Hello to you all on the "interested list" for ROAR.
The group planners did a fantastic job researching all of this and came up with a dream South African trip. They then asked me to ask as TA for the trip. After looking it over although I originally said I dont want to do land I changed my mind. It looks fantastic. THIS IS FOR APRIL 2006.
Things have been moving VERY rapidly in the last week. We went from still tossing things around and getting mulitple bids to a confirmed signed agreement with Ker & Downey Operators
www.kerdowney.com for the following schedule. There are TWO very LUXURY camps for the safari part right next to each other both as wonderful as each other. Ebony and Boulders. Separated by the joint spa facility.
www.singita.com Also a first rate hotel in Capetown and the train ride between Cape town and Johannesburg is supposed to be one of the best in the world. We take a charter flight to the game preserves. An optional trip to Victoria Falls is offered after the main trip.
We will be doing many things together so we will just start with one camp, Boulders and fill it up and then move into the other camp Ebony. The group planning it all deposited today.
The pricing is approximate as it is based on 2005 prices. Things may go up in 2006. However we are still negotiating to see if we can lock in 2005 prices with Singita and Cape Grace. We have not committed to either of them yet although the properties are on hold. The reason we all deposited today was to strengthen our position in negotiation. We will not have DEFINITE pricing to the penny until around April of 2005. Deposits mean we are serious.
There is a rebate on these fares but I think it best if those interested contact me directly about that. That rebate is OFF the fares shown on the itinerary.
We may be able to use a different property if we have enough people over the amount that Singita can hold. There is another property Royal Malewane
www.royalmalewane.com that we all loved and was the first choice but thought it was too small - only holds 20.
Prices will be about the same.
Deposit requirements are $1000 a booking whether it is a single or a double occupancy. If you cancel there is a $250 cancellation fee per booking (not per person) imposed by Ker & Downey. However, I can do name changes without penalty to the point where names are placed on flight records. So if you decide against it the odds are good that I will get someone to take your spot.
I have a lot of detailed information about insurance etc but until I know you are still seriously interested with the intinerary, dates (which are firm) and price there is no point in going further.
I do not have brochures yet but you can check out the properties by the internet.
Web Pages:
www.capegrace.com - Hotel in Capetown
www.singita.com Boulders and Ebony
www.royalmalewane.com - Possible overflow lodge.
www.rovos.co.za - train between Capetown and Johannesburg.
www.kerdowney.com - safari operator
Just for your information. No shots are required for this trip at all. You will need to take Anti Malarial pills while on the Game Preserve.
YOu can email me tonight or tomorrow or call me tomorrow if you want more details. Sorry to spring this on you so quickly but it has been like a tornado this last week for us all and changing by the minute. We really just confirmed today.
We only have room for 18 rooms with both camps combined. If you want to go please get in touch with me very quickly. It will be first come first served. We can definitely also take Royal Malewane if we have enough people.
Ngaire
Specially Prepared for
ROAR Group
2006
April 20
Arrive Cape Town
Upon arrival in Cape Town you will be met and transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel.
Cape Grace Hotel
This five-star hotel is located at the famous Waterfront, a unique setting on its own promontory surrounded by water on three sides. All rooms open onto views of Table Mountain, the yacht marina or a working harbor. All guestrooms are fully air-conditioned, with separate dressing rooms, walk-in showers, separate toilets, double vanities, generous lounge area, satellite TV, mini-bar fridge, direct dial telephone and 24 hour room service. The restaurant provides an extensive menu to satisfy most tastes.
SHOULD YOU WISH TO UPGRADE – THERE ARE NOW NEW LOFT ROOMS AVAILABLE AT THE CAPE GRACE
Huge dormer windows, balconies, terraced gardens opening to spectacular views of Table Mountain or the working harbor are some of the unique features
Overnight Cape Grace B
April 21
Cape Town – Half Day private city tour with Robben Island
This morning you will be picked up at the hotel at 8:30am for your private orientation tour of the city of Cape Town. Highlights include: The Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Freedom Square – where Mandela appeared the first time after being released from prison), the SA Museum, The Company Gardens, as well as St. George’s Cathedral. You will also visit the legendary Greenmarket Square and take the cable car up to Table Mountain (weather-permitting).
You will be dropped off at the hotel and those who wish to tour Robben Island can do so at this time. The tour boat departs every hour on the hour from the V & A waterfront adjacent to Cape Grace.
Includes entrance fees to Castle of Good Hope, SA Museum and District Six Museum. The cable car ticket is excluded. Robben Island tour ticket excluded.
Overnight Cape Grace Hotel B
April 22
Cape Town – Full Day Winelands Tour
Today you will be picked up at 8:45 for your private Winelands tour.
South Africa’s winelands have been described as the most beautiful and scenic in the world – characterized by majestic mountains, valleys c carpeted with vineyards, quaint villages, good wine and food, art culture and much more.
You will visit the three most popular wine routes in the Western Cape. Taste wines at famous wine estates set against spectacular mountain backdrops and the finest Cape Dutch architecture. Visits to Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl are on the program.
A cellar tour and two wine tastings are included in the rate. Lunch is included.
Overnight Cape Grace B/L
April 23
Cape Town
Today is at your leisure to enjoy shopping or other personal interest in the area.
Overnight Cape Grace B
April 24
Depart Cape Town/Rovos Rail
Today you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the train station for your journey on Rovos Rail. Fully inclusive.
11:00 Depart from platform 23 at Cape Town station and proceed inland via Worcester.
18:00 Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein guests tour this quaint village.
19:00 Depart Matjiesfontein.
April 25
Rovos Rail
12:00 Upon arrival at Modder River Station near Kimberley we transfer to the historic Kimberley Club for lunch and then take the electric tram from the City centre for a tour of the Big Hole and museum. 16:00 Depart Kimberley.
April 26
Rovos Rail/Johannesburg/Singita
12:00 Arrive Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Johannesburg Airport for your private Chartered flight to Singita safari lodge in the Kruger National Park area.
Singita
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. Intimacy is the hallmark of Singita's special style - just 9 exquisitely appointed double suites, separated into two exclusive camps set in shady woodland above the Sand River. Each suite ensures absolute privacy with it's own en-suite bathroom and outside shower, double-sided fireplace, air-conditioning, private leisure deck and living area, with views across the river to the plains beyond. Game activities are conducted in open safari vehicles to optimize photographic opportunities.
Overnight Singita B/L/D
April 27,28,29
On Safari at Singita
Enjoy the safari activites.
Overnight Singita B/L/D
April 30
Singita/Johannesburg
After breakfast you will board your charter flight from the lodge to the Johannesburg International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and assisted with your connections.
End of Ker & Downey Arrangements
Pricing
Based on Sept 2005
Based on 20 people (Singita Ebony/Boulders Lodge):
Estimated price per person sharing: $8,602
Single supplement: $2,769
Upgrades:
Additional $557 p/p for Royal Suite - Rovos
Additional: $25 p/p p/n for Luxury loft room – Cape Grace
Additional: $270 p/p p/n for Suite – Royal Livingstone
Option International Air:
Price subject to change & based on availability
Examples based on 2005 fares. Exact airfare cannot be quoted until April 2006 fares are available.
Economy:
KLM/NW from New York: $1,232 p/p
Houston or DFW: $1,445 p/p
Business:
KLM/NW from New York: $4,470 p/p
Houston or DFW: $4,589 p/p
Safari Cost Includes:
· Charter flight
Cape Town/Singita
· Deluxe Hotel accommodations in Cape Town;
· All transfers and Tours as mentioned in the above itinerary (including Table Mt. Cable Car ticket);
· Deluxe safari accommodations at Singita including all meals, tea/coffee, game activities, beverages and laundry;
· Rovos Rail All Inclusive de-luxe suite accommodations;
· Table d’hôte meals as specified in the itinerary: B=full breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, (L) = Lunch if time permits.
· All game viewing activities as normally offered from camp/lodge.
· Porterage at Johannesburg Airport, Cape Town Airport, Cape Town station, Capital Park station & Cape Grace
Safari Does Not Include:
Anything not specified in the “Cost Includes” above; passports, visas, nor cost of obtaining same; airport departure taxes; any and all items of a personal nature including, but not limited to communications charges, laundry, beverages, film, tobacco, trip insurance and gratuities.
Specially Prepared for
ROAR GROUP - POST TRIP VICTORIA FALLS
2006
April 30
Johannesburg/Livingstone
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect to your international flight to Livingstone. On arrival you will be met and transferred to The Royal Livingstone Hotel.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
The Royal Livingstone Hotel has been carefully designed to capture the grace of a bygone era with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and air-conditioning with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the Zambezi River and beyond.
The traveler’s bar and lounge is a place where you can relax under thatched shade in comfortable armchairs or on low ottomans. Here high tea is served in the afternoons or later in the evening you may linger over some fine port and a cigar. The a la carte restaurant will serve a range of exquisite dishes from around the world.
There is a beautiful swimming pool, shops, a beauty parlor, a good hairdresser and a masseur.
Tonight In the fading twilight hours (4:30 pm), you will enjoy a sunset cruise. Heed the call of Africa while sipping traditional cocktails and enjoying light snacks. After this most memorable experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight Royal Livingstone B
May 1
Livingstone
Enjoy your day at leisure.
Today you will enjoy a tour of the Falls.
Overnight The Royal Livingstone B
May 2
Livingstone/Johannesburg
Today you will be met and transferred to the Livingstone Airport in sufficient time for your Nationwide flight departing to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg in plenty of time for your International flight back to the USA. B
Estimated price per person sharing: $ 534
Single supplement: $329
2005 flight price JNB/LVI/JNB: $392 p/p
Safari Cost Includes:
· Standard Hotel accommodations in Livingstone;
· All transfers and sight seeing as mentioned in the above itinerary;
Visa will be waived in Zambia when I provide them with the guest’s Passport info.
Safari Does Not Include:
Anything not specified in the “Cost Includes” above; passports, visas, nor cost of obtaining same; airport departure taxes; any and all items of a personal nature including, but not limited to communications charges, laundry, beverages,(except where part of the offerings of Singita or Rovos train) film, tobacco, trip insurance and gratuities.
