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- 1. WILDLIFE | ADVENTURE | ROMANCE | CULTURE | LIFESTYLE Expect a visit to South Africa to exhilarate your senses. Witnessing the grace and beauty of a lioness as her haunches sway in the tall grass hearing the faraway roar of a lion at nighttasting exquisite wines cultivated between two oceans touching ancient historyand feeling the warmth and hospitality of the people can all enrich your journey to the southernmost tip of Africa. Presented by South African Tourism advertisement Asenseof SOUTHAFRICA
- 2. WILDLIFE Into the Wild* The first time you see an animal in the wild, its majesty and freedom of movement take your breath away. Whether its one of the Big Fivelion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinocerosor a dazzle of zebra, a pod of hippos or a journey of giraffe, youll remember it all your life. The knowledge of experienced bush guidesan animal tracker who sits on the hood of your Land Rover and the ranger who narrates from behind the wheelenhance a South Africa wildlife safari. Theyll lead you into habitats when the animals are most active, before sunrise and again at sunset. And then its time for a break. When you hop off the vehicle in a safe clearing, your hosts may offer you a cup of hot tea or a glass of local Amarula liqueur, proving that civilized pleasures can be savored even in the wild. ADVENTURE The Great Outdoors* If youre an adrenaline junkie, South Africa is the place to explore, advises adventure travel guru Lois Friedland. Experiences are only limited by how much your body can handle. Try a heart-pounding sport no one back home has heard of, like kloofing (descending into a lagoon via ravine), abseiling (canyoneering with rope) or sandboarding (snowboarding on sand). If those activities sound too extreme, let gentler pursuits lead you into nature. Travel through the Winelands on horseback, explore the picturesque coast on a motorbike, go deep-sea fishing, charter a yacht for the day, or see the Cape from above by helicopter. Naturally youll want to experience a safari. Instead of sitting in a Land Rover, try a walk in the bush or perch on the back of a stately African elephant whose gentle rocking gait puts you at one with nature. ROMANCE A Place to Fall in Love* If your visit to South Africa is part of a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, a once-in-a-lifetime journey or simply a gift you give yourselves, expect to be seduced. From windswept Cape Point to towering Table Mountain to verdant and sweet-smelling Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the great outdoors is filled with swoon-worthy settings to pop the question or unfurl a picnic lunch. At sunset in the city or countryside, hearts swell with the beauty of the surroundings. Lovebirds also have a magnificent selection of luxury lodgings to nest in. For example, at Londolozithe first Relais & Ch但teaux game reserve in the worldcouples can cocoon in a Granite Suite. And raise a toast on the private viewing deck while the big cats quench their thirst at Sand River below. Diamonds were discovered in Kimberley in 1867. Soon after, gold was found nearby. The combination of these two precious elements has since warmed many a heart. Find the perfect gift to commemorate your visit at Kimberley or among the fine jewelers of Cape Town. culture Ancient Treasures** South Africa is where earths first humans emerged, and the land holds fascinating evidence of their presence. In 1999, UNESCO named the Cradle of Humankind, 30 miles from Johannesburg, a World Heritage Site. Several sites within it are open to the public, and researchers who work there are often accessible. So if you wonder How can you tell how old a fossil is? Which cave has yielded the most discoveries? What do the findings reveal about evolution? you just may find yourself in conversation with some of South Africas most active and enthusiastic scientists. LIFESTYLE Sipping & Savoring* Thanks to dedicated local growers, artisanal chefs and expert winemakers, South Africa is emerging as an important culinary destination. Dining venues range from sophisticated city restaurants to bush barbecues (or braai) under the stars. At some tables you may see local impala and crocodile on the same menu as the more traditional beef, fish and chicken. Those with a yen for sushi can dine at Nobu in Cape Towns One&Only Hotel, Michelin-starred Nobu Matsuhishas first African outpost. Wine, of course, is essential to every fine meal. Theres a growing confidence in South Africa as a top wine-producing country, West Ngcwabe, sommelier at Mount Grace Country House & Spa, told Sawubona magazine. Were in the unique position of straddling the traditional tastes of old-world European wines and the styles of the new-world ones from Australia and America. In Franschhoek, the countrys gourmet capital, and Stellenbosch, home to nearly 100 wine estates, oenophiles can sample vintages and stay the night in elegant surroundings or charmingly renovated 17th-century Dutch farmhouses. Pursue your passions in South Africa, where what you see, do, taste and hear will arouse your senses. advertisement advertisement
- 3. Extraordinary Experiences in South Africa Enhance your visit to South Africa by adding activities that reflect your passions. American Express Platinum Travel Services has curated the following to showcase different aspects of vast and wild, natural and cultured South Africa exclusively for DEPARTURES readers. For the image conscious WILDLIFE SAFARI WITH A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER* Take a day-and-overnight excursion that includes two game drives with a professional nature photographer in a customized Land Rover outfitted with the latest optical and sensory gear. At sunset and beyond, riders wont miss a thing, thanks to night-vision goggles and sound equipment that helps pinpoint wildlife locations. Participants overnight in the elegant Londolozi Lodge. Early the next day, awaken before sunrise, point your lens toward the animals as they begin to stir and capture magazine-worthy images. For outdoors enthusiasts ADVENTURES ON LAND & SEA* Meet your expert guide on False Bay and set off in kayaks. At Boulders Beach, African penguins waddle about freely and sometimes swim alongside paddlers. Afterward swim and snorkel in clear waters off a secluded, semi-private beach. Then visit the Cape of Good Hope to take in the panoramic views from the top. The next stop is Hermanus, home to five- star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve eco-lodge, overlooking Walker Bay. Choose a soft adventure such as hiking or horseback riding or something more extreme like shark cage diving with Great Whites. For food and wine aficionados THE CULINARY CAPE* Join a South African wine expert who will curate a special day based on your food and wine preferences In a chauffeur-driven vehicle visit picturesque Franschhoek, the countrys gourmet capital, and Stellenbosch, home to nearly 100 wine estates. Dinner is an African-inspired menu at The Tasting Room of Le Quartier Fran巽ais prepared by executive chef Margot Janse and her award-winning team. After the meal, travelers spend the night in the quaint yet luxurious Babylonstoren Farm Hotel. For diamond devotees ON TRACK FOR ROMANCE* Travel in old-world luxury between Pretoria and Cape Town on the elegant and historic Blue Train. Each couple will make the overnight journey in a private suite with all the amenities of a fine hotelincluding breakfast in bedand a butler on call for any special needs. Enjoy high tea and then savor an elegant dinner of regional specialties, accompanied by South Africas best wines. The train stops in Kimberley, where you will disembark for a private tour of the Mine Museum and the Big Hole, once the source of nearly all the worlds diamonds. For those who dig archeology EXPLORATION IN THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND** Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites where archeologists have uncovered fossil specimens that date back more than 4 million years. The findings at Sterkfontein and Drimolen conclusively prove that the African continent is where mankind began. Touring these areas, visitors observe and can interact with archaeologists at work, learn how these ancient caves were discovered and hear about ongoing research. TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariffs between quote date and start date are payable by the client. Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary; however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at http://privateguided.com/Terms-And-Conditions. Living standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation. **Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariffs between quote date and start date are payable by the client. Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. Cancellations received 31 days or more prior to the service will be refunded in full. Cancellations received 20-15 days prior to the service will be subject to 50% of the service price. Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to the service will be subject to 100% of the service price. Living standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. We want you to be aware that certain suppliers pay us commissions and other incentives, and may also provide incentives to our travel counselors. CST#1022318-10, ML#1192, Washington UBI#600-469-694, TA#002 足Registered Iowa Travel Agency, NV#2001-0126. HOW TO BOOK A BESPOKE BIG FIVE Contact American Express Platinum Travel Service at 800-525-3355 and reference promo code MUL00041. This offer is exclusively available to DEPARTURES readers. advertisement