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Extension: South Africa Safari

Program Number: 20984RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/31/2013 - 4/5/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: South Africa
Price starting at: $1,450.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise
Meals: 10; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Add to your exploration of Africa with a classic safari in one of the continent’s oldest, largest and most spectacular game reserves: Kruger National Park. Search for the Big Five plus endangered African wild dogs and more on game drives led by professional safari guides.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day. Driving over bumpy terrain in safari vehicles for a few hours at a time.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Johannesburg (South Africa), 1 night; Kruger National Park, 3 nights.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Day 2: Arrival Johannesburg:

Meet your group leader for the program orientation and a welcome dinner. Lodging: Stylish, modern hotel with outdoor pool and gardens.



Days 3-5: Coach to Kruger National Park:

Set out on game drives to search for the Big Five (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) plus endangered African wild dogs and more. Your professional safari guide is happy to share knowledge about all of the park’s flora and fauna. Two early morning game drives present great opportunities to see elusive predators that are more active at this cooler time of day. Enjoy evening meals under the stars to discuss your sightings that day, listen for the sounds of nocturnal animals and enjoy stories of life in the wilds of Africa. Lodging: Skuzuka Rest Camp, the “capital” of Kruger National Park, where amenities include a restaurant, shop, internet cafe and library.



Day 6: Coach to Johannesburg / flight to Cape Town to begin program



South Africa

Released from prison in 1990 after 27 years, Nelson Mandela adopted a policy of reconciliation and negotiation that guided South Africa’s transition from apartheid into a true democracy. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, he became the first South African to win the presidency in fully representative democratic elections. Today’s visitors find a kaleidoscopic of wildlife rivaled only by the cuisine, art and music of the nation’s diverse cultures.
Meals and Lodgings
   Metcourt Hotel at Emporers Palace
  Johannesburg, South Africa 1 night
   Mopani Rest Camp
  Kruger National Park, South Africa 2 nights
   Skukuza Rest Camp
  Kruger National Park, South Africa 1 night
 Metcourt Hotel at Emporers Palace
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: the 3-star Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace offers stylish and comfortable rooms as well as a "group-friendly" experience for corporate, convention and leisure guests. The hotel offers a variety of room configurations and amenities which include LCD flat screen TV, satellite DSTV channels for all languages, tea and coffee stations, secure internet connections, laptop safe, working desk with business-convenient plug points. The hotel's clean and modern façade is complimented by a private and sheltered pool terrace, set in a beautifully landscaped garden, providing guests with food and beverage service throughout the day. Specifications include a comfortable, large ground floor reception area with enough space to accommodate large tour and convention groups with ease. There is also an express-style deli for quick and convenient meals, a business centre with workstations and data connectivity for laptops, boardroom with state of the art facilities, and Wi-Fi internet access in public areas. The hotel also features the F.L.A.G Café and the 21° Cocktail Bar.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Emperors Palace - 64 Jones Road Johannesburg
Kempton Park Gauteng,   South Africa
phone: +270119779299
web: www.metcourt.com
  Facility amenities: Services: •Air-conditioning •Analogue Internet Dial-Up •Business Panel •Electric Shaver Point (110/220V) •Electronic Laptop Safe •Floating Writing Desk •Hairdryer •Interactive Sony Bravia TV •International Direct Dial Telephone •Local TV/Radio Stations •Modern Ergonomic Furniture •Sattelite TV Channels •Tea/Coffee Stattion •Unique Bathroom Layout
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Pricing based on availability Contact PD to book additional nights

 Mopani Rest Camp
Type: Lodge
  Description: The Mopani tree, which is in abundance in the Pioneer Dam area, lends both its beauty and its name to the Mopani Rest Camp. Thatched buildings and rock faced walls blend flawlessly into the natural surroundings, by using specific materials to construct these buildings. You can view abundant water birds over the Pioneer Dam, without having to leave the camp. There is also a unique 'sleep-over' game viewing hide near the Mopani Rest Camp.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Pioneer Dam
Kruger National Park,   South Africa
phone: +27 (0)13 735 6535/6
web: www.mopanirestcamp.com/
  Facility amenities: • Restaurant • Ladies Bar • Cafeteria • Gift Shop • Laundromat • Filling Station • Basic First Aid Assistance • DSTV (limited channels) only available in guesthouse • TV in the Bar • Car wash • Cell phone reception
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Skukuza Rest Camp
Type: Lodge
  Description: Activities, attractions and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within Skukuza Rest Camp and the surrounding area. Skukuza Camp is an excellent rest camp from which to pursue the Big Five and birds in the vicinity. Lions are frequently spotted along this route. At night, look for the Fruit Bat that hangs under the eaves of the shop, and the Thick-tailed Bush Baby climbing the trees in search of gum. The camp was originally known as Sabie Bridge or simply Reserve, the name was changed in 1936. Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is named after the Tsonga name for James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden of the park. Literally translated it means 'he who sweeps clean', a reference to his removal of all the local people to make way for the establishment of the Park. The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum houses many interesting artifacts – very well known is the knife ranger Harry Wolhuter used to single-handedly slay a Lion and save his own life. Skukuza is the Kruger National Park's largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River and is home to some interesting birds and amazing plant life.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Kruger National Park
Kruger,   South Africa
phone: +27214241037
web: www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_National_Park_Lodging_&_Camping_Guide-travel/skukuza-camp.html
  Facility amenities: Information at Reception Public Telephone Post Box Public Telephone Bank Car Hire Car Wash 2 x Restaurants Auditorium and Conference Facilities Internet Café Delicatessen Communal ablutions 2 swimming pools in camp (for overnight residents only) Cafeteria Shop Laundromat Filling Station Communal Kitchens Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception) Basic First Aid Assistance TVs (limited DSTV) available in family bungalows only DSTV (limited channels) available in Luxury Units only Day Visitors Picnic (located 4km outside the camp) with own swimming pool Cellphone reception Skukuza Indigenous Nursery (located approximately 5km outside camp)
  Smoking allowed: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program starts at 7:00 pm with a welcome dinner and orientation in Johannesburg. You will be staying at Metcourt Hotel at Emporers Palace that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends in the late afternoon at the Cape Town International Airport. Participants continuing on to the main program will be transferred to the airport. You will be staying at Skukuza Rest Camp the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required in South Africa if you are coming from country where Yellow Fever is a risk, even if you are just transiting through the airport. Participants continuing on to the main program (#20963: Africa's West Coast) will be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: SOUTH AFRICA: Effective October 1, 2011, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers ≥ 1 year of age if traveling from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission regardless of the amount of time spent at the airport. Unvaccinated travelers with a valid medical waiver will be allowed entry. Malaria is present in Kruger National Park. Road Scholar recommends that you speak with a doctor to discuss options for Malaria prevention.
  Parking availability:
Driving to program is not recommended
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Johannesburg
  Nearest city or town:  Johannesburg
  Nearest airport:  O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
  Transportation to site: Transfers will be provided by the Metcourt Hotel complimentary shuttle for all participants arriving in Johannesburg. Upon arrival to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, please proceed through immigration and customs, and then look for your Road Scholar group leader who will assist you in locating the hotel shuttle.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Kruger National Park
  Nearest city or town:  Johannesburg
  Nearest airport:  Nelspruit
  Transportation from site: At the end of the program, all participants will be transferred to the Johannesburg International Airport for flights to Cape Town. All participants who are continuing on to the main program (#20963) will be met at the airport in Cape Town and transferred to the program hotel.


Required innoculations:

Yes: SOUTH AFRICA: Effective October 1, 2011, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers ≥ 1 year of age if traveling from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission regardless of the amount of time spent at the airport. Unvaccinated travelers with a valid medical waiver will be allowed entry. Malaria is present in Kruger National Park. Road Scholar recommends that you speak with a doctor to discuss options for Malaria prevention.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart US for flights to Johannesburg
(Sunday, March 31)
   
 Depart From: Flights to Johannesburg depart the US

Day 2: Arrive to Johannesburg
(Monday, April 1)
   
 Arrive To: Flights arrive in Johannesburg
 Dinner: Meet your study leader for the program orientation and welcome dinner. The orientation is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 pm, however you will recieve a finalized time from your study leader upon arrival at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Metcourt Hotel at Emporers Palace
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Kruger National Park
(Tuesday, April 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Depart from Johannesburg in the morning and make your way to Kruger National Park (driving time approx. 5 hours). Check into the Mopani Rest Camp.
 Lunch: Lunch en route
 Afternoon: Our first afternoon will be spent driving inside Kruger searching for wild animals, accompanied by a professional guide, who gladly divulges information to you on the park's amazing diversity of wild and plant life. Back at the camp in the late afternoon, the guide will begin preparing the evening meal under the stars and served by candlelight. Apart from the cooking your guide is of course available to identify all the nocturnal sounds you hear, and possibly entertain you with some amazing experiences encountered over many years of guiding in Africa.
 Dinner: Dinner served at the camp
   
Accommodations: Mopani Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kruger National Park
(Wednesday, April 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast picnic during game drive
 Morning: The early morning wake up call signals the start of your second day at Kruger Park. After a cup of coffee and some snacks, your guide packs the vehicle and you begin your early morning drive. It's still really early in the morning, nice and cool, and the perfect time to spot elusive predators that at this time of the day are still very active. After a successful morning drive you stop at a picnic spot to enjoy a relaxed breakfast. After breakfast, continue driving searching for animals. You will find your guide to be a wealth of knowledge not only concentrating on the animals but also identifying birds, trees, insects and explains some of the park's fascinating geology. After a full morning's drive, return to the camp and have a couple of hours to relax during the hottest part of the day, when animasl are generally less active and hiding from the midday sun.
 Lunch: Lunch at the camp
 Afternoon: Dinner at the camp.
 Afternoon: In the late afternoon you will again embark upon a game drive which gives you an opportunity to hopefully spot some of the animals that have eluded you thus far.
   
Accommodations: Mopani Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Kruger National Park
(Thursday, April 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast picnic during game drive
 Morning: After an early wake-up call, depart the camp for another morning game drive through Kruger National Park. Followed by a mid-day rest period.
 Lunch: Lunch is served at the camp
 Afternoon: Continue the game drive in the late afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner at the camp
   
Accommodations: Skukuza Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Johannesburg / Departures
(Friday, April 5)
   
 Breakfast: Early breakfast at the camp
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for flights home (or continue on to the main program). Participants continuing on to the main program will be transferred to the Johannesburg Airport. Lunch will be on your own at the airport before flying to Cape Town.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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