"The Wild & the Wonderful"
South Africa & Botswana
                                         October 10 - 23, 2007
       

           
              South Africa is a rare find – a land of astounding natural beauty, the exhilarating wonder of unfettered wildlife, the luxurious hedonism of its picturesque vineyards and the vibrant sophistication of its world-class cities. It is the land of the “Big Five,” where you will feel the breath catch in your throat and your heart race as you first spy a cheetah speeding through grassy plains or a mother leopard frolicking with her cubs. It is where, when the moon rises, it is one of the most spectacular things you’ll ever see. Emerging in the past decade as the destination of choice for those in the know, South Africa is as close to heaven on earth as you can imagine.  
           Diversions has designed the finest, most luxurious way to experience an incomparable itinerary replete with private entrees, fabulous food, unexpected surprises, the ultimate in five-star accommodations, and the best guides to lead the way. Let us show you a more intimate and more exclusive South Africa.

INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES
*Thrill to open land rover safaris accompanied by personal game ranger and tracker team

* Experience the finest Big Five game viewing anywhere in Southern Africa

* Indulge your senses in your private Shangri-la at the Singita Game Reserve

* Meet an artist whose magnificent wildlife bronzes have attained world-wide recognition – maybe you’ll commission your own

* Encounter life in a Shangaan community on an exclusive visit to Justitia Village

* Ride a cable car to experience the most breathtaking panoramas at the top of Table Mountain

* Sip afternoon tea at the Groote Schuur Estate, the “White House” for South African presidents

* Know the warmth of South African hospitality during a champagne reception and lunch in a private Cape Town beach home

* Sample the ‘Nectar of the Gods’ during a private lunch under the ancient oaks at Rustenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch

* Stand on one of the loveliest corners of the earth, the Cape of Good Hope

* Feast your senses on the flora of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home to one of only 6 floral kingdoms in the world

* Admire the Jackass Penguins at Boulder’s Beach

* Get a true taste of South Africa at the home of one of the country’s foremost food writers and critics

* Enjoy a “Cape Malay” evening at a stunning private residence in posh Hout Bay

* Explore the vibrant Victoria & Alfred waterfront

* Take to the skies via helicopter and behold Cape Town from an awesome perspective

* Mingle with local personalities at “up-close and personal” private gatherings

* Venture out with your ranger on spotlit night safaris

* Go drifting through watery carpets of day and night water lilies, guided by your native boatman in a mokoro, the traditional means of water transport in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

* Visit former homes of famous South Africans, such as Arch-Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, during a tour of Soweto, the soul of South Africa

* Tour the extraordinarily powerful Apartheid Museum, a stunning maze-like structure of concrete and barbed wire

* Be caught up in the pulsating African extravaganza at elegant Moyo’s – costumed entertainers, music, dancing -  there’s so much going on, you’ll forget you came here to dine!

* Start packing for the luxurious diversion of South Africa!

 The most unique – and unquestionably lavish – 5-Star accommodations in the world

 1 Night at THE GRACE HOTEL, Johannesburg 

Set in the heart of the exclusive and vibrant Rosebank, a secure leafy suburb, The Grace, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is surrounded by boutiques, art galleries, high-quality craft markets and an eclectic mix of restaurants. A complimentary head and shoulder massage awaits you upon arrival!

 2 Nights at VUMBURA CAMP, Okavango Delta

In Botswana superlatives are unavoidable – and never quite adequate. Some of the last great wilderness areas left in the world are here, all remarkable in their diversity. Deep in the delta is Botswana’s newest hot spot, the delightfully intimate Vumbura Camp. Just reopened after extensive renovations, Vumbura                offers the best combination of water and land activities anywhere in the delta, and the variety of wildlife is staggering. All of the luxury tents are raised off the ground on wooden platforms, and are comprised of a large bedroom, a lounge, shower, bath, flush toilet, and an outdoor shower under the stars. Whether  you are sitting on your deck watching the sunset or taking a dip in your private plunge pool, Vumbura Camp provides the quintessential African experience.

5 Nights at the CAPE GRACE HOTEL, Cape Town
The gentle elegance of a luxurious small hotel, combined with the allure of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, offers a unique experience of hospitality - Cape Grace. Situated on the West Quay of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and overlooking the international yacht basin, with the unmatched splendor of Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Grace Hotel commands the prime scenic position in the city. Numerous awards and accolades include its being voted among the top 5 “Best Hotels in Africa/ Middle East” by Travel & Leisure.

 3 Nights at SINGITA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, Sabi Sands

Africa’s exclusive luxury safari destination, rated Travel & Leisure’s “#2 on their list of “Top 100 Hotels in the World” for 2004 & 2005 as well as #1 “Top Hotel in Africa/Middle East”, Relais & Chateaux’ Singita is its own spectacular private game-rich reserve at the SW edge of Kruger National Park.  It is renowned for its personalized service, pristine game viewing, spa facilities and superb gourmet food accompanied by the best wines. Your exquisite suite at Singita will spoil you with world-class comfort, rare solitude and perfect tranquility. Light and spacious, completely private yet open to the view, each air-conditioned suite has a double-sided fireplace, private horizon plunge pool, and outdoor leisure deck overlooking the river. Enjoy a gentle workout , relax in a steambath., and even arrange a massage on your private deck. Singita Game Reserve is truly heaven on earth – its magic will live forever within you!

 The breathtaking splendors of South Africa make this an incredible trip. The climate is kind, the season is Spring, the jacarandas are in bloom and the air is soft. The beaches are among the world’s best, the scenery spectacular, the cities world-class, and the national parks, teeming with wildlife, are among the best in the world. From the stars to the sunsets, from the animals and the people to the landscape itself, we will take you on the ultimate adventure:

                                           “The Wild and The Wonderful”

                                                       SOUTH AFRICA

                                                          & Botswana

Cost: Land Portion Only- $12, 975.00 per person, based on double occupancy;

    PLEASE NOTE: The International Air Portion is currently being negotiated.

                 $2500.00 per person deposit is required.

As space is limited, if you wish to be included in “The Wild and The Wonderful,”
your deposit is required now.

Inclusions:

*All airport/hotel transfers

*Eleven nights accommodations in Five-Star hotels as specified in description

*Eleven full breakfasts; Eleven lunches; Eight dinners

*Services of a South African Tour Director and expert Local Tour Guides

* Land transportation and internal flights including Johannesburg to Botswana, Botswana to Cape  Town, Kruger (KMIA Airport) to Singita Game Reserve, Singita to Johannesburg

*All guided visits, sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the description

*All baggage handling; local and airport taxes; and gratuities throughout the trip

Exclusions:

*Internal flight from Cape Town to KMIA Airport

(may be possible to be included in your international ticket)

CALL : 410-486-3604 ;  FAX: 410-486-4159;  
or E-MAIL : trips@diversionsinc.com
Return to Home Page