Nambiti National Park, Nairobi, Masai Mara, The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater. LIMITED SPACES - BOOK NOW
AFRICA
A once in a lifetime experience that discovers Africa’s cultures, history, attractions and landscapes
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as the ‘Smoke That Thunders’ is located on the majestic Zambezi River within the boundaries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. By far the greatest falls in Africa, there is no question as to why Victoria Falls is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. This claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres and height of 108 metres, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world in the wet season.
Pretoria
The executive capital of South Africa, Pretoria is a city built on passion and determination. Buildings are architecturally significant, and a nation congregates around statues of past leaders. Just outside Pretoria is the world famous de Wildt Cheetah and Wild Animal Centre. We spend the night in this great city before boarding the luxurious Rovos Rail, a ‘Journey of a lifetime’ for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Rovos Rail Safari
This three day safari between Pretoria and Durban includes game drives, a battlefields tour and a look at an unusual African ceramics gallery. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy - a Big Five private retreat set on 8,000 hectares of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZuluNatal. It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge - which adjoins an 4,500 hectares nature reserve - is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is extending its influence on the other continents of the world. We visit this charming centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midland before travelling the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban.
Durban
Durban is an intriguing cultural blend of East, West and Africa, which with its endless summer climate, effervescent and lukewarm ocean lined with golden beaches, offers a subtropical carnival atmosphere all year round. Our tour of this bustling metropolis, often called the cultural ‘melting pot’ of South Africa, includes a drive through the sports corridor with its impressive sporting facilities to the Blue Lagoon area on the Umgeni River where you get a panoramic view of the whole bay of Durban. Then past the so-called Apartheid Beaches, the Marine Parade (Golden Mile) where you will see the rickshaws, en route to the impressive developments at the new Point Waterfront area. We drive past the busiest harbour in Africa and various historical monuments, and then through the city centre where the second railway station, the City Hall and the Post Office buildings each have a story to tell. We stop at the Indian Market where you get a glimpse into the Indian culture and bargain for souvenirs and spices. You have the option of being dropped off at the end of the tour at the Ushaka Marine world with its world-class aquarium, and many shops and restaurants.
East Africa/Kenya & Tanzania
If you’ve ever fantasised about Africa – sleeping in the unique comfort of famous game lodges or luxury tented camps, surrounded by colourful tribal people, and wildlife in its natural habitat beneath the broad African sky – then Kenya/Tanzania is for you! From the open game-enriched plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti, the huge African sunsets with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, prolific birdlife, unique wildlife species and prolific predators, this is the ultimate big-game destination. There is nowhere else on earth quite like East Africa. Wildlife here, especially big-game, is the most densely concentrated and the most accessible in the world. It’s like being at one with nature. It provides the perfect opportunity to spot the ‘big five’ and appreciate exotic Africa’s stunning scenery. It’s awe inspiring! Meet the Masai people with their incredibly rich tribal heritage. The way of life for many in East Africa has changed little in the last thousand years. Each of our chosen safari lodges in Kenya and Tanzania has been created to perfectly showcase the mood, excitement and beauty of its individual wildlife location. The proud warmth of legendary hospitality awaits your arrival every day. With its diversity of people and cultures, game viewing opportunities and natural beauty, this journey will leave you breathless, awe-struck and filled with a lifetime of memories. www.travelmasters.com.au
Especially timed for the world famous MIGRATION OF THE WILDEBEEST Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth The BEST Big-Game Reserves at the BEST time of the year
OUR SENSATIONAL AIR & TRAIN HOLIDAY • 10 days Wildlife Safari • 3 days Rovos Rail Safari • 2 days Victoria Falls • 2 days Pretoria • 2 days Durban • 2 days Nairobi • 1 day Johannesburg
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS AVAILABLE Ethiopia - Uganda - Mozambique Botswana - Namibia or anywhere you choose!!
LUXURY AIR & TRAIN SAFARI No long road transfers!
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Highlights Africa is a continent, as humble as it is, that reaches out and touches one’s soul like no other continent. Made up of wilderness and wildlife areas that are superior to anywhere else in the world. Every corner you turn offers a diversity of culture, landscape and beauty which will leave you intrigued and wanting to experience much more. Every day in Africa is a new adventure leaving many pondering over the significance of their own fast-paced lifestyles.
AMBOSELI
- Large Elephants herds in the shadows of spectacular Mt. Kilimanjaro views. - Birdlife, giraffes, hyenas and much more!
NGORONGORO CRATER
- The largest un-flooded unbroken crater in the world. - Abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. - It is home to 30,000 animals
SERENGETI
- Unequalled in its natural beauty - migration of the wildebeest/zebras. - One of the most famous wildlife big game areas in the world
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
- The annual wildebeest migration and its entourage of predators - The ‘Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’ and Masai culture.
VICTORIA FALLS
- World’s largest waterfall - witness the power of The Falls. - Zambezi sunset cruise - One of the serene Natural Wonders of the World.
PRETORIA
- Capital of South Africa - the beautiful Jacaranda City - Visit to the famous de Wildt Cheetah & Wild Animal Centre
DURBAN
- Spectacular coastal city, KwaZulu-Natal Province
ROVOS RAIL
- The most luxurious train in the world - Spectacular scenery and wildlife experiences
About Africa As a travel destination, Africa offers a captivating combination of culture, wildlife, wilderness and adventure. Highlights will include game viewing in the Serengeti & Masai Mara, exploring the colourful streets of Pretoria, getting soaked by the spray of Victoria Falls. Africa is known for the number and biodiversity of its wildlife. Whilst large mammals such as lion, elephant and rhino are the most sought after on safari, there is plenty of opportunity to find others including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and a huge variety
of bird species. Whilst on safari, professional rangers pass on their knowledge of trees, wild flowers, snakes, insects - and on the eco system that they inhabit. Africa boasts a dazzling variety of cuisines, languages and traditions. Each country is home to huge ethnic diversity with each tribe contributing its own distinct language, music, dance and way of life. It is often possible to interact with local communities and learn more of their tribal history.
Our choice of camps and hotels offers an unforgettable and authenic experience. We work with a premier safari company whose professionalism in guiding and conservation is the best. Africa boasts an array of exceptional wildlife and cultural experiences, and this tour showcases the best of what Africa has to offer.
Africa’s Most Celebrated Safari Destinations Our camps in Kenya and Tanzania are small luxury tented camps. It is cheaper to stay in the larger lodges (hotel style places), but it is our firm belief that to gain the maximum enjoyment from your African safari, the small luxury tented camps add more enjoyment, authenticity, and the true African experience. Tanzania is Africa’s visual masterpiece. It is a country of natural splendour, astounding wildlife, archaeological sites and geological wonders. This African safari will touch your spirit and give you lifetime memories. Our focus is on an authentic and exciting safari experiences, in
remote areas offering exceptional wildlife encounters. We have selected only the highest quality and most intimate camps to ensure we have an adventure that puts the African wilderness front and centre. You will enjoy surprising luxury in the African bush with amenities and personalised service that will exceed your expectations. If you are looking for an exclusive experience combining classic safari ambience with a superlative level of comfort, this tour is for you.
After your day of game viewing, enjoy the red African sunsets, sip sundowners, enjoy sumptuous dinners and exchange stories around the camp fire, under a sky full of glittering stars. www.travelmasters.com.au
Our fabulous ITINERARY
Experience the best of Tanzania and Kenya in great style, this wildlife and cultural safari offers a mix of luxurious accommodation with exciting game viewing in exclusive wildlife locations. Plus enjoy the splendour of the famed Rovos Rail, 3 day/2 night journey to Durban, via Zululand... and much more. Seeing the animals in their natural environment, with exposure to an undisturbed landscape is hauntingly beautiful. Day 1 - Tue 31 July BRISBANE, PERTH TO JOHANNESBURG Our late afternoon Virgin Australia flight takes us to Perth, where we connect with SAA (South African Airlines) for our flight into Johannesburg (flights from other Australian cities to Perth can be arranged). Day 2 - Wed 1 August ARRIVAL – JOHANNESBURG. SOWETO TOUR. Our flight is scheduled to arrive into Johannesburg at 5am. We have early check in at our nearby airport hotel. Early this afternoon we have a half day tour of the many highlights of the Soweto neighbourhood, including Kliptown, (an informal settlement/shanty town), the Hector Pieterson Museum depicting scenes leading up to the student uprising of 1976, Mandela House, and we take a walk down Vilakazi Street to see Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s house. Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world that has produced two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu). Accommodation: 4*, Southern Sun Airport Hotel. Meals Included: Inflight meals. Day 3 - Thu 2 August VICTORIA FALLS. Our morning flight takes us to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The historic Victoria Hotel has a spectacular panoramic natural-
world vista overlooking the falls. This afternoon we have a guided walking tour of the Falls. Later this afternoon we relax on a beautiful sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. With cocktails and canapes provided, we cruise along the river towards Palm Island and Kandahar Island, where we may see our first hippo sightings and other wildlife en route. The sunsets in Africa are spectacular in colour. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Inflight snack, Sunset Cruise with drinks and canapes. Day 4 - Fri 3 August VICTORIA FALLS/NAIROBI We have today to enjoy the many activities offered. These include an optional Helicopter flight over the falls, which is highly recommended, or perhaps take the early morning ‘Walking with the Lions’ excursion. There will be also time to visit the downtown area of Victoria Falls, along with its many handicraft markets. Our flight to Nairobi departs tonight at 6pm. Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya. The name Nairobi translates to ‘the place of cool waters’, but the city is also popularly known as the ‘green city in the sun’. Founded in 1899, Nairobi is now one of the most prominent financial and political cities in Africa and Africa’s IT centre. It is also the most populous city in East Africa with an estimated population of about 3 million. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city with a number of churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras within the city. Accommodation: Nairobi Tamarind Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast. Day 5 - Sat 4 August NAIROBI – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK/KENYA. Today our safari begins, with a flight from the domestic airport terminal (Wilson Airport) to Amboseli National Park, famous for its views of Mt Kilimanjaro and its large elephant population. Amboseli offers views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but more important is the wildlife, such as zebra, wildebeest, lion, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and leopard among many others.
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The image of elephants and giraffe crossing vast open plains against a backstop Kilimanjaro is striking. Amboseli is a flat semi-arid basin lying below the most famous symbol of Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, and on a clear day can easily be seen while on safari. The park embodies five main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshlands), and covers part of a Pleistocene lake basin. Our safari begins once we land and we are immediately amazed at the wildlife that surrounds us. After a leisurely lunch, we head out in our 4x4 land rovers on safari. We are sure to see big numbers of ‘tusker’ elephants. Accommodation: Tortelis luxury tented camp. Meals: All meals, with alcoholic and other beverages. Day 6 - Sun 5 August AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK/KENYA We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in ultra-modern 4x4 land rover vehicles with open roof for great viewing. The landscape here provides little cover for the animals, so there is a good chance of seeing the larger predators, such as lion, cheetah and leopard. Run-off from the surrounding mountains feeds Amboseli’s permanent marshes which are the centre of activity for the elephants, hippos and an abundant variety of water birds. The resident elephant population can often be seen raising dust as they cross the plains to drink and feed at the marshes. Antelopes, spotted hyenas, warthogs and baboons are plentiful on the flatter grasslands. Over 400 species of birds live in Amboseli, and Amboseli is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Taveta Golden Weaver Bird. Accommodation: Tortelis luxury tented camp. Meals: All meals, with all beverages.
Once our flight lands, we are immediately on an exciting game drive. The locals call the Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya, ‘Mara’ meaning ‘Spotted’, a modest description of the postcard scene of trees, scrub, savanna and cloud shadows that situate one of the world’s most rewarding game experiences. The annual migration will be underway, and we are here at the best time of the year to observe the annual migration of over a million animals as they wander across sweeping plains and across the Mara River. The predators follow the food, and we will be on the lookout for lions, leopards and cheetah. Along with the animals, the Masai Maria is also home to the Masai people whose pastoral lifestyle, colourful garb and culture has made them Kenya’s best-known tribe. After lunch, we will visit a local Masai community which gives us an authentic Masai experience. Our visit allows us to see the Masai as they traditionally live, as they invite us into their mud homes. The Masai are very proud people and we will be welcomed by the Chief of the Village before witnessing their unique welcome dance. Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of ‘big cats’, such as leopard, cheetah and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife. Accommodation: Elewana Mara River Sands luxury tented camp Meals : All meals, with all beverages.
Day 7 - Mon 6 August MASAI MARA/KENYA Today we take a scenic flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is in the northern extension of the famed Serengeti National Park. It is more than the most popular Game Park in the world - it is often the reason why people come to Africa in the first place. The Masai Mara has the richest concentration of animals in Kenya. www.travelmasters.com.au
Day 8 - Tue 7 August MASAI MARA The Masai Mara is a huge area and is a fabulous place for seeing all of the ‘Big Five’, plus a variety of plains game and hundreds of bird species. The plains offer a rich variety of food for the dominant predators including lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah. You will spot elephants browsing amongst the large herds of wildebeest and topi, eland and buffalo, Thompson and Grant Gazelle and much more. In the Mara River, the hippos submerge to snort and grumble whilst the crocodiles sunbathe. We have two game drives today. Accommodation: Elewana Mara River Sands luxury tented camp. Meals: All meals, with all beverages. Day 9 - Wed 8 August MASAI MARA We will have morning and afternoon game drives in the famous Game Reserve at the height of the world’s ultimate wildlife attraction, the annual wildebeest migration. Literally millions of wildebeest, zebras, eland, topi and hartebeest gather on the rolling plains of the Mara in search of lusher grasses, attracting an entourage of predators. This is the greatest concentration of ‘big game’ in the world. Wherever we go in the Mara you will be amazed at the variety and number of wildlife. Often lions (the Big Cats) are found in large prides and it is not uncommon to see them hunting or feeding on a recent kill. Cheetahs and leopards are usually sighted. Elephants and Hippos are in large numbers, and antelopes are too many to count. The Mara hosts over 500 species of birds, including more than 50 raptor species. Accommodation: Elewana Mara River Sands luxury tented camp. Meals: All meals, with all beverages. Day 10 - Thu 9 August SERENGETI/TANZANIA We join our scenic flight into Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. It is also a World Heritage Site and recently proclaimed a 7th worldwide wonder. 25% of the land mass of Tanzania is given to wildlife preservation. The Serengeti National Park, meaning ‘endless plains’ in the Masai language,
is undoubtedly one of the world’s most celebrated wilderness areas, and is an ongoing source of inspiration to writers, filmmakers and photographers. We have morning and afternoon game drives. Accommodation: Serengeti Migration Camp Meals : All meals, with all beverages. Day 11 - Fri 10 August SERENGETI/TANZANIA. The Serengeti is renowned for the part it plays in the annual Great Migration, when an estimated three million antelope, mostly wildebeest, migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. This epic seasonal journey is a deeply moving experience and a wonderful photographic subject. We will explore by safari vehicle, the sprawling plains on exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives. You may like to take a hot-air balloon ride for a once-in-a lifetime wilderness adventure (extra cost, approx. USD575.00)
OPTIONAL: Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti Plains
Accommodation: Serengeti Migration Camp Meals: All meals, all beverages. Day 12 - Sat 11 August SERENGETI/TANZANIA Morning and afternoon game drives. The excitement of the game drives never diminishes. Every game drive can reveal something different, as you may see the animals feeding, fighting, mating, drinking and in different settings. The game viewing in Tanzania is outstanding. Zebra, wilderbeest and the general plains game are found in astonishing abundance. Their predators, lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are also numerous. Its rivers and lakes contain high populations of hippo and crocodile. Every safari drive has the capacity to amaze you. Accommodation: Serengeti Migration camp Meals: All meals, all beverages.
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Day 13 - Sun 12 August TO NGOROGORO CRATER. Today, we bid farewell to the animals of the Serengeti as we take to the air once again, and head to Manyara airstrip, and our beautiful accommodation tonight at the Manor House. As we drive from the airstrip to the Lodge, we can observe the local township with its bustling shops and markets and the rich agriculture of the Rift Valley, including tea and coffee plantations. This afternoon you will have the chance to tour the nearby Coffee Plantation with a local guide, or head into town to visit a museum showcasing local art and sculptures. Accommodation: Manor House Lodge. Meals: All Meals including beverages. Day 14 - Mon 13 August NGOROGORO CRATER Ngorongoro Crater is famed as being a candidate for the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, and is a ‘must see’ on anyone’s itinerary. This extinct volcano - with its 18-kilometre wide crater floor - is home to an abundant and unique ecosystem that encompasses almost all the wildlife species that you would wish to see in Africa. This spectacular setting is a ‘once-in-alifetime’ opportunity to experience the rawness and beauty of Africa’s natural flora and fauna, inside a volcanic crater. The crater’s high walls are a natural enclosure to vast numbers of animals. Among them are wildebeest, elephant, zebra, gazelles and lions, and many hippos. Early this morning we descend by 4x4 some 600 metres to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. We explore the forest areas inhabited by monkey and elephant, the lake area where you may see the flamingos, and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food. This magnificent wildlife viewing area is home to the ‘Big Five’, plus a vast variety of plains game and birds. The Crater is home to more than 30,000 animals, and an area of spectacular beauty and excellent game viewing, a truly unique safari destination. This is the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro. After a picnic lunch near a famous Hippo Pool, we continue our safari, and return to our gorgeous Manor House home for the night.
Accommodation: Manor House Lodge Meals: All meals, including all beverages. Day 15 - Tue 14 August RETURN TO NAIROBI Our Safari drivers take us back to the Manyara air strip, where we join our flight to Arusha, complete immigration and customs, and connect to our flight back to Nairobi, leaving Tanzania and re-entering Kenya. Tonight you may like to dine at the nearby famous Carnivore Restaurant (in the grounds of our Tamarind Hotel) which offers a stunning barbeque meal in an indoor/ outdoor setting. Accommodation: Tamarind Hotel, Nairobi Meals: Breakfast. Day 16 - Wed 15 August NAIROBI TO PRETORIA This morning we join our SAA flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg, then join our coach for the one hour picturesque drive to Pretoria. We have the chance to stand in front of the heart of the country (Union Presidential Buildings and offices) overlooking a city built on passion and determination. Buildings are architecturally beautiful, and a nation congregates around statues of past leaders. We make a stop at Paul Kruger House, the last house where President Paul Kruger was to live, between 1883 and 1901. The beautiful Victorian style home was interestingly built using milk and concrete. We stop at Church Square (originally a market place where farmers would gather to observe Holy Communion). Now the square is dominated by a bronze statue of former president, Paul Kruger. We will see the huge and impressive Voortrekker Monument which was built in honour of the great Voortrekkers (or pioneers), who left the Cape during the period 1835 to 1854 to cut through the interior of the country in what became known as the ‘Great Trek’. We stop at the Union Buildings which form the official seat of the Executive arm of the South African Government, and also houses the offices of the President of South Africa. After a lunch stop at a local café, we head to the De Wildt Cheetah Centre, a conservation park where we will have the chance to photograph
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The Battlefields are the site where British, Boers and Zulus were involved in a series of significant 19th century battles. The battlefields encompass historical buildings, an eerie graveyard, museums and specific battle sites. The Spioenkop Nature Reserve is a tranquil spot surrounding a dam on the Tugela river that zebras, white rhinos, giraffes, antelope and over 290 bird species call home... It’s located between the Battlefields and the Drakensberg Ranges. Accommodation: Rovos Rail All Meals, with all alcohol and other beverages.
photograph the King Cheetah which is rarely seen in the wild. The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre has gained international recognition for bringing cheetah back from the brink of extinction through its captive breeding program. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, the De Wildt Cheetah Reserve is some 45 minutes from Pretoria. De Wildt offers you the opportunity to learn more about fascinating creatures such as the wild dog, cheetah and various species of owls and vultures. We will also see the brown hyena, serval, suni antelope, blue and red duiker, bontebok, riverine rabbit and vultures, including the very rare Egyptian vulture. Accommodation : Garden Court Hatfield Hotel Meals: Breakfast. Day 17 - Thu 16 August PRETORIA to DURBAN, ROVOS RAIL The three day Rovos journey between Pretoria and Durban departs this morning at 10AM. We transfer from our hotel to the station, enjoy light breakfast in the Rovos Rail Lounge, before being escorted to our Deluxe Cabin for this wonderful journey. This afternoon the striking Drakensberg Mountains located in KwaZulu-Natal come into view. During the afternoon the train climbs to Majuba Hill (2146m), and continues onto Elandslagle. Accommodation: Rovos Rail All Meals, all alcohol and other beverages. Day 18 - Fri 17 August NAMBITI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE We have an early morning game drive in Nambiti Private Game Reserve, the only game reserve in the area with the ‘Big 5’, and currently has over 40 other species of game including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland and zebra. Less than an hour away, the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range is a World Heritage Site full of extraordinary beauty .
Day 19 - Sat 18 August LIONS RIVER STATION Breakfast is served as the train descends the escarpment en route to Lions River Station. We visit the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery in KwaZulu-Natal. This has grown into a vibrant art centre making unique pottery and pieces of ceramic art. Since 1985, artist Fee Halsted and the local community have become renowned for their exuberant use of color and distinctive modeling of African flora and fauna. The train then continues to Pietermaritzburg, and at 4PM this afternoon we arrive into Durban station, where we leave Rovos Rail, and transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Southern Sun Hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Day 20 - Sun 19 August DURBAN Durban, a coastal city on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from Shaka Marine World, a huge theme park with a quite famous aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species. We have a city tour to show you the many attractions of this delightful South African coastal city, leaving the afternoon free for personal sightseeing and shopping. Accommodation: Southern Sun Hotel. Meals : Breakfast Day 21 - Mon 20 August RETURN TO AUSTRALIA, OR EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY. Today we leave Durban and join our flights back to Australia domestic flight to Johannesburg, connecting with SAA to Perth, and onto our home city. Day 22 - Tue 21 August ARRIVE PERTH In Perth we join our connecting flight to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
At about 11AM, brunch is served in the dining room. Early this afternoon, we arrive at Ladysmith and here we have a choice of activities. • Spionkop Battlefields Tour • Game Drive in Spioenkop Reserve www.travelmasters.com.au
Durban
Pride of Africa DURBAN RAIL SAFARI This three day safari between Pretoria and Durban includes game drives, a battlefields tour and a look at unusual African ceramics. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy - a ‘Big Five’ private retreat of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal. It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is extending its influence on the other continents of the world. We visit this charming centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands before travelling the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban. Our Rovos Rail journey includes: Deluxe accommodation, meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, 24-hour full room service, and limited laundry while on board the train, as well as excursions accompanied by qualified tour guides. Dress on the train is smart casual. Evening dinner is more formal – for gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement.
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Accommodation JOHANNESBURG The stylish, comfortable Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to Johannesburg’s International Airport. The hotel’s en-suite rooms are tastefully furnished, with a wide range of amenities, including free WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioning and other in-room comforts and amenities. In addition, guests enjoy the convenience of a porter service and a wake-up call facility. For relaxation guests can make use of the outdoor pool, while Caroline’s Day Spa offers a range of exclusive beauty and health treatments. Bernoulli’s Restaurant offers a choice of Mediterranean-themed dishes that are centred around grills, pastas, line fish, and fresh produce.
PRETORIA - Garden Court Hatfield Hotel Conveniently located centrally in Pretoria’s trendy and most vibrant Hatfield suburb, this hotel is within walking distance of the Gautrain, markets, cafes, boutique shops, restaurants, and enjoys easy access to shopping centres. With gorgeous gardens and swimming pool at their disposal, guests can unwind in a quiet area. Rooms have TV with satellite channels, tea & coffee making facilities, and hair dryer. There is an on-site restaurant and excellent service from charming itself.
VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL Victoria Falls Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Victoria Falls town, in far westerm Zimbabwe, just a 10 minute walk to the falls along a private path from the hotel. Overlooking one of the world’s seven natural wonders - the incomparable Victoria Falls - the Victoria Falls Hotel is a man-made wonder with it’s own legendary past. It combines the charm of its original era with the comforts and conveniences of today. The rooms are decorated in a manner that recaptures the comfortable charm of a bygone age with colonial prints, four-poster canopied beds, antique furniture and wellchosen artifacts. Picture yourself sitting on the Hotel’s Terrace with a Gin and Tonic watching the spray from the falls, and wildlife on the hotel lawns. www.travelmasters.com.au
Accommodation DURBAN Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharami Hotel Located just meters from Durban’s main beaches, on the 7km promenade and close to uShaka Marine World, city centre, and Moses Mabhida Stadium with stylish and modern rooms. A choice of restaurants and bars with two breakfast rooms providing full English breakfast. Exceptional levels of service. Three heated swimming pools (1 sea facing pool with deck and 2 family friendly pools, great for the afternoon sun). Mangwanani Boutique Spa, which offers pure African indulgence located at the Elageni Tower. Maharani Hair Salon & Aqua Escape Healing and Beauty Salon both situated on the Mezzanine level of the Maharani Tower.
NAIROBI Tamarind Tree Hotel is ideally located just 5 kms to the southwest of Nairobi within the spacious Carnivore grounds and its iconic Carnivore Restaurant. The hotel offers easy access to all parts of the city, as well as to the country’s many diverse attractions via the neighboring Wilson Airport. Outstanding leisure facilities and genuine service ensures that all our guests experience the very best of Tamarind hospitality.
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TORTILIS CAMP AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK The beautiful tents are all spacious, with king or twin beds and elegant en suite bathrooms. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs, with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Small Luxury Tented Camps
ELEWANA RIVER SANDS CAMP MASAI MARA Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve. Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s. The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure. Sand River Masai Mara comprises 16-tented accommodations.
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SERENGETI MIGRATION CAMP Serengeti Migration Camp is the embodiment of the ‘camp’ experience. Located next to the famous Grumeti River which is home to resident hippos that bark and wallow their days away, Serengeti Migration Camp has become synonymous with low-impact high-action game viewing in a landscape that is untouched since the dawn of time. Hidden among the rocky outcrops Serengeti Migration Camp is located at the starting point of the Migration. Comprising of 20 luxurious elevated tents, each with spacious and richly furnished bedrooms, Serengeti Migration Camp blends seamlessly into the environment. Each of the tents is surrounded by its own 360-degree verandah deck, which in turn creates your very own private sanctuary to enjoy the constant game sightings and the ever-present sounds of the bush. The main ‘tent’ has a split-level lounge, a swimming pool, restaurant and viewing platforms that offer views across the river and the rugged landscape beyond.
THE MANOR AT NGORONGORO The Manor at Ngorongoro, located in the north west of Tanzania with ten luxurious cottages and magnificent main Manor House, is one of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor. It is located adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro conservation area and within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate, The Manor is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch-style of architecture. Every detail of The Manor has been designed with guests’ comfort in mind. Each of the cottages has been carefully positioned to maximise the views of the adjacent verdant hills but at the same time maintain the intimacy and privacy of this old-world Manor home. For true elegance and grandeur - The Manor at Ngorongoro awaits.
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Tour Details ALL INCLUSIVE DELUXE ESCORTED TOURING EX AUSTRALIA Travel Masters has been creating top quality tours in Africa for 21 years. Tours are designed to experience the very best the region has to offer in one itinerary, at the very best time to visit. This is a highly personalised deluxe tour using high quality operators, accommodation, safari vehicles, coaches and luxury train. No long road transfers. This safari includes all flights.
SMALL GROUP TOURING FOR MAXIMUM EXPERIENCE We have 6 people per 8 seater safari vehicle, giving each person ample photography and viewing space. We encourage you to book early!
22 DAYS AFRICA ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR Departing Australia: 31 July 2019 • Returning Australia: 21 August 2019 Visiting: Victoria Falls, Pretoria, Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, The Serengeti and Masai Mara - at the time of the famous annual wildebeest migration, KwaZulu-Natal, luxury Rail Safari, Durban. COST: $21,925 PER PERSON, EX BRISBANE, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $4,500 The Business Class surcharge $3,900 – covers all SAA flights. (Price & seats subject to availability at time of booking) GENERAL TOUR INCLUSIONS:
VICTORIA FALLS INCLUSIONS:
KENYA / TANZANIA SAFARI INCLUSIONS:
All flights ex Australia and domestic flights in Africa, with airport taxes, gratuities on all included itinerary activities, accommodation throughout, with meals as indicated, predeparture function with drinks, canapes, Travel Masters carry bag, cap, luggage strap and tags, Travel Masters experienced Tour Manager, local tour guides throughout
Breakfasts. Sunset Cruise with drinks and canapes on Zambezi River, all tours as outlined, with entrance fees.
All meals and accommodation at all the Camps, soft drinks, beer and house wine at all the camps, Airport/Airstrip transfers, Park Entrance Fees/Conservancy Fees, daily game drives in shared 4 wheel drive vehicle, scheduled flights, laundry, all domestic flight departure taxes, all known Government Taxes & AMREF Flying Doctors’ cover.
ROVOS RAIL INCLUSIONS: 3 days/2 nights deluxe accommodation on Rovos Rail. With all meals, drinks, touring, 24/7 room service, laundry.
Meet Your Tour Manager Your experienced Tour Manager is Beth Malcolm. Beth has organised and led many tours to Africa and many of the world’s most interesting destinations. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience – and a passion for people and places of different cultures. You’ll find Beth will take every opportunity to make this tour one of life’s most outstanding memories. Africa is Beth’s favourite destination.
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Best of AFRICA 2019 FIRST PASSENGER Title: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): _______________________________________________ First Name(as shown on passport): ____________________________ Preferred First Name: _____________________ If sharing would be your room preference? TWIN DOUBLE Sex: MALEwhat / FEMALE If sharing what would be/ your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO (Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you) Do you wish to book an extension? YES / NO If yes, Please indicate which extension:_______________________ Do you require business class airfare? YES / NO Are you a Frequent Flyer Member with Qantas/Emirates? If yes, Membership: _____________(airline) South Afican airways or Virgin? if yes, Membership:______________(airline) Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ___________________________________________________________ Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ____________________________ Passport Number: _______________________ Date of Issue: _____/_____/____ Date of Expiry: _____/_____/____ Date of Birth: ______/______/______Place of Issue: __________________Occupation: ____________________
Email address_____________________________________________ SECOND PASSENGER FIRST PASSENGER Title: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): _______________________________________________ First Name(as shown on passport): ____________________________ Preferred First Name: _____________________ Sex: MALEwhat / FEMALE If sharing what would be/ your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE If sharing would be your room preference? TWIN DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO (Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you) Do you wish to book an extension? YES / NO If yes, Please indicate which extension:_______________________ Do you require business class airfare? YES / NO Are you a Frequent Flyer Member with Qantas/Emirates? If yes, Membership: _____________(airline) South Afican airways or Virgin? if yes, Membership:______________(airline) Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ___________________________________________________________ Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ____________________________ Passport Number: _______________________ Date of Issue: _____/_____/____ Date of Expiry: _____/_____/____ Date of Birth: ______/______/______Place of Issue: __________________Occupation: ____________________
Email address_____________________________________________ PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different) Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb: _______________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: _______________ Postal Address (If different from Street Address: ________________________________________________________ Suburb: ______________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: _________________ Home Tel: _______________________Work Tel: ________________________Fax: _____________________ Mobile No: ______________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ TRAVEL INSURANCE It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation. Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NO I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed in this brochure and the General Information and Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice. Signature: _______________________________________________________
Date: ______/______/______
Please also complete the reverse side of this form and return it to one of our Travel Consultants, or to: Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218 - attn Beth
Your Consultant ____________________________ www.travelmasters.com.au
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EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas) Name: ______________________________________ Relationship: _______________________________ Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb: _________________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: ______________ Home Tel: _________________________Work Tel: _____________________Mobile No: ______________________ Payment Options Direct deposit is a cheque 1. Mail – Enclosed 2. Credit Card – Please debit my: Visa / Mastercard / American Express / Diners Club Card No: ______________________________________________________ Expiry: ______/______/______ Cardholder’s Name: __________________________________________________ Security code________________ Cardholder’s Signature: _______________________________________________ (Payments by credit card will be subject to a 1.5% Merchant Administration fee/VISA & Mastercard.
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT
The deposit of $2,000 per person is accepted as a first instalment of the tour cost and will be fully refunded if the arrangements cannot be confirmed or the tour is cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice is sent out to all passengers booked on the tour, approximately two weeks prior to due date of the final payment. Final payment for the tour must be received by 10 April 2019.
CANCELLATION FEES
If it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday, notification of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges will apply: up to 10 April 2019, loss of deposit. After 10 April 2019, no refund is applicable. No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or any service not used after commencement of the tour. Deposits are non-transferable/non refundable.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they possess the necessary travel documentation for the tour, such as a valid passport and any required visas. In general, a passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end of your journey and have a minimum of four clear pages to allow for entry and exit stamps en-route or for any visas applicable for countries in your journey. At the time of final payment you will be given information about any visas that may be required for the tour. Travel Masters will assist you with the Visa process.
PRICES
Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on the basis of exchange rates and tariffs valid at time of print (March 2018) and are subject to change up until final payment for the tour has been received. Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change of price, then normal cancellation charges will apply. TRAVEL MASTERS Group (Travel Masters) PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211 Phone: (07) 5596 0511 / 1800 672 988 Email: sales@travelmasters.com.au (The Travel Studio) PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218 Phone: (07)5572 7272 Email: lifestyle@thetravelstudio.com.au
RESPONSIBILITY
Mistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its associated Companies or Agents, act only in the capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters of transportation, tour operation and other services. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and other services are provided. Travel Masters and/ or its associated companies or Agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused to person or property, however caused arising before commencement and/or during any tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she is in possession of the proper visas and other travel documents and that they are in compliance with current government and transportation companies’ regulations. The right is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way considered necessary or desirable, or to change any reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any) resulting there from must be paid by the passenger. The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or withdraw any booking made for a passenger, or to decline to accept any person as a member of a tour. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever caused and of whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms. The contract of passage in use by the transportation companies or firms concerned shall constitute the sole contract between transportation companies or firms, and the purchase of these tours and/or passenger. All tickets, deposit tickets, coupons or orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided there by are offered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or managing agents. The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the above conditions. The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary, however any other IATA or non-IATA carrier may be used for tour co-ordination.
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General Tour Information CLOTHING AND LUGGAGE
DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENT
A deposit of $2,000 per person is required to secure your place. We will send an account in late March setting out full account details. Final payment is then required by 10/04/19. We have striven to keep the tour costs as low as possible and the tour price quoted is a cash/cheque price. No allowance has been made for credit card charges. If payment by credit card is preferred, a card service fee will apply. Due to the volatility of the currency exchange rates, we reserve the right to adjust the final tour price PASSPORT AND VISAS to reflect movement in overseas currency rates against the You must be in possession of a passport with 6 months validity beyond Australian dollar, if necessary. August 2019. If you are not using an Australian Passport please let us know so that we can advise you of your visa requirements. Visa LANGUAGE requirements may vary according to the passport you are travelling Language in East Africa is English and Swahili - South Africa is on. Visa costs are additional to the advertised tour cost. Everyone English, Afrikaan & Zulu. must have a minimum of 4 blank pages in their passport. Comfortable casual clothes are the general rule. Clothes should be light and loose fitting. Although weather will generally be warm, sometimes quite hot, you will need a warm coat for the cooler nights in East Africa. Women are requested not to wear revealing clothes. The international luggage allowance is 23 kilograms. Please restrict your luggage to one average size suitcase and one carry bag. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT - In the event that you are a
sole traveller and would prefer to share, we will do our best to Anti–malarial tablets are necessary in East Africa. Inoculation against arrange a twin-share companion. The single supplement is based Yellow Fever is required (exemptions can apply). You must have an on ROVOS PULMAN cabin. International Certificate of Vaccination, showing details of the vaccination. Please consult your Doctor or the Travellers Medical BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE - $3,900 – all SAA flights. and Vaccination Centre for any further information. Business Class upgrades are available on the SAA International flights subject to availability and price at time of booking. CURRENCY PRICE SHOWN IS AN INDICATION ONLY. In South Africa the currency is Rand, in Kenya the Kenyan Shilling, and in Tanzania the Shilling. We recommend that you take cash in small ADVERTISED PRICE EXCLUDES denominations in US dollars, South African Rand, Kenyan & Tanzania Meals other than specified, Visas, insurance, fuel surcharges, Shillings. Travel Masters is happy to organise your cash for you, ask items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls etc for advice. Major international credit cards (Mastercards & Visa) are and any additional optional excursions. All costs are subject to generally accepted in most areas on this tour but not everywhere. surcharges which may occur in connection with governmental action, currency exchange fluctuations or increase in supplier's ELECTRICITY costs i.e. scheduled air fares, entrance fees etc. Cost based on The voltage is 220-240 AC throughout. minimum of 10 adults travelling together. Should this number of persons not be attained, we reserve the right to cancel, amend TIPPING IS INCLUDED or re cost the tour program. Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters and waiters are a necessity. To avoid any embarrassment or problems, and help make your holiday PLEASE NOTE – DEGREE OF FITNESS "hassle free", we have included tipping for all included activities All Travel Masters itineraries are carefully planned and well-paced and meals in the itinerary. The amount is in line with international to maximise the passenger experience, while at the same time tipping standards. The Tipping Pool will be administered by the Tour ensuring a level of comfort is maintained at all times. Given the Manager on behalf of the group. nature of the journeys and cultural experiences etc, any person/s of a reasonable general fitness level will have no problems in ITINERARY/HOTEL CHANGES gaining total satisfaction from the trip. Should any person however From time to time, changes may be required to the advertised not be able to carry your own luggage, easily walk up flights of accommodation and itinerary. If this is required, it will be stairs, walk over uneven surfaces, or be likely to find it necessary communicated to you by the Tour Manager who will make the to require wheelchair assistance, it is unfortunately considered decision on the changes in conjunction with our tour operators. that participation on this tour would not be appropriate. We reserve the right to change hotels if necessary. The tour will be accompanied by an experienced Travel Masters agent. We FINALLY…We hope this information will assist you plan for your reserve the right to change tour leaders if circumstances so dictate. holiday. We would be delighted to have you join our Travel Masters escorted holiday tour. Do not hesitate to telephone or TRAVEL INSURANCE call in so that we can be of further assistance. We want to make You must have comprehensive travel insurance which covers this a very memorable holiday for you. cancellation charges in the event of illness preventing you from travelling, overseas medical and hospital expenses, personal baggage, accidental death, personal liability and much more. We will be happy to organise insurance for you.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
We suggest you travel with a small personal medical kit containing headache pills, antiseptic cream, remedy for upset stomachs and diarrhoea, laxatives, mosquito repellent, flu/cold and throat medication. You should carry whatever is necessary on a daily basis with you.
Anticipated Group Size is between 12 & 16 passengers tour participants BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
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